bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of panic disorder in patients with non-cardiac chest pain and panic attacks
Authors: Heppell Jenny-Lee , Denis Isabelle , Turcotte Stéphane , Fleet Richard P , Dionne Clermont E , Foldes-Busque Guillaume
Published: June 2019

This study documented the 6-month incidence of panic disorder and its predictors in emergency department patients with panic attacks and non-cardiac chest pain. The assessment included a validated structured interview to identify panic attacks and questionnaires measuring the potential predictors of panic disorder. Presence of panic disorder was assessed 6 months later. The incidence of panic disorder was 10.1 percent ( n = 14/138). Anxiety sensitivity was the only significant predictor of the incidence of panic disorder (odds ratio = 1.06; 95% confidence interval = 1.01–1.12). Patients with panic attacks and non-cardiac chest pain are at an elevated risk for panic disorder. This vulnerability appears to increase with anxiety sensitivity.
“I don’t bang: I’m just a Blood”: Situating gang identities in their proper place
Authors: Lopez-Aguado Patrick , Walker Michael Lawrence
Published: June 2019

In this article we offer a theoretical framework for conceptualizing the relationship between gang identification, place, and identity saliency. In our interviews with current and former street gang members, participants consistently described gangs as neighborhood-based entities, but also couched these local identities within much broader Crip or Blood affiliations. These amount to multiple, simultaneously claimed identities. However, we show that not all identities are equal—that as a social geographic area increases, identities become more diffuse and less salient, territorial, or “gang-like”, resulting instead in expansive, symbolic “umbrella identities” that cover several distinct places and gangs. These umbrella identities proved quite fluid, such that Crip and Blood affiliations had little relationship to one’s gang identity and even produced some gangs with mixed Blood and Crip memberships.
Barriers to care and psychopathology among Bolivian migrants living in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Ugarte Bustamante Lineth Hiordana , Cerqueira Raphael Oliveira , De Marzio Fernanda , Leite Keila Pereira , Cadurin Thatiane Dal Picolo , Leclerc Emilie , Vistorte Angel Olider Rojas , Evans-Lacko Sara , Brietzke Elisa
Published: June 2019

The objective of this study was to investigate barriers to appropriate mental health care in a sample of Bolivian migrants living in São Paulo and to examine the association between barriers of care and the presence of symptoms of non-psychotic psychiatric disorders in this population. Considering that treatment usually reduces symptoms, it could be hypothesized that individuals reporting more barriers to care also will report more symptoms. The sample comprised 104 individuals born in Bolivia, with Bolivian nationality and living in São Paulo for at least 30 days prior to enrolling in the study, between 18 and 80 years of age and able to read and write in Spanish or Portuguese. The symptoms of mental disorders were assessed using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) and barriers to appropriate mental health care were evaluated using the Barriers to Assessing Care Evaluation (BACE). A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the predictive effect of the BACE total score (independent variable) in the SRQ-20 score (dependent variable), including in the model, and the variables that were significantly correlated with the BACE total score or SRQ-20. Our results indicate that more than a half of the sample of Bolivian migrants living in Sao Paulo, Brazil, especially females, presented significant non-psychotic psychopathology. Individuals reporting more barriers to care, especially instrumental and attitudinal barriers, also have a higher risk of psychiatric symptoms, independently of sex, age and family income. Our results suggest that actions to increase availability of mental health services, especially culturally sensitive services, could reduce barriers to care and improve mental health among migrants.
Utilizing relative weight analysis in customer satisfaction research
Authors: Garver Michael S , Williams Zachary
Published: June 2019

For customer satisfaction researchers, key driver analysis is a common practice to understand what product and service attributes are most important in driving the overall customer experience, typically measured by overall satisfaction or the Net Promoter question. To implement key driver analysis, market research practitioners often use statistical techniques such as bivariate correlation analysis or multiple regression, yet these statistical techniques have severe limitations for conducting key driver analysis. As a viable alternative, this article puts forth relative weight analysis (RWA) as an appropriate statistical technique for conducting key driver analysis. To empirically demonstrate this technique, key driver analysis was conducted using data from a B2B software provider. The analysis implemented RWA, correlation analysis, and multiple regression, and the results are compared and contrasted. RWA limitations and best practices are discussed as well as future research. Overall, this research advocates for more use of RWA in marketing research.
Half a century of Lighting Research & Technology: A bibliometric review
Authors: Chen QW , Ru TT , Zhai DG , Huang XH , Li Y , Qian L , Wang YY , Zhou GF
Published: June 2019

Lighting Research & Technology (LRT) is an influential journal in the field of light and lighting dating back to 1969. To celebrate its 50th birthday, the current study explored its bibliometric characteristics and mapped the bibliographic information graphically through VOSviewer software. This analysis found that the number of papers has steadily increased during recent years. The most productive and cited country was the United Kingdom. The most productive and cited institution was Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The most prolific author was Steve Fotios and the most cited author was Mark Rea. The journal most cited together with LRT was Leukos. LRT has become more and more international and interdisciplinary over the last five decades. Suggestions for the development of LRT are provided. Develpoments over the last 50 years have turned LRT into one of leading journals in the light and lighting field, one which has a bright future.
Dosimetric Effect of Intrafraction Tumor Motion in Lung Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Using CyberKnife Static Tracking System
Authors: Chang Yu , Liu Hong-Yuan , Liang Zhi-Wen , Nie Xin , Yang Jing , Liu Gang , Li Qin , Yang Zhi-Yong
Published: June 2019

Purpose:

We investigated the dosimetric effect of intrafraction tumor motion in lung stereotactic body radiotherapy using the CyberKnife static tracking system.

