bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vulnerability and Stressors for Burnout Within a Population of Hospital Nurses: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Geuens Nina , Franck Erik , Verheyen Helena , De Schepper Sarah , Roes Leen , Vandevijvere Herman , Geurden Bart , Van Bogaert Peter
Published: September 2019

Background

The multitude of negative consequences of nurse burnout calls for interventions to protect the well-being of the individual nurses, patients, and hospital organizations. However, much is still to be discovered about the development of this complex psychological syndrome.

Purpose

This study aimed to describe the development of nurse burnout for a population of Flemish hospital nurses while considering vulnerability and situational stressors as indicated by the vulnerability-stress model.

Methods

Ten registered nurses were enlisted for semistructured interviews through purposive sampling. All selected nurses were currently suffering from burnout, showed a burnout risk, or had gone through a burnout in the past. A descriptive thematic analysis was performed with themes inductively emerging from the data.

Results

Four main themes emerged: “being passionate about doing well or being good,” “teamwork,” “manager,” and “work and personal circumstances.” More specifically, it was the discrepancy between the first individual vulnerability factor and the three situational stressors that led to feelings of stress and burnout.

Conclusions

The essence of the development of nurse burnout was found in the discrepancy between individual vulnerability and situational stressors. Therefore, we recommend burnout prevention to target both factors.
In vivo comparison of a granular and putty form of a sintered and a non-sintered silica-enhanced hydroxyapatite bone substitute material
Authors: Dau Michael , Ganz Carnelia , Zaage Franziska , Staedt Henning , Goetze Elisabeth , Gerber Thomas , Kämmerer Peer Wolfgang
Published: September 2019

Improved handling characteristics of bone substitute materials may facilitate surgical handling. However, the respective modifications should not alter the biological activity. For comparison of a granular and a putty form of two silica-enhanced bone substitute materials, in 30 rabbits, bilateral bone defects were created in the femoral condyle and randomly filled with (1) sintered, silica-enhanced (0.8 wt%) hydroxyapatite (ACg, n = 15); (2) ACg plus resorbable polymer (ACp, n = 15); (3) non-sintered silica-enhanced hydroxyapatite (hydroxyapatite/SiO2 ratio:61:39 wt%; NBg, n = 15); and (4) NBg plus matrix of resorbable polymer (NBp, n = 15). After 4, 8, and 12 weeks, respectively, new-formed bone, remaining bone substitute materials, and amount of soft tissue were quantified histomorphometrically. After four weeks, new-formed bone was increased for NBg/NBp in which NBp showed significantly less remaining bone substitute materials when compared to ACg. After two months, the highest amount of new-formed bone and the least remaining bone substitute materials were seen for NBg and NBp. ACp had less remaining bone substitute material when compared to ACg. In addition, amount of soft tissue was significantly enhanced in NBp when compared to ACg and NBg. After 12 weeks, NBp had significantly lower remaining bone substitute material when compared to ACg. Amount of soft tissue was significantly increased in NBp when compared to ACg and NBg. In accordance, based on an early increase of new-formed bone, a lower amount of remaining bone substitute material, and as well as a distinct degradation, superiority of the non-sintered bone substitute material to the sintered bone substitute material was seen. The effect of the resorbable polymer to each bone substitute material can be supposed to be rather marginal.
Age-Related Differences in Medication Adherence, Symptoms, and Stigma in Poorly Adherent Adults With Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Smilowitz Stephen , Aftab Awais , Aebi Michelle , Levin Jennifer , Tatsuoka Curtis , Sajatovic Martha
Published: September 2019

Objective:

We present a secondary analysis of data reporting differences in medication adherence, psychiatric symptom severity, and internalized stigma levels in older (age ≥ 55 years) versus younger (age < 55 years) adults with bipolar disorder (BD) and poor medication adherence.

Methods:

Data used for this analysis came from 184 participants in a National Institute of Mental Health–funded randomized controlled trial, comparing a customized adherence enhancement (CAE) intervention intended to promote BD medication adherence with a BD-specific educational program (EDU). At screen, study participants were ≥20% nonadherent with BD medications as measured by the Tablets Routine Questionnaire (TRQ). Psychiatric symptoms, functional status, and internalized stigma were measured using validated scales.

Results:

Older adults had significantly lower anxiety disorder comorbidity ( P < .01 for 1 or more anxiety disorders), depressive symptom severity scores ( P = .011), and self-stigma scores ( P = .001) compared to their younger counterparts. In the analyses evaluating change over time in TRQ between older and younger participants by treatment arm (ie, CAE and EDU), there was a significant finding of interaction between time, age-group, and treatment arm ( P = .007).

