bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Espacializando o desenvolvimentismo – imaginário, escalas e regulação
Authors: Souza Marcos Barcellos de
Published: January 2017

O recente debate sobre um possível retorno do “Desenvolvimentismo” ao Brasil traz à tona diversas questões que têm sido acompanhadas de polêmicos debates, sobretudo no campo da macroeconomia e das políticas sociais. Acreditamos tratar-se de excelente oportunidade para se (re)pensar as bases espaciais do desenvolvimentismo, pois estas fornecerão subsídios fundamentais para entender as opções e estratégias em tela. O presente artigo visa apontar algumas lacunas na construção do imaginário espacial desenvolvimentista e sugerir elementos metodológicos e conceituais para a compreensão dos processos espaciais na vigência de um “novo” desenvolvimentismo. Neste sentido, defendemos uma preocupação com o reescalonamento espacial do Estado e propomos a articulação da Abordagem da Regulação com uma interpretação de inspiração neo-gramsciana. Para ilustrar este argumento, aplicamos estes conceitos numa releitura da “questão regional” no Brasil. Palavras-chave: Estado; desenvolvimentismo; nacionalismo metodológico; reescalonamento; abordagem da regulação; hegemonia. Abstract: The recent debate about a possible return to “Developmentalism” in Brazil brings out several issues that have been accompanied by polemical debates, especially in the fields of macroeconomics and social policies. We believe this is also an excellent opportunity to revisit the spatial bases of “developmentalism”, as they provide subsidies to understand the current options and strategies at stake. This article aims to highlight some shortcomings in the construction of the developmental spatial imaginary and to suggest some methodological and conceptual elements to understand the spatial processes under a “new developmentalism”. Therefore, we stress the changing state territoriality and state rescaling and propose an articulation of the Regulation Approach and a neo-Gramscian analysis. In order to illustrate this argument, we apply these concepts in a study of the “regional problem” in Brazil. Keywords: State; developmentalism; methodological nationalism; rescaling; regulation approach; hegemony.
Influence of compensation plans and job security on time horizons
Authors: Butler Stephen A.
Published: January 2017

A number of techniques are used in corporate governance in order to align managers’ self-interests with that of shareholders.’ This study reports the results of an experiment designed to determine whether varying degrees of job security or the existence of a long term compensation plan alter managerial decision time horizons. To enhance the significance of the results, the research design used empirically valid relationships among the variables. The results show that increased job security does result in selecting more investments with long term payoffs, while the long term compensation plan used did not extend the time horizons of our participants
The portfolio risk management and diversification benefits from the South African rand currency index (RAIN)
Authors: Jordaan F.Y. , Van Rooyen J.H.
Published: January 2017

This study attempts to explain the source of risk management and diversification benefits that investors may gain from the South African Rand Currency Index (RAIN) as it relates to an equity portfolio with stock market exposure (locally or international). These diversification benefits may result from the negative correlation between RAIN and the South African All Share Index (ALSI). To explain and fully exploit the benefits of RAIN, the main variables that represent South Africa’s trading partner equity and bond markets movements, were identified. To account for the interaction of RAIN with the ALSI, the latter was firstly decomposed into its economic groups and secondly into its various sub-sectors. Various analyses were carried out to determine which variables describe the relationship between the ALSI and RAIN. The variables that describe the relationship with a high adjusted R2, were identified. The findings suggest that when the ALSI is decomposed into its ten economic groups and thirty-seven sub-groups, the quadratic as opposed to linear models using response surface regressions, explained the majority of the variation in RAIN over the entire period. The linear models, however, explained more of the variation in RAIN during the recent 2008/2009 financial crisis.
Pain Assessment and the Mental Health Practitioner: A Mind-Body Approach
Authors: Schnall Eliezer
Published: January 2017

Pain is the most common reason individuals visit physi- cians, yet medical doctors are often inadequately trained in pain assessment. Furthermore, pain is increasinglyviewed as having significant affective and cognitive components necessitating a biopsychosocial approach. The role of the mental health practitioner is essential in amind-body approach to pain assessment. In addition, issues arising in special populations, such as children and the elderly, require special attention.
Communication in the Clinical Encounter: Dealing with the Disparities
Authors: Pirbhai Adnan
Published: January 2017

