bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How are children who are delayed in the Childhood Vaccination Programme vaccinated: A nationwide register-based cohort study of Danish children aged 15–24 months and semi-structured interviews with vaccination providers
Authors: Pedersen Kenneth B. , Holck Marie E. , Jensen Aksel K.G. , Suppli Camilla H. , Benn Christine S. , Krause Tyra G. , Sørup Signe
Published: July 2018

Aims: Delay of childhood vaccinations is common and influences efforts to reduce targeted diseases. In Denmark, the diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (DTaP-IPV-Hib) vaccine is recommended at ages 3, 5 and 12 months and the first measles–mumps–rubella vaccine (MMR-1) at 15 months. Following guidelines, children delayed at age 15 months should receive MMR-1 and DTaP-IPV-Hib-3 simultaneously, unless DTaP-IPV-Hib-2 was received less than 6 months ago, when MMR-1 alone is recommended. We studied compliance with these guidelines and the reasons for non-compliance with a focus on vaccination providers. Methods: We used a nationwide register-based cohort study of children born in Denmark between January 2000 and June 2013, who were lacking MMR-1 and DTaP-IPV-Hib-3 at age 15 months and were followed to 24 months. We also performed semi-structured telephone interviews with vaccination providers. Results: The study consisted of 156,921 children (18% of the children born in the period). Among the 40,060 children who had received DTaP-IPV-Hib-2 less than 6 months ago, 37,892 (95%) received MMR-1 alone. Among the 88,469 children who had received DTaP-IPV-Hib-2 more than 6 months ago, 6334 (7%) received DTaP-IPV-Hib-3 and MMR-1 simultaneously. The interviews indicated that some vaccination providers are reluctant to give multiple vaccinations at the same visit and some have a preference of following the usual sequence in the programme. Conclusions: Vaccination providers generally complied with the recommended minimum 6 months’ interval between DTaP-IPV-Hib-2 and DTaP-IPV-Hib-3. Conversely, there was a low compliance with the recommendation to administer DTaP-IPV-Hib-3 and MMR-1 simultaneously. More efforts are needed to ensure timely vaccination.
Multi-zone reaction-based modeling of combustion for multiple-injection diesel engines
Authors: Men Yifan , Haskara Ibrahim , Zhu Guoming
Published: July 2018

As the requirements for performance and restrictions on emissions become stringent, diesel engines are equipped with advanced air, fuel, exhaust gas recirculation techniques, and associated control strategies, making them incredibly complex systems. To enable model-based engine control, control-oriented combustion models, including Wiebe-based and single-zone reaction-based models, have been developed to predict engine burn rate or in-cylinder pressure. Despite model simplicity, they are not suitable for engines operating outside the normal range because of the large error beyond calibrated region with extremely high calibration effort. The purpose of this article is to obtain a parametric understanding of diesel combustion by developing a physics-based model which can predict the combustion metrics, such as in-cylinder pressure, burn rate, and indicated mean effective pressure accurately, over a wide range of operating conditions, especially with multiple injections. In the proposed model, it is assumed that engine cylinder is divided into three zones: a fuel zone, a reaction zone, and an unmixed zone. The formulation of reaction and unmixed zones is based on the reaction-based modeling methodology, where the interaction between them is governed by Fick’s law of diffusion. The fuel zone is formulated as a virtual zone, which only accounts for mass and heat transfer associated with fuel injection and evaporation. The model is validated using test data under different speed and load conditions, with multiple injections and exhaust gas recirculation rates. It is shown that the multi-zone model outperformed the single-zone model in in-cylinder pressure prediction and calibration effort with a mild penalty in computational time.
Neuroprotective effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist is independent of glycaemia normalization in type two diabetic rats
Authors: Filchenko Irina , Simanenkova Anna , Chefu Svetlana , Kolpakova Maria , Vlasov Timur
Published: July 2018

Objective:

Stroke is a severe complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists have been shown to have a neuroprotective effect in experimental diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine if their neuroprotective effect is an independent property of the drug independent of glycaemic control.

Methods:

This two-phase study used male Wistar rats. In the first phase, experimental animals were pretreated with liraglutide, while controls received only vehicle. After transient focal brain ischaemia modelling, neurological deficit and brain infarct volume were measured. In the second phase, the first and the second groups of experimental animals with type 2 diabetes mellitus received liraglutide and metformin, respectively, while control animals with diabetes received only vehicle. After transient focal brain ischaemia modelling, neurological deficit and brain infarct volume were evaluated.

Results:

Pretreatment with liraglutide in diabetic and non-diabetic animals reduced infarct size as compared to controls, while only non-diabetic liraglutide-treated rats presented neurologic deficit decreases. Despite glycaemia normalization, metformin-treated diabetic rats had no differences in stroke outcome when compared to the control group.

