bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between calcium (water) density and age distribution in adult women with spectral CT: initial result compared to bone mineral density by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
Authors: Yue Dong , Li Fei Sun , Jing Chen , Ru Xin Wang , Rui Tong Dong , Ai Lian Liu , Luo Ya Hong
Published: May 2019

Background

Calcium (water) density (DCa(Wa)) of gemstone spectral imaging by spectral computed tomography (CT) is a new method of evaluating bone structures.

Purpose

To investigate age-related change of DCa(Wa) of a chosen lumbar vertebra in adult women with spectral CT and the correlation between the DCa(Wa) and bone mineral density (BMD) of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

Material and Methods

A total of 305 adult women underwent spectral CT, 127 of whom simultaneously underwent DXA. All the patients were divided into 11 subgroups based on age. DCa(Wa) and BMD were measured at the second lumbar vertebra on the calcium (water)-based material decomposition images of spectral CT and DXA, respectively. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for the difference of the measurements among adjacent age subgroups. Pearson correlation was used to assess the association between age and DCa(Wa), age and BMD, as well as DCa(Wa) and BMD.

Results

There was a significant negative correlation between DCa(Wa) and age (r = −0.719) as well as BMD and age(r = −0.851). The mean DCa(Wa) of L2 vertebral body was significantly different between the 40–44- and 45–49-, 45–49- and 50–54-, 55–59- and 60–64-, 65–69- and 70–74-year-old age subgroups. BMD was significantly different between the 35–39- and 40–44-, 45–49- and 50–54-, and 65–69- and 70–74-year-old age subgroups. There was a significant positive correlation between DCa(Wa) and BMD.

Conclusions

The DCa(Wa) of lumbar vertebra by spectral CT demonstrated similar age distribution as BMD of DXA and could be used as a method of measuring the vertebral bone mineral density in adult women.
Anatomical and ultrasound description of two transmuscular quadratus lumborum block approaches at L2 level and their application in abdominal surgery
Authors: Kadam Vasanth Rao , Van Wijk Roelof M , Ludbrook Guy L , Thiruvenkatarajan Venkatesan
Published: May 2019

The transmuscular quadratus lumborum (TQL) block is one of the recently evolved myofascial blocks utilised in abdominal surgery. It involves injecting local anaesthetic into the fascial plane anterior to the thoracolumbar fascia. This block has previously been described with a transverse oblique paramedian approach at the L2 level in the sitting position. We describe a TQL block at the same level in the lateral position using a transverse posterolateral approach to provide analgesia for patients undergoing abdominal surgery. We elaborate on these two approaches of TQL block at the L2 level, in relation to the anatomy, sonoanatomy and technical aspects.
Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control for a Platoon of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles considering Dynamic Information Flow Topology
Authors: Gong Siyuan , Zhou Anye , Peeta Srinivas
Published: May 2019

Vehicle-to-vehicle communications can be unreliable as interference causes communication failures. Thereby, the information flow topology (IFT) for a platoon of connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) can vary dynamically. This limits existing cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC) strategies as most of them assume a fixed IFT. To address this problem, a CACC scheme is introduced that considers a dynamic information flow topology (CACC-DIFT) for CAV platoons. An adaptive proportional-derivative (PD) controller under a two-predecessor-following IFT is proposed to attenuate the negative effects when communication failures occur. The parameters of the PD controller are determined to ensure the string stability of the platoon. Furthermore, the proposed PD controller also factors the performance of individual vehicles. Hence, when communication failure occurs, the system will switch to a certain type of CACC instead of degenerating to adaptive cruise control, which improves the platoon control performance considerably. The effectiveness of the proposed CACC-DIFT is validated through numerical experiments based on Next Generation Simulation (NGSIM) field data. Simulation results indicate that the proposed CACC-DIFT design outperforms CACC based on a predetermined information flow topology.
Effectiveness of Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament with Quadrupled Hamstrings and Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Autografts
Authors: Chouliaras Vasileios , Ristanis Stavros , Moraiti Constantina , Stergiou Nicholas , Georgoulis Anastasios D.
Published: May 2019

Background

The 2 most frequently used autografts for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction are the bone-patellar tendon-bone and the quadrupled hamstrings tendon.

Hypothesis

Hamstring tendon graft is superior to patellar tendon graft in restoring tibial rotation during highly demanding activities because of its superiority in strength and linear stiffness and because it is closer morphologically to the anatomy of the natural anterior cruciate ligament.

Study Design

Case control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Eleven patients with patellar tendon graft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, 11 patients with hamstring tendon graft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and 11 controls were assessed. Kinematic data were collected (50 Hz) with a 6-camera optoelectronic system while the subjects descended stairs and, immediately after, pivoted on their landing leg. The dependent variable examined was the tibial internal-external rotation during pivoting. All patients in both groups were also assessed clinically and with the use of a KT-1000 arthrometer to evaluate anterior tibial translation.