Despite basing its foundation upon the ideals of Hippocrates, Western medicine, especially in the last century, has shifted from a holistic to a more reductionist approach to understanding and treating patients. These changes are primarily a result of widespread acceptance of the biomedical model in modern medicine. Consequently, there are now significant differences in physician and patient explanatory models for the same ailment. Cancer, for example, is interpreted as primarily a physiological process by the medical community, or more simply, as a disease. The patient, on the other hand, interprets cancer as an illness, a more subjective response, covering all aspects of the patient’s life experience, including emotional, psychological, social, and cultural realms, in addition to physiological aspects. These differences in explanatory models result in disparities between physicians and patients when it comes to defining the condition, managing the condition and even defining successful outcomes. These incongruencies must be addressed through effective communication in the clinical encounter, an aspect of patient care that has proven beneficial effects on patient health outcomes. The shared treatment decision-making model best addresses these communication problems. By providing a framework for both the physician and patient to negotiate their respective explanatory models en route to a mutually agreeable treatment decision, this model is a compromise between the two extremes of patient-physician models of communication: paternalism andinformed decision-making. Ultimately, the shared treatment decision-making model establishes a clinical relationship that is no longer characterized by an inabilityto effectively negotiate and consolidate differing values due to unbalanced informational and power dynamics in a social context. By incorporating this model of communication into medical practice, physicians and patients will better understand each other, bridging the disparities apparent in current practice and allow Western medicine to once again approximate the Hippocratic ideal.
Preparing Einstein Students to Practice in Twenty-first Century Medicine
Authors: Coupey Susan M , McEvoy Mimi , Myers Daniel C , Marzan Maria
Published: January 2017

The current trend in medical education is to introduce clinical teaching early in the medical school curriculum to help students understand the relevance of the basic sciences to clinical practice. The Introduction to Clinical Medicine (ICM) Program for students in the first two years at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (AECOM) is comprised of three, required, integrated courses providing skills training in both medical interviewing and physical examination, training in diagnostic reasoning skills, and opportunities to discuss broad themes in medicine and the doctor-patient relationship. Competency evaluation of students’ clinical skills is an essential part of the ICM Program. Innovative strategies for weaving themes related to cultural competency have been incorporated into the ICM program to address the wide spectrum of cultural issues affecting medical care and the doctor/patient relationship, including diversity, spirituality, complementary and alternative medical practices, and end-of-life care. A total of 300 medical school faculty members teach in the various ICM courses. Much effort goes into keeping the faculty current, happy, and rewarded for their dedication and hard work in teaching the students. The ICM Program continues to strive for excellence as we prepare AECOM students to face the demands of medical practice in the twenty-first century
The Department of Medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1980-1999
Authors: Scheuer James
Published: January 2017

Beginning in 1977, the leaders at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (AECOM) and Montefiore Medical Center (MMC) began to develop unifieddepartments combining the strengths at both campuses under a single department chair. The unification of the Department of Medicine was carried out under the leadership of Dr. Louis M. Sherwood in 1980. This step built upon the strength of the two Departments that had developed separately at MMC and AECOM during the previous era. During the 1980s and the 1990s, the subspecialty divisions, along with their training and research programs, were merged. Other changes evolved though that period, so that by the turn of the century many aspects of the Department of Medicine differed from its structure and function in 1980.
Retrotranslocation: Endoplasmic Reticulum’s Junk Disposal Mechanism
Authors: Ray Partha
Published: January 2017

The primary structure of polypeptides is converted to their final tertiary and quaternary structure by sequential maturation steps, and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) provides the environment for the polypeptides to attain their proper 3-dimensional architecture. Proteins that misfold or fail to oligomerize with their partners (Chen et al., 1998; Wileman et al., 1990) are quickly degraded, as unfolded or unassembled proteins could interfere with normal cellular function. Retrotranslocation is the process by which terminally misfolded or unassembled ER proteins are translocated back into the cytosol for degradation mediated by the proteasomal machinery. Increasing amounts of evidence now support the fact that the same translocon pore that is involved in the translocation of polypeptides into the ER is also used for the retrotranslocation process. But questions, like how the misfolded proteins are recognized and targeted to the translocon pore, whether the process requires energy, and what pulls the polypeptides as they emerge out of the pore into the cytoplasm, remain to be elucidated. This review addresses our current knowledge about the retrotranslocation process.
Building a Multidisciplinary Cochlear Implant Team
Authors: Parikh Sanjay R , Machleder Daniel J , Chobot-Rodd Janie , Girouard Kelly , Shanske Alan , Stern Elissa , Tarshis Nancy , Dinces Elizabeth
Published: January 2017

Cochlear implantation is evolving into a common modality of auditory rehabilitation for the patient with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. In order to provide the patient considering cochlear implantation with an understanding of how best to integrate the device into his daily life, adequate evaluation, counseling, and instruction are required. Using the multidisciplinary model, our initial experience has shown that evaluation by specialists in audiology, otolaryngology, speech pathology, pediatric genetics, social work, and child life may lead to better patient and family understanding of cochlear implantation.
Prevention and Treatment of HIV Infection in Injection Drug Users in the Bronx
Authors: Ramaswamy Megha , Harris Kenneth , Stein Melissa R. , Arnsten Julia H.
Published: January 2017

Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 infection is prevalent among injection drug users nationwide, and is especially prevalent here in the Bronx and New York City. Injection drug users are at increased risk for acquiring and transmitting HIV infection primarily because of unsafe injection practices and high-risk sex behaviors, but several studies have tested risk reduction interventions for injection drug users and found them to decrease these risk behaviors. The most successful risk reduction interventions mobilize peers, involve community outreach, and work in conjunction with substance abuse treatment programs. Other successful interventions for reducing HIV transmission risk among injection drugs users rely on medical providers to offer individualized risk reduction along with medical treatment for HIV. In this article, we review HIV prevention and treatment programs that have helped stem the HIV epidemic among injection drug users in the Bronx.
Treating HIV in the Bronx and Beyond: How the Center for AIDS Research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center is Working Toward the Future
Authors: Cosenza-Nashat Melissa
Published: January 2017

This review provides a historical perspective on research performed at both the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (AECOM) and the Montefiore Medical Center (MMC). It discusses how the Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) has been an invaluable resource for the network of investigators at AECOM/MMC and it surveys the past and current HIV-related research projects in the Bronx and beyond.
The Rare Earth Metals and Their Compounds: Thermal Analysis of Rare Earth Nitrate Mixtures
Authors: Quill Laurence L. , Robey Richard F. , Seifter Sam
Published: January 2017

A method of analysis is proposed which utilizes thecharacteristic melting points of the hydrated salts andthe liquidus curves of the binary salt mixtures for theestimation of the composition of rare earth mixtures.Several binary salt systems were investigated, employingvery pure simple and double rare earth nitrates toprovide basic information concerning the possibilitiesof the method.
Alteration in the Collagen Content of the Human Uterus During Pregnancy and Post Partum Involution
Authors: Morrione Thomas G. , Seifter Sam
Published: January 2017

The physiological resorption of collagen during recoveryfrom experimental cirrhosis was demonstrated in1947 (1). Factors which influence the deposition anddisappearance of collagen in experimental cirrhosis,as well as the phenomenon of the regression of scartissue, were examined subsequently (2, 3). A strikingresorption of collagen from the rat uterus followingparturition was described by Harkness and Harknessin 1954 (4). Later these authors (5), and Harkness andMoralee (6), suggested that the post partum uterus isespecially suitable for investigation of the physiologicaldissolution and catabolism of endogenous collagen. Thepresent study was undertaken to determine the alterationsin the nature and content of collagen occurring inthe myometrium of the human uterus during pregnancyand the post partum involutionary period.
The History of the Hippocratic Oath: Outdated, Inauthentic, and Yet Still Relevant
Authors: Hulkower Raphael
Published: January 2017

Nearly all medical schools incorporate some form of professional medical oath into their graduation ceremo- nies. The oldest and most popular of these oaths is the Hippocratic Oath, composed more than 2,400 years ago. In modern times, especially during the twentieth century, the Hippocratic Oath has had its content changed and its authorship challenged. This article discusses the history of the Hippocratic Oath from its traditional form to its modern adaptations. Additionally, this article seeks to explain the Hippocratic Oath’s endurance despite these challenges, based upon the historical importance of Hippocrates and the Hippocratic tradition in Western medicine.
History and Hemolysis: Not an Easy Kidd’s Game and Review of Literature
Authors: Nguyen David M , Wu Ding W , Gai Hui , Lee Hun J
Published: January 2017

One-third of delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions (DHTR) are mediated by the Kidd antibody. We report a case of Kidd-induced DHTR, detailing the diagnostic dilemma in a patient presenting with nonspecific symptoms and inconclusive data. The importance of a full history, including a transfusion history, is emphasized to overcome the dilemma and concludes with a literature review of Kidd (type anti-Jkb) antibodies.
The Association of Blood Urea Nitrogen Levels and Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Ostfeld Robert , Spinelli Michael , Mookherjee Disha , Holtzman Dvorah , Shoyeb Abu , Schaefer Michael , Kawano Thomas , Doddamani Sanjay , Spevack Daniel , Duc Yunling
Published: January 2017

Renal dysfunction has been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Estimates of renal function routinely utilize creatinine-based measures. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, however, may provide supplemental information in regard to renal function as renal proximal tubule cells may increase BUN reabsorption in the setting of increased neurohormonal activation. We performed a retrospective chart review on 156 consecutive adult patients presenting to the Montefiore Medical Center Emergency Department with symptoms of unstable angina and no known prior history of coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent cardiac catheterization as part of their index hospitalization. On multivariate analysis, admission serum BUN was associated with an increased burden of CAD on cardiac catheterization and was not associated with ruling in for myocardial infarction (MI).
From Bio 101 to Pillars of Biology: A Pedagogical Experiment
Authors: Maxson Michelle E. , Volpi Sabrina A , Wontakal Sandeep N.
Published: January 2017

Within the Department of Cell Biology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, each student is required to present a research article of his or her choosing for the department journal club. As new students entering the Department, it was unclear to us (Sabrina Volpi and Sandeep Wontakal) whether there were any rules for choosing the papers we would present. Should the paper relate to work performed within the Department? Did the paper have to be published within the last year, or five years, or could we select a “classic” paper from the early 1900s? While pondering these questions, we realized we shared a great interest in reading the original “landmark” papers we had once learned about in our introductory biology courses, the papers that laid the foundation of what we know as biology today.
Drug Discovery over the Past Thirty Years: Why Aren’t There More New Drugs?
Authors: Fricker Lloyd
Published: January 2017

