bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Principles of assessment
Authors: Perry Mike
Published: February 2018

This chapter gives an overview of the general assessment of patients presenting to an emergency department with a problem in the head or neck (above the collar bones). As undergraduate students, we are taught to make this all-inclusive, but the reality of any emergency department setting, busy practice, or assessment of an urgent problem is that a focused approach is required. By necessity, the questions and examination are usually directed more towards the immediate problem. This chapter discusses some of the key elements in history taking which will enable the reader to take a ‘targeted’ history, facilitating rapid diagnosis and appropriate onward management. Preparation for emergency surgery is also discussed.
The head
Authors: Perry Mike
Published: February 2018

This chapter looks at diseases and conditions of the head that may present acutely to an emergency department, general practice, or ward. It aims to equip the reader with the necessary knowledge to enable them to quickly and accurately triage and diagnose common clinical problems. Referral pathways and management are also discussed. Generally speaking, patients do not present with a ready-made diagnosis, but rather with either a symptom located to an anatomical region (e.g. toothache, lump, or headache), or an obvious problem (e.g. nose bleed or injury). This is the starting point in this chapter (‘Common presentations’ and ‘Common problems and their causes’). The next section (‘Useful questions and what to look for’) lists key diagnostic elements in relation to each symptom. The remainder of each chapter details how to examine each site, useful investigations (emergency department and outpatients), and some notes on the conditions themselves. This is a useful aid for the non-specialist and those preparing for clinical examinations.
The nose and naso-orbitoethmoid region
Authors: Perry Mike
Published: February 2018

This chapter looks at diseases and conditions of the nose and naso-orbitoethmoid region that may present acutely to an emergency department, general practice, or ward. It aims to equip the reader with the necessary knowledge to enable them to quickly and accurately triage and diagnose common clinical problems. Referral pathways and management are also discussed. Generally speaking, patients do not present with a ready-made diagnosis, but rather with either a symptom located to an anatomical region (e.g. toothache, lump, or headache), or an obvious problem (e.g. nose bleed or injury). This is the starting point (‘Common presentations’ and ‘Common problems and their causes’). The next section (‘Useful questions and what to look for’) lists key diagnostic elements in relation to each symptom. The remainder of each chapter details how to examine each site, useful investigations (emergency department and outpatients), and some notes on the conditions themselves. This is a useful aid for the non-specialist and those preparing for clinical examinations.
The cheek and orbit
Authors: Perry Mike
Published: February 2018

This chapter looks at diseases and conditions of the cheek and orbit that may present acutely to an emergency department, general practice, or ward. It aims to equip the reader with the necessary knowledge to enable them to quickly and accurately triage and diagnose common clinical problems. Referral pathways and management are also discussed. Generally speaking, patients do not present with a ready-made diagnosis, but rather with either a symptom located to an anatomical region (e.g. toothache, lump, or headache), or an obvious problem (e.g. nose bleed or injury). This is the starting point (‘Common presentations’ and ‘Common problems and their causes’). The next section (‘Useful questions and what to look for’) lists key diagnostic elements in relation to each symptom. The remainder of each chapter details how to examine each site, useful investigations (emergency department and outpatients), and some notes on the conditions themselves. This is a useful aid for the non-specialist and those preparing for clinical examinations.
Development of behaviour and functioning (with hindsight)
Authors: Brugha Traolach S.
Published: February 2018

This chapter begins with sections covering several different perspectives on early psychological development ranging from the phenomenological perspective to underpinning laboratory research. Research methods and designs used are described briefly. Theories of abnormal psychological development discussed include underlying cognitive theories, including theory of mind, central coherence, and executive functioning abilities, followed by underpinning biological science including neurobiology. Concepts mentioned include the idea of disability, neurodiversity versus disability, leading to the introduction of the need for reasonable adjustments to such disabilities. This will be expanded in later chapters. Also introduced are the topics of cause—genetic and environmental. The chapter then details what has been said of autism as an atypical (abnormal) variant on typical (normal) development, in order to provide a basic understanding of the nature of autism. Early signs of typical and atypical development are listed in order to set the basis for assessment methods described in later chapters.
Autism as a lived experience
Authors: Brugha Traolach S.
Published: February 2018

In this chapter use is made of the perspectives patients have shared on their lifetime experience, and of what can be learnt from the intelligent adult man and woman on the autism spectrum, drawn and summarized from, and inspired by personal accounts in the clinic, and from published accounts, including those found through online support communities. Consideration is given to empathy that is not reciprocated and to difference versus disorder. Also considered are choices of action to follow—the yearning for logical problem solving—consideration of what would help and where to obtain help, including the possible value of an assessment.
Full assessment: the developmental history
Authors: Brugha Traolach S.
Published: February 2018