Methods:

Four-dimensional computed tomography scans of a dynamic thorax phantom were acquired. Two motion ranges, 3 collimator sizes, and 4 treatment starting phases were investigated. Monte Carlo dose distributions were calculated on internal target volume with a treatment-specific setup margin for 6 Gy/1 fraction. Dosimetric effects of intrafractional tumor motion were assessed with Gafchromic films. γ (5%/3 mm), dose differences, and distance to agreement were analyzed.

Results:

With 30 mm collimator plans, the measured dose passed the criteria γ (5%/3 mm) in all tumor motion ranges. The γ passing rates of the plans using 20 mm or 20+35 mm collimators were much lower than that with 30 mm collimator, especially with the 30 mm tumor motion range. The measured dose of 10 mm tumor motion ranges all passed the 90% criteria of γ (5%/3 mm), the results being much better than those of 30 mm tumor motion ranges, which were below 80%. The results of same delivered plan but treated with different starting phases varies greatly.

Conclusion:

Xsight Lung Tracking technique should be used with caution in lung cancer stereotactic body radiation therapy because the temporal dose variations can be significant.
A time difference of arrival/angle of arrival fusion algorithm with steepest descent algorithm for indoor non-line-of-sight locationing
Authors: Shen Chong , Wang Chengxiao , Zhang Kun , Wang Xianpeng , Liu Jing
Published: June 2019

In complex indoor propagation environment, the non-line-of-sight error caused by various obstacles brings great error to node positioning. Choosing the appropriate signal transmission methods is important to improve node indoor positioning accuracy. In this research, ultra-wideband technology, as baseband with high theoretical positioning accuracy and real-time performance, is implemented to transmit indoor signals. The proposed fusion algorithm with ultra-wideband baseband takes advantages from both time difference of arrival and angle of arrival algorithms, combined through the steepest descent algorithm. The non-line-of-sight signal estimation error is iteratively eliminated to achieve effective positioning accuracy. The experimental results indicate that the novel time difference of arrival/angle of arrival fusion algorithm with steepest descent algorithm can largely improve node positioning accuracy and stability.
“Why Are Video Games So Special?”: The Supreme Court and the Case Against Medium Specificity
Authors: Hakimi Jedd
Published: June 2019

The 2011 U.S. Supreme Court case Brown v. Entertainment Merchants Association adjudicated the State of California’s right to regulate the sale of “violent” video games and, in the process, effectively considered how video games should be apprehended as a cultural form under the law. The court’s decision cited the missteps of judicial film censorship in protecting video games as a form of expression under the First Amendment, placing video games into a cultural time line of expressive forms. Some media scholars contest the court’s approach for overvaluing the cultural aspects of video games and neglecting their distinct digital materiality. However, a close reading of the case and the circumstances that led the justices’ opinions helps articulate a crucial critique of overly materialist approaches to video games associated with media archaeology. The case details reflect the inextricability of materiality and experience in considering video games as a form of expression.
Poisonous Pantheons: God of War and Toxic Masculinity
Authors: Conway Steven
Published: June 2019

Kratos, protagonist of God of War (2005–current), is an archetypal representation of toxic masculinity. For much of the series, his rage drives much of the narrative and game dynamics, as Kratos destroys the entire Greek pantheon. The latest iteration of the series moves Kratos into Norse mythology and introduces a son. This father–son relationship allows the developers to ruminate upon the toxic masculinity that has defined much of the series’ past. Kratos’ trajectory moves from the flatness of one defining characteristic, rage, to an introspective consideration of this emotion and its consequences. A parabolic supporting cast set the stage, each illustrating an aspect of toxicity; as explored, the mother–son relationship between Freya and her son, Baldur, is given a poignant twist. Overall, this article investigates how God of War articulates characteristics of toxic masculinity, explores its repercussions, and offers lessons for its rehabilitation.
A Comparative Study Between Darrach and Sauvé-Kapandji Procedures for Post-Traumatic Distal Radioulnar Joint Dysfunction
Authors: Verhiel Svenna H. W. L. , Özkan Sezai , Ritt Marco J. P. F. , Chen Neal C. , Eberlin Kyle R.
Published: June 2019

