bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macrophage Activation Syndrome in Patients Affected by Adult-onset Still Disease: Analysis of Survival Rates and Predictive Factors in the Gruppo Italiano di Ricerca in Reumatologia Clinica e Sperimentale Cohort
Authors: Ruscitti Piero , Iacono Daniela , Ciccia Francesco , Emmi Giacomo , Cipriani Paola , Grembiale Rosa Daniela , Perosa Federico , Emmi Lorenzo , Triolo Giovanni , Giacomelli Roberto , Valentini Gabriele
Published: April 2018

Objective.

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a reactive form of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, which can complicate adult-onset Still disease (AOSD). We investigated AOSD clinical features at the time of diagnosis, to assess predictors of MAS occurrence. Further, we analyzed the outcomes of patients with AOSD who experience MAS.

Methods.

Patients with AOSD admitted to any Gruppo Italiano di Ricerca in Reumatologia Clinica e Sperimentale center were retrospectively analyzed for features typical of AOSD, MAS occurrence, and their survival rate.

Results.

Of 119 patients with AOSD, 17 experienced MAS (12 at admission and 5 during followup). Twelve patients with MAS at first admission differed from the remaining 107 in prevalence of lymphadenopathy and liver involvement at the time of diagnosis. In addition, serum ferritin levels and systemic score values were significantly higher in the patients presenting with MAS. At the time of diagnosis, the 5 patients who developed MAS differed from the remaining 102 in the prevalence of abdominal pain, and they showed increased systemic score values. In the multivariate analysis, lymphadenopathy (OR 7.22, 95% CI 1.49–34.97, p = 0.014) and abdominal pain (OR 4.36, 95% CI 1.24–15.39, p = 0.022) were predictive of MAS occurrence. Finally, MAS occurrence significantly reduced the survival rate of patients with AOSD (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion.

MAS occurrence significantly reduced the survival rate in patients with AOSD. Patients with MAS at baseline presented an increased prevalence of lymphadenopathy and liver involvement, as well as high serum ferritin levels and systemic score values. The presence of lymphadenopathy and abdominal pain was associated with MAS occurrence.
Association of Serum Soluble CD163 with Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis, Especially in Anti-MDA5 Antibody–positive Cases
Authors: Kawasumi Hidenaga , Katsumata Yasuhiro , Nishino Akira , Hirahara Shinya , Kawaguchi Yasushi , Kuwana Masataka , Yamanaka Hisashi
Published: April 2018

Objective.

We elucidated the association of serum soluble CD163 (sCD163) with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD), autoantibody profiles, and serum ferritin in patients with polymyositis (PM), classic dermatomyositis (DM), and clinical amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM).

Methods.

Serum sCD163 levels were retrospectively measured by ELISA in patients with PM, classic DM, and CADM, as well as in healthy controls (HC). Repeat sera samples were obtained posttreatment from available patients. The associations between serum sCD163 levels and clinical information were analyzed.

Results.

Serum sCD163 levels in patients with PM/classic DM/CADM were significantly higher than those in HC (n = 72, 56, 34, and 68, respectively; p < 0.001 for all comparisons). No significant difference was observed between serum sCD163 levels in patients with and without ILD (p = 0.16) or between those with RP-ILD and chronic ILD (p = 0.21). Serum sCD163 levels were significantly higher in patients with anti-MDA5 antibodies (n = 27) than in those without (p = 0.001). Serum sCD163 levels were weakly correlated with serum ferritin levels in the patients with PM, classic DM, and CADM (r = 0.21). Serum sCD163 levels decreased significantly following treatment in all patient groups (p = 0.003).

Conclusion.

The present results suggest an association of serum sCD163 with PM, classic DM, and CADM, especially in anti-MDA5 antibody–positive cases. However, serum sCD163 levels were not specifically associated with ILD or RP-ILD.
Longterm Safety and Efficacy of Adalimumab and Infliximab for Uveitis Associated with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Cecchin Vanessa , Zannin Maria Elisabetta , Ferrari Daniele , Pontikaki Irene , Miserocchi Elisabetta , Paroli Maria P. , Bracaglia Claudia , Marafon Denise Pires , Pastore Serena , Parentin Fulvio , Simonini Gabriele , De Libero Cinzia , Falcini Fernanda , Petaccia Antonella , Filocamo Giovanni , De Marco Riccardo , La Torre Francesco , Guerriero Silvana , Martino Silvana , Comacchio Francesco , Muratore Valentina , Martini Giorgia , Vittadello Fabio , Zulian Francesco
Published: April 2018

Objective.

Anti-TNF-α agents have significantly changed the management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). We evaluated the safety and efficacy of adalimumab (ADA) and infliximab (IFX) for the treatment of JIA-associated uveitis in patients treated for ≥ 2 years.

Methods.

Patients with JIA-associated uveitis treated with IFX and ADA were managed by a standardized protocol and data were entered in the ORCHIDEA registry. At baseline, all patients were refractory to standard immunosuppressive treatment or were corticosteroid-dependent. Data recorded every 3 months were uveitis course, number/type of ocular flares and complications, drug-related adverse events (AE), and treatment switch or withdrawal. Data of patients treated for ≥ 2 years were analyzed by descriptive statistics.

Results.

