bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attempting to Restore Integrity of the Self: A Grounded Theory Study of Recovery From Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Amini Kourosh , Marks Dougie , Cheraghi Mohammad Ali , Eftekhar Mehrdad , Negarandeh Reza
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND: The cultural and social background of the individual would seem to be important factors that can affect recovery from major depressive disorder (MDD). Currently, there is little information on the process of recovery from MDD in Middle Eastern countries, such as Iran. AIMS: This study was conducted to explore the process of recovery from MDD in Iran. METHOD: A grounded theory approach by Corbin and Strauss was used to explore recovery from MDD. Twenty patients were recruited using purposive and theoretical sampling methods. RESULTS: Several themes emerged from the data, the primary of which was “Attempting to restore integrity of the self,” which included the two subthemes of “Attempting to restore health,” and “Attempting to reacquire the lost abilities.” Various contextual factors also affected recovery, including poverty, inefficient health care systems, perceived support, feelings of failure, and social stigma. During the recovery process, participants adopted both “effective strategies” and “ineffective strategies.” Following the attempt to restore integrity, participants experienced different levels of integrity, ranging from “complete recovery” to “no recovery/relapse.” CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study contribute to the body of knowledge regarding recovery from MDD in Iran. The data suggest that recovery from depressive disorder is a very personal experience that is affected by different and variable factors and conditions. However, the attempt to restore integrity of the self can result in achieving a higher level of performance and health.
Weight Reduction Goal Achievement Among Veterans With Mental Health Diagnoses
Authors: McKinnon Caroline R. , Garvin Jane T.
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND: Despite the use of weight management programs among veterans, the impact of mental health diagnoses on weight reduction goal achievement is unknown. AIMS: We aimed to describe the prevalence and association of mental health diagnoses with a 5% weight reduction goal achievement. METHODS: Logistic regression was used to describe the association between mental health diagnoses and weight reduction goal achievement at 6, 12, and 24 months among 402 veterans enrolled in a weight management program. RESULTS: More than 43% of veterans had a mental health diagnoses, with depressive disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorders being the most prevalent. At all three times, simply having a mental health diagnosis was not associated with weight reduction goal achievement. Specific diagnoses were associated with a greater likelihood of achieving weight reduction goals at 12 months (PTSD and Drug Use Disorder) and 24 months (Anxiety Disorder and Other Mental Health Diagnosis). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that unhealthy weight is quite common for individuals with mental health diagnoses; however, weight reduction goal achievement may be equally likely for those with and without mental health diagnoses. The prevalence of mental health diagnoses among veterans seeking weight reduction suggests that psychiatric nurses should be aware of this common comorbidity.
Safety Assessment of PEGs Cocamine and Related Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Boyer Ivan , Burnett Christina L. , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Gill Lillian J. , Heldreth Bart
Published: September 2018

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel assessed the safety of 47 polyethylene glycols (PEGs) cocamine and related ingredients, which are reported to function mostly as surfactants and antistatic agents. The Panel reviewed the relevant data and developed a framework to satisfy previously identified data deficiencies for this group of materials as well as extend the scope of related materials covered by the analysis. The irritation potential of these ingredients is consistent with the surface active properties that are characteristic of surfactants. The Panel concluded that the PEGs cocamine and related ingredients were safe as ingredients in cosmetic formulations in the current practices of use and concentration when formulated to be nonirritating.
Safety Assessment of Tocopherols and Tocotrienols as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Fiume Monice M. , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Andersen F. Alan , Heldreth Bart
Published: September 2018

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel (Panel) assessed the safety of 14 tocopherols and tocotrienols and concluded these ingredients are safe as used in cosmetics. The tocopherols are reported to function in cosmetics as antioxidants or skin-conditioning agents; in contrast, tocotrienols are not reported to function as an antioxidants in cosmetics but as a light stabilizer, oral care agent, or skin-conditioning agent. The Panel reviewed the new and existing animal and clinical data to determine the safety of these ingredients and found it appropriate to extrapolate the existing information to conclude on the safety of all the tocopherols and tocotrienols.
The art and science of non-evaluation evaluation
Authors: Jones Lorelei
Published: September 2018

This essay considers some limitations of programme theory evaluation in relation to healthcare policies. This approach, which seeks to surface ‘programme theories’ or construct ‘logic models’, is often unable to account for empirical observations of policy implementation in real-world contexts. I argue that this failure stems from insufficient theoretical elaboration of the social, cultural and political dimensions of healthcare policies. Drawing from institutional theory, critical theory and discourse theory, I set out an alternative agenda for policy research. I illustrate the issues with respect to programme theory evaluation with examples from my experience of research on large-scale strategic change in the English NHS.
Comparison of virtual visit versus traditional clinic for management of varicose veins
Authors: Lin Judith C , Mclaughlin Dylan , Zurawski Dana , Kennedy Nicole , Kabbani Loay
Published: September 2018

Introduction

The objective of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes of patients with varicose veins managed in the telemedicine clinic and traditional clinic.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of all vein procedures in the institutional Vascular Quality Initiative Varicose Vein Registry (VQI VVR) was performed from January 2015 to August 2017. Patients were divided into two groups: Telemedicine versus Traditional Clinic. Comparison data included patient demographics, past medical history, clinical outcomes, patient-reported outcomes and postoperative complications. Statistical testing included chi-square test for categorical variables and student t-test for continuous variables using the SPSS statistical software.

