bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Law and Aesthetics in the Anthropocene: From the Rights of Nature to the Aesthesis of Obligations
Authors: Matthews Daniel
Published: August 2019

The Anthropocene thesis contends that the earth has entered a new geological epoch, dominated by human action. This article examines the Anthropocene in relation to law and aesthetics, arguing that the concepts of law and the stories of law’s origins that we mobilise in this context play a significant role in rendering us sensitive or insensitive to the multifarious challenges that the Anthropocene poses to social life. In arguing against aspects of Earth Jurisprudence scholarship, which has developed a novel understanding of the ‘rights of nature’, this article argues that it is through an attention to obligations, rather than rights, that a sensitivity to the forces and relations that define the Anthropocene might be fostered. The shift from rights to obligations entails a commensurate movement from aesthetics – where questions of form, integrity and harmony predominate – to aesthesis, the study of the somatic, sensory and affective dimensions of human experience. The article concludes by arguing that it is within the contemporary city, understood as a discrete form of human and infrastructural association, that an aesthesis of obligations in the context of the Anthropocene can be most acutely perceived.
Reduced behavioral withdrawal responses during fear retrieval in adult mice and rats
Authors: Zhou Zhaoxiang , Fan Kexin , Shi Wantong , Chen Qiyu , Zhuo Min , Lu Jingshan
Published: August 2019

Pain triggers emotional changes in humans and animals, including fear and anxiety. Conversely, fear and anxiety may enhance suffering of patients with pain. However, in animal models of acute pain, it has been reported that fear may inhibit pain by activating endogenous inhibitory systems. In this study, we wanted to examine if behavioral withdrawal responses may be affected during fear retrieval, a condition where fear-associated tone is applied. We found that thermal pain thresholds were significantly increased during fear retrieval. Our results indicate that animals are suffering fear like-events, while their behavioral responses are inhibited. These results indicate that it will be important to evaluate both emotional and behavioral withdrawal responses for future development of new pain medicine.
Disrupting democracy: Democratization conflicts as performative struggles
Authors: Sorensen Lone
Published: August 2019

This article looks at disruptive political performance in the context of democratic transition. Disruptions take ownership of and re-present the past to evaluate and contest established forms of power in the post-transitional present. They thereby potentially engender conflict that can redirect the future path to consolidation. An illustrative case is the radical opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF’s) disruption of the South African State of the Nation Address in 2015, which descended into violence. The author adopts a mixed-methods approach that prioritizes interpretive analysis and thick description. An analysis of videos of the disruptive performance in parliament is complemented by investigation of its media coverage and the real-time public reaction on Twitter. She finds that the form of the performance engenders conflict; but performance is also its subject, for it seeks to expose the vacuum of democratic substance behind the regime’s masquerade of power. While the disruptive performance therefore serves an important accountability function, it simultaneously sets a problematic course for future democratic transition as it performs this function through moral essentialism. The South African case presents a particular type of disruption with specific functions and democratic implications. But it also demonstrates that a concern with the formal aspects of performance in general is a fruitful lens for considering the relation between observable form in processes of meaning-making, its political functions and the democratic change it can effect.
Food store environment examination – FoodSee: a new method to study the food store environment using wearable cameras
Authors: McKerchar Christina , Smith Moira , Stanley James , Barr Michelle , Chambers Tim , Abel Gillian , Lacey Cameron , Gage Ryan , Ni Mhurchu Cliona , Signal Louise
Published: August 2019

Introduction:

Food environments shape food behaviours and are implicated in rising rates of obesity worldwide. Measurement of people’s interactions with food stores is important to advance understanding of the associations between the food environment and in-store behaviour. This paper describes a new method, Food Store Environment Examination (FoodSee) to measure people’s interaction with the food store environment in a feasibility study focused on convenience stores and children.

Methods:

One hundred and sixty-eight randomly selected children (aged 11–13 years) recruited from 16 randomly selected schools in Wellington, New Zealand, used wearable cameras for 4 days that recorded images every 7 s. The study was conducted from July 2014 to June 2015. All images of convenience stores and service stations, and a sample of images from supermarkets, were evaluated to determine the feasibility of assessing food availability and marketing. The outcomes of interest assessed were: food product availability, placement, packaging, branding, price promotion, purchases and consumption.

Results:

Thirty-seven children (22%) visited a convenience store or service station at least once during the study period. In total, there were 65 visits to 34 different stores. Seven hundred and nineteen images revealed the in-store environment. Of those, 86.1% were usable and able to be analysed for the outcomes of interest.