This chapter describes the assessment of the developmental history, and the roles of informants and patients in this assessment process. Specific approaches used are summarily described, including items in the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO) and the Autism Developmental Interview-revised (ADI-R). There is a detailed discussion of how to ask about stages of development and how to interpret findings, which has been developed as guidance given during training in the assessment clinic. There is also a discussion of which questions are easy and which harder for informants and observers, and how to assist them with their replies.
Full assessment: interviewing the patient and autistic phenomenology
Authors: Brugha Traolach S.
Published: February 2018

Chapter 8 sets out methods for directly interviewing the patient and includes questions about school, work, self-care, responsibilities of living with others, and it covers the main criteria of autism. Reference is made to a new systematic approach to interviewing adults about their possible autistic traits, symptoms, and behaviours, taking a phenomenological approach familiar to adult psychiatrists. It covers questions on restricted repetitive behaviours (RRBs) and social communication, insight into difficulties, impaired functioning, understanding of relationships, and bullying experiences. The potential value of this approach to asking direct questions about risk and to comorbidity assessment, covered in Chapter 10 are introduced.
Full assessment: direct observation and the signs of autism
Authors: Brugha Traolach S.
Published: February 2018

This chapter focuses on direct observation and examination, moving consciously from the traditional interview, question, and answer format, to the observational format. Observing 1:1, with a carer present—for example, does the patient engage, both verbally and non-verbally, or is (s)he aloof, unless directly asked to join in? The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is mentioned with an outline description. The limitations of observation, if comorbidity is present, are pointed out, indicating how comorbidity can be distinguished (and then referring on to Chapter 10). Methods used by psychopathologists in psychiatry to observe signs of autism are also refreshed.
Detailed needs assessment
Authors: Brugha Traolach S.
Published: February 2018

Patients with more complex presentations that include autism may require more detailed assessments involving a multidisciplinary approach. This chapter covers a range of measures that are used in clinical practice and in randomized controlled treatment trials in adults, which add more detailed information. These may be helpful in planning for the interventions described in subsequent chapters. Advanced diagnostic approaches will be considered, which call upon neuropsychology, speech and language therapy, social work, occupational therapy, and the use of quality of life approaches. More detailed assessments should consider an assessment of risk to self and others sufficient to develop a risk management plan where appropriate.
Caring communities and caring societies
Authors: Brugha Traolach S.
Published: February 2018

Starting from the population perspective, this chapter builds on what we have learnt at the individual level. It reflects on epidemiological information and its implications for society beyond 1:1 clinical practice, towards policy development. Wider stakeholders are considered, in addition to policy developers, planning, commissioning, provider services, and businesses. Working from policy to practice implies the need for cross-sectoral approaches, governmentally co-ordinated and supported. It asks how a society, or a region, or district uses population information in the interests of adults with autism and their carers, and the services that are expected to identify and meet their needs. Population needs assessment is considered in terms of prevalence, and the proportion with met and with unmet need. The importance of information to monitor the effects of policy implementation, including surveillance, is also explained. Policy initiatives are considered in a variety of different nations—the UK, the USA, and European Union.
The Fifth Domain of Palliative Care
Authors: Strada E. Alessandra
Published: February 2018

This chapter presents palliative psychology competencies in the fifth domain of palliative care, which addresses the existential and spiritual needs of the patient and the family. The constructs of spiritual screening, spiritual history, and spiritual assessment are discussed with attention to their application to the palliative care setting. Through clinical case vignettes and discussions, the chapter discusses how psychologists can effectively use spiritual screening and spiritual history to fully understand spiritual and existential needs. Ways of integrating spiritual concerns and needs during the therapy session are highlighted in this chapter. The interplay of psychological and spiritual concerns offers the opportunity for palliative psychologists and spiritual care providers to collaborate in the psychospiritual care of the patient and the family. Because interdisciplinary collaboration is a hallmark of palliative care, the chapter also describes examples of effective collaboration between psychologists and spiritual care providers, from assessment to treatment planning.
The Eighth Domain of Palliative Care
Authors: Strada E. Alessandra
Published: February 2018

This chapter discusses palliative psychology competencies in the eighth domain of palliative care, which addresses the legal and ethical aspects of palliative care. Firstly, the chapter reviews psychology ethical standards and principles discussing their application and relevance to the palliative care setting. Palliative psychology competencies are presented. Additionally, principles of medical ethics related to decision making are discussed. Complex case scenarios are discussed with the aid of clinical case vignettes. In particular, the discussion focuses on the ethical issues related to disclosure of a terminal prognosis, family conflicts, and intimate partner violence of patients with advanced illness. Psychological approaches and interventions are discussed in the context of the interdisciplinary palliative care tem approach.
Policing Non-Violent Crowds: Lessons from Kumbh Mela in India
Authors: Verma Arvind , Varma Vinayak
Published: February 2018