Results

A total of 1034 varicose vein procedures were performed during the 31-month study period. There were 75 virtual encounters in the Telemedicine Clinic (Group A) and 959 face-to-face encounters in the Traditional Clinic (Group B). Most of the demographics characteristics were clinically similar in both groups. Comparing Group A and Group B, there were no differences in age, sex, race and body mass index. Early 3-month follow up was 100% in Group A and 90.7% in Group B. Both groups had low complication rates of haematoma (1.3% vs 0.3%, p = 0.884), paraesthesia (1.3% vs 0.6%, p = 0.767) and recanalisation (1.3% vs 4.0%, p = 0.383) during the early follow up period.

Discussion

Synchronous virtual visits for patient care are feasible for the management of chronic venous disease. Patients with varicose veins who choose to undergo telemedicine evaluations have similar pre-operative demographics, clinical classification and patient outcomes.
Cultivating healthy trajectories: An experimental study of community gardening and health
Authors: Heilmayr Dietlinde , Friedman Howard S
Published: September 2018

Advances in behavioral medicine suggest that optimal solutions to modern health challenges should be multifaceted, targeting multiple cognitions and behaviors simultaneously. Community gardening holds great promise as one such multifaceted intervention but lacks rigorous evidence of efficacy. We present one of the first experimental studies on the topic. The results revealed promise for aspects of community gardening, but also suggest the necessity for the use of rigorous methodologies moving forward. In addition, this article provides a framework for studying the effects of community gardening and similar multifaceted health promotion efforts.
Can the plant speak? Giving tobacco the voice it deserves
Authors: Russell Andrew
Published: September 2018

The idea of non-human objects speaking has an illustrious pedigree. Using Holbraad’s (2011) question ‘can the thing speak?’ as a springboard, the author asks what it means to say that tobacco might speak. Accepting a degree of ventriloquism in giving a voice to plants, he tracks examples of tobacco (and its paraphernalia) speaking in English literary sources, demonstrating that the postmodern turn to ‘material agency’ and object sentiency, voice and intentionality is, in fact, nothing new. Taking Miller and Latour’s conceptions of hybridity in human/non-human relationships seriously, he argues further that tobacco can speak, or remain silent, through a number of different human and corporate locutors. Where tobacco speaks in its own words, its voice – in contrast to the ‘tinny but usable’ voice of a mushroom spore – becomes that of an imperious autocrat intent on world domination.
Disaffection and agentic engagement: ‘Redesigning’ activities to enable authentic self-expression
Authors: Henry Alastair , Thorsen Cecilia
Published: September 2018

Demotivation (Dörnyei & Ushioda, 2011) and non-participation (Norton, 2001) characterize negative responses to classroom practice of a generally chronic nature. In this article, focus is directed to negativity that emerges within the context of a particular language developing activity, and which can be understood as a situated response to the activity’s demands. In conceptualizing negative responses at the activity level, disaffection – the negative face of engagement – is a construct of central importance. Drawing on data from a large-scale ethnographic project in secondary English classrooms in Sweden, in this exploratory case study disaffection (Skinner, 2016) is examined in the context of two language developing activities. Analyses reveal that disaffection can transform into active engagement, and that when called upon to perform an inauthentic identity, students can ‘redesign’ activities in ways that enable them to act authentically.
The impossibility of anonymity in ethnographic research
Authors: Walford Geoffrey
Published: September 2018

This article argues that the growth of social media and other forms of digital communication make it impossible for ethnographers to offer anonymity to research sites or to those significant people involved in the research sites. Indeed, it was never actually fully possible to offer anonymity in ethnography. Ethical Guidelines need to recognise these facts and researchers need to modify their research procedures such that the advantages of more openness in research are exploited.
Facial Attractiveness as a Function of Athletic Prowess
Authors: Bagozzi Richard P. , Verbeke Willem J. M. I. , Belschak Frank , van Poele Marloes
Published: September 2018

We investigate the relationship between facial attractiveness and athletic prowess. We study the connection between subjective facial attractiveness (measured on a 5-point scale of judged facial attractiveness) and athletes by gender and age of respondents. Five age classes were investigated in Studies 1–5: preadolescents (average age: 8.85 years: n = 92), adolescents (average age: 15.8 years; n = 82), young adults (average age: 21.6 years; n = 181), middle-aged adults (average age: 47.5 years; n = 189), and older adults (65 years old; n = 183). The findings show that world-class athletes are perceived as more facially attractive than amateur athletes, with women athletes perceived as more facially attractive than men, and these findings generally occur to a greater extent for female than male respondents. These findings hold for preadolescents, adolescents, young adults, and older adults. However, results were mixed for middle-aged adults where generally amateur athletes were evaluated more attractive than world-class and men athletes more attractive than women.
Renegotiating roles in local governments: Facing resistances to citizen participation in Chile
Authors: Sanfuentes Matias , Garreton Matias
Published: September 2018

