bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy of dolutegravir in hemodialysis
Authors: Kreft Kayla N , Spencer Catherine A , Raghuram Anupama
Published: February 2019

With the increasing incidence of chronic kidney disease in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the number of HIV-infected patients requiring hemodialysis has also increased. Dolutegravir is an integrase inhibitor that is a common component of HIV treatment regimens. Currently, there is no guidance regarding the use of dolutegravir in patients requiring hemodialysis. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the clinical correlates of safe and effective use of dolutegravir in hemodialysis. This was a retrospective cohort analysis of patients receiving dolutegravir and hemodialysis for at least six months at a single academic HIV medical clinic. The primary safety outcome was discontinuation of dolutegravir due to an adverse effect. The primary efficacy outcome was viral suppression six months after being on dolutegravir and hemodialysis simultaneously. Ten patients received dolutegravir while receiving hemodialysis for six months. No patients discontinued the medication during the six months. Eighty percent of the patients were virally suppressed at six months with 62.5% of those suppressed maintaining suppression and 37.5% achieving suppression over the course of the six months. In a retrospective review of ten patients receiving dolutegravir while on hemodialysis for at least six months, dolutegravir was generally safe and effective for use at standard dosages.
Incidence and risk factors for invasive pneumococcal disease in HIV-positive individuals in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Sadlier C , O’Connell Sarah , Kelleher M , Bergin C
Published: February 2019

Invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPDs) remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals despite the widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and availability of pneumococcal vaccines. The aim of this study was to measure temporal trends in incidence and risk factors for IPD (defined as culture of Streptococcus pneumoniae from blood, cerebrospinal fluid or both) in a cohort of HIV-positive patients attending an ambulatory HIV care centre in Dublin, Ireland over a 10-year period 2006–2015. Incidence of IPD was determined as events per 100,000 person-years’ follow-up. Poisson regression was used to assess linear trend in incidence over time. A nested case–control study (four controls per case) was undertaken to assess risk factors for IPD. Forty-seven episodes of IPD were identified in 42 HIV-positive individuals (median [IQR] age 38 years [33–43], 69% male, 86% injecting drug users (IDUs), median CD4 T-cell count 213 cells/mm3) over 16,008 person-years’ follow-up (overall incidence rate 293/100,000 person-years). Three patients had two episodes and one patient had three episodes of IPD during the study period. The overall case fatality rate was 15% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4–24%). The incidence of IPD per 100,000 person-years decreased from 728 (95% CI, 455–1002), to 242 (95% CI, 120–365) to 82 (95% CI, 40–154) in calendar periods 2006–2008, 2009–2012 and 2013–2015, respectively (p < 0.01 for linear trend). Older age (p = 0.02), male gender (p = 0.05), detectable HIV viral load (p < 0.01) and non-receipt of pneumococcal vaccine (p = 0.03) were associated with IPD while IDU as risk of acquisition of HIV was of borderline significance (p = 0.06). HIV-positive individuals remain at greater risk of IPD compared to the general population. Pneumococcal vaccine should be seen as a priority to ensure optimal protection for HIV-positive patients.
The limits of skill-selective immigration policies: Welfare states and the commodification of labour immigrants
Authors: Kolbe Melanie , Kayran Elif Naz
Published: February 2019

Why do some countries have more skill-selective labour immigration policies than others? Despite general agreement that high-skilled immigrants are economically and socially desirable, some countries extensively select high-skilled from low-skilled labour immigrants, while others do not. While most political economy accounts indicate an explicit connection between relative skill selectivity and welfare states, two different hypotheses emerge regarding the direction of this relationship. The fiscal cost hypothesis puts forward that the tension between welfare state generosity and immigration motivates greater selectivity as states try to reconcile fiscal pressures for closure with continuing needs for immigration. The decommodification hypothesis, in contrast, holds that the capabilities of generous welfare states to decommodify their citizens also decrease rationales to be more skill-selective towards labour immigrants. Developing an original measure of skill selectivity in labour immigration policies for 20 developed democracies from 2000 to 2010, we test these two hypotheses. Our results indicate that differences in decommodification levels appear to be substantively and negatively associated with differences in skill selectivity levels, while changes in welfare spending over time, particularly among high-spending countries, rather than differences in spending levels, seem to be positively associated with increasing skill selectivity. This suggests potential tensions between the political responses to economic and demographic changes in the form of immigration policy adjustments and the underlying social logic of modern welfare states. The findings contribute not only to the study of high-skilled immigration, but also advance the current research on the tension between immigration and the welfare state.
Composite Structural Element Characterisation Using Fibre Optic Strain Sensors
Authors: Kenny R. P. , Gutierrez E. , Whelan M. P. , Lucia A. C.
Published: February 2019