Crowd control by police has been generally studied in the context of violence involving protestors and demonstrators. However, nonviolent crowds also pose equal challenges for the police. Major sporting events, musical festivals, religious and political celebrations attract large crowds that need sensitive policing. Nevertheless, policing tactics for the two situations are generally similar. Research on public order policing has relevance and lessons for policing of large non-violent crowds too. This paper presents a case study of police management of Ujjain Kumbh Mela, which attracts millions at one place for a religious ritual. We analyze characteristics of the crowd and strategies adopted by the police based upon extensive field data of the recent event of 2016. This study suggests that the Indian police, unaware of the research on public order policing followed many of the lessons reported in public order policing in western societies. We contend that experience and practice counts, but by institutionalizing research as part of its organization the Indian police could enhance it capabilities to handle serious challenges that confront it on a daily basis. Lessons for handling non-violent crowds in democratic societies are also drawn.
Advancing Psychologically Informed Practice for Patients With Persistent Musculoskeletal Pain: Promise, Pitfalls, and Solutions
Authors: Keefe Francis J , Main Chris J , George Steven Z
Published: February 2018

There has been growing interest in psychologically oriented pain management over the past 3 to 4 decades, including a 2011 description of psychologically informed practice (PIP) for low back pain. PIP requires a broader focus than traditional biomechanical and pathology-based approaches that have been traditionally used to manage musculoskeletal pain. A major focus of PIP is addressing the behavioral aspects of pain (ie, peoples’ responses to pain) by identifying individual expectations, beliefs, and feelings as prognostic factors for clinical and occupational outcomes indicating progression to chronicity. Since 2011, the interest in PIP seems to be growing, as evidenced by its use in large trials, inclusion in scientific conferences, increasing evidence base, and expansion to other musculoskeletal pain conditions. Primary care physicians and physical therapists have delivered PIP as part of a stratified care approach involving screening and targeting of treatment for people at high risk for continued pain-associated disability. Furthermore, PIP is consistent with recent national priorities emphasizing nonpharmacological pain management options. In this perspective, PIP techniques that range in complexity are described, considerations for implementation in clinical practice are offered, and future directions that will advance the understanding of PIP are outlined.
Phase I Study of Multiple Epitope Peptide Vaccination in Patients With Recurrent or Persistent Cervical Cancer
Authors: Hasegawa Kosei , Ikeda Yuji , Kunugi Yuko , Kurosaki Akira , Imai Yuichi , Kohyama Shunsuke , Nagao Shoji , Kozawa Eito , Yoshida Koji , Tsunoda Takuya , Nakamura Yusuke , Fujiwara Keiichi
Published: February 2018

Cancer immunotherapy has now been established as a leading standard therapeutic option in a subset of patients with cancer. In this study, we conducted a phase I dose-escalation trial using a mixture of 5 peptides to vaccinate cervical cancer patients with HLA-A*2402. The primary endpoints were safety and determination of a recommended vaccine dose, and the secondary endpoints were evaluations of immunologic responses and clinical efficacy. All patients had recurrent or persistent disease and had failed to respond to or were intolerant to prior standard chemotherapy. Peptides derived from forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1), maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK), Holliday junction-recognition protein, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1 and 2 were administered to 9 patients in a 3 patient-cohort design, with doses of 0.5, 1, or 2 mg of each of the individual peptides in a mixture with incomplete Freund’s adjuvant. The major adverse events were anemia and injection site reactions, which were seen in 77.8% (7/9) and 66.7% (6/9) of patients, respectively. Grade 3 anemia was observed in 1 patient. No dose-limiting toxicity of the vaccine was observed. Seven (78%) patients achieved stable disease, and the median progression-free survival was 3.3 months (102 d). Interferon-γ enzyme-linked immunospot assays for each of the 5 antigens showed that 8 (89%) and 7 (78%) patients had high T-cell responses to FOXM1 and MELK, respectively. In conclusion, we demonstrated that this 5-peptide vaccine was tolerable, and that FOXM1 and MELK could be promising targets for immunotherapy in patients with cervical cancer.
Validation of a Reversed-Phase Ultra–High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method With Photodiode Array Detection for the Determination of Voriconazole in Human Serum and Its Application to Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Authors: Bressán Ignacio G. , Mendez Mariana L. , Gimenez María I.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Voriconazole is a broad-spectrum triazole antifungal agent. It is widely used in the treatment of invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised patients. Because the pharmacokinetics of voriconazole demonstrates considerable variability, monitoring its serum levels plays an important role in optimizing therapies against many clinically relevant fungal pathogens. The aim of this study was to validate a simple and rapid U-HPLC-PDA method with minimal sample preparation for routine therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of voriconazole.

Methods:

After protein precipitation with the internal standard solution (posaconazole 5.0 mg/L in acetonitrile), chromatographic separation was performed in 4 minutes using water and acetonitrile as mobile phases and an Acquity UPLC BEH HSS C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.7 µm). The temperature was set at 45°C and the flow rate was 0.4 mL/min. Photodiode array detection at 256 nm was used as detection system. The method was validated according international guidelines for linearity, accuracy, precision, selectivity, lower limit of quantitation, carry over, and stability under different conditions.

