bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility of a Modified Calibration Model for Reliable Conversion of Thromboplastin Times to International Normalized Ratios
Authors: Gogstad G O , Wadt J , Smith P , Brynildsrud T
Published: July 2018

The combined thromboplastin reagent, Normotest, has been calibrated against the secondary international reference preparation for bovine thromboplastin, OBT/79. Three expert laboratories measured up to 62 patients on stabilized oral anticoagulant therapy and up to 20 normals in order to establish an INR-scale for Normotest. It was found that the model recommended by the WHO was less suited for the calibration of this thromboplastin. This is the first study in which three independent laboratories demonstrate a similar bias of the WHO calibration model. A modified model in which a correction factor is introduced was applied to the problem and proved to give a reliable calculation method for INR on Normotest. The mean coefficient of variation of INR calculated between measurements with Normotest and OBT/79 (scatter of data around calibration line) was 4.2-5.0% as compared to 5.1-5.7% for the WHO-method. A conversion scale for percent activities between Normotest and Thrombotest was established showing that the recommended therapeutic range of 5-10% Thrombotest (INR = 4.8-2.8) corresponds to 10-20% Normotest.
Development of a Pediatric Balance Center: A Multidisciplinary Approach
Authors: Lavender Violette , Castiglione Micheal , Bachmann Katheryn
Published: July 2018

The growing evidence of the need for pediatric vestibular evaluation, as well as the availability of successful treatment options for children, is attracting the attention of many professionals and sparking much interest in the development of pediatric balance centers in North America. Complete balance function assessment and rehabilitation in children requires specialized knowledge and practices of professionals in multiple disciplines. While individual specialists provide useful test information and recommendations for patients, the collaboration of specialists working in a multidisciplinary fashion allows the information to become more powerful, providing the patients and their families with a comprehensive plan. Currently, there are only a handful of pediatric balance centers in North America and most of the centers have been in existence less than 10 years. Thus, this new initiative is in its infancy. Educating oneself, administrators, referral sources, and interdisciplinary colleagues is crucial for gathering support for the enormous endeavor of developing such a center. There are many resources one can draw from, including the works found in this issue. Our hope is that this special Seminars in Hearing may serve as a companion guide to anyone interested in performing pediatric vestibular evaluations and/or developing a multidisciplinary pediatric balance center.
Vestibular Rehabilitation for Children
Authors: Rine Rose
Published: July 2018

This article focuses on vestibular rehabilitation (VR) for children. Reports of the presence of vestibular dysfunction in infants, young children, and adolescents have increased over the past decade. In addition to being a comorbidity of sensorineural hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction has been noted in children with cytomegalovirus, late prematurity, and concussion, to name a few. Despite ample evidence and reports of VR for adults, the selection and provision of exercises to be included in the VR protocol for children vary, depending on the nature of the lesion, impairments identified, age at the time of lesion, and developmental factors such as critical periods of development and intermodality interdependence. Unlike adults, children with loss of function or hypofunction of the vestibular apparatus since or shortly after birth present with a developmental delay that is progressive. Very young children may not be able to describe symptoms but rather only avoid activities or cry. This report provides a review of vestibular-related impairments in children, determinants of the symptoms and functional impairments of vestibular dysfunction, the mechanisms of recovery in children, the challenges of VR for children, and a summary of research on the efficacy for VR for children.
Hip Cartilage Restoration: Available Evidence and Current Trends
Authors: Collins Tyler
Published: July 2018

Treatment of cartilage pathology is controversial. In the hip, it is even more so as identification and treatment of early cartilage disease are relatively new and little evidence exists. With the advent and more widespread use of hip arthroscopy, easier access to the hip joint is available, and adequate treatment is possible with less morbidity. Many treatment options exist for cartilage lesions including nonoperative treatment, debridement, microfracture, acetabuloplasty, cartilage fixation, cartilage scaffolds, autologous chondrocyte implantation, and osteochondral grafting. While far from definitive, the current evidence suggests that smaller cartilage lesions (< 4 cm2) have good results with most treatments while larger lesions fare better with treatments that produce hyaline-like cartilage. The most cost-effective arthroscopic treatments of smaller cartilage lesions include acetabuloplasty and microfracture, while larger lesions should be considered for autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis or matrix-assisted autologous chondrocyte implantation. Larger cartilage lesions with bone disease are more adequately treated with open procedures such as osteochondral grafting or total hip arthroplasty.
Negative contribution to the reverse bias capacitance of organic diodes due to field dependent mobility: Determination of barrier height and transport parameters
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Verma Upkar K. , Mohapatra Y. N.
Published: July 2018