Up to December 2014, 154 patients with ≥ 24 months followup were included in the study. Fifty-nine patients were treated with IFX and 95 with ADA. Clinical remission, defined as the absence of flares for > 6 months on treatment, was achieved in 69 patients (44.8%), with a better remission rate for ADA (60.0%) as compared to IFX (20.3%; p < 0.001). A significant reduction of flares was observed in all patients without difference between the 2 treatment modalities. The number of new ocular complications decreased in both groups but was lower for ADA (p = 0.015). No serious AE were recorded; 16.4% of patients experienced 35 minor AE and the incidence rate was lower with ADA than with IFX.

Conclusion.

At the 2-year followup, ADA showed a better efficacy and safety profile than IFX for the treatment of refractory JIA-associated uveitis.
The Natural Course of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis in the Thoracic Spine of Adult Males
Authors: Kuperus Jonneke S. , Buckens Constantinus F. , Šprem Jurica , Oner F. Cumhur , de Jong Pim A. , Verlaan Jorrit-Jan
Published: April 2018

Objective.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is characterized by flowing bony bridges on the right side of the spine. Knowledge of the development of these spinal bridges is limited. The current longitudinal computed tomography (CT) study was designed to bridge this gap.

Methods.

Chest CT scans from elderly males with 2 scans (interval ≥ 2.5 yrs) were retrospectively included. Using the Resnick criteria, a pre-DISH group and a definite DISH group were identified. A scoring system based on the completeness of a bone bridge (score 0–3), extent of fluency, and location of the new bone was created to evaluate the progression of bone formation.

Results.

In total, 145 of 1367 subjects were allocated to the DISH groups with a mean followup period of 5 years. Overall prevalence of a complete bone bridge increased in the pre-DISH group (11.3% to 31.0%) and in the definite DISH group (45.0% to 55.8%). The mean bridge score increased significantly in both the pre-DISH and definite DISH group (p < 0.001). The new bone gradually became more flowing and expanded circumferentially.

Conclusion.

Over the mean course of 5 years, the new bone developed from incomplete, pointy bone bridges to more flowing complete bridges. This suggests an ongoing and measurable bone-forming process that continues to progress, also in established cases of DISH.
Dépister la dénutrition chez la personne âgée bénéficiant de soins à domicile : une évaluation de la précision diagnostique des indicateurs issus du Resident Assessment Instrument - Home Care adapté pour la Suisse
Authors: Busnel Catherine , Ludwig Catherine
Published: April 2018

Introduction : dans la pratique des soins à domicile, l’infirmière joue un rôle fondamental dans le dépistage de personnes à risque de dénutrition. Contexte : en Suisse, l’infirmière à domicile évalue l’état nutritionnel des bénéficiaires de soins sur la base d’une évaluation gériatrique standardisée effectuée avec le RAI-HC. Objectifs : l’étude vise à estimer la précision diagnostique de l’alarme « statut nutritionnel », de l’indice de masse corporelle et de la perte de poids documentés dans RAI-HC. Méthode : un échantillon de 267 personnes âgées de 65 ans recevant des soins à domicile a été évalué au moyen du RAI-HC et du MNA-SF ® . Sensibilité, spécificité et aire sous la courbe ont été estimées pour chaque indicateur du RAI-HC en utilisant le MNA-SF ® comme étalon. Résultats : pour les indicateurs considérés, la sensibilité varie entre 16.51 % et 68.81 %, la spécificité entre 66.94 % et 99.37 %, et l’aire sous la courbe entre 0.579 et 0.708. Discussion : la précision diagnostique des indicateurs du RAI-HC n’est pas suffisante pour un dépistage optimal de la dénutrition chez les personnes âgées bénéficiant de soins à domicile. Conclusion : une évaluation complémentaire avec le MNA-SF ® est recommandée pour optimiser le dépistage précoce de personnes à risque de dénutrition.
Pour une reconception de l’argumentation à la lumière de la dimension argumentative des discours
Authors: Rabatel Alain
Published: April 2018

Cet article cherche à expliquer le faible écho théorique de la notion de dimension argumentative (ou argumentation indirecte ou oblique) par rapport à la visée argumentative (ou argumentation directe). Pour rendre compte des raisons épistémologiques de cet état de fait, il s’appuie sur le récent Dictionnaire de l’argumentation de Plantin, emblématique du courant mainstream, qui ne définit l’argumentation que d’après une visée argumentative explicite. Les études dominantes opposent argumentation et argumentativité, privilégient des conceptions dites restreintes basées sur des marques argumentatives, survalorisant les approches sémasiologiques au détriment des approches onomasiologiques, en principe complémentaires. Pour finir, l’article propose une illustration de la rentabilité descriptive et explicative de l’approche indirecte de l’argumentation, à partir de l’analyse de la fable de la Fontaine Le loup et l’agneau. L’approche articulée de la dimension et de la visée argumentatives aboutit à une proposition de redéfinition de la notion d’argumentation. Son objectif n’est pas de substituer une conception à une autre, ni de diluer l’argumentation, mais d’élaborer un cadre plus global, rendant compte des diverses formes et stratégies langagières pour arriver à faire adhérer à sa façon de voir, et, complémentairement, pour aider l’analyste à problématiser des façons de voir illusoirement transparentes. Son cadre théorique s’appuie sur une conception pragma-énonciative qui analyse la construction des interprétations sur la base des choix de référenciation et de leur actualisation interprétative, dans lesquelles logique inférentielle, indices, abduction, argumentativité et point de vue jouent un rôle fondamental.
Éclairages, dimension rhétorique et argumentation à l’épreuve des tweets de Donald Trump
Authors: Herman Thierry
Published: April 2018