Conclusions:

Older adults may be less anxious and depressed, with less self-stigma, compared to younger people with BD and poor adherence. With respect to medication adherence, older individuals in EDU appear to do less well than younger individuals over time.
Optimization of steaming, drying, and tempering pretreatments for improving shelling of extra-large cashew nuts
Authors: Tran Son Doan , Tran Tra Thu Thi , Tong Minh Cong , Uchiyama Naoki
Published: September 2019

In this research, the response surface methodology with a polynomial model was used to represent the experimental data of the combination of steaming, drying, and tempering process for extra-large cashew nuts. The desired values of pre-treatment conditions minimize the broken kernel percentage and maximize the shelling capacity to achieve cost effectiveness. In the this study, the steaming, drying, and tempering conditions were optimized for the minimization of the broken kernel percentage and the maximization of the shelling capacity of extra-large cashew nuts (bigger than 32 mm). The optimal conditions were steaming temperature at 100 ℃ for 38 min, then drying at 70 ℃ for 30 min, and finally tempering for 4 h. Under these conditions, the minimal broken kernel and maximal shelling capacity achieved were 2.45 ± 0.24% and 14.58 ± 0.35 kg/h, respectively.
Poly(propylene fumarate)/magnesium calcium phosphate injectable bone composite: Effect of filler size and its weight fraction on mechanical properties
Authors: Karfarma Masoud , Esnaashary Mohammad Hossein , Rezaie Hamid Reza , Javadpour Jafar , Naimi-Jamal Mohammad Reza
Published: September 2019

This study aimed to produce a composite of poly(propylene fumarate)/magnesium calcium phosphate as a substitutional implant in the treatment of trabecular bone defects. So, the effect of magnesium calcium phosphate particle size, magnesium calcium phosphate:poly(propylene fumarate) weight ratio on compressive strength, Young’s modulus, and toughness was assessed by considering effective fracture mechanisms. Micro-sized (∼30 µm) and nano-sized (∼50 nm) magnesium calcium phosphate particles were synthesized via emulsion precipitation and planetary milling methods, respectively, and added to poly(propylene fumarate) up to 20 wt.%. Compressive strength, Young’s modulus, and toughness of the composites were measured by compressive test, and effective fracture mechanisms were evaluated by imaging fracture surface. In both micro- and nano-composites, the highest compressive strength was obtained by adding 10 wt.% magnesium calcium phosphate particles, and the enhancement in nano-composite was superior to micro-one. The micrographs of fracture surface revealed different mechanisms such as crack pinning, void plastic growth, and particle cleavage. According to the results, the produced composite can be considered as a candidate for substituting hard tissue.
Thermomechanical investigations of PEKK-HAp-CS composites
Authors: Singh Rupinder , Singh Gurchetan , Singh Jaskaran , Kumar Ranvijay , Rahman Md Mustafizur , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: September 2019

In this experimental study, a composite of poly-ether-ketone-ketone by reinforcement of hydroxyapatite and chitosan has been prepared for possible applications as orthopaedic scaffolds. Initially, different weight percentages of hydroxyapatite and chitosan were reinforced in the poly-ether-ketone-ketone matrix and tested for melt flow index in order to check the flowability of different compositions/proportions. Suitable compositions revealed by the melt flow index test were then taken forward for the extrusion of filament required for fused deposition modelling. For thermomechanical investigations, Taguchi-based design of experiments has been used with input variables in the extrusion process as follows: temperature, load applied and different composition/proportions. The specimens in the form of feedstock filament produced by the extrusion process were made to undergo tensile testing. The specimens were also inspected by differential scanning calorimetry and photomicrographs. Finally, the specimen showing the best performance from the thermomechanical viewpoint has been selected to extrude the filament for the fused deposition modelling process.
Exhibitions in special collections, rare book libraries and archives: Questions to ask ourselves
Authors: Marini Francesca
Published: September 2019

The author addresses key questions that librarians, archivists, curators and administrators face when producing physical exhibitions in special collections, rare book libraries and archives. The author’s direct experience is complemented by data gathered through a pilot study she conducted in 2017 and is placed in the context of professional literature. The questions discussed focus mostly on physical exhibitions. While the context of this article is North American, the questions are also relevant to institutions in other countries. This article is especially of interest to new professionals, as an introduction to exhibition work, as well as to experienced professionals who want to reflect on their practices in comparison to those of other institutions.
Coercive care and human rights; a complex juxtaposition – part 2
Authors: Little John D
Published: September 2019

Objective:

To examine capacity assessment, coercive care and principles by which a seemingly reasonable request for the discontinuation of treatment may be considered.

Conclusions:

A clinical and socio-legal case may be made for ‘coercive care’.
Topology optimization of vibrational piezoelectric energy harvesters for structural health monitoring applications
Authors: Townsend Scott , Grigg Stephen , Picelli Renato , Featherston Carol , Kim Hyunsun Alicia
Published: September 2019

Aircraft structures exhibit localized vibrations over a wide range of frequencies. Such vibrations can be used to power sensors which then monitor the health of the structure. Conventional vibrational piezoelectric harvesting involves optimizing the harvester for one distinct frequency. The aim of this work is to design a wireless vibrational piezoelectric system capable of energy harvesting in the range of 100–500 Hz by tailoring the resonant behavior of cantilever structures. We herein employ a model capable of predicting the performance of a piezoelectric cantilever retrofit on a structural health monitoring sensor and then formulate a design optimization problem and solve with the level set topology optimization method. The designs are verified through fabrication of experimental prototypes.
Study of low earth orbit ultraviolet radiation and vacuum thermal cycling environment effects on epoxy-based shape memory polymer
Authors: Tan Qiao , Li Fengfeng , Liu Liwu , Liu Yanju , Yan Xiangqiao , Leng Jinsong
Published: September 2019