Conclusions:

The FoodSee methodology provides a promising new method to study people’s interaction with the in-store food environment. The evidence generated will be valuable in understanding and improving the food store environment within which people shop, and will contribute to efforts to address obesity globally.
The South American Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Network (SAPASEN)
Authors: Werneck André O. , Baldew Se-Sergio , Miranda J. Jaime , Incarbone Óscar , Silva Danilo R. , Zamora Jaime Leppe , Cevallos Enrique Chavez , Adu-Krow William , Sequera Guillermo , Carrillo-Larco Rodrigo , de Boer Bastiaan , Arnesto Oscar Díaz , Garcia Connie , Leanes Luis Fernando
Published: August 2019

The present article describes the South American Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Network, which was designed to provide ongoing transnational empirical evidence about physical activity and sedentary behavior in South America. The first goal of this initiative was to form a representative body of researchers and policy makers from all South American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela) to establish priorities and targets for the short, medium and long term. Examples are given of connecting physical activity and sedentary data from existing surveys in several of the partner countries. The main objective of the South American Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Network will be to impact policies on physical activity and sedentary behavior in South America according to the singularities of each country or region. By encouraging an inclusive and collaborative effort, we expect that the South American Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Network will support the connection between researchers from South America as well as provide a better comprehension of the epidemiology of physical activity and sedentary behavior regionally.
Letting Go of the Middle Years Programme: Three Schools’ Rationales for Discontinuing an International Baccalaureate Program
Authors: Dickson Anisah , Perry Laura B. , Ledger Susan
Published: August 2019

International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) is recognized for its rigor, inquiry-based learning, and development of academic skills. While it is growing in popularity worldwide, some schools have discontinued the program. Literature on the reasons why schools discontinue the MYP is limited. Using a qualitative case study design, we examined the perspectives of school leaders, former MYP coordinators, and experienced MYP teachers at three private and public Australian schools to find out why they discontinued the MYP. Our findings add to the limited literature base on the topic—they reveal schools discontinued the program due to challenges from various systems-level constraints, leadership issues, school organizational structures, and individual teacher challenges. Although our small sample prevents generalizability, our findings generate novel insights and hypotheses that can inform school decision making and future research about the sustainability of the MYP.
Cutaneous Complications With Continuous or Flash Glucose Monitoring Use: Systematic Review of Trials and Observational Studies
Authors: Asarani Nurul A. Mohd , Reynolds Andrew N. , Boucher Sara E. , de Bock Martin , Wheeler Benjamin J.
Published: August 2019

Background:

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)/flash glucose monitoring (FGM) use in diabetes management is increasing. Cutaneous complications associated with these devices were reported. We conducted a systematic review to provide an overview of cutaneous complications with CGM/FGM use.

Methods:

We identified observational studies and intervention trials that report on cutaneous complications with CGM/FGM use up to January 14, 2019. Studies were identified through Medline, Embase, and PubMed, or with hand searching of the previous publications. Screening was duplicated and data extracted to consider four main themes: incidence rate and severity, participant perspectives of cutaneous complications, potential solutions, and future directions in diabetic technology relevant to reducing cutaneous complications.

Results:

A total of 54 eligible studies were identified. The overall event rate of cutaneous complications reported from 19 trials was one event per eight weeks of sensor wear-time of which 1.5% were considered severe. The most common cutaneous complications were wear-related erythema, itching, and induration. Although skin irritations were the most common cause of CGM/FGM discontinuation, most users experienced less pain or discomfort with CGM/FGM than capillary blood glucose testing. Future technological advances may reduce, but not eliminate cutaneous complications.

Conclusion:

The incidence rate of reported cutaneous complications with CGM/FGM use from the available literature is low, with one event per eight weeks of sensor wear-time. Reported complication severity was also low, leading to low rates of CGM/FGM discontinuation. However, there appear to be discrepancies between reporting in trial and observational data. Greater constancy in reporting is necessary to understand the frequency of this issue.
Infrared Thermography and Vascular Disorders in Diabetic Feet
Authors: Ilo Arjaleena , Romsi Pekka , Mäkelä Jussi
Published: August 2019

Aim:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and related foot complications constitute a growing healthcare burden. Diabetes mellitus is associated with lower-limb amputation, but diabetic foot assessment is challenging. Here, we evaluated a novel noninvasive diagnostic method—infrared thermography (IRT) —assessing its diagnostic potential compared to conventional noninvasive measurements.

Methods:

This study included patients with DM ( n = 118) and healthy controls ( n = 93). All participants underwent ankle brachial index and toe pressure (TP) measurements, and IRT using a standardized protocol with temperature measurement at five foot areas.

Results:

Compared to controls, patients with DM generally had warmer feet and exhibited a significantly greater temperature difference between feet ( P < .001). Mean temperatures were highest in patients with DM with neuroischemia, followed by neuropathy. Patients with DM with angiopathy showed the lowest mean temperature—similar to controls and noncomplicated diabetics. Mean temperatures at all measurement sites were significantly higher with abnormal TP (<50 mmHg) than normal TP (≥50 mmHg) ( P < .001). Infrared thermography revealed differences between angiosome areas, subclinical infections, and plantar high-pressure areas.

Conclusion:

Infrared thermography revealed local temperature differences in high-risk diabetic feet. Normal skin surface temperature varies between individuals, but in combination with other tools, IRT might be useful in clinical screening.