We analyse the capacitance voltage characteristics of a small molecule-based single carrier diode consisting of a p-doped/intrinsic layer interface using m-MTDATA. In such homojunction diodes, in which the intrinsic layer thickness varies between 10 and 50 nm, the capacitance in deep reverse bias falls nearly exponentially and goes below the geometrical capacitance (Cg) beyond a critical electric field. We mainly focus on this reduction of the capacitance, which is interpreted based on charge injection mechanism in reverse bias. The small signal capacitance in such cases is shown to have negative contribution which is directly related to the delay time introduced by the charge transport. Thus, the capacitance characteristics have been modelled in deep reverse bias using the charge transport mechanisms, and the barrier height so estimated is in excellent agreement with the values calculated from current density-voltage (J-V) characteristics. The technique also allows the determination of mobility, which in turn yields the disorder parameters through its temperature and field dependence.
Magnetic field dependent microwave losses in superconducting niobium microstrip resonators
Authors: Kwon Sangil , Fadavi Roudsari Anita , Benningshof Olaf W. B. , Tang Yong-Chao , Mohebbi Hamid R. , Taminiau Ivar A. J. , Langenberg Deler , Lee Shinyoung , Nichols George , Cory David G. , Miao Guo-Xing
Published: July 2018

We describe an experimental protocol to characterize magnetic field dependent microwave losses in superconducting niobium microstrip resonators. Our approach provides a unified view that covers two well-known magnetic field dependent loss mechanisms: quasiparticle generation and vortex motion. We find that quasiparticle generation is the dominant loss mechanism for parallel magnetic fields. For perpendicular fields, the dominant loss mechanism is vortex motion or switches from quasiparticle generation to vortex motion, depending on the cooling procedures. In particular, we introduce a plot of the quality factor versus the resonance frequency as a general method for identifying the dominant loss mechanism. We calculate the expected resonance frequency and the quality factor as a function of the magnetic field by modeling the complex resistivity. Key parameters characterizing microwave loss are estimated from comparisons of the observed and expected resonator properties. Based on these key parameters, we find a niobium resonator whose thickness is similar to its penetration depth is the best choice for X-band electron spin resonance applications. Finally, we detect partial release of the Meissner current at the vortex penetration field, suggesting that the interaction between vortices and the Meissner current near the edges is essential to understand the magnetic field dependence of the resonator properties.
On exact discretization of cubic-quintic Duffing oscillator
Authors: Tsiganov A. V.
Published: July 2018

Application of the intersection theory to the construction of n-point finite-difference equations associated with classical integrable systems is discussed. As an example, we present a few exact discretizations of one-dimensional cubic and quintic Duffing oscillators sharing the form of the Hamiltonian and canonical Poisson bracket up to the integer scaling factor.
Ma non era rosso? (But wasn’t it red?)
Authors: Giorgi Alessandra
Published: July 2018

In this article I investigate the properties of counter-expectational surprise yes-no questions in Italian, introduced by the adversative particle ma. These structures minimally contrast with surprise exclamations. I provide an analysis of the left periphery able to explain the observations concerning the distribution of ma, for instance that it must precede all other items in the clause and cannot be embedded. I propose that ma is a discourse head, projecting a syntactic structure analogous to that of normal syntactic heads. Discourse heads, however, connect separate sentences, which can also be uttered by different speakers, provided that they belong to the same context. I also add some brief remarks on the so-called expletive negation appearing in these cases.
Dime una cosa: Are wh-in-situ questions different in Spanish?
Authors: González Carolina , Reglero Lara
Published: July 2018

This project provides a preliminary examination of the intonational characteristics of information-seeking, echo-repetition and echo-surprise wh-in-situ questions in Spanish. The analysis of 120 questions from 4 female participants from Northern Peninsular Spanish shows that information-seeking questions have a relatively reduced tonal range, and they are the most likely to have final rising contours. On the other hand, echo-repetition and echo-surprise questions differ mostly in that the former have lower local tonal ranges than the latter. These findings provide support for previous syntactic analyses that argue for differences between information-seeking and echo-questions on one side, and echo-repetition and echo-surprise questions on the other.
Clitic doubling, person and agreement in French hyper-complex inversion
Authors: Kayne Richard S.
Published: July 2018

The paper claims that Hyper-Complex Inversion (HCI) is an instance of clitic doubling that is subject to a person restriction not found with more familiar cases of clitic doubling. This restriction is argued to result from an incompatibility between the postverbal subject clitic (SCL) of HCI and the demonstrative structure associated with first and second person pronouns. That demonstrative structure also plays a role in asymmetries that hold concerning the possible silence, in certain cases, of third person pronouns, but not first or second person pronouns. HCI shares with past participle agreement the property that it is incompatible with an unmoved lexical direct object, in a way that presents a challenge to Agree, if Agree is taken to be available even in the absence of movement. The SCL of HCI sentences can sometimes climb out of an embedded infinitive, in a way related to the Comp-area character of its landing site.
Bridging and dislocation in Catalan
Authors: Mayol Laia , Villalba Xavier
Published: July 2018