Shape memory polymers have been studied as the matrix of lightweight self-deployable space structures for decades. The epoxy-based shape memory polymer, which is a potential material for aerospace application, has been tested about their resistance abilities to the ultraviolet radiation and vacuum thermal cycling by using ground-based simulation facilities. The wavelength of ultraviolet radiation is 250–400 nm with not less than five times the solar constant, and the irradiation times are 80, 160, and 240 h, respectively. The vacuum level, temperature range, and cycling times of vacuum thermal cycling are 10−5 Pa; −100°C to +100°C; and 0 cycle and 15, 30, and 45 cycles, respectively. The shape memory polymer specimens are compared for mass loss ratio, chemical compositions, surface morphology, and mechanical properties before and after the ultraviolet radiation and thermal cycling. The experimental results indicate that the glass transition temperature (Tg), mass loss ratio, modulus, and yield and break strength increase after experiencing 240h ultraviolet radiation or 45 thermal cycles, which shows great potential of epoxy-based shape memory polymer in aerospace structures and device applications.
Seismic fragility analyses of steel building frames installed with superelastic shape memory alloy dampers: Comparison with yielding dampers
Authors: Gur Sourav , Xie Yazhou , DesRoches Reginald
Published: September 2019

Smart materials such as shape memory alloys have unique material properties that can potentially mitigate earthquake hazards on the built environment. Implementation of shape memory alloy-based devices on building structures should incorporate two key factors: (1) distinct mechanical features of the devices and (2) inherent large uncertainty stemming from material properties, building geometry, and ground motions. This study conducts seismic fragility analyses of steel building frames installed with superelastic shape memory alloy dampers, which enable both factors to be appropriately considered. First, a thermomechanical constitutive model is utilized to capture all essential characteristics of the shape memory alloy damper. Next, a probabilistic seismic analysis framework is developed to obtain the seismic demands of three critical engineering demand parameters (i.e. peak interstory drift ratio, residual drift ratio, and top floor acceleration) of the building when subjected to modeling uncertainty and a large set of realistic ground motion inputs. Nonlinear time history responses and the associated short-time Fourier transform demonstrate the superior control efficiency of the shape memory alloy damper in limiting the building’s residual drift and top floor acceleration. Furthermore, seismic fragilities of the buildings when installed with shape memory alloy dampers are compared with those when equipped with yielding dampers. The study indicates that under different levels of ground motions and various ranges of modeling uncertainty in structural parameters, shape memory alloy damper consistently outperforms the yielding damper in reducing the seismic fragility of the building at both component and system levels.
Use of delay and sum for sparse reconstruction improvement for structural health monitoring
Authors: Nokhbatolfoghahai Ali , Navazi Hossein M , Groves Roger M
Published: September 2019

To perform active structural health monitoring, guided Lamb waves for damage detection have recently gained extensive attention. Many algorithms are used for damage detection with guided waves and among them, the delay-and-sum method is the most commonly used algorithm because of its robustness and simplicity. However, delay-and-sum images tend to have poor accuracy with a large spot size and a high noise floor, especially in the presence of multiple damages. To overcome these problems, another method that is based on sparse reconstruction can be used. Although the images produced by the sparse reconstruction method are superior to the conventional delay-and-sum method, it has the challenges of the time and cost of computations in comparison with the delay-and-sum method. Also, in some cases in multi-damage detection, the sparse reconstruction method totally fails. In this article, using prior support information of the structure achieved by the delay-and-sum method, a hybrid method based on sparse reconstruction method is proposed to improve the computational performance and robustness of sparse reconstruction method in the case of multi-damage presence. The effectiveness of the proposed method in detecting damages is demonstrated experimentally and numerically on a simple aluminum plate. The technique is also shown to accurately identify and localize multi-site damages as well as single damage with low sampled signals.
A monostable hybrid energy harvester for capturing energy from low-frequency excitations
Authors: Fan Kangqi , Hao Jiayu , Tan Qinxue , Cai Meiling
Published: September 2019

Efficient energy extraction from ubiquitous low-frequency excitations is still an open problem due to the high challenge in constructing an energy harvester with sufficiently low resonant frequency. To address this problem, this article reports a monostable hybrid energy harvester that consists of a piezoelectric power unit and an electromagnetic power unit. The proposed hybrid energy harvester can capture energy simultaneously from one excitation through the two power units. Theoretical models for the monostable hybrid energy harvester are established, and theoretical results fit well with the experimental measurements. Under a harmonic excitation with amplitude of 0.5 g ( g = 9.8 m/s2), the power output of the monostable hybrid energy harvester is experimentally measured to be 0.39 mW, which is obviously higher than that (piezoelectric unit: 0.25 mW; electromagnetic unit: 0.3 mW) produced by the individual power units when they work separately. More importantly, compared with the linear hybrid energy harvester, the monostable hybrid energy harvester has an operating frequency range that is shifted toward the lower frequency and achieves a slightly enhanced peak power, making the monostable hybrid energy harvester well suited for harnessing low-frequency excitations. In addition, employing two transduction mechanisms to synchronously and parallelly generate electricity from ambient excitations, the monostable hybrid energy harvester may also enjoy improved reliability and robustness.
The Impact of Extramural Venous Invasion in Colorectal Cancer: A Detailed Analysis Based on Tumor Location and Evaluation Methods
Authors: Shin Young-Min , Pyo Jung-Soo , Park Mee Ja
Published: September 2019