Background: There are various treatments for post-traumatic distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) dysfunction. The present study aimed to assess differences in long-term patient-reported outcomes on physical function, pain, and satisfaction between the Darrach and Sauvé-Kapandji procedures. Secondary aims were to describe the radiographic outcomes and to assess the difference in rate and type of complications and reoperations between these 2 procedures. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 85 patients who had a post-traumatic DRUJ derangement and had been treated by either a Darrach (n = 57) or Sauvé-Kapandji procedure (n = 28). Fifty-two patients (61%) completed patient-rated outcomes surveys at a median of 8.4 years after their procedure. Radiographic measurements consisted of ulnar distance, radioulnar distance, and ulnar gap (only in Sauvé-Kapandji group). Results: There were no significant differences in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Upper Extremity (UE) Function score, pain score, satisfaction score, complications, and reoperations between patients who had a Darrach procedure or a Sauvé-Kapandji procedure. Seventeen patients (30%) in the Darrach group experienced a complication, and 14 patients (50%) in the Sauvé-Kapandji group experienced a complication ( P = .09). The most common complication was instability of the ulnar stump (n = 10), followed by symptoms of the dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve (n = 8). Patients who underwent a Sauvé-Kapandji procedure had more reoperations for excision of heterotopic ossification. Conclusions: Darrach and Sauvé-Kapandji procedures show comparable long-term patient-reported outcomes in treatment of post-traumatic DRUJ dysfunction. Complication and reoperation rate are relatively high, with non-significant differences between the 2 procedures.
Number needed to treat: A primer for neurointerventionalists
Authors: Martinez-Gutierrez Juan Carlos , Leslie-Mazwi Thabele , Chandra Ronil V , Ong Kevin L , Nogueira Raul G , Goyal Mayank , Albuquerque Felipe C , Hirsch Joshua A
Published: June 2019

Background

The number needed to treat is a commonly used statistical term in modern neurointerventional practice. It represents the number of patients that need to be treated for one patient to benefit from an intervention. Given its growing popularity in reflecting study results, understanding the basics behind this statistic is of practical value to the neurointerventionalist.

Methods

Here, we review the basic theory and calculation of the number needed to treat, its application to stroke interventions, and its limitations. In addition, we demonstrate several simple methods of calculating the number needed to treat utilizing recent thrombectomy trial results. By presenting the number needed to treat as a universal metric, we provide a comprehensive comparative of the number needed to treat for key stroke therapies, including mechanical thrombectomy, tissue plasminogen activator, carotid endarterectomy, and prevention with antiplatelet and statin drugs.

Conclusions

In comparison with available stroke therapies, mechanical thrombectomy stands out as the most effective acute intervention in patients with emergent large-vessel occlusions. Understanding how the number needed to treat is derived and its implications helps provide perspective to clinical trial data, identify health-care resource priorities, and improve communication with patients, health-care providers, and additional key stakeholders.
Governance models of public utility commissions in the United States
Authors: Howe Douglas J.
Published: June 2019

Regulation of utilities at the state level in the United States is undertaken by a commission on which anywhere from three to seven commissioners sit and must vote on virtually all significant utility actions, including rate requests, resource plans, acquisitions and mergers, and financing mechanisms. Public utility commissions (PUCs) are, in a very real sense, courts with adjudicatory responsibility over the area of state utility laws. In hearing a utility case, they must follow the state’s statutes and court rules. The commissioners function as judges in this court of public utility law. In a majority of states, commissioners are appointed by the state’s governor with the advice and consent of the state legislature. In a significant minority of states, commissioners are elected by popular vote. However, recent changes in US election law have made it easier for corporations and special interest groups, called political action committees, to influence elections through donations targeting direct voter outreach on behalf of specific candidates. This chapter examines what the entry of political spending in PUC elections means, and whether elected commissioners can adjudicate in the public interest, or will adjudicate for special interests. The chapter concludes that while both the appointment and election governance model can produce both “good” and “bad” commissioners, it is the elected commission that is most at risk of selecting commissioners that will not be truly independent and objective arbiters of the law.
Total Syntheses of Clerodane Diterpenoids—A Review
Authors: Hagiwara Hisahiro
Published: June 2019

Total syntheses of clerodane diterpenoids have been reviewed from the literature since 2000.
Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of the Leaf and Twig Essential Oils of Magnolia hypolampra Growing in Na Hang Nature Reserve, Tuyen Quang Province of Vietnam
Authors: Ha Chu T.T. , Thai Tran H. , Hien Nguyen T. , Anh Ha T.V. , Diep Le N. , Thuy Dinh T.T. , Nhat Do D. , Setzer William N.
Published: June 2019

