bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Undertreatment of chlamydia and gonorrhea among pregnant women in the emergency department
Authors: Bergquist Eleanor P , Trolard Anne , Kuhlmann Anne S , Loux Travis , Liang Stephen Y , Stoner Bradley P , Reno Hilary
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study is to evaluate whether pregnant women receive appropriate treatment, undertreatment, or overtreatment in the emergency department (ED) when they are tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea as compared to non-pregnant women. In a retrospective cohort study, we analyzed visits made to an urban ED from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2014, with testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea (n = 3908). Using multiple logistic regression, we compared undertreatment and overtreatment in women controlling for pregnancy, age, race, and sexually transmitted infection International Statistical Classifications of Diseases (ICD)-9 coded diagnosis. Pregnant women were significantly more likely to be undertreated when positive for infection as compared to non-pregnant women (OR 2.94; 95% CI, 1.47–5.95) and significantly less likely to be overtreated when negative for infection (OR 0.40; 95% CI, 0.31–0.53) as compared to non-pregnant women. Pregnant women may not be receiving appropriate treatment when they present to the ED with chlamydia or gonorrhea. Attention should be paid to this group when administering chlamydia and gonorrhea treatment to ensure appropriate care and follow-up.
Young Children Use Probability to Infer Happiness and the Quality of Outcomes
Authors: Doan Tiffany , Friedman Ori , Denison Stephanie
Published: December 2019

Happiness with an outcome often depends on whether better or worse outcomes were initially more likely. In five experiments, we found that young children ( N = 620, Experiments 1–4) and adults ( N = 254, Experiment 5) used probability to infer emotions and assess outcome quality. In Experiments 1 and 2, 5- and 6-year-olds (but not 4-year-olds) inferred that an agent would be less happy with an outcome if a better outcome were initially more likely. In Experiment 3, 4- to 6-year-olds used probability to assess quality. These findings suggest a developmental lag between 4-year-olds’ assessments of quality and happiness. We replicated this lag in Experiment 4. In Experiment 5, adults used probability to assess both quality and happiness. We suggest that children and adults may use probability to establish a standard against which actual outcomes are compared. Doing so might allow them to make probability-based inferences of happiness without drawing on counterfactual reasoning.
Design and study of a pneumatically actuated inverted pendulum system controlled using a programmable logic controller
Authors: Pontin Marco , Colombo Federico , Mazza Luigi , Raparelli Terenziano
Published: December 2019

This article investigates an inverted pendulum on a mobile cart (mobile inverted pendulum) controlled via a programmable logic controller and actuated by a double-acting pneumatic cylinder. The study is conducted both theoretically, by modeling and simulating the entire system, and experimentally, using a specially developed test bench. Four low-cost 2/2 proportional valves are used for cylinder control. The control architecture consists of two nested control loops with proportional–integral–derivative compensators. To reduce cost, a programmable logic controller was used to manage both the system control and data acquisition. The results of the simulations carried out using linear and nonlinear models of the system were validated by comparison with those obtained experimentally.
Combined therapy of gabapentin with pantoprazole exhibited better protective action against forestomach and pylorus ligation–induced gastric esophageal reflux disease in albino Wistar rats
Authors: Arya P , Kaithwas G
Published: December 2019

The current study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of combined therapy of gabapentin and pantoprazole against forestomach and pylorus ligation–induced gastric esophageal reflux disease (GERD) in albino Wistar rats. Rats were randomly divided into five groups, each group consisting of six rats, fasted for 24 h, underwent forestomach and pylorus ligation, received normal saline (3 ml/kg, p.o.), normal control, toxic control, pantoprazole (30 mg/kg, p.o.), gabapentin (50 mg/kg, p.o.), or their combination. After 10 h, animals were killed by cervical dislocation and evaluated for pH of gastric content, volume of gastric juice, total acidity, and esophagitis index. Esophageal tissues were further analyzed for biochemical parameters such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione, catalase, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and protein carbonyl, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histopathology were used for morphological evaluation. The results show the combination therapy of gabapentin and pantoprazole significantly inhibited the volume of gastric juice and total acidity esophagitis index and significantly increased the pH of gastric juice. Treatment with gabapentin and pantoprazole exhibited maximum antioxidant effect in comparison with monotherapy. Marked protection and restoration of normal morphology was observed through SEM and histopathology in the combination therapy as compared to monotherapy. Finally, it was concluded that combination therapy of pantoprazole and gabapentin has beneficial effect against GERD.
No time to waste – How the social practices of temporal organisation change in the transition from work to retirement
Authors: Wanka Anna
Published: December 2019