The rate of drug discovery has not kept pace with the exponential increase in biomedical knowledge. For the past 30 years, the number of new molecular enti- ties approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration has averaged 20 to 30 drugs per year, except for a peak in the mid-1990s that briefly doubled this rate. This modest productivity cannot be explained by lack of funding, as the research budgets of government and industry-funded programs have increased threefold to fivefold over the past three decades. Various arguments have been proposed to account for the relative lack of innovative new drugs, but little consideration has been given to the focus on hypothesis-driven translational research. In theory, the emphasis on translational research should have led to an increase in the number of new drugs. However, in considering the historical perspective of drug discovery and the role of serendipity, it can be argued that the emphasis on translational research diverts scientists from pursuing basic-science studies that give rise to fundamental discoveries. In many cases, retro-translational research (from clinic to basic science) is necessary before the disease process can be understood well enough for scientists to develop therapeutics. Ultimately, a balance of disease-oriented and basic-science research on fundamental processes is optimal.
Intersex Management in the United States and Non-Western Cultures
Authors: Tell Shoshana
Published: January 2017

In Western nations, there is growing agreement about ethical approaches to clinical intersex management. At the same time, as Western-trained physicians increasingly encounter intersex patients in other parts of the world, new ethical tensions arise. Which cultural values are fair parameters for gender-assignment decision-making, particularly in cultural milieus where there is social and economic inequality between the sexes? How can physicians uphold universal bioethical principles while remaining culturally sensitive? Physicians have a primary commit- ment to patient beneficence and universal human rights, requiring physicians to promote concordance between the child’s assigned gender and his or her likely future gender identity. Ultimately, the potential patient distress posed by gender dysphoria fundamentally outweighs the influence of local cultural factors such as economics, gender politics, and homophobia.
Preemptive Use of Eculizumab for Living-Donor Kidney Transplantation in a Child with Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Authors: Akchurin Oleh , Dogra Samriti , Kaskel Frederick , Jan Dominique , Greenstein Stuart , Del Rio Marcela
Published: January 2017

Eculizumab is an anti-complement C5 monoclonal antibody that has recently been reported as an effective therapy for atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. However, few data are available on the preemptive use of this medication in pediatric kidney transplantation. This report describes a successful preemptive use of eculizumab in combination with living unrelated kidney transplanta- tion in a 10-year-old child with end-stage renal disease secondary to atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome who has a complement factor H mutation that has not been previously reported. Further observations and clinical trials are required to address the challenges and areas of uncertainty related to preemptive eculizumab therapy for kidney transplantation in children and adults with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Bithalamic Dysfunction in Wernicke’s Encephalopathy
Authors: Nariai Hiroki , Mittelmann Eric , Farmakidis Constantine , Zampolin Richard L. , Robbins Matthew S.
Published: January 2017

We describe a 65-year-old, nonalcoholic, right-handed female with multiple vascular risk factors who developed transient visuospatial hemineglect and global aphasia after presenting with the classic triad of Wernicke’s encephalopathy (mental status changes, nystagmus/ophthalmoplegia, and ataxia). A brain MRI showed no evidence of acute infarction, but demonstrated signal change in the medial thalami and mammillary bodies. Intravenous thiamine therapy was given, and visuospatial hemineglect and ophthalmoplegia disappeared while the aphasia improved. The occurrence of these acute transient clinical features has not been previously reported in Wernicke’s encephalopathy.
Axillobifemoral Bypass Graft: A Student Dissection Experience
Authors: Matakas Jason D. , English Keara , Allyn Katherine , Algava Diane , Howe Ruth A. , Mishall Priti L. , Downie Sherry A.
Published: January 2017

As first-year medical students, we were excited, but nervous, to start the anatomy course. We were prepared to dedicate ourselves to the physical demands of dissection, and the hours of memorizing names and relations of countless anatomic features. We expected to leave the anatomy course with a comprehensive understanding of the human body that we would apply to our future studies and careers. We were not prepared, however, for the experience we had with our cadaver, Lucy.* Lucy was a small woman, but as we learned, she had endured a lot, physically and medically, in her 83 years of life. She had a pacemaker. She had coronary artery disease and a triple bypass procedure. She also had severe peripheral artery disease and had undergone at least one extraordinary surgical graft procedure to maintain blood flow into her lower extremities. The surprise of discovering a small piece of an axillobifemoral bypass graft and then continuing to uncover it, region by region, throughout the anatomy course, brought our dissection experience and our connection to Lucy to a more profound level than we could ever have anticipated.*The name Lucy was chosen as a pseudonym to protect the identity of the cadaver.
Síndrome de Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada: presentación de un caso clínico.
Authors: Chiquito Freile María Camila , Gutiérrez Mendoza Juan Pablo
Published: January 2017