The leaf and twig essential oils of Magnolia hypolampra, growing wild in Na Hang Nature Reserve, Tuyen Quang province of Vietnam, were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The oil yield calculated on a dry weight basis from leaves of M. hypolampra was very high (1.62%, v/w), while that from twigs was much lower (0.07%, v/w). The essential oils were dominated by monoterpenoids (74.3% and 84.8%) and sesquiterpenoids (24.4% and 13.3%) with β-pinene (36.5% and 41.3%), α-pinene (23.7% and 24.4%), and germacrene D (14.6% and 5.8%) as respective major components. Antibiotic activity of the essential oil samples was tested against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, and yeast Candida albicans using an agar disk diffusion method. Both the leaf and twig oils showed strong inhibition against all 3 tested microorganism strains with inhibition zones from 18.5 to 30.5 mm and from 45.5 to 46 mm, respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentration of the essential oils was determined using microdilution broth susceptibility assay against 7 test microorganism strains including Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus fermentum, Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 3 abovementioned strains. Minimum inhibitory concentration values of the essential oil from the twigs were from 2.0 to 8.2 mg/mL, while those from the leaves were from 4.1 to 16.4 mg/mL.
Microaggressions in Administrator Preparation Programs: How Black Female Participants Experienced Discussions of Identity, Discrimination, and Leadership
Authors: Weiner Jennie Miles , Cyr Daron , Burton Laura J.
Published: June 2019

Using Sue et al.’s microaggressions framework, this qualitative study focused on the preparation experiences of 10 Black, female school leaders to examine how and in what ways identity, leadership, and discrimination were discussed in their administration preparation programs. We find participants were neither given space to explore their identities or experiences of discrimination nor did they learn strategies to address them. Instead, leadership was treated as an identity-neutral endeavor, and conversations regarding racial or gender differences were ignored or silenced. In these ways, the programs perpetrated various microaggressions excluding, negating, or nullifying participants’ experiences as Black female leaders.
Low mood and depressive symptoms during perimenopause – Should General Practitioners prescribe hormone replacement therapy or antidepressants as the first-line treatment?
Authors: Leonhardt Mandy
Published: June 2019

Perimenopausal women have an increased risk of developing new onset and recurrent mental health conditions such as anxiety, low mood and depressive symptoms. General Practitioners frequently prescribe antidepressants as the first-line treatment for these symptoms, despite clear lack of evidence for their efficacy and their unfavourable side effect profile. This article, written by a General Practitioner, gives a practical overview of the mental health symptoms which women may report to their General Practitioners during the menopausal transition and discusses underlying causes, assessment, risk factors and treatment options based on current evidence.
The Effects of Family Transitions on Depressive Symptoms: Differences among Young Adults with and without Childhood Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Kroeger Rhiannon A. , Umberson Debra , Powers Daniel A. , Forrest Danequa L.
Published: June 2019

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is tied to higher levels of depression, but the social factors that shape these associations are not well understood. This study considers whether family transitions affect depressive symptoms differently for young adults with and without childhood symptoms of ADHD at subthreshold or diagnostic levels. Between-within regression analysis of nationally representative longitudinal survey data shows that transitions into cohabitation and parenthood affect depressive symptoms differently for young adults with and without childhood symptoms of ADHD. Specifically, within-person effects indicate that transitions into cohabitation and parenthood are tied to decreases in depressive symptoms, but only for young adults without childhood symptoms of ADHD. In contrast, transitions into marriage are tied to decreases in depressive symptoms, and transitions out of coresidential unions are tied to increases in depressive symptoms, regardless of childhood symptoms of ADHD. The results suggest that some family transitions may work to widen ADHD disparities in depression, underscoring the importance of family contexts for shaping mental health throughout the life course.
On Development and Sustainability: The Issue of Ageing in India
Authors: Roy Subho
Published: June 2019

Population ageing is not only humanity’s greatest triumphs but also one of our greatest challenges. It is a demographic imperative which has socioeconomic and political consequences across the globe. Economies are globalising, technology is evolving rapidly and people are more likely to live in cities. Of late, developing countries, like India, are experiencing the challenge of these developmental discourses, in the form of changes in demographic scenario and family structure, leaving fewer older people with families to care for them. So we are at crossroads. The real issue is, therefore, how older people can sustain themselves, remain healthy, be an integral part of society and enjoy a good quality of life, without impeding the pace of development. The response to the challenges of ageing should take into consideration the realities of an individual country or region, avoiding the trap of a ‘one size fits all’ model, and importantly, should have strong analytical understanding of underlying demographic processes and factors.
Acute atraumatic bilateral acetabular insufficiency fractures
Authors: Benz Daniel , Lim Patrick , Balogh Zsolt J
Published: June 2019

Bilateral acetabular fractures have been documented in the setting of high-energy trauma, but few reports regarding atraumatic bilateral acetabular fractures exist. The following is a case report of bilateral insufficiency acetabular fractures which occurred acutely in the absence of trauma in a 49-year-old female. The case highlights the importance of perioperative awareness of those patients at significant risk of insufficiency fractures and offers a relatively elegant, less invasive solution for early mobilization in the context of acetabula insufficiency fractures.
Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth in India: A Sector-specific Analysis
Authors: Jana Shib Sankar , Sahu Tarak Nath , Pandey Krishna Dayal
Published: June 2019