Results:

All performance parameters were within acceptance criteria, demonstrating that the validated method is fit for purpose. After assay validation, 115 serum samples collected from 41 patients were analyzed to report the experience of the laboratory in TDM of voriconazole. Results showed a large variability in voriconazole trough levels, suggesting that this drug should be frequently measured in patients under treatment to enhance therapies efficacy and improve safety.

Conclusions:

In this study, a reproducible U-HPLC-PDA assay with a short analysis time, requiring only a small amount of serum, good accuracy and reproducibility was validated, which is suitable for routine TDM of voriconazole in serum.
Patient-reported Outcomes after ADM-assisted Implant-based Breast Reconstruction: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Negenborn Vera L. , Dikmans Rieky E. G. , Bouman Mark-Bram , Wilschut Janneke A. , Mullender Margriet G. , Salzberg C. Andrew
Published: February 2018

Background:

Although the use of acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) in implant-based reconstruction increases, there is a lack of studies evaluating patient-reported outcome measures after this reconstruction method. We aim to evaluate the patient satisfaction after ADM-assisted implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) in 1 of the largest series of patients undergoing ADM-assisted IBBR.

Methods:

Patients with ADM-assisted IBBR were invited to fill out the BREAST-Q, a validated and standardized questionnaire to measure patient satisfaction after a breast reconstruction. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patient and surgical characteristics.

Results:

In total, 208 patients (38.4%) responded and reported a mean satisfaction of 70.6 ± 20.2 with their breasts and 78.0 ± 20.5 with the outcome. An overall complication rate of 7.7% was noted, with 1.5% severe complications leading to hospital readmission (0.5%) and implant removal (0.5%). Patients with complications and unilateral reconstruction for oncological reasons reported overall less satisfaction rates compared with patients with bilateral, preventive surgery, and an uncomplicated postoperative course. Strongly related domains indicate the importance of patient satisfaction with their breasts and outcome on psychosocial and sexual functioning and satisfaction with information on satisfaction with breasts, outcome, and surgeon.

Conclusion:

There is an increased demand for patient-reported outcome measures in a changing practice to which the opinion of the patient assumes a larger role. With high satisfaction rates, ADM-assisted IBBR is a valuable reconstruction method, provided that complication rates remain low. Hence, it should only be performed in a selected group of women.
Extracellular Matrix Regulation and Dysregulation in Exfoliation Syndrome
Authors: Zenkel Matthias
Published: February 2018

Several lines of evidence, such as ultrastructural signs for activated fibrillogenesis and excessive production of elastic microfibrillar components in the anterior segment of the eye and throughout the body, indicate that exfoliation syndrome (XFS) is an elastic microfibrillopathy, leading to the accumulation of an abnormal extracellular fibrillar material (XFM). The upregulation of elastic microfibrillar components is paralleled by the selective upregulation of the cross-linking enzyme lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1) in the early phase of the disease, suggesting that LOXL1 participates in the stabilization of newly synthesized elastic proteins and finally in the stable accumulation of XFM. Whereas the excessive production of elastic proteins rises from early to late XFS stages, possibly mediated by increasing fibrogenic stimuli in the aqueous humor, LOXL1 is downregulated in late stages of the disease by as yet unknown mechanisms, possibly leading to the well-documented elastotic matrix alterations characteristic of eyes with late stage XFS. Several studies indicate complex changes of the proteolytic balance in the anterior segment of XFS eyes, characterized primarily by decreased matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity, the major aqueous matrix metalloproteinase, potentially leading to a shift from appropriate matrix turnover to progressive matrix accumulation. In contrast, in nearly all tissues of the posterior segment, XFM seems to be absent and differential gene expression is confined to the lamina cribrosa, characterized by a stage-independent, primary, and XFS-specific downregulation of LOXL1 and elastic components in XFS eyes. Concomitant with this deficiency, the laminar elastic fiber network displays prominent ultrastructural alterations, which may lead to increased vulnerability to glaucomatous damage. Various growth factors, stress conditions, or dietary factors have been supposed to potentially influence the manifestation of the disease. However, in spite of increasing knowledge, the pathogenetic factors initiating the abnormal matrix process still remain elusive. Such information would be critical for our understanding of disease progression and would disclose new options for pharmaceutical intervention at the onset of the disease.
A Case of Bilateral Atrophy of the Inferior Vestibular Nerves
Authors: Gallo Kelsey , Jhaveri Miral D. , Sharbidre Kedar G. , Winston Amy , LoSavio Phillip S.
Published: February 2018

We report a case of a 62-year-old woman who was found to have bilateral atrophy of the inferior vestibular nerves on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after presenting to our clinic with 6 years of intermittent vertigo and residual unsteadiness. The nerve atrophy may be associated with an episode of vestibular neuritis, a common cause of vertigo that exclusively involves the inferior vestibular nerve in less than 3% of cases. While MRI may demonstrate vestibular nerve enhancement in cases of acute vestibular neuritis, no single MRI finding has been demonstrated consistently among cases of acute or chronic vestibular neuritis. Physical therapy is likely an effective long-term treatment for this patient to achieve central compensation for symptomatic relief.
Cost-related Nonadherence to Medication Treatment Plans
Authors: McElfish Pearl A. , Long Christopher R. , Payakachat Nalin , Felix Holly , Bursac Zoran , Rowland Brett , Hudson Jonell S. , Narcisse Marie-Rachelle
Published: February 2018

Background:

Adherence to medication treatment plans is important for chronic disease (CD) management. Cost-related nonadherence (CRN) puts patients at risk for complications. Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPI) suffer from high rates of CD and socioeconomic disparities that could increase CRN behaviors.