Conclusion:

The neuroprotective effect of liraglutide is not associated with glycaemic control amelioration in experimental type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Diabetes alters the association between high-density lipoprotein subfractions and carotid intima-media thickness: The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)
Authors: Generoso Giuliano , Bensenor Isabela M , Santos Itamar S , Santos Raul D , Goulart Alessandra C , Jones Steven R , Kulkarni Krishnaji R , Blaha Michael J , Toth Peter P , Lotufo Paulo A , Bittencourt Marcio Sommer
Published: July 2018

Introduction:

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol comprises a group of heterogeneous subfractions that might have differential effects on atherosclerosis. Moreover, prior investigations suggest that the presence of diabetes (T2D) modifies the impact of some subfractions on atherosclerosis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol subfractions and carotid intima-media thickness in the baseline assessment of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health participants from the São Paulo investigation centre.

Methods:

We evaluated 3930 individuals between 35 and 74 years without previous cardiovascular disease not using lipid-lowering drugs. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol subfractions (HDL2-C and HDL3-C) were measured by vertical ultracentrifugation (vertical auto profile). The relationship between each high-density lipoprotein cholesterol subfraction and carotid intima-media thickness was analysed by multiple linear regression models.

Results:

Total high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as HDL2-C and HDL3-C, was negatively associated with carotid intima-media thickness after adjustment for demographic data (all p < 0.001) and traditional risk factors (all p < 0.05). When stratified by T2D status, the HDL2-C/HDL3-C ratio showed a negative association with carotid intima-media thickness in participants with T2D ( p = 0.032), even after fully controlling for confounding variables, including total high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Conclusion:

HDL2-C, HDL3-C and HDL2/HDL3-C ratio are inversely associated with carotid intima-media thickness after adjustment for traditional risk factors. Association of the HDL2-C/HDL3-C ratio is modified by the presence of diabetes, being more pronounced in diabetic individuals.
Public Campaign Financing, Candidate Socioeconomic Diversity, and Representational Inequality at the U.S. State Level: Evidence from Connecticut
Authors: Kilborn Mitchell
Published: July 2018

Conventional wisdom holds that public campaign financing can diversify the socioeconomic makeup of candidate pools and, therefore, of U.S. elected officials, which could make U.S. public policy more responsive to lower socioeconomic status (SES) citizens. I argue that in addition to the absence of a positive relationship between public financing and candidate socioeconomic diversity, public financing, depending on the program design, may, in fact, reduce candidate socioeconomic diversity. Using occupational data on state legislative candidates in public financing state Connecticut and two paired control states to execute a difference in difference analysis, I demonstrate that when public financing is available, fewer low SES candidates run for state legislative office, and those who do run are not more likely to win and are less likely to utilize public financing.
The Role of Sexual and Gender Identity in Long-Term Psychodynamic Therapy for Comorbid Social Anxiety and Depression in an Adolescent Female
Authors: Kurdziel Gretchen , Flores Leticia Y. , Macfie Jenny
Published: July 2018

Adolescence is a time of significant change with social, cognitive, and emotional alternations, and growth of autonomy and identity. This is a single clinical case study that uses long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy with an adolescent female diagnosed with comorbid social anxiety and persistent depression. The treatment initially focused on addressing the patient’s self-esteem, perfectionism, and self-criticism. During the treatment it was revealed that the patient’s sexual and gender identity contributed to social anxiety and depressive symptoms, and the therapy conceptualized the role of these identities as contributing to social discomfort which perpetuated her depressive symptoms. Through accepting her budding sexual and gender identity, the patient successfully became more comfortable in social settings which ultimately alleviated her depressive symptoms. This treatment highlights the unique nature of working with an adolescent apart of the sexual and gender minority, and how these identities contributed to her experience of social anxiety and depression.
Solidification of additives for zinc-contaminated silt
Authors: Liang Shihua , Dai Jun , Niu Jiuge , Wang Meng , Wang Liping , Dong Jianghui
Published: July 2018

The soil and vegetation on the ground surface are affected when the zinc content in the soil is excessively high. It is of great importance to choose suitable additives for the solidification/stabilization treatment of zinc-contaminated silt soil. Research focus on the stress–strain, shear strength, and durability of dry–wet cycle for solidified soil contaminated with different contents of zinc is scarce. In this study, the strength, microscopic, and stability of solidified silt are examined and analyzed, and the solidification agent with the best effect is identified. The silt near the mouth of the Pearl River in China is collected, the different contents of zinc are added, and then 15% cement and 15% cement + 5% slag or 15% cement + 10% slag are added to the mixture for curing. The effects of solidification with different additives at the different zinc contents are determined through test, for example, unconfined compressive strength, leaching, scanning electron microscopy, triaxial undrained solidification, X-ray diffraction, and dry–wet cycling experiments. The results show that the admixture that contained 15% cement + 10% slag has a better effect on solidification/stabilization of zinc-contaminated silt. Thus, this study provides a reference for the treatment of zinc-contaminated soft soil.
Rollover threshold investigation of a heavy-duty vehicle during cornering based on multi-body dynamics
Authors: Dong Xiaotong , Jiang Yi , Zhong Zhou , Zeng Wei
Published: July 2018

