bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health promotion policies in the Republic of Korea and Japan: A comparative study
Authors: Nam Eun Woo , Hasegawa Toshihiko , Davies John Kenneth , Ikeda Nayu
Published: June 2018

Health promotion strategies have been developed and implemented in some Asian countries, particularly in the Republic of Korea (Korea) and Japan. It would help to understand features of health promotion in each country to compare health promotion strategies between them. In this study, using categories developed by HP-Source.net, we conducted a comparative analysis of health promotion strategies between Korea and Japan to understand features of health promotion in each country and contribute to the improvement of population health.

One of the goals of Health Plan 2010 is to assess its achievements with numerical targets, which is also the case in Japan. One of the important discussion points involves a decision on the optimal number of targets for evaluation.

There is a major difference in the funding of health promotion activities between Korea and Japan. They are financed through the general account in Japan, while in Korea a foundation for health promotion has been established and the income from tobacco tax is ring-fenced for this fund.

The database and methodology of HP-Source needs adaptation for global use. We encountered some disadvantages in using its current framework for comparing and analysing information on health promotion in Korea and Japan.

It has been recognised that HP-Source could influence the development and implementation of health promotion strategies in other parts of the world. Health promotion tools can help decision makers, planners and researchers to formulate and enhance comprehensive plans.

In this study we learned many lessons in expanding policy tools outside of one region to aid the global development of effective health promotion policy and practice.
Evaluation of Easy-to-read Information Material on Healthy Life-styles Written with the Help of Citizens’ Collaboration through Networking
Authors: Daghio M. Monica , Fattori Giuseppe , Ciardullo Anna V.
Published: June 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate if easy-to-read information material on the prevention of chronic-degenerative diseases through healthy lifestyle co-written by communicators, educators, physicians and citizens –using a networking strategy– could be judged comprehensible. Readability scores were computed. The survey involved 100 individuals attending our centralized booking centre for medical appointments during an “index week”. They filled out an anonymous questionnaire, just before and after they had read the material. Readability and comprehensibility frequencies were calculated. The participants had a mean age of 59.1 ±15.1 (SD) years (range 19–81yrs), 62% were females. Twenty-six percent of them had received no education, 30% “primary”, 28% “secondary”, and 14% had a “degree”. According to readability scores, the booklet was “readable” by all persons who had finished primary school. Of the 100 participants, 40 percent found the booklet's language to be “easy” or “very easy”, 46% “sufficiently easy”, and 14% “difficult” for laypersons to understand. Ninety-four percent of them found no unintelligible words in the text. Education levels showed no differences. Readers’ answers were more correct after they had read the booklet. The pre-test showed that 61 ±26% of the readers answered the comprehensibility items correctly. After reading the booklet, 81+17% of them gave correct answers. The after-minus-before net increase in knowledge was +20% (95% CIs +8 to +32%). The booklet was designed and written using a networking strategy with the help of the local population. It was found to be easy to read and quite clear.
The use of emerging technology to build health promotion capacity in regions with diversity in language and culture
Authors: Perry Martha W. , Mittelmark Maurice B.
Published: June 2018

Today in the human development arena, three actors play complementary, sometimes competing, and even conflicting roles on the world stage: governments, commercial enterprises and non-governmental organisations. Given their mission and available resources, each of these interact in different ways between each other, but have the same basis and needs for communication among each other. Two of the factors that come into play in these actors’ operations are technology and internationalisation. We currently live the digital era brought on by the technological revolution. This has provided international actors with speed and flexibility over traditional communication formats to disseminate their work and collaborate more closely in real time and across geographical, cultural and language barriers. In order to be efficient and effective, these actors have begun and must continue to engage in this global transformation.

All this is relevant to the IUHPE as a global organisation with members in over 90 countries. The hundreds of cultures and languages of our members enrich our ability to advocate for health in every corner of the world. However, our diversity can hinder our effectiveness. Language barriers separating even neighbours can make collaborative work difficult. There are several solutions that the IUHPE is adopting to bridge this divide, among them, using Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Within this context, this paper examines the different multi-dimensional dialogue and information platforms offered by ICTs today and its future developments. This will include advantages and limitations with regard to both technological and financial nuances. The use of technology will be defined in relation to the implications for knowledge acquisition, conversation and action. The scenarios include the web as a global resource database and ICTs, including machine translation, for one-on-one and multi-party communication.