This article presents a reflective analysis of a participatory action research between the authors’ institution and the Community Development Directorate of Santiago Municipality. This work generated organizational change for implementing new citizen participation policies through a collective reflection about ambiguous roles and organizational paradoxes that allowed to harness the creative potential of emotions and embodied knowledge of public officers. Through workshops of organizational role analysis, a communicative space was built to contain the organizational contradictions generated by the lack of definitions of fieldwork agents’ roles and the insufficient institutional support. This led to implement a new approach for citizen participation, with an unprecedented inter-sectoral structure within this municipality. However, in the absence of structural incentives for internal cooperation, this development was abandoned by the authorities at the onset of an unsuccessful re-election campaign. Nevertheless, these temporary achievements show the usefulness of socio-analytic methods for transforming organizations in rigid institutional frameworks. This experience was a first attempt to provide institutional support for inter-sectoral citizen participation policies in Santiago, suggesting ways to generate and sustain long-term changes that are sorely needed in Chilean institutions.
Increased Mortality Among Renal Transplant Patients With Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillus Infection
Authors: Balcan Baran , Ozcelik Umit , Ugurlu Aylin Ozsancakli , Aydin Mehtap , Nalcaci Serdar , Yarbug Karakayali Feza
Published: September 2018

Introduction:

Renal transplantation is the most effective and preferred definite treatment option in patients with end-stage renal disease. Due to long-term immunesuppressive treatment, renal transplant recipients become vulnerable to opportunistic infections, especially to fungal infections.

Method:

This was a single-center, retrospective observational study of 438 patients who underwent renal transplantation between 2010 and 2016.

Results:

Thirty-eight renal transplant recipients who had lower respiratory tract infection with median age of 41.5 years were evaluated for invasive pulmonary aspergillus (IPA). Of these, 52.6% were female and 84.2% had living donors. Eleven of 38 lower respiratory patients were found to have IPA infection, 5 with proven infection. Compared to patients who did not have fungal pulmonary infection, patients with invasive aspergillus were older and had high fever, galactomannan levels, and leukocyte counts. Mortality was also higher in those patients. Having fever at the baseline and IPA infection was significantly associated with mortality in univariate analysis and remained related in multivariate model after adjustment for age, gender, and fever.

Conclusion:

Invasive pulmonary aspergillus infection is highly associated with increased mortality rates in renal transplant patients. Fungal pulmonary infections in immune-suppressed patients should be diagnosed and treated immediately in order to avoid the life-threatening complications and may greatly improve prognosis.
Steroid Injection and Open Trigger Finger Release Outcomes: A Retrospective Review of 999 Digits
Authors: Ng Wendy Kar Yee , Olmscheid Neil , Worhacz Kellen , Sietsema Debra , Edwards Scott
Published: September 2018

Background: Open surgical release of the A1 pulley is the definitive treatment for the common hand condition of trigger finger, or inflammatory stenosing tenosynovitis. Anecdotal evidence among hand surgeons has questioned whether or not recent steroid injection may be related to complications following open trigger finger release, particularly wound infection, but no studies have primarily studied this connection to date. We aimed to determine whether recent steroid injection was associated with postoperative surgical infections. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of 780 adult patients who had undergone open trigger finger release of 999 digits by 6 fellowship-trained hand surgeons at three affiliated hospital settings from January 1, 2014, to January 1, 2016. Data on timing of steroid injections relative to surgery, number of steroid injections, concomitant conditions, use of antibiotics, and postoperative complications including infections were gathered. Results: Steroid injection timing relative to subsequent operative intervention correlated with postoperative surgical site infection in trigger finger release. Older age and decreasing days between steroid injection and surgery correlated with infection rates. Other factors found to be associated with infection rates included smoking, use of preoperative antibiotics, and use of lidocaine with epinephrine. The other factors examined did not correlate with infection rates. Conclusions: Steroid injection, smoking, increasing age, lesser number of days between steroid injection and surgery, and use of lidocaine with epinephrine are risk factors for postoperative trigger surgical infections. We recommend careful preoperative counseling regarding higher wound healing risks for smokers, avoidance of steroid injections immediately prior to an operative date, and scheduling operative dates that tend to be greater than 80 days from the date of last steroid injection. We also recommend avoidance of epinephrine in the local anesthetic solution, as this may minimize surgical site infection risks.
Neuroform Atlas stent deployment through the Barrel vascular reconstruction device for the treatment of a wide-necked acutely ruptured basilar aneurysm
Authors: Valente Iacopo , D’Argento Francesco , Alexandre Andrea , Lozupone Emilio , Garignano Giuseppe , Pedicelli Alessandro
Published: September 2018

Background

The Barrel vascular reconstruction device is an electrolytically detachable laser-cut closed-cell stent used for neck reconstruction in wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms to support coiling without necessitating dual stent implantation. The purpose is to lower the metal-to-artery ratio and its inherent risk of thromboembolic complications of multiple stents.

Case description

A 53-year-old woman presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to acutely ruptured basilar tip aneurysm underwent emergency endovascular embolization with the Barrel vascular reconstruction device. Since the stent did not cover the entire neck of the aneurysm, an Atlas stent was released in a Y configuration through the Barrel. The Neuroform Atlas correctly opened through the Barrel and allowed the complete exclusion of the aneurysm.