The objective of this article is to investigate the rollover threshold of a heavy-duty vehicle during cornering. Based on the multi-body dynamics theory, a high-fidelity model is established, which takes account of the chassis flexibility, the suspension nonlinear characteristics, the tire handling model, and Ackermann steering strategy. Furthermore, by the inverse fast Fourier transform method, a three-dimensional stochastic road in space domain is employed in the model to improve the accuracy. A full-size heavy-duty vehicle test was carried out to validate the model. Based on the validated model, the rollover stability and rollover threshold of the heavy-duty vehicle during cornering are investigated. Lateral acceleration, yaw rate, roll angle, and vehicle torsional deflection in different cornering conditions are analyzed. The rollover threshold is summarized by the response surface methodology for the safe cornering purpose. The result shows the practical meaning of improving transportation safety of heavy-duty vehicles and also provides useful insights for developing the rollover warning system.
The Importance of Mutual Injuries: Nietzsche on God, Law, and Impersonal Punishment
Authors: Burdman Javier
Published: July 2018

The article reads Nietzsche’s analysis of punishment in On the Genealogy of Morals as a critique of the idea of God and its influence on modern politics. I show that Nietzsche locates the genesis of the idea of God in the institution of impersonal, juridical punishment, thus undermining Kant’s explanation of it as stemming from our noumenal moral condition. While punishment is originally a direct means of retribution for personal injuries, juridical punishment idealizes this retribution into an impersonal entity, such as society or God, thus generating a growing burden of psychic energy that is experienced as “eternal punishment.” I connect this analysis to contemporary critiques of basing progressive politics upon impersonal legal categories.
Canadian Stroke Best Practice Consensus Statement: Acute Stroke Management during pregnancy
Authors: Ladhani Noor Niyar N , Swartz Richard H , Foley Norine , Nerenberg Kara , Smith Eric E , Gubitz Gord , Dowlatshahi Dariush , Potts Jayson , Ray Joel G , Barrett Jon , Bushnell Cheryl , Bal Simerpreet , Chan Wee-Shian , Chari Radha , El Amrani Meryem , Gandhi Shital , Hill Michael D , James Andra , Jeerakathil Thomas , Jin Albert , Kirton Adam , Lanthier Sylvain , Lausman Andrea , Leffert Lisa Rae , Mandzia Jennifer , Menon Bijoy , Pikula Aleksandra , Poppe Alexandre , Saposnik Gustavo , Sharma Mukul , Bhogal Sanjit , Smitko Elisabeth , Lindsay M Patrice
Published: July 2018

The Canadian Stroke Best Practice Consensus Statement Acute Stroke Management during Pregnancy is the second of a two-part series devoted to stroke in pregnancy. The first part focused on the unique aspects of secondary stroke prevention in a woman with a prior history of stroke who is, or is planning to become, pregnant. This document focuses on the management of a woman who experiences an acute stroke during pregnancy. This consensus statement was developed in recognition of the need for a specifically tailored approach to the management of this group of patients in the absence of any broad-based, stroke-specific guidelines or consensus statements, which do not exist currently. The foundation for the development of this document was the concept that maternal health is vital for fetal well-being; therefore, management decisions should be based first on the confluence of two clinical considerations: (a) decisions that would be made if the patient wasn't pregnant and (b) decisions that would be made if the patient hadn't had a stroke, then nuanced as needed. While empirical research in this area is limited, this consensus document is based on the best available literature and guided by expert consensus. Issues addressed in this document include initial emergency management, diagnostic imaging, acute stroke treatment, the management of hemorrhagic stroke, anesthetic management, post stroke management for women with a stroke in pregnancy, intrapartum considerations, and postpartum management. These statements are appropriate for healthcare professionals across all disciplines and system planners to ensure pregnant women who experience a stroke have timely access to both expert neurological and obstetric care.
Health provision and health professional roles under compromised circumstances: Lessons from Sierra Leone’s prisons
Authors: Jefferson Andrew M , Jalloh Ahmed S
Published: July 2018

This article adds to a growing body of empirical work on prisons in the global south. It reports on a survey into prison health provision in Sierra Leone, West Africa conducted by a local non-governmental organization (Prison Watch – Sierra Leone). Taking the survey results as the point of departure and engaging with the limited literature on prison health provision in the South we discuss the role of health professionals in preventing violence in prisons, suggesting that, under compromised circumstances where a punitive penal ethos often subverts good intentions and appeals to professionalism, advocacy for prisoner health and torture prevention initiatives must be broad-based and include a more radical questioning of the foundations of the penal apparatus. Such circumstances call for a more critical interrogation of dominant forms of penality and generic modes of intervention than has hitherto been the case.
Validation of a Composite Test for Assessment of Readiness for Return to Sports After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: The K-STARTS Test
Authors: Blakeney William G. , Ouanezar Hervé , Rogowski Isabelle , Vigne Gregory , Guen Meven Le , Fayard Jean-Marie , Thaunat Mathieu , Chambat Pierre , Sonnery-Cottet Bertrand
Published: July 2018

Background:

There is limited information on the appropriate timing of return to sports after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A composite test was developed to assess the athlete’s ability to return to sports after ACL reconstruction: the Knee Santy Athletic Return To Sport (K-STARTS) test.