In a world that is increasingly entwined across borders, technology provides organisations with the opportunity to communicate more efficiently and effectively than at any time in history. By adopting new ICTs the IUHPE places itself on the avantguard of internal and external communications and in comparative advantage to influence the other two major global actors.
The Well-being Profile - an Internet Tool for School Health Promotion
Authors: Lintonen Tomi , Konu A.I.
Published: June 2018

For years, the WHO has, in accordance with the ‘settings’ idea, encouraged a whole school approach when trying to promote health and well-being in schools. This developmental study analyses the implementation and pilot phase experiences of a holistic well-being evaluation tool for schools, the School Well-being Profile, on the Internet. The Profile is based on the theoretically established School Well-being Model. The School Well-being Profile consists of electronic survey forms and an automatic facility that analyses and produces results on the data in graphic and numeric form. After the data has been entered, the primary user within the school can immediately view and print out the results. The figures can be compared with the averages of all schools to pinpoint areas where well-being is different from that in the other schools. The Profile resides on a Finnish National Board of Education server ( www2.edu.fi/hyvinvointiprofiili ) and its use is free of charge for all schools. The Profile became popular in its first year: it was used by 33 primary schools, 28 lower secondary schools and 9 upper secondary schools with a total of 9,169 respondents. Overall, 94% of the students and 99% of the personnel expressed that it had been at least fairly easy to fill in the questionnaire. The paper shows that theoretical research in health promotion can effectively be put into practice using information technology tools. The project that produced the School Well-being Profile ended in 2004, yet the WWW-Profile continues to gain new users. The school administrators, personnel and students have found the Profile easy to use and worth the time and effort invested by the school. The strategies adopted in the design and dissemination of the Profile seem to have been successful in providing a sustainable resource to contribute to the future promotion of well-being in schools.
Identifying and Strengthening the Structural Roots of Urban Health in Canada: Participatory Policy Research and the Urban Health Agenda
Authors: Bryant Toba , Raphael Dennis , Travers Robb
Published: June 2018

An urban health research agenda for health promoters is presented. In Canada, urban issues are emerging as a major concern of policy makers. The voices raising these issues are from the non-health sectors, but many of these issues such as increasing income inequality and poverty, homelessness and housing insecurity, and social exclusion of youth, immigrants, and ethno-racial minorities have strong health implications as they are important social determinants of health. Emphasis on these and other social determinants of health and the policy decisions that strengthen or weaken them is timely as the quality of Canadian urban environments has become especially problematic. We argue for a participatory urban health research and action agenda with four components: a) an emphasis on health promotion and the social determinants of health; b) community-based participatory research; and c) drawing on the lived experience of people to influence d) policy analysis and policy change. Urban health researchers and promoters are urged to draw upon new developments in population health and community-based health promotion theory and research to identify and strengthen the roots of urban health through citizen action on public policy.
Health-Enhancing Physical Activity and Health-Related Risk in a Sample of North Mexican, Office-Based Employees
Authors: Gilson Nicholas David
Published: June 2018

Levels of hypertension, obesity and raised total cholesterol are increasing in Mexico. Mexicans employed within sedentary occupations may be particularly at risk of developing one, or a clustering of these health-related risk factors, due to lack of participation in health enhancing physical activity (HEPA). The purpose of this study is to examine: a) prevalence rates of hypertension, obesity and raised total cholesterol, and b) the link between these variables and HEPA, in a sample of North Mexican, office-based employees. Methods include an assessment of systolic/diastolic blood pressure,% body fat, total cholesterol and HEPA (7-day self-report) in 47 men (33±10 years) and 43 women (28±7 years) from Monterrey, a large industrial city in the Northeast of Mexico. Values were compared against recognised health-related thresholds to determine prevalence rates of individual health-related risk factors, along with clustering of two or more risk factors. Relationships between variables were analysed using Pearson product moment correlation. The results show Men had a high prevalence of obesity (32%) and raised total cholesterol (44%), while women's rates were lower (7% and 10% respectively). More men (59%) than women (17%) demonstrated a clustering of two or more risk factors. HEPA participation was low in both men (9%) and women (16%). A significant relationship was found between men's HEPA and % body fat (r=-0.31; p<0.05). Conclusions: The high levels of inactivity found in both men and women were cause for concern, suggesting the need for innovative intervention approaches, which aim to integrate physical activity into busy working lives.
Effectiveness of a Preventive Educational Programme on the Oral Health of Preschool Children
Authors: Hochstetter Alicia S. , Lombardo Maria Josefina , D'eramo Luciana , Piovano Susana , Bordoni Noemi
Published: June 2018

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of a preventive-educational programme in a group of preschool children. The study's population group comprised 58 four-year-old children, with a mean age of 4.17±0.27. Plaque index and gingival index were determined, and a dental examination was performed. The children were randomly assigned to one of two groups: experimental and control. The experimental group received the educational component of the programme which was for children, parents and teachers. The preventive programme was applied to both groups and included topical application of 1.23% acidulated fluoride phosphate, pH 3.5, every 6 months. Outcomes were measured on day 8 and after 6 and 12 months under similar conditions to those at baseline. Results showed a significant decrease in gingival index and plaque index values and no significant increase in decay in the experimental group. The control group showed a significant increase in gingival index, plaque index, and decayed surfaces.
Training Practitioners in Evidence-Based Chronic Disease Prevention for Global Health
Authors: Brownson Ross C. , Diem Gunter , Grabauskas Vilius , Legetic Branka , Potemkina Rimma , Shatchkute Aushra , Baker Elizabeth A. , Campbell Claudia R. , Leet Terry L. , Nissinen Aulikki , Siegel Paul Z. , Stachenko Sylvie , True William R. , Waller Michael
Published: June 2018