The exact anaphoric relation between the referent of dislocates and their previous discourse referents has been a matter of much discussion. In this paper, we reexamine this relation under the light of Clark’s notion of bridging (Clark 1977), and connect different anaphoric bridging types with left (LD) and right dislocations (RD) in Catalan. We report a judgment task experiment showing that while speakers clearly perceive LD and RD as different for most kinds of bridging, they rate RD better across the board, suggesting that speakers can use RD for a wider range of uses than previously assumed. Yet, albeit the preference for RD in Catalan, LD seems to be inherently linked to contrastive readings.
Dependent numerals and dependent existentials in Romanian
Authors: Panaitescu Mara
Published: July 2018

The paper discusses Romanian dependent indefinites (DepIndef’s) introduced by the distributive marker câte (/‘kɨ.te/). They come in two guises, referred to as dependent numerals (DepNum’s) in the configuration [câte num np], and dependent existentials (DepExist’s), in the configuration [câte sg-indef np]. The two marked indefinites are identical to their unmarked counterparts at the level of assertion. The narrower distribution of DepNum’s is an effect of the interaction between the numeral and certain Partition operators which license câte. The licensing condition of câte DPs in both guises states that these DPs must be under the scope of a D/Part operator in the terminology of Champollion (2016a,b). DepNum’s are associated with an event-dependent measure of cardinality.
Latin denominal deponents
Authors: Pinzin Francesco
Published: July 2018

Latin deponent verbs are usually analyzed as idiosyncratic forms whose Middle morphology does not correspond to the subjacent syntactic/semantic structure (Embick 2000, Xu et al. 2007). This paper shows that, for the deponents produced after the first half of the II cent. BCE (ex. ancillor ‘I serve’, dominor ‘I rule’, aquor ‘I go to get water’), the presence of the Middle morphology is syntactically justified. These deponents are denominals. Their event structure involves two events, a stative one, v-be°, whose complement is the verbalized nominal element, and a dynamic one, v-do°. The unique argument is both the HOLDER of the state and the DOER of the dynamic event. The Middle morphology allows for the identification between these two positions, as in a Middle reflexive derivation (Spathas et al. 2015).
Timing properties of (Brazilian) Portuguese and (European) Spanish
Authors: Vogel Irene , Athanasopoulou Angeliki , Guzzo Natália Brambatti
Published: July 2018

Linguistic rhythmic or timing categories, usually defined in terms of isochrony, remain controversial as a meaningful typology for classifying languages, despite decades of research. Romance languages offer an opportunity to address this question since closely related languages are proposed to be at different ends of the typology. We test two such languages: European Spanish (ES) and Brazilian Portuguese (BP). Instead of investigating isochrony per se, however, we examine the interface between timing and prominence properties. Since duration is associated with prominence, we test the hypothesis that syllable-timed languages (ES) do not alter duration to express prominence, while non-syllable-timed languages (BP) do. Comparisons of lexical and sentential prominence effects on duration support our hypothesis, confirming the proposed distinction between the rhythmic classes of the two languages.
On the differential evolution of simple and complex object constructions in English
Authors: Rohdenburg Günter
Published: July 2018

This article surveys the evolution of object structures in Modern English. In the area of simple constructions, a vast range of prepositional objects and adjuncts have been replaced by direct objects, thus making the latter category considerably more abstract. By contrast, in the area of more complex structures, English has experienced a series of dramatic changes, leading to the virtual loss of several types of construction and the contraction of many others. Most of these reductive changes have introduced a high degree of functional specialization, by narrowing the semantic spectrum of the original syntactic frame or by compelling the use of alternative grammatical devices. The paper provides a corpus-based analysis of three major domains, external possessor constructions, double objects, and clausal complements preceded by direct objects.
Causative make and its infinitival complements in Early Modern English
Authors: Iyeiri Yoko
Published: July 2018

The present paper discusses the variability between to- and bare infinitives in the complement of causative make in Early Modern English, with a focus on make used in the active voice. Although bare infinitives are almost exclusively used with active causative make in Present-day English, this has not always been the case in the history of English. Throughout the Early Modern English period, to-infinitives were still encountered to a noticeable extent. Moreover, various linguistic factors were relevant to the choice of to- and bare infinitives. The present paper examines complexity in general, the objects/causees of make, coordination of infinitives, and lexical items used as infinitives.
Semantic and lexical shifts with the “into-causative” construction in American English
Authors: Davies Mark , Kim Jong-Bok
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we consider several lexical and semantic shifts with the “into-causative” construction (e.g. Sue talked them into leaving) in American English since the early 1800s. The study is based on more than 11,000 tokens (including 680 different matrix verbs) in several large corpora, including COHA, COCA, TIME, and GloWbE. We consider overall changes in the semantic classes of verbs that can be used in the construction (e.g. verbs of force, persuasion, trickery). We then look in some detail at changes with “neutral” verbs (e.g. lead) and “positive” verbs (e.g. encourage), “indirect causation” and a hybrid construction involving the way construction.
Free adjuncts in Late Modern English
Authors: Bouzada-Jabois Carla
Published: July 2018