In contemporary societies, chronological age is widely used as a temporal basis for regulating and organising social processes. A strong system of chrononormativity provides orientation on, for example, the appropriate time range to start working, have children, or to retire. This contribution explores the multiple temporal organisations of the life course by focussing on the transition from work to retirement as the beginning of ‘old age’. It asks how people get to become ‘old’ through temporal normalities at two scales: first, the life course scale at which temporal normalities are institutionalised; and second, the everyday life scale at which temporal normalities are routinised; and how these two scales are mutually related. The paper is structured as follows: first, I outline the implications of a practice theory perspective on time and the temporal organisation of social practices across the life course; second, I discuss two concepts in order to grasp this temporal organisation, namely chrononormativity and norma-/temporality ; third, I present empirical material on assessments of the ‘right’ timing to retire, the re-structuration of everyday time in the retirement transition, and the re-negotiation of ‘wasting time’ in retirement. Results suggest the assessment of certain practices as time ‘well spent’ or ‘wasted’. And it is exactly in this assessment that links chrononormativity to norma-/temporality in retirement: Based on an increased awareness of one’s location at the latter part of the life course, the question regarding how the (limited and decreasing) time left is spent gains a completely new significance and can, hence, become a strong marker of distinction. However, the ambivalence in participants’ account suggests a potential for ‘queering’ time and age as a set of practices that resist and destabilise temporal rhythms.
Comparison of the marginal hazard model and the sub-distribution hazard model for competing risks under an assumed copula
Authors: Emura Takeshi , Shih Jia-Han , Ha Il Do , Wilke Ralf A
Published: December 2019

For the analysis of competing risks data, three different types of hazard functions have been considered in the literature, namely the cause-specific hazard, the sub-distribution hazard, and the marginal hazard function. Accordingly, medical researchers can fit three different types of the Cox model to estimate the effect of covariates on each of the hazard function. While the relationship between the cause-specific hazard and the sub-distribution hazard has been extensively studied, the relationship to the marginal hazard function has not yet been analyzed due to the difficulties related to non-identifiability. In this paper, we adopt an assumed copula model to deal with the model identifiability issue, making it possible to establish a relationship between the sub-distribution hazard and the marginal hazard function. We then compare the two methods of fitting the Cox model to competing risks data. We also extend our comparative analysis to clustered competing risks data that are frequently used in medical studies. To facilitate the numerical comparison, we implement the computing algorithm for marginal Cox regression with clustered competing risks data in the R joint.Cox package and check its performance via simulations. For illustration, we analyze two survival datasets from lung cancer and bladder cancer patients.
Semiparametric isotonic regression analysis for risk assessment under nested case-control and case-cohort designs
Authors: Li Wen , Li Ruosha , Feng Ziding , Ning Jing
Published: December 2019

Two-phase sampling designs, including nested case-control and case-cohort designs, are frequently utilized in large cohort studies involving expensive biomarkers. To analyze data from two-phase designs with a binary outcome, parametric models such as logistic regression are often adopted. However, when the model assumptions are not valid, parametric models may lead to biased estimation and risk evaluation. In this paper, we propose a robust semiparametric regression model for binary outcomes and an easy-to-implement computational procedure that combines the pool-adjacent violators algorithm with inverse probability weighting. The asymptotic properties are established, including consistency and the convergence rate. Simulation studies show that the proposed method performs well and is more robust than logistic regression methods. We demonstrate the application of the proposed method to real data from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial.
Towards a Post-Social Right to Life, Liberty and Security of the Person Through Markets? Conceptions of Citizenship and the Implications for Health Law as Governance
Authors: Guebert Karl
Published: December 2019