ClinicalTrials ID:

14212016
Concept and Implementation of a Novel Patch Pump for Insulin Delivery
Authors: Ulbrich Sina , Waldenmaier Delia , Haug Cornelia , Freckmann Guido , Rendschmidt Til , Künsting Thomas
Published: August 2019

With the motivation to provide a small and discreet patch pump that complies with several customer needs, the recently CE-marked Accu-Chek® Solo micropump system was designed. The system consists of a tubeless insulin pump wirelessly controlled by the so-called diabetes manager. Via diabetes manager, basal rates and boluses are programmed; an integrated blood glucose meter and bolus calculator supports users in bolusing and offers several diary functions. The micropump features a quick bolus button for bolus initiation directly on the pump and is complemented by a disposable reservoir holding up to 200 U of rapid-acting insulin. The assembled pump is attached to the body via a pump holder containing soft cannula. The modular principle enables independent replacement of the single components if necessary.
Chemical Constituents From the Vietnamese Medicinal Plant Anemone chapaensis and Their Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Thi Thanh Huong Ha , Nam Pham G. , Van Hung Hoang , Xuyen Phi T. , Khoi Nguyen M. , Hung Tran M. , Tung Nguyen H. , Thuong Phuong T.
Published: August 2019

Our current research on phytochemical profile of the folk medicinal plant Anemone chapaensis Gagnep. led to the isolation of a new saponin, chapaenoside (1), along with 13 known compounds (2-14). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive chemical and spectroscopic methods (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance [NMR] spectroscopy and mass spectrometry) as well as comparison with the literature data. The isolated compounds were tested for their cytotoxic activities against 9 cancer cell lines by MTT method. The result indicated that the major saponin prosapogenin CP6 (5) showed selectively strong activity against NCI-N87, RD, Panc-1, and MIA Paca-2 cells with the IC50 values of 5.4, 7.5, 7.5, and 2.7 μM, respectively. The results of phytochemical constituents and principal bioactive saponins from A. chapaensis contributed not only to its phytochemical profile associated with chemotaxonomy but also to biological evidence of the title plant.
Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis Following Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis: 2 Cases From Portugal
Authors: Brás Ana , André Ana , Sá Laura , Carvalho João , Matos Anabela , Gens Helena , Nzwalo Hipólito
Published: August 2019

Herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSVE) usually presents as a monophasic disease. Symptomatic HSVE relapsing with seizures, encephalopathy, or involuntary movements associated with anti- N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis have been recently reported. We report 2 cases of adult post-HSVE anti-NMDAR encephalitis from Portugal. Two female patients aged 50 years and 30 years were diagnosed with herpes simplex virus type 2 and type 1 encephalitis, respectively. After the initial improvement with specific treatment and despite virologic negativization, both patients suffered clinical, electroencephalographic, and imaging deterioration. The autoimmune encephalitis hypothesis was confirmed with the demonstration of anti-NMDAR antibodies in both cerebrospinal fluid and serum. Both responded to human immunoglobulin and methylprednisolone, with progressive gain of autonomy along the follow-up period. Thymectomy for thymic hyperplasia diagnosed during follow-up was performed in 1 patient. Although being rare, post-HSVE anti-NMDAR encephalitis should be considered in all cases of symptomatic recrudescence after HSVE, since adequate immune-modulating treatment improves the outcome. The role of thyme hyperplasia in autoimmune encephalitis pathogenesis needs better understanding.
Microarray Assay Reveals Ciliary Abnormalities of the Allergic Nasal Mucosa
Authors: Peng Yang , Guan Wei-jie , Zhu Zhen-chao , Tan Kai Sen , Chen Zhuo , Hong Hai-yu , Zi Xiao-xue , Andiappan Anand Kumar , Shi Li , Yang Qin-tai , Wang De-Yun , Qiu Qian-hui
Published: August 2019

Background

Gene expression patterns (particularly, cilia-associated genes) of nasal mucosa, the first-line defense system, in allergic rhinitis (AR) are not well understood.

Objective

We sought to screen for AR-associated genes in inferior turbinate (IT) from patients with AR, and to validate the expression of common cilia-related genes and ciliary shedding.

Methods

Prime View™ Human Gene Expression Array, which consisted of more than 530 000 probes covering more than 36 000 transcripts and variants, was employed to compare individual gene expression of ITs from control subjects (n = 11) and patients with AR (n = 19). Gene ontology (GO) analysis was performed with Cytoscape software. Eight of the common cilia-related genes were validated with quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We applied a semiquantitative scoring system for immunofluorescence assay to demonstrate ciliary shedding in 5 areas per paraffin section, with individual sections being scored between 0 (normal ciliary distribution) and 1 (ciliary shedding).