Fibre optic sensor systems have been developed for characterisation and monitoring of structural elements. The particular application area reported here is on testing of pultruded composite beams. Demodulation schemes for in-fibre Bragg grating strain sensors using either Acousto-Optic tuneable filters or passive techniques are described. It is found that the fibre optic sensor measurements correspond well with those of standard electrical gauges, and demonstrate their potential as on-line structural diagnostic devices.
Modified rule of Mixtures for prediction of Tensile strength of Unidirectional Fibre Reinforced Composites
Authors: Lee C. S. , Hwang W.
Published: February 2019

The rule of mixtures was modified based on the concept of effective fibre volume fraction. The degradation parameter of effective fibre volume fraction was proposed in consideration of the microgeometry of composite components. It was shown that the modified rule has good agreement with the experimental strength data and the degradation parameter of effective fibre volume fraction used in this study can be used on general composites.
Sociocognitive Conflict Regulation: How to Make Sense of Diverging Ideas
Authors: Butera Fabrizio , Sommet Nicolas , Darnon Céline
Published: February 2019

Sociocognitive conflict arises when people hold different views or ideas about the same object, and it has the potential to promote learning, cognitive development, and positive social relations. The promotion of these outcomes, however, depends on how the conflict is regulated and with what goals: Mastery goals predict epistemic conflict regulation and the elaboration of multiple ideas, performance-approach goals predict competitive conflict regulation and the promotion of one’s own ideas, and performance-avoidance goals predict protective conflict regulation and yielding to other people’s ideas. Conflict regulation thus determines the conditions under which confronting diverging ideas results in positive cognitive and relational outcomes.
Orientating to the urban environment to find a time and space to run in Sofia, Bulgaria
Authors: Barnfield Andrew
Published: February 2019

This paper qualitatively explores how runners orientate themselves to a time and a route to run in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. The experiences of urban running enable a better understanding of the embodiments and techniques involved in physical activity participation in an urban environment. The paper draws on data from a mixed methods research project of recreational running in Sofia, offering a discussion of everyday experience, running practices and urban space. The study combines participant observation, running diaries and in-depth qualitative interviews with runners to think through the many processes involved in learning and maintaining a physical practice in an urban environment. The paper concludes by identifying the key issues and experiences of the runners and how these can be utilised to improve our knowledge of running in cities. This study draws attention to the challenges in establishing landscapes of movement for European cities.
A Qualitative Study of Iranian Parents’ Experiences of Interacting With Their Adolescent Children
Authors: Rahkar Farshi Mahni , Valizadeh Leila , Zamanzadeh Vahid , Rassouli Maryam , Lees David , Lopez Violeta , Cleary Michelle
Published: February 2019

Introduction: Transition from childhood to adulthood is an important and challenging period for both adolescents and their parents, particularly in societies undergoing development and change. In Iran, cultural and social change is inextricably linked to, and strongly impacts on, family units. Aim: To explore the experiences of parents and the strategies they use in interacting with their adolescent children. Method: Qualitative descriptive research using in-depth interviews was conducted with 23 parents of adolescents in Iran. Transcribed data were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Parents used two key approaches to effectively interact with their adolescent children. The first, “transformed parenting” involved the parents changing their parenting style and practices. The second approach, “child orientation” involved the parents trying to control, educate, and guide their child. Implication for transcultural practice: Understanding how parents experience interactions with adolescents in the context of Iranian culture and increasing modernity will guide nurses to foster effective parenting strategies for optimal adolescent development.
Addressing the Continuing Conundrum of Research and Practice
Authors: Boone Randall , Higgins Kyle
Published: February 2019

This is the introduction to a special issue focusing directly on the underlying principles that guide the editorial focus of Intervention in School and Clinic ( ISC), that of the relationship between research and practice. Eight articles written by Associate Editors of ISC explicate and extend the significant issues facing both the research and practitioner communities in furthering the initiative of translating genuine, positive research outcomes to clearly articulated tactics and strategies for effective implementation.
The Rare Association of Cleft Lip and/or Palate and Wilms Tumor
Authors: Theng Elizabeth , Tracy Meghan , Hughes Susan Starling , Kaye Alison
Published: February 2019

There is currently no recognized connection between the occurrence of cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) and Wilms tumor (WT). A retrospective review of cleft team records (2001-2015) revealed 3 cases of children, all male, with concomitant diagnoses of CL/P and WT treated at our institution. These patients presented as infants for care of their CL/P, all with additional congenital anomalies, developmental delays, and growth delays. Between the ages of 1 and 4 years, each was diagnosed with WT, which was treated with chemotherapy and partial nephrectomy, +/− radiation, leading to full remission in all cases.
Automation as Part of the Solution
Authors: Levine David I.
Published: February 2019