Objective:

Examine factors related to CRN to medication treatment plans within an understudied population.

Research Design:

Using 2014 NHPI-National Health Interview Survey data, we examined CRN among a nationally representative sample of NHPI adults. Bonferroni-adjusted Wald test and multivariable logistic regression were performed to examine associations among financial burden-related factors, CD status, and CRN.

Results:

Across CD status, NHPI engaged in CRN behaviors had, on an average, increased levels of perceived financial stress, financial insecurity with health care, and food insecurity compared with adults in the total NHPI population. Regression analysis indicated perceived financial stress [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.16; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.10–1.22], financial insecurity with health care (AOR=1.96; 95% CI, 1.32–2.90), and food insecurity (AOR=1.30; 95% CI, 1.06–1.61) all increase the odds of CRN among those with CD. We also found significant associations between perceived financial stress (AOR=1.15; 95% CI, 1.09–1.20), financial insecurity with health care (AOR=1.59; 95% CI, 1.19–2.12), and food insecurity (AOR=1.31; 95% CI, 1.04–1.65) and request for lower cost medication.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated health-related and non–health-related financial burdens can influence CRN behaviors. It is important for health care providers to collect and use data about the social determinants of health to better inform their conversations about medication adherence and prevent CRN.
ABVD Without Radiation for Newly Diagnosed Pediatric and Young Adult Patients With Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Single Center Retrospective Analysis of 28 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Stieglitz Elliot , Dinh Tu , Phelps Andrew S. , Pampaloni Miguel H. , Olshen Adam B. , Robbins Elizabeth
Published: February 2018

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is the most common malignancy affecting adolescents and young adults. Treatment with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation results in cure rates of >90%. However, radiation therapy causes significant late effects and avoiding radiation entirely for patients who respond to chemotherapy is an accepted strategy. Since 2011, 28 consecutive patients diagnosed with classic HL have been treated with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) for 4 to 6 cycles. Patients who achieved a complete metabolic response (CMR) as assessed by [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography by the end of chemotherapy did not receive radiation. Among the 27 evaluable patients, 26/27 (96.2%) achieved a CMR with ABVD alone with 24/27 (88.9%) having achieved a CMR after 2 cycles. Event-free survival at 5 years is 90.5% and overall survival is 100% with a median follow-up time of 22.4 and 22.1 months, respectively. Treating pediatric and young adult HL patients with ABVD alone results in CMRs in >95% of patients. Patients who were refractory to ABVD or relapsed after treatment eventually achieved remission with a combination of standard and novel salvage therapies. This regimen demonstrates the feasibility of avoiding upfront radiation in newly diagnosed pediatric HL patients.
Pediatric Bronchial Carcinoid Tumors: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Potter Samara L. , HaDuong Josephine , Okcu Fatih , Wu Hao , Chintagumpala Murali , Venkatramani Rajkumar
Published: February 2018

Bronchial carcinoid tumor, while rare, remains the most common primary malignant lung tumor in children. We present a retrospective analysis of 7 patients with typical bronchial carcinoid tumors diagnosed at 2 pediatric tertiary care referral centers between 1990 and 2014. The most common presenting symptom was pneumonia, followed by respiratory distress. Somatostatin scans were performed in selected patients. All patients had negative resection margin following surgery and were alive without disease at last follow-up. Typical carcinoid tumors have a good prognosis following definitive surgical resection. A review of published literature on pediatric bronchial carcinoid tumors is provided.
Can Diagnostic and Therapeutic Arthrocentesis Be Successfully Performed in the Flexed Knee?
Authors: Yaqub Sabeen , Sibbitt Wilmer L. , Band Philip A. , Bennett James F. , Emil N. Suzanne , Fangtham Monthida , Fields Roderick A. , Hayward William A. , Kettwich Scarlett K. , Roldan Luis P. , Bankhurst Arthur D.
Published: February 2018

Background/Objective

The objective of this study was to determine whether the extended or flexed knee positioning was superior for arthrocentesis and whether the flexed knee positioning could be improved by mechanical compression.

Methods

Fifty-five clinically effusive knees underwent arthrocentesis in a quality improvement intervention: 20 consecutive knees in the extended knee position using the superolateral approach, followed by 35 consecutive knees in the flexed knee position with and without an external compression brace placed on the suprapatellar bursa. Arthrocentesis success and fluid yield in milliliters were measured.