Results

The results demonstrated that reconstructions with either graft successfully restored anterior tibial translation. However, both anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction groups had significantly increased tibial rotation when compared with the controls, whereas no differences were found between the 2 reconstructed groups.

Conclusion

The 2 most frequently used autografts for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction cannot restore tibial rotation to normal levels.

Clinical Relevance

New surgical techniques are needed that can better approximate the actual anatomy and function of the anterior cruciate ligament.
Evaluations as value-measurement links: Exploring metrics and meanings in science
Authors: Hesselmann Felicitas , Schendzielorz Cornelia
Published: May 2019

This contribution seeks to provide a more detailed insight into the entanglement of value and measurement. Drawing on insights from semiotics and a Bourdieusian perspective on language as an economy of linguistic exchange, we develop the theoretical concept of value-measurement links and distinguish three processes – operationalisation, nomination, and indetermination – as forms in which these links can be constructed. We illustrate these three processes using (e)valuation practices in science, particularly the journal impact factor, as an empirical object of investigation. As this example illustrates, measured values can function as building blocks for further measurements, and thus establish chains of evaluations, where it becomes more and more obscure which values the measurements actually express. We conclude that in the case of measured values such as impact factors, these chains are driven by the interplay between the interpretative openness of language and the seeming tendency of numbers to fixate meaning thus continually re-creating, transforming and modifying values.
Antipsychotiques à Action Prolongée: Révision de l’algorithme QAAPAPLE
Authors: Stip Emmanuel , Abdel-Baki Amal , Roy Marc-André , Bloom David , Grignon Sylvain
Published: May 2019

Contexte :

Il y a 8 ans, un comité d’experts issus des 4 départements de psychiatrie universitaires québécois a proposé l’algorithme QAAPAPLE visant à guider les cliniciens à l’égard de l’utilisation des APAP pour les patients atteints de troubles psychotiques.

Objectif :

Faire une mise à jour de l’algorithme QAAPAPLE.

Méthodes :

Grâce à une revue qualitative et sélective de la littérature, les experts se sont intéressés à plusieurs aspects en lien avec l’utilisation des APAP et sur la pertinence de modifier l’algorithme: 1) données nouvelles sur les APAP (incluant polypharmacie et co-prescription avec clozapine, fréquence et intervalle d’administration); 2) perception et attitude sur des algorithmes et données probantes; 3) difficultés d’application des algorithmes; 4) polypharmacie impliquant les APAP et co-prescriptions avec clozapine; 5) avis des patients partenaires sur l’algorithme.

Résultats :

13 méta-analyses ont été publiées et complètent les études observationnelles (incluant celles sur des registres nationaux) confirmant les avantages des APAP. La littérature apporte des précisions quant à l’utilisation de certaines associations médicamenteuses, fréquence et intervalle d’administration. L’algorithme a donc été modifié en tenant compte des avancées scientifiques.

Conclusion :

En interaction avec les psychiatres québécois, nous avons examiné les changements des prescriptions, la littérature, pour mieux comprendre l’utilisation de l’algorithme. Le comité a actualisé l’algorithme QAAPAPLE, pour mieux guider les cliniciens dans l’utilisation des APAP dans la trajectoire des patients atteints de psychoses dès le premier épisode et à travers les différents contextes cliniques (incluant la résistance au traitement) afin de le rendre plus flexible et convivial.

Implications cliniques :

Les études observationnelles (naturalistes) montrent que les APAP réduisent les rechutes, les ré-hospitalisations et la surmortalité. La palette de fréquence d’injection permet des intervalles de deux semaines à trois mois, ce qui permet un ajustement aux besoins du patient en termes de stabilité clinique et de fréquence des contacts. Les APAP restent une modalité thérapeutique sous-utilisée, un algorithme peut aider à se repérer et donc en faciliter l’utilisation.

Limites :

Le comité a produit une revue de la littérature narrative et systématique, plutôt que quantitative; toutefois, il s’est complètement basé sur les conclusions des méta-analyses. La participation aux sondages reliés à ce projet demeure sous optimale. Le comité n’a pas examiné la littérature concernant les aspects spécifiques reliés à la prescription d’APAP chez les personnes âgées ou les enfants.
Planning for the Public Benefit in the Entrepreneurial City: Public Land Speculation and Financialized Regulation
Authors: MacDonald Heather
Published: May 2019

The redevelopment of Barangaroo, Sydney’s last vacant central city waterfront site, raised high expectations for the public benefits developers would provide in return. The story highlights the ways in which the entrepreneurial State’s conflict of interest in the redevelopment eroded the quality of the public benefits negotiated in return for a valuable public asset. In contrast to the previous redevelopment projects, the State used public land and its newly centralized regulatory powers to maximize public revenues from Barangaroo, prioritizing these over both the public’s interests and, on occasion, those of private developers.
Postoperative Risk Factors and Outcome of Patients With Liver Transplantation Who Were Admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A 10-Year Single-Center Review in China
Authors: Qian Juan , Zhou Tao , Qiu Bi-Jun , Xiang Long , Zhang Jian , Ning Bo-Tao , Ren Hong , Li Bi-Ru , Xia Qiang , Wang Ying
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to present our 10-year experience of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) management with pediatric liver recipients and to understand the importance of close interdisciplinary cooperation in 2 hospitals.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review study was performed according to our hospital’s medical records and the pediatric liver transplant database of Renji hospital.

