bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Contribution to Variation in Risk Taking: A Functional MRI Twin Study of the Balloon Analogue Risk Task
Authors: Rao Li-Lin , Zhou Yuan , Zheng Dang , Yang Liu-Qing , Li Shu
Published: July 2018

Excessive risk-taking behaviors have been implicated as a potential endophenotype for substance use disorders and psychopathological gambling. However, the genetic and environmental influences on risk taking and the risk-related brain activations remain unclear. This study investigated the heritability of risk taking and the genetic influence on individual variation in risk-related brain activation. The Balloon Analogue Risk Task was used to assess individuals’ risk-taking behavior. In a sample of 244 pairs of young adult twins, we found that there was a moderate heritability (41%) of risk taking. Using voxel-level analysis, we found a moderate genetic influence on risk-related brain activation. We also found a moderate genetic correlation between risk-taking behavior and risk-related brain activation in the left insula, right striatum, and right superior parietal lobule in the active-choice condition. The present study provides important evidence for the genetic correlation between risk-taking behavior and risk-related brain activation.
Antiphospholipid antibodies in women with severe preeclampsia and placental insufficiency: a case-control study
Authors: Gibbins K J , Tebo A E , Nielsen S K , Branch D W
Published: July 2018

Objective

Preterm delivery for preeclampsia or placental insufficiency (PREPI) is a clinical criterion for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), but no prior prospective studies have used the international classification criteria for APS. Our objective is to determine the proportion of women with PREPI who test positive for aPL using international criteria for antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) assays.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, case-control study of 148 women delivered < 36 weeks because of PREPI compared to 148 controls. PREPI cases delivered < 36 weeks were compared to matched controls. Cases and controls were tested for aPL. Demographic variables were compared with chi-squared and Wilcoxon-rank-sum statistics. Rates of + aPL were compared using adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for maternal body mass index (BMI) and Caucasian race. Positive aPL (+aPL) was defined as lupus anticoagulant (LA), anticardiolipin (aCL) immunoglobulin G (IgG) (GPL) or immunoglobulin M (IgM) (MPL) ≥ 40, or anti-β2-glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI) IgG (SGU) or IgM (SMU) ≥ 40.

Results

Controls were more likely to be Caucasian (87% vs 70%, p = 0.006) and had lower BMIs (BMI 26 vs 33, p < 0.001). Positive aPL were found more commonly in cases than controls (11.5% vs 1.4%, aOR 8.9 (95% CI 1.9–41.4)). In + aPL cases, 76% had + LA, 41% had + aCL, and 24% had + aβ2GPI.

Conclusion

Women requiring early delivery for PREPI are more likely to have aPL (and thus APS) than controls. This is the first prospective study using both obstetric definitions and laboratory criteria in accordance with APS international criteria.
Factors associated with development and mortality of pulmonary hypertension in systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Kim J S , Kim D , Joo Y B , Won S , Lee J , Shin J , Bae S-C
Published: July 2018

Objectives

This study aims to identify the factors associated with the development and mortality of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of SLE patients in a single tertiary center. PH was defined as a systolic pulmonary arterial pressure ≥30 mmHg on transthoracic echocardiography. We assessed potential associated factors contributing to the development and mortality of PH in SLE patients.

Results

Of 1110 patients with SLE, 48 patients were identified to have PH. Multivariable analysis indicated that pleuritis or pericarditis (odds ratio (OR) = 4.62), anti-RNP antibody (OR = 2.42), interstitial lung disease (ILD) (OR = 8.34) and cerebro-cardiovascular disease (OR = 13.37) were independently associated with the development of PH in SLE. Subgroup analysis among patients with PH demonstrated that there were no statistically significant factors associated with PH mortality in SLE.

Conclusions

The prevalence of PH was 4.3% in our cohort. There were significant associations with pleuritis or pericarditis, anti-RNP antibody, ILD, and cerebro-cardiovascular disease in SLE, which may contribute to the development of PH. However, there were no statistically significant factors associated with PH mortality in SLE.
A novel measure of drug benefit–risk assessment based on Scale Loss Score
Authors: Saint-Hilary Gaelle , Robert Veronique , Gasparini Mauro , Jaki Thomas , Mozgunov Pavel
Published: July 2018

Quantitative methods have been proposed to assess and compare the benefit-risk balance of treatments. Among them, multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) is a popular decision tool as it permits to summarise the benefits and the risks of a drug in a single utility score, accounting for the preferences of the decision-makers. However, the utility score is often derived using a linear model which might lead to counter-intuitive conclusions; for example, drugs with no benefit or extreme risk could be recommended. Moreover, it assumes that the relative importance of benefits against risks is constant for all levels of benefit or risk, which might not hold for all drugs. We propose Scale Loss Score (SLoS) as a new tool for the benefit–risk assessment, which offers the same advantages as the linear multicriteria decision analysis utility score but has, in addition, desirable properties permitting to avoid recommendations of non-effective or extremely unsafe treatments, and to tolerate larger increases in risk for a given increase in benefit when the amount of benefit is small than when it is high. We present an application to a real case study on telithromycin in Community Acquired Pneumonia and Acute Bacterial Sinusitis, and we investigated the patterns of behaviour of Scale Loss Score, as compared to the linear multicriteria decision analysis, in a comprehensive simulation study.
Intensive care unit admission protocol controlled by intensivists can reduce transfer delays from the emergency department in critically ill patients
Authors: Kim Ji Eun , Lee Seul , Jeong Jinwoo , Lee Dong Hyun , Jeong Jin-Heon
Published: July 2018