Too often, public health decisions are based on short-term demands rather than long-term research and objectives. Policies and programmes are sometimes developed around anecdotal evidence. The Evidence-Based Public Health (EBPH) programme trains public health practitioners to use a comprehensive, scientific approach when developing and evaluating chronic disease programmes. Begun in 2002, the EBPH programme is an international collaboration. The course is organized in seven parts to teach skills in: 1) assessing a community's needs; 2) quantifying the issue; 3) developing a concise statement of the issue; 4) determining what is known about the issue by reviewing the scientific literature; 5) developing and prioritizing programme and policy options; 6) developing an action plan and implementing interventions; and 7) evaluating the programme or policy. The course takes an applied approach and emphasizes information that is readily available to busy practitioners, relying on experiential learning and includes lectures, practice exercises, and case studies. It focuses n using evidence-based tools and encourages participants to add to the evidence base in areas where intervention knowledge is sparse. Through this training programme, we educated practitioners from 38 countries in 4 continents. This article describes the evolution of the parent course and describes experiences implementing the course in the Russian Federation, Lithuania, and Chile. Lessons learned from replication of the course include the need to build a “critical mass” of public health officials trained in EBPH within each country and the importance of international, collaborative networks. Scientific and technologic advances provide unprecedented opportunities for public health professionals to enhance the practice of EBPH. To take full advantage of new technology and tools and to combat new health challenges, public health practitioners must continually improve their skills.
Does Hotel Ownership Structure Influence Capital Expenditures?
Authors: Kim Hong Soon , Jang SooCheong (Shawn)
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this article was to provide an understanding of the ownership effect on firm investment in the hotel industry. Specifically, a linear relationship between institutional ownership and firm investment was investigated, while a nonlinear relationship between managerial ownership and firm investment was tested based on the convergence of interest and managerial entrenchment hypotheses. This study used two-stage least square (2SLS) regression for the model estimation because an endogenous relationship was suspected between managerial ownership and firm investment. The results of this study confirmed a positive relationship between institutional ownership and firm investment and an inverted U-shaped relationship between managerial ownership and firm investment with a maxima of 17.34%. The results of this study imply that firm investment is dependent on ownership structure. Furthermore, current shareholders should consider granting a stock ownership to managers up to 17.34% to encourage them to act in shareholders’ best interest while avoiding additional issues associated with high managerial ownership. The findings of this study provided empirical evidence that conventional short-term institutional investors hold a long-term perspective when investing in hotel firms, and managerial ownership is an effective measure to mitigate agency problems. Theoretically, this study provided empirical evidence that firm ownership has a causal effect on firm investment in the hotel industry. This finding is expected to expand our understanding of the corporate governance effect on firm behavior. Furthermore, this study confirmed the use of 2SLS regression in the presence of an endogenous relationship between firm ownership and investment.
Analysis of People's Perceptions of Turtle Conservation Effectiveness for the Magdalena River Turtle Podocnemis lewyana and the Colombian Slider Trachemys callirostris in Northern Colombia: An Ethnozoological Approach
Authors: Vallejo-Betancur Margarita M. , Páez Vivian P. , Quan-Young Lizette I.
Published: June 2018

The endemic species Podocnemis lewyana, the Magdalena River turtle, is listed worldwide as one of the turtle species at highest risk of extinction, and Trachemys callirostris, the Colombian slider, is the most trafficked turtle species in Colombia. An ethnozoological approach was used to analyze people's attitudes and perceptions on the effectiveness of conservation programs for these species and to identify conservation measures that would contribute to turtle population sustainability. Available statistics on turtle trade were also used as complementary information. We interviewed local residents who were exposed ( n = 50) and not exposed ( n = 50) to turtle conservation initiatives. When evaluating the two focal turtle species, we found differences in direct use between people exposed and not exposed to conservation programs, where people exposed to conservation initiatives made less direct use of these focal species. However, when other sympatric turtle species were considered, there were no significant differences in levels of turtle exploitation between people exposed and not exposed to conservation programs. Thus, successfully reducing the consumption of a focal turtle species might lead to an increased use of other local turtle species. Almost all interviewed locals were aware of turtle population declines, with the perceived most serious risk to turtle species reported being habitat loss and degradation followed by human consumption. Regarding turtle trade, we did not find significant differences between the two groups. Illegal trade levels in 2010 were 6.5 greater compared to 2016. We propose several new directions for turtle management and conservation of these species.
Administrator Leadership Styles and Their Impact on School Nursing Part II. A High-Performance School Nurse-Building Administrator Relationship Model
Authors: Davis Charles R. , Lynch Erik J.
Published: June 2018