The motivation behind this empirical investigation comes from the inconclusive evidence produced by a flurry of previous empirical studies on foreign direct investment (FDI)-growth nexus. The study recognises the fact that the treatment of FDI inflows in an aggregate form instead of a sector-specific approach while correlating it with economic growth remains the most tenuous assumption of the previously conducted studies. Driven by the impetus of filling this gap, this study applies a time-varying parameter model with vector autoregressive specification to examine as to how sector-wise FDI inflows can affect the growth of respective sectors in the context of an emerging economy like India. The study uses a number of econometric tests, such as Johansen’s cointegration test, vector error correction model, Granger causality test, variance decomposition analysis and impulse response analysis, to arrive at robust results. The study evidences the inward FDI to be non-contributive to the agricultural output growth. However, a reverse causality is evidenced wherein agricultural output is found to be attracting more FDI into the sector. It also documents interesting evidence for manufacturing sector where the FDI inflow is found to affect its output positively for a couple of years. Regarding service sector, the study confirms a bidirectional causality between FDI and growth both for the short and long run. On the basis of the findings, the study suggests economic policymakers to rejuvenate the primary sector of India so that it can attract and absorb more FDI and ensure sustainable economic growth. Besides, the agriculture-led economic growth policy might be more reliant than service which is largely vulnerable to external shocks.
Effects of Age and Hearing Loss on the Discrimination of Amplitude and Frequency Modulation for 2- and 10-Hz Rates
Authors: Moore Brian C. J. , Mariathasan Sashi , Sęk Aleksander P.
Published: June 2019

Detection of frequency modulation (FM) with rate = 10 Hz may depend on conversion of FM to amplitude modulation (AM) in the cochlea, while detection of 2-Hz FM may depend on the use of temporal fine structure (TFS) information. TFS processing may worsen with greater age and hearing loss while AM processing probably does not. A two-stage experiment was conducted to test these ideas while controlling for the effects of detection efficiency. Stage 1 measured psychometric functions for the detection of AM alone and FM alone imposed on a 1-kHz carrier, using 2- and 10-Hz rates. Stage 2 assessed the discrimination of AM from FM at the same modulation rate when the detectability of the AM alone and FM alone was equated. Discrimination was better for the 2-Hz than for the 10-Hz rate for all young normal-hearing subjects and for some older subjects with normal hearing at 1 kHz. Other older subjects with normal hearing showed no clear difference in AM-FM discrimination for the 2- and 10-Hz rates, as was the case for most older hearing-impaired subjects. The results suggest that the ability to use TFS cues is reduced for some older people and most hearing-impaired people.
Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and the Impact of Workplace Power
Authors: Roscigno Vincent J.
Published: June 2019

Research on workplace discrimination has tended to focus on a singular axis of inequality or a discrete type of closure, with much less attention to how positional and relational power within the employment context can bolster or mitigate vulnerability. In this article, the author draws on nearly 6,000 full-time workers from five waves of the General Social Survey (2002–2018) to analyze discrimination, sexual harassment, and the extent to which occupational status and vertical and horizontal workplace relations matter. Results demonstrate important and persistent race, gender, and age vulnerabilities, with positive vertical (i.e., supervisory) and horizontal (i.e., coworker) relations generally reducing the likelihood of discriminatory and sexually harassing encounters. Interaction modeling further reveals a heightened likelihood of both gender and age discrimination for those in higher status occupational positions but uniform vulnerabilities across the occupational hierarchy when it comes to women’s experiences of sexual harassment and minority encounters with racial discrimination.
Hyponatremia in cancer patients: Strategy for safe correction in the hospital
Authors: Chen Sheldon
Published: June 2019

Hyponatremia is a common but challenging disorder to treat. The pathogenesis and the workup can be unexpectedly complicated, and the available therapies are manifold. Instead of trying to wrangle all of the aspects of hyponatremia into a comprehensive algorithm, we describe a general strategy that goes back to the first principles embodied in the model discovered by Edelman and colleagues back in 1958. The so-called Edelman equation underpins our modern understanding of [sodium] disorders, and it has engendered pretty much all of the [sodium] equations that are in clinical use. As the dysnatremias have a quantitative basis, a numerical approach seems prudent. We developed a predictive [sodium] equation that simultaneously considers all of the ongoing inputs and outputs of Na/K/H2O that would perturb the serum [Na] and also factors in the element of time that would determine the rate of [Na] correction. Our equation solves for the rate of intravenous fluid (or salt tablet) administration, because that information helps clinicians the most when prescribing therapy for inpatients. With the rate of [Na] correction built in, the equation also aims to safeguard against overcorrection. Since the equation is programmable into a clinical calculator, our renal fellows find it easy to use on their own. However, all of the [sodium] equations are fallible, because their data are no longer valid when the clinical parameters change, as they are likely to do. Nevertheless, we believe that the quantitative approach to hyponatremia has much to offer in terms of efficacy and safety.
Sonographic Assessment of Heel Pad Thickness in Patients With Poorly Controlled Diabetes
Authors: Udoh Benjamin Effiong , Archibong Bassey Eyo , Egong Akpama Egwu
Published: June 2019