This study aimed to elucidate the prognostic implications of extramural venous invasion (EMVI) in colorectal cancer (CRC) through a meta-analysis. Eighteen eligible studies were included in this meta-analysis. Data on the prevalence of EMVI and the correlation between EMVI and survival were collected from these studies. In addition, a subgroup analysis was conducted based on tumor location and evaluation methods. The estimated prevalence of EMVI was 28.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 23.1% to 34.0%) in patients with CRC. The estimated prevalence of EMVI in patients with colon cancer and rectal cancer was 23.0% (95% CI = 17.6% to 29.6%) and 35.7% (95% CI = 22.3% to 51.6%), respectively. Based on the evaluation method, the estimated prevalence of EMVI were 28.3% (95% CI = 23.2% to 34.1%) and 27.3% (95% CI = 8.4% to 60.6%) in pathologic and radiologic examinations, respectively. The correlation of EMVI with worse overall and disease-free survival rates was significant (hazard ratio = 1.773, 95% CI = 1.483-2.120, and hazard ratio = 2.059, 95% CI = 1.683-2.520, respectively). However, in the subgroup analysis with radiologic examination, there was no significant difference in survival rates between patients with and without EMVI. Our study showed that EMVI was frequently detected in 28.3% of patients with CRC and was correlated to worse survival. The detection of EMVI can be useful for predicting the prognosis of patients with CRC.
Multi-Region Sequence Analysis of a Pregnancy-Related Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Exhibiting Low-Level Aggressive Behavior
Authors: Gissi Davide Bartolomeo , Gabusi Andrea , Tarsitano Achille , Rossi Roberto , Balbi Tiziana , Morandi Luca
Published: September 2019

We analyzed the genetic and epigenetic profiles of an oral squamous cell carcinoma affecting a 41-year-old pregnant female. The patient presented with an oral mass located at the hard and soft palate with bone involvement and lymph node metastases (T4N1M0). She had been treated with multimodal radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and she is currently alive with no evidence of disease 8 years after treatment. DNA methylation and DNA mutation analyses were used to analyze multiple samples from the tumor mass and from the non-neoplastic mucosa to verify tumor heterogeneity. Genetic and epigenetic analyses revealed the presence of one shared TP53 driver mutation with the same DNA methylation profile in each of the 3 areas of the tumor mass; only 2 additional passenger mutations were detected, suggesting a simple clonal homogeneous carcinoma, which usually is associated with low-level aggressive behavior. Additionally, no genetic or epigenetic alteration in the non-neoplastic oral mucosa was detected, demonstrating the absence of field cancerization. The low aggressiveness of the lesion was confirmed by the patient being free of disease at a long-term follow-up examination. These data suggest a different molecular transformation pathway in pregnancy-related oral squamous cell carcinomas, providing new perspectives for further investigation.
UV-C pretreatment of fresh-cut faba beans (Vicia faba) for shelf life extension: Effects of domestic microwaving for consumption
Authors: Collado Elena , Venzke Klug Tâmmila , Martínez-Hernández Ginés Benito , Artés-Hernández Francisco , Martínez-Sánchez Ascensión , Aguayo Encarna , Artés Francisco , Fernández Juan A , Gómez Perla A
Published: September 2019

Faba beans have a short shelf life which is even reduced after fresh-cut processing mainly due to browning and dehydration. In that sense, the effects of a UV-C treatment (3 kJ m−2), compared with non-exposed beans (CTRL), were studied on the sensory and microbial quality, and bioactive and anti-nutritional content of fresh-cut faba beans (cv. Muchamiel) during storage at 5 ℃. The effect of a domestic microwaving (3 min, 900 W) on bioactive and anti-nutritional compounds of fresh seeds prior to consumption at each sampling time was also studied. UV-C treatment extended the fresh-cut faba bean shelf life from 7 to 10 days with browning score (the main sensory parameter adversely affected) of 8 and 1 log unit lower than CTRL at day 10. UV-C did not negatively affect the total antioxidant capacity of samples during storage. The phytic acid and raffinose contents decreased by 30/40%, respectively, after 10 days, without influence of the UV-C treatment. Microwaving reduced the phytic acid and condensed tannins contents by 30% in those samples stored for up to six days, with low microwaving effect in the last storage days. Nevertheless, UV-C improved the condensed tannins reductions through storage (≈30%) compared with non-irradiated samples.
Occurrence of Salmonella typhimurium resistance under sublethal/repeated exposure to cauliflower infusion and infection effects on Caernohabditis elegans host test organism
Authors: Sanz-Puig Maria , Arana-Lozano Alejandra , Pina-Pérez M Consuelo , Fernández Pablo , Martínez Antonio , Rodrigo Dolores
Published: September 2019