Cet article revient sur le couple « visée argumentative » et « dimension argumentative » pour les réinterroger depuis une perspective attachée à une vision classique de l’argumentation en tant que structure compositionnelle mais attentive aux intérêts de l’analyse du discours que propose Ruth Amossy. En proposant de distinguer éclairages d’une schématisation, dimension rhétorique de l’opinion énoncée sans étayages, argumentation étayée et argumentation dialectique, je crée un modèle permettant d’observer le rôle restreint (ou non) de l’argumentation dans un corpus ainsi que le poids des opinions présentées comme évidentes. Quelques tweets de Donald Trump sont passés au crible de ce modèle analytique afin de montrer le poids de la dimension rhétorique dans sa communication.
La dimension argumentative dans les textes poétiques : marques formelles et enjeux de lecture
Authors: Monte Michèle
Published: April 2018

Cet article défend l’idée que les poèmes possèdent une argumentativité intrinsèque, mais graduelle, allant de formes très explicites (mise en scène de conflits de points de vue, dialogisme interlocutif et interdiscursif) à des formes implicites, reposant sur les schématisations. La démonstration s’appuie sur l’étude de poèmes variés (Rimbaud, Jaccottet, Michaux, Grosjean, Gaspar) et s’attarde tout particulièrement, d’une part sur l’argumentation qui porte sur la littérature elle-même par le recours au travestissement et au pastiche, d’autre part sur les textes épidictiques, qu’ils recherchent l’expressivité ou reposent au contraire sur l’effacement énonciatif. L’imbrication qu’opèrent les poèmes entre choix formels et contenus thématiques conduit à affirmer que l’éthique et l’esthétique y sont étroitement liés, ce que l’analyse devrait prendre en compte.
Hétérogénéité énonciative/discursive et dimension argumentative dans le texte romanesque : Mission terminée (1957) de Mongo Beti
Authors: Sela Tal
Published: April 2018

Cette contribution s’attache à l’analyse de l’hétérogénéité énonciative et discursive qui construit la dimension argumentative du roman Mission terminée (1957) de Mongo Beti. Mettant en relief l’aspect polyphonique, polyvalent et complexe de la construction identitaire des instances narratives (narrateur, protagoniste, personnages), elle dévoile les tensions qui se font jour à l’intérieur du roman entre des voix sociales divergentes. Ces tensions problématisent l’image stéréotypée de l’Afrique en même temps qu’elles renvoient à des questions primordiales sur la place et le rôle de la modernité et de la tradition dans les sociétés africaines au tournant des indépendances.
La « dimension argumentative » plurisémiotique du livre enrichi
Authors: Amadori Sara
Published: April 2018

Le corpus de cette étude se compose de deux livres enrichis : Beauvoir, l’enquête, par Irène Frain, et Alienare, par Chloé Delaume. En puisant dans la réflexion de la rhétorique du texte numérique, j’analyse le rapport entre l’« image d’auteure » de Frain et de Delaume et l’« ethos éditorial » des deux livres, en montrant que les maisons d’édition ont essayé d’orienter la réception de ces œuvres et que leur « dimension argumentative » se manifeste d’abord à un niveau para-péritextuel. En croisant la réflexion proposée par l’analyse du discours littéraire avec l’approche développée par l’argumentation dans le discours, j’étudie les « ethè auctoriaux » projetés par les deux écrivaines dans leurs œuvres. Le niveau d’objectivité/subjectivité de leurs discours, ainsi que les stratégies rhétoriques mobilisées, ont été pris en compte pour réfléchir sur le caractère complexe et graduel de la notion de « dimension argumentative », lorsqu’elle est mise à l’épreuve des potentialités plurisémiotiques du multimédia.
Quelle dimension argumentative dans les carnets de recherche en sciences humaines ?
Authors: Mayeur Ingrid
Published: April 2018

La présente contribution entend questionner la dimension argumentative (Amossy 2000) d’écrits scientifiques natifs du Web que sont les billets de blog. Des travaux antérieurs ont mis en évidence le rôle majeur des moyens de persuasion qui traversent le discours scientifique. Si ce type de discours est traditionnellement considéré comme un discours fermé, à l’attention des pairs, les dispositifs numériques autorisent l’élargissement potentiel du lectorat de la recherche. L’auditoire hétérogène que présuppose le contexte de l’Open Science amène dès lors à s’interroger sur les stratégies rhétoriques d’adaptation au public mises en œuvre par les carnetiers pour favoriser l’appropriation des savoirs diffusés. L’étude de la dimension argumentative des écrits de blogs, qui intègre dans l’analyse du discours scientifique la préoccupation d’une action sur l’auditoire, fournit des outils pour expliquer le recours aux moyens de preuves rhétoriques au sein de textes qui ne possèdent pas une visée argumentative explicite. Nous en testerons ici l’opérativité, en étudiant plus précisément deux carnets de recherche : l’un donnant la parole à des chercheurs dans le contexte de la société française post-attentats, l’autre se rattachant à l’actualité de la recherche – en l’occurrence, celle d’une thèse en cours, relatée par deux historiens.
Questionner un écrit professionnel au prisme de sa dimension argumentative : le cas du dossier d’usager en CSAPA
Authors: Equoy-Hutin Séverine , Lethier Virginie
Published: April 2018