The articles in this symposium describe how advances in information technology present many challenges. I briefly review the other articles. I then conclude with a complementary approach to addressing the challenges. Specifically, a more just and productive society is more likely if more people work together to use artificial intelligence, Big Data, and other tools to further goals they select themselves.
The efficacy of the secondary Extension Technique in the management of arterio-venous fistula-associated steal syndrome
Authors: Hansrani Vivak , Muhammad Kamel , Charlswood Natasha , Al-Khaffaf Haytham
Published: February 2019

Background:

Dialysis-associated steal syndrome remains a difficult clinical scenario for vascular access surgeons. The ideal treatment would improve blood flow to the hand without compromising the fistula; however, most treatment options rarely allow for both. The study describes an innovative technique used in clinical practice over a 17-year period for the treatment of dialysis-associated steal syndrome. The procedure and long-term results are discussed.

Methods:

27 patients with dialysis-associated steal syndrome were recruited over 17 years at two large UK University Teaching Hospitals and treated with the extension technique. All patients included were assessed for resolution of their symptoms, patency of the fistula and adequacy of needling.

Results:

27 patients were admitted with dialysis-associated steal syndrome and underwent surgery using the extension technique. Complete symptom resolution was seen in 26 of the 27 patients (96%), with improvements in pain, sensori-motor disturbance and temperature. All 26 patients had a patent fistula at 6-months’ follow-up. At 12 months, 3 of 27 (11.1%) developed fistula thrombosis which could not be salvaged and 2 of 27 (7.4%) developed thrombosis successfully salvaged by fistulaplasty.

Conclusion:

Our study shows that the Extension Technique is an effective treatment method for dialysis-associated steal syndrome and results have demonstrated a high level of fistula patency and a low rate of complications. It has several advantages when compared with other established treatment methods and has the versatility to be used as a method for dialysis-associated steal syndrome prevention in high-risk groups as well as treatment.
Numerical investigation on behaviour and design of cold-formed steel built-up column composed of lipped sigma channels
Authors: Anbarasu M
Published: February 2019

This article aims at investigating the structural response and predicting the ultimate resistance of cold-formed steel built-up columns composed of lipped sigma sections with pinned ends. For this purpose, a numerical model is established by using the finite element code ABAQUS. The finite element models include geometric, material nonlinearity. The effects of initial local and overall geometric imperfections have been taken into consideration in the finite element modelling. The results of the nonlinear finite element analysis were validated with the available experimental results present in the literature. A parametric study was carried out using the developed finite element model to study the effect of member slenderness, height-to-width ratio and depth of trapezoidal stiffener on the ultimate resistance of cold-formed steel closed built-up columns. On the basis of the parametric results, presented herein, appropriateness of the current direct strength method in the North American Specification for cold-formed steel columns is assessed. Based on such comparison, design expression is proposed to provide reliable design strength prediction of cold-formed steel built-up column composed of lipped sigma sections and verified through reliability analysis.
The Effect of Smoking and Body Mass Index on The Complication Rate of Alloplastic Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Sadok N. , Krabbe-Timmerman I. S. , de Bock G. H. , Werker P. M. N. , Jansen L.
Published: February 2019

Background and Aims:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of smoking and body mass index on the occurrence of complications after alloplastic breast reconstruction.

Materials and Methods:

A consecutive series of 56 patients treated with immediate or delayed alloplastic breast reconstruction, including six cases combined with latissimus dorsi flap, at three hospitals between 2012 and 2018 were included. Complications were scored and defined according to Clavien–Dindo. To evaluate the impact of smoking, body mass index, and other potential risk factors on the occurrence of any and severe complications, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results:

In 56 patients, 22 patients had a complication. As much as 46% of smokers had severe complications compared to 18% of non-smokers. Of patients with body mass index ⩾ 25, 40% had severe complications compared to 10% with body mass index < 25. Smokers had eight times more chance of developing severe complications than non-smokers (ORadjusted = 8.0, p = 0.02). Patients with body mass index ⩾ 25 had almost 10 times more severe complications compared to patients with body mass index ⩽ 25 (ORadjusted = 9.9, p = 0.009). No other risk factors were significant.