Resistant bacteria to antimicrobials are increasingly emerging in medical, food industry and livestock environments. The present research work assesses the capability of Salmonella enterica var Typhimurium to become adapted under the exposure to a natural cauliflower antimicrobial by-product infusion in consecutive repeated exposure cycles. Caenorhabditis elegans was proposed as in vivo host-test organism to compare possible changes in the virulent pattern of the different rounds treated S. enterica var Typhimurium and untreated bacterial cells. According to the obtained results, S. enterica var Typhimurium was able to generate resistance against a repeated exposure to cauliflower by-product infusion 5% (w/v), increasing the resistance with the number of exposed repetitions. Meanwhile, at the first exposure, cauliflower by-product infusion was effective in reducing S. enterica var Typhimurium (≈1 log10 cycle), and S. enterica var Typhimurium became resistant to this natural antimicrobial after the second and third treatment-round and was able to grow (≈1 log10 cycle). In spite of the increased resistance observed for repeatedly treated bacteria, the present study reveals no changes on C. elegans infection effects between resistant and untreated S. enterica var Typhimurium, according to phenotypic parameters evaluation (lifespan duration and egg-laying).
Micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation using a standard protocol in patients with refractory glaucoma naive of cyclodestruction
Authors: Souissi Soufiane , Baudouin Christophe , Labbé Antoine , Hamard Pascale
Published: September 2019

Purpose:

To assess the efficacy and safety of a standardized micropulse transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation procedure in refractory glaucoma.

Methods:

Retrospective, interventional study in a series of 37 consecutive patients with refractory glaucoma, cyclodestructive procedure-naive, who underwent micropulse transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation from December 2016 to October 2017. A successful laser treatment was defined as (1) intraocular pressure between 6 and 18 mm Hg; (2) 20% of baseline intraocular pressure reduction; (3) no additional glaucoma medications; (4) no decrease in vision due to complications or change in intraocular pressure; and (5) no need for additional glaucoma surgery except micropulse transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation retreatment.

Results:

Mean age was 60.2 years. Mean follow-up was 9.7 ± 3.9 months. The mean preoperative intraocular pressure (28.7 mm Hg) significantly decreased to 21.0 mm Hg at 1 month, 18.5 mm Hg at 3 months, 18.4 mm Hg at 6 months, and 18.5 mm Hg at 12 months ( p < 0.01 at all time points). The mean number of preoperative glaucoma medications (4.7) decreased to 4.0 at 1 month ( p = 0.14), 4.5 at 3 months ( p < 0.05), 3.9 at 6 months ( p < 0.05), and 3.6 at 12 months ( p < 0.05). At 1 year, the success rate was 35% with a mean intraocular pressure lowering of 36%. One patient had hypotony and a loss of best-corrected visual acuity. Mild transient postoperative inflammation was observed in 8% of the cases.

Conclusion:

Using a standardized procedure, micropulse transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation allows a mild intraocular pressure decrease with a low rate of complications and thus achieves a relatively good profit risk benefit, mostly for moderately hypertensive refractory glaucoma.
Abductor muscle strengthening in THA patients operated with minimally-invasive anterolateral approach for developmental hip dysplasia
Authors: Benedetti Maria Grazia , Cavazzuti Lorenzo , Amabile Marilina , Tassinari Enrico , Valente Giordano , Zanotti Gabriele , Vaienti Enrico , Orsini Stefania , Mariani Elisabetta , Taddei Fulvia
Published: September 2019

Objective:

In developmental hip dysplasia (DDH) patients, the chronic dislocation of the femoral head with respect to the true acetabulum determines muscle contracture and atrophy, particularly of the abductor muscles, and leads to secondary osteoarthritis (OA) with severe motor dysfunction, pain and disability. The correct positioning when a total hip replacement (THR) is performed is fundamental to the recovery of gait function. Also, inadequate rehabilitation of the abductor muscles for pelvic stabilisation can be responsible for residual dysfunction. Consensus on a programme for abductor muscle strengthening in these patients is not currently available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a specific program of exercises for strengthening the abductor muscles in these patients.

Methods:

A multicentre, prospective, randomised clinical trial was carried out in an outpatient rehabilitation setting on 103 patients given THR for DDH through a minimally-invasive anterolateral approach. Patients were randomly divided into a Study Group, including 46 patients, and a Control Group, including 57 patients. All patients underwent standard early postoperative rehabilitation. In addition, the Study Group were given an extra 2-week rehabilitation once full weight-bearing on the operated limb was allowed, aimed at strengthening the abductor muscles. All patients were evaluated preoperatively, and at about 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Clinical measures (lower limb-length differences, hip range of motion, abductor muscle strength), and functional measures (WOMAC, HHS, 10mt WT, SF-12) were taken.