Cet article se propose d’interroger les contours définitionnels et les enjeux de la notion de « dimension argumentative » au prisme d’un écrit professionnel : le dossier d’usager produit dans une structure de travail social en addictologie (CSAPA). Il s’agit d’une part d’examiner comment la dimension argumentative peut participer à révéler les enjeux de cette pratique d’écriture dans le champ de la communication au travail. D’autre part, il s’agit de faire émerger quelques questionnements sur le cadre théorique et méthodologique de l’argumentation dans le discours, afin de le mettre à l’épreuve des spécificités des genres professionnels et plus particulièrement du dossier d’usager. Ces genres qui ne se présentent pas comme relevant d’une entreprise argumentative, se caractérisent par une forte indexation au contexte et à une finalité d’action. Face à un tel objet d’étude, dans quelle mesure et sous quelle condition observer l’argumentativité et en reconstruire les lieux discursifs ?
Productivity Betterment
Authors: Singh Satbir , Singhal Sandeep
Published: April 2018

This article describes how instant research explicates the features, analogy, and principles, of manufacturing productivity management in contemporary industrial arenas. It is exceedingly necessary to increase manufacturing production to improve productivity of the company. Current research provides a substitute way-out to optimize the material and workforce resources available in the plant. The authors proposed the implementation of clustering concept with improved tooling for manufacturing. The intended approach stimulated productivity growth by using improved production facilities, which resulted in reduced monthly rejections arising out of manufacturing's critical component. Component production cost was reduced through the use of curbing cycle time. The implementation study magnificently contributed towards productivity enhancement by producing more with less resource input. The experimentation recorded an increase of over16% in monthly production by dint of curtailed cycle time. An average gain of 5.27% in total productivity was achieved.
The effectiveness of community-based rehabilitation as a strategy for improving quality of life and disaster resilience for children with disability in rural Zimbabwe
Authors: Bongo Pathias P. , Dziruni Gladys , Muzenda-Mudavanhu Chipo
Published: April 2018

The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the community-based rehabilitation (CBR) project in Ward 20 of Chipinge in Zimbabwe and ascertain the positive district changes in the quality of life and disaster resilience of children with disability. Effectiveness involved examining the role of the parents of children with disabilities and the general community in the CBR programme, the extent to which children living with disabilities (CWDs) have been empowered to live quality life and access basic social services and evaluate whether local resources and capacities were being utilised. Data were collected through key informant interviews, document analysis and focus group discussions. The CBR model borrows heavily from rights-based approaches to development. Its practical application is problematic because of difficulties in defining issues such as participation and the ability of developing and poor communities to generate resources for these programmes. The study found that factors that hinder the effectives of CBR programmes included continuous dependence on donor funding, lack of political will by government and local authorities to commit financial resources towards CBR implementation and unreliable referral systems for access of services for children with disability. Gaps identified include establishing appropriate context-specific strategies that suit developing countries. The government and local authorities should prioritise resource allocation for marginalised groups such as people with disabilities. Civil society should not be the major and only source of funding for CBR. Extensive consultations should be made to adapt the CBR model to the socio-economic context of developing countries. The referral system for access to services for CWDs should be strengthened.
Electrocardiographic surrogates of structural myocardial alterations in the Dorper sheep heart
Authors: Ker J. , Webb E.C.
Published: April 2018

In this study we evaluated the validity of well-known human electrocardiographic markers of myocardial pathology in Dorper sheep. These markers include: the duration of the QRS complex of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs), the presence of notching of the QRS complex of PVCs and change of the ST-segment of PVCs. It was shown that these three electrocardiographic phenomena correlate with myocardial pathology in the hearts of Dorper sheep. We also describe a new electrocardiographic indicator of myocardial pathology, namely an increase in the frequency of cardiac memory T waves as a new electrocardiographic surrogate for myocardial pathology in the hearts of Dorper sheep.
The experiences of employees participating in organisational corporate social responsibility initiatives
Authors: Cook Gretha , Geldenhuys Dirk J.
Published: April 2018

Orientation: This article is about the experiences of employees who actively participate in organisational corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Research purpose: The general aim of this study was to explore the experiences of employees who participate in CSR initiatives within an organisation where a well-developed framework exists. Motivation for the study: Whilst an emergent number of studies have considered the various dimensions of CSR initiatives, the focus appears to be on stakeholders such as the recipients of CSR, organisations, consumers and shareholders but not the perspective of the employees who actively participate in CSR initiatives. Research design, approach and method: A qualitative research approach was employed with the intent of exploring the experiences of employees participating in organisational CSR initiatives. Data were collected and analysed from a purposive sample of 12 employees, by means of interactive qualitative analysis. Main findings: The study revealed that the primary driver that motivates employees to participate in CSR is love. Love sparks a sense of compassion. Compassion, coupled with an enabling environment, stimulates generosity. By being generous, a feeling of hope and inspiration is induced in both the givers and receivers of generosity. A secondary outcome of generosity and hope and inspiration is bringing about change to others, and whilst going through this journey and making a difference in the lives of others, participants experience a progressive change within themselves. This change evokes a feeling of fulfilment, and ultimately a feeling of complete joy. Contributions or value-add: This research complements existing CSR literature by focussing and reporting on the experiences of the employee as an important stakeholder.
Pathophysiology and Grading of the Ventral Displacement of Dorsal Spinal Cord Spectrum
Authors: Chellathurai Amarnath , Balasubramaniam Suhasini , Gnanasihamani Sathyan , Ramasamy Sukumar , Durairajan Jayamani
Published: April 2018

Study Design

A retrospective study of the ventral displacement of dorsal spinal cord (VDDSC) spectrum pathophysiology and grading.