El síndrome de Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) es una entidad clínica caracterizada por panuveítis granulomatosa bilateral difusa. Cursa con desprendimiento exudativo de la retina y puede acompañarse de alteraciones del sistema nervioso central, dermatológicas y auditivas. Aunque es de etiología desconocida, es considerada como una enfermedad autoinmune asociada a los haplotipos HLA-DR4. Se divide en tres fases: prodrómica, oftálmica y de convalecencia. El diagnóstico se realiza mediante la historia clínica y examen físico-oftalmológico completo, así como también por exámenes complementarios como la angiografía retinal fluoresceínica y punción lumbar. El tratamiento se basa en el uso de corticoides tópicos y sistémicos, siendo de gran importancia la dosis inicial y la duración del tratamiento. A continuación se presenta un caso clínico de un paciente de sexo masculino que consulta por disminución de la agudeza visual de ambos ojos y micropsia; mediante criterios clínicos y exámenes complementarios se llegó al diagnóstico de síndrome de Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada en su variante incompleta; él se manejó con corticoterapia tópica y sistémica. Al mismo tiempo este artículo revisa la literatura relacionada con esta patología.
Indoor Air Pollution as a Risk Factor of Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Children
Authors: Acharya Niraj , Mishra Pradip , Gupta Veena
Published: January 2017

Introduction: This study was conducted to find out if indoor air pollution has any risk in occurrence of acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRI) in children.Materials and methods: It was a case control study conducted on total 214 children 107 cases and 107 controls fulfilling the inclusion criteria with age and sex matched. Detailed history and physical examination was done after taking informed consent. History of upper respiratory tract infection in the family members and siblings, history of smoking by various family members, details of cooking fuel and indoor pollution was also recorded.Results: Those families using wood as a cooking material were associated with higher risk of ALRI (p=0.0001). Exposure to domestic animal was significantly positively associated (p=0.0001) and seven times higher risk to develop ALRI as compared to control group. Those children of case group who did not have separate kitchen were having nine times higher risk of ALRI (p=0.001). Family history of smoking was associated with six times increased risk of ALRI (p=0.001). With the use of kerosene lamps risk of ALRI was increased by 1.44 times (p=0.012).Conclusions: The significant environmental risk factors for ALRI were wood as cooking material, presence of domestic animal, place for cooking, family history of smoking, absence of windows and kerosene lamp as a source of light.Journal of Nepalgunj Medical College Vol.13(1) 2015: 5-7
Knowledge and Practice Regarding Breastfeeding among Mothers Attending Immunization Clinic in Nepalgunj Medical College Teaching Hospital
Authors: Parajuli Janaki , Mishra Pradip , Thapa Narbadha
Published: January 2017

Background: Breastfeeding has been accepted as the most vital intervention for reducing infant mortality and ensuring optimal growth and development of children. The current study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice regarding breastfeeding among mothers attending immunization clinic.Methods: A cross sectional study was mothers having children under 1 year of age, who attended their children for vaccination and for the treatment of other minor illnesses. The purposive sampling technique was used for selecting the study subjects. Information regarding patients' demographics, knowledge and practice towards breastfeeding were collected from these mothers on a pre-designed and pretested questionnaire.Results: A total of 208 women with children between 6 months and 12 months were included in the study. Their age ranged between 18 and 37 years with the mean of 24.9±4.1. Overall mother's breastfeeding knowledge was good among 35% and excellent among 22% of them while it was unsatisfactory among 43% of the mothers. Breastfeeding in the first 6 months was practiced by 42% of the participated mothers. Only 23% practiced exclusive breast feeding. Among those who breastfed their babies, 51% initiated breastfeeding in the first hour of birth, 21% between 2-4 hours and only 20% initiated it after 24 hours. Only 73% of mother had not given any prelacteal feeding to their babies. No enough breast milk (47.9%), crying hungry (31.5%), work-related problems (13.7%) & mothers' illness (6.8%) were the commonly reported barriers against exclusive breastfeeding.Conclusion: The prevalence of EBF for up to 6 months of age was still low as per WHO recommendations. The mother's perception of “insufficient breast milk” was also the main reason for introducing other foods. Optimal breastfeeding promotion campaigns need to be carried out within the existing health care system such as the antenatal, after delivery and vaccination clinics.Journal of Nepalgunj Medical College Vol.13(1) 2015: 32-39
Empirical Assessment of the Legibility of the Highway Gothic and Clearview Signage Fonts
Authors: Dobres Jonathan , Chrysler Susan T. , Wolfe Benjamin , Chahine Nadine , Reimer Bryan
Published: January 2017