Results:

A total of 767 patients received liver transplantation (LT) performed in Renji hospital between October 2006 and December 2016, of which 97 of them were admitted to PICU in our center for various complications developed after transplantation. 8.8% (16/208) and 14.4% (81/559) of patients were transferred to PICU in stages I and II, respectively, and was comparable in the 2 stages ( P = .017). The majority of patients was late postoperative children (median 185 post-LT days) in stage I. More patients were transferred to PICU directly in stage II. PICU admitted more younger (median 8.2 months) and early postoperative patients in stage II. The median length of PICU stay was 11.0 (6.0-20.5) days. The median length of mechanical ventilation was 5.0 (0.0-12.0) days. The most frequent complications were pulmonary complications (52 [53.6%] patients), surgical complications (22 [22.7%] patients), sepsis (7 [7.2%]), and other miscellaneous complications (16 [16.5%] patients). The overall 28-day PICU mortality was 25.8% (n = 25) and 64.0% (n = 16) of the deaths happened in the early postoperative period. There was significant difference concerning mortality in children with surgical complications and medical problems (54.5% [12/22] vs 17.3% [13/75], P = .001). Multivariate analysis by regression showed that the pediatric risk of mortality III score was the only independent prognostic factor ( P = .031).

Conclusions:

Multiple complications occur in children with LT. Although challenging, interdisciplinary cooperation between different hospitals is an effective mean to enable children to maximize the benefit gained from LT in China.
Labor Demand Shocks and Housing Prices Across the United States: Does One Size Fit All?
Authors: Osei Michael J. , Winters John V.
Published: May 2019

This study examines whether effects of labor demand shocks on housing prices vary across time and space. Using data on 321 U.S. metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), the authors estimate the medium- and long-run effects of increases in MSA-level employment and total labor income on housing prices. Instrumental variable estimates for different time periods, and also for coastal, noncoastal, large, and small metropolitan statistical areas, are obtained using the shift-share instrument. Results suggest that labor demand shocks have positive effects on housing prices; however, these effects appear to vary across time periods and across different types of MSAs.
A summary of acoustic characteristics and control techniques of underwater non-cavitation thruster
Authors: Cheng Ma
Published: May 2019

This paper gives a detailed description of the mechanism of sound production, acoustic characteristics and prediction methods for radiation sound spectrums (low frequency line spectrum, low frequency broadband spectrum and high frequency broadband spectrum) of non-cavitation thruster and the secondary acoustic radiation caused by the unsteady force which excited both shaft system and hull in the unsteady flow field. It indicates that the underwater thruster has a great influence on underwater noise of the navigation body with its direct or secondary radiation sound. The paper also describes two control methods, one is mostly used to control the uniformity of the flow field, while the other is used to design low-noise thruster such as pump-jet thruster and highly skewed propeller. Additionally, a new type multi-blade coupling propeller with unique features is proposed to achieve further noise reduction and open water performance improvement.
Rationality in Joint Action: Maximizing Coefficiency in Coordination
Authors: Török Georgina , Pomiechowska Barbara , Csibra Gergely , Sebanz Natalie
Published: May 2019

When people perform simple actions, they often behave efficiently, minimizing the costs of movement for the expected benefit. The present study addressed the question of whether this efficiency scales up to dyads working together to achieve a shared goal: Do people act efficiently as a group (i.e., coefficiently), or do they minimize their own or their partner’s individual costs even if this increases the overall cost for the group? We devised a novel, touch-screen-based, sequential object-transfer task to measure how people choose between different paths to coordinate with a partner. Across multiple experiments, we found that participants did not simply minimize their own or their partner’s movement costs but made coefficient decisions about paths, which ensured that the aggregate costs of movement for the dyad were minimized. These results suggest that people are able and motivated to make coefficient, collectively rational decisions when acting together.
Preparation and characterizations of SiCw/SEBS-g-MAH composite film
Authors: Pang Xiaoyan , Liang Weijie , Ge Xin , Ji Jianye , Li Zhoujie , Chen Xunjun , He Ming , Yin Guoqiang , Ge Jianfang
Published: May 2019

Silicon carbide whiskers (SiCws) were modified with silane coupling reagent with the aid of ultrasonic agitation, and SiCw/SEBS (styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene) grafted with maleic anhydride(SEBS- g-MAH) composites were prepared by a solution method. The effects of modification on the SiCw and the structure morphology, mechanical property, thermal stability, and hydrophobicity of composites were studied. The results show that the tensile strength of composites increased gradually with increasing filler contents, ranging from 19.05 to 24.91 MPa. The pyrolysis temperature of composites to begin to lose mass increased gradually. Comparing with the pure SEBS- g-MAH film beginning to lose mass at 365°C, the composite with 2.5% modified SiCw lost mass at 402°C, which had improved by 37°C. With increasing content of SiCw, the hydrophobicity of composite was enhanced. Compared with the pure SEBS- g-MAH film, the water contact angle of composite with 2.5% SiCw had been enlarged by 40%, from 65.56° to 91.57°.
Individual emergency-preparedness efforts: A social justice perspective
Authors: McNeill Charleen C , Richie Cristina , Alfred Danita
Published: May 2019