Background:

Delayed transfer of patients from the emergency department to the intensive care unit is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Critically ill patients with delayed admission to the intensive care unit had higher in-hospital mortality and increased hospital length of stay.

Objectives:

We investigated the effects of an intensive care unit admission protocol controlled by intensivists on the emergency department length of stay among critically ill patients.

Methods:

We designed the intensive care unit admission protocol to reduce the emergency department length of stay in critically ill patients. Full-time intensivists determined intensive care unit admission priorities based on the severity of illness. Data were gathered from patients who were admitted from the emergency department to the intensive care unit between 1 April 2016 and 30 November 2016. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data and compared the emergency department length of stay between patients admitted from the emergency department to the intensive care unit before and after intervention.

Results:

We included 292 patients, 120 and 172 were admitted before and after application of the intensive care unit admission protocol, respectively. The demographic characteristics did not differ significantly between the groups. After intervention, the overall emergency department length of stay decreased significantly from 1045.5 (425.3–1665.3) min to 392.0 (279.3–686.8) min (p < 0.001). Intensive care unit length of stay also significantly decreased from 6.0 (4.0–11.8) days to 5.0 (3.0–10.0) days (p = 0.015).

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that introduction of the intensive care unit admission protocol controlled by intensivists successfully decreased the emergency department length of stay and intensive care unit length of stay among critically ill patients at our institution.
Trialing Virtual Intercultural Learning With Australian and Hong Kong Allied Health Students to Improve Cultural Competency
Authors: Hyett Nerida , Lee Ka Man , Knevel Ron , Fortune Tracy , Yau Matthew K. , Borkovic Shinead
Published: July 2018

Cultural competency, in increasingly globalized and cosmopolitan societies, is key to allied health graduate employability. Internationalization at Home initiatives that use virtual technologies have potential to facilitate transformative intercultural learning experiences and build cultural competency. The purpose of this study was to trial a virtual intercultural learning activity with Australian and Hong Kong undergraduate occupational therapy and oral health students to explore cultural competency learning. We utilized a mixed methods study design with quantitative pre- and postsurveys and qualitative group interviews. Study findings illustrate how the activity enabled students to practice and learn intercultural communication skills, gain greater awareness and appreciation for diversity at home and abroad, and engage in global citizenship learning. Educators are encouraged to utilize virtual learning spaces for creating meaningful and transformative cultural learning experiences that enhance graduate intercultural capabilities.
A historical review of the rise of tax effect accounting as a financial reporting norm
Authors: Morton Elizabeth Frances
Published: July 2018

This paper deals with one of the most long standing and contentious aspects of company financial reporting: tax effect accounting (TEA). The TEA “life cycle,” its transition from a novelty—emerging as what “ought” to happen due to the “issue” of a newly introduced and problematic corporate tax—to a taken for granted norm in contemporary accounting practice, is explored through a constructivist lens. This investigation reveals that a bundle of factors contributed to the norm’s legitimization, not simply the normative theory that TEA’s “normalising effect” improves the usefulness of financial reports by “correcting” misleading and “unreal” fluctuations in income tax. Once established, the profession can become “captive” by such history. This paper further illuminates TEA’s more recent re-orientation to the balance sheet approach as being consistent with a new emergent norm. This signals incongruence with being purported as a “more complete” reflection, given such a shift can be characterized as a secondary norm with a differentiated purpose.
Comparison of immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques using anti-lambda light chain antibodies for identification of immune complex deposits in canine renal biopsies
Authors: Wong Agnes , Cianciolo Rachel E.
Published: July 2018