The aim was to compare the heel pad thickness (HPT) in diabetic patients with high biochemical parameters (fasting blood sugar [FBS], hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c], and lipid profile) with nondiabetic counterparts. A total of 438 subjects made up of 216 diabetics with high biochemical parameters (poorly controlled) and 222 apparently healthy subjects were recruited. The HPT, FBS level, HbA1c values and lipid profile, and duration of diabetes mellitus were assessed. Results showed that the mean HPT was 13.33 ± 1.29 mm in the control subjects and 16.79 ± 1.84 mm in diabetics. The HPT among diabetics differed significantly from the control group ( P < .05). The mean value of HbA1c in the control group was 5.4 ± 1.3 compared to diabetics with values of 8.53 ± 2.1. The values of HbA1c among diabetics were significantly higher than that of the control group ( P < .05). HPT had a significant linear relationship with HbA1c among the diabetic subjects ( r = 0.42, P < .05).
ETV6-related thrombocytopenia and leukemia predisposition
Authors: Di Paola Jorge , Porter Christopher C.
Published: June 2019

Germ line mutations in ETV6 are responsible for a familial thrombocytopenia and leukemia predisposition syndrome. Thrombocytopenia is almost completely penetrant and is usually mild. Leukemia is reported in ∼30% of carriers and is most often B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The mechanisms by which ETV6 dysfunction promotes thrombocytopenia and leukemia remain unclear. Care for individuals with ETV6-related thrombocytopenia and leukemia predisposition includes genetic counseling, treatment or prevention of excessive bleeding and surveillance for the development of hematologic malignancy.
White noise attenuation of seismic trace by integrating variational mode decomposition with convolutional neural network
Authors: Wu Hao , Zhang Bo , Lin Tengfei , Li Fangyu , Liu Naihao
Published: June 2019

Seismic noise attenuation is an important step in seismic data processing. Most noise attenuation algorithms are based on the analysis of time-frequency characteristics of the seismic data and noise. We have aimed to attenuate white noise of seismic data using the convolutional neural network (CNN). Traditional CNN-based noise attenuation algorithms need prior information (the “clean” seismic data or the noise contained in the seismic) in the training process. However, it is difficult to obtain such prior information in practice. We assume that the white noise contained in the seismic data can be simulated by a sufficient number of user-generated white noise realizations. We then attenuate the seismic white noise using the modified denoising CNN (MDnCNN). The MDnCNN does not need prior clean seismic data nor pure noise in the training procedure. To accurately and efficiently learn the features of seismic data and band-limited noise at different frequency bandwidths, we first decomposed the seismic data into several intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) using variational mode decomposition and then apply our denoising process to the IMFs. We use synthetic and field data examples to illustrate the robustness and superiority of our method over the traditional methods. The experiments demonstrate that our method can not only attenuate most of the white noise but it also rejects the migration artifacts.
Assessment of fatigue-related biochemical alterations in a rat swimming model under hypoxia
Authors: Shan Fabo , Yang Tao , Li Junxia , Huang Qing-Yuan
Published: June 2019

It is well known that exercise-induced fatigue is exacerbated following hypoxia exposure and may arise from central and/or peripheral mechanisms. To assess the relative contribution of peripheral and central factors to exercise-induced fatigue under hypoxia, a rat model of fatigue by a bout of exhaustive swimming was established and fatigue-related biochemical changes in normoxic and severe hypoxic conditions were compared. Rats were randomly divided into four groups, normoxia resting (NR), exhaustive swimming (NE), hypoxia resting (HR) and exhaustive swimming (HE) groups. The swimming time to exhaustion with a weight equal to 2.5% of their body weight reduced under hypoxia (HE 37±9 min vs. NE 91±16 min, p<0.05). There were lower blood lactate levels (HE 10.9±2.1 mmol/L vs. NE 14.1±1.4 mmol/L, p<0.05), lower gastrocnemius pAMPK/AMPK ratios (HE 0.9±0.2 vs. NE 1.3±0.3, p<0.05) and higher gastrocnemius glycogen contents (HE 1.6±0.4 mg/g tissue vs. NE 1.1±0.3 mg/g tissue, p<0.05) in HE than in NE, which all suggested a lower degree of peripheral fatigue in HE group than in NE group. Meanwhile, there was a significant increase in striatal DOPAC caused by exhaustive swimming under normoxia, while this increase was almost blunted under severe hypoxia, indicating that hypoxia might exacerbate exercise-induced central fatigue. These biochemical changes suggest that from normoxia to severe hypoxia, the relative contribution of peripheral and central factors to exercise-induced fatigue alters, and central fatigue may play a predominant role in the decline in exercise performance under hypoxia.
Locomotor patterns change over time when exposed to an uneven surface
Authors: Kent Jenny A. , Sommerfeld Joel H. , Mukherjee Mukul , Takahashi Kota Z. , Stergiou Nicholas
Published: June 2019

During walking, uneven surfaces impose new demands for controlling balance and forward progression at each step. It is unknown the extent to which walking may be refined given a level of stride-to-stride unpredictability at distal level. Here, we explored the effects of an uneven terrain surface on whole-body locomotor dynamics on immediate exposure and after a familiarization period.