In the context of increased expectations of healthcare services and fiscal pressures, rights claims constitute a force pushing for privatization and thus threaten Canada’s single-tier public system. This article introduces the concept of a ‘post-social right’ to understand the current legal effort to enforce a right to healthcare derivative of section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Commonly considered as a ‘negative’ right, I suggest that the right also has positive capacity. Rather than simply protecting against unjust state intervention, section 7 claims valorize a particular mode of sustaining life, liberty and security of the person according to neo-liberal principles. A right to markets in healthcare aligns health law with the logic of prudentialism as a technology of governance. As the enforceability of the right expands and strengthens, health law as governance operates to normalize market solutions to health matters. It follows that a form of two-tier citizenship arises, dividing ‘activated’ citizens from the ‘inactive’.
Agrarian Transformation and Changing Labour Relations in Kalahandi, Odisha
Authors: Patel Ramya Ranjan , Mishra Deepak K.
Published: December 2019

Examining the changes in production relations in one of the poorest rainfed belts in India, this study, based on field surveys in eight villages in Kalahandi and Nuapada districts of Odisha, unravels the complexities of the transition in agriculture. The introduction of irrigation has resulted in, an increase in yield, wage rates and labour-use per hectare. Comparison between the irrigated and the non-irrigated villages also suggest a drastic reduction in poverty and distress seasonal out-migration. The average household income in the irrigated villages turns out to be more than three times that of the rainfed villages. Thus, irrigation has acted as a key driver of agrarian change, and its role in creating labour demand in agriculture continues to be significant. However, the reduced control of marginalised sections over land, the significance of sharecropping in the irrigated villages, the high share of family labour in total labour-use among the marginal and small cultivators in the irrigated region, and moreover, the continued presence of labour-tying suggest that, the transformation involves several complexities, particularly in terms of the newly emerging labour relations.
The association between hepatic encephalopathy/minimal hepatic encephalopathy and depressive and anxiety disorders: a systematic review
Authors: Eftekar Mahdod
Published: December 2019

Objectives:

This review examined the currently available evidence of the association between liver encephalopathy and mood/anxiety disorders.

Method:

English-language studies using the keywords “hepatic encephalopathy,” “depression,” and “anxiety” were searched through PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO databases. A total of 135 articles were considered for this review, of which 9 were qualitative and quantitative research papers regarding depression and anxiety in hepatic encephalopathy (HE).

Results:

There is a significant discrepancy between the research method of the studies and their outcomes. The number of studies suggesting a relationship between HE and mood/anxiety disorders is slightly higher than that of studies with opposite results; however, based on the current evidence, it is difficult to conclude a significant association between these two conditions.

Conclusion:

More longitudinal studies that include face-to-face psychiatric assessments are required to highlight any possible association between depressive/anxiety disorders and HE.
Problem gambling among homeless clinic attenders
Authors: Machart Toby , Cooper Lucy , Jones Naidene , Nielssen Amelia , Doughty Erin , Staples Lauren , Nielssen Olav
Published: December 2019

Objective:

To examine the relationship between problem gambling and homelessness.

Method:

A consecutive sample of attenders at psychiatric clinics at three inner-city homeless hostels over 8.5 years. The demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, pathway and pattern of homelessness of those identified to have problem gambling were compared with those who did not report problem gambling.

Results:

A total of 2388 individuals were seen at the clinics in the 8 years of the study, of whom 289 (12.1%) reported problem gambling, mainly on poker machines. Those with problem gambling were more likely to be male, to have been married, employed for more than a year and to have a diagnosis of mood disorder. They were less likely to have a diagnosis of psychosis. However, the combination of psychosis and problem gambling was associated with the likelihood of having their financial affairs placed under the control of the Public Trustee.

Conclusions:

The findings suggest that earlier attention to problem gambling might reduce the likelihood of becoming homeless, as well as the need for routine enquiry about gambling behaviour, measures to reduce gambling, including expert counselling, restrictions on the availability of addictive forms of gambling and assisting vulnerable individuals with money management.
Commonwealth of common mental health: the need for a comprehensive overhaul of corporate governance in mental healthcare in Australia
Authors: Looi Jeffrey CL , Allison Stephen , Bastiampillai Tarun
Published: December 2019

Objective:

We aim to spark renewed discussion of the need for a more effective corporate governance structure for mental health services in Australia. While acknowledging clinical governance faces challenges, we focus here on corporate governance as the overarching level of administration, which profoundly influences delivery of mental healthcare in Australia.