Conclusion:

Smoking and body mass index ⩾ 25 both increased the complication rate to such an extent that patients should be informed about their increased risk for complications following alloplastic breast reconstruction and on these grounds surgeons may delay alloplastic breast reconstruction. It is an ethical dilemma whether one should deny overweight and obese patients and those who smoke an immediate alloplastic breast reconstruction. For both life style interventions, adequate guidance should be made available.
‘Three warnings and you’re out’: Banishment and precarious penality in South Africa’s informal settlements
Authors: Super Gail
Published: February 2019

This paper asks how punitive forms of non-state punishment play out on the margins of the state, in informal (shack) settlements in South Africa. My focus is on the practice of forcing those who are suspected of certain offences to leave their homes in informal settlements. I refer to this as ‘banishment’ and argue that it is a ‘penal phenomenon’ which is intimately tied to the general precarity that residents experience on a daily basis. The paper examines the ways in which these formally illegal, but nonetheless legitimate practices, draw on and reconfigure liberal state punishment. I use my study to make a broader theoretical point about the interplay between lawful state punishment and unlawful punishment on the periphery of the state. The blurred boundaries between legal (state) violence and illegal (but nonetheless legitimate) violence are particularly ‘visible’ in situations of ‘precarious penality’ – a term that I use to describe the unstable, violent and exclusionary penality that manifests in situations of socio-economic precarity, particularly in contexts of inequality, high rates of violent crime and a delegitimated rule of law. In these circumstances ‘non-state’ punishment contributes to the construction and maintenance of group boundaries and fulfils a similar function to ‘formal’ punishment. Thus, I ask whether it makes sense to exclude ‘non-state’ public authorities which act against ‘criminality’, when asking what or who constitutes the penal field and, when measuring state punitiveness?
Association of mononucleotide polymorphisms of angiotensinogen gene at promoter region with antihypertensive response to angiotensin receptor blockers in hypertensive Chinese
Authors: Gong Hong-Tao , Mu Li-Ying , Zhang Tong , Xu Xiu-Ying , Du Feng-He
Published: February 2019

Introduction:

This study aimed to investigate whether mononucleotide polymorphisms of the angiotensinogen gene at promoter were associated with the blood-pressure-lowering response to telmisartan treatment.

Materials and methods:

After a two-week single-blind placebo run-in period, 148 patients with mild-to-moderate primary hypertension received monotherapy with 80 mg/day of telmisartan and then were followed up for eight weeks. The -6A/G and -20A/C polymorphisms of the angiotensinogen gene at promoter were determined through polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphsim analysis. The relationship between these polymorphisms and changes in blood pressure was observed and evaluated after eight weeks of treatment.

Results:

There were no significant differences between -6A/G, -20A/C polymorphisms of the angiotensinogen gene and blood pressure reductions after treatment, p>0.05.

Conclusion:

It is suggested that angiotensinogen-6 A/G and angiotensinogen-20 A/C polymorphisms were not associated with the antihypertensive response to telmisartan treatment in Chinese patients with hypertension.
Hydrodynamic characteristics of a submerged trapezoidal artificial reef unit
Authors: Lokesha  , Sannasiraj SA , Sundar Vallam
Published: February 2019

Submerged structures serve as wave attenuators and are widely adopted for protecting the coast against erosion or to reduce forces on structures situated on its leeward side. Conventional submerged breakwaters are composed of rubble stones, and the sources for quarrying such stones have depleted drastically over a period of time. The artificial reefs are a replacement for submerged breakwaters formed by natural rocks due to its minimum impact on the marine environment, flexibility in molding to any desired shape and size. It is also believed to serve as a habitable environment to marine flora and fauna. In this study, a comprehensive experimental investigation is carried out in order to examine the effect of perforations on a submerged artificial reef exposed to regular and random waves. The tests with models of crest width ( B) of 0.2 m and crest height ( h) of 0.4 m are conducted for three different degrees of submergence ( d/ h) of 1.5, 1.38 and 1.25 in three different water depths, d. The article emphasizes the influence of relative water depth, relative crest width and the nature of the surface of the structure (impermeable or permeable) on its hydrodynamic performance characteristics.
Road lighting for pedestrians: Effects of luminaire position on the detection of raised and lowered trip hazards
Authors: Fotios S , Mao Y , Uttley J , Cheal C
Published: February 2019

Previous work investigating how lighting enhances peripheral detection for pedestrians has tended to consider only raised hazards and lighting from a directly overhead source. An experiment was conducted to determine the extent to which variations in these parameters would influence the recommendations for optimal lighting. The results did not suggest a difference in the detection of raised and lowered trip hazards of the same change in vertical height relative to ground level. The results suggest that variation in light source position relative to the target does have a significant effect: To establish the implication of this requires further work to investigate detection under the least-favourable spatial arrangement.
A new metric to predict perceived adequacy of illumination
Authors: Raynham P , Unwin J , Guan L
Published: February 2019

Over recent years, mean room surface exitance has gained acceptance as a predictor of perceived adequacy of illumination. However, it can be argued that mean room surface exitance either cannot be applied or has limited value in a number of practical situations. This paper proposes the use of a new metric, mean indirect cubic illuminance, to be used instead of mean room surface exitance in complex situations commonly found in practice. The paper also demonstrates that mean room surface exitance and average mean indirect cubic illuminance have nearly the same numerical values.
Beyond cultural capital: Understanding the strengths of new migrants within higher education
Authors: Harvey Andrew , Mallman Mark
Published: February 2019