Background:

Since 2010, the United States has experienced 228 disasters, affecting over 86 million people. Because of population shifts, the growing number of people living with chronic conditions or disabilities, and the growing number of older citizens living independently, access and service gaps often exist for those without money or other transferable resources. There is a lack of evidence regarding individual community members’ capacity to prepare for emergencies.

Research objective:

The purpose of this study is to highlight participant experiences in becoming better prepared for emergencies and provide insight from a social justice perspective.

Research design:

This is a descriptive qualitative study, staying very close to the data as an end product rather than a beginning for interpretation.

Participants and research context:

A total of 13 low-income, uninsured, or under-insured attendees at a medical outreach clinic were interviewed.

Ethical considerations:

Institutional Review Board approval was obtained from the University of Texas at Tyler.

Findings:

Four themes emerged from the interview data: (a) evaluation of the emergency-preparedness education, (b) making emergency plans, (c) challenges in preparing for emergencies, and (d) facilitators of emergency preparedness.

Discussion:

Identifying the potential challenges to individual emergency preparedness among vulnerable populations is the first step in overcoming them. The capacity to comply with such measures, especially the ability of those with limited incomes and other vulnerable populations, must be considered.

Conclusion:

Synchronized, well-ordered assistance will close gaps in recovery and enhance efficiency in pre- and post-event aid. Theoretically, doing so will promote engaged and resilient members of society who are better able to withstand adverse events. The importance of the relationship between individual preparedness levels and the resiliency of nations supports the social justice imperative to address the needs of vulnerable populations in the mitigation and planning phase of the emergency management cycle.
Attitudes towards gossip and patient privacy among paediatric nurses
Authors: Ceylan Sibel Serap , Çetinkaya Bengü
Published: May 2019

Background:

Nurses providing 24-h care for the primary caregiver role have a number of significant roles to play in potential problems or conflicts associated with patient privacy and confidentiality.

Research objectives:

The objective of the study is to determine the prevailing attitudes towards gossip and the patient privacy practices of nurses working in paediatric units.

Research design:

A descriptive and cross-sectional design was used. A Descriptive Characteristics Form, a Gossip and Rumour Attitude Scale and a Patient Privacy Scale were used to collect data.

Participants and research context:

A total of 112 paediatric nurses working in Turkey were included in the study. The response rate was 79.43%.

Ethical considerations:

Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the university’s ethics committee. The participants were informed of the aim of the study, and voluntary participation, anonymous response and confidentiality were explained to them.

Findings:

It was observed that nurses who had a higher education level, who were educated about patient privacy and who had read the patient rights regulations were more concerned about patient privacy. Negative correlations were found between the attitudes towards gossiping and the average scores on the patient confidentiality scale. Nurses who negatively defined gossip were more concerned about patient confidentiality.

Discussion:

Privacy is important for securing and protecting the personal, physical and psychological things that are important and special for patients. It is argued that obstacles to maintaining the privacy of hospitalized children and adolescents are a tolerant attitude towards gossiping, a lack of education about patient privacy and insufficient information about patient’s rights regulations and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Conclusion:

A nurse’s knowledge about the provision of patient confidentiality affects their privacy practices. For this reason, regular training sessions are recommended in hospitals.
Speech-Language Pathologists’ Views About Aspiration Risk and Comfort Feeding in Advanced Dementia
Authors: Berkman Cathy , Ahronheim Judith C. , Vitale Caroline A.
Published: May 2019

Background:

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are often called upon to assess swallowing function for older adults with advanced dementia at high risk of aspiration and make recommendations about whether the patient can safely continue oral nutrition.

Objective:

To describe the circumstances under which SLPs recommend oral nutritional intake for these patients.

Methods:

A mail survey of a national probability sample of SLPs (n = 731). Speech-language pathologists were asked if there were circumstances in which they would recommend oral feeding for patients with advanced dementia at high risk of aspiration, and if yes, to describe the circumstances under which they do so.

Results:

Six themes emerged: (1) when patient preferences are known; (2) for quality of life near end of life; (3) if aspiration risk mitigation strategies are employed; (4) if physician’s preference; (5) if aspiration risk is clearly documented and acknowledged; and (6) if SLP is knowledgeable about current evidence of lack of benefit of feeding tubes in advanced dementia or that nothing by mouth status will not necessarily prevent aspiration pneumonia.