Hypothesis:

The K-STARTS test meets validation criteria for an outcome score assessing readiness for return to sports after ACL reconstruction.

Study Design:

Diagnostic study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

A prospective comparative study identified 410 participants: 371 participants who had undergone ACL reconstruction and a control group of 39 healthy participants. The K-STARTS score is calculated as the sum of 7 tests (8 components), for a maximal value of 21 points. Construct validity, internal consistency, discriminant validity, and sensitivity to change were used to validate this new test.

Results:

The K-STARTS assessment showed a high completion rate (100%), high reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.87; coefficient of variation, 7.8%), and high sensitivity to change. There was moderate correlation with the ACL Return to Sports after Injury scale (ACL-RSI) and hop tests. There were no ceiling or floor effects. There was a significant difference between K-STARTS scores assessed at 6 and 8 months postoperatively (11.2 ± 2.7 vs 17.1 ± 3.2; P < 0.001). The K-STARTS score in the control group was significantly higher than that in the ACL reconstruction group (17.3 ± 2.1 and 13.7 ± 3.8, respectively; P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The K-STARTS test is an objective outcome measure for functional improvement after ACL reconstruction.

Clinical Relevance:

It is important for the clinician to determine when return to sports is optimal after ACL reconstruction to reduce the current high risk of reinjury.
Circulating and Synovial Fluid Heat Shock Protein 70 Are Correlated with Severity in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Ngarmukos Srihatach , Scaramuzza Shaun , Theerawattanapong Nipaporn , Tanavalee Aree , Honsawek Sittisak
Published: July 2018

Objective

Heat shock proteins are molecules rapidly produced under conditions of environmental stress, and involve in protecting the cells structural integrity and function. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic destructive disorder of the joints manifested by the ongoing deterioration and loss of articular cartilage. The present study aimed to analyze circulating and synovial heat shock protein (Hsp70) values in knee osteoarthritis patients and healthy controls and to determine their relationship with the radiographic grading of the severity of knee OA.

Design

Seventy-two subjects with knee OA and 30 control participants were recruited. Circulating and joint fluid Hsp70 values were quantified by commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Circulating Hsp70 was markedly higher in knee OA patients compared with that of healthy volunteers ( P = 0.01). Correspondingly, synovial fluid Hsp70 was 3-fold greater than paired circulating Hsp70 samples ( P < 0.001). Further analysis revealed that circulating and joint fluid Hsp70 values were significantly related with the radiographic severity of knee OA ( r = 0.413, P < 0.001 and r = 0.658, P < 0.001, respectively). Subsequently, circulating Hsp70 value was directly associated with joint fluid Hsp70 value ( r = 0.704, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Circulating and synovial Hsp70 levels were positively correlated with the radiographic severity of knee OA. Hsp70 could represent a potential biochemical marker for predicting the severity and may play a fundamental part in the pathogenic mechanism of knee OA.
Visualizing the Paris Climate Talks on Twitter: Media and Climate Stakeholder Visual Social Media During COP21
Authors: Hopke Jill E. , Hestres Luis E.
Published: July 2018

In 2015, meeting in Paris for the Conference of the Parties (COP21), representatives of 195 nations set an ambitious goal to reach net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by mid-century. This research uses the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which took place in Paris during 30 November to 11 December 2015, as a case study of Twitter coverage of the talks by mainstream and alternative media outlets and other climate stakeholders, including activists and fossil fuel industry groups. It compares the British Guardian with other media and climate stakeholders’ visual framing of climate change on Twitter during COP21, because the publication had launched an advocacy campaign in March 2015 promoting fossil fuel divestment in the lead-up to COP21. Findings show that individual activists and movement organizations functioned similarly in climate change visual framing in Twitter posts, as did individual and organizational multinational representatives and scientific experts. The news media categories varied by type of news organization. The major outliers were the fossil fuel industry and trade association accounts. Industry stakeholders largely focused on former US President Barack Obama’s climate policy, promoting the perception of a lack of domestic support for his climate policies in their visual Twitter postings.
Ethics as Methods: Doing Ethics in the Era of Big Data Research—Introduction
Authors: Markham Annette N , Tiidenberg Katrin , Herman Andrew
Published: July 2018