There is a significant disparity in roles, responsibilities, education, training, and expertise between the school nurse and building administrator. Because of this disparity, a natural chasm must be bridged to optimize student health, safety, well-being, and achievement in the classroom while meeting the individual needs of both professionals. This article constructs and presents a new school nurse-building administrator relationship model, the foundation of which is formed from the pioneering and seminal work on high-performance professional relationships and outcomes of Lewin and Drucker. The authors posit that this new model provides the framework for successful school nurse-building administrator interactions that will lead to optimal student outcomes.
Leadership Development Through Design and Experimentation: Learning in a Research–Practice Partnership
Authors: Rigby Jessica G. , Forman Stephanie , Fox Alison , Kazemi Elham
Published: June 2018

A core function of district leadership is providing instructional vision and support for school leaders and teachers. In this article, a Research–Practice Partnership focused on the improvement of elementary mathematics teaching and learning provides the context to study leadership development. We examine the process of one design team within the Research–Practice Partnership consisting of district leaders and university researchers using organizational learning. We found that as the team iteratively negotiated the design and implementation of a practical measure aimed at assessing and improving elementary mathematics instruction system-wide, the team’s learning transformed the tools and routines of its work.
Eccentric, mature osseous cap: A distinct imaging feature of sinonasal osteoblastoma
Authors: Dua Sumeet G. , Locker Philip H. , Rossi Isolina R. , Jandali Danny , Gattuso Paulo , Batra Pete S. , Tajudeen Bobby A.
Published: June 2018

Background:

With the exception of osteomas, bone neoplasms that originate in the sinonasal cavity are seldom diagnosed on preoperative imaging due to a lack of characteristic radiographic features. Here we described the unusual occurrence of an osteoblastoma in the paranasal sinuses, and we drew focus to its salient imaging features. A highly unique imaging sign was indicated, and its pathologic basis was explained, with concurrent review of the literature.

Methods:

Case series and review of the literature.

Results:

Two cases of sinonasal osteoblastoma were managed by definitive surgical resection. Both tumors on preoperative computed tomography demonstrated an expansile, heterogeneous fibro-osseous lesion with an eccentric, mature osseous cap. The dense osseous cap seen on imaging corresponded to a rim of mature bone on histopathology. A review of existing literature revealed the presence of this imaging sign in all reported cases.

Conclusion:

Sinonasal osteoblastoma is an extremely rare entity with undefined imaging characteristics to guide preoperative decision-making. Here we reported, to our knowledge, the first description of a characteristic imaging sign of an eccentric, mature osseous cap, which corresponded histologically to a single peripheral layer rim of osteoblasts, a unique trait of osteoblastoma.
Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea have increased paroxysmal limb movement
Authors: Mahdavinia Mahboobeh , Hui Jessica W. , Zitun Mohamed , Lastra Alejandra , Herdegen James J. , Codispoti Christopher D. , Khan Rafsa J. , LoSavio Phillip S. , Batra Pete S.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) frequently experience sleep disruption and are at a higher than normal risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The purpose of this study was to determine how CRS affects polysomnography findings and sleep-related breathing in OSA.

Methods:

A cohort study was performed that included 107 adult patients with CRS and comorbid OSA (CRS+OSA group) and 137 patients with OSA and without CRS as the control group. An electronic medical records database was used to identify eligible subjects. Comorbid conditions and polysomnography data were compared between the two groups by using logistic and linear regression analyses.

Results:

A total of 246 patients were included: 107 patients in the CRS+OSA group and 137 patients with OSA and without CRS in the control group. After adjusting for demographic factors, the patients in the CRS+OSA group had a lower body mass index (BMI) and higher age at the time of diagnosis of OSA (p < 0.001). The patients in the CRS+OSA group had higher odds of having asthma and eczema. There was an increase in the periodic limb movement (PLM) index in the CRS+OSA group. Apnea and hypopnea indices were similar in the two groups.

Conclusion:

Patients with CRS developed OSA at a lower BMI; patients CRS and OSA had similar sleep-related breathing patterns but higher risks for PLMs compared with patients with OSA and without CRS.
Interleukin (IL) 36 gamma induces mucin 5AC, oligomeric mucus/gel-forming expression via IL-36 receptor–extracellular signal regulated kinase 1 and 2, and p38–nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells in human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Bae Chang Hoon , Choi Yoon Seok , Na Hyung Gyun , Song Si-Youn , Kim Yong-Dae
Published: June 2018

Background:

Mucin 5AC, oligomeric mucus/gel-forming (MUC5AC) expression is significantly increased in allergic and inflammatory airway diseases. Interleukin (IL) 36 gamma is predominantly expressed in airway epithelial cells and plays an important role in innate and adaptive immune responses. IL-36 gamma is induced by many inflammatory mediators, including cytokines and bacterial and viral infections. However, the association between IL-36 gamma and mucin secretion in human airway epithelial cells has not yet been fully investigated.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to determine whether IL-36 gamma might play a role in the regulation of mucin secretion in airway epithelial cells. We investigated the effect and brief signaling pathway of IL-36 gamma on MUC5AC expression in human airway epithelial cells.