Conclusions:

Speech-language pathologists have an important role within the interprofessional team in assessing swallowing in patients with advanced dementia, advising family and hospital staff about risks and benefits of oral feeding, and the safest techniques for doing so, to maximize quality of life for these patients near the end of life. Speech-language pathologists are often faced with balancing concerns about aspiration risk and recommending the more palliative approach of oral feeding for pleasure and comfort, potentially creating moral distress for the SLP.
Advance Care Plan and Factors Related to Disease Progression in Patients With Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1: A Cross-Sectional Study in Thailand
Authors: Gomutbutra Patama , Brandeland Megan
Published: May 2019

Background:

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is an autosomal dominant progressive neurodegenerative disease. Few studies have been conducted regarding advance care planning in this population.

Objective:

This study explores advance care planning preferences of patients with SCA1 and their association with disease progression and quality of life.

Methods:

The study examined 12 Thai patients with SCA1 from 2 families living in Thailand. The advance care plan followed a Gold Standards Framework. The 12 patients were interviewed and recorded in video. The research team evaluated neurocognitive functions as measured by the following tests; Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), Berg Balance Score, Mini-Mental Status Examination, and Digit Span and Category Fluency. The quality of life was measured by a Short-Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36).

Results:

Seven of 12 patients with SCA1 rated communication ability as most important for their quality of life. Patients identified becoming a burden on their family members and ventilator dependence as the most undesirable situations. Half of the patients preferred a hospital as their last place of care. Comparing patients prefer hospital to home has significantly high median SARA (23 vs 11.5; P = .03) and low SF-36 (41.4 vs 72.4; P = .02).

Conclusions:

Those patients preferring a hospital for end-of-life care exhibited more physical disability and lower quality of life than those who preferred home care. Making assisted living health-care services in the home more readily available and affordable may alleviate concerns of patients facing more severe physical challenges.
The direct learning theory: a naturalistic approach to learning for the post-cognitivist era
Authors: Higueras-Herbada Alfredo , de Paz Carlos , Jacobs David M , Travieso David , Ibáñez-Gijón Jorge
Published: May 2019

In 2017, Di Paolo, Buhrmann, and Barandiarán proposed a list of criteria that post-cognitivist theories of learning should fulfill. In this article, we review the ecological theory of direct learning. We argue that this theory fulfills most of the criteria put forward by Di Paolo et al. and that its tools and concepts can be useful to other post-cognitivist theories of learning. Direct learning holds that improvements with practice are driven by information for learning that can be found in the dynamic organism-environment interaction. The theory formally describes information for learning as a vector field that spans a space with all the perception-action couplings that may be used to perform an action. Being located at a point of such a space means using a specific perception-action coupling. Changes in perception-action couplings due to learning can be represented as paths across the space, and can be explained with the vector field of information for learning. Previous research on direct learning considered actions that were best understood with single perception-action couplings. To conclude the article, and inspired by the criteria of Di Paolo et al., we discuss an extension of the theory to actions that are best understood with multiple perception-action couplings.
Vaccination-Related Activities at Schools With Kindergartners: Evidence From a School Nurse Survey
Authors: Leidner Andrew J. , Maughan Erin D. , Bjork Adam , Black Carla , Mazyck Donna , Underwood J. Michael
Published: May 2019

Vaccination coverage among children in kindergarten varies across the country and within states. We surveyed a convenience sample of kindergarten school nurses to investigate self-reported vaccination-related activities conducted at schools nationwide. The majority of the 1,435 kindergarten school nurses responding reported that their schools communicate with parents and guardians of undervaccinated students by phone (96%), postal mail (67%), newsletters (61%), and e-mail (59%). Most respondents reported documenting vaccination coverage in electronic systems (85%) and sharing coverage reports with health departments (69%). A total of 41% of school nurses worked with external partners for vaccination efforts, the most common support received from partners being vaccine administration (38%) and providing materials/vaccines (21%). School nurses also reported that 95% of kindergartners were up to date for all vaccines. School-based vaccination-related activities are essential to sustaining high levels of vaccination coverage for the protection of children at schools and in the broader community.
Beyond Dialogue: Envisioning a Jewishly Enriched Body of Christ
Authors: Shapiro Faydra
Published: May 2019

Recently, an intriguing essay appeared in the pages of Pro Ecclesia, a Journal of Catholic and Evangelical Theology, by Thomas Weinandy, entitled “The Jews and the Body of Christ: An Essay in Hope.” In his essay, Weinandy notes that “it is impossible to delineate in detail the benefits that would accrue to the Body of Christ through the active presence of the Jewish people simply because the Body of Christ has yet to experience them.” This article engages this as an imaginative exercise: What could a robust, Jewishly-infused Christianity actually look like? If there is in fact something Jewish pulsating at the heart of the body of Christ, what would it look like if it were allowed to pump freely, unhindered yet directed, and actually serve to revitalize the body? After all the theologizing, this article asks - and begins to envision a concrete answer to - the question: What is it that Jews, Judaism, the Jewish experience actually have to offer Christianity?
Factor Xa Inhibitory Profile of Apixaban, Betrixaban, Edoxaban, and Rivaroxaban Does Not Fully Reflect Their Biologic Spectrum
Authors: Siddiqui Fakiha , Hoppensteadt Debra , Jeske Walter , Iqbal Omer , Tafur Alfonso , Fareed Jawed
Published: May 2019