This is an introduction to the special issue of “Ethics as Methods: Doing Ethics in the Era of Big Data Research.” Building on a variety of theoretical paradigms (i.e., critical theory, [new] materialism, feminist ethics, theory of cultural techniques) and frameworks (i.e., contextual integrity, deflationary perspective, ethics of care), the Special Issue contributes specific cases and fine-grained conceptual distinctions to ongoing discussions about the ethics in data-driven research. In the second decade of the 21st century, a grand narrative is emerging that posits knowledge derived from data analytics as true, because of the objective qualities of data, their means of collection and analysis, and the sheer size of the data set. The by-product of this grand narrative is that the qualitative aspects of behavior and experience that form the data are diminished, and the human is removed from the process of analysis. This situates data science as a process of analysis performed by the tool, which obscures human decisions in the process. The scholars involved in this Special Issue problematize the assumptions and trends in big data research and point out the crisis in accountability that emerges from using such data to make societal interventions. Our collaborators offer a range of answers to the question of how to configure ethics through a methodological framework in the context of the prevalence of big data, neural networks, and automated, algorithmic governance of much of human socia(bi)lity
Talking It Personally: Features of Successful Political Posts on Facebook
Authors: Nave Nir Noon , Shifman Limor , Tenenboim-Weinblatt Keren
Published: July 2018

While the centrality of Facebook as a political arena has been widely acknowledged, only scant attention has been given to what makes some political posts more successful than others. Addressing this gap, we analyzed a corpus of political posts written by diverse political actors in Israel. We explored, in particular, two main groups of factors that have been associated with major attributes of Facebook usage: content engagement and self-presentation. The analysis yielded a model of six features that promote the success of a political post: implied emotions, humor, first person, self-exposure, personal stance, and anger-evoking cues. We also identified differences in successful posts written by right-wing and left-wing actors; while humor was found to be a significant predictor of success only in left-wing posts, references to an out-group are associated with success only in right-wing ones. Overall, the findings showed that attributes of self-presentation are strongly linked to the success of political posts.
Comparing territorial and functional constituency representations in Hong Kong
Authors: Jang Jinhyeok
Published: July 2018

Much has been studied on political representation either in democratic countries or in competitive authoritarian regimes. However, few have attempted to compare across the two. This article fills this gap by comparing democratic and authoritarian representations within the same collective decision-making body: the Legislative Council of Hong Kong. The original data derives from 2465 parliamentary questions made by 243 legislators serving in the last four legislative sessions from 1998 through 2012. The empirical analysis shows that the type of election variable does not have an impact on the volume of parliamentary questions but that it has a strong effect on the composition of parliamentary policy issues.
Fatal Type B Lactic Acidosis Associated With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Case Report With Review of Literature, Pathogenesis, and Treatment
Authors: Gharia Bharatsinh , Seegobin Karan , Mahida Hetavi , Shaikh Marwan , Matthews Hew Trevanne , Pham Dat
Published: July 2018

Type B lactic acidosis associated with malignancy is a life-threatening complication and mostly seen in hematological malignancies but can also be seen in solid tumors. We report a rare case of a 64-year-old female diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the colon with liver metastasis associated with severe type B lactic acidosis. We discuss pathophysiology, previously reported cases, and their outcomes. The most widely used therapies are bicarbonate infusion, thiamine supplementation, chemotherapy, and supportive care but is associated with poor outcomes, and no standard treatment recommendations are available. Early chemotherapy administration remains the only intervention that has shown some survival benefit. Physicians should be aware and proactive for early diagnosis and management of this condition with further research needed to guide optimal therapy.
Adjusting Expectations: Hearing Abilities in a Population-Based Sample Using an SSQ Short Form
Authors: von Gablenz Petra , Otto-Sobotka Fabian , Holube Inga
Published: July 2018

The German short form of the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) was administered in a cross-sectional study based on stratified random samples complemented by audiometric tests and a general interview. Data from 1,711 unaided adults aged 18 to 97 years were analyzed in order to determine a distribution of hearing abilities considered as normal and the main factors that impact self-assessments. An innovative mathematical approach was used to overcome the constraints of statistics based on the mean. Quantile regression analysis yielded a benchmark distribution of SSQ scores that might support audiologists in setting realistic SSQ score targets and estimated how the effect of auditory and nonauditory factors changes across the distribution of SSQ scores. Regression models showed significant effects for nonauditory factors on SSQ ratings when controlled for pure-tone hearing and interaural asymmetry. Self-reporting of hearing difficulties, when asked in general terms, was substantially related to SSQ ratings. This effect was observed in both high and low scoring participants and led to a considerable score decrease in all SSQ subscales. Gender, educational level, and self-reporting of health issues also were significantly related to SSQ ratings, but the corresponding effects were regularly unbalanced across the score distribution and particularly large at lower quantiles. The estimated effects of age, however, were mostly small in size, inconsistent regarding the direction, and failed significance for all SSQ items. Overall, the results suggest that nonauditory factors and cumulative effects must be considered when evaluating rehabilitative interventions against an ideal outcome.
Speech Understanding With Various Maskers in Cochlear-Implant and Simulated Cochlear-Implant Hearing: Effects of Spectral Resolution and Implications for Masking Release
Authors: Croghan Naomi B. H. , Smith Zachary M.
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between psychophysical spectral resolution and sentence reception in various types of interfering backgrounds for listeners with cochlear implants and normal-hearing subjects listening to vocoded speech. Spectral resolution was measured with a spectral modulation detection (SMD) task. For speech testing, maskers included stationary speech-shaped noise (SSN), four-talker babble, multitone noise, and a competing talker. To explore the possible trade-offs between spectral resolution and susceptibility to different types of maskers, the degree of simulated current spread was varied within the vocoder group, achieving a range of performance for SMD and speech tasks. Greater simulated current spread was detrimental to both spectral resolution and speech recognition, suggesting that interventions that decrease current spread may improve performance for both tasks. Better SMD sensitivity was significantly correlated with improved sentence reception. In addition, differences in sentence reception across the four maskers were significantly associated with SMD across the combined group of cochlear-implant and vocoder subjects. Masking release (MR) was quantified as the signal-to-noise ratio difference in speech reception threshold between the SSN and competing talker. Several individual cochlear-implant subjects demonstrated substantial MR, in contrast to previous studies, and the degree of MR increased with better SMD thresholds across subjects. The results of this study suggest that alternative masker types, particularly competing talkers, are more sensitive than stationary SSN to differences in spectral resolution in the cochlear-implant population.
A Cyclic Model Describing the Process of Sustaining Meaningfulness in Practice: How Nurses Continue Working at One Home Care Agency
Authors: Noguchi-Watanabe Maiko , Yamamoto-Mitani Noriko , Takai Yukari
Published: July 2018