The present paper focuses on the English free adjunct construction in Late Modern English based on data from the Penn Parsed Corpus of Modern British English (PPCMBE1). Data from this analysis will be compared to information available in existing studies on Early Modern and Present-day English. The findings based on my own data analysis and the data in earlier studies confirm a decrease in the frequency of the free adjunct construction from EModE to LModE and an stabilization from LModE to PDE. Verbal free adjuncts show an increasing preference for present-participial forms and they tend to be placed in final position. Semantically, most verbal free adjuncts are controlled by the subjects of the main clauses and their semantic contribution to the sentence is, in Kortmann’s (1991: 121) terms, “most informative”. Finally, free adjuncts are typically not augmented.
Why Scotsmen will drown and shall not be saved
Authors: Elsweiler Christine
Published: July 2018

The divergent use of the modal auxiliaries will and shall in Scots and Standard English was noticed as early as the eighteenth century. The Scottish National Dictionary states that in Scots, first-person will instead of shall is used for predictions without denoting volition, which, in turn, is said to be often expressed by shall. In the second and third person, will may express obligation. This study investigates the use of will and shall in the Helsinki Corpus of Older Scots (HCOS) with a special focus on the interplay of modal meaning and grammatical person. The corpus data confirm the observations of the Scottish National Dictionary for Modern Scots, with a significant drop in first-person volitional will in the seventeenth century and fairly high counts for first-person volitional shall throughout Older Scots. The prediction uses of both first-person will and shall, however, remain low throughout the period. In addition, several instances of second- and third-person will were found that impose an obligation through an indirect speech act.
A study of Old English dugan
Authors: Kaita Kousuke
Published: July 2018

This study examines how the Old English preterite-present verb dugan ‘to avail’ developed into a modal auxiliary of ability (‘can’) in Middle English. Two factors in the Old English period play a role in this auxiliation process: (i) the influence of the modal precursor magan (meaning ‘to be strong’ as a lexical verb and ‘can’ as a modal) (> Modern English may) and (ii) the textual characteristics of medical texts. Dugan shares with magan a number of morphological and semantic properties. Furthermore, in medical texts, Old English dugan is attested as a lexical verb with the to-infinitive; magan as well is attested as a lexical verb and as a modal followed by the bare infinitive. It is argued that dugan starts combining with the bare infinitive because of the analogy with magan after the medical manuscripts were passed on to the Middle English period.
Prevalence of urinary incontinence in high‐impact sports athletes and their association with knowledge, attitude and practice about this dysfunction
Authors: Cardoso Amanda Maria Brito , Lima Cláudia Regina Oliveira de Paiva , Ferreira Caroline Wanderley Souto
Published: July 2018

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) in female athletes practising high‐impact sports and its association with knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP).

Design: Observational study.

Methods: A semi‐structured evaluation form, KAP survey and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Short Form were used. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to verify the association of UI with KAP, sociodemographic, gynaecological and sports‐related variables, with significant variables remaining in the model (p < .05), through a stepwise strategy.

Results: The prevalence of UI in 118 athletes was 82 (70%), of which 19 (23%) had pure stress UI, 19 (23%) had pure urgency UI and 44 (54%) had mixed UI; with 50 (61%) athletes losing urine during training and 37 (45%) during competitions. Regarding the KAP survey, 37 athletes (31%) demonstrated adequate knowledge, 63 (53%) adequate attitude and zero adequate practice. In the multivariate analysis, a sports practice time of over 8 years and dyspareunia presented significant values, with odds ratios (OR) of 2.66 and 2.99, respectively. Knowledge was significantly associated with UI (OR 0.43). UI had a slight impact on QOL.

Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of UI yet low levels of adequate knowledge and practice regarding the occurrence of UI in sports, with sports practice time over 8 years and dyspareunia factors predisposing female athletes to UI by 2.7 and 3 times, respectively. Athletes with adequate knowledge were 57% less likely to develop UI.
Pollination Markets and the Coupled Futures of Almonds and Honey Bees: Simulating Impacts of Shifts in Demands and Costs
Authors: Lee Hyunok , Sumner Daniel A. , Champetier Antoine
Published: July 2018

Honey bees have garnered much attention in recent years. Concerns about long‐term sustainability of pollinator populations have been coupled with concerns about implications for food supplies. We use a novel formulation of a multiple input, multiple output, two season equilibrium simulation model to explore economic linkages across the markets of buyers and sellers of pollination services and honey. We specify and calibrate in a tractable way the empirical relationships between pollinators and the crops they pollinate, especially almonds. Our model highlights the sequential nature of the pollination season and implication for revenue from pollination and honey production. We demonstrate how shifts in almond supply and demand and the much‐discussed honey bee hive health problems cause price and quantity adjustments in horizontally and vertically related markets and quantify these effects. We show that the economic fortunes of the almond industry, including demand growth, cost concerns, and the potential for new almond varieties that use fewer bees, crucially affect the returns to beekeeping and the number of hives. These drivers of almond economics also have substantial effects on the cost of pollination for crops that are pollinated later.
The Cortical Maps of Hierarchical Linguistic Structures during Speech Perception
Authors: Sheng Jingwei , Zheng Li , Lyu Bingjiang , Cen Zhehang , Qin Lang , Tan Li Hai , Huang Ming-Xiong , Ding Nai , Gao Jia-Hong
Published: July 2018