This paper explores the experiences of new migrants in Australian higher education, based on interviews conducted across two regional university campuses in 2017. New migrants, particularly from refugee backgrounds, often have limited university access and face specific challenges throughout and beyond their university experiences. Under-representation has led to a focus on what new migrants lack, in particular their putative paucity of cultural capital required to navigate and succeed in higher education. It is institutions, however, which frequently lack the willingness or capacity to recognise various strengths and forms of capital possessed by ethnically diverse students. Adopting a critical race theory lens enables identification of those forms of student capital, along with the barriers that may prevent capital from being widely recognised within the academy and/or being fully realised for students in their navigation of work, study, and life. Specifically, this article examines the value of resistant, familial and linguistic capital. New migrant students face specific challenges when their cultural strengths meet institutional and broader structural barriers. It is critical for institutions that the diverse and complex perspectives of under-represented students be harnessed to increase the quality of learning for all students. Compositional diversity on campus is necessary but insufficient to promote deep learning and a positive student experience.
Vulnerabilities Relevant for Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking: A Systematic Review of Risk Factors
Authors: Franchino-Olsen Hannabeth
Published: February 2019

The commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) and domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) occur across the United States, violating the rights and health of far too many children and youth. Adequate prevention efforts should seek to understand the factors that make minors vulnerable to sexual exploitation in order to properly design programs to prevent victimization. This review presents the identified risk factors collected via a systematic literature review. Following full-text review, 15 studies were selected for inclusion by meeting the following criteria: original quantitative or qualitative research studies published in English from January 2010 to September 2017 with titles or abstracts that indicated a focus on the risk factors, vulnerabilities, or statistics of CSEC/DMST and a domestic focus on CSEC/DMST (for U.S.-based journals) with findings that did not combine associations between minors and adults in the study. Relevant risk factors and vulnerabilities found in this review include child abuse and maltreatment, caregiver strain, running away or being thrown away, substance use, peer influence, witnessing family violence or criminality, poverty or material need, difficulty in school, conflict with parents, poor mental health or view of self, involvement in child protective services, involvement in juvenile detention or delinquency, early substance use, and prior rape or adolescent sexual victimization.
Production of high-performance textiles via pioneering strengthening approach using starch nanoparticles
Authors: Mostafa Khaled , Ameen Heba , Morsy Mahmoud , el-ebiassy Amal , El-Sanabary Azza , Adel Mohamed , Salah Ali
Published: February 2019

To minimize the serious defects of durable press finishing of cellulosic textiles with respect to the great loss in strength properties, new pioneering strengthening approach of cotton fabric based on our previously prepared starch nanoparticles of size around 80–100 nm was used. For this purpose, cotton fabrics were treated with different concentrations of starch nanoparticles via coating technique using pad-dry-cure method, at which the starch nanoparticles are attached to the fabrics with the use of a padder adjusted to appropriate pressure and speed, followed by drying and curing. Fabric stiffness, surface roughness, tensile strength, elongation at break, abrasion resistance, wrinkle recovery angles, add-on %, and degree of whiteness as well as durability of treated fabrics were fully explored. SEM was used for detecting the change in surface morphology of reinforced coated fabric. The results obtained reflect the following findings: (a) all fabric performance like tensile strength, stiffness, wrinkle recovery angle, abrasion resistance and add on % were improved for coated fabrics with starch nanoparticles in comparison with untreated fabric, except that of surface roughness; (b) SEM confirmed the change in surface morphology of cotton fabric after reinforcement treatment using starch nanoparticles; (c) the dry wrinkle recovery angle and tensile strength of cotton fabrics treated in presence of 30 g/l starch nanoparticles are slightly decreased after 10 washing cycles as compared with untreated fabric; and (d) starch nanoparticles introduce an advance in textile finishing with respect to the above-mention fabric performance except that of surface roughness.
Case Study of Clinical Behavior Analysis for a 20-Year-Old Client With Emetophobia
Authors: Mitamura Takashi
Published: February 2019

This case study illustrates a clinical behavior analytic intervention for a female client with emetophobia, the fear of vomiting. Clinical behavior analysis is a recently developing branch of empirically supported psychotherapy, derived from behavior analysis. This case study presents modified case formulations and changed intervention strategies according to the results of repeated measuring. The intervention was six sessions and three gradual follow-up sessions; the effect of the intervention was monitored by a single-case design. The intervention strategies were changed from symptom-focused interventions, which are based on exposure, to value-focused gradual follow-up sessions. The client’s phobia and depression were alleviated through the intervention and gradual follow-up phases. Moreover, her value-based activities increased through the gradual follow-up phase. The Reliable Change Indexes (RCIs) were calculated to evaluate changes between the intervention and follow-up phases. There were large and clinically significant decreases on measures. The results highlight the utility of repeated measuring and importance of a value-focused approach.
First-line contact aspiration vs stent-retriever thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke patients with large-artery occlusion in the anterior circulation: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Boulanger Marion , Lapergue Bertrand , Turjman Francis , Touzé Emmanuel , Anxionnat René , Bracard Serge , Piotin Michel , Gory Benjamin
Published: February 2019

Background

In acute ischemic stroke patients with large-artery occlusion, uncertainties remain about whether clinically important outcomes are comparable between first-line contact aspiration and stent-retriever thrombectomy, although two trials have investigated whether one strategy should be preferred over another.