Older drivers represent the fastest-growing segment of the driving population. Aging is associated with well-known declines in reaction time and visual processing, and, as such, future roadway infrastructure and related design considerations will need to accommodate this population. One potential area of concern is the legibility of highway signage. FHWA recently revoked an interim approval that allowed optional use of the Clearview typeface in place of the traditional Highway Gothic typeface for signage. The legibility of the two fonts was assessed with color combinations that maximized the contrast (positive or negative) or approximated a color configuration used in highway signage. Psychophysical techniques were used to establish thresholds for the time needed to decide accurately—under glancelike reading conditions—whether a string of letters was a word, as a proxy for legibility. These thresholds were lower for Clearview (indicating superior legibility) than for Highway Gothic across all conditions. Legibility thresholds were lowest for negative-contrast conditions and highest for positive-contrast conditions, with colored highway signs roughly between the two extremes. These thresholds also increased significantly across the age range studied. The method used to investigate the legibility of signage fonts adds methodological diversity to the literature along with evidence supporting the superior legibility of the Clearview font over Highway Gothic. The results do not suggest that the Clearview typeface is the optimal solution for all signage but they do indicate that additional scientific evaluations of signage legibility are warranted in different operating contexts.
Algorithm for bionic hand reconstruction in patients with global brachial plexopathies
Authors: Hruby Laura A. , Sturma Agnes , Mayer Johannes A. , Pittermann Anna , Salminger Stefan , Aszmann Oskar C.
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE

Global brachial plexus lesions with multiple root avulsions are among the most severe nerve injuries, leading to lifelong disability. Fortunately, in most cases primary and secondary reconstructions provide a stable shoulder and restore sufficient arm function. Restoration of biological hand function, however, remains a reconstructive goal that is difficult to reach. The recently introduced concept of bionic reconstruction overcomes biological limitations of classic reconstructive surgery to restore hand function by combining selective nerve and muscle transfers with elective amputation of the functionless hand and its replacement with a prosthetic device. The authors present their treatment algorithm for bionic hand reconstruction and report on the management and long-term functional outcomes of patients with global brachial plexopathies who have undergone this innovative treatment.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients with posttraumatic global brachial plexopathies leading to loss of hand function consulted the Center for Advanced Restoration of Extremity Function between 2011 and 2015. Of these patients, 16 (47%) qualified for bionic reconstruction due to lack of treatment alternatives. The treatment algorithm included progressive steps with the intent of improving the biotechnological interface to allow optimal prosthetic hand replacement. In 5 patients, final functional outcome measurements were obtained with the Action Arm Research Test (ARAT), the Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure (SHAP), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire.

RESULTS

In all 5 patients who completed functional assessments, partial hand function was restored with bionic reconstruction. ARAT scores improved from 3.4 ± 4.3 to 25.4 ± 12.7 (p = 0.043; mean ± SD) and SHAP scores improved from 10.0 ± 1.6 to 55 ± 19.7 (p = 0.042). DASH scores decreased from 57.9 ± 20.6 to 32 ± 28.6 (p = 0.042), indicating decreased disability.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors present an algorithm for bionic reconstruction leading to useful hand function in patients who lack biological treatment alternatives for a stiff, functionless, and insensate hand resulting from global brachial plexopathies.
Synthesis and Characterisation of Some Coumarin-1,2,4-Triazol-3-Thioether Hybrid Molecules
Authors: Yılmaz Fatih , Menteşe Emre
Published: January 2017

A new series of N′-{[(4-methyl/phenyl-5-phenyl-4 H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio]acetyl}-2-oxo-2 H-chromene-3-carbohydrazides was synthesised via the reaction of 2-[(4-methyl/phenyl-5-phenyl-4 H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio]acetohydrazides and 3-(1 H-benzotriazol-1-ylcarbonyl)-2 H-chromen-2-ones in good yields.
Dynamics of magnetic suspension rotor system of turbo-expander
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Lei Gang , Sun Yu , Wang Li
Published: January 2017

This paper uses finite element method to analyze the effect of brace stiffness and damping of an electromagnetic bearing on the critical speed of a flexible rotor for the rotor system of a high-speed turbo-expander. Result shows that eight orders of critical speed and eight modal shapes exist in the range of the calculation speed for the flexible rotor system of an electromagnetic bearing. The first six orders of vibrations are swing of rigid body, in which the critical speed increases with increase of the brace stiffness of the bearing. The seventh and eighth orders are first-order bending, in which the stiffness of the bearing has little influence on the critical speed of the rotor. Adjusting the stiffness of magnetic bearing can significantly change the corresponding critical speed of the rotor during rigid body swing. However, doing so has little influence on the critical speed of the first-order bending. The rotor system experimental test results of turbo-expander electromagnetic bearing show that adjusting the brace stiffness and damping of electromagnetic bearing through the control system can change the distribution of each order of the critical speed of the rotor system to maintain a steady working speed of 30000 r/min. Moreover, the movement tracks of the rotor axis center can be maintained within 6 μ m when external influences interfere with the rotor during operation.
Dynamical decoupling and feed-forward control for magnetically levitated planar actuators
Authors: Tu Xiao , Zhou Rougang , Zhou Yunfei , Cheng Xin
Published: January 2017