Results

Compared with control subjects, 160 (38 upregulated and 122 downregulated) genes were differentially expressed for at least 2 folds (all P < .05) in AR. Seven GO categories were significantly enriched, 4 of which were related to cilium assembly and motility. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction validated the predicted direction of change for common cilia-related gene expression. The ciliary distribution score was significantly higher (more prominent ciliary shedding) in AR than in controls ( P < .05).

Conclusion

The significant aberrant cilia-related gene expression, revealed by microarray assays, might be the critical driver of AR where ciliary shedding is prominent.
Observed airblast variability and model error from repeatable explosive field trials
Authors: Stewart Mark G , Netherton Michael D , Baldacchino Hayden
Published: August 2019

Explosive field trials have been conducted to measure the peak incident pressure, impulse and time of positive phase duration following the detonation of 15 different masses of the Plastic Explosive No #4. A novel aspect of these field trials was the repeatability of tests. Eight pressure gauges collected data during each blast, and at each scaled distance. In all, 4 blasts were conducted for each scaled distance (i.e. up to 32 measurements recorded for each scaled distance) – 60 blasts were fired in total. Consequently, this repeatability of testing allowed the mean and variance of blast pressure–time histories to be quantified, with a view to better characterise the variability of a blast itself and model error variability. This article describes the explosive field trials, and the statistical analysis of blast load variability and model error for peak incident pressure, impulse and time of positive phase duration. It was found that the mean model error is close to unity with a coefficient of variation of up to 0.15 for pressure and 0.21 for impulse. The lognormal probability distribution best fits the model error data. The probabilistic models derived from these tests can be used for a variety of structural engineering applications, such as calculating reliability-based design load or partial safety factors for explosive blast loading, and estimating the probability of damage and casualties for infrastructure subject to explosive blast loading. This is illustrated for a terrorist explosive scenario involving a spherical free-air burst, where the damage modes of interest are breaching and spalling of a concrete slab. It was found that the variability of charge mass, range and model error have a significant effect on reliability-based design.
Benefit–risk evaluation: the past, present and future
Authors: Juhaeri Juhaeri
Published: August 2019

In the last two decades there has been a shift in the approach to evaluating the benefit–risk (BR) profiles of medicinal products from an unstructured, subjective, and inconsistent, to a more structured and objective, process. This article describes that shift from a historical perspective; the past, the present, and the future, and highlights key events that played critical roles in changing the field.
From gross domestic product to wellbeing: How alternative indicators can help connect the new economy with the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Fioramonti Lorenzo , Coscieme Luca , Mortensen Lars F
Published: August 2019

In a 2014 issue of Nature, members of our research group called for abandoning the gross domestic product as the key indicator in economic policymaking. In this new article, we argue that a new post–gross domestic product economy focusing on wellbeing rather than material output is already emerging in the Anthropocene, thanks to the convergence of policy reforms and economic shifts. At the policy level, the Sustainable Development Goals require policymakers to protect ecosystems, promote greater equality, and focus on long-term equitable development. At the economy level, the provision of services has outpaced industrial production as the key driver of prosperity, with innovative business models optimizing the match between supply and demand and giving rise to a burgeoning “sharing economy”, which produces value to people while reducing output and costs. The economic transformation already underway is, however, delayed by an obsolete system of measurement of economic performance still dominated by the gross domestic product–based national accounts, which rewards the incumbent and disincentives the new. We show that a different approach to measuring wellbeing and prosperity is the “missing link” we need to connect recent evolutions in policy and the economy with a view to activating a sustainable development paradigm for a good Anthropocene.
Self-care experiences of older patients with diabetes mellitus: A qualitative systematic literature review
Authors: Pennbrant Sandra , Berg Ann , Fohlin Johansson Leone
Published: August 2019

Diabetes is a growing health problem and risk increases with age. Self-care is an important part of treatment. The aim of this qualitative systematic literature review was to investigate how older patients with diabetes experience self-care. A systematic literature review relating to older patients, diabetes and self-care was conducted. Systematic searches were carried out in the CINAHL, PubMed/MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases. The results show that older patients with diabetes are mainly concerned with the issues of blood glucose testing, dietary requirements, information about diabetes, motivation and support. To support safe self-care for older patients with diabetes, nurses need opportunities to increase their knowledge and reflection about diabetes and safe self-care support. Further research is needed to identify how nurses can promote older patients’ self-care and quality of life in the context of a person-centred approach.
Dealing with the Rohingya crisis: The relevance of the general assembly and R2P
Authors: Khan Mohammad Tanzimuddin , Ahmed Saima
Published: August 2019

This article explores the causes of the United Nations’ inertia in dealing with the Rohingya crisis since its beginning in August 2017. Here we argue that the United Nations' inherent structural weaknesses contribute to its indecisiveness in taking any effective and timely measures when faced with a humanitarian crisis. We further argue that weaknesses of the United Nations have their origins in the creation of the organization and its sole dependency on the decisions of the five permanent members of the Security Council for any intervention in humanitarian crises. In the conclusion, we consider the prospect of the General Assembly in light of the globally recognized Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine as an alternative to resolve this inherent weakness and the obstacles to taking effective and timely measures in dealing with Rohingya-like situations.
Pain control for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome patients undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery
Authors: Crouss Tess , Mancenido Briana , Rana Neha , Jia Xibei , Whitmore Kristene
Published: August 2019