Conclusion

If necessary, releasing a Neuroform Atlas through a Barrel vascular reconstruction device is a feasible technique.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of HE4 in female patients with primary peritoneal carcinoma
Authors: Mi Dong , Zhang Yuexiang
Published: September 2018

Background:

HE4 is a useful tumor marker for the diagnosis of ovarian, endometrial, and fallopian tube carcinoma.

Aim:

The aim of our study was to investigate the value of serum HE4 compared with CA125 in the diagnosis of primary peritoneal carcinoma and the estimation of treatment response and recurrence.

Methods:

Serum HE4 and CA125 concentrations were measured in both primary peritoneal carcinoma patients and benign gynecological disease controls. The treatment response and recurrence were assessed by serum HE4 and CA125 levels in primary peritoneal carcinoma patients.

Results:

Serum HE4 and CA125 levels were significantly increased in primary peritoneal carcinoma patients compared with benign disease controls ( P<0.001). Compared with CA125, HE4 had lower sensitivity (84.2% vs. 94.7%), but higher specificity (99.2% vs. 85.3%); the combination of HE4 and CA125 led to higher sensitivity and specificity. In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve was 0.956 for HE4, for CA125 was 0.953, for HE4+CA125 was 0.979. Furthermore, HE4 and CA125 were closely associated with treatment response, and our results indicated that primary peritoneal carcinoma patients displayed a larger drop of HE4 compared with CA125 (75.8% vs. 61.5%). Combined with CA125, HE4 elevation better predicted recurrence in primary peritoneal carcinoma patients during the remission period after treatment.

Conclusions:

This study indicated that the detection of serum HE4 changes may enhance the effectiveness for detecting primary peritoneal carcinoma and estimating the outcome of treatment and recurrence in female primary peritoneal carcinoma patients.
The Jargon of “Law and Order”: From Nazism to the Trump Campaign via Heidegger
Authors: Byrne Gavin
Published: September 2018

Nazi philosophy survived through Carl Schmitt and Martin Heidegger. I use Theodor Adorno’s concept “jargon” to show how this philosophy was a key component in Nazi jurisprudence and Nazi law. We see similar jargon in Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. Certain “critical” responses to Nazi law perpetuate this jargon and thus (unwittingly) normalize far-right positions in law and policy. If we are determined that such atrocities never happen again, we must begin at the metaphysical/ontological level. I suggest that the key flaw in Heidegger’s philosophy is that it does not place enough emphasis on human fallibility.
Application of a lattice Boltzmann method to some challenges related to micro-air vehicles
Authors: Gourdain Nicolas , Jardin Thierry , Serre Ronan , Prothin Sébastien , Moschetta Jean-Marc
Published: September 2018

The demand for micro-air vehicles is increasing as well as their potential missions. Whether for discretion in military operations or noise pollution in civilian use, the improvement of aerodynamic and acoustic performance of micro-air vehicles propeller is a goal to achieve. Micro- and nano-air vehicles operate at Reynolds numbers ranging from 103 to 105. In these conditions, the aerodynamic performance of conventional fixed and rotary wings concepts drastically decreases due to the increased importance of flow viscous forces that tend to increase drag and promote flow separation, which leads to reduced efficiency and reduced maximum achievable lift. Reduced efficiency and lift result in low endurance and limited payloads. The numerical simulation is a potential solution to better understand such low Reynolds number flows and to increase the micro-air vehicles’ performance. In this paper, it is proposed to review some challenges related to micro-air vehicles by using a Lattice-Boltzmann method. The method is first briefly presented, to point out its strengths and weaknesses. Lattice-Boltzmann method is then applied to three different applications: a DNS of a single blade rotor, a large eddy simulation of a rotor operating in-ground effect and a large eddy simulation of a rotor optimised for acoustic performance. A comparison with reference data (Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes, DNS or experimental data) is systematically done to assess the accuracy of lattice-Boltzmann method-based predictions. The analysis of results demonstrates that lattice-Boltzmann method has a good potential to predict the mean aerodynamic performance (torque and thrust) if the grid resolution is chosen adequately (which is not always possible due to limited computational resources). A study of the turbulent flow is conducted for each application in order to highlight some of the physical flow phenomena that take place in such rotors. Different designs are also investigated, showing that potential improvements are still possible in terms of aerodynamic and aero-acoustic performance of low-Reynolds rotors.
Inter-surgeon variability in the identification of clock face landmarks when placing suture anchors in arthroscopic Bankart repair
Authors: Petrera Massimo , Ogilvie-Harris Darrell J , Theodoropoulos John S , Chahal Jaskarndip , Wasserstein David , Veillette Christian , Linda Dorota , Dwyer Tim
Published: September 2018

Background

The accuracy of surgeons in utilizing the clock face method for anchor placement has never been investigated. Our hypothesis was that shoulder arthroscopy surgeons would be able to place suture anchors at predetermined positions with accuracy and reliability.