Methods:

Enzyme immunoassay, immunoblot analysis, immunofluorescence staining, reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and real-time PCR were performed in mucin-producing human airway epithelial NCI-H292 cells and in human nasal epithelial cells after pretreatment with IL-36 gamma, several specific inhibitors, or small interfering RNAs (siRNA).

Results:

IL-36 gamma induced MUC5AC expression and activated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) 1 and 2, p38, and nuclear factor-kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF–kappa B). IL-36 receptor antagonist significantly attenuated these effects. The specific inhibitor and siRNA of ERK1, ERK2, p38, and NF–kappa B significantly attenuated IL-36 gamma induced MUC5AC expression.

Conclusion:

These results indicated that IL-36 gamma induced MUC5AC expression via the IL-36 receptor–mediated ERK1/2 and p38/NF–kappa B pathway in human airway epithelial cells.
Histopathology in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Varies With Sinus Culture
Authors: Heilingoetter Ashley L. , Tajudeen Bobby , Kuhar Hannah N. , Gattuso Paolo , Ghai Ritu , Mahdavinia Mahboobeh , Batra Pete S.
Published: June 2018

Background

Structured histopathology reporting facilitates better understanding of the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms of chronic rhinosinusitis. The microbiology of chronic rhinosinusitis has been studied extensively; however, distinct histopathologic changes associated with bacteria isolated in chronic rhinosinusitis are largely unknown.

Objective

The goal of this study is to better understand the relationship between culturable bacteria and histopathology in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Methods

A structured histopathology report was utilized to analyze sinus tissue removed during functional endoscopic sinus surgery in a group of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis refractory to medical therapy. Patients with cystic fibrosis or ciliary dysfunction were excluded. Histology variables included eosinophil count per high-power field, neutrophil infiltrate, basement membrane thickening, subepithelial edema, hyperplastic/papillary changes, mucosal ulceration, squamous metaplasia, fibrosis, fungal elements, Charcot-Leyden crystals, and eosinophil aggregates. Baseline Lund-Mackay score and Sinonasal Outcome Test 22 score were also collected. The association of culture data with the aforementioned variables was assessed.

Results

A total of 59 chronic rhinosinusitis patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery were included. Chronic rhinosinusitis patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa had significantly increased neutrophil infiltrate (71.4% vs. 26.9%, p = 0.048), subepithelial edema (28.6% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.047), and a trend toward increased fungal elements (28.6% vs. 5.8%, p = 0.071). Chronic rhinosinusitis patients with Staphylococcus aureus had significantly more hyperplastic changes (20% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.050) and a trend toward increased squamous metaplasia (33.3% vs. 14.2%, p = 0.069).

Conclusion

Distinct histopathologic changes were noted based on sinus culture data for S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. These findings may have important implications on the extent of surgical management and prognosis after surgery.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Symptoms, Endoscopy, and Imaging Signs of Chronic Rhinosinusitis Without Nasal Polyps Compared to Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Koskinen A. , Numminen J. , Markkola A. , Karjalainen J. , Karstila T. , Seppälä M. , Julkunen A. , Lemmetyinen R. , Pekkanen J. , Rautiainen M. , Dastidar P. , Hytönen M. , Toppila-Salmi S.
Published: June 2018

Objectives

The diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) and distinguishing it from allergic rhinitis is difficult. Yet, early detection of CRSsNP is important to prevent progressive and severe chronic rhinosinusitis. Our aim was to compare diagnostic accuracy of symptoms, endoscopy, and imaging signs of CRSsNP and allergic rhinitis -only phenotypes.

Setting

Prospective controlled follow-up study.

Participants

Forty-two nonsmoking patients visiting tertiary care due to CRSsNP and 19 nonsmoking volunteer controls with allergic rhinitis filled a symptoms questionnaire and underwent nasal endoscopy off-seasonally. All CRSsNP patients underwent computed tomography scans of paranasal sinuses. All the allergic rhinitis control subjects and 14 of the CRSsNP patients underwent sinus magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Radiologic Lund–Mackay score, duration of symptoms, visual analogue scale scores of symptoms, and Sinonasal Outcome Test 22 were significantly higher in the CRSsNP group compared to allergic rhinitis control group. These factors also correlated in part with each other. Endoscopic score did not correlate with other factors, nor did it differ between CRSsNP and allergic rhinitis groups. The highest area under curve value was demonstrated for visual analogue scale score of facial pain/pressure (0.93) and score ≥4/10 showed 60% sensitivity and 95% specificity for detecting CRSsNP group ( P < .001). Radiologic sign of obstructed osteomeatal complex showed 100% specificity and 38% sensitivity for detecting CRSsNP group ( P < .001).

Conclusions

CRSsNP phenotype could be primarily distinguished from allergic rhinitis by higher facial pain/pressure score and secondarily by radiologic sings of obstructed ostiomeatal complex and higher Lund–Mackay score. Endoscopic score has limited value in distinguishing CRSsNP from allergic rhinitis.
Clinical Effect of Endoscopic Vidian Neurectomy on Bronchial Asthma Outcomes in Patients with Coexisting Refractory Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma
Authors: Ai Jingang , Xie Zuozhong , Qing Xiang , Li Wei , Liu Honghui , Wang Tiansheng , Tan Guolin
Published: June 2018

Background

The prevalence of both allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma is high throughout the world; their mutual influence on each other has been documented in many studies. However, studies regarding surgical intervention are limited.