This study aimed to elucidate the experiences of home care nurses who had continued working a single agency, to gain insight into the prevention of premature turnover. We adopted a grounded theory approach to qualitative exploration of the experiences of 26 Japanese nurses working in a home care agency, using semistructured interviews and participant observation. Nurses’ experience progressed through three phases: “encountering difficulty,” “enjoying the fruitfulness,” and “becoming dissatisfied.” Nurses’ cognitive rounding involving these phases was conceptualized as “cycle of sustaining meaningfulness.” To move from encountering difficulty to enjoying the fruitfulness, nurses needed to discover the meaningfulness of practice, and to move from becoming dissatisfied to encountering difficulty, they needed to requestion their practice. During their time at the agency, nurses progressed through the phases of the cycle of sustaining meaningfulness repeatedly. Knowing the point at which nurses are in the cycle and assisting their further progress could aid in their retention.
Use of a Simple Anthropometric Measurement to Identify Low-Birth-Weight Infants in Enugu, Nigeria
Authors: Chukwudi Ndubuisi Kennedy , Nwokeukwu Huldah Ijeoma , Adimorah Gilbert Nwadiakanma
Published: July 2018

Background. This prospective study was conducted to identify a suitable alternative to birth weight and establish its cutoff point to facilitate the identification of low-birth-weight (LBW) infants in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria. Methods. The study involved newborn babies within the first 48 hours of life. Five anthropometric measurements (head, chest, mid-arm and calf circumferences, as well as abdominal girth) were taken using a tape measure while supine length was measured with an aluminum infantometer. Birth weight was also recorded. Linear regression analysis was done to identify the measurement with the highest coefficient of determination with birth weight while its cutoff point was defined using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Standard statistical tests were used to determine the statistical significance of the findings. Results. The LBW prevalence for the study population was 21.41%. Chest circumference had the highest R2 value of 0.83 for the general study population and 0.72 for the LBW infants. The identified cutoff point for chest circumference is ⩽30 cm. Conclusion. Chest circumference is the best alternative to birth weight in identifying LBW babies within the first 48 hours of life in this environment.
Prescription Pattern Variability of Biologic Therapies in Treating Psoriasis
Authors: Galli Emily , Liu Guodong , Leslie Doug , Kirby Joslyn , Miller Jeffrey J.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Medical conditions with high variability in clinical costs and outcomes, such as psoriasis, represent a critical area for health-care value improvement. Thus, the prescription pattern variability of psoriasis biologics merits further study.

Objective:

The purpose of our study was to determine whether there is variation in psoriasis biologic prescribing patterns.

Methods:

This study analyzed data from the Truven MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database. Patients with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision psoriasis diagnoses from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2013, and continuously enrolled for at least 12 months were included. Patient sex, geographic location by census region, and new pharmacy claims for etanercept, adalimumab, and ustekinumab were included. Descriptive and multivariable analyses using logistic regression were performed.

Results:

Twenty nine thousand seven hundred thirty patients with psoriasis had 36 366 new prescription claims. Statistically significant differences in biologic pharmacy claims existed across US census region and year of claim. The South census region had the most prescriptions (per million population) of each biologic and the greatest increase in new prescriptions for adalimumab and ustekinumab, while the Northeast had the fewest. Etanercept pharmacy claims steadily decreased across all regions over time, while ustekinumab experienced an 8-fold increase.