Results

Fluid yield for the extended knee was greater (191% greater) than the flexed knee (extended knee, 16.9 ± 15.7 mL; flexed knee, 5.8 ± 6.3 mL; P < 0.007). Successful diagnostic arthrocentesis (≥2 mL) was 95% (19/20) in the extended knee and 77% (27/35) in the flexed knee (P = 0.08). After mechanical compression was applied to the suprapatellar bursa and patellofemoral joint of the flexed knee, fluid yields were essentially identical (extended knee, 16.9 ± 15.7 mL; flexed knee, 16.7 ± 11.3 mL; P = 0.73), as were successful diagnostic arthrocentesis (≥2 mL) (extended knee 95% vs. flexed knee 100%, P = 0.12).

Conclusions

The extended knee superolateral approach is superior to the flexed knee for conventional arthrocentesis; however, the extended knee positioning and flexed knee positioning have identical arthrocentesis success when mechanical compression is applied to the superior knee. This new flexed knee technique for arthrocentesis is a useful alternative for patients who are in wheelchairs, have flexion contractures, cannot be supine, or cannot otherwise extend their knee.
Crocin Alleviates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress via Regulation of miR-34a/Sirt1/Nrf2 Pathway
Authors: Wang Xiaowu , Yuan Binbin , Cheng Biao , Liu Ying , Zhang Ben , Wang Xianyue , Lin Xi , Yang Bo , Gong Gu
Published: February 2018

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is associated with ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Crocin could protect myocardial cells against I/R injury and suppress ER stress. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of crocin related to ER stress in myocardial I/R injury. We found crocin alleviated I/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis both in I/R-induced primary cardiomyocytes and in mouse models. The expression of Bax, active caspase 3, glucose-regulated protein of 78 kDa (GRP78), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) induced by I/R injury was reduced, whereas Bcl-2 expression was enhanced by crocin, the effect of which was abrogated by ER stress activator thapsigargin treatment. Crocin decreased miR-34a expression, whereas it increased Sirt1, Nrf2, and HO-1 levels, in I/R-induced cardiomyocytes. miR-34a overexpression reduced the expression of Sirt1, Nrf2, and HO-1; in contrast, the suppression of miR-34a upregulated their expression. Sirt1 blocker nicotinamide and Nrf2 siRNA restrained the levels of GRP78, CHOP, Bax, and active caspase 3. The levels of apoptosis- and ER stress-related proteins, and the expression of miR-34a, Sirt1, Nrf2, and HO-1 in I/R-induced mouse models were consistent with those in vitro. In addition, I/R-induced left ventricular dysfunction and infarct were attenuated by crocin in mice. In conclusion, crocin attenuates I/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis via suppressing ER stress, which is regulated by the miR-34a/Sirt1/Nrf2 pathway.
Dynamic EBF1 occupancy directs sequential epigenetic and transcriptional events in B-cell programming
Authors: Li Rui , Cauchy Pierre , Ramamoorthy Senthilkumar , Boller Sören , Chavez Lukas , Grosschedl Rudolf
Published: February 2018

B-cell fate determination requires the action of transcription factors that operate in a regulatory network to activate B-lineage genes and repress lineage-inappropriate genes. However, the dynamics and hierarchy of events in B-cell programming remain obscure. To uncouple the dynamics of transcription factor expression from functional consequences, we generated induction systems in developmentally arrested Ebf1−/− pre-pro-B cells to allow precise experimental control of EBF1 expression in the genomic context of progenitor cells. Consistent with the described role of EBF1 as a pioneer transcription factor, we show in a time-resolved analysis that EBF1 occupancy coincides with EBF1 expression and precedes the formation of chromatin accessibility. We observed dynamic patterns of EBF1 target gene expression and sequential up-regulation of transcription factors that expand the regulatory network at the pro-B-cell stage. A continuous EBF1 function was found to be required for Cd79a promoter activity and for the maintenance of an accessible chromatin domain that is permissive for binding of other transcription factors. Notably, transient EBF1 occupancy was detected at lineage-inappropriate genes prior to their silencing in pro-B cells. Thus, persistent and transient functions of EBF1 allow for an ordered sequence of epigenetic and transcriptional events in B-cell programming.
SQANTI: extensive characterization of long-read transcript sequences for quality control in full-length transcriptome identification and quantification
Authors: Tardaguila Manuel , de la Fuente Lorena , Marti Cristina , Pereira Cécile , Pardo-Palacios Francisco Jose , del Risco Hector , Ferrell Marc , Mellado Maravillas , Macchietto Marissa , Verheggen Kenneth , Edelmann Mariola , Ezkurdia Iakes , Vazquez Jesus , Tress Michael , Mortazavi Ali , Martens Lennart , Rodriguez-Navarro Susana , Moreno-Manzano Victoria , Conesa Ana
Published: February 2018