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to compare the efficacy and safety of first-line contact aspiration and stent-retriever thrombectomy in stroke patients with anterior circulation large-artery occlusion.

Methods

We undertook a systematic review of studies of patients treated for large-artery occlusion, with the latest devices of either strategy, within six hours of stroke onset. We determined rates of final complete reperfusion (defined as modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction score = 3), periprocedural complications and 90-day functional independence (defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0–2), and excellent outcome (defined as mRS score 0–1) after contact aspiration and after stent-retriever thrombectomy using random-effects meta-analyses. Any differential effects in rates between the two strategies were assessed using random-effects meta-regressions.

Results

Fifteen studies (1817 patients) were included. There was no difference in rates of final complete reperfusion at the end of all endovascular procedures between contact aspiration and stent retrievers (51.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 39.3–62.9; vs 38.3%, 95% CI 28.6–48.0; pint = 0.14), 90-day functional independence (45.0%, 40.7–49.2; vs 52.4%, 47.7–57.1; pint = 0.45) and excellent outcome (32.1%, 25.7–38.5; vs 34.1%, 21.2–46.9; pint = 0.94). Rates of periprocedural complications did not differ between the two strategies.

Conclusions

Current data suggest no difference in efficacy and safety between first-line contact aspiration and stent-retriever thrombectomy in stroke patients with large-artery occlusion.
Restrictive cerebral cortical venopathy: A new clinicopathological entity
Authors: Voronovich Zoya A , Wolfe Kathy , Foster Kimberly , Sorte Danielle , Carlson Andrew P
Published: February 2019

We present a case of a novel restrictive cerebral venopathy in a child, consisting of a bilateral network of small to medium cortical veins without evidence of arteriovenous shunting, absence of the deep venous system, venous ischemia, elevated intracranial pressure, and intracranial calcifications. The condition is unlike other diseases characterized by networks of small veins, including cerebral proliferative angiopathy, Sturge-Weber syndrome, or developmental venous anomaly. While this case may be the result of an anatomic variation leading to the congenital absence of or early occlusion of the deep venous system, the insidious nature over many years argues against this. The absence of large cortical veins suggests a congenital abnormality of the venous structure. The child’s presentation with a seizure-like event followed by protracted hemiparesis is consistent with venous ischemia. We propose that this is likely to represent a new clinicopathological entity.
Efficacy of three-dimensional rotational fluoroscopic unit guidance for lumbar cerebrospinal fluid drainage among patients with unsuccessful initial attempt at bedside
Authors: Ohshima Tomotaka , Isaji Taiki , Miyachi Shigeru , Matsuo Naoki , Kawaguchi Reo , Maejima Ryuya , Takayasu Masakazu
Published: February 2019

Lumbar cerebrospinal fluid drainage has been widely performed in patients at the bedside; however, technical failure can occasionally occur as a result of blind maneuvering. Herein, we present the use of rotational fluoroscopic unit-guided lumbar drainage for patients with an unsuccessful initial attempt at bedside. In four of the 24 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, initial lumbar drainage could not be performed at bedside. Thus, a three-dimensional rotational technology guided by a high-quality fluoroscopic unit was used. After a cone-beam computed tomography scan was performed, an accurate puncture point and a target thecal sac were identified using the software. The fluoroscopic unit helped us to identify the puncture point and trajectory with a laser pointer on the patient. A needle was inserted along the tract until the cerebrospinal fluid was collected. The lumbar drainage tube was successfully inserted with a single puncture in all four patients. Rotational fluoroscopic technology helps to identify a suitable puncture point, trajectory and target site for lumbar spinal drainage. Our technique is considerably useful in an era wherein minimally invasive procedures are preferred.
Mastoiditis caused by intracranial venous sinus stenting in an idiopathic intracranial hypertension patient
Authors: Tian Linyu
Published: February 2019