Results:

Hip range of motion and functional outcome measures showed a progressive improvement at follow ups in both groups, significantly higher in the Study Group. In particular, abductor strength at 6 months post-op improved by 92.5% with respect to 35.7% in the Control Group.

Conclusion:

In addition to standard rehabilitation, a rehabilitation programme for strengthening the gluteal muscles in DDH patients who underwent THR determined an increase in muscle strength that improved functional performance and patient satisfaction.
Cellular States and Secondary Chemical Bonding: A Biochemical View of Major Human Diseases
Authors: Wan Yulin , Zhang Jiaming , Li Xiaoxia , Wang Yuchuan , Liu Qiuyun
Published: September 2019

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is prevalent in hot and humid areas such as south coastal China and Southeast Asia, but not in the non-coastal southern Chinese Yunnan Province. Secondary chemical bonding may underlie such phenomena. Cancer may be caused by strong acids such as HCl, whereas insoluble and rigid salts such as calcium oxalate are the potential causative factors of heart disease and the Alzheimer disease. The weak organic acids produced by plants counteract strong acids and dissolve insoluble salts, therefore boasting dual roles in disease prevention and treatments. The aforementioned perspective sheds light on the underlying mechanism of human disorders and opens new avenues in the interventions of numerous diseases.
Two-Year Results of the PHANTOM High Flex Trial: A Single-Arm Study on the Atlas Unicompartmental Knee System Load Absorber in Patients With Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Authors: Slynarski Konrad , Walawski Jacek , Smigielski Robert , van der Merwe Willem
Published: September 2019

The Atlas Knee System was designed to fill the gap between no longer effective conservative treatments and more invasive surgery for young patients with medial knee osteoarthritis (OA). This article reports on the 2-year results of a single-arm study of 26 subjects who previously reported favorable clinical outcomes 1 year post implantation. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain and function scores improved by a clinically meaningful amount relative to baseline, and subjects had a return to normal range of motion. This study confirmed that the benefit of a joint unloading device in the management of young patients with medial knee OA is maintained over 2 years. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02711254).
Report of a Novel Splicing Mutation in the MYO15A Gene in a Patient With Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Spectrum of the MYO15A Mutations
Authors: Akbariazar Elinaz , Vahabi Ali , Abdi Rad Isa
Published: September 2019

Introduction:

Autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL) is a genetically heterogeneous sensorineural disorder with an approximate incidence of 1.4:1000 in neonates. Mutations in more than 60 genes including the MYO15A gene has been reported in patients affected with ARNSHL. In the present study, we report a novel MYO15A mutation identified by clinical exome sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing in a consanguineous Iranian family with ARNSHL.

Case presentation:

A 22-year-old woman with congenital non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss referred to our medical genetic center. Her parents were consanguineous with F = 1/16 (first cousin), and clinical examination of the patient exclude dysmorphic features. Sanger sequencing of GJB2 and GJB6 genes, which are the most common causes of ARNSHL, was negative. Then she underwent clinical exome sequencing.

Outcome:

We found a novel homozygote variant (c.9611_9612+8delTGGTGAGCAT) in the MYO15A gene which creates a shift in the reading frame starting at codon 3204. This variant was confirmed by Sanger sequencing in the patient and also in her parents who were heterozygous.

Discussion:

The present results suggest that the homozygous MYO15A (c.9611_9612+8delTGGTGAGCAT) variant is a pathogenic mutation and to the best of our knowledge, this mutation has not been reported in any database.
Squat and Jump: A Rare Case of Stent-Graft Migration During Deployment
Authors: Yoshida Ruka , Takagi Kensuke , Morita Yasuhiro , Komeyama Shotaro , Morishima Itsuro
Published: September 2019

While treating vascular aneurysms with endovascular technique, short neck and severe bending of the artery are one of the biggest challenges, whether choosing coil embolization or stent-graft (SG) deployment. Here, we report a case with large aneurysm of the splenic artery, which had anomalistically arisen from the superior mesenteric artery and had very severe bending. Because the proximal neck was too short to exclude with SG only, we decided to treat with a combination of coil embolization and SG. At the time of deploying the VIABAHN (self-expandable SG) at the ostium of the splenic artery, the VIABAHN started to deform as the strings were pulled and finally jumped away from the start position. A second VIABAHN was deployed using the sheath-covering technique, which involved alternating short deployment of the VIABAHN with short pullback of the sheath. This report highlights the tricks and traps of deploying VIABAHN at the arteries with very severe bending.
A polycultural theory of wisdom based on Habermas’s worldview
Authors: Li Kang , Wang Fengyan , Wang Zhendong , Shi Juan , Xiong Mimi
Published: September 2019