Comprehensive renal biopsy evaluation of canine glomerular disease uses immunofluorescence (IF) labeling of fresh frozen tissue to detect immune complexes that are confirmed with transmission electron microscopy. This methodology requires the veterinarian to harvest additional tissue samples, whereas sections for immunohistochemistry (IHC) could be performed on paraffin sections. If adequate IHC labeling of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue was possible, the additional tissue samples would be unnecessary. We compared the specificity and sensitivity of IHC to IF for diagnosis of immune complex–mediated glomerulonephritis (ICGN). Commercial anti-canine IHC and IF antibodies targeting the lambda light chain component of immunoglobulins were evaluated, using previously diagnosed cases of ICGN and cases without immune complexes (non-ICGN). Because the pattern of IF labeling is crucial for accurate interpretation, sections were evaluated by a trained nephropathologist and a novice to assess the impact of experience in the diagnosis of ICGN. Unfortunately, our attempts to develop an IHC protocol that could improve the workflow for clinicians and laboratory personnel were unsuccessful; the IHC protocol did not demonstrate staining patterns that could be detected reliably by either evaluator. Moreover, the IHC antibody demonstrated abundant nonspecific staining in non-ICGN cases, and 60% of true ICGN cases were misdiagnosed as non-ICGN. We did not achieve a reliable IHC protocol for the anti-lambda light chain antibody and, therefore, IF for lambda light chain remains the method of choice for ICGN detection.
Living in Fear and Prioritizing Safety: Exploring Women’s Lives After Traumatic Brain Injury From Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Ivany Amanda St , Bullock Linda , Schminkey Donna , Wells Kristen , Sharps Phyllis , Kools Susan
Published: July 2018

There is increasing evidence that women are receiving a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during episodes of intimate partner violence (IPV), but little qualitative research exists around how surviving this experience impacts the lives of women. Primary and secondary data ( N = 19) were used with a constructivist grounded theory approach to explore the lives of women aged 18 to 44 years, who were living with a TBI from IPV. Women described multiple aspects of living in fear that shaped their daily lives and ability to seek help and access resources. The central process of prioritizing safety emerged, with salient dimensions of maintaining a present orientation, exhibiting hyperprotection of children, invoking isolation as protection, and calculating risk of death. These findings add to the growing body of knowledge that women living with IPV are at high risk for receiving a TBI and are therefore a subgroup in need of more prevention and treatment resources.
Factor Structure and Incremental Utility of the Distress Tolerance Scale: A Bifactor Analysis
Authors: Rogers Travis A. , Bardeen Joseph R. , Fergus Thomas A. , Benfer Natasha
Published: July 2018

The Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS) is a self-report measure of perceived capacity to withstand aversive emotions. Initial factor analysis of this measure suggested a structure comprising one higher-order factor and four lower-order domain-specific factors. However, there is limited evidence in support of the DTS’s purported multidimensionality, and despite use of the DTS subscales, research has yet to assess their incremental utility. The current investigation sought to rectify the paucity of evidence in support of the DTS’s factor structure and independent use of DTS subscales via bifactor analysis. In the present study ( N = 826 community adults), a bifactor model of the DTS provided the best fit to the data. However, an examination of statistical indices associated with bifactor modeling, as well as results from an examination of incremental utility, suggest that the domain-specific factors are largely redundant with the general factor and do not provide incremental utility in predicting relevant clinical constructs beyond the general factor. Measurement invariance between sexes was confirmed. Taken together, results support use of a DTS total score, but not subscale scores.
On the thermoelasticity with two porosities: asymptotic behaviour
Authors: Bazarra N. , Fernández J.R. , Leseduarte M.C. , Magaña A. , Quintanilla R.
Published: July 2018

In this paper we consider the one-dimensional version of thermoelasticity with two porous structures and porous dissipation on one or both of them. We first give an existence and uniqueness result by means of semigroup theory. Exponential decay of the solutions is obtained when porous dissipation is assumed for each porous structure. Later, we consider dissipation only on one of the porous structures and we prove that, under appropriate conditions on the coefficients, there exists undamped solutions. Therefore, asymptotic stability cannot be expected in general. However, we are able to give suitable sufficient conditions for the constitutive coefficients to guarantee the exponential decay of the solutions.
Simulation and experiment of viscous torque for disengaged wet clutches of tracked vehicle
Authors: Bin Wei , yongyong He , Wei Wang , jianbin Luo
Published: July 2018

In order to predict the viscous drag loss for tracked vehicles, the drag torque of the friction pair with different grooves was investigated in this paper. The traditional computation method is difficult to adapt for the new kinds of friction plates with complex grooves. A numerical method with the help of CFD models is adopted to simulate the fluid flow status in the grooves and the drag torque was obtained by the accumulation of the discrete viscous force. The simulation results implied that the plates with different kinds grooves were provided with various characteristics of viscous torque and these characteristics could be affected by the rotation direction for the plate with spiral grooves, which are proved in experiment. Meanwhile, it was also found that the two kinds of plates with double arc or spiral grooves, which have different sensitive parameters in drag dissipation, have to perform accurate flow control and clearance design respectively. The simulations and experiments showed that the ‘positive spiral grooves’ friction plates had minimum drag torque in regular heavy-duty conditions. It can be used in transmission system with requirements of limited space and high mobility, which can lead to better heat dissipation and less power loss.
Navigating the grey area: Game production between inspiration and imitation
Authors: van Roessel Lies , Katzenbach Christian
Published: July 2018