High-throughput sequencing of full-length transcripts using long reads has paved the way for the discovery of thousands of novel transcripts, even in well-annotated mammalian species. The advances in sequencing technology have created a need for studies and tools that can characterize these novel variants. Here, we present SQANTI, an automated pipeline for the classification of long-read transcripts that can assess the quality of data and the preprocessing pipeline using 47 unique descriptors. We apply SQANTI to a neuronal mouse transcriptome using Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) long reads and illustrate how the tool is effective in characterizing and describing the composition of the full-length transcriptome. We perform extensive evaluation of ToFU PacBio transcripts by PCR to reveal that an important number of the novel transcripts are technical artifacts of the sequencing approach and that SQANTI quality descriptors can be used to engineer a filtering strategy to remove them. Most novel transcripts in this curated transcriptome are novel combinations of existing splice sites, resulting more frequently in novel ORFs than novel UTRs, and are enriched in both general metabolic and neural-specific functions. We show that these new transcripts have a major impact in the correct quantification of transcript levels by state-of-the-art short-read-based quantification algorithms. By comparing our iso-transcriptome with public proteomics databases, we find that alternative isoforms are elusive to proteogenomics detection. SQANTI allows the user to maximize the analytical outcome of long-read technologies by providing the tools to deliver quality-evaluated and curated full-length transcriptomes.
Participatory action research (PAR) research: critical methodological considerations
Authors: Livingston Wulf , Perkins Andrew
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore a range of key deliberations with regards to adopting participatory action research (PAR) and privileged access interviewer (PAI) approaches and methodologies within research on substance use.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a reflective piece; it adopts a mixture of applied practice and theory considerations. These conceptualisations capture what are still relatively early understandings and uses of such methodologies, acquired across several decades of research and service provision experiences. The paper is structured around some of the sequences of the research process and as such provides a broad framework for such approaches.

Findings

PAR and PAI approaches utilise several key theoretical considerations. There are many critical issues associated with adopting these approaches, including those of ethics, funding, involvement, language, resources and support. Three key principle reasons (moral, political and research based) help explain why the authors should see more adoption of such approaches in substance use-related research.

Research limitations/implications

This paper represents authors’ views which are by their nature very subjective.

Practical implications

Implementation of the key considerations highlighted within this paper can lead to an active adoption of PAR and PAI methodologies within alcohol and drug research. Increasing the use of such methodologies will allow commissioners, researchers and service providers to develop a more nuanced understanding of the experiences of and responses to alcohol and drug use.

Originality/value

This paper captures critical conversations at a time of increased calls for service user involvement across all aspects of alcohol and other drug provision, including evaluation and research
The role of salesperson brand selling confidence in enhancing important sales management outcomes: a social identity approach
Authors: Gammoh Bashar S. , Mallin Michael L. , Pullins Ellen Bolman , Johnson Catherine M.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to address the gap in understanding how the brand influences sales outcomes by focusing one’s attention on the salesperson perceptions of the brand and the salesperson brand selling confidence.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a cross-section survey of professional salespeople. SmartPLS was used to estimate the measurement model and test the hypothesized path relationships.

Findings

The study’s results indicate that salespeople who believe in the strength of the brands they represent are more likely to identify with the brand, are more confident in selling the brand and, overall, tend to perform better, have higher job satisfaction and are more committed to their companies.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the sales literature by further exploring the relationship between the brand and sales function in the firm. This area has recently received academic attention but has not yet considered the mediating processes that connect the two areas. This study identifies perceptions of brand strength and brand selling confidence as mechanisms that mediate the impact of brand on sales outcomes.
Off the record: understanding the (latent) functions of documents in organizations
Authors: Langhof Antonia
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest the usage of an approach based on sociological systems theory for exploring the (latent) functions of documents in organizations. The focus lies on the reconstruction of organizational knowledge practices required for the competent production and use of documents.

Design/methodology/approach

The argument is developed through a critical and integrating review of relevant literature as well as through the analysis of empirical data drawn from participant observation and ethnographic conversations in a multi-organizational, multi-site, and multi-event setting.

Findings

The essence of the paper is that a systems theoretical approach in the analysis of the production and use of documents in organizations yields new and startling insights into their (latent) functions for organizations compared to what document analysis and institutional ethnography can achieve.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on the contexts, situations, and the organizational knowledge practices necessary for the competent use of documents in organizations not on the document itself. Hence, it offers a more comprehensive understanding of the (latent) functions of documents for organizations compared to mere document analysis.
Disentangling Managers’ and Analysts’ Non‐GAAP Reporting
Authors: BENTLEY JEREMIAH W. , CHRISTENSEN THEODORE E. , GEE KURT H. , WHIPPLE BENJAMIN C.
Published: February 2018