The currently available oral anti-Xa agents are claimed to produce their anticoagulant and antithrombotic effects solely by the inhibition of factor Xa. This study profiled various anti-Xa drugs in routinely used laboratory assays to demonstrate that their effects are not solely related to the anti-Xa activities. Apixaban, betrixaban, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban were obtained commercially. Native and citrated whole blood was used for the activated clotting time (ACT) and thromboelastography (TEG). Citrated plasma was used for monitoring the prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), Heptest, and prothrombinase-induced clotting time (PiCT) tests. An amidolytic method was used for the determination of anti-Xa effects. Thrombin-induced fibrinokinetics was monitored optically. Thrombin generation studies were carried out using the calibrated automated thrombogram. All of the anti-Xa agents produced concentration- and assay-dependent effects. In the ACT at 2.5 μg/mL and TEG at 1.0 μg/mL, edoxaban exhibited the strongest anticoagulation effect. In the PiCT, PT, and aPTT assay at 1 μg/mL, edoxaban showed stronger effects than other agents. The half maximal inhibitory concentration of these agents for the inhibition of factor Xa ranged from 340 to >1000 ng/mL. In the thrombin generation inhibition assay, apixaban showed the strongest activity. In the fibrinokinetics, different anti-Xa agents produced varying degrees of inhibition. These results demonstrate that the measured anti-Xa activity alone does not fully reflect the overall biologic spectrum of these agents.
Teacher Self-Efficacy for Teaching Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Associations with Stress, Teacher Engagement, and Student IEP Outcomes Following COMPASS Consultation
Authors: Love Abigail M. A. , Findley Jordan A. , Ruble Lisa A. , McGrew John H.
Published: May 2019

Although teachers reporting high teaching self-efficacy demonstrate positive teaching behaviors, minimal stress, and superior classroom management techniques, surprisingly few studies have demonstrated a relationship between teacher self-efficacy and student outcomes. This study explored self-efficacy specific to teaching students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and examined relationships with stress, teacher engagement, and student individualized education program (IEP) outcomes. Special education teachers ( N = 44) were recruited as part of a larger study examining a consultation intervention. Results indicated that self-efficacy for teaching students with ASD was significantly and positively correlated with teacher engagement and student outcomes, and negatively correlated with teacher stress. Furthermore, teachers who received the consultation intervention reported higher levels of self-efficacy for teaching students with ASD. This is the first study to report a direct association between teacher self-efficacy and student IEP outcomes and the potential positive impact of a teacher consultation intervention on the teacher intrapersonal factor of self-efficacy.
Biallelic SCN2A Gene Mutation Causing Early Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy: Case Report and Review
Authors: AlSaif Shahad , Umair Muhammad , Alfadhel Majid
Published: May 2019

The voltage-gated sodium channel neuronal type 2 alpha subunit (Navα1.2) encoded by the SCN2A gene causes early infantile epileptic encephalopathy (EIEE) inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Clinically, it has variable presentations, ranging from benign familial infantile seizures (BFIS) to severe EIEE. Diagnosis is achieved through molecular DNA testing of the SCN2A gene. Herein, we report on a 30-month-old Saudi girl who presented on the fourth day of life with EIEE, normal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), normal electroencephalography (EEG), and well-controlled seizures. Genetic investigation revealed a novel homozygous missense mutation (c.5242A > G; p.Asn1748Asp) in the SCN2A gene (NM_001040142.1). This is the first reported autosomal recessive inheritance of a disease allele in the SCN2A and therefore expands the molecular and inheritance spectrum of the SCN2A gene defects.
Embodying masculinity in female dominated research settings: A male reflection of ‘doing research’ in massage parlours
Authors: John Hanks Samuel
Published: May 2019

This article considers the male experience of conducting fieldwork in massage parlours; off-street environments in which women exchange sexual services in predominantly heterosexual monetary transactions. It critically examines debates surrounding the desirability of gender incongruence between researchers and their informants. By acknowledging the complex interplay of gender and relations in the field, experiences of power are presented as variable rather than fixed. Honest and detailed accounts of interactions with sex workers illustrate the complexities of embodying masculinity in clandestine and feminized spaces. The perceived benefits and limitations of gender incongruence are presented. The need to consciously manage and comprehensively reflect upon the impacts of gender, in addition to the complex array of power dynamics in the field is discussed.
‘Picturing Afghan Women’ for Western audiences: The Afghan perspective
Authors: Mitra Saumava
Published: May 2019