This article addresses the tension between inspiration and imitation in game production based on semi-structured interviews with 20 German game professionals. Building on empirical copyright research and game production studies, we look into how game professionals draw the line between illegitimate imitation and accepted inspiration in their daily practice and professional routines. Our findings show that developers disapprove of the wholesale copying of one of a game’s main components – even in the case of the game’s rule set, which is not protected by copyright. However, as soon as a component is slightly adjusted, a complex mix of game features and external circumstances guides their evaluation. In contrast to prevailing copyright debates, though, game professionals reject stricter intellectual property protection, as, from a systemic perspective, they are concerned about innovation and genre development.
Parental obligations, care and HIV treatment: How care for others motivates self-care in Zimbabwe
Authors: Skovdal Morten , Maswera Rufurwokuda , Kadzura Noah , Nyamukapa Constance , Rhead Rebecca , Wringe Alison , Gregson Simon
Published: July 2018

This article examines how parental obligations of care intersect with HIV treatment-seeking behaviours and retention. It draws on qualitative data from eastern Zimbabwe, produced from 65 interviews. Drawing on theories of practice and care ethics, our analysis revealed that norms of parental obligation and care acted as key motivators for ongoing engagement with HIV services and treatment. Parents’ attentiveness to the future needs of their children ( caring about), and sense of obligation ( taking care of) and improved ability to care ( caregiving) following treatment initiation, emerged as central to understanding their drive for self-care and engagement with HIV services.
Loss of loved ones or home due to a disaster: Effects over time on distress in immigrant ethnic minorities
Authors: Smid Geert E. , Drogendijk Annelieke N. , Knipscheer Jeroen , Boelen Paul A. , Kleber Rolf J.
Published: July 2018

Exposure to mass trauma may bring about increased sensitivity to new or ongoing stressors. It is unclear whether sensitivity to stress associated with ethnic minority/immigrant status may be affected by severe exposure to mass trauma. We examined whether the loss of loved ones or home due to a disaster is associated with more persistent disaster-related distress in ethnic minorities compared with Dutch natives in the Netherlands. In residents affected by a fireworks disaster ( N = 1029), we assessed disaster-related distress after 3 weeks, 18 months, and 4 years. The effects of loss of loved ones or home and ethnic minority/immigrant status on distress were analyzed using latent growth modeling. After controlling for age, gender, education, employment, and post-disaster stressful life events, the loss of loved ones was associated with more persistent disaster-related distress in ethnic minorities compared with natives at 18 months, and the loss of home was associated with more persistent disaster-related distress in ethnic minorities compared with natives between 18 months and 4 years. Our results suggest that the loss of loved ones may increase sensitivity to stress associated with ethnic minority/immigrant status during the early phase of adaptation to a disaster. Loss of home may lead to further resource loss and thereby increase sensitivity to stress associated with ethnic minority/immigrant status in the long term. Efforts to prevent stress-related psychopathology following mass trauma should specifically target ethnic minority groups, notably refugees and asylum seekers, who often experienced multiple losses of loved ones as well as their homes.
Health care utilization and spending among privately insured children with medical complexity
Authors: Walter Angela Wangari , Ellis Randall P , Yuan Yiyang
Published: July 2018

Children with medical complexity have high health service utilization and health expenditures that can impose significant financial burdens. This study examined these issues for families with children enrolled in US private health plans. Using IBM Watson/Truven Analytics℠ MarketScan® commercial claims and encounters data (2012–2014), we analyzed through regression models, the differences in health care utilization and spending of disaggregated health care services by health plan types and children’s medical complexity levels. Children in consumer-driven and high-deductible plans had much higher out-of-pocket spending and cost shares than those in health maintenance organizations and preferred provider organizations (PPOs). Children with complex chronic conditions had higher service utilization and out-of-pocket expenditures while having lower cost shares on various categories of services than those without any chronic condition. Compared to families covered by PPOs, those with high-deductible or consumer-driven plans were 2.7 and 1.7 times more likely to spend over US$1000 out of pocket on their children’s medical care, respectively. Families with higher complexity levels were more likely to experience financial burdens from expenditures on children’s medical services. In conclusion, policymakers and families with children need to be cognizant of the significant financial burdens that can arise from children’s complex medical needs and health plan demand-side cost sharing.
Social democratic Euroscepticism: Labour’s neglected tradition
Authors: Hickson Kevin , Miles Jasper
Published: July 2018

The referendum result of 2016 creates a timely opportunity to reappraise Euroscepticism in British politics. This article examines the Eurosceptic tradition within the Labour Party, specifically its moderate wing. During the referendum campaign, Euroscepticism within the Labour Party was presented as a temporary phenomenon limited to the ‘hard left’ of the Party in the early 1980s. However, this view neglects a much longer tradition of Euroscepticism on the moderate wing of the Labour Party dating back to the earliest post–Second World War attempts to foster European unity. This article seeks to restore that tradition and concludes that it is built on a clear conceptualisation of social democratic ideology.
Short 2-H in Situ Trauma Team Simulation Training Effectively Improves Non-Technical Skills of Hospital Trauma Teams
Authors: Rosqvist E. , Lauritsalo S. , Paloneva J.
Published: July 2018

Background and Aims:

As conducting the regular trauma team simulation training is expensive and time-consuming, its effects must be explored. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a structured 2-h in situ multiprofessional trauma team simulation training course on non-technical skills.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective study comprised 90 trauma teams with 430 participants. The structured, 2-h course consisted of an introductory lecture and two different simulations with debriefings. Data were collected using a pre–post self-assessment questionnaire. In addition, the expert raters used the T-NOTECHS scale.