This paper concerns the dynamical decoupling and feed-forward control of magnetically-levitated planar actuators (MLPAs) with moving coils when the moving stage's center-of-mass (CM) deviates from the geometric center (GC). Based on the direct wrench-current decoupling, the factors that affect the continuity of current are emphatically analyzed for a more stable current control, and the propulsion works at CM is converted at GC with Newton-Euler dynamic equation. By inverting the system dynamics, 6 degrees-of-freedom (DOF) individual control is realized and the system is simplified from MIMO to SISO. Based on the decoupling, an acceleration feed-forward controller with PID control is designed. By studying the coupling parameter relating to feed-forward inputs and white noise, the acceleration amplification coefficient is achieved and the PID parameters will be optimized based on comparing the actual variance with the minimum achievable variance. Last, the simulation results indicate that the feed-forward compound controller applying to MLPAs system has a better performance than the general PID controller.
Magnetic field analytical solution and electromagnetic force calculation of coreless stator axial-flux permanent-magnet machines
Authors: Cao Yongjuan , Tao Shaoqin , Cai Jun , Yu Li , Jia Hongyun , Zhang Tao
Published: January 2017

This paper presents an analytical solution of the magnetic field in a coreless stator axial-flux permanent magnet (AFPM) machine, including axial, radial and circumferential components of the air-gap flux density. Based on the three-dimensional (3-D) analytical field solution, the paper also presents the analytical analysis of axial electromagnetic force of the rotor discs using Maxwell stress tensor method. The effect of some sizes on the axial electromagnetic force is analyzed. For the verification, 3-D finite element method (FEM) is accomplished to analyze the magnetic field and electromagnetic force. The solution and calculation are useful in design and optimization of coreless stator AFPM machines.
Cancer cachexia awareness, diagnosis, and treatment are lacking among oncology providers
Authors: Barton Mary Kay
Published: January 2017

Key Points

Cancer cachexia appears to be underrecognized and undertreated by oncology HCPs in a multinational study.

Cancer cachexia is a poor prognostic indicator that can profoundly affect well‐being and the ability to tolerate cancer treatments.

Early identification of and intervention for cancer cachexia are needed as well as more effective treatments.
Predictors of Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Organ Donation in Kuwait
Authors: Bosakhar Batool Y. , Al-Mesailekh Zainab A. , Al-Farhan Shareefah A. , Arab Danah A. , Al-Tawheid Nour A. , Al-Ali Nourah F. , Mitra Amal K.
Published: January 2017

Background and objectives: In Kuwait, information regarding public knowledge and attitudes towards organ donation are scanty This study aimed to evaluate public knowledge and attitude regarding organ donation and determine factors which predict them.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 630 participants recruited from 27 randomly selected public cooperative societies and private supermarkets in Kuwait. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data.Results: The prevalence rate of knowledge about organ donation was 68%, with a significantly higher rate among females than males (73% vs. 63%, respectively, p = 0.01). A composite score of knowledge was also higher among females than males (8.4 ± 5.8 vs. 6.8 ± 5.8, respectively, p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, female gender (OR = 1.7; 95% CI =1.2, 2.4) and an educational level of bachelors degree or higher (OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.7, 3.9) were significant predictors of the knowledge. Among the barriers, more females than males mentioned about the fear of the operative procedures (p<0.001) and complications after the surgery (p = 0.011). Overall, 73% accepted the idea of organ donation during life, and 67% actually opted for donating their organs during life. However, almost everybody wanted to donate organs to their relatives.Conclusion: The study identified factors predicting knowledge and attitude regarding organ donation. The results will help in planning how to improve the rate of donors in Kuwait.IMC J Med Sci 2016; 10(1): 01-09
Diabetic retinopathy and visual impairment in disaster prone coastal population of Bangladesh
Authors: Sayeed M. Abu , Rahman A.H. Syedur , Ali Md. Hazrat , Rhaman Mir Masudur , Haq J. Ashraful , Banu Akhter
Published: January 2017

Background and objective  Disaster prone coastal population has least accessibility to health care and very little is known about the prevalence of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy (DR) and visual impairment. This study addressed the prevalence of visual impairment and DR and risk factors related to DR among population residing in disaster prone areas of Bangladesh.Methods: Thirty-two coastal communities in six coastal districts were purposively selected. All coastal people of age 18 years or more were considered eligible. Investigations included clinical history, anthropometry (height, weight, waist- and hip-girth), blood pressure and fasting blood glucose (FBG). The participants with hyperglycemia (FBG ?5.6mmol/l) were undertaken for eye examination. Visual acuity was measured bilaterally using the Snellen chart. An Early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) cut out chart with E Optotypes was used.Results: A total of 7567 participants volunteered and 1540 had hyperglycemia (FBG ?5.6mmol/l). Of the hyperglycemic participants, 1214 (91.7%) participated for complete eye examination. Visual impairment of any type was found in 14.1%, any type cataract in 27.8% and any type DR in 18%. The participants of advancing age of higher social class and higher central obesity had excess risk for developing DR. The participants with known family history of diabetes also had greater risk. Compared with the group having FBG 5.6  6.9mmol/l those having FBG >6.9mmol/l had significant risk for DR (OR 3.11, 95%CI 2.04  4.76).Conclusion: The study concludes that visual impairment and cataract of any type is almost comparable with other coastal populations. The coastal people had higher prevalence of DR compared to rural population from other areas of Bangladesh and it was also higher than global estimate. The persons with higher age from higher social class with higher central obesity had excess risk for DR. The risk of DR increased with increasing hyperglycemia. Further study may be undertaken to confirm these findings.IMC J Med Sci 2016; 10(1): 10-17
Evaluation of Self Medication among Students from Different Universities in Chittagong, Bangladesh
Authors: Jakaria M , Hasant A , Tarek MI , Islam MZ , Zaman R , Parvez M , Chowdhury TA , Hasan MI , Sayeed MA , Ali MH
Published: January 2017