Methods

Ten cadaveric shoulders were used. Five fellowship-trained shoulder arthroscopy surgeons were directed to place a suture anchor at 3:30, 4:30, and 5:30 clock in two shoulders each. The position of the anchors was determined with computed tomography. The accuracy of placement was calculated and data analyzed with one-way analysis of variance. The intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated.

Results

The overall accuracy was 57%. The accuracy of anchor placement at the 3:30 position was 40% (average position 2:24 o’clock), it was 50% at the 4:30 position (average position 3:42 o’clock) and 80% at the 5:30 position (average position 5:03 o’clock). No statistical difference in accuracy between the placement of the superior, middle, and inferior anchors (p = 0.145) was seen. The intraclass correlation coefficient for inter-surgeon reliability was 0.4 (fair) while the intraclass correlation coefficient for intra-surgeon reliability was 0.6 (moderate).

Discussion

The findings of this study suggest a moderate degree of accuracy and fair to moderate inter- and intra-surgeon reliability when using the clock face system to guide anchor placement.
Screening of the cervical spine in subacromial shoulder pain: A systematic review
Authors: Walker Tom , Salt Emma , Lynch Greg , Littlewood Chris
Published: September 2018

Background

Subacromial shoulder pain is a common clinical presentation with much diagnostic uncertainty. Some of this uncertainty relates to the involvement of the cervical spine as a source or contribution to subacromial shoulder pain. Currently, there is no accepted method of screening of the cervical spine in the presence of subacromial shoulder pain, which risks patients receiving misguided and/or ineffective interventions.

Objective

To evaluate approaches used to screen the cervical spine in patients with subacromial shoulder pain.

Design

Systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Methods

Electronic searches of PEDro and MEDLINE to December 2016 were conducted. Randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of interventions within the current scope of physiotherapy comprising of adult patients complaining of subacromial shoulder pain were included. Data relating to the method of cervical spine screening were extracted and synthesized categorically.

Results

One hundred and two studies were included. Twenty-six (25.5%) were categorized as “No method of screening undertaken or reported,” 49 (48.0%) were categorized as “Localized cervical spine symptoms and/or radiculopathy/radicular pain,” nine (8.8%) were categorized as “Cervical examination,” two (2.0%) were categorized as “Manual testing,” two (2.0%) were categorized as “History of cervical surgery,” and 14 (13.7%) were categorized as using “Combined approaches.”

Conclusion

Examination of the cervical spine in patients with subacromial shoulder pain is variable in randomized controlled trials. In many instances, no or minimal attempts to screen were undertaken or reported. This has potential research and management implications and further research is indicated to facilitate development of this aspect of examination.
Numerical study on rupture process of fiber-reinforced composites
Authors: Wang Daguo , Han Chaochao , Xu Bing , Li Bin
Published: September 2018

Introduction:

This study aims to investigate the strength characteristics of fiber composites under uniaxial tensile stress.

Methods:

A tensile failure finite element model based on fracture mechanics was built for fiber composites. The principal stress concentration–release–transfer evolution and the crack propagation of the composites under the conditions of equal single fiber width, unequal quantity, and equal total fiber width and unequal quantity were discussed.

Results:

The tensile strength of the composites increased with fiber quantity when the width of each single fiber was equal.

Conclusions:

The tensile strength of the composites increased with fiber quantity when the total width of the composite fiber was equal.
Synthesis of magnetic Fe3O4 micro/nanospheres in organic solvent
Authors: Heng Tan , Ze Wang , Wen-sheng Tan , Xiao-ping Li , Jian-guo Qiu , Xiao-Hong Yang
Published: September 2018

Introduction:

Micro/nanostructured materials have attracted a great deal of attention, and many strategies have been developed to fabricate micro/nanostructured materials.

Methods:

Amine-functionalized micro/nanostructured Fe3O4 with different sizes was synthesized conveniently in organic media. The chemical structures of as-synthesized products were characterized by FTIR, TEM, SEM, and XRD.

Results:

The ligand binds to the Fe3O4 core by hydrogen bond between the oxygen atom on the surface of Fe3O4 and the hydrogen atom in molecular ethylenediamine. Their magnetic properties were also investigated.

Conclusions:

First, there is no need to control the reaction under a nitrogen atmosphere, and just one salt is used as an iron source. The growth and the surface modification of Fe3O4 crystalline nucleation happen at the same time. Second, monodispersed Fe3O4 micro/nanospheres were prepared without additional surfactant or external magnetic fields. Third, this method is preferred compared with the conventional organic phase method, as the reaction condition is milder and less pollutant will be produced.
Binders alternative to Portland cement and waste management for sustainable construction—part 1
Authors: Coppola Luigi , Bellezze Tiziano , Belli Alberto , Bignozzi Maria Chiara , Bolzoni Fabio , Brenna Andrea , Cabrini Marina , Candamano Sebastiano , Cappai Marta , Caputo Domenico , Carsana Maddalena , Casnedi Ludovica , Cioffi Raffaele , Cocco Ombretta , Coffetti Denny , Colangelo Francesco , Coppola Bartolomeo , Corinaldesi Valeria , Crea Fortunato , Crotti Elena , Daniele Valeria , De Gisi Sabino , Delogu Francesco , Diamanti Maria Vittoria , Di Maio Luciano , Di Mundo Rosa , Di Palma Luca , Donnini Jacopo , Farina Ilenia , Ferone Claudio , Frontera Patrizia , Gastaldi Matteo , Giosuè Chiara , Incarnato Loredana , Liguori Barbara , Lollini Federica , Lorenzi Sergio , Manzi Stefania , Marino Ottavio , Marroccoli Milena , Mascolo Maria Cristina , Mavilia Letterio , Mazzoli Alida , Medici Franco , Meloni Paola , Merlonetti Glauco , Mobili Alessandra , Notarnicola Michele , Ormellese Marco , Pastore Tommaso , Pedeferri Maria Pia , Petrella Andrea , Pia Giorgio , Redaelli Elena , Roviello Giuseppina , Scarfato Paola , Scoccia Giancarlo , Taglieri Giuliana , Telesca Antonio , Tittarelli Francesca , Todaro Francesco , Vilardi Giorgio , Yang Fan
Published: September 2018