As the United States engages with the Taliban in a peace process that might return them to influence within Afghanistan, concerns are rising regarding the future status of Afghan women. In this background, this article returns to the much studied subject of the portrayal of Afghan women in Western news media through Orientalist stereotypes. Noting the lack of Afghan perspectives in previous research on this topic, the study investigates the views and practices of Afghan photojournalists, who have today come to replace international photojournalists in the country, when it comes to ‘picturing Afghan women’ for Western audiences. It sheds light on the day-to-day professional activities of these photojournalists when producing images of Afghan women for Western audiences. It goes on to explore Afghan photojournalists’ perceptions about how Afghan women have been and are being portrayed in Western news media. Finally, it reports on how most of these Afghan photojournalists may perpetuate the same stereotypes about Afghan women for Western audiences because hierarchies in the international ‘visual gatekeeping chain’ supersede the Afghan photojournalists’ power to shape visual narratives and coupled with the need to earn an income as precarious labor, their individual self-reflexivity regarding picturing Afghan women are suppressed. The study also notes how photographing Afghan women causes risks for Afghan photojournalists as well as the Afghan women who are photographed. Attention is called to this hitherto invisible ethical concern that lives are jeopardized to validate Western savior narratives regarding Afghan women through images.
Translating social investment ideas in Israel: Economized social policy’s competing agendas
Authors: Maron Asa
Published: May 2019

International organizations play a central role in disseminating social investment ideas, which serve to legitimize forms of public spending by stressing their future contribution to human capital and economic growth. However, the transition from a neoliberal to a social investment state is conditioned on national policymakers’ will to embrace a post-neoliberal macroeconomic philosophy and governance. Although such change lies in the professional purview of economist-technocrats, there is little empirical research on their role as national translators of social investment ideas. This article examines economists’ role in the translation of social investment ideas in Israel. By embedding specific social investment ideas within entrenched economic world views – including principles of ‘responsible’ macroeconomic governance – camps of Israeli economists articulate varying and sometimes competing social investment policy agendas. Lessons from Israel suggest that economists are non-negligible actors in the translation of social investment ideas. By advancing different social investment strategies, economists may assume different roles in the policymaking and politics of social investment.
Meeting in a ‘free-zone’: Clinical ethical support in integrated heart-failure and palliative care
Authors: Brännström Margareta , Fischer Grönlund Catarina , Zingmark Karin , Söderberg Anna
Published: May 2019

Background:

Integrating heart-failure and palliative care combines expertise from two cultures, life-saving cardiology and palliative care, and involves ethically difficult situations that have to be considered from various perspectives. We found no studies describing experiences of clinical ethical support (CES) in integrated cardiology and palliative care teams.

Objective:

Our aim is to describe experiences of CES among professionals after a period of three years working in a multidisciplinary team in integrated heart-failure and palliative homecare.

Method:

The study design was descriptive qualitative, comprising interviews with seven professionals from one integrated heart-failure and palliative care team who received CES over a three-year period. The interview data were subjected to qualitative content analysis.

Results:

The CES was found to offer possibilities for meeting in an ethical ‘free-zone’ where the participants could relate to each other beyond their various professional roles and specialties. The trust within the team seemed to increase and the participants were confident enough to express their points of view. Together they developed an integrated understanding, and acquired more knowledge and a comprehensive view of the ethically difficult situation of concern. The CES sessions were considered a means of becoming better prepared to deal with ethical care issues and developing action strategies to apply in practice, from shared standpoints.

Conclusion:

Participating in CES was experienced as meeting in an ethical ‘free-zone’ and seemed to be a means of facilitating integration of palliative and heart-failure care.
Femoral Balloon-Oriented Puncture for True Lumen Reentry in the Common Femoral Artery After Subintimal Retrograde Recanalization of Superficial Femoral Artery Ostial Occlusion: The FORLEE Technique
Authors: Testi Gabriele , Ceccacci Tanja , Cevolani Mauro , Giacchi Francesco , Tarantino Fabio , Turicchia Giorgio Ubaldo
Published: May 2019

Purpose: To report a new technique to reenter the common femoral artery (CFA) true lumen after retrograde recanalization of a superficial femoral artery (SFA) with flush ostial occlusion. Technique: The technique is demonstrated in a 76-year-old woman with critical limb ischemia previously submitted to several surgical revascularizations. A duplex ultrasound showed flush ostial occlusion of the SFA and patency of the anterior tibial artery at the ankle as the sole outflow vessel. After unsuccessful antegrade attempts to recanalize the SFA, a retrograde guidewire was advanced subintimally up to the CFA, without gaining reentry. A balloon catheter was inflated in the subintimal plane across the SFA ostial occlusion. Antegrade access to the distal CFA was achieved with a 20-G needle, which was used to puncture the balloon. A guidewire was advanced into the balloon and pushed forward while the collapsed balloon was pulled back to the mid SFA. The antegrade guidewire was externalized through a retrograde catheter, which was pushed in the CFA true lumen. A retrograde guidewire was advanced and externalized through the femoral sheath, establishing a flossing wire. The procedure was completed in antegrade fashion. Conclusion: The FORLEE technique is a cost-effective option to gain the CFA true lumen after subintimal retrograde recanalization of an ostial SFA occlusion.
Distribution of Air Embolization During TEVAR Depends on Landing Zone: Insights From a Pulsatile Flow Model
Authors: Makaloski Vladimir , Rohlffs Fiona , Trepte Constantin , Debus E. Sebastian , Øhlenschlaeger Bent , Schmidli Jürg , Kölbel Tilo
Published: May 2019