Objective

To evaluate the clinical significance of endoscopic vidian neurectomy on bronchial asthma outcomes in patients with coexisting refractory allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Methods

A total of 109 patients with moderate to severe persistent intractable allergic rhinitis and mild/moderate asthma were allocated to the bilateral endoscopic vidian neurectomy group (group 1) or conservative medication group (group 2) according to the patients’ self-selection. The Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, Visual Analog Scale, Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, Total Asthma Symptom Score, and medication scores were evaluated at six months, one year, and three years after undergoing the initial treatments. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine which triggers of asthma attacks were associated with improved asthma outcomes in patients.

Results

Ninety-five patients were followed up for at least three years. Postoperative scores of Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire and Visual Analog Scale were significantly lower than preoperative scores during follow-up in group 1 and were significantly lower than those of group 2. Postoperative scores of Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire at the three follow-up time points were higher than the preoperative scores in group 1. The Total Asthma Symptom Score was not significantly decreased in group 1. The medication scores for allergic rhinitis and asthma were gradually reduced after surgery. At the end of the follow-up, the improvement rates for allergic rhinitis and asthma were 90.6% and 45.3%, respectively. Asthma outcomes were significantly improved by controlling rhinitis symptoms in patients whose asthma attacks were induced by “rhinitis onset” or “weather change.”

Conclusion

Controlling allergic rhinitis symptoms by bilateral endoscopic vidian neurectomy can significantly improve asthma outcomes in patients whose asthma attacks are induced by rhinitis onset and/or cold air.
A Three-Year Course of House Dust Mite Sublingual Immunotherapy Appears Effective in Controlling the Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Novakova Silviya M. , Novakova Plamena I. , Yakovliev Plamen H. , Staevska Maria T. , Mateva Nonka G. , Dimcheva Teodora D. , Peichev Jivko L.
Published: June 2018

Background

Allergic rhinitis is the most common allergic disorder. Although the management of the disease is successful in many patients, based on guidelines, some of them remain with symptoms uncontrolled with pharmacotherapy. Presently, there is no substantiated information on the control of allergic rhinitis in patients who underwent sublingual immunotherapy.

Objective

The purpose of this prospective follow-up study was to assess the control of allergic rhinitis in adults after a three-year course of house dust mite sublingual immunotherapy.

Methods

This prospective real-life study was designed to include adults with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis sensitized to house dust mite who underwent a three-year course of sublingual immunotherapy. Control of symptoms was assessed by Rhinitis Control Assessment Test (RCAT) after three years of house dust mite sublingual immunotherapy. Additionally, patients assessed their symptoms by utilizing a visual analog scale.

Results

A total number of 86 consecutively enrolled patients (46 (53.49%) men; mean age 26.10 years (SD = 5.85)) with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis and clinically relevant sensitization to house dust mite were evaluated. When assessed by RCAT on the third year, 74 (86.05%) had well-controlled symptoms and 20 (27.03%) of them were completely controlled. A significant reduction in visual analog scale scores—from 7.52 cm at baseline to 2.31 cm—was established ( P < 0.0001). There was a strong negative correlation between RCAT scores and visual analog scale (r = −0.65; P < 0.01).

Conclusion

This study provided evidence that a three-year course of house dust mite sublingual immunotherapy appears effective in controlling the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Diagnostic Value of Nasal Cytology in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Assessed by a Liquid-based Cytological Technique
Authors: She Wenyu , Yang Jun , Wang Chengshuo , Zhang Luo
Published: June 2018

Back ground:

Nasal cytology has generally been employed as a useful diagnostic tool in the differentiation of rhinopathies.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the extent and diagnostic value of inflammation of nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa in chronic rhinosinusitis patients by employing a combination of nasal brushings and a liquid-based cytological technique.

Methods

Forty-eight patients with chronic sinusitis and 20 control subjects without any sign of sinusitis undergoing endoscopic surgery, although not all underwent endoscopic sinus surgery, were recruited to the study. Nasal cytology samples were collected from all subjects using nasal brush and processed a liquid-based cytological technique for evaluation of total and differential inflammatory cell counts. Biopsies were also taken from the inferior turbinates from its anterior margin in all subjects and from identical lateral maxillary sinus mucosa in patients with chronic sinusitis during surgery and routinely processed for staining and evaluation of inflammatory cells.