This review presents “a state of the art” report on sustainability in construction materials. The authors propose different solutions to make the concrete industry more environmentally friendly in order to reduce greenhouse gases emissions and consumption of non-renewable resources. Part 1—the present paper—focuses on the use of binders alternative to Portland cement, including sulfoaluminate cements, alkali-activated materials, and geopolymers. Part 2 will be dedicated to traditional Portland-free binders and waste management and recycling in mortar and concrete production.
Longer stitch interval in the Krackow stitch for tendon graft fixation leads to poorer biomechanical property
Authors: Hong Chih-Kai , Lin Cheng-Li , Kuan Fa-Chuan , Wang Ping-Hui , Yeh Ming-Long , Su Wei-Ren
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of different intervals between stitch throws on tendon graft fixation with the Krackow stitch.

Methods:

Forty-four porcine flexor profundus tendons were randomly divided into four groups of 11 specimens each. The Krackow stitch with various stitch intervals (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 mm) were evaluated, and named the K-2.5, K-5.0, K-7.5, and K-10.0 groups, respectively. A braided nonabsorbable suture was used to complete each suture-tendon construct. All specimens were pretensioned to 100 N for three cycles, cyclically loaded from 50 to 200 N for 200 cycles, and then finally loaded to failure. Elongation after cyclic loading, ultimate load to failure, and the mode of failure were recorded.

Results:

There were significant differences in elongation after cyclic loading among the K-2.5 (31% ± 5%), K-5.0 (32% ± 4%), K-7.5 (34% ± 5%), and K-10.0 (41% ± 8%) groups ( p = 0.004); the post hoc analysis showed significantly smaller values in the K-2.5 and K-5.0 groups than in the K-10.0 group ( p = 0.002 and 0.003, respectively). The stitch interval was correlated with elongation after cyclic loading ( r = 0.52, p < 0.001). Ultimate loads to failure and cross-sectional area were not significantly different across the four groups.

Conclusion:

The Krackow stitch with stitch intervals of 2.5 and 5.0 mm had significantly smaller elongation after cyclic loading than with an interval of 10.0 mm in this porcine biomechanical study. The stitch interval was moderately correlated with elongation after cyclic loading.
Congenital pseudoarthrosis of the clavicle: Should we reconsider timing and fixation method?
Authors: Giwnewer Uriel , Rubin Guy , Dohovni Eithan , Rozen Nimrod , Bor Noam
Published: September 2018

Background:

Congenital pseudoarthrosis of the clavicle (CPC) is rare and may require treatment, usually because of an unacceptable appearance or occasionally because of pain in an adolescent patient. Spontaneous union is unknown, and consequently any desired union requires open reduction and bone grafting. Many authors recommend performing the operation at the age of 3–5 years and using different fixation methods. We present our experience with three cases and literature review in an attempt to further elucidate the appropriate timing of the procedure and the fixation method.

Methods:

This was a retrospective review of three cases presenting with pseudoarthrosis of the clavicle. All cases were treated by curettage of the pseudoarthrosis, with the void filled using full-thickness ileac crest autologous bone graft and bridging plate—one compression and two anatomical, at different ages. We performed a literature review with emphasis on timing of the procedure, fixation method and complications.

Results:

All patients healed with good callus formation. One patient (5-year-old female treated using a compression plate) experienced overlying skin irritation and underwent removal of the plate. There were no restriction of movement, pain or any other complaint on the final follow-up. We did not find any difference in the operating complexity at different ages, but when a compression plate was used, it had to be removed later due to bulging of the plate.

Discussion:

No clinical difference was observed between earlier and late operation. Therefore, we suggest performing a curettage of the pseudoarthrosis, gapping the void using autologous bone graft, and using an anatomical bridging plate.
A Systematic Summary of Systematic Reviews on the Topic of the Rotator Cuff
Authors: Jancuska Jeffrey , Matthews John , Miller Tyler , Kluczynski Melissa A. , Bisson Leslie J.
Published: September 2018

Background:

The number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses published on the rotator cuff (RC) has increased markedly.