The exact mechanism of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is unknown. It needs to be treated because of severe headache and impaired vision. For medically refractory patients, cerebrospinal fluid diversion, optic nerve sheath fenestration and dural venous sinus stenting is applied to relieve the symptoms. As a new therapy, the complication of dural venous stenting was a focus for operators. Here, a woman is reported with IIH who suffered from mastoiditis after stenting in the sigmoid sinus for the first time. The special local anatomy of the sigmoid sinus adjacent to the inner structure made it a noteworthy complication.
Dual-arm cooperative manipulation based on differential evolution
Authors: Hernández-Barragán Jesús , López-Franco Carlos , Alanis Alma Y , Arana-Daniel Nancy , López-Franco Michel
Published: February 2019

Cooperative manipulation in dual-arm robotic systems is a fundamental capability to perform many problems such as human-like tasks. In this article, we present an approach to solve dual-arm cooperative manipulation tasks using the differential evolution algorithm. In this work, manipulator kinematics are represented using the Denavit–Hartenberg model. The proposed method is able to avoid singularities because it does not require the inversion of any Jacobian matrix. In addition, the proposed approach handles joint limit constraints based on penalty functions. As a final remark, this approach is suitable for robotic systems of redundant or non-redundant serial manipulators composed of revolute or prismatic joints. Simulation experiments illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach under different dual-arm configurations. Furthermore, real experiments were performed using a dual-arm KUKA Youbot system to show the applicability of the proposed approach.
Conditional examinations for pulverization of lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablets
Authors: Chono Sumio , Nakamura Katsuki , Matsui Megumi
Published: February 2019

Lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablets are produced as a spastab-type formulation containing enteric-coated granules. We examined the acidoresistance of these enteric-coated granules following pulverization of lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablets. One branded and five generic tablets were pulverized by tapping, grinding, or mechanical milling. The enteric-coated granules of the branded and generic tablets pulverized via tapping, mild mechanical milling at low speed for 5 s, and slightly mild mechanical milling at high speed for 5 s retained acidoresistance. Moreover, acidoresistance was maintained during storage for one week following pulverization, except for one kind of generic tablets. The granules from the branded tablets also maintained acidoresistance for one week following severe mechanical milling at low speed for 30 s. Grinding and very severe mechanical milling at high speed for 30 s damaged the acidoresistance of all tablets. The results of the present study reveal the pulverization conditions under which the enteric-coated granules for the branded and generic tablets tested retain their acidoresistance.
Development of a solar calorimeter for the thermal evaluation of glazing samples
Authors: Hernández-Garfias Enrique , Macias-Melo Edgar Vicente , Aguilar-Castro Karla María , Hernández-Pérez Iván , Serrano-Arellano Juan , Diaz-Flores Laura Lorena
Published: February 2019

This work presents the design, construction, and instrumentation of a calorimeter with solar tracking to determine the thermal and optical properties of monolithic glass samples of 15 cm × 15 cm with a maximum thickness of 6 mm. The calorimeter was designed considering an abstract methodology, where the materials, for each of its components, were selected from an evaluation considering its properties and its criteria of functionality. The prototype was constructed and instrumented to quantify the heat losses through each of its walls. The prototype was calibrated to obtain the uncertainty of the heat flows, considering the heat gains and heat losses of the system. The results of the calibration allowed to obtain the uncertainty in the measurement of the heat flow that was estimated as ±0.446 W. On the other hand, to verify the operation of the solar calorimeter, we determined the U-value and solar heat gain coefficient for a 3-mm clear glass sample. The average values obtained for U and solar heat gain coefficient were 6.95 ± 0.9 W m−2 K−1 and 0.803 ± 0.03, respectively. These values were compared with values reported in the literature, and they have a maximum difference of 7.7%. The uncertainty obtained in the calibration and the values of the characteristic parameters indicate that the solar calorimeter is adequate to obtain the characteristic parameters of monolithic glass samples with optical characteristics similar to the samples of this study.
Ship accident consequences and contributing factors analyses using ship accident investigation reports
Authors: Zhang Liye , Wang Hua , Meng Qiang , Xie Hongbin
Published: February 2019

Ship accident consequences, including life loss, property/cargo damage, and environment pollution, could be caused by various factors. This study aims to quantitatively analyze the association between ship accident consequences and related contributing factors based on real ship accident investigation reports. We propose a two-step research methodology. In the first step, we standardize the necessary contributing factor–related information that is extracted from the ship accident investigation reports. In the second step, three statistical analysis methods, including nonparametric statistics of Kendall’s tau coefficient, Cramér’s V analysis and Kruskal–Wallis test, are carried out to figure out the import contributing factors with respect to ship accident consequences. The proposed methodology has been assessed based on 477 ship accident reports. Some insightful findings are obtained: (1) vessel speed is the most significant factor contributing to fatality and injury of collision accidents, whereas no remarkable relationship holds for grounding accidents; (2) for collision accidents, crew number shows a strong association with injury and fatality, but it exhibits weak linkages to other consequences of ship damage, cargo damage and oil spill; and (3) the consequence of oil spill is strongly related to collision position, especially in head-on and crossing collisions.
Does your training feel like a struggle?
Authors: Divall Sarah
Published: February 2019