The hierarchical nature of language requires human brain to internally parse connected-speech and incrementally construct abstract linguistic structures. Recent research revealed multiple neural processing timescales underlying grammar-based configuration of linguistic hierarchies. However, little is known about where in the whole cerebral cortex such temporally scaled neural processes occur. This study used novel magnetoencephalography source imaging techniques combined with a unique language stimulation paradigm to segregate cortical maps synchronized to 3 levels of linguistic units (i.e., words, phrases, and sentences). Notably, distinct ensembles of cortical loci were identified to feature structures at different levels. The superior temporal gyrus was found to be involved in processing all 3 linguistic levels while distinct ensembles of other brain regions were recruited to encode each linguistic level. Neural activities in the right motor cortex only followed the rhythm of monosyllabic words which have clear acoustic boundaries, whereas the left anterior temporal lobe and the left inferior frontal gyrus were selectively recruited in processing phrases or sentences. Our results ground a multi-timescale hierarchical neural processing of speech in neuroanatomical reality with specific sets of cortices responsible for different levels of linguistic units.
Baryon-dark matter scattering and first star formation
Authors: Hirano Shingo , Bromm Volker
Published: July 2018

The recent detection of the sky-averaged 21-cm cosmological signal indicates a stronger absorption than the maximum allowed value based on the standard model. One explanation for the required colder primordial gas is the energy transfer between the baryon and dark matter (DM) fluids due to non-gravitational scattering. Here, we explore the thermal evolution of primordial gas, collapsing to form Population III (Pop III) stars, when this energy transfer is included. Performing a series of one-zone calculations, we find that the evolution results in stars more massive than in the standard model, provided that the DM is described by the best-fitting parameters inferred from the 21-cm observation. On the other hand, a significant part of the DM parameter space can be excluded by the requirement to form massive Pop III stars sufficiently early in cosmic history. Otherwise, the radiation background needed to bring about the strong Wouthuysen–Field coupling at $z$ ≳ 17, inferred to explain the 21-cm absorption feature, could not be built-up. Intriguingly, the independent constraint from the physics of first star formation at high densities points to a similarly narrow range in DM properties. This exploratory study has to be followed-up with self-consistent three-dimensional simulations for a more rigorous derivation.
Solar chemical composition in the hot gas of cool-core ellipticals, groups, and clusters of galaxies
Authors: Mernier F , Werner N , de Plaa J , Kaastra J S , Raassen A J J , Gu L , Mao J , Urdampilleta I , Simionescu A
Published: July 2018

The hot intracluster medium (ICM) pervading galaxy clusters and groups is rich in metals, which were synthesized by billions of supernovae and have accumulated in cluster gravitational wells for several gigayears. Since the products of both Type Ia and core-collapse supernovae – expected to explode over different time-scales – are found in the ICM, constraining accurately the chemical composition of these hot atmospheres can provide invaluable information on the history of the enrichment of large-scale structures. Recently, Hitomi observations reported solar abundance ratios in the core of the Perseus cluster, in tension with previous XMM–Newton measurements obtained for 44 cool-core clusters, groups, and massive ellipticals (the CHEERS sample). In this work, we revisit the CHEERS results by using an updated version of the spectral code used to fit the data (spexact v3), the same that was used to obtain the Hitomi measurements. Despite limitations in the spectral resolution, the average Cr/Fe and Ni/Fe ratios are now found to be remarkably consistent with unity and in excellent agreement with the Hitomi results. Our updated measurements suggest that the solar composition of the ICM of Perseus is a common feature in nearby cool-core systems.
Soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor and incident end-stage renal disease in Chinese patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Lv Li , Wang Fang , Wu Liang , Wang Jin-Wei , Cui Zhao , Hayek Salim S , Wei Changli , Reiser Jochen , He Kevin , Zhang Luxia , Chen Min , Zhao Ming-Hui
Published: July 2018

Background

Soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), a marker of immune activation, was shown to be associated with outcomes and kidney disease among various patient populations. The prognostic role of circulating suPAR levels in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) needs to be investigated in a cohort with large sample size of renal diseases.

Methods

We measured serum suPAR concentration in 2391 CKD patients in the multicenter Chinese Cohort Study of Chronic Kidney Disease, and investigated the association of serum suPAR with the prespecified endpoint event, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), using Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results

Altogether, 407 ESRD events occurred during the median follow-up of 54.8 (interquartile range: 47.5–62.2) months. The higher levels of serum suPAR were independently associated with increased risk of incident ESRD after adjusting for potential confounders including the baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate categories, with the hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.53 [95% confidence intervals (CIs) 1.10–2.12] for the top tertile (≥3904 pg/mL) compared with the bottom tertile (<2532 pg/mL). When stratified by the etiologies of CKD, among patients with glomerulonephritis (GN), serum suPAR levels were also independently associated with the higher risk of ESRD, with an HR of 1.61 (95% CI 1.03–2.53) in the top tertile compared with the bottom tertile.