Building on Habermas’s worldview, this paper attempts to construct a theory of wisdom that integrates the advantages of Eastern and Western cultures. To this end, we review previous definitions of wisdom and their problems and analyze the importance of worldview for wisdom. A worldview provided by the German philosopher Jürgen Habermas is eminently persuasive. We argue that Habermas’s worldview provides a more suitable basis for a polycultural theory of wisdom. The specific components of the wisdom theory are: (1) a relationalist belief in the universal world; (2) transcendental agency in the subjective world; (3) intersubjective communication orientation in the social world; and (4) integrated principles of certainty and uncertainty in the objective world. Inspired by this theory, people could adopt different principles for their subjective, social, and objective worldviews and coordinate them to deal with the problems of human survival, which would also promote the long-term flourishing of human civilization.
Beta-blocker Therapy is Associated with Decreased 1-year Mortality After Emergency Laparotomy in Geriatric Patients
Authors: Maghami S. , Cao Y. , Ahl R. , Detlofsson E. , Matthiessen P. , Sarani B. , Mohseni S.
Published: September 2019

Background and Aims:

Emergency laparotomy is associated with a great risk of mortality in the elderly. The hyperadrenergic state induced by surgical trauma may play an important role in the pathophysiology of this increased risk. Studies have shown that beta-blocker exposure may be associated with decreased morbidity and mortality in the perioperative period. We aimed to study the effect of beta-blocker on mortality in geriatric patients undergoing emergency laparotomy.

Material and Methods:

This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent emergency laparotomy between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2016 at a single institution. The outcomes of interest were the association between post-operative complications and in-hospital and 1-year mortality in patients on beta-blocker therapy (BB(+)) and those who were not (BB(−)). The Poisson regression analysis was used to evaluate the association.

Results:

A total of 192 patients were included of whom 62 (32.2%) had pre-operative beta-blocker therapy with continued exposure during their hospital stay. The in-hospital mortality was 17.7% in the BB(+) and 23.8% in the BB(−) cohorts ( p = 0.441). One-year mortality was significantly lower in the BB(+) group compared to the BB(−) group (30.6% versus 47.7%; p = 0.038). After adjusting for confounders, the incidence of deaths during 1 year post-operatively decreased by 35% in the BB(+) group (incidence rate ratio = 0.65, p = 0.004). No significant differences in the incidence of post-operative complications between the two groups could be measured.

Conclusion:

Beta-blocker therapy may be associated with reduced 1-year mortality following emergency laparotomy in geriatric patients.
Unexpected expectations: Public reaction to the Facebook emotional contagion study
Authors: Hallinan Blake , Brubaker Jed R , Fiesler Casey
Published: September 2019

How to ethically conduct online platform-based research remains an unsettled issue and the source of continued controversy. The Facebook emotional contagion study, in which researchers altered Facebook News Feeds to determine whether exposure to emotional content influences a user’s mood, has been one focal point of these discussions. The intense negative reaction by the media and public came as a surprise to those involved—but what prompted this reaction? We approach the Facebook study as a mediated controversy that reveals disconnects between how scholars, technologists, and the public understand platform-based research. We examine the controversy from the bottom up, analyzing public reactions expressed in comments on news articles. Our analysis reveals fundamental disagreements about what Facebook is and what a user’s relationship to it should be. We argue that these divergent responses emphasize the contextual nature of technology and research ethics, and conclude with a relational and contextual approach to ethical decision-making.
Economic anxieties, fear of crime, and punitive attitudes in Latin America
Authors: Singer Alexa J , Chouhy Cecilia , Lehmann Peter S , Stevens Jessica N , Gertz Marc
Published: September 2019

Using data from the 2012 AmericasBarometer survey collected in nine Latin American countries ( n =  14,705), this study examines two theoretically relevant potential sources of punitiveness: economic anxiety and fear of crime. Focusing on these two sources, we explore whether the public opinion dynamics often highlighted by punitiveness scholars also apply to the Latin American context and can thus be of value to explain recent movements towards punitive policies in that region. Generalized Structural Equation Modeling (GSEM) and bootstrapping are used to assess the direct effects of perceived national and personal economic insecurity on punitive sentiments as well as the indirect effects of these attitudes on punitiveness through fear of crime during a time of reduced economic growth, increased economic inequality, and harsh criminal justice policies. Results show that economic anxieties are positively associated with fear of crime, though their effects on support for increased punishments are mixed. Additionally, the effects of economic insecurity on punitiveness are partially mediated by fear of crime, supporting theoretical notions that insecurity produces fear of crime and subsequently influences punitiveness.
A narrative solution: The relationship between solutions journalism, narrative transportation, and news trust
Authors: Thier Kathryn , Abdenour Jesse , Walth Brent , Dahmen Nicole Smith
Published: September 2019

Lack of trust is a paramount problem facing journalism. Solutions reporting, which focuses on credible responses to societal problems, could help improve news trust. In addition, narrative journalism has been associated with several positive outcomes. This study tested the novel idea that solutions stories and narrative transportation can positively impact news trust and story-specific beliefs. A 2 (story frame) × 3 (story topic) between-subjects factorial design experiment with a representative sample of US adults ( N = 608) was used to test these relationships. Participants who read solutions stories and who were more transported had greater faith that the articles they read were fair and truthful and also indicated greater agreement with story-specific beliefs. However, analyses indicated that transportation did not act as a mediator between solutions stories and the outcome variables. Findings suggest that crafting engaging journalism stories including solutions could be good for the industry and for democracy.
Agonistic democracy and constitutionalism in the age of populism
Authors: Michelsen Danny
Published: September 2019