Introduction:

Scant research exists on pain control for interstitial cystitis patients undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery. Our aim was to compare the perioperative courses in patients with and without interstitial cystitis undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery performed using primarily monitored anesthesia care with local anesthesia.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of surgical cases performed at a single site from November 2015 to July 2018 was performed. Joint non-gynecologic cases were excluded. Data including demographics, intraoperative variables, medication requirements, and postoperative courses were abstracted. Chi-square, independent t, and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare interstitial cystitis with non-interstitial cystitis patients.

Results:

In total, 65 separate cases met inclusion criteria and were analyzed, with 57 individual subjects. Out of the 65 cases, 33 cases were performed on interstitial cystitis patients. Only 2 of the 33 interstitial cystitis patient cases required general anesthesia. Interstitial cystitis patients did not require higher concentrations of 1% lidocaine with epinephrine (average of 3.8 mg/kg) compared to patients without (2.8 mg/kg). There was no difference between groups in perioperative complications, length of recovery, or postoperative narcotic consumption.

Conclusion:

Perioperative outcomes and pain control do not differ in those with and without interstitial cystitis undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery. Prolapse surgery can be safely performed on a patient population with a high proportion of chronic pelvic pain using monitored anesthesia care with local anesthesia, without increased morbidity or difficultly with perioperative pain control.
Predictive factors for neurological deficit in patients with spinal tuberculosis
Authors: Sae-Jung Surachai , Wongba Nattamon , Leurmprasert Kriwut
Published: August 2019

Background:

Spinal tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of damage to the spine and associated neural structures.

Purpose:

This study aims to identify the risk factors for neurological deterioration in spinal TB patients to promptly care for the patients before paralysis develops.

Methods:

The demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory results, and radiographic findings of spinal TB patients were collected between 1993 and 2016. The data were analyzed using logistic regression methods. The predictive factors for neurological deficit were identified.

Results:

There were 125 spinal TB patients (70 men and 55 women). The average age ± standard deviation was 55.7 ± 2.0 and 52.3 ± 2.4=years, respectively. According to the univariate analysis, the significant risk factors associated with neurological deterioration were signal cord changes, notable Cobb angle (>30°), radiating pain, and epidural abscess. The multivariate analysis revealed that only signal cord change and notable Cobb angle significantly influenced neurological status.

Conclusion:

The predictive factors for neurological deterioration in spinal TB patients are signal cord change and notable Cobb angle. Surgery should be considered in patients who present with these factors before the development of neurological deterioration.
Treatment of irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation using one-stage retropharyngeal release and posterior reduction
Authors: Ren Xianfeng , Gao Feng , Li Siyuan , Yang Jiankun , Xi Yongming
Published: August 2019

Introduction:

Irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation (IAAD) has been challenging for spine surgeons. Various methods have been used to treat IAAD, but no consensus has been reached. This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the efficacy of anterior submandibular retropharyngeal release and posterior reduction and fixation for IAAD.

Methods:

From March 2007 to May 2015, 13 patients diagnosed with IAAD underwent anterior submandibular retropharyngeal release and sequential posterior reduction and fixation. The operation time, blood loss, postoperative complications, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were retrospectively recorded.

Results:

The surgeries were accomplished successfully. The mean operative time was about 3.8 h. The mean estimated blood loss was about 130 mL. The patients experienced postoperative pharyngeal pain. Only one patient had a vague voice and increased oral discharge postoperatively. At the final follow-up, JOA scores had significantly increased ( p < 0.05), and all the patients had solid bony fusion.

Conclusion:

The present study reinforces the efficacy and safety of anterior submandibular retropharyngeal release and posterior reduction and fixation for IAAD. It can achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes and is safe for experienced spine surgeons.
Do Professional Baseball Players With a Higher Valgus Carrying Angle Have an Increased Risk of Shoulder and Elbow Injuries?
Authors: Erickson Brandon J. , Chalmers Peter N. , Zajac John , Sgroi Terrance , Eno Jonathan James , Altchek David W. , Dines Joshua S. , Coleman Struan H.
Published: August 2019

Background:

There are many risk factors for shoulder and elbow injuries in professional baseball pitchers. The elbow carrying angle has not been studied as a potential risk factor.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The aim of this study was to determine whether elbow carrying angle is a risk factor for shoulder or elbow injuries in professional baseball pitchers. We hypothesized that pitchers with a higher elbow carrying angle would be less likely to sustain an injury during the season than pitchers with a lower elbow carrying angle.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

All professional pitchers for a single baseball club during the 2018 season had the carrying angle of both elbows measured at spring training by a single examiner. The pitchers were followed prospectively throughout the season. Shoulder and elbow injuries were recorded prospectively.