Purpose

This study aimed at examining the pathophysiology of VDDSC between D3 and D7, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlation and severity grading.

Overview of Literature

The pathologies that lead to VDDSC were previously discussed in various articles. We attempted to group these pathological conditions under a single spectrum, and grade them according to their severity.

Methods

We reviewed the MRI images of the dorsal spines of 1,350 patients over a period of 4 years (February 2013–February 2017); all MRI images were analyzed by two experienced radiologists.

Results

Of the 1,350 patients, 28 exhibited VDDSC between D3 and D7. Additional findings included ventral transdural herniation of the spinal cord (n=10), anterior spinal cord adhesion (n=7), arachnoid web (n=6), and arachnoid cyst (n=5).

Conclusions

We grouped the pathologies that lead to VDDSC at the thoracic level into a single spectrum of varying severity and graded VDDSC, from mild to severe.
Minimally Invasive Transtubular Endoscopic Decompression for L5 Radiculopathy Induced by Lumbosacral Extraforaminal Lesions
Authors: Ikuta Ko , Kitamura Takahiro , Masuda Keigo , Hotta Kensuke , Senba Hideyuki , Shidahara Satoshi
Published: April 2018

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of minimally invasive transtubular endoscopic decompression for the treatment of lumbosacral extraforaminal lesion (LSEFL).

Overview of Literature

Conventional procedures for surgical decompression for the treatment of LSEFL involve certain technical challenges because the lumbosacral extraforaminal region has unique anatomical features. Moreover, the efficacy of minimally invasive procedures performed via the posterolateral approach for LSEFL has been reported.

Methods

Twenty-five patients who had undergone minimally invasive transtubular endoscopic decompression for the treatment of LSEFL and could be followed up for at least 1 year postoperatively were enrolled. Five of these patients had a history of lumbar surgery, and seven had concomitant adjacent-level spinal stenosis. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) lumbar score, numeric rating scale (NRS), and the JOA Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ). The mean postoperative follow-up (FU) duration was 3.8 years.

Results

All procedures could be completed without any severe surgical complications, and all patients could resume their previous activity level within 1 month postoperatively. The JOA score significantly increased from 14.1±4.0 at baseline to 23.1±3.7 at the 1-year FU and 22.1±3.8 at the last FU. Similarly, there were significant improvements in the postoperative NRS and JOABPEQ scores. An additional surgery was performed in two patients (8%) during the FU period. Patients with degenerative scoliosis exhibited significantly poorer outcomes compared with those without this condition.

Conclusions

Transtubular endoscopic decompression can overcome certain technical challenges involved in the conventional procedures for LSEFL treatment; therefore, it can be recommended as a useful procedure for treating LSEFL. This procedure can provide some benefits to LSEFL patients and offer a well-illuminated surgical field and high surgical safety for the surgeon. However, the procedure should be carefully adapted for LSEFL patients with concomitant degenerative scoliosis.
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Spinal Decompression in Elderly Patients with Magnetic Resonance Imaging Morphological Analysis
Authors: Ha Seungman , Hong Youngho , Lee Seungcheol
Published: April 2018

Study Design

Case-control study.

Purpose

In this study, we aimed to investigate clinical outcomes and morphological features in elderly patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) who were treated by minimally invasive surgery (MIS) unilateral laminectomy for bilateral decompression (ULBD) using a tubular retractor.

Overview of Literature

Numerous methods using imaging have been attempted to describe the severity of spinal stenosis. But the relationship between clinical symptoms and radiological features remains debatable.

Objective

In this study, we aimed to investigate clinical outcomes and morphological features in elderly patients with LSS who were treated by MIS-ULBD.

Methods

We methodically assessed 85 consecutive patients aged >65 years who were treated for LSS. The patients were retrospectively analyzed in two age groups: 66–75 years (group 1) and >75 years (group 2). Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the modified MacNab criteria. Outcome parameters were compared between the groups at the 1-year follow-up. Core radiologic parameters for central and lateral stenosis were analyzed and clinical findings of the groups were compared.

Results

At the 1-year follow-up, patients in both groups 1 and 2 demonstrated significant improvement in their VAS and ODI scores. All clinical outcomes, except postoperative ODI, were not significantly difference between the groups. In addition, no significant difference was noted in the preoperative radiological parameters between the groups. There was no statistically significant correlation between radiological parameters and clinical symptoms or their outcomes. Moreover, no differences were noted in perioperative adverse events and in the need for repeat surgery at follow-ups between the groups.