Researchers frequently proxy for managers’ non‐GAAP disclosures using performance metrics available through analyst forecast data providers (FDPs), such as I/B/E/S. The extent to which FDP‐provided earnings are a valid proxy for managers’ non‐GAAP reporting, however, has been debated extensively. We explore this important question by creating the first large‐sample data set of managers’ non‐GAAP earnings disclosures, which we directly compare to I/B/E/S data. Although we find a substantial overlap between the two data sets, we also find that they differ in systematic ways because I/B/E/S (1) excludes managers’ lower quality non‐GAAP numbers and (2) sometimes provides higher quality non‐GAAP measures that managers do not explicitly disclose. Our results indicate that using I/B/E/S to identify managers’ non‐GAAP disclosures significantly underestimates the aggressiveness of their reporting choices. We encourage researchers interested in managers’ non‐GAAP reporting to use our newly available data set of manager‐disclosed non‐GAAP metrics because it more accurately captures managers’ reporting choices.
Direct and indirect effects of light pollution on the performance of an herbivorous insect
Authors: Grenis Kylee , Murphy Shannon M.
Published: February 2018

Light pollution is a global disturbance with resounding impacts on a wide variety of organisms, but our understanding of these impacts is restricted to relatively few higher vertebrate species. We tested the direct effects of light pollution on herbivore performance as well as indirect effects mediated by host plant quality. We found that artificial light from streetlights alters plant toughness. Additionally, we found evidence of both direct and indirect effects of light pollution on the performance of an herbivorous insect, which indicates that streetlights can have cascading impacts on multiple trophic levels. Our novel findings suggest that light pollution can alter plant–insect interactions and thus may have important community‐wide consequences.
Middlemen: the good, the bad, and the ugly
Authors: Biglaiser Gary , Li Fei
Published: February 2018

We examine the role of a middleman as an expert in markets. A seller's effort determines the quality of the good. Buyers observe neither the seller's effort nor the good's quality. A middleman, after observing a signal about the good's quality, decides whether to purchase it and then to sell it. We show that the presence of a middleman may either reduce or exacerbate the seller's moral hazard problem. We also consider a model with multiple middlemen. We find that the seller's effort is minimized if either the middleman's signal is perfect or the number of middlemen is large.
Complements and substitutes in sequential auctions: the case of water auctions
Authors: Donna Javier D. , Espín‐Sánchez José‐Antonio
Published: February 2018

We use data on sequential water auctions to estimate demand when units are complements or substitutes. A sequential English auction model determines the estimating structural equations. When units are complements, one bidder wins all units by paying a high price for the first unit, thus deterring others from bidding on subsequent units. When units are substitutes, different bidders win the units with positive probability, paying prices similar in magnitude. We recover individual demand consistent with this stark pattern of outcomes and confirm it is not collusive but consistent with noncooperative behavior. Demand estimates are biased if one ignores these features.
Effects of 2 years of caloric restriction on oxidative status assessed by urinary F2‐isoprostanes: The CALERIE 2 randomized clinical trial
Authors: Il'yasova Dora , Fontana Luigi , Bhapkar Manjushri , Pieper Carl F. , Spasojevic Ivan , Redman Leanne M. , Das Sai Krupa , Huffman Kim M. , Kraus William E. ,   the CALERIE Study Investigators
Published: February 2018

Calorie restriction (CR) without malnutrition slows aging in animal models. Oxidative stress reduction was proposed to mediate CR effects. CR effect on urinary F2‐isoprostanes, validated oxidative stress markers, was assessed in CALERIE, a two‐year randomized controlled trial. Healthy volunteers (n = 218) were randomized to prescribed 25% CR (n = 143) or ad libitum control (AL, n = 75) stratifying the randomization schedule by site, sex, and BMI. F2‐isoprostanes were quantified using LC‐MS/MS in morning, fasted urine specimens at baseline, at 12 and 24 months. The primary measure of oxidative status was creatinine‐adjusted 2,3‐dinor‐iPF(2α)‐III concentration, additional measured included iPF(2α)‐III, iPF2a‐VI, and 8,12‐iso‐iPF2a‐VI. Intention‐to‐treat analyses assessed change in 2,3‐dinor‐iPF(2α)‐III using mixed models assessing treatment, time, and treatment‐by‐time interaction effects, adjusted for blocking variables and baseline F2‐isoprostane value. Exploratory analyses examined changes in iPF(2α)‐III, iPF(2α)‐VI, and 8,12‐iso‐iPF(2α)‐VI. A factor analysis used aggregate information on F2‐isoprostane values. In CR group, 2,3‐dinor‐iPF(2α)‐III concentrations were reduced from baseline by 17% and 13% at 12 and 24 months, respectively; these changes were significantly different from AL group (p < .01). CR reduced iPF(2α)‐III concentrations by 20% and 27% at 12 and 24 months, respectively (p < .05). The effects were weaker on the VI‐species. CR caused statistically significant reduction in isoprostane factor at both time points, and mean (se) changes were −0.36 (0.06) and −0.31 (0.06). No significant changes in isoprostane factor were at either time point in AL group (p < .01 between‐group difference). We conclude that two‐year CR intervention in healthy, nonobese men and women reduced whole body oxidative stress as assessed by urinary concentrations of F2‐isoprostanes.