Eleven young, unimpaired adults walked for 12 minutes on flat and uneven terrain treadmills. The whole-body center of mass excursion range (COMEXC) and peak velocity (COMVEL), step length and width were estimated. On first exposure to uneven terrain, we saw significant increases in lateral COMEXC and COMVEL, and in the variability of COMEXC, COMVEL and foot placement in both anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions. Increases in step width and decreases in step length supported the immediate adoption of a cautious, restrictive solution on uneven terrain. After familiarization, step length increased and the variability of anterior-posterior COMVEL and step length reduced, while in the medial-lateral direction step width and COMVEL reduced, alluding to a refinement of movement and a reduction of conservative strategies over time. The variability of medial-lateral COMEXC and COMVEL increased, however, consistent with a release of previously constrained degrees of freedom. Despite this increase in variability, a strong relationship between step width and medial-lateral COM movement was maintained.

Our results indicate that movement strategies of unimpaired adults when walking on uneven terrain can evolve over time with longer exposure to the surface.
Histone deacetylase activity is required for Botrylloides leachii whole body regeneration
Authors: Zondag Lisa , Clarke Rebecca , Wilson Megan J.
Published: June 2019

The colonial tunicate Botrylloides leachii is exceptional at regenerating from a piece of vascular tunic after loss of all adults from the colony. Previous transcriptome analyses indicate a brief period of healing before regeneration of a new adult (zooid) in as little as 8-10 days. However, there is little understanding of how the resulting changes to gene expression, required to drive regeneration, are initiated and how the overall process is regulated. Rapid changes to transcription often occur in response to chromatin changes, mediated by histone modifications such as histone acetylation. Here, we investigated a group of key epigenetic modifiers, histone deacetylases (HDAC) that are known to play an important role in many biological processes such as development, healing and regeneration.

Through our transcriptome data, we identified and quantified the expression levels of HDAC and histone acetyltransferase (HAT) enzymes during whole body regeneration (WBR). To determine if HDAC activity is required for WBR, we inhibited its action using valproic acid (VPA) and Trichostatin A (TSA). HDAC inhibition prevented the final morphological changes normally associated with WBR and resulted in aberrant gene expression. B. leachii genes including Slit2, TGF-β, Piwi and Fzd4 all showed altered mRNA levels upon HDAC inhibition in comparison to the control samples. Additionally, atypical expression of Bl_Piwi was found in immunocytes upon HDAC inhibition.

Together, these results show that HDAC function, specifically HDAC I/IIa class enzymes, are vital for B. leachii to undergo WBR successfully.
Strain transformation: Enhancement of invertebrate memory in a new rearing environment
Authors: Rothwell Cailin M. , Lukowiak Ken
Published: June 2019

Memory formation is influenced by a variety of factors, including the environmental conditions in which an organism is reared. Here, we studied the memory-forming ability of the lab-bred B-strain of Lymnaea following a change in their rearing environment from Brock University to the University of Calgary. We have previously demonstrated that this move enhances memory-forming ability and here we studied the magnitude of this phenotypic change. Once reared to adulthood at the University of Calgary, the B-strain animals were first tested to determine how many training sessions were required for the formation of long-term memory (LTM) to occur. Following this change in environment, the B-strain transformed into a ‘smart’ lab-bred strain requiring only a single 0.5 h session to form LTM. Next, we tested whether exposure to physiologically relevant stressors would block the formation of LTM in this ‘transformed’ B-strain, as this obstruction has previously been observed in ‘smart’ snails collected from the wild. Interestingly, neither stressor tested in this study perturbed memory formation in this ‘transformed’ lab-bred strain. Additionally, both the ‘smart’ memory phenotype, as well as the increased stress resiliency, were observed in the second generation of ‘transformed’ B-strain at both the juvenile and adult stages. This suggests that a change in rearing environment can contribute to the memory-forming ability of lab-bred Lymnaea.
CB1 and CB2 receptors play differential roles in early zebrafish locomotor development
Authors: Sufian Md Shah , Amin Md Ruhul , Kanyo Richard , Allison W. Ted , Ali Declan W.
Published: June 2019

Endocannabinoids (eCBs) mediate their effects through actions on several receptors including the cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R. The role played by eCBs in the development of locomotor systems is not fully understood. In this study we investigated the roles of the eCB system in zebrafish development by pharmacologically inhibiting the CB1R and CB2Rs (with AM251 and AM630 respectively) in either the first or second day of development. We examined the morphology of motor neurons and we determined neuromuscular outputs by quantifying the amount of swimming in 5 dpf larva. Blocking CB2R during the first day of development resulted in gross morphological deficits and reductions in heart rate that were greater than that following treatment with the CB1R blocker AM251. Blocking CB1Rs from 0 to 24 hpf resulted in an increase in the number of secondary and tertiary branches of primary motor neurons, whereas blocking CB2Rs had the opposite effect. Both treatments manifested in reduced levels of swimming. Additionally, blocking CB1Rs resulted in greater instances of non-inflated and partially inflated swim bladders compared with AM630, suggesting that at least some of the deficits in locomotion may result from an inability to adjust buoyancy. Together these findings indicate that the endocannabinoid system is pivotal to the development of the locomotor system in zebrafish, and that perturbations of the eCB system early in life may have detrimental effects.
Asset Bubbles and Global Imbalances
Authors: Ikeda Daisuke , Phan Toan
Published: June 2019