Conclusions

MIS-ULBD by tubular approach is a safe and effective treatment option for elderly patients with LSS. Clinical outcomes in patients with LSS and aged >75 years were comparable with those in patients with LSS and aged 66–75 years. Moreover, we did not find any correlation between radiological parameters and clinical outcomes in either of the two patient groups.
Economic Growth and Financial Development nexus in Malaysia: Dynamic Simultaneous Equations Models
Authors: Mugableh Mohamed Ibrahim , Oudat Mohammad Salem
Published: April 2018

This paper estimates the equilibrium and causality relationships among gross domestic product, energy consumption, financial development, foreign direct investment inflows, and gross fixed capital formation. Different econometrics tests like descriptive statistics, ARCH, KPSS unit root, Johansen and Juselius’s co-integration, VECM Granger causality, and ARDL equilibrium relationships have been employed in Malaysia over the (1971−2013) period. The correlation matrix results indicate a linear association among variables. The null hypotheses of Heteroscedasticity and non-stationary have been rejected implying the appropriate use of VECM and ARDL approach. The VECM Granger causality findings show a long-run bidirectional among the variables. The ARDL approach results demonstrate that energy consumption, financial development, foreign direct investment inflows, and gross fixed capital formation augment gross domestic product in long-run. However, the findings of this paper add essential implications to policy makers and scholars in fields of economic, energy, and finance.
An Empirical Investigation on Taxi Hailing Mobile App Adoption: A Structural Equation Modelling
Authors: Haba Herman Fassou , Dastane Omkar
Published: April 2018

This empirical investigation aims to determine the factors leading to the adaptation of Taxi Hailing Mobile Apps among Malaysian consumers using the theory of Venkatesh et al. (2003) user theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). The adopted framework has four independent variables namely performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions. Dependent variables include behavioural intension and user behaviour. The study follows exploratory research design and quantitative research method. Primary data is collected using online Google survey questionnaire. The target population of this research study is international and local in Malaysia who makes use of taxi hailing app in order to satisfy their transportation needs. Convenience sampling technique is used to collect data from a sample of 202 respondents. Confirmatory Factors Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) are used in order to answer the research questions. Findings show that Performance expectancy, social influence and behaviour intension has positive influence on user behaviour while effort expectancy and behavioural intension has no influence. For scholars and researchers, understandably this research study opens the gate way of the application of UTAUT on information system (IS) apps that had been recently created.
Reading Skills in Greek as a First Language and in French as a Foreign Language among Primary and Secondary School Children with Specific Reading Disorder
Authors: Andreou Georgia , Tsela Vasiliki , Anastassiou Fotini
Published: April 2018

The aim of the present study is to investigate reading skills among primary and secondary school students with good reading skills with those of students with specific reading disorder, in Greek as a first language (L1) and in French as a foreign language (L2). Furthermore, a basic objective of the study is to investigate whether reading skills in Greek could predict reading skills in French both for students with good reading skills and for students with specific reading disorder. The sample of the study consists of one hundred and eight (N=108) students with good reading skills and one hundred and eight (N=108) students with specific reading disorder who are assessed for decoding and fluency in reading, both in Greek and French languages. The results of the study revealed that students with specific reading disorder had lower performance than those with good reading skills, with a statistically significant difference, in all tasks of the French language. Furthermore, it was found that the deficits appeared in a specific task in one language were transferred analogically to the same task in the other language. Finally, there was a statistically significant relation between the tasks in both groups and in both languages.
Investigar y divulgar la ciencia antropológica
Authors: Maritza Andino Elvira
Published: April 2018

La investigación en antropología se ha venido desarrollando con ímpetu en Nicaragua, re­quiriendo de decision comprometida, para aportar a la sociedad en la solución de problemas que inquietan la vida diaria de las poblaciones.Revista Nicaragüense de Antropología Año 1 No.2 2017, p.6-8
Notas sobre la portada
Authors: Gámez Montenegro Bayardo
Published: April 2018

Sobre la portada. Es un fragmento del mural de la Casa de Cultura Augusto C. Sandino de la ciudad de Ocotal. Fue realizado en el año 2014 por los por los alumnos de pintura de la Casa de Cultura.Revista Nicaragüense de Antropología Año 1 No.2 2017, p.9-10
Editorial Vol.1(2)
Authors: Costa Cecilia María Teresa
Published: April 2018

Preparar el segundo número de Raíces ha significado en todo momento enfrentar un reto: llenar las expectativas que el lanzamiento del primer número de la revista había suscitado entre los lectores, los colaboradores y los mismos autores. Por ello, trabajamos a lo largo del 2017 con la sensación de tener entre las manos algo valioso, pero a la vez sumamente frágil.Revista Nicaragüense de Antropología Año 1 No.2 2017, p.11-13
El poder femenino en las sociedades precolombinas de Nicaragua. Una interpretación antropológica
Authors: García Vásquez Ramiro , Espinoza Vallejos Sandra
Published: April 2018

El presente ensayo está sustentado en el análisis de los resultados de investigaciones antropológicas, arqueológicas, etnohistóricas y de antropología física de carácter científico realizadas en Nicaragua sobre los roles de las mujeres pre coloniales; que dejaron su testimonio en figurillas de arcilla, monéxicos de piedra, tumbas de guerreras y en la etnografía histórica escrita por los cronistas de Indias basados en la observación de la vida cotidiana de nuestras sociedades autóctonas. Estos resultados evidencian que las mujeres además de bellas, maternales y responsables de las actividades en sus hogares, también fueron líderes, consejeras, jefas, guerreras, caciques, sukias, entre otros roles que han sobrevivido en la memo­ria colectiva hasta manifestarse en la sociedad actual, en la que las mujeres han venido recuperando los derechos perdidos y avanzando hacia una Nicaragua más justa a nivel sociocultural.Revista Nicaragüense de Antropología Año 1 No.2 2017, p.15-25
Los emprendimientos familiares: una aproximación desde la antropología
Authors: Solís Narváez Norling Sabel
Published: April 2018