Purpose: To analyze the distribution of air bubbles in the supra-aortic vessels during thoracic stent-graft deployment in zones 2 and 3 in an aortic flow model. Materials and Methods: Ten identical, investigational, tubular, thoracic stent-grafts were deployed in a glass aortic flow model with a type I arch: 5 in zone 2 and 5 in zone 3. A pulsatile pump generated a flow of 5 L/min with systolic and diastolic pressures (±5%) of 105 and 70 mm Hg, respectively. The flow rates (±5%) were 300 mL/min in the subclavian arteries, 220 mL/min in the vertebral arteries, and 400 mL/min in the common carotid arteries (CCAs). The total amounts of air released in each supra-aortic branch and in the aorta were recorded. Results: The mean amounts of air measured were 0.82±0.23 mL in the zone-2 group and 0.94±0.28 mL in the zone-3 group (p=0.49). In the zone-2 group compared with zone 3, the amounts of released air were greater in the right subclavian artery (0.07±0.02 vs 0.02±0.02 mL, p<0.01) and right CCA (0.30±0.8 vs 0.18±07 mL, p=0.04). There were no differences between the groups concerning the mean amounts of air measured in the right vertebral and all left-side supra-aortic branches. The amount of air released in the descending aorta was significantly higher in the zone-3 group vs the zone-2 group (0.48±0.12 vs 0.13±0.08 mL, p<0.01). Small bubbles were observed continuously during deployment, whereas large bubbles appeared more commonly during deployment of the proximal stent-graft end and after proximal release of the stent-graft. Conclusion: Air is released into all supra-aortic branches and the descending aorta during deployment of tubular thoracic stent-grafts in zones 2 and 3 in an aortic flow model. Higher amounts of air were observed in right-side supra-aortic branches during deployment in zone 2, whereas significantly greater amounts of air were observed in the descending aorta during deployment in zone 3.
Learning a Bimanual Cooperative Skill in Chronic Stroke Under Noninvasive Brain Stimulation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Doost Maral Yeganeh , Orban de Xivry Jean-Jacques , Herman Benoît , Vanthournhout Léna , Riga Audrey , Bihin Benoît , Jamart Jacques , Laloux Patrice , Raymackers Jean-Marc , Vandermeeren Yves
Published: May 2019

Background. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been suggested to improve poststroke recovery. However, its effects on bimanual motor learning after stroke have not previously been explored. Objective. We investigated whether dual-tDCS of the primary motor cortex (M1), with cathodal and anodal tDCS applied over undamaged and damaged hemispheres, respectively, improves learning and retention of a new bimanual cooperative motor skill in stroke patients. Method. Twenty-one chronic hemiparetic patients were recruited for a randomized, double-blinded, cross-over, sham-controlled trial. While receiving real or sham dual-tDCS, they trained on a bimanual cooperative task called CIRCUIT. Changes in performance were quantified via bimanual speed/accuracy trade-off (Bi-SAT) and bimanual coordination factor (Bi-Co) before, during, and 0, 30, and 60 minutes after dual-tDCS, as well as one week later to measure retention. A generalization test then followed, where patients were asked to complete a new CIRCUIT layout. Results. The patients were able to learn and retain the bimanual cooperative skill. However, a general linear mixed model did not detect a significant difference in retention between the real and sham dual-tDCS conditions for either Bi-SAT or Bi-Co. Similarly, no difference in generalization was detected for Bi-SAT or Bi-Co. Conclusion. The chronic hemiparetic stroke patients learned and retained the complex bimanual cooperative task and generalized the newly acquired skills to other tasks, indicating that bimanual CIRCUIT training is promising as a neurorehabilitation approach. However, bimanual motor skill learning was not enhanced by dual-tDCS in these patients.
White Allyship of Afro-Diasporic Women in the Workplace: A Transformative Strategy for Organizational Change
Authors: Erskine Samantha E. , Bilimoria Diana
Published: May 2019

Given the underrepresentation of Afro-Diasporic women in senior leadership roles, this conceptual article points to the transformative potential of antiracist, feminist White allyship to serve as a missing piece in organizations that may propel the career development and leadership advancement of Afro-Diasporic women. We define White allyship as a continuous, reflexive practice of proactively interrogating Whiteness from an intersectionality framework, leveraging one’s position of power and privilege and courageously interrupting the status quo by engaging in prosocial behaviors that foster growth-in-connection and have both the intention and impact of creating mutuality, solidarity, and support of Afro-Diasporic women’s career development and leadership advancement. We describe the behaviors, outcomes, motivations, and detractors of White allyship and offer suggestions for future research. White allyship of Afro-Diasporic women holds important opportunities for meaningful relationships to develop in organizations, for which would-be allies need support, coaching, and training to increase their allyship competence and self-efficacy.