Results

Total and individual inflammatory cell counts in nasal brushings were significantly correlated with the respective inflammatory cell counts in biopsies obtained from the inferior turbinate (eosinophils: r = .519 and P = .016; neutrophils: r = .540 and P = .012; lymphocytes: r = .540 and P = .011) but not in biopsies obtained from the maxillary sinus. No correlation was observed between the inflammatory cells in biopsies from the inferior turbinate and biopsies from the maxillary sinus. The liquid-based cytological technique showed higher sensitivity (94.1%), specificity (76.9%), and positive predictive value (84.2%) for inflammation in the inferior turbinates than for inflammation in the maxillary sinus (sensitivity = 63.4% and positive predictive value = 63.4%).

Conclusion

Nasal cytology evaluated by use of nasal brushings processed by a liquid-based cytological technique is likely to have higher diagnostic value for the inflammatory response in noninfectious rhinitis than in chronic rhinosinusitis.
Acetylcholine-induced Ciliary Beat of the Human Nasal Mucosa Is Regulated by the Pannexin-1 Channel and Purinergic P2X Receptor
Authors: Do Ba H. , Ohbuchi Toyoaki , Wakasugi Tetsuro , Koizumi Hiroki , Yokoyama Mitsuru , Hohchi Nobusuke , Suzuki Hideaki
Published: June 2018

Background

Airway mucociliary transport is an important function for the clearance of inhaled foreign particulates in the respiratory tract. The present study aimed at investigating the regulatory mechanism of acetylcholine (Ach)-induced ciliary beat of the human nasal mucosa in ex vivo.

Methods

The inferior turbinate mucosa was collected from patients with chronic hypertrophic rhinitis during endoscopic surgery. The mucosa was cut into thin strips, and ciliary movement was observed under a phase-contrast light microscope with a high-speed digital video camera. The sample was alternatively subjected to scanning electron microscopic observation.

Results

Cilia on the turbinate epithelium were well preserved at the ultrastructural level. The baseline ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was 6.45 ± 0.32 Hz. CBF was significantly increased by stimulation with 100 µM Ach and 100 µM adenosine triphosphate. The Ach-induced CBF increase was completely inhibited by removing extracellular Ca2+. Significant inhibition of the Ach-induced CBF was also observed by the addition of 1 µM atropine, 40 µM 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (inositol trisphosphate [IP3] receptor antagonist), 10 µM carbenoxolone (pannexin-1 blocker), 1 mM probenecid (pannexin-1 blocker), 100 µM pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-20,40-disulfonic acid (P2X antagonist), and 300 µM flufenamic acid (connexin blocker). Meanwhile, 30 nM bafilomycin A1 (vesicular transport inhibitor) did not inhibit the Ach-induced CBF increase. Conclusions: These results indicate that the regulatory mechanism of the Ach-induced ciliary beat is dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and involves the muscarinic Ach receptor, IP3 receptor, pannexin-1 channel, purinergic P2X receptor, and connexin channel. We proposed a tentative intracellular signaling pathway of the Ach-induced ciliary beat, in which the pannexin-1-P2X unit may play a central role in ciliary beat regulation.
Opioid Prescription Among Sinus Surgeons
Authors: Arianpour Khashayar , Nguyen Brandon , Yuhan Brian , Svider Peter F. , Eloy Jean Anderson , Folbe Adam J.
Published: June 2018

Background

Misuse and diversion of opioids have contributed to the U.S. opioid crisis, making an understanding of specialty-specific and procedure-specific trends essential.

Objective

The objective of this analysis was to evaluate nationwide trends in opioid prescribing patterns among sinus surgeons performing functional endoscopic sinus surgery and maxillary sinus balloon dilation, specifically examining factors associated with variations.

Methods

High-volume sinus surgeons were identified through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services database and cross-referenced against prescriptions to Medicare Part D beneficiaries during 2013 through 2015. Number of opioid prescriptions, prescription lengths, and demographic information were obtained.

Results

This cohort of 570 surgeons wrote 21,042 opioid prescriptions (5.4 days per prescription) in 2015, with 80.3% and 54.7% writing >10 and >25 prescriptions, respectively. Surgeons writing a greater amount of prescriptions wrote lengthier courses throughout all 3 years ( P = .01, P = .002, P = .003). Female otolaryngologists wrote lengthier prescriptions (6.2 vs 5.3 days, P = .01). Early career otolaryngologists (≤10 years) offered fewer prescriptions compared to those who had greater experience (31.1 vs 39.3, P = .02). Moreover, 73.6% of fellowship-trained otolaryngologists offered >10 prescriptions versus 82.7% of nonfellowship-trained otolaryngologists ( P = .02). Practitioners in the South on average prescribed the greatest amount of opioids ( P < .05).

Conclusion

A majority of sinus surgeons prescribe ≥25 opioid prescriptions annually, with otolaryngologists who write a greater amount of prescriptions writing lengthier courses. As the mean opioid prescription length is 5.4 days, recent legislation limiting opioid prescriptions to 5 days may only have a modest impact for preventing the diversion of perioperative opioid prescriptions. These data suggest further standardized guidelines may be beneficial in elucidating the appropriate indications for the prescription of opioids among sinus surgeons.
Clinical Predictors of Frontal Ostium Restenosis After Draf 3 Procedure for Refractory Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqing , Ye Ting , Huang Zhenxiao , Huang Qian , Xian Junfang , Li Jing , Zhou Bing
Published: June 2018

Background

The Draf 3 procedure has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of refractory frontal sinus disease. A variety of clinical factors may contribute to the change of frontal neo-ostium (FNO) area after this procedure. Imaging plays a vital role in the evaluation and follow-up after surgery and provides useful prognostic information.