Results:

The following non-technical skills improved significantly among both medical doctors and nurses: knowledge of the trauma resuscitation guidelines, problem identification, decision making, situation awareness/coping with stress, communication and interaction, time management, being under authority, and confidence in one’s role in a team. The teams improved significantly in leadership, cooperation and resource management, communication and interaction, assessment and decision making, and situation awareness/coping with stress.

Conclusion:

A short, structured 2-h in situ trauma team simulation training course is effective in improving non-technical skills.
A new instantaneous frequency extraction method for nonstationary response signals in civil engineering structures
Authors: Liu Jing-Liang , Zheng Jin-Yang , Wei Xiao-Jun , Liao Fei-Yu , Luo Yong-Peng
Published: July 2018

Civil engineering structures in essence belong to time-varying and nonlinear structures and the resultant dynamic responses are usually nonstationary signals. A new method is proposed to extract instantaneous frequency of such nonstationary signals. The new method combines the extended analytical mode decomposition, normalization scheme, and improved arccosine function algorithm. In this method, a multicomponent response signal is first decomposed into several mono-components signals by the extended analytical mode decomposition theorem, and then the extracted mono-components are demodulated into purely frequency modulated signals by a repeated normalization scheme. After that, the improved arccosine function is presented to compute the instantaneous phase and instantaneous frequency. A numerical example and an experimental study of a cable with time-varying tension force are provided to illustrate the working of the method. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can extract instantaneous frequencies from multicomponent signals more accurately than Hilbert–Huang transform.
Nonlinear forced vibration analysis of higher order shear-deformable functionally graded microbeam resting on nonlinear elastic foundation based on modified couple stress theory
Authors: Das Debabrata
Published: July 2018

Geometrically nonlinear forced vibration analysis of higher order shear-deformable functionally graded microbeam is presented, where the beam is supported on a three-parameter Winkler–Pasternak-type nonlinear elastic foundation and subjected to a harmonically varying distributed load. The modified couple stress theory of elasticity is employed in the formulation to address the size-dependent effect. Hamilton’s principle is used to derive the displacement-based governing equations considering Reddy’s third-order shear deformation theory. Ritz method is followed to convert the governing equations to nonlinear algebraic form in the frequency domain by approximating the displacement fields. A mixed algorithm for nonlinear equations based on the iterative substitution method with successive relaxation and Broyden’s method is successfully employed to solve the stable regions of the frequency-response curves. The results are presented for hinged and clamped beams, and the effects of different parameters such as size-dependent thickness, load amplitude, foundation parameters, and gradation-profile parameter are studied. The effect of thermal loading due to uniform temperature rise is also studied considering temperature-dependent material properties.
The use of composite narratives to present interview findings
Authors: Willis Rebecca
Published: July 2018

This research note describes the use of composite narratives to present interview data. A composite narrative uses data from several individual interviews to tell a single story. In the research discussed here, investigating how politicians consider climate change, four composites were created from fourteen interviews with Members of the UK Parliament. A method for creating composite narratives is described. Three, linked, benefits of the technique are discussed. First, they allow researchers to present complex, situated accounts from individuals, rather than breaking data down into categories. Second, they confer anonymity, vital when reporting on private deliberations, particularly if interviewees are public figures. Third, they can contribute to ‘future-forming’ research, by presenting findings in ways that are useful and accessible to those outside academia. The main limitation of composite narratives is the burden of responsibility upon the researcher, to convey accurate, yet anonymized, portrayals of the accounts of a group of individuals.
Adaptive Memory: Survival Processing and Social Isolation
Authors: Leding Juliana K. , Toglia Michael P.
Published: July 2018

Social isolation was examined to assess its potential influence on the survival processing effect, which shows that individuals are more likely to remember something when it is processed with regard to their survival. Participants imagined being stranded in the grasslands, going on a space mission, or moving to a foreign land while alone or with a group of friends and rated a list of words for their relevance to the assigned scenario. An incidental memory test showed the typical survival processing effect on recall memory, with a significant interaction showing that the effect occurred in the isolated condition but not in the group condition. A second experiment examined rates of recognition for an isolated and group condition for the grasslands and moving scenarios and found a marginally significant effect of isolation in addition to the typical survival processing effect. Further, in both experiments, the perceived isolation of the isolated and group survival grasslands scenarios was significantly higher than the other conditions. The results are discussed with regard to the self-reference effect and the object-function account of the survival processing effect.
Chronic Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Disruption: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Surgical Treatments
Authors: Daly Lauren T. , Daly Michael C. , Mohamadi Amin , Chen Neal
Published: July 2018