Results:

A total of 52 pitchers (21 [40%] Major League Baseball and 31 [60%] Minor League Baseball) were included. During the season, 23 (44%) pitchers became injured. The mean carrying angle in the throwing arm was 12.5° ± 4.2° versus 9.9° ± 2.8° in the nonthrowing arm ( P < .001). Comparing the injured and noninjured groups, there were no differences in level of play ( P = .870), throwing hand dominance ( P = .683), batting hand dominance ( P = .554), throwing-side carrying angle ( P = .373), nonthrowing-side carrying angle ( P = .773), or side-to-side difference in carrying angle ( P = .481).

Conclusion:

The elbow carrying angle was not associated with an injury risk during a single season in professional baseball pitchers.
Differences in Student Performance in Epidemiology Depending on Study Mode
Authors: Mathieu Erin , Killedar Anagha , Driscoll Tim
Published: August 2019

Studies regarding the effectiveness of online learning compared with that of face to face (F2F) learning are conflicting. Some studies show students studying online have better outcomes, some show they have worse outcomes, and others show there is no difference. This retrospective cohort study compares competence in epidemiological concepts at the end of a graduate unit between Masters of Public Health students who studied F2F and those who studied online. In this unit, F2F students attended a 1-hour lecture (which was recorded) and a 2-hour tutorial each week. Online students listened to the recorded lecture and covered the same tutorial material through a facilitated asynchronous discussion board or a weekly synchronous 2-hour webinar. Students completed the same optional in-semester assignment and end of semester open-book exam. The results from 442 students (55% F2F) who completed the unit between 2015 and 2018 inclusive were included. The analysis compared final unit marks, controlling for prior academic performance. Results indicate that competence was reasonable in both formats of the unit but higher in F2F students, who after adjustment for prior degree academic performance achieved an average of 4.6 (95% confidence interval [2.2, 7.1]) more marks than online students. The better performance for F2F students was particularly true for students with poorer prior academic performance. These results suggest that F2F mode was more effective than online mode, particularly for students with a lower prior academic performance. Course instructors could usefully focus on enhancing student–instructor interaction and targeting students with lower academic ability when delivering online units of study.
Conferences as Coaching Opportunities: A Case Study of an Assignment Incorporating Student-Produced Videos
Authors: Hickling Siobhan , Bhatti Alexandra , Bowles Devin C.
Published: August 2019

To ensure student engagement and optimal preparation of the future workforce, academic educators frequently and repeatedly update curricula and pedagogic approaches. Evaluation of these updates often focuses on how well the chosen educational technique achieves its goal. For updates that add a new learning goal, it is important that evaluation considers the value of the goal in a crowded curriculum. Peer-to-peer feedback and coaching provides a low-investment and timely method of evaluation and can be facilitated by conferences focused on pedagogy. This coaching article uses a case study of an assignment for postgraduate students incorporating student-produced videos developed independently at three Australian universities. The authors learned of one another’s work in preparation for delivering presentations at a conference focused on teaching public health and decided to collaborate on a single workshop. In the process, they reinforced and expanded their understanding of the benefits and important considerations for a video assignment and engaged in two-way coaching with conference delegates from across Australasia. Benefits include teaching students skills that will become increasingly important in their future careers, the potential for enhanced student engagement due to novelty, and resistance to plagiarism. Important considerations include explaining the aim and parameters of the assessment as well as minimizing student anxiety. Preparation for the workshop led to refinements in some of the assessments. This article is simultaneously an affirmation of the value of peer-to-peer coaching opportunities that can arise at pedagogy conferences and an argument for the value of video assignments in public health education.
Teaching but Not Preaching: Delivering Compulsory Ma-ori Public Health Content in an Undergraduate Health Science Degree
Authors: Ahuriri-Driscoll Annabel
Published: August 2019

Increasingly recognized as an educational domain in its own right, Ma-ori health is a central focus of medical and health sciences curricula in Aotearoa/New Zealand. As part of the Bachelor of Health Sciences offered at the University of Canterbury, Ma-ori health content is taught in a compulsory introductory course “Ma-ori Health Issues & Opportunities” (HLTH 106), positioned at the interface of Ma-ori health and public health. The course follows a trajectory through Ma-ori history, the Treaty of Waitangi, colonization, and the emergence of inequities, ending with structural and Ma-ori-led approaches for redress. Much of the content challenges prevailing public discourses relating to Aotearoa/New Zealand’s settlement and status as an egalitarian society, the basis of many students’ preconceptions. A social determinants of health frame has supported the navigation of this “tricky” terrain, and the construction of evidence-based counternarratives. Iterative curriculum development demonstrated the value of taking account not only of learner needs but also the characteristics of public health that may hinder learning.
Obtaining Time-Critical Feedback: Ask for Health Promotion Students for Feedback After Each Class
Authors: Davies Patsi
Published: August 2019

Health promotion teaching and learning is informed by the competencies of our profession, and importantly, it involves continually improving our practice so that, in turn, we improve the learning experiences of our students. The student voice is pivotal to this teaching and learning opportunity, and while we might seek student feedback after we have finished teaching a course, it is less common to obtain feedback in a regular and routine manner throughout the delivery of the course. This is a lost opportunity for students, teachers, and for health promotion practice. One mechanism to redress this gap is the use of “time-critical-feedback,” which involves a teacher undertaking the collection, analysis, and use of information about the learning experiences of students after each in-class or online session. Crucially, as a form of student-to-teacher feedback, time-critical-feedback can enable us to understand the impact of our teaching through the eyes of our learners, resolve concerns more quickly, enhance the joy of teaching, increase student engagement, and strengthen student voice. After all, our learners are the eyes, ears, and hearts of our impact.
Knowledge, Beliefs, and Attitudes of Emergency Nurses Toward People With Chronic Pain
Authors: Martorella Geraldine , Kostic Michelle , Lacasse Anaïs , Schluck Glenna , Abbott Laurie
Published: August 2019

More and more people suffering from chronic pain (CP) utilize the emergency department (ED). However, their needs are not properly addressed. Stigmatization toward people with CP can partially explain this gap. Most studies in the ED have been focused on measuring nurses’ pain management knowledge in general, not negative attitudes toward CP. Hence, understanding of the determinants of the stigma related to CP is needed. The objectives of this study were to (a) describe the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of ED nurses toward people suffering from CP and (b) identify nurses’ characteristics associated with these perceptions. A cross-sectional web-based survey design was conducted using the KnowPain-12 questionnaire and the Chronic Pain Myth Scale. A total of 571 participants from 20 different states across the United States were recruited among whom 482 completed the entire survey. The sample included about one third of the ED nurses suffering from CP. Negative beliefs and attitudes toward people with CP were present in a considerable proportion of participants (up to 64%), even in nurses suffering from CP (up to 47.5%). Nevertheless, our results suggest that higher levels of education and suffering from CP were associated with better beliefs and attitudes toward people with CP. The ED presents an increased risk of stigmatization of people with CP as compared with the general population. Identifying determinants of the stigma associated with CP is crucial, as it will help tailoring awareness and educational campaigns. In addition, CP patients utilizing the ED often have complex needs which are difficult to address in this clinical environment. This situation can contribute to negative beliefs and attitudes. Given the scarcity of specialized care clinics for this population, health-care stakeholders should devise solutions to improve continuity of care in primary care settings and between the latter and ED.
Ultrasound Measurements and Assessments of the Ulnar Nerve at the Elbow and Cubital Tunnel: A Scoping Review
Authors: Aird Courtney , Thoirs Kerry , Maranna Sandhya , Massy-Westropp Nicola
Published: August 2019

Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) is the second most frequent peripheral nerve entrapment neuropathy in the upper extremity. The diagnosis is determined through a combination of history, physical examination, and electrodiagnostic testing. However, the use of high-resolution sonography is increasing, with sonographic measurements of ulnar nerve dimension established as a reliable diagnostic criterion for UNE. Sonographic imaging can describe anatomical features beyond ulnar nerve size, and therefore additional observations could potentially be used in UNE diagnosis and treatment follow-up. This review was a scoping of the literature on different sonographic measurements and assessments that have been reported to evaluate the ulnar nerve and cubital tunnel. This should provide a guide to scanning protocols for sonographers.
Zfp281 (ZBP-99) plays a functionally redundant role with Zfp148 (ZBP-89) during erythroid development
Authors: Woo Andrew J. , Patry Chelsea-Ann A. , Ghamari Alireza , Pregernig Gabriela , Yuan Daniel , Zheng Kangni , Piers Taylor , Hibbs Moira , Li Ji , Fidalgo Miguel , Wang Jenny Y. , Lee Joo-Hyeon , Leedman Peter J. , Wang Jianlong , Fraenkel Ernest , Cantor Alan B.
Published: August 2019