Conclusion:

Prescription pattern variability for psoriasis biologics is associated with US census region and year of pharmacy claim.
Drug Interactions With Oral Inhaled Medications
Authors: Ajimura Chanelle M. , Jagan Nikhil , Morrow Lee E. , Malesker Mark A.
Published: July 2018

Objective: To evaluate the potential for drug interactions with oral inhaled medications (OIMs). OIMs include bronchodilators (β-agonists and antimuscarinics), corticosteroids, combination products (2 or more agents combined within a single inhalation device), antibiotics, prostacyclins, anesthetics, acetylcysteine, mucolytics, insulin, antivirals, nitric oxide, and nicotine replacement. Data Sources: A systemic literature search (1980 to May 2018) was performed using PubMed and EBSCO to locate relevant articles. The MESH terms used included each specific medication available as an OIM as well as “drug interactions.” DAILYMED was used for product-specific drug interactions. Study Selection and Data Extraction: The search was conducted to identify drug interactions with OIMs. The search was limited to those articles studying human applications with OIMs and publications using the English language. Case reports, clinical trials, review articles, treatment guidelines, and package labeling were selected for inclusion. Data Synthesis: Primary literature and package labeling indicate that OIMs are subject to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics interactions. The most frequently identified clinically significant drug interaction is an inhaled corticosteroid when combined with a potent CYP 450 inhibitor such as a protease inhibitor or antifungal. Conclusions: The available literature indicates that OIMs are associated with clinically significant drug interactions and subsequent adverse reactions. Clinicians in all practice settings should be mindful of this potential to minimize adverse effects and optimize therapy.
Defective TAFI activation in hemophilia A mice is a major contributor to joint bleeding
Authors: Wyseure Tine , Cooke Esther J. , Declerck Paul J. , Behrendt Niels , Meijers Joost C. M. , von Drygalski Annette , Mosnier Laurent O.
Published: July 2018

Key Points

Degree of TAFI activation in HA is a modifier of hemophilic joint bleeding that inversely affects bleeding severity. Defective TAFI activation in severe congenital HA impairs protection against uPA-mediated fibrinolysis in bleeding joints.
RH genotype matching for transfusion support in sickle cell disease
Authors: Chou Stella T. , Evans Perry , Vege Sunitha , Coleman Sarita L. , Friedman David F. , Keller Margaret , Westhoff Connie M.
Published: July 2018

Key Points

RH genotyping of red cells may improve matching of patients and donors and reduce Rh alloimmunization. RH genotype matching may improve use of an African American blood donor inventory.
Integrating Performance-Based Engineering and Urban Simulation to Model Post-Earthquake Housing Recovery
Authors: Burton Henry V. , Miles Scott B. , Kang Hua
Published: July 2018

The efficacy of various types of intervention measures intended to facilitate post-earthquake housing recovery can be evaluated ahead of time by using simulation models to quantify their benefits and tradeoffs. Towards this end, this paper presents a conceptual framework comprised of three components for modeling post-earthquake housing recovery. The modeling framework starts with a probabilistic assessment of building-level damage using recovery-based limit states that characterize post-earthquake functionality, inhabitability, and repairability. These limit states are the basis for the second component, which includes two different utility-based models for representing post-earthquake household decision making. Stochastic models to probabilistically quantify building-level recovery trajectories comprise the third and final component of the framework. Collectively, these alternative models can integrate the effect of building states, available resources, household decisions, and endogenous factors such as lifeline restoration. The modeling framework can be scaled to model spatiotemporal scenarios of housing recovery to inform jurisdictional-level policies, plans, and interventions to increase residential community resilience.
CPX-351 (cytarabine and daunorubicin) Liposome for Injection Versus Conventional Cytarabine Plus Daunorubicin in Older Patients With Newly Diagnosed Secondary Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Lancet Jeffrey E. , Uy Geoffrey L. , Cortes Jorge E. , Newell Laura F. , Lin Tara L. , Ritchie Ellen K. , Stuart Robert K. , Strickland Stephen A. , Hogge Donna , Solomon Scott R. , Stone Richard M. , Bixby Dale L. , Kolitz Jonathan E. , Schiller Gary J. , Wieduwilt Matthew J. , Ryan Daniel H. , Hoering Antje , Banerjee Kamalika , Chiarella Michael , Louie Arthur C. , Medeiros Bruno C.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

CPX-351 is a dual-drug liposomal encapsulation of cytarabine and daunorubicin that delivers a synergistic 5:1 drug ratio into leukemia cells to a greater extent than normal bone marrow cells. Prior clinical studies demonstrated a sustained drug ratio and exposure in vivo and prolonged survival versus standard-of-care cytarabine plus daunorubicin chemotherapy (7+3 regimen) in older patients with newly diagnosed secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML).

Patients and Methods

In this open-label, randomized, phase III trial, 309 patients age 60 to 75 years with newly diagnosed high-risk/sAML received one to two induction cycles of CPX-351 or 7+3 followed by consolidation therapy with a similar regimen. The primary end point was overall survival.