Conclusion:

Australia’s mental health services are ineffectively governed. Improved corporate governance, including psychiatric expertise, is fundamental to create a comprehensive, effective mental healthcare system in Australia.
Results of Trabecular-Metal Total Ankle Arthroplasties With Transfibular Approach
Authors: Tiusanen Hannu , Kormi Sami , Kohonen Ia , Saltychev Mikhail
Published: December 2019

Background:

Total ankle arthroplasty is an alternative for arthrodesis. The objective of this study was to investigate the safety of trabecular-metal ankle prosthetic system with transfibular approach and external frame and its association with changes in clinical and functional scores.

Methods:

Between May 2013 and June 2017, a total of 104 consecutive patients underwent primary total ankle arthroplasty with a trabecular metal implant. The prospective clinical and radiographic data were collected. The mean follow-up time was 43.6 (14.6) months.

Results:

Of 104 patients, 88 (89%) reported improved functioning and 65 (66%) were very satisfied with the surgery. Of the patients, 51 (50%) did not report any pain at the end of follow-up at all. The average Kofoed score was 37.6 (SD 17.4) points at baseline and 74.8 (SD 20.6) points at the end of follow-up. There were 37 additional procedures, and the complication rate was nearly 20%.

Conclusion:

Trabecular-metal total ankle prosthesis showed promising clinical results concerning pain and function. At 5-year follow-up, osteolysis and component loosening were rare.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
2-Mm Diameter Operative Tendoscopy of the Tibialis Posterior, Peroneal, and Achilles Tendons: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Stornebrink Tobias , Stufkens Sjoerd A. S. , Appelt Daniel , Wijdicks Coen A. , Kerkhoffs Gino M. M. J.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Technical innovation now offers the possibility of 2-mm-diameter operative tendoscopy with disposable arthroscopes and tablet-like control units. The promises of new technology should be critically scrutinized. Therefore, this study assessed whether 2-mm-diameter operative tendoscopy of the tibialis posterior, peroneal, and Achilles tendons was safe and effective in a cadaveric model.

Methods:

A 2-mm-diameter arthroscopic system was used to perform a tendoscopic procedure in 10 nonpaired, fresh-frozen, human ankles. Standard tendoscopic portals were utilized. Visual examination and operative reach with tailored tendoscopic instruments within the tendon sheaths were recorded and documented. Adhesiolysis and vincula resections were performed. After dissection, distances between portal tracts and neurovascular structures were measured and the tendons were inspected for signs of iatrogenic damage.

Results:

The entire tendon sheath and tendon of the tibialis posterior, peroneus brevis, and Achilles tendons were visualized and reached with tailored operative instruments. The proximal part of the peroneus longus tendon was visible and reachable from proximally up to the cuboid bone distally. Adhesiolysis and vincula resections were successfully performed in all specimens. The mean distances between portal tracts and local neurovascular structures ranged between 9.4 and 19.2 mm and there were no cases of contact. None of the tendons showed signs of iatrogenic damage.

Conclusion:

Two-millimeter-diameter operative tendoscopy provided safe and effective visualization and operative reach of the tibialis posterior, peroneal, and Achilles tendons.

Clinical Relevance:

Compared with current practice, 2-mm-diameter operative tendoscopy has the potential to make tendoscopy around the ankle less invasive and more accessible. Diagnostic, interventional, and second-look procedures might be performed at substantially reduced risk, time, and costs.
Combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin Prevents Deep Vein Thrombosis After Surgery: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Chu , Tang Qing , Zhang Wenjuan , Yuan Huijun , Huai Ying , Jiang Kai , Wu Yilun , Zhao Heping
Published: December 2019