Purpose:

To quantify the number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses published on the RC and to provide a qualitative summary of the literature.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic search for all systematic reviews and meta-analyses pertaining to the RC published between January 2007 and September 2017 was performed with PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Narrative reviews and non–English language articles were excluded.

Results:

A total of 1078 articles were found, of which 196 met the inclusion criteria. Included articles were summarized and divided into 15 topics: anatomy and function, histology and genetics, diagnosis, epidemiology, athletes, nonoperative versus operative treatment, surgical repair methods, concomitant conditions and surgical procedures, RC tears after total shoulder arthroplasty, biological augmentation, postoperative rehabilitation, outcomes and complications, patient-reported outcome measures, cost-effectiveness of RC repair, and quality of randomized controlled trials.

Conclusion:

A qualitative summary of the systematic reviews and meta-analyses published on the RC can provide surgeons with a single source of the most current literature.
A Tipping Point in Listening Effort: Effects of Linguistic Complexity and Age-Related Hearing Loss on Sentence Comprehension
Authors: Ayasse Nicole D. , Wingfield Arthur
Published: September 2018

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the relationship between effort and performance. Early formulations implied that, as the challenge of a task increases, individuals will exert more effort, with resultant maintenance of stable performance. We report an experiment in which normal-hearing young adults, normal-hearing older adults, and older adults with age-related mild-to-moderate hearing loss were tested for comprehension of recorded sentences that varied the comprehension challenge in two ways. First, sentences were constructed that expressed their meaning either with a simpler subject-relative syntactic structure or a more computationally demanding object-relative structure. Second, for each sentence type, an adjectival phrase was inserted that created either a short or long gap in the sentence between the agent performing an action and the action being performed. The measurement of pupil dilation as an index of processing effort showed effort to increase with task difficulty until a difficulty tipping point was reached. Beyond this point, the measurement of pupil size revealed a commitment of effort by the two groups of older adults who failed to keep pace with task demands as evidenced by reduced comprehension accuracy. We take these pupillometry data as revealing a complex relationship between task difficulty, effort, and performance that might not otherwise appear from task performance alone.
Keeping It in the Fairway
Authors: Taylor Michel A. , Lachman James R. , Adams Samuel B. , Nunley James A. , DeOrio James K.
Published: September 2018

Background:

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) provides a surgical alternative to tibiotalar arthrodesis when treating end-stage ankle arthritis. TAA preserves range of motion at the tibiotalar joint leading to improved postoperative function. Many patients who undergo TAA wish to maintain a high level of activity, including participation in low-impact sports such as golf. There are several studies in the total hip and total knee arthroplasty literature that have looked at the effect of total joint arthroplasty on golf handicap. We hypothesized that similar to hip and knee arthroplasty research, TAA is likely to result in a postoperative increase in golf handicap.

Methods:

After obtaining institutional review board approval, we retrospectively identified 60 patients (from 140 consecutive TAAs performed between August 2016 and February 2017) who had undergone TAA, played golf pre- and postoperatively, and had at least 1 year of postoperative follow-up. The average postoperative follow-up for the cohort was 28.1 months. Variables including preoperative and postoperative golf handicaps, swing laterality, age, gender, surgical laterality, implant used, and operating surgeon were recorded.

Results:

The average preoperative and postoperative handicaps were 19.7 and 17.9, respectively, which did not represent a statistically significant difference ( P = .07). Patients who played 3 or more rounds per week had better preoperative and postoperative handicaps compared to patients who played 2 rounds or less; however, the change in their handicap following TAA and the number of rounds played per week was not affected. There was no association between the change in handicap and the follow-up period, handedness of golf shot, surgical laterality, implant used, or the operating surgeon.

Conclusion:

Our findings showed that golf handicap was not negatively affected following TAA in this series.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Pilot Application of Varied Equipment and Procedural Techniques to Determine Clinical Blood Pressure Measurements
Authors: Mickley John P. , Evans Kevin D. , Tatarski Rachel L. , Sommerich Carolyn M.
Published: September 2018

High blood pressure, screened with a patient’s blood pressure (BP), is found in 1 out of 3 adults in the United States. A cohort of 39 participants had BP measured following the American Heart Association (AHA) protocol, utilizing three different measurement devices: manual sphygmomanometer (MA), automated Midmark IQ vitals (IQ), and an automated Omron home unit (OM). All subjects had BP measured with the IQ device while not adhering to the AHA protocol. Two protocols were denoted PR (protocol following AHA guidelines) or TY (lacking protocol). Results demonstrated a mean systolic BP with IQ-TY > OM-PR > IQ-PR > MA-PR, all (p≤0.01). The mean diastolic BP for IQ-TY > IQ-PR, OM-PR, and MA-PR, with IQ-TY significantly higher than the other 3 (p≤0.01). Comparing participants categorized in each hypertension stage, IQ-TY categorized 7participants as stage 1 hypertensive while OM-PR categorized 3, and both MA-PR and IQ-PR only categorized 1. Study results suggest a potential for possible misclassification of patients based on BP protocol.
Gonadotropin and steroid hormones regulate pluripotent very small embryonic-like stem cells in adult mouse uterine endometrium
Authors: James Kreema , Bhartiya Deepa , Ganguly Ranita , Kaushik Ankita , Gala Kavita , Singh Pushpa , Metkari S. M.
Published: September 2018

Background

Very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) exist in adult organs, express pluripotent markers and have the ability to differentiate into three germ layers in vitro. Testicular, ovarian and hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells express receptors for follicle stimulating (FSH) and ovarian hormones and are activated by them to undergo proliferation/differentiation. VSELs exist in mouse uterus and are regulated by physiological dose of estradiol (E) & progesterone (P) during endometrial growth, differentiation and regeneration/remodeling. In the present study, effects of daily administration of E (2 μg/day), P (1 mg/Kg/day) or FSH (5 IU/day) for 7 days on the endometrium and stem/progenitor cells was studied in bilaterally ovariectomized mice.