Objective: We aimed to find out frequency of self medication among university students of Chittagong, Bangladesh by using a cross sectional questionnaire based survey study.Method: For this study, 439 students selected from nine universities of Chittagong through non-probability convenience sampling.Results: Among the total respondents, 278(63.32%) respondents were males and 161(36.67%) respondents were females. The most important reasons for self medication were no need to visit doctor for minor illness 227(51.70%) and quick relief 161(36.67%). Among the total respondents, 229(52.16%) used same direction of self medication of him/her for their family. The highest proportion of respondents 229(52.16%) did not check expiry date of medicine when they buy medicine from retail pharmacy. There were several conditions they had used self medications and the greatest number of students used to treat headache 273(62.18%) and fever 199(45.33%). The data reveals that the highest proportion, 243(55.35%) students learned medications from doctor prescription provided to cure their previous illness. The greatest number of students 398(90.66%) chooses allopathic medicine among four different system of medicine. The respondents used different allopathic drugs used in self medications where greatest number 296(67.42%) used analgesics.Conclusion: This study revealed that the prevalence and practices of self-medication among the university student and the greater part of students had a poor knowledge about proper self-medication whereas the knowledge of the benefits and risks were not adequate.J MEDICINE January 2017; 18 (1) : 15-20
Psoriasis Induced by Isotretinoin in Acne
Authors: Brzezinski Piotr , Borowska Katarzyna , Chiriac Anca
Published: January 2017

We described a case of psoriasis possibly resulting from isotretinoin therapy in acne. A 17-year-old patient started treatment with oral isotretinoin (30mg of drug) due to acne vulgaris. After 4 weeks, of treatment, the patient complains for the presence of scattered erythematous plaques and papules. The clinical picture suggested psoriasis (this is also confirmed by histopathological study). The history revealed that the patients mother suffered from psoriasis for 30 years.J MEDICINE January 2017; 18 (1) : 37-38
A Young Female with Difficulty in Blood Group Determination
Authors: Das Aparna , Mobashwera Behnaz , Banik Gobinda , Kahhar Md Azizul
Published: January 2017

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) usually develops as a result of the production of a specific immunoglobulin M auto-antibody directed against the I/i and H antigens, precursors of the ABH and Lewis blood group substances, on red blood cells. Where most of the cases of cold agglutination disease usually present with features of hemolysis, acrocyanosis, respiratory symptoms or fatigue due to anemia, here we report an interesting case of CAD with unusual presentation.This 26 years female came with fever for 10 days,jaundice for two months and failure in blood group determination for blood transfusion for her anemia.The physical examination showed severe pallor, jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly and fundoscopic examination revealed Roth spots, hemorrhages and bilateral papilloedema with otherwise normal neurological examination.Complete blood count revealed severe anemia, spuriously raised MCV and MCHC with raised ESR. Peripheral blood film features were suggestive of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (Cold agglutinin disease). MRI of brain was normal. It further indicates the various manifestation of disease as in here presenting as papilloedema in patients with cold agglutination diseaseJ MEDICINE January 2017; 18 (1) : 39-41
Two Cases of Actinomycosis with Variable Presentation and Outcome
Authors: Solaiman - , Anowar Kazi Md Rubayyath , Zaman Rubaina , Chowdhury Md Raiq Raihan , Ekram Rezaul , Manik Abul Hayath , Islam Mohammad Rafiqul , Amin Md Robed
Published: January 2017

Actinomycoses, a rare bacteriological illness whichis primarily involved in cervico-facial infections in susceptible populations. Thoracic, abdominal, pulmonary and cardiac involvement are also reported but are exceedingly rare in incidence. So, high degree of suspicion is required for early detection and treatment.We confirmed 2 cases of Actinomycosis, in the period of January, 2014 to July, 2015 with variable presentation and different outcome.J MEDICINE January 2017; 18 (1) : 47-51
Coronary to Bronchial Artery Fistula
Authors: Kim Dong Kie , Seol Sang Hoon
Published: January 2017

Abstract not availableJ MEDICINE January 2017; 18 (1) : 52-53