Background: Although many techniques have been described, there is no clear optimal surgical treatment for chronic scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) disruption. Methods: We identified 255 articles reporting outcomes of SLIL reconstruction. Of these, 40 studies (978 wrists) met eligibility requirements and reported sufficient data on radiographic outcomes to be included in the study. The mean and standard deviation of preoperative and follow-up assessments including scapholunate gap (SLG) and scapholunate angle (SLA) were used to calculate pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For other radiographic or clinical outcomes, there were not enough reported data to calculate a pooled effect size, and pooled nonstandardized comparisons were made. Results: The SMD between preoperative and postoperative SLA in tenodesis reconstruction was 0.7 (CI, 0.29 to 1.11, P = .001) and 0.04 (CI, –0.27 to 0.38, P = .8) for capsulodesis reconstruction. For SLG, tenodesis demonstrated an SMD of 1.1 (CI, 0.6 to 1.55, P < .001) compared with 0.1 (CI, –0.36 to 0.59, P = .6) for capsulodesis reconstruction. Tenodesis had a significant improvement compared with capsulodesis in SLA ( P = .01) and SLG ( P = .005). Tenodesis also showed improvement in grip strength and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores. Conclusions: Comparing preoperative and postoperative radiographic measurements, tenodesis reconstruction demonstrated significantly improved SLG and SLA relative to capsulodesis. Interpreted in the context of the limitations, existing data demonstrates some benefit of tenodesis reconstruction.
Ultrasonography Findings in Severe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Nkrumah Gideon , Blackburn Alan R. , Goitz Robert J. , Fowler John R.
Published: July 2018

Background: Increasing severity of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), as graded by nerve conduction studies (NCS), has been demonstrated to predict the speed and completeness of recovery after carpal tunnel release (CTR). The purpose of this study is to compare the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve in patients with severe and nonsevere CTS as defined by NCS. Methods: Ultrasound CSA measurements were taken at the carpal tunnel inlet at the level of the pisiform bone by a hand fellowship–trained orthopedic surgeon. Severe CTS on NCS was defined as no response for the distal motor latency (DML) and/or distal sensory latency (DSL). Results: A total of 274 wrists were enrolled in the study. The median age was 51 years (range: 18-90 years), and 72.6% of wrists were from female patients. CSA of median nerve and age were comparatively the best predictors of severity using a linear regression model and receiver operator curves. Using cutoff of 12 mm2 for severe CTS, the sensitivity and specificity are 37.5% and 81.9%, respectively. Conclusions: Ultrasound can be used to grade severity in younger patients (<65 years) with a CTS-6 score of >12.
Prevalence and Clinical Manifestations of the Anconeus Epitrochlearis and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Maslow Jed I. , Johnson Daniel J. , Block John J. , Lee Donald H. , Desai Mihir J.
Published: July 2018

Background: The true prevalence of the anconeus epitrochlearis (AE) and the natural history of cubital tunnel syndrome associated with this anomalous muscle are unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of AE and to characterize the preoperative and postoperative features of cubital tunnel syndrome caused by compression from an AE. Methods: All elbow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and all patients undergoing cubital tunnel surgery during a 20-year period were identified and retrospectively reviewed for the presence of an AE. All patients with an AE identified intra-operatively were matched to patients with no AE identified at surgery based on age, sex, concomitant procedures, and year of surgery. Preoperative and postoperative physical exam findings, electrodiagnostic study results, time to improvement, and reoperations were compared between the groups. Results: A total of 199 patients had an elbow MRI, and 27 (13.6%) patients were noted to have an AE present. Average time to improvement after surgical release was 23.0 days for patients with an AE and 33.2 days for patients with no AE. Twenty-seven patients with an AE noted improvement at the first postoperative visit (68%) compared to 15 patients without an AE (33%). No patients with an AE underwent reoperation for recurrent symptoms (0%) compared with four patients (10%) without an AE. Conclusions: The prevalence of AE in our study is 13.6%. These patients experience quicker and more reliable symptom improvement after surgical release than those without the anomalous muscle.
Online pose correction of an industrial robot using an optical coordinate measure machine system
Authors: Gharaaty Sepehr , Shu Tingting , Joubair Ahmed , Xie Wen Fang , Bonev Ilian A
Published: July 2018

In this article, a dynamic pose correction scheme is proposed to enhance the pose accuracy of industrial robots. The dynamic pose correction scheme uses the dynamic pose measurements as feedback to accurately guide the robot end-effector to the desired pose. The pose is measured online with an optical coordinate measure machine, that is, C-Track 780 from Creaform. A root mean square method is proposed to filter the noise from the pose measurements. The dynamic pose correction scheme adopts proportional-integral-derivaitve controller and generates commands to the FANUC robot controller. The developed dynamic pose correction scheme has been tested on two industrial robots, FANUC LR Mate 200iC and FANUC M20iA. The experimental results on both robots demonstrate that the robots can reach the desired pose with an accuracy of ±0.050 mm for position and ±0.050° for orientation. As a result, the developed pose correction can make the industrial robots meet higher accuracy requirement in the applications such as riveting, drilling, and spot welding.
Locomotion analysis and optimization of actinomorphic robots with soft arms actuated by shape memory alloy wires
Authors: Liu Chunshan , Dong Erbao , Xu Min , Alici Gursel , Yang Jie
Published: July 2018