Results

E treatment resulted in hypertrophy whereas P resulted in hyperplasia and overcrowding of epithelial cells. FSH also directly stimulated the endometrial cells. Nuclear OCT-4A positive VSELs were visualized in ovariectomized (atrophied) endometrium and cytoplasmic OCT-4B positive epithelial, stromal and endothelial cells were observed after treatment. FSH treated uterine tissue showed presence of 4 alternately spliced FSHR isoforms by Western blotting. 3–5 μm VSELs with a surface phenotype of LIN-/CD45-/SCA-1+ were enumerated by flow cytometry and were found to express ER, PR, FSHR1 and FSHR3 by RT-PCR analysis. Differential effects of treatment were observed on pluripotent (Oct4A, Sox2, Nanog), progenitors (Oct-4, Sca-1), primordial germ cells (Stella, Fragilis) and proliferation (Pcna) specific transcripts by qRT-PCR analysis. FSH and P (rather than E) exerted profound, direct stimulatory effects on uterine VSELs. Asymmetric, symmetric divisions and clonal expansion of stem/progenitor cells was confirmed by co-expression of OCT-4 and NUMB.

Conclusions

Results confirm presence of VSELs and their regulation by circulatory hormones in mouse uterus. Stem cell activation was more prominent after P and FSH compared to E treatment. The results question whether epithelial cells proliferation is regulated by paracrine influence of stromal cells or due to direct action of hormones on stem cells. VSELs expressing nuclear OCT-4A are the most primitive and pluripotent stem cells, undergo asymmetric cell division to self-renew and differentiate into epithelial, stromal and endothelial cells with cytoplasmic OCT-4B. Role of follicle stimulating and steroid hormones on the stem cells needs to be studied in various uterine pathologies.
ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ И ПОЛУЧЕНИЕ СОРБЦИОННЫХ МАТЕРИАЛОВ НА ОСНОВЕ ТЕХНОЛОГИИ РЕЦИКЛИНГА ОТХОДОВ ТЕПЛОЭНЕРГЕТИЧЕСКОЙ ПРОМЫШЛЕННОСТИ
Authors: Dubrovskaya Olga Gennadievna , Eldarzade Elman Asif Ogly , Andrunyak Irina Vasilevna
Published: September 2018

Основной задачей, направленной на снижение экологического воздействия сточных вод предприятий ТЭК, является разработка систем оборотного водопользования. Однако возвратные воды часто не могут быть использованы для питания парогенераторов даже после очистки, так как в лучшем случае происходит удаление из конденсата неэмульгированных нефтепродуктов, оксидов железа и катионов растворенных солей металлов. Но, как правило, эти возвращаемые с производств конденсаты содержат вещества, совершенно не задерживаемые ни катионированием, ни сорбцией, таким примером могут служить эмульгированные нефтепродукты, галогенопроизводные органические вещества. Если же и происходит незначительная сорбция этих веществ, то емкость таких материалов столь мала, что принимать ее во внимание не приходится. Сброс таких вод в дренаж вызовет лишь экономические потери, так как без тщательной очистки и предварительного охлаждения он запрещен. Важно, что обычными химическим и приборным контролем на ТЭС присутствие этих веществ не обнаруживается, так как они не меняют значения рН и электропроводности раствора. Такие соединения могут вызывать негативное воздействие на работу инженерных коммуникаций и теплосилового оборудования: в парогенераторах, подвергаясь гидролизу, они могут действовать как сильные кислоты, усиливать вспенивание и вызывать загрязнение пара, участвовать в формировании накипей [1].Цель: получить и исследовать сорбционные свойства загрузочного материала из отхода угледобычи. Модернизировать стандартную систему фильтрационного блока путем внедрения как новых конструкционных параметров фильтровальных установок, так и использования фильтрационных загрузок с высокими сорбционными показателями. Обосновать с точки зрения экологичесности и ресурсосбережения данного материала.Метод или методология проведения работы: при исследовании использовались стандартные методики оценки качества воды методы анализа сорбционных свойств материалов. Методы термографического анализа состава глиежа, методы математического моделирования и интерпретации результатов исследования.Результаты: получен сорбционный материал, исследованы оптимальные режимы активации сорбента, эффективность и селективность сорбции при различных температурах и pH.Область применения результатов: Результаты данного исследования могут быть применены в фильтрационных установках предприятий ТЭК с целью очистки сточной воды от нефтепрродуктов и тяжелых металлов.