At present, there is no consistent understanding of the effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription in the prevention of the deep vein thrombosis (DVT), though TCM has been widely used in China. To evaluate the efficacy of TCM prescription combined with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for preventing DVT after major orthopedics surgery. All the retrieved articles were evaluated using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then, data were extracted and evaluated for inclusion in a randomized controlled trial. In this study, variables included relative risk (RR), mean difference (MD), and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Overall, 16 articles were included with 1538 patients, 768 in the combination group (combination of TCM prescription and LMWH) and 770 in the LMWH group. The results indicated that in the combination group, the incidence of DVT (RR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.23-0.50, P < .00001) and d-dimer levels (standardized mean difference: −1.19, 95% CI: −1.80 to −0.58, P = .0001) was significantly lower than that in the LMWH group. Furthermore, the combination treatment obviously decreased the concentration of fibrinogen (MD: −1.19, 95% CI: −2.13 to −0.25, P = .01). The combination of TCM prescription and LMWH could significantly reduce the incidence of DVT, suggesting that it may be a more effective prophylaxis measure for DVT after major orthopedics surgery.
Funneled Through or Filtered Out: An Examination of Police and Prosecutorial Decision-Making in Adult Sexual Assault Cases
Authors: Wentz Ericka A.
Published: December 2019

To improve criminal justice responses to sexual assault, it is vital to understand the factors that influence decisions made by police and prosecutors and how these decisions overlap. Although decisions made at the prosecutorial stage are largely reliant on the actions of the police, the prosecutors’ charging decisions often differ from how the police classify incidents. Guided by the focal concerns perspective, this study examined 231 cases of adult sexual assault incidents reported to the police to identify which factors were predictive of congruent charging decisions and arrest. The results supported the focal concerns perspective and revealed that legal and extralegal factors were influential at both of these points. Legally relevant factors that focused on the collection of evidence were paramount in decisions at both stages; however, extralegal variables such as timely reporting and whether the victim physically resisted were also significantly related to decisions at each stage. Implications arising from the results are discussed.
The Trajectory Touchpoint Technique: A Deep Dive Methodology for Service Innovation
Authors: Sudbury-Riley Lynn , Hunter-Jones Philippa , Al-Abdin Ahmed , Lewin Daniel , Naraine Mohabir Vic
Published: December 2019

This article introduces the trajectory touchpoint technique (TTT), a service design methodology that harnesses customer experiences for enriched understanding of value throughout multilevel service components to ultimately increase innovativeness. We detail the design and development of the TTT using design science research, a goal-oriented methodology that produces robust and practical solutions to organizational problems. We demonstrate the TTT’s practical utility through collaborations with different organizations (n = 9) and diverse service users (n = 240). We show how the TTT is an easy to use methodology that enhances understanding of value creation and illustrate its benefits with concrete examples of innovations to service encounters, the service system, and the value constellation. We reveal how a service design methodology can be the bridge between the theoretical standpoint of S-D logic’s perspective on value cocreation and the practical tools and techniques required to operationalize it.
A Narrative Review of Ethical Issues in Participatory Research with Young People
Authors: Cullen Olivia , Walsh Christine A.
Published: December 2019

Youth participatory action research (YPAR) is a methodology to engage youth in the research process and is focused on emancipation and empowerment. Although benefits have been outlined, ethical issues have also arisen. This article provides a narrative review of peer-reviewed literature regarding these ethical issues. After applying standardized search criteria and inclusion/exclusion criteria, 26 articles remained. Examination of the literature revealed seven categories of ethical issues: level of participation, power, consent, risk/benefit ratio, confidentiality and anonymity, remuneration and empowerment. To mitigate these issues, recommendations are provided, including: being explicit about, and inclusive of, youths’ participation; critically reflect upon the researcher as ‘expert’; consent as an ongoing process and based on capacity rather than biological age; balancing the need to protect youth with the benefits of participation; challenge blanket anonymity policies to maximize participation and empowerment; remuneration beyond monetary compensation; and incorporate concepts of empowerment into research design and process.
Optical coherence tomography angiography in diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Furino Claudio , Montrone Grazia , Cicinelli Maria Vittoria , Balestra Stefania , Grassi Maria Oliva , Reibaldi Michele , Boscia Francesco , Alessio Giovanni
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

To investigate a subset of diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy with optical coherence tomography angiography, assessing the differences in macular perfusion between diseased eyes and healthy controls.

Methods:

Monocentric cross-sectional study, including 86 eyes from 43 diabetic patients with no clinical signs of diabetic retinopathy and 78 eyes from 39 controls. Patients underwent 3.0 × 3.0 mm and 4.5 × 4.5 mm swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography. Vessel density (%), foveal avascular zone area (mm2), