bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An international comparison: Social pedagogy training
Authors: Janer Àngela , Úcar Xavier
Published: February 2018

This study adopts a comparative perspective to present a descriptive analysis of the state of social pedagogy training at universities in different countries. It arises out of an interest to construct a global, current and integrated perspective of social pedagogy. The study uses a quantitative methodology to analyse the content of social pedagogy curricula based on the principal dimensions that shape them, which have been defined by academic experts in previous search ( Janer & Úcar, 2016 ).

Findings

The results indicate that in most of the universities analysed social pedagogy is a subject within other social and educational science studies rather than a degree or specialization in its own right. There is coherence between what the academic experts point out and the specific content of university studies in social pedagogy as regards the political, ethical and social dimension of the context and, regarding the varied scope of intervention and use of methodologies. However, the epistemological, professional, historical and functional dimensions have little presence in social pedagogy university studies.

Applications

The theoretical and practical field of social pedagogy is complex and subject to multiple and varied interpretations. This study contributes to the theoretical debate on the nature of social pedagogy. This analysis is relevant from both a scientific and a social perspective. It’s necessary to working towards building a common and universal theoretical core for social pedagogy to achieve a transmission of knowledge regarding all of the analysed dimensions clearer and help unite its theoretical, educational and professional spheres.
Characterization of reaction zone growth in an optically accessible heavy-duty diesel/methane dual-fuel engine
Authors: Rochussen Jeremy , Kirchen Patrick
Published: February 2018

The performance of dual-fuel engines in terms of fuel conversion efficiency and unburned hydrocarbon emission is strongly influenced by the turbulent flame propagation through the premixed natural gas. To improve dual-fuel engine design and provide validation data for numerical models, the fuel conversion process must be better characterized, specifically the reaction zone growth rate. In this work, high-speed imaging of OH*-chemiluminescence is performed in an optically accessible 2 L engine operated with port-injected CH4 and direct-injected diesel for different diesel and CH4 fueling rates and pilot injection pressures ( Ppilot). The cumulative histogram time series is introduced for directly comparing high-speed optical data of dual-fuel combustion with simultaneously measured apparent heat release rate. The cumulative histogram time series diagram is also used to evaluate a “global” reaction zone speed, SRZ,g, based on OH*-chemiluminescence images. The SRZ,g calculation normalizes the reaction zone area growth rate by the perimeter of the reaction zone to determine the velocity scale, while a “local” reaction zone speed, SRZ,l, is based on the local displacement of the reaction zone boundary per unit time. From the distribution of SRZ,l for each image frame, a previously proposed metric for determining the transition from pilot autoignition based on apparent heat release rate was validated and used to evaluate a single mean flame propagation speed, [Formula: see text]. Using these metrics, it was noted that increasing ϕCH4 from 0.40 to 0.69 results in an increase in [Formula: see text] from 4 to 8 m/s and 8 to 14 m/s for pilot injection pressures of 300 and 1300 bar, respectively. The spatial distribution of SRZ,l also indicates that autoignition of the pilot jets is not simultaneous (arising from asymmetric injector geometry) and leads to an overlap of the autoignition and flame propagation processes. This is not considered in the conventional conceptual model of dual-fuel combustion and impacts calculation of [Formula: see text] for the small diesel injections commonly used for dual-fuel engines.
Reentry Devices for Lamella Neofenestration During Endovascular Aortic Repair of Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection
Authors: Bertoglio Luca , Cambiaghi Tommaso , Grandi Alessandro , Kahlberg Andrea , Melissano Germano , Chiesa Roberto
Published: February 2018

Purpose: To present a technique that creates a neofenestration in the dissecting lamella of chronic aortic dissections using standard or intravenous ultrasound (IVUS)–guided reentry devices. Technique: To create a neofenestration, a standard or IVUS-guided reentry device is deployed in either the true or false aortic lumen while a balloon is simultaneously inflated in the opposite lumen to stabilize the lamella, provide needle counterforce, and prevent displacement of the lamella away from the reentry needle. Once the lamella is perforated and a guidewire passed across the 2 lumens, progressive dilation of the neofenestration is performed to establish persistent communication. Conclusion: The balloon-supported lamella neofenestration technique involving off-label application of two currently available reentry devices can be applied to endovascular treatment chronic aortic dissections. While the technique will definitely not become a standard of practice, it provides a safe, effective, and readily available option for endovascular management of those patients with complex chronic aortic dissections requiring bailout maneuvers or elective treatment.
Patients Older Than 80 Years Can Reach Their Normal Life Expectancy After Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: A Comparison Between Endovascular Aneurysm Repair and Open Surgery
Authors: Majd Payman , Ahmad Wael , Galas Noemi , Brunkwall Jan S.
Published: February 2018

Purpose: To investigate the long-term outcomes of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and open surgical repair (OSR) of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm in octogenarian patients and to compare them with the overall expected survival based on a sex- and age-matched German population. Methods: A total of 177 patients (median age 82 years; 149 men) ≥80 years old (range 80–92) who underwent primary elective repair of an infrarenal aortic aneurysm (≥5 cm) between 1998 and 2015 were identified in a database search. Two groups of patients were formed based on the type of procedure: 131 EVAR patients (median age 83 years; 114 men) and 46 OSR patients (median age 82 years; 35 men). Results: The median follow-up was 5 years for the OSR group and 4.5 years for the EVAR group. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant difference in survival between the EVAR and OSR groups at 78 months. The observed survival of all study patients was not statistically different from the expected survival of a sex- and age-matched German population, which was true separately for women and men. Conclusion: The patients in this study seemed to reach normal life expectancy in comparison to the age- and sex-matched general population with a similar cumulative survival in both study groups over 5 years of follow-up.
Effect of metal artifact reduction software on image quality of C-arm cone-beam computed tomography during intracranial aneurysm treatment
Authors: Enomoto Yukiko , Yamauchi Keita , Asano Takahiko , Otani Katharina , Iwama Toru
Published: February 2018

Background and purpose

C-arm cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has the drawback that image quality is degraded by artifacts caused by implanted metal objects. We evaluated whether metal artifact reduction (MAR) prototype software can improve the subjective image quality of CBCT images of patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with coils or clips.

Materials and methods

Forty-four patients with intracranial aneurysms implanted with coils (40 patients) or clips (four patients) underwent one CBCT scan from which uncorrected and MAR-corrected CBCT image datasets were reconstructed. Three blinded readers evaluated the image quality of the image sets using a four-point scale (1: Excellent, 2: Good, 3: Poor, 4: Bad). The median scores of the three readers of uncorrected and MAR-corrected images were compared with the paired Wilcoxon signed-rank and inter-reader agreement of change scores was assessed by weighted kappa statistics. The readers also recorded new clinical findings, such as intracranial hemorrhage, air, or surrounding anatomical structures on MAR-corrected images.

Results

The image quality of MAR-corrected CBCT images was significantly improved compared with the uncorrected CBCT image ( p < 0.001). Additional clinical findings were seen on CBCT images of 70.4% of patients after MAR correction.

Conclusion

MAR software improved image quality of CBCT images degraded by metal artifacts.
Utilization and in-hospital outcomes associated with atherectomy in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease: An observational analysis from the National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Doshi Rajkumar , Shlofmitz Evan , Meraj Perwaiz
Published: February 2018

Objective

Percutaneous revascularization for patients with peripheral arterial disease has become a treatment of choice for many symptomatic patients. The presence of severe arterial calcification presents many challenges for successful revascularization. Atherectomy is an adjunctive treatment option for patients with severe calcification undergoing percutaneous intervention. We sought to analyze the impact of atherectomy on in-hospital outcomes, length of stay, and cost in the percutaneous treatment of peripheral arterial disease.

Methods

Patients with lower extremity peripheral arterial disease undergoing percutaneous revascularization were assessed, utilizing the National Inpatient Sample (2012–2014) and appropriate International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification diagnostic and procedural codes. Patients who were not treated with atherectomy ( n = 51,037) were compared to those treated with atherectomy ( n = 11,408). Propensity score-matched analysis was performed to address baseline differences.

Results

After performing propensity score-matched analysis, 11,037 patients were included in each group. Utilization of atherectomy was associated with lower in-hospital mortality (2% vs. 1.4% p = 0.0006). All secondary outcomes were lower when using atherectomy except acute renal failure. Length of stay was slightly lower when using atherectomy (7.2 vs. 7.0 days, p = 0.0494). However, median cost was higher in patients treated with atherectomy ($21,589 vs. $24,060, p = <0.0001).

Conclusion

The use of atherectomy was associated with significantly decreased in-hospital mortality, adverse events, and length of stay. Though, cost associated with atherectomy use is increased, this is offset by decreased in-hospital adverse outcomes. Appropriate use of atherectomy devices is an important tool in revascularization of peripheral arterial disease in select patients.
Youngsters and cinema in the European Union: A cross-cultural study on their conceptions and knowledge about cinema
Authors: Soto-Sanfiel María T , Villegas-Simón Isabel , Angulo-Brunet Ariadna
Published: February 2018

Within the framework of the Creative Europe programme, and due to the inexplicable lack of current academic information on the topic, this exploratory cross-cultural study seeks to advance the understanding of the relationship between European adolescents and cinema through a sample of 937 secondary students from eight countries of the European Union. Specifically, the research contributes to the identification of young people’s conceptions of the artistic value and functions of cinema, their knowledge of cinematography and their opinions about national, European or foreign cinema. In addition, it explores the extent to which these factors are alike and differ according to nation. The results of this work are relevant for academics from different disciplines, regulators, educators and members of the audiovisual industry.
The relationship between fear of crime and risk perception across Europe
Authors: Krulichová Eva
Published: February 2018

Cross-national comparisons of fear of crime have been gaining in popularity within the academic community, as they allow for the examination of both individual and country-level correlates of this phenomenon. Nevertheless, the role of perceived victimization risk in fostering fear of crime with respect to various country specifics is often neglected. Drawing on data from the European Social Survey Round 5 (ESS R5), the aim of this study is to explore the relationship between fear of crime and risk perception in the context of 23 European countries. Risk perception is positively correlated with fear of crime in all of the analysed countries, although the strength of the relationship differs. Contrary to expectations, countries with a higher victimization rate exhibit a weaker relationship between fear of crime and risk perception, while in countries with a lower victimization rate, risk perception plays a relatively important role in shaping fear of crime. No effect of unemployment rate, size of migrant population or income inequality was found in the data.
Electrical neuromodulation in the management of lower urinary tract dysfunction: evidence, experience and future prospects
Authors: Abello Alejandro , Das Anurag K.
Published: February 2018

Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is common and causes a spectrum of morbidity and decreased quality of life (QoL) for patients. LUTD can range from urinary retention to urge incontinence, and includes a variety of syndromes, with the most common and widely recognized being overactive bladder (OAB). The classic treatments of LUTD and OAB comprise different strategies including behavioral therapies, medications and minimally invasive or invasive surgical procedures. Generally, once patients have tried behavioral modifications and oral medical therapy, and have not experienced adequate relief of their symptoms, the next step is to consider minimally invasive therapies. In the last two decades since FDA approval, sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) has become an accepted intervention, with increasing use and evidence of effectiveness for LUTD, specifically OAB and non-obstructive urinary retention. SNS has shown both objective and subjective improvement in voiding symptoms in several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) when compared to sham or standard medical therapy. The main limitations for more extensive use include relatively high cost, implantation of a device and possibly reoperation secondary to adverse events (AE). Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is a less invasive, less direct and less expensive method for neuromodulation, which has also shown effectiveness in several randomized and non-randomized trials, including comparable improvement rates to anticholinergics in OAB management. However, the efficacy of PTNS is only maintained for a short period after the stimulation is delivered. This technique has a much lower rate of AE compared to SNS, but with the inconvenience of weekly visits for stimulation, although implantable devices are on the horizon. In this article we review the mechanism of action, indications, effectiveness and complications related to SNS and PTNS therapy for LUTD.
Review of de novo cerebral arteriovenous malformation: haemorrhage risk, treatment approaches and outcomes
Authors: Lv Xianli , Wang Guihuai
Published: February 2018

Objective

A small number of patients has been reported to develop a completely new or de novo arteriovenous malformation (AVM) after brain surgery, haemorrhage, head trauma or ischaemic stroke. The natural history of these lesions is unknown. In this review, both ruptured and unruptured de novo AVMs and their treatments were reviewed.

Methods

Published literature in the PubMed database citing ‘de novo cerebral arteriovenous malformation’ was reviewed. Additional studies were identified through reference searches in each reviewed article. A review was performed using all published cases, the treatment approaches and outcomes.

Results

A total of 38 patients, including 37 de novo AVMs reported from 1988 to 17 November 2017 and our one patient, was collected. The age at AVM diagnosis was 5–73 years (mean ± SD, 27.6 ± 20.5 years). The duration time, from negative examination to AVM diagnosis, was 2 months to 25 years (mean ± SD, 6.6 ± 4.9 years). The presentation of de novo AVM was headaches in three (7.9%) patients, bleedings in 12 (31.6%), incidental in 14 (36.8%) and seizure in nine (23.7%). The estimated risk of haemorrhage was 4.8% per year. Seventeen (44.7%) patients were treated with surgical resection, 10 (26.3%) were conservatively observed, nine (23.7%) were treated with radiosurgery and two (5.3%) were endovascularly embolised. The morbidity and mortality were reported as 5.3% and 7.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

Post-natal de novo AVMs have been reported. Their annual haemorrhage risk is 4.8%. Most of them are treated by surgical resection and are associated with morbidity and mortality.
Flexibility—Not just for yoga anymore!
Authors: Seley-Radtke Katherine
Published: February 2018

Over the past few years, nucleosides have maintained a prominent role as one of the cornerstones of antiviral and anticancer therapeutics, and many approaches to nucleoside drug design have been pursued. One such approach involves flexibility in the sugar moiety of nucleosides, for example, in the highly successful anti-HIV and HBV drug tenofovir. In contrast, introduction of flexibility to the nucleobase scaffold has only more recently gained significance with the invention of our fleximers. The history, development, and some biological relevance for this innovative class of nucleosides are detailed herein.
COPD as an endothelial disorder: endothelial injury linking lesions in the lungs and other organs? (2017 Grover Conference Series)
Authors: Polverino Francesca , Celli Bartolome R. , Owen Caroline A.
Published: February 2018

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic expiratory airflow obstruction that is not fully reversible. COPD patients develop varying degrees of emphysema, small and large airway disease, and various co‐morbidities. It has not been clear whether these co‐morbidities share common underlying pathogenic processes with the pulmonary lesions. Early research into the pathogenesis of COPD focused on the contributions of injury to the extracellular matrix and pulmonary epithelial cells. More recently, cigarette smoke‐induced endothelial dysfunction/injury have been linked to the pulmonary lesions in COPD (especially emphysema) and systemic co‐morbidities including atherosclerosis, pulmonary hypertension, and chronic renal injury. Herein, we review the evidence linking endothelial injury to COPD, and the pathways underlying endothelial injury and the “vascular COPD phenotype” including: (1) direct toxic effects of cigarette smoke on endothelial cells; (2) generation of auto‐antibodies directed against endothelial cells; (3) vascular inflammation; (4) increased oxidative stress levels in vessels inducing increases in lipid peroxidation and increased activation of the receptor for advanced glycation end‐products (RAGE); (5) reduced activation of the anti‐oxidant pathways in endothelial cells; (6) increased endothelial cell release of mediators with vasoconstrictor, pro‐inflammatory, and remodeling activities (endothelin‐1) and reduced endothelial cell expression of mediators that promote vasodilation and homeostasis of endothelial cells (nitric oxide synthase and prostacyclin); and (7) increased endoplasmic reticular stress and the unfolded protein response in endothelial cells. We also review the literature on studies of drugs that inhibit RAGE signaling in other diseases (angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers), or vasodilators developed for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension that have been tested on cell culture systems, animal models of COPD, and/or smokers and COPD patients.
Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders in Factory Workers: Evaluating a New Eight Minute Stretching Program
Authors: Aje Omotolu Olaitan , Smith-Campbell Betty , Bett Carol
Published: February 2018

A preshift stretching program was implemented to evaluate its effectiveness in preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). Workers in a Midwestern factory were assessed for WMSDs before and after the new 8-min stretching program was implemented. Aggregate WMSD data were evaluated and sick days used from the start of the new program were compared with the same 60-day period the previous year. Potential cost savings were also assessed. The researchers found a significant decline in injury rates and time-off requests. Cost savings were noted for both the employer and employees. Additional studies with more workers, as well as longitudinal designs are recommended to verify the findings in this program evaluation study.
Existing Evidence on Ultrasound-Guided Injections in Sports Medicine
Authors: Daniels Eldra W. , Cole David , Jacobs Bret , Phillips Shawn F.
Published: February 2018

Office-based ultrasonography has become increasingly available in many settings, and its use to guide joint and soft tissue injections has increased. Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the use of ultrasound-guided injections over traditional landmark-guided injections, with a rapid growth in the literature over the past few years. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to demonstrate increased accuracy of ultrasound-guided injections regardless of anatomic location. In the upper extremity, ultrasound-guided injections have been shown to provide superior benefit to landmark-guided injections at the glenohumeral joint, the subacromial space, the biceps tendon sheath, and the joints of the hand and wrist. Ultrasound-guided injections of the acromioclavicular and the elbow joints have not been shown to be more efficacious. In the lower extremity, ultrasound-guided injections at the knee, ankle, and foot have superior efficacy to landmark-guided injections. Conclusive evidence is not available regarding improved efficacy of ultrasound-guided injections of the hip, although landmark-guided injection is performed less commonly at the hip joint. Ultrasound-guided injections are overall more accurate than landmark-guided injections. While current studies indicate that ultrasound guidance improves efficacy and cost-effectiveness of many injections, these studies are limited and more research is needed.
Shoulder Injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association Quarterbacks: 10-Year Epidemiology of Incidence, Risk Factors, and Trends
Authors: Tummala Sailesh V. , Hartigan David E. , Patel Karan A. , Makovicka Justin L. , Chhabra Anikar
Published: February 2018

Background:

Up to 50% of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football players have a history of shoulder injuries. The quarterback position has been shown to have a high prevalence of these injuries because of its unique exposures. There is little information regarding the shoulder injury type and mechanism in NCAA quarterbacks.

Purpose:

To understand the 10-year epidemiology of specific shoulder injury rates in NCAA quarterbacks.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Shoulder injury data for collegiate football quarterbacks from the 2004 through 2014 academic years were analyzed using the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program (ISP) data set.

Results:

Over the 10-year study period, a total of 133 shoulder injuries to collegiate quarterbacks were reported, with 157,288 quarterback exposures. There was approximately 1 shoulder injury per 1221 exposures. The most common injuries noted were acromioclavicular sprains (45.1%, n = 60), followed by shoulder contusions (9.0%, n = 12), clavicular fractures (7.5%, n = 10), and anterior instability (5.3%, n = 7). The majority of injuries were caused by contact with a player (60.2%, n = 80) or contact with a playing surface (28.6%, n = 38), and 88% (n = 117) were deemed nonsurgical in nature.

Conclusion:

NCAA ISP data analysis suggests that collegiate quarterbacks sustain acute contact injuries 89% of the time and that they typically occur while being tackled, resulting in a time loss of less than 2 weeks. These injuries are commonly treated nonsurgically.
Living with breathlessness: a systematic literature review and qualitative synthesis
Authors: Hutchinson Ann , Barclay-Klingle Natalie , Galvin Kathleen , Johnson Miriam J.
Published: February 2018

What is the experience of people living with breathlessness due to medical conditions, those caring for them and those treating them, with regard to quality of life and the nature of clinical interactions?

Electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Plus and PsycINFO) were searched (January 1987 to October 2017; English language), for qualitative studies exploring the experience of chronic breathlessness (patients, carers and clinicians). Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts and papers retrieved against inclusion criteria. Disagreements were resolved with a third reviewer. Primary qualitative data were extracted and synthesised using thematic synthesis.

Inclusion and synthesis of 101 out of 2303 international papers produced four descriptive themes: 1) widespread effects of breathlessness; 2) coping; 3) help-seeking behaviour; and 4) clinicians’ responsiveness to the symptom of breathlessness. The themes were combined to form the concept of “breathing space”, to show how engaged coping and appropriate help-seeking (patient) and attention to symptom (clinician) helps maximise the patient's quality of living with breathlessness.

Breathlessness has widespread impact on both patient and carer and affects breathing space. The degree of breathing space is influenced by interaction between the patient's coping style, their help-seeking behaviour and their clinician's responsiveness to breathlessness itself, in addition to managing the underlying disease.
Effectiveness versus efficacy trials in COPD: how study design influences outcomes and applicability
Authors: Woodcock Ashley , Boucot Isabelle , Leather David A. , Crawford Jodie , Collier Susan , Bakerly Nawar Diar , Hilton Emma , Vestbo Jørgen
Published: February 2018

Guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management are based largely on results from double-blind randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of efficacy. These trials have high internal validity and test whether a drug is efficacious, but they are conducted in highly selected populations that may differ significantly from patients with COPD seen in routine practice.

We compared the baseline characteristics, healthcare use and outcomes between the Salford Lung Study (SLS), an open-label effectiveness RCT, with six recent large-scale efficacy RCTs. We also calculated the proportion of SLS patients who would have been eligible for inclusion in an efficacy RCT by applying the inclusion criteria used in efficacy trials of combination treatments.

SLS patients were older, included more females and more current smokers, had more comorbidities (including asthma), and had more often experienced exacerbations prior to inclusion. In the SLS, rates of moderate or severe exacerbations, incidence of overall serious adverse events (SAEs), and SAEs of pneumonia were more frequent. A maximum of 30% of patients enrolled in the SLS would have been eligible for a phase IIIa regulatory exacerbation study.

Patients in large COPD efficacy RCTs have limited representativeness compared with an effectiveness trial. This should be considered when interpreting efficacy RCT outcomes and their inclusion into guidelines.
Primary ciliary dyskinesia with normal ultrastructure: three-dimensional tomography detects absence of DNAH11
Authors: Shoemark Amelia , Burgoyne Thomas , Kwan Robert , Dixon Mellisa , Patel Mitali P. , Rogers Andrew V. , Onoufriadis Alexandros , Scully Juliet , Daudvohra Farheen , Cullup Thomas , Loebinger Michael R. , Wilson Robert , Chung Eddie M.K. , Bush Andrew , Mitchison Hannah M. , Hogg Claire
Published: February 2018

In primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), motile ciliary dysfunction arises from ciliary defects usually confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In 30% of patients, such as those withDNAH11mutations, apparently normal ultrastructure makes diagnosis difficult. Genetic analysis supports diagnosis, but may not identify definitive causal variants. Electron tomography, an extension of TEM, produces three-dimensional ultrastructural ciliary models with superior resolution to TEM. Our hypothesis is that tomography using existing patient samples will enable visualisation ofDNAH11-associated ultrastructural defects. Dual axis tomograms from araldite-embedded nasal cilia were collected in 13 PCD patients with normal ultrastructure (DNAH11n=7,HYDINn=2,CCDC65n=3 andDRC1n=1) and six healthy controls, then analysed using IMOD and Chimera software.

DNAH11 protein is localised to the proximal ciliary region. Within this region, electron tomography indicated a deficiency of >25% of proximal outer dynein arm volume in all patients withDNAH11mutations (n=7) compared to other patients with PCD and normal ultrastructure (n=6) and healthy controls (n=6).DNAH11mutations cause a shared abnormality in ciliary ultrastructure previously undetectable by TEM. Advantageously, electron tomography can be used on existing diagnostic samples and establishes a structural abnormality where ultrastructural studies were previously normal.
The incidence of tuberculosis among adolescents and young adults: a global estimate
Authors: Snow Kathryn J. , Sismanidis Charalambos , Denholm Justin , Sawyer Susan M. , Graham Stephen M.
Published: February 2018

Historical data show that the risk of tuberculosis increases dramatically during adolescence, and young people face unique challenges in terms of case detection and effective treatment. However, little is known about the burden of tuberculosis among young people in the modern era. This study aimed to provide the first estimates of the global and regional incidence of tuberculosis among young people aged 10–24 years.

Using the World Health Organization (WHO) database of tuberculosis notifications for 2012, we estimated the burden of tuberculosis among young people by WHO region. Adjustments were made for incomplete age disaggregation and underreporting, using supplementary data from several countries representing diverse tuberculosis epidemics.

We estimate that 1.78 million (uncertainty interval (UI) 1.23–3.00 million) young people developed tuberculosis in 2012, accounting for 17% of all new tuberculosis cases globally. Young people in the WHO South East Asian Region (721 000, UI 473 000–1.35 million) and the WHO African Region (534 000, UI 359 000–912 000) experienced the greatest number of tuberculosis episodes.

Young people suffer a considerable burden of tuberculosis. Age-specific burden of disease estimation for this age group is complicated by incomplete age disaggregation of tuberculosis data, highlighting the importance of continued surveillance system strengthening.
Pedagogic register analysis: mapping choices in teaching and learning
Authors: Rose David
Published: February 2018

This paper offers a method for analysing pedagogic practice of all kinds that is detailed, exhaustive and appliable to designing effective teaching practice. The analysis builds on research into the structuring of pedagogic discourse by applying systemic functional (SF) research methods to the contextual stratum of register. Each meaningful element of pedagogic practice is presented as an option in systems that are selected by teachers and learners as lessons unfold. These are semiotic systems at the level of register, including options for pedagogic activities, negotiated in pedagogic relations between teachers and learners, and presented through pedagogic modalities of speaking, writing, viewing and gesture.
Prothoracicotropic hormone modulates environmental adaptive plasticity through the control of developmental timing
Authors: Shimell MaryJane , Pan Xueyang , Martin Francisco A. , Ghosh Arpan C. , Leopold Pierre , O'Connor Michael B. , Romero Nuria M.
Published: February 2018

Adult size and fitness are controlled by a combination of genetics and environmental cues. In Drosophila, growth is confined to the larval phase and final body size is impacted by the duration of this phase, which is under neuroendocrine control. The neuropeptide prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) has been proposed to play a central role in controlling the length of the larval phase through regulation of ecdysone production, a steroid hormone that initiates larval molting and metamorphosis. Here, we test this by examining the consequences of null mutations in the Ptth gene for Drosophila development. Loss of Ptth causes several developmental defects, including a delay in developmental timing, increase in critical weight, loss of coordination between body and imaginal disc growth, and reduced adult survival in suboptimal environmental conditions such as nutritional deprivation or high population density. These defects are caused by a decrease in ecdysone production associated with altered transcription of ecdysone biosynthetic genes. Therefore, the PTTH signal contributes to coordination between environmental cues and the developmental program to ensure individual fitness and survival.
Acute Serum Cartilage Biomarker Response after Walking and Drop Landing
Authors: HARKEY MATTHEW S. , BLACKBURN J. TROY , HACKNEY ANTHONY C. , LEWEK MICHAEL D. , SCHMITZ RANDY J. , PIETROSIMONE BRIAN
Published: February 2018

Introduction

An in-depth understanding of the healthy cartilage response to activities of daily living is needed to better understand the complex relationship between cartilage health and loading. The purpose was to assess the role of loading on the acute serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) response in recreationally active individuals.

Methods

Forty individuals without previous lower extremity injury participated in this repeated-measures study in which each participant completed all conditions during independent data collection sessions separated by at least 1 wk. An antecubital blood draw was performed before and after walking, drop-landing, and control (i.e., sitting) conditions. Commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays measured COMP concentration. The acute COMP response was quantified as the percent change of COMP concentration from before to after each condition. A one-way, repeated-measures ANOVA compared the acute COMP response between conditions. Post hoc Pearson product–moment correlation and chi-square analysis determined the relationship between the walking and drop-landing acute COMP response within individuals.

Results

Acute COMP response was greater after walking (+4.2, P = 0.008) and drop landing (+4.6%, P = 0.002) compared with control (−2.3%), but did not differ between the walking and drop-landing conditions (P = 0.596). The magnitudes of the acute COMP response during walking and drop landing were correlated (r = 0.56, P < 0.001). However, the direction (i.e., either increase or decrease) of COMP was not the same after the walking and drop-landing conditions (χ1 = 0.870, P = 0.351).

Conclusions

Walking and drop landing produced a greater acute COMP response when compared with a control condition in healthy individuals, but the acute COMP response was similar between the two physical activity conditions, although the conditions differed in magnitude and frequency of loading.
Κοινωνική επιχειρηματικότητα και σωφρονιστική. Προτεινόμενο μοντέλο εργασιακής επανένταξης έγκλειστων και αποφυλακισμένων στην Ελλάδα
Authors: Τσιλίκης Χρήστος , Γάκου Ελένη Μαρία
Published: February 2018

Το παρόν άρθρο αφορά στη διερεύνηση των δυνατοτήτων ανάπτυξης Κοινωνικών Επιχειρήσεων εντός και εκτός σωφρονιστικών καταστημάτων στην Ελλάδα από έγκλειστους και πρώην έγκλειστους αντίστοιχα. Αρχικά γίνεται μια ιστορική αναδρομή στο δικαίωμα για εργασία για τα άτομα που διαβιούν σε καταστήματα κράτησης ενώ ακολουθεί κριτική αποτίμηση του ισχύοντος θεσμικού πλαισίου στη χώρα σε σχέση με τις ευκαιρίες απασχόλησης που αυτό προσφέρει. Αποτιμώνται οι προοπτικές ανάπτυξης Κοινωνικών Επιχειρήσεων τόσο εντός όσο και εκτός των καταστημάτων κράτησης ενώ προτείνεται ένα μοντέλο συνεργασίας ανάμεσα σε φορείς του Τρίτου, Ιδιωτικού και Δημόσιου Τομέα. Αναπτύσσονται οι λόγοι για τους οποίους οι Κοινωνικές Επιχειρήσεις και γενικότερα οι φορείς του Τρίτου Τομέα δύνανται να δραστηριοποιηθούν επιτυχώς στο πεδίο της κοινωνικής και εργασιακής ένταξης ή επανένταξης έγκλειστων ή αποφυλακισμένων ενώ παρατίθενται παραδείγματα συμπράξεων από το εξωτερικό. Θεμελιώνεται η επιχειρηματολογία υπέρ της αναγκαιότητας των συμπράξεων τόσο σε όρους οικονομίας όσο και απόδοσης καθώς επίσης υπογραμμίζεται η ανάγκη για ανάπτυξη προγραμμάτων των οποίων η αποτελεσματικότητα θα αποτιμάται βάσει ανάπτυξης δεικτών. Με γνώμονα τα παραπάνω καλά παραδείγματα αναπτύσσεται ένα πρότυπο μοντέλο σύμπραξης μεταξύ Τρίτου, Ιδιωτικού και Δημοσίου Τομέα  το οποίο δομείται και αναλύεται στα επιμέρους χαρακτηριστικά του στην πρόταση μας και αφορά την εφαρμογή πιλοτικού προγράμματος στις αγροτικές φυλακές της χώρας.
Γεωγραφικές προκλήσεις και προσβασιμότητα των κοινωνικών υπηρεσιών στην ελληνική επαρχία
Authors: Ντάφλου Αικατερίνη
Published: February 2018

Tο παρόν άρθρο βασίζεται σε μια επιτόπια έρευνα σε δύο δήμους της ελληνικής υπαίθρου που διερεύνησε τη σχέση μεταξύ της γεωγραφικής απόστασης και της χρήσης των υπηρεσιών υγείας σε μια ομάδα ηλικιωμένων και ατόμων με ειδικές ανάγκες. Ο προβληματισμός του άρθρου αποτελεί συνέχεια της αναγνώρισης του «πολυκλαδικού χαρακτήρα των ανισοτήτων στον τομέα της υγείας» (Townsend (1962), και των πολλών διαφορετικών παραγόντων που ενδέχεται να επηρεάσουν τη «διαφορική πρόσβαση στην υγειονομική περίθαλψη σε διάφορες ομάδες» (Oliver & Mossialos (2004). Η ανάλυση των αποτελεσμάτων δείχνει ότι οι μετακινήσεις των ηλικιωμένων και Α.με.Α σχετίζονται με την τοποθεσία της κατοικίας και την πρόσβαση στις υπηρεσίες υγείας. Ταυτόχρονα διαπιστώνεται ότι η αυξημένη απόσταση από τον πάροχο μειώνει τη χρήση των υπηρεσιών υγείας επειδή οι επιλογές των χρηστών περιορίζονται από χωρικούς και περιβαλλοντικούς παράγοντες.
StateHub-StatePaintR: rapid and reproducible chromatin state evaluation for custom genome annotation
Authors: Coetzee Simon G. , Ramjan Zachary , Dinh Huy Q. , Berman Benjamin P. , Hazelett Dennis J.
Published: February 2018

Genome annotation is critical to understand the function of disease variants, especially for clinical applications. To meet this need there are segmentations available from public consortia reflecting varying unsupervised approaches to functional annotation based on epigenetics data, but there remains a need for transparent, reproducible, and easily interpreted genomic maps of the functional biology of chromatin. We introduce a new methodological framework for defining a combinatorial epigenomic model of chromatin state on a web database, StateHub. In addition, we created an annotation tool for bioconductor, StatePaintR, which accesses these models and uses them to rapidly (on the order of seconds) produce chromatin state segmentations in standard genome browser formats. Annotations are fully documented with change history and versioning, authorship information, and original source files. StatePaintR calculates ranks for each state from next-gen sequencing peak statistics, facilitating variant prioritization, enrichment testing, and other types of quantitative analysis. StateHub hosts annotation tracks for major public consortia as a resource, and allows users to submit their own alternative models.
The Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient: a critical analysis of its rise, demise and legacy in England
Authors: Seymour Jane , Clark David
Published: February 2018

Background: The Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient (‘the LCP’) was an integrated care pathway (ICP) recommended by successive governments in England and Wales to improve end-of-life care, using insights from hospice and palliative care. It was discontinued in 2014 following mounting criticism and a national review.  The ensuing debate among clinicians polarised between ‘blaming’ of the LCP and regret at its removal.

Employing the concept of ‘boundary objects’, we aimed to address three questions: 1) why and how did the LCP come to prominence as a vehicle of policy and practice 2) what factors contributed to its demise? 3) what immediate implications and lessons resulted from its withdrawal?

Methods: We use primary and secondary sources in the public domain to assemble a critical and historical review.

Results: The rapidity of transfer and translation of the LCP reflected uncritical enthusiasm for ICPs in the early 2000s. The subsequent LCP ‘scandal’ demonstrated the power of social media in creating knowledge, as well as conflicting perceptions about end-of-life interventions. While the LCP had some weaknesses in its formulation and implementation, it became the bearer of responsibility for all aspects of NHS end-of-life care. This was beyond its original remit. It exposed fault lines in the NHS, provided a platform for debates about the ‘evidence’ required to underpin innovations in palliative care and became a conduit of discord about ‘good’ or ‘bad’ practice in care of the dying. It also fostered a previously unseen critique of assumptions within palliative care. 

Conclusions:  In contrast to most observers of the LCP story who refer to the dangers of scaling up clinical interventions without an evidence base, we call for greater assessment of the wider risks and more careful consideration of the unintended consequences that might result from the roll out of new end-of-life interventions.
ТРАДИЦИОНАЛИЗМ И ФУНДАМЕНТАЛИЗМ В РЕЛИГИИ
Authors: Simonov Igor Valentinovich
Published: February 2018

Цель. Статья посвящена сравнению традиционалистского и фундаменталистского течения в современных религиях. Актуальность исследования обусловлена общепризнанной социальной угрозой религиозного фундаментализма в современном мире.

Методология проведения работы. Основу исследования образуют феноменологический и компаративистский методы.

Результаты. В статье проанализированы отличия религиозного фундаментализма от религиозного традиционализма в связи со смешением и некорректным употреблением данных терминов как в науке, так и в публицистике. Ключевое отличие между традиционализмом и фундаментализмом состоит в различном отношении к собственному социально-богословскому наследию. Существуют религиозные направления, в которых фундаментализм как таковой невозможен вследствие их доктринальных особенностей.
Stuck on you
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: February 2018

Part two of our series on favourite authors puts Oliver Jeffers in the spotlight, and explores the messages of his books, including environmental concerns in Here we are: Notes for living on Planet Earth.
Community music on campus: Collaborative research, activist methods and critical pedagogy in a fandango-based participatory music programme
Authors: Daria James
Published: February 2018

The relationship between community music and higher education is both potentially problematic and productive. This article relates the history of a unique community music programme on a university campus based in the Mexican traditional folk music of son jarocho and its participatory performance of fandango. In this project, collaborative research, activist methodologies and critical pedagogy were employed to link under-represented students, community members and exponents of traditional music in a transnational and reciprocal framework. Through an analysis of the challenges community music programmes on campus present to academic music schools and the strengths and weaknesses of the fandango-based programme, this article argues for the productive power of such relationships if their inherent inequalities can be overcome.
Constructing the fannish place: Ritual and sacred space in a Sherlock fan pilgrimage
Authors: Toy J. Caroline
Published: February 2018

The majority of studies of pilgrimage focus on sites and journeys marked as religious or spiritual by their histories or so designated by their participants, with only a small proportion of the literature addressing pilgrimage and the so-called secular. Yet in the case of fan pilgrimage – travels by fans to places associated with a text, celebrity or creative production – arguably the opposite problem occurs. Considerations of fan pilgrimage often ignore the religious connotations of the term in favour of a stricter separation between spiritual and secular. Understandings of fan pilgrimage places as mere points of convergence between fiction and reality or opportunities for fans to negotiate that separation miss the depth of the fan pilgrim’s experience of and creative contributions to fannish spaces. This article corrects that imbalance by approaching fan pilgrimage places as sacred spaces, constructed, ritualized and experienced in much the same way traditionally religious spaces are. The author argues that fan pilgrimage sites concentrate and bring into focus the multiple geographies of fans’ relationships to texts and celebrate – even sanctify – their entanglement. Like some shrines, they are materializations of interpretive paradigms. This article uses the case of the Sherlock pilgrimage place at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London to demonstrate the complexity of the sacred landscape at a fan pilgrimage site and the agency of fans in constructing it.
From  to : Online usernames and identity in the One Direction fandom
Authors: Donlan Lisa
Published: February 2018

This article categorizes 500 usernames employed by members of the One Direction fandom on microblogging platform Tumblr in order to better understand the self-naming strategies used by fandom members to construct their online identities. The five categories of usernames identified include monikers referring to a particular member of the band, names related to ‘shipping’ (imagined romantic relationships between band members) and names related to the labour undertaken by fans on behalf of the fandom. The findings indicate that, in contrast to the popular conception of fandoms as homogeneous groups, fans are in fact employing their usernames in order to (1) emphasize their individuality within the online community; (2) highlight how their engagement with the band differs from that of their fellow fandom members; and (3) promote the labour that they undertake on behalf of the fandom.
Local Plants as Feed Supplementation to Improve Ruminant Milk Production and Quality
Authors: Wirawati Chandra Utami , Sudarwanto M B , Lukman D W , Wientarsih I
Published: February 2018

Milk productivity is highly dependent on inputs used in the dairy farm. The limited source of forage or native grasses with low nutritional quality reduce production and reproduction of dairy cows. Improvement of feed quality can be conducted by various ways, including fortification and supplementation with specific substances that have the potency to increase milk production. This paper describes the potency of local plants, nutritional and bioactive substances that can be utilized to improve production and quality of milk. Some of these plants are cassava (Manihot sp), torbangun (Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) Spreng) and katuk (Sauropus androgynus (L) Merr) leaves which are potential as feed supplement for cows, goats, and buffalo. The high protein bypass and galactogogue compounds content in these plants are factors increasing production and quality of milk.