Results

CPX-351 significantly improved median overall survival versus 7+3 (9.56 v 5.95 months; hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.90; one-sided P = .003). Overall remission rate was also significantly higher with CPX-351 versus 7+3 (47.7% v 33.3%; two-sided P = .016). Improved outcomes were observed across age-groups and AML subtypes. The incidences of nonhematologic adverse events were comparable between arms, despite a longer treatment phase and prolonged time to neutrophil and platelet count recovery with CPX-351. Early mortality rates with CPX-351 and 7+3 were 5.9% and 10.6% (two-sided P = .149) through day 30 and 13.7% and 21.2% (two-sided P = .097) through day 60.

Conclusion

CPX-351 treatment is associated with significantly longer survival compared with conventional 7+3 in older adults with newly diagnosed sAML. The safety profile of CPX-351 was similar to that of conventional 7+3 therapy.
Large-for-Gestational-Age May Be Associated With Lower Fetal Insulin Sensitivity and β-Cell Function Linked to Leptin
Authors: Dong Yu , Luo Zhong-Cheng , Nuyt Anne Monique , Audibert Francois , Wei Shu-Qin , Abenhaim Haim A , Bujold Emmanuel , Julien Pierre , Huang Hong , Levy Emile , Fraser William D ,   3D Cohort Study Group
Published: July 2018

Context

Fetal overgrowth is associated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes in adulthood. It is unclear whether there are alterations in insulin sensitivity and β-cell function in early life.

Objective

To determine whether large-for-gestational-age (LGA) (birth weight > 90th percentile), an indicator of fetal overgrowth, is associated with altered fetal insulin sensitivity and β-cell function.

Study Design, Population, and Outcomes

In the Design, Development, and Discover birth cohort in Canada, we studied 106 pairs of LGA and optimal-for-gestational-age (OGA; birth weight, 25th to 75th percentiles) infants matched by maternal ethnicity, smoking status, and gestational age. Cord plasma glucose-to-insulin ratio was used as an indicator of fetal insulin sensitivity, and proinsulin-to-insulin ratio was used as an indicator of β-cell function. Cord plasma leptin and high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin concentrations were measured.

Results

Comparisons of infants who were born LGA vs OGA, adjusted for maternal and newborn characteristics, showed that cord blood insulin, proinsulin, and leptin concentrations were significantly higher, whereas HWM adiponectin concentrations were similar. Glucose-to-insulin ratios were significantly lower (15.4 ± 28.1 vs 22.0 ± 24.9; P = 0.004), and proinsulin-to-insulin ratios significantly higher (0.73 ± 0.82 vs 0.60 ± 0.78; P = 0.005) in LGA vs OGA newborns, indicating lower insulin sensitivity and β-cell function in LGA newborns. These significant differences were almost unchanged after further adjustment for cord blood adiponectin levels but disappeared upon additional adjustment for cord blood leptin levels.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that LGA may be associated with decreases in both fetal insulin sensitivity and β-cell function. The alterations appear to be linked to elevated leptin levels.
“In My Eyes He Was a Man”
Authors: Ahmadi Shaherzad R.
Published: July 2018

During the Pahlavi period in Iran (1925–79), poor and working-class families were more likely to expect young sons to work to support the household. These boys, in turn, were more autonomous. Middle-class families, on the other hand, protected and controlled boys. Researchers have assumed that religious zealotry was the primary inspiration for boys to enlist in the Iran-Iraq War (1980–88) after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, ignoring the ways in which class inflected boyhood. While religious fervor may have been a motivation for some of the poor and working-class Iranian boys (between ten and fourteen) who enlisted, the expectation that they work took precedence. Moreover, at least some of these boys were eager to participate in war-front masculine homosociality rather than remain in feminized domestic spaces. This study analyzes biographies, census data, newspaper accounts, and original oral history interviews.
Metabolic rate scaling, ventilation patterns and respiratory water loss in red wood ants: activity drives ventilation changes, metabolic rate drives water loss
Authors: Perl Craig D. , Niven Jeremy E.
Published: July 2018

Metabolic rate and its relationship with body size is a fundamental determinant of many life history traits and potentially of organismal fitness. Alongside various environmental and physiological factors, the metabolic rate of insects is linked to distinct ventilation patterns. Despite significant attention, however, the precise role of these ventilation patterns remains uncertain. Here we determine the allometric scaling of metabolic rate and respiratory water loss in the red wood ant, as well as assessing the effect of movement upon metabolic rate and ventilation pattern. Metabolic rate and respiratory water loss are both negatively allometric. We observed both continuous and cyclic ventilation associated with relatively higher and lower metabolic rates, respectively. In wood ants, however, movement not metabolic rate is the primary determinant of which ventilation pattern is performed. Conversely, metabolic rate not ventilation pattern is the primary determinant of respiratory water loss. Our statistical models produced a range of relatively shallow intraspecific scaling exponents between 0.40 and 0.59, emphasising the dependency upon model structure. Previous investigations have revealed substantial variation in morphological allometry among wood ant workers from different nests within a population. Metabolic rate scaling does not exhibit the same variability, suggesting that these two forms of scaling respond to environmental factors in different ways.