Conclusions

Circulating suPAR level was independently associated with an increased risk of progression to ESRD in Chinese CKD patients, especially in those with an etiology of GN.
Glioblastoma Treated With Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy: Safety, Efficacy, and Outcomes
Authors: Kamath Ashwin A , Friedman Daniel D , Akbari S Hassan A , Kim Albert H , Tao Yu , Luo Jinqin , Leuthardt Eric C
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Despite the multitude of available treatments, glioblastoma (GBM) remains an aggressive and uniformly fatal tumor. Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a novel, minimally invasive treatment that holds promise for treating patients with GBM who are not candidates for traditional open craniotomy. However, due to the recent introduction of LITT into clinical practice, large series that evaluate safety and long-term outcomes after LITT are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To present our institution's series of over 50 GBM patients treated with LITT, with regard to safety, efficacy, and outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective descriptive study of patients with histologically proven GBM who underwent LITT. Data collected included demographics, tumor location and volume, tumor genetic markers, treatment volume, perioperative complications, and long-term follow-up data.

RESULTS

We performed 58 LITT treatments for GBM in 54 patients over 5.5 yr. Forty-one were recurrent tumors while 17 were frontline treatments. Forty GBMs were lobar in location, while 18 were in deep structures (thalamus, insula, corpus callosum). Average tumor volume was 12.5 ± 13.4 cm3. Average percentage of tumor treated with the yellow thermal damage threshold (TDT) line (dose equivalent of 43°C for 2 min) was 93.3% ± 10.6%, and with the blue TDT line (dose equivalent of 43°C for 10 min) was 88.0% ± 14.2%. There were 7 perioperative complications (12%) and 2 mortalities (3.4%). Median overall survival after LITT for the total cohort was 11.5 mo, and median progression-free survival 6.6 mo.

CONCLUSION

LITT appears to be a safe and effective treatment for GBM in properly selected patients.
Wisdom and Courage
Authors: Hack Laurita M
Published: July 2018

Laurita M. (Laurie) Hack, DPT, PhD, MBA, FAPTA, has contributed to the physical therapy profession as an educator, researcher, and academic leader (Fig. 1).

Dr Hack is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Physical Therapy at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. An independent consultant in physical therapy research and education, she also serves on the adjunct faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy at Arcadia University, Glenside, Pennsylvania. Dr Hack holds a BA from Wilmington College; an MS as the first professional degree in physical therapy from Case Western Reserve University; an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania; a PhD in higher education administration from the University of Pennsylvania; and a DPT from the MGH Institute of Health Professions.

Dr Hack has clinical experience in outpatient, nursing home, and home care practice, especially in geriatrics, and has taught in the areas of practice management, geriatrics, clinical decision making, evidence-based practice, ethics, and health care systems. Her research interests include development of clinical expertise, the physical therapy workforce, and physical therapy education. She is a coauthor of Expertise in Physical Therapy Practice and of Evidence Into Practice. She is a coinvestigator in the grant, Physical Therapist Education for the Twenty First Century (PTE-21): Innovation and Excellence in Physical Therapist Education.

Dr Hack has served the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) as president of the Home, Health Section, the Health Policy & Administration Section, and the Education Section (now the Academy of Physical Therapy Education) and the Education Section (now the Academy of Physical Therapy Education), and as vice speaker and secretary of the APTA Board of Directors. Her APTA honors include being named a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of APTA, the Lucy Blair Service Award, and the Baethke-Carlin Award for Teaching Excellence.
Acute flaccid myelitis—Clustering of polio-like illness in the tertiary care centre in Southern India
Authors: Sarmast Syed N , Gowda Vykuntaraju K , Ahmed Maaz , GV Basvaraja , Saini Jitender , Benakappa Asha
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is characterized by limb weakness with spinal cord grey matter lesion on imaging or electrodiagnostic evidence of spinal cord motor neuron injury. This Poliomyelitis-like illness is rare in children, and its natural course is not yet well defined.

Purpose of the study

The purpose of the study was to report the clinical presentation, laboratory findings, management and outcome of children with AFM.

Materials and methods

This is a prospective case series study.

Results

Nine children met the case definition given by CDC. All cases presented with prodromal symptoms followed by acute onset asymmetrical limb weakness. Maximum weakness is reached within 4 days from the day of onset. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis shows that pleocytosis with viral markers for arboviruses and enteroviruses was negative. Electrophysiological study revealed decreased muscle action potential in all. MRI of the spinal cord showed predominantly grey matter involvement.