Erythroid maturation requires the concerted action of a core set of transcription factors. We previously identified the Krüppel-type zinc finger transcription factor Zfp148 (also called ZBP-89) as an interacting partner of the master erythroid transcription factor GATA1. Here we report the conditional knockout of Zfp148 in mice. Global loss of Zfp148 results in perinatal lethality from nonhematologic causes. Selective Zfp148 loss within the hematopoietic system results in a mild microcytic and hypochromic anemia, mildly impaired erythroid maturation, and delayed recovery from phenylhydrazine-induced hemolysis. Based on the mild erythroid phenotype of these mice compared with GATA1-deficient mice, we hypothesized that additional factor(s) may complement Zfp148 function during erythropoiesis. We show that Zfp281 (also called ZBP-99), another member of the Zfp148 transcription factor family, is highly expressed in murine and human erythroid cells. Zfp281 knockdown by itself results in partial erythroid defects. However, combined deficiency of Zfp148 and Zfp281 causes a marked erythroid maturation block. Zfp281 physically associates with GATA1, occupies many common chromatin sites with GATA1 and Zfp148, and regulates a common set of genes required for erythroid cell differentiation. These findings uncover a previously unknown role for Zfp281 in erythroid development and suggest that it functionally overlaps with that of Zfp148 during erythropoiesis.
Multiple functional variants in the IL1RL1 region are pretransplant markers for risk of GVHD and infection deaths
Authors: Karaesmen Ezgi , Hahn Theresa , Dile Alexander James , Rizvi Abbas A. , Wang Junke , Wang Tao , Haagenson Michael D. , Preus Leah , Zhu Qianqian , Liu Qian , Yan Li , Liu Song , Haiman Christopher A. , Stram Daniel , Pooler Loreall , Sheng Xin , Van Den Berg David , Brock Guy , Webb Amy , McCarthy Philip L. , Pasquini Marcelo C. , Spellman Stephen R. , Lee Stephanie J. , Paczesny Sophie , Sucheston-Campbell Lara E.
Published: August 2019

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and infections are the 2 main causes of death without relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Elevated soluble serum simulation-2 (sST2), the product of IL1RL1 in plasma/serum post-HCT, is a validated GVHD biomarker. Hundreds of SNPs at 2q12.1 have been shown to be strongly associated with sST2 concentrations in healthy populations. We therefore hypothesized that the donor genetic variants in IL1RL1 correlate with sST2 protein levels associated with patient survival outcomes after HCT. We used DISCOVeRY-BMT (Determining the Influence of Susceptibility Conveying Variants Related to 1-Year Mortality after Blood and Marrow Transplantation), a genomic study of >3000 donor–recipient pairs, to inform our hypothesis. We first measured pre-HCT plasma/serum sST2 levels in a subset of DISCOVeRY-BMT donors (n = 757) and tested the association of donor sST2 levels with donor single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 2q12.1 region. Donor SNPs associated with sST2 levels were then tested for association with recipient death caused by acute GVHD (aGVHD)–, infection-, and transplant-related mortality in cohorts 1 and 2. Meta-analyses of cohorts 1 and 2 were performed using fixed-effects inverse variance weighting, and P values were corrected for multiple comparisons. Donor risk alleles in rs22441131 (Pmeta = .00026) and rs2310241 (Pmeta = .00033) increased the cumulative incidence of aGVHD death up to fourfold and were associated with high sST2 levels. Donor risk alleles at rs4851601 (Pmeta = 9.7 × 10−7), rs13019803 (Pmeta = 8.9 × 10−6), and rs13015714 (Pmeta = 5.3 × 10−4) increased cumulative incidence of infection death to almost sevenfold and were associated with low sST2 levels. These functional variants are biomarkers of infection or aGVHD death and could facilitate donor selection, prophylaxis, and a conditioning regimen to reduce post-HCT mortality.
An effective image retrieval based on optimized genetic algorithm utilized a novel SVM-based convolutional neural network classifier
Authors: Ghrabat Mudhafar Jalil Jassim , Ma Guangzhi , Maolood Ismail Yaqub , Alresheedi Shayem Saleh , Abduljabbar Zaid Ameen
Published: August 2019

Image retrieval is the process of retrieving images from a database. Certain algorithms have been used for traditional image retrieval. However, such retrieval involves certain limitations, such as manual image annotation, ineffective feature extraction, inability capability to handle complex queries, increased time required, and production of less accurate results. To overcome these issues, an effective image retrieval method is proposed in this study. This work intends to effectively retrieve images using a best feature extraction process. In the preprocessing of this study, a Gaussian filtering technique is used to remove the unwanted data present in the dataset. After preprocessing, feature extraction is applied to extract features, such as texture and color. Here, the texture feature is categorized as a gray level cooccurrence matrix, whereas the novel statistical and color features are considered image intensity-based color features. These features are clustered by k-means clustering for label formation. A modified genetic algorithm is used to optimize the features, and these features are classified using a novel SVM-based convolutional neural network (NSVMBCNN). Then, the performance is evaluated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, precision, recall, retrieval and recognition rate. The proposed feature extraction and modified genetic algorithm-based optimization technique outperforms existing techniques in experiments, with four different datasets used to test the proposed model. The performance of the proposed method is also better than those of the existing (RVM) regression vector machine, DSCOP, as well as the local directional order pattern (LDOP) and color co-occurrence feature + bit pattern feature (CCF + BPF) methods, in terms of the precision, recall, accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the NSVMBCNN.
Influence of the new mental health legislation in India
Authors: Chadda Rakesh K.
Published: August 2019

This paper discusses the influence of the Mental Healthcare Act 2017 on mental healthcare in India. The new Act was introduced to meet the recommendations of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Reforms proposed in the new legislation, challenges in their implementation and their effects on mental healthcare in the country are further discussed.