GP training can be difficult for many reasons. In addition to the day-to-day challenges of clinical work, other problems can arise. There may be a health issue, relationship breakdown, bullying, or exam stress: these problems might be common, but the solution will be unique to each person. Sometimes we are aware of our problems but we do not know what to do. Sometimes we are aware of the problems, but we do not want to admit them to other people or, perhaps, even to ourselves. Sometimes we are unaware but others may notice. This article, written for associates in training (AiTs) and their trainers, is a guide to the problems that can arise for AiTs during their training. It covers what these might be, how they may be detected and what can be done about them.
The Influence of the Great Recession on the Identification of Students From Non-White Populations in the State of Texas
Authors: Hodges Jaret , Tay Juliana , Lee Hyeseong , Pereira Nielsen
Published: February 2019

The Great Recession is an economic crisis which has had repercussions through different facets of U.S. society. Texas, despite overall economic health, enacted severe cuts to education as a result of the Great Recession. A potential consequence of these austerity measures is the identification of Black, Latinx, and Native American students for gifted education services. This article examines effects of the Great Recession and educational budget policy on the identification of Black, Latinx, and Native American students for gifted services in Texas. Publicly available data were acquired from the Texas Education Agency on district demographic data from 1999 to 2015. A longitudinal mixed effect model was used to analyze rates of representation of Asian, Black, Latinx, and Native American students relative to White students. Results suggest that budgetary cuts to gifted education programs following the Great Recession did not adversely affect the representation of Black, Latinx, and Native American students in gifted education programs and that Asian students increased their representation in gifted programs.
Developments in Sexual Assault Resistance Education: Combining Risk Reduction and Primary Prevention
Authors: Holtzman Mellisa , Menning Chadwick L.
Published: February 2019

Most sexual assault prevention focuses exclusively on primary prevention programs. Risk reduction strategies, however, have an equally important role to play in prevention efforts. By way of illustration, we provide efficacy data on a sexual assault protection program that incorporates both primary prevention and risk reduction within a single seminar. These data, which replicate previous program evaluations while adding two new cohorts of program and control group students, indicate that program participants exhibit long-term attitude change and have significantly reduced rates of assault relative to the control group. Implications for campus programming are discussed.
Content Validity of Assessment Instrument for Employee Engagement
Authors: Shrotryia Vijay Kumar , Dhanda Upasana
Published: February 2019

Numerous overlapping and inconsistent views of academicians and practitioners on construct of employee engagement have led to the development of various measurement instruments that differ in terms of the variables. The article attempts to develop an assessment instrument and to assess content validity of the proposed variables/dimensions. The construct is generated through grounded theory method, conducting structured interviews of human resource heads (15 best firms). The assessment of content validity is done through six domain experts. Content validity index, Kappa statistic, and content validity ratio (Lawshe test) were implemented for content validity. Three dimensions (alignment, affective, and action-oriented) having 10 items each were identified. The item content validity index (I-CVI) ranged from 0.66 to 1 and scale content validity index (S-CVI/Ave) ranged from 0.848 to 0.932. The instrument is assessed with high content validity. It bridges the research gap of incongruity among academic and industry. The next step of research will involve testing of this instrument for psychometric properties and testing its comprehensiveness for respondents.
Unsung Heroes: Gay Physicians’ Lived Journeys During the HIV/AIDS Pandemic
Authors: Jacob Carl GA , Lagacé-Roy Daniel
Published: February 2019

The HIV/AIDS pandemic was a major crisis at the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st century. Such a defining moment in the history of health-related infections led to transformations in its proponents, as well as their medical practice. This research article, using a study consisting of semi-structured interviews with six Canadian gay physicians from different Canadian HIV/AIDS treatment centers, aims to offer insights into their lived journeys, from 1981 to 2009, while they attempted to treat, care for, and cure/heal their gay HIV/AIDS patients. The results of the study, deduced from a qualitative and interpretative data analysis, suggest that through reflection on their experiences during the HIV/AIDS pandemic, they transformed their personal and professional identities, and rethought their relationship with their patients, as well as their professional, pharmaceutical, and community networks. These results are testimonies from Canadian gay physicians who fought against the HIV/AIDS pandemic and who advocated for their gay HIV/AIDS patients. In fact, these results are evidence of an untold and valuable period in medical history. For some, it will serve as a reminder. For others, it will be foreign. It was a time marked by a major crisis that mobilized gay militant physicians who were personally and professionally affected, and who were forever transformed by their response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This is their hereto untold lived journeys.