El ensayo intenta cuestionar los principios elementales del desarrollo local, que se enmarcan sobre todo entre los emprendimientos familiares que generan circulación de bienes, pero además de relaciones fa­miliares, e inter vecinales. Esta propuesta de construcción parte de un origen ancestral de las economías familiares, principalmente de las comunidades rurales, donde aún se percibe un fuerte arraigo a patrones culturales de comportamiento de reciprocidad.El propósito de este ensayo es fundamentar que la cultura del emprendimiento es una actividad intrínseca a la cultura propia nicaragüense que data desde los primeros pobladores. Y que además se debe consid­erar como una estrategia de desarrollo local, que resiste las rupturas del sistema capitalista, y que influye en la economía global, que afecta directa e indirectamente las economías locales.El trabajo, que se fundamenta con textos de referencias y comparaciones argumentativas, expone como el emprendimiento no es una invención categórica nueva. Sino que se entiende en la actualidad como elemento mercantil, obviando el valor de uso comunitario como elemento esencial de la cultura local.Revista Nicaragüense de Antropología Año 1 No.2 2017, p.26-32
Retos y transformaciones: liderazgo comunitario y gobernanza territorial indigena en el alto Wangki Bocay
Authors: Pardo Tomás , Hansell Timothy Michael
Published: April 2018

Los pueblos indígenas miskitu y mayangna de la Región del Alto Wangki Bocay, ubicada en la zona norte de Nicaragua en los municipios de Jinotega, San José de Bocay y Waspam, zona núcleo de la Reserva de la Biosfera de Bosawas, se encuentran en un proceso de transformación del liderazgo y gobernanza. En el presente artículo se analizan los hechos de la historia reciente de la región que han tenido un efecto directo sobre la gobernanza y liderazgo comunitario y territorial, desde la reubicación de estos pueblos fuera de su territorio durante los años de guerra en los ochenta y su posterior retorno, la formación de Asociaciones Territoriales hasta la creación de los Gobiernos Territoriales Indígenas. Se explora como repercute la evolución de dichas formas de liderazgo y gobernanza en la manera de encarar los nuevos desafíos y retos que afronta esta región en la actualidad.La reflexión se basa en los testimonios de líderes y lideresas de la región a todos los niveles de gobierno, y por la observación a través del trabajo directo con las diversas estructuras de gobierno en la región, desde ámbitos comunitarios hasta los gobiernos territoriales indígenas entre los años 2011 al 2016.Revista Nicaragüense de Antropología Año 1 No.2 2017, p.34-43
Más allá de lo étnico: procesos identitarios entre reivindicación y prácticas tradicionales
Authors: Maritza Andino Elvira
Published: April 2018

El escrito presenta reflexiones sobre la autoconciencia étnica: identidad de los pueblos originarios, referi­do a las regiones Pacífico y Centro-Norte de Nicaragua. La hipótesis que se ubica en la antropología nicaragüense tiene como base, que las poblaciones originarias fueron casi exterminadas por la conquista española, sin embargo los elementos de identidad se reconfiguraron como es observable a partir de las manifestaciones actuales. La exposición en el texto, refiere al análisis de la autoconciencia más allá de la superficie de la modernidad, y la negación a la identidad originaria. Desde la antropología se impulsa al reconocimiento de la identidad original en los pueblos actuales, manifestados en sus prácticas culturales, y estructuras sociales.En el artículo se analiza el significado de la autoconciencia étnica en los pueblos originarios, desde la semilla de sus prácticas arraigadas en su inconsciente colectivo. Partir del origen ancestral, para compren­der desde la lógica de identidad, la conciencia étnica, vinculada a las prácticas culturales actuales. Por último se dedican líneas de reflexión sobre las prácticas sociales y culturales, manifestadas en tradiciones y costumbres como formas de conservación de la identidad de las poblaciones.Revista Nicaragüense de Antropología Año 1 No.2 2017, p.44-51
La Familia en los Pueblos Originarios y Afrodescendientes Una etnografía por imágenes
Authors: Lucerno Victor Manuel del Cid
Published: April 2018

El l parentesco es el vínculo que une a las personas que descienden de una misma estirpe. Se reconoce dos tipos: por consanguineidad y por afinidad. En una proporción importante de las sociedades, la vida doméstica está dominada por agrupamientos más amplios que las familias nucleares. Probablemente, la mayor parte de las culturas contemporáneas todavía realiza sus rutinas domésticas en el contexto de alguna modalidad de familia extensa, es decir, un grupo doméstico integrado por hermanos, sus cónyuges y sus hijos y/o padres e hijos casados.En el caso de los pueblos originarios y afrodescendientes en el Código de la Familia de la República de Nicaragua, se reconoce, respeta y protege las distintas formas de parentesco, afiliación, descendencia y de nombre familiar de acuerdo a las particularidades culturales de cada pueblo. En todos los casos, se reconoce y respeta la equidad de género y generacional.Revista Nicaragüense de Antropología Año 1 No.2 2017, p.53-58
Miradas sobre el manglar. Saberes tradicionales y conocimientos científicos
Authors: Pérez Altamirano Silke Javiera
Published: April 2018