This article presents the locomotion analysis and optimization of actinomorphic soft robots, which are composed of soft arms actuated by shape memory alloy wires. The soft arm that is a composite modular structure is actuated by a self-sensing feedback control strategy. A theoretical model was established to describe the deformation of the soft arm, combining the Euler–Bernoulli beam model of the soft arm with the constitutive model and the heat transfer model of the shape memory alloy wire. The kinematics of the actinomorphic soft robot was analyzed using the modified Denavit–Hartenberg method, and the motion equation of the actinomorphic soft robot was presented based on the quasi-static hypothesis. Results show that the actinomorphic soft robot moves with a zig-zag pattern. The locomotion of four actinomorphic soft robots with three to six arms was analyzed, and the gait parameters of each locomotion type were optimized. The optimization results indicate that the three-arm actinomorphic robot with certain gait parameters has the best performance and achieves a maximum stride length of 75 mm. A series of experiments were conducted to investigate the movement performance of the three-arm actinomorphic robot in various environments.
Losing your head: Are principals attached to their school?
Authors: Gibson Mark T , Simon Susan
Published: July 2018

This article explores the effects on former principals who have undergone involuntary job dissolution. It draws upon a study of 10 former principals who have experienced involuntary job dissolution in England and Australia; however, none of the participants were dismissed. Hour-long, one-to-one interviews were conducted with each participant and key emergent themes analysed. There was a high level of congruence between data from the two countries and key findings were effects on former principals’ physical and emotional health, self-belief, professional identity and finances, plus a sense of loss of power. The effects of these job losses were significant and long-lasting. The analysis positions these results within the established literature on job loss, particularly with regard to Bowlby’s attachment theory. The manner of departure appears to carry substantial meaning and there are implications here for the management of school principals. Attachment theory suggests people undergo physical and emotional loss when separated from loved ones. The participants displayed a sense of grief akin to loss of a significant other. The authors put forward the concept that principalship involves attachment to the school institution as in a love relationship.
KCNQ2/3/5 channels in dorsal root ganglion neurons can be therapeutic targets of neuropathic pain in diabetic rats
Authors: Yu Ting , Li Lei , Liu Huaxiang , Li Hao , Liu Zhen , Li Zhenzhong
Published: July 2018

Background

Diabetic neuropathic pain is poorly controlled by analgesics, and the precise molecular mechanisms underlying hyperalgesia remain unclear. The KCNQ2/3/5 channels expressed in dorsal root ganglion neurons are important in pain transmission. The expression and activity of KCNQ2/3/5 channels in dorsal root ganglion neurons in rats with diabetic neuropathic pain were investigated in this study.

Methods

The mRNA levels of KCNQ2/3/5 channels were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The protein levels of KCNQ2/3/5 channels were evaluated by Western blot assay. KCNQ2/3/5 channel expression in situ in dorsal root ganglion neurons was detected by double fluorescent labeling technique. M current (IM) density and neuronal excitability were determined by whole-cell voltage and current clamp recordings. Mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were assessed by von Frey filaments and plantar analgesia tester, respectively.

Results

The mRNA and protein levels of KCNQ2/3/5 channels significantly decreased, followed by the reduction of IM density and elevation of neuronal excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons from diabetic rats. Activation of KCNQ channels with retigabine reduced the hyperexcitability and inhibition of KCNQ channels with XE991 enhanced the hyperexcitability. Administration of retigabine alleviated both mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, while XE991 augmented both mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in diabetic neuropathic pain in rats.

Conclusion

The findings elucidate the mechanisms by which downregulation of the expression and reduction of the activity of KCNQ2/3/5 channels in diabetic rat dorsal root ganglion neurons contribute to neuronal hyperexcitability, which results in hyperalgesia. These data provide intriguing evidence that activation of KCNQ2/3/5 channels might be the potential new targets for alleviating diabetic neuropathic pain symptoms.
Sinomenine attenuates cancer-induced bone pain via suppressing microglial JAK2/STAT3 and neuronal CAMKII/CREB cascades in rat models
Authors: Chen Shu-Ping , Sun Jia , Zhou Ya-Qun , Cao Fei , Braun Cody , Luo Fang , Ye Da-Wei , Tian Yu-Ke
Published: July 2018