We analyze the relationships between bubbles, capital flows, and economic activities in a rational bubble model with two large open economies. We establish a reinforcing relationship between global imbalances and bubbles. Capital flows from South to North facilitate the emergence and the size of bubbles in the North. Bubbles in the north in turn facilitate South-to-North capital flows. The model can simultaneously explain several stylized features of recent bubble episodes. (JEL E32, E44, F44, G01, G14, O16)
Menu Costs, Aggregate Fluctuations, and Large Shocks
Authors: Karadi Peter , Reiff Adam
Published: June 2019

We document that the aggregate price level responds flexibly and asymmetrically to large positive and negative value-added tax changes. We present a price-setting model with menu costs, trend inflation, and fat-tailed product-level shocks that is consistent with these observations. The model predicts a flexible price-level response to standard monetary policy shocks because it anticipates a large number of firms on the verge of price adjustment and far from their optimal prices when the shock hits. (JEL E31, E32, E52, E62, H25)
Endogenous Technology Adoption and R&D as Sources of Business Cycle Persistence
Authors: Anzoategui Diego , Comin Diego , Gertler Mark , Martinez Joseba
Published: June 2019

We examine the hypothesis that the slowdown in productivity following the Great Recession was in significant part an endogenous response to the contraction in demand that induced the downturn. We motivate, develop, and estimate a model with an endogenous TFP mechanism that allows for costly development and adoption of technologies. Our main finding is that a significant fraction of the post-Great Recession fall in productivity was an endogenous phenomenon, suggesting that demand factors played an important role in the postcrisis slowdown of capacity growth. More generally, we provide insight into why recoveries from financial crises may be so slow. (JEL E23, E24, E32, E44, G01)
Metabolic syndrome among adults with type 2 diabetes in a Saudi teaching hospital: A comparative prevalence study using WHO and ATP III definitions
Authors: Ghamri Ranya A. , Alamri Sultan H.
Published: June 2019

Objective: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has become a global health concern and is a reliable predictor of long-term adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS and its components in a group of Saudi adults with type 2 diabetes using the World Health Organization (WHO) and Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III definitions, and to examine agreement between both definitions.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included adults with type 2 diabetes who were followed up at the family medicine and endocrinology clinics of King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) from January to March 2018. An interview-administered questionnaire was designed to collect demographic data, anthropometric measurements, and medical history. We used the 1999 WHO and 2001 ATP III definitions for diagnosing MetS.

Results: The study included 155 diabetes patients. The overall prevalence of MetS components (three of more components) among patients was 80% according to the WHO criteria and 85.8% according to the ATP III criteria. The kappa statistics demonstrated good agreement between both definitions (κ = 0.751, p < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing MetS using the WHO versus ATP III criteria were 92.5% and 95.5%, respectively. There was weak positive association between the number of MetS components and the number of diabetic complications.

Conclusions: MetS was highly prevalent among Saudi adults with type 2 diabetes regardless of the diagnostic criteria. It is, therefore, imperative that clinicians identify MetS in this patient population and educate them on the importance of adherence to treatment and therapeutic lifestyle changes.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.199

How to cite this:Ghamri RA, Alamri SH. Metabolic syndrome among adults with type 2 diabetes in a Saudi teaching hospital: A comparative prevalence study using WHO and ATP III definitions. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(4):1087-1092. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.199

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Electrolyte imbalance in critically ill paediatric patients
Authors: Naseem Faizia , Saleem Ayesha , Mahar Imtiaz Ahmed , Arif Fehmina
Published: June 2019

Objective: To determine the frequency and outcome of electrolyte imbalance in seriously ill children admitted in Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of a public sector hospital in Karachi.

Methods: All children between the ages of one month to 12 years admitted in PICU from May 2017 to October 2017 were included. Blood samples were drawn to determine the baseline sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous and followed 24 hourly or earlier, if needed (Those who had imbalance at admission or on subsequent repeat labs as per protocol).

Results: A total of 101 children were included in the study. Electrolyte imbalance was seen in 84%. A single electrolyte imbalance was noted in 30.58%. Hypocalcemia was the most frequent abnormality noted in 57.6%. Among the total expiries during the study period 91% had electrolyte imbalance. Mortality within 48 hours and duration of stay was also increased in these patients.

Conclusion: Electrolyte imbalance is an important prognostic indicator in critically ill patients.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.286

How to cite this:Naseem F, Saleem A, Mahar IA, Arif F. Electrolyte imbalance in critically ill paediatric patients. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(4):1093-1098.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.286

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.