Este pequeño escrito fortalecido con material fotográfico pretende resaltar la importancia de establecer relaciones entre los saberes tradicionales y los conocimientos científicos, temáticas que han genera­do debates y opiniones extremas entre científicos sociales. Las propuestas de este material encuentran fundamento en las experiencias de campo contextualizadas en el municipio de El Realejo al occidente de Nicaragua, donde se estudió la extracción de conchas negras en el ecosistema manglar y donde se destaca la influencia y protagonismo de los saberes tradicionales, encontrando también prácticas sin reg­ulaciones ambientales que permitan una adecuada regeneración de esta especie. Es en situaciones como estas donde se considera oportuno retomar las fortalezas de los saberes tradicionales y los conocimientos científicos en un sistema de equilibrio dirigido a potencializar el aprovechamiento de los recursos y a la vez mejorar la calidad de vida de la población y la salud de los humedales. consanguineidad y por afinidad. En una proporción importante de las sociedades, la vida doméstica está dominada por agrupamientos más amplios que las familias nucleares. Probablemente, la mayor parte de las culturas contemporáneas todavía realiza sus rutinas domésticas en el contexto de alguna modalidad de familia extensa, es decir, un grupo doméstico integrado por hermanos, sus cónyuges y sus hijos y/o padres e hijos casados.En el caso de los pueblos originarios y afrodescendientes en el Código de la Familia de la República de Nicaragua, se reconoce, respeta y protege las distintas formas de parentesco, afiliación, descendencia y de nombre familiar de acuerdo a las particularidades culturales de cada pueblo. En todos los casos, se reconoce y respeta la equidad de género y generacional.Revista Nicaragüense de Antropología Año 1 No.2 2017, p.59-65
Los seres de la caña: un acercamiento a los Boneteros de la Ex Hacienda de Tuzamapan, Veracruz, México
Authors: Quintanar Pérez Héctor Adolfo , Tenorio Simón Jesús
Published: April 2018

En este trabajo presentamos una mirada fotográfica de una expresión cultural de la localidad de Tuzama­pan Veracruz, hogar de un personaje carnavalesco al que los lugareños llaman “Bonetero” por un elabora­do sombrero adornado al que llaman bonete. Dicho personaje es caracterizado por los hombres adultos y viejos de la comunidad, quienes también portan una máscara de madera y visten un traje que asemeja al de la vieja imagen del hacendado local o al capataz del rancho, con sus botas de fuera, machete de mad­era y corbata elegante. Esta festividad muestra el pasado de esta comunidad, donde su clímax económico se debió a la aportación de la hacienda cañera de asentada en su territorio. Es en el mes de abril, cuando los habitantes salen a las calles y edificios abandonados de la ex hacienda y bailan con alegría durante más de cinco días de desfiles, haciendo gala de su ingenio con distintos disfraces, pero también rememo­rando sus orígenes a partir de la figura del bonetero, portando con orgullo su tradición.Revista Nicaragüense de Antropología Año 1 No.2 2017, p.66-72
Hacia un relato polifónico: experiencias de campo en la Ciudad de La Plata
Authors: Späth Griselda , Menna Rosana , Ruffo Mora , Trovero Julián , Acuña Araí Itatí , Schmidt Gonzalo
Published: April 2018

Si como sostiene Herzfeld (1987) “la antropología, es la práctica de una teoría”, la práctica de la disciplina se aprende en el “Trabajo de Campo”. Aprender a distinguir, a observar, a escuchar, a saber interrumpir y a registrar. Partiendo de una práctica de entrenamiento en trabajo de campo en la ciudad de La Plata, Argentina, pretendemos en este artículo debatir sobre la construcción de un conocimiento colaborativo, intentando derribar esos mitos arraigados del genio del/la antropólogo/a en soledad, aislamiento y exotismo. Desde una narrativa polifónica, acorde al desarrollo de la investigación, compartimos algunas reflexiones sobre este rito de iniciación en el oficio del antropólogo y los avatares de la escritura. Poniendo de manifiesto la tensión, entre lo individual y lo grupal, que entendemos constituyen en su dialógica, el meollo de la construcción del conocimiento colaborativo.Revista Nicaragüense de Antropología Año 1 No.2 2017, p.74-82
Creando la universidad innovadora en Nicaragua
Authors: Gómez Salazar Ernesto Alejandro
Published: April 2018

Innovación y emprendimiento es un paradigma de cambio significativo en el Siglo XXI, partiendo de esta premisa, el presente escrito sistematiza elementos claves de la experiencia de innovación y em­prendimiento en la Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias Jurídicas cuyos efectos se manifiestan en el trabajo conjunto de la UNAN – Managua, Ministerios de Gobierno y organizaciones de cooperación internacional como UNICEF.El escrito enfatiza en la importancia de los procesos de innovación y emprendimiento con enfoque humano, como propuesta emergente incorpora la etnografía en el proceso de diseño que integra a los protagonistas como sujetos de cambio en el desarrollo social, cultural, educativo y económico, la expe­riencia de la UNAN – Managua, es un referente nacional en materia de innovación y emprendimiento para aportar al desarrollo humano sostenible de Nicaragua.Revista Nicaragüense de Antropología Año 1 No.2 2017, p.84-91