Cancer-induced bone pain is one of the most severe types of pathological pain, which often occurs in patients with advanced prostate, breast, and lung cancer. It is of great significance to improve the therapies of cancer-induced bone pain due to the opioids’ side effects including addiction, sedation, pruritus, and vomiting. Sinomenine, a traditional Chinese medicine, showed obvious analgesic effects on a rat model of chronic inflammatory pain, but has never been proven to treat cancer-induced bone pain. In the present study, we investigated the analgesic effect of sinomenine after tumor cell implantation and specific cellular mechanisms in cancer-induced bone pain. Our results indicated that single administration of sinomenine significantly and dose-dependently alleviated mechanical allodynia in rats with cancer-induced bone pain and the effect lasted for 4 h. After tumor cell implantation, the protein levels of phosphorylated-Janus family tyrosine kinase 2 (p-JAK2), phosphorylated-signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (p-STAT3), phosphorylated-Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (p-CAMKII), and phosphorylated-cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (p-CREB) were persistently up-regulated in the spinal cord horn. Chronic intraperitoneal treatment with sinomenine markedly suppressed the activation of microglia and effectively inhibited the expression of JAK2/STAT3 and CAMKII/CREB signaling pathways. We are the first to reveal that up-regulation of microglial JAK2/STAT3 pathway are involved in the development and maintenance of cancer-induced bone pain. Moreover, our investigation provides the first evidence that sinomenine alleviates cancer-induced bone pain by inhibiting microglial JAK2/STAT3 and neuronal CAMKII/CREB cascades.
Eleonora Duse: An Actress-Manager for the Italian Film Industry in the 1910s
Authors: Pagani Maria Pia
Published: July 2018

From a historiographical point of view, the Italian diva Eleonora Duse (1858–1924) as an actress-manager offers an original case study in relation to her only film performance in Cenere ( Ashes, 1916). This is a film adapted from the eponymous novel by Grazia Deledda (Nobel Prize for Literature in 1926). In the 1910s, when Duse decided to work in the Italian film industry, she was a celebrity and her name was a guarantee of success for the Ambrosio Company in Turin. The film producers wanted to use her celebrity in order to ensure success at the box office. As an actress-manager with a long and acclaimed international career in the theatre, Duse knew this mechanism very well, but her position was contrary to their expectations. In fact, she aimed to present herself as an anti-diva, with her wrinkle-furrowed face and white hair, proposing a fascinating artistic creation based on the ‘mother roles’ that she had created for the theatre. This paper explores new elements concerning the position of Duse as an actress-manager for the Italian film industry in the 1910s. It is focused on her strategy of reiterating her stage success in playing a mother. On film, she did not want to be an instrument used for commercial purposes, and she did not want to create a common popular diva film. With Cenere, Duse's capability as an actress-manager can be seen in her creation of this non-conventional, poetic role for the silent film industry in wartime Italy.
Management of aortic aneurysm presenting during pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Keepanasseril Anish , Thendral N , Dorairajan Gowri , Subbaih Murali , Pillai Ajith Ananthakrishna , Sai Chandran BV
Published: July 2018

Aortic aneurysm in pregnancy is associated with higher risk of complications due to the stress induced by the physiologic changes in pregnancy. Many of the reports are concentrated on those with catastrophic outcomes or who underwent surgical repair during pregnancy/puerperium. We report a case of aortic aneurysm, who presented during the second trimester and had a successful pregnancy outcome, and discuss the various issues concerning the management during pregnancy.
Recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma in pregnancy: A case report and literature review
Authors: McCarthy CM , McCarthy M , O’Donoghue K
Published: July 2018

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in pregnancy is rare, and we present the first reported case of a pregnancy complicated by pre-existing advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. We describe the case of a 39-year-old woman in her second pregnancy, with a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. This was discovered in 2013 incidentally following hepato-splenectomy and pancreatectomy for a presumed hepatic adenoma in the context of multiple arterio-venous malformations. Recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma, in conjunction with co-existing pulmonary hypertension was successfully managed in a multi-disciplinary setting, resulting in a spontaneous vaginal delivery of a live female infant with maternal and neonatal survival six months following delivery.
Male genital dermatoses
Authors: Schartau Patricia , Carr James , Muneer Asif , Bunker Chris
Published: July 2018

Patients with skin conditions, including male genital dermatoses, commonly present to their GP. They range from localised problems in the genital area to being part of a more generalised skin disorder. Penile dermatoses frequently affect men’s physical and psychological wellbeing, with a deleterious effect on sexual function. They are usually benign, but can be premalignant and associated with a risk of penile cancer. Although rare, penile cancer has a high morbidity and mortality rate. This article reviews the clinical features of the important penile dermatoses for GPs, provides guidance on how to differentiate between benign and malignant dermatoses, advises on treatment options, and defines criteria for secondary care referral.
Psoriasis
Authors: Basrai Samrait , Wright Sarah , Patel Girish K.
Published: July 2018

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition with a relapsing and remitting course. It has a complex aetiology, involving genetic, environmental and immunological components. Psoriasis has important associations with arthritis and cardiovascular disease, therefore a comprehensive understanding of the condition is important for all GPs. Psycho-social wellbeing is also commonly affected. A wide variety of topical treatments for psoriasis can be initiated in primary care, alongside assessment and treatment of conditions associated with the disease.