Conclusion

AFM should be one of the differential diagnoses in any child presenting with acute flaccid paralysis.
Microsatellite Analysis and Urediniospore Dispersal Simulations Support the Movement of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici from Southern Africa to Australia
Authors: Visser Botma , Meyer Marcel , Park Robert F. , Gilligan Christopher A. , Burgin Laura E. , Hort Matthew C. , Hodson David P. , Pretorius Zacharias A.
Published: July 2018

The Australian wheat stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) population was shaped by the introduction of four exotic incursions into the country. It was previously hypothesized that at least two of these (races 326-1,2,3,5,6 and 194-1,2,3,5,6 first detected in 1969) had an African origin and moved across the Indian Ocean to Australia on high-altitude winds. We provide strong supportive evidence for this hypothesis by combining genetic analyses and complex atmospheric dispersion modeling. Genetic analysis of 29 Australian and South African P. graminis f. sp. tritici races using microsatellite markers confirmed the close genetic relationship between the South African and Australian populations, thereby confirming previously described phenotypic similarities. Lagrangian particle dispersion model simulations using finely resolved meteorological data showed that long distance dispersal events between southern Africa and Australia are indeed possible, albeit rare. Simulated urediniospore transmission events were most frequent from central South Africa (viable spore transmission on approximately 7% of all simulated release days) compared with other potential source regions in southern Africa. The study acts as a warning of possible future P. graminis f. sp. tritici dispersal events from southern Africa to Australia, which could include members of the Ug99 race group, emphasizing the need for continued surveillance on both continents.
Low health literacy
Authors: Hickey Kathleen T. , Masterson Creber Ruth M. , Reading Meghan , Sciacca Robert R. , Riga Teresa C. , Frulla Ashton P. , Casida Jesus M.
Published: July 2018

There are limited data on racial and ethnic disparities related to quality of life (QoL) and health literacy in adults with multiple cardiac conditions. This article evaluates the relationship between health literacy and QoL among patients with cardiac conditions in a multiethnic community in New York City.
CLINICAL PRESENTATIONS, DIAGNOSTIC DILEMMA, AND MANAGEMENT OUTCOMES OF CHRONIC POSTOPERATIVE ENDOPHTHALMITIS CAUSED BY STEPHANOASCUS CIFERRII
Authors: Dave Vivek Pravin , Sharma Savitri , Dave Prachi Jhala , Joseph Joveeta , Pappuru Rajeev Reddy
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

To report the diagnosis and management of a series of chronic postoperative endophthalmitis caused by Stephanoascus ciferrii.

Methods:

This is a retrospective consecutive case series at a tertiary eye care institute. Case records of consecutive cases of chronic postoperative endophthalmitis caused by a novel fungus S. ciferrii were analyzed. The clinical presentations, microbiologic workup including microscopy, culture, antifungal susceptibility and polymerase chain reaction for fungal DNA of clinical samples, and the clinical management were noted. The cases underwent anterior chamber tap, vitreous biopsy, core vitrectomy, and intraocular lens explantation, and the management consisted of a combination of topical and systemic therapy and intravitreal injections of antimicrobial agents.

Results:

The report includes four eyes of four patients. All patients were diagnosed as chronic postcataract surgery endophthalmitis, and they showed variable levels of persistent low-grade intraocular inflammation till the intraocular lens was explanted. S. ciferrii (identified by the Vitek 2 compact system) was grown in culture from one or more of the clinical samples such as vitreous, anterior chamber fluid, capular bag, and intraocular lens. Fungal DNA was detected from vitreous in one case. One isolate tested for antifungal susceptibility was resistant to amphotericin B; however, the patient responded to treatment with the drug. Good clinical outcome was achieved in all patients.

Conclusion:

We describe successful treatment of endophthalmitis caused by S. ciferrii. A good response is obtained after pars plana vitrectomy and intraocular lens explantation.
Prevalence of chronic pain with or without neuropathic characteristics in France using the capture–recapture method: a population-based study
Authors: Chenaf Chouki , Delorme Jessica , Delage Noémie , Ardid Denis , Eschalier Alain , Authier Nicolas
Published: July 2018

Capture–recapture methods are increasingly used to determine the prevalence of numerous chronic conditions but have never been used in the context of chronic pain (CP). This study sought to provide up-to-date estimates of the prevalence of people experiencing CP ± neuropathic characteristics in France using the capture–recapture method. In 2013 to 2015, 3 data sources were used: the French prescription drug database (D-list), the national hospital discharge database (H-list), and the French pain center database (P-list). Patients aged 18 years and older treated with analgesic drugs for ≥6 months (D-list) or with a diagnosis of CP ± neuropathic characteristics (H- and P-lists) were included. Two successive capture–recapture analyses were conducted, with log-linear regression for each analysis performed. A total of 63,557 and 9852 distinct cases of CP and chronic neuropathic pain were captured, respectively. The estimated prevalence of CP and chronic neuropathic pain in the adults ranged from 27.2% (95% confidence interval: 26.1-28.4) to 32.7% (26.0-43.3) and from 5.55% (2.89-19.0) to 7.30% (6.40-8.41), respectively. Most patients were female, median ages were 67 (55-80) and 63 (51-76) years for chronic and neuropathic pain, respectively. The analgesic drugs most frequently used in CP patients were paracetamol (62.1%), weak opioids (39.7%), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (32.7%), whereas in neuropathic pain patients, anticonvulsants (45.3%), tricyclic antidepressants (18.1%), and serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (13.3%) were more frequently used. This first electronic health record–based study on CP using the capture–recapture method revealed a high prevalence of CP, with a significant proportion of neuropathic pain patients.
Long-term changes in biopsychosocial characteristics related to temporomandibular disorder: findings from the OPPERA study
Authors: Fillingim Roger B. , Slade Gary D. , Greenspan Joel D. , Dubner Ronald , Maixner William , Bair Eric , Ohrbach Richard
Published: July 2018