The article examines the compatibility of agonistic democracy and populism as well as their relationship to the idea of constitutionalism. The first part shows that Chantal Mouffe’s recent attempts to reconcile her normative approach of an agonistic pluralism with a populist style of politics are not fully convincing. Although there are undeniable commonalities between an agonistic and a populist understanding of politics – the appreciation of conflict, the rejection of moralistic and juridical modes of conflict resolution etc. – the populist mode of the construction of the people (and the denunciation of political opponents as enemies of the people) risks impeding the transformation of antagonistic into agonistic modes of political contest. The tensions between agonism and populism are especially evident in matters of constitutionalism. This topic is examined in the second part of the article, which provides some ideas for reducing the normative and institutional blind spots of contemporary theories of agonistic democracy. It focuses on elementary principles for an agonistic concept of democratic constitutionalism that differs from the populist view of the relationship between politics and law, especially in respect of its interpretation of the concept of ‘resistibility’ of legal norms.
Ready or not? Teachers’ perceptions of young children’s school readiness
Authors: Smith Nina , Glass Wykeshia
Published: September 2019

Using a nationally representative dataset of young children in the United States (the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Birth Cohort), the purpose of this study was to test the associations between teachers’ perceptions of preschoolers’ ( N = 3350) school readiness and actual academic readiness levels, as measured by math and reading assessments. The dimensions of readiness included social/emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and physical well-being. The findings suggest that teachers’ perceptions of various aspects of readiness may matter differently for math and reading achievement as well as for certain racial/ethnic groups. Teachers’ perceptions of all domains of readiness appear to be an important predictor of math achievement for Black children. Perceptions of behavior were negatively associated with academic readiness for Hispanic children, yet significantly and positively associated with math achievement for Black children. Teachers’ perceptions of cognitive readiness were only positively associated with academic readiness for Black children. Training, education, and support for establishing close teacher–child relationships may maximize preschoolers’ academic readiness by promoting social/emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and physical well-being.
Incidence of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in Patients With Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
Authors: Prabha Kumar Arathi , Ang Christelle Edixon , Rishitha Bandi Naga , Kumar Vishak , Suleman Amer
Published: September 2019

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) refers to a constellation of symptoms resulting from neurovascular compression at the thoracic outlet, causing some combination of pain in the neck and upper extremity, weakness, sensory loss, paresthesia, swelling, and discoloration. Classification of TOS would depend on the anatomical structure that is compressed: venous TOS (VTOS)—compression of Subclavian vein; arterial TOS (ATOS)—compression of subclavian artery; and neurogenic TOS (NTOS)—compression of brachial plexus. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is characterized by orthostatic tachycardia that develops in the absence of orthostatic hypotension, with a symptom duration of >6 months. POTS is now known to be commonly associated with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), thereby raising speculation about the extent of prevalence of TOS symptoms in EDS patients. The aim of the study was to quantify the influx of patients with POTS, reporting symptoms of arm fatigue with or without numbness and tingling. The symptoms were quantified initially by conducting postural maneuvers that would reproduce the symptoms, to rule-in the possibility of TOS and further confirmed by using ultrasonography in upper limbs as the imaging modality of choice to evaluate arterial and/or venous compression. This study also looks at the presence of a concurrent diagnosis of EDS among the symptomatic patients who test positive for TOS.
Internal to Common Carotid Artery Peak Systolic Velocity Ratios for Predicting North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial Stenosis: Derivation/Validation Study Using a Machine Learning Technique
Authors: Polak Alex , Polak Joseph F.
Published: September 2019

The association between internal carotid artery/peak systolic velocity and stenosis severity as measured by the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial is known. The association of internal carotid artery peak systolic velocity to common carotid artery peak systolic velocity ratio is less well studied. We use a machine learning algorithm to study this association. We performed a meta-analysis of papers with point data showing graphs of internal carotid artery/peak systolic velocity ratio versus North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial percent stenosis. We used a neural net algorithm to derive an equation relating internal carotid artery/common carotid artery peak systolic velocity to % stenosis in a derivation group (two thirds of the data points) and applied it to a validation subset (one third of the data points). Model performance was assessed by correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman analyses. We found 4 papers with appropriate data for a total of 775 data points. The mean % stenosis was 53% (26% SD) with a mean internal carotid artery/common carotid artery peak systolic velocity ratio of 3.9 (2.9 SD). The derivation data set (n = 516) showed an association with an r value of 0.76 ( P < .0001) between predicted and measured stenosis. Applying the derived equation to the validation subset (n = 259) showed a similar association ( r = 0.8; P < .0001). A machine learning algorithm gave a good approximation of the association between internal carotid artery/common carotid artery peak systolic velocity ratio and % stenosis on a continuous scale for the aggregate data of 4 published studies. These data could be used to study the accuracy of different cut-points for 50% and 70% stenosis in an unbiased fashion.