Objectives

(1) To investigate the influence of local anatomic factors on FNO after a Draf 3 procedure by radiological measurements on imaging software and (2) to explore other predictive factors of FNO restenosis.

Methods

Twenty-four patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who underwent a Draf 3 procedure and were followed up for more than 12 months (2012–2014) were enrolled in this study. Data on patient demographics, medical history, and computed tomography scans were collected. Anatomic dimensions were measured with OsiriX® (Pixmeo, Geneva, Switzerland). Stenotic ostium was defined as a loss of more than 50% of the original intraoperative area. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess independent factors linked to frontal neo-osteogenesis 1 year after the surgery. A receiver operating characteristic curve was built for the cutoff value of preoperative dimension to predict restenosis of FNO area.

Results

A significant association was demonstrated between the minimum anteroposterior diameter (FOAPMIN) of the frontal ostium preoperatively and FNO area 1 year postoperatively. Multivariate linear regression showed that FOAPMIN of the frontal ostium preoperatively and the percentage of serum eosinophils (EOSs) correlated with the contour area of the FNO 1 year postoperatively. FOAPMIN ≤ 3.592 mm yielded a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 75% for the diagnosis of FNO restenosis.

Conclusions

Both FOAPMIN and EOS are independent predictors of the contour area of the FNO 1 year postoperatively. Patients with a higher risk of developing frontal ostium restenosis can be identified preoperatively by measurements of the frontal sinus anatomic dimensions.
When Do Intended Performance Standards Predict Goal-Related Affect? A Motivated-Reasoning Perspective
Authors: Sweeney Allison M. , Freitas Antonio L.
Published: June 2018

This research used intensive longitudinal methods to examine a motivated cognition perspective on intention–behavior discrepancies. We propose that under conditions of high performance, people are more inclined to evaluate their efforts in light of their intentions; thus, discrepancies between intentions and performance should have stronger impacts on goal-related affect under conditions of high (vs. low) performance. Secondary data analyses were conducted on two daily-diary studies in which participants reported their exercise, goal-related affect, and next-day intentions across 14 days. Under conditions of low performance, people felt negative about their performance irrespective of whether they typically set low versus high intentions. On days with high performance, average intentions significantly related to affect, such that those with low average intentions experienced the greatest satisfaction. Additionally, we observed that average (between-person) affect, but not within-person fluctuations in affect, predicted daily levels of exercise behavior. Implications for self-regulatory theories of affect are discussed.
Bone substitutes: a review of their characteristics, clinical use, and perspectives for large bone defects management
Authors: Fernandez de Grado Gabriel , Keller Laetitia , Idoux-Gillet Ysia , Wagner Quentin , Musset Anne-Marie , Benkirane-Jessel Nadia , Bornert Fabien , Offner Damien
Published: June 2018

Bone replacement might have been practiced for centuries with various materials of natural origin, but had rarely met success until the late 19th century. Nowadays, many different bone substitutes can be used. They can be either derived from biological products such as demineralized bone matrix, platelet-rich plasma, hydroxyapatite, adjunction of growth factors (like bone morphogenetic protein) or synthetic such as calcium sulfate, tri-calcium phosphate ceramics, bioactive glasses, or polymer-based substitutes. All these substitutes are not suitable for every clinical use, and they have to be chosen selectively depending on their purpose. Thus, this review aims to highlight the principal characteristics of the most commonly used bone substitutes and to give some directions concerning their clinical use, as spine fusion, open-wedge tibial osteotomy, long bone fracture, oral and maxillofacial surgery, or periodontal treatments. However, the main limitations to bone substitutes use remain the management of large defects and the lack of vascularization in their central part, which is likely to appear following their utilization. In the field of bone tissue engineering, developing porous synthetic substitutes able to support a faster and a wider vascularization within their structure seems to be a promising way of research.
Is Caravaggio a queer theologian? Paul’s conversion on the way to Damascus
Authors: Menéndez-Antuña Luis
Published: June 2018

Queer theology has not paid enough attention to queer sex, how queers understand sexual intimate relationships outside hetero/homonormative frameworks, and more importantly, what notions of relationality with Otherness undergird those experiences and practices. This contribution exemplifies a trajectory of visualization—a theoretically based approach to reading art—where the practices of barebacking and cruising in queer subcultures trigger a reading of Caravaggio’s Conversion on the Way the Damascus that, in turn, reads the biblical text (Acts 9) in terms of radical hospitality to Otherness. Barebacking and cruising as sexual practices documented in queer subcultures offer a framework to understand Caravaggio’s artwork as a theological source and as an interpretation of the biblical text.