Painful temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are both consequence and cause of change in multiple clinical, psychosocial, and biological factors. Although longitudinal studies have identified antecedent biopsychosocial factors that increase risk of the TMD onset and persistence, little is known about long-term change in those factors after TMD develops or remits. During a 7.6-year median follow-up period, we measured change in psychosocial characteristics, pain sensitivity, cardiovascular indicators of autonomic function, and clinical jaw function among 189 participants whose baseline chronic TMD status either persisted or remitted and 505 initially TMD-free participants, 83 of whom developed TMD. Among initially TMD-free participants who developed TMD, symptoms and pain sensitivity increased, whereas psychological function worsened. By contrast, participants with chronic TMD at baseline tended to show improved TMD symptoms, improved jaw function, reduced somatic symptoms, and increased positive affect. In general, clinical and psychosocial variables more frequently changed in parallel with TMD status compared with pain sensitivity and autonomic measures. These findings demonstrate a complex pattern of considerable changes in biopsychosocial function associated with changes in TMD status. In particular, several biopsychosocial parameters improved among participants with chronic TMD despite pain persisting for years, suggesting considerable potential for ongoing coping and adaptation in response to persistent pain.
Care Needs of Patients at the End of Life With a Noncancer Diagnosis Who Live at Home
Authors: LEE Jiwon , PARK Younghye , LIM Kyounjoo , LEE Ari , LEE Hanul , LEE Jong-Eun
Published: July 2018

Background:

As the population ages, the prevalence of various chronic diseases increases. Palliative care for patients at the end of life with a noncancer diagnosis is currently limited because of the difficulties of demarcating the boundaries of the end-of-life care period and of determining the various care needs of patients at the end of life.

Purpose:

This study aimed to investigate the levels of importance and difficulty of the multidimensional care needs for patients with a noncancer diagnosis during various end-of-life stages.

Methods:

This study is a retrospective survey. Home healthcarenurse specialists (HHNS) reviewed medical and nursing records and responded to a structured questionnaire. The caring experiences of HHNS with 115 patients, who were 40 years or older, had received home care nursing throughout the stable (between the onset of the end-of-life stage and 1 week before death) and near-death (1 week before death) stages at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital in Korea, and had died between September 1, 2014, and December 31, 2015, were analyzed.

Results:

The care needs of “coordination among family or relatives” and “support for fundamental needs” were more important in the stable stage than in the near-death stage. The care need of “loss, grief care” was more important in the near-death stage than in the stable stage. The care need of “physical symptoms management” was the most difficult to meet in both stages. Lower Palliative Performance Scale score was associated with a higher level of care need, particularly in the “management of physical symptoms” and “psychological support” realms in the stable stage and in the “coordination among family or relatives” realm in both stages.

Conclusions:

End-of-life stage and initial score on the Palliative Performance Scale were found to have a significant influence on the multidimensional care needs of patients with a noncancer diagnosis. Thus, healthcare professionals should assess patient care needs according to disease trajectory to provide continuous and holistic care.
Effective, recommended, underutilized: a review of the literature on barriers to adolescent usage of long-acting reversible contraceptive methods
Authors: Coles Chelsey B. , Shubkin Catherine D.
Published: July 2018

Purpose of review

Teenage pregnancy rates in the United States remain at epidemic proportions. To help stem the tide of adolescent pregnancy, both the American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have released policy statements that long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) be considered the first-line option for contraception in adolescents. Despite the recommendations and efficacy, LARCs are utilized by less than 5% of American teens. The purpose of this review is to elucidate the barriers to adolescent access to LARC, which are broken down into provider, patient, and cultural barriers.

Recent findings

Recent literature suggests that shortcomings in physician training in LARC method counseling and placement begin as early as medical school and are further augmented by the clinical cost and logistical difficulty of device placement. Patients experience barriers due to cost, confidential access, and perceptions or misconceptions about contraceptive options. Cultural barriers are derived from the absence of expectation for adolescents to pursue safe and effective contraceptive options, as well as the historical complications from intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants.

These barriers have led to poor utilization of the most effective methods in preventing adolescent pregnancy. It is essential that pediatricians be up-to-date on the most current recommendations surrounding LARC to help negate barriers and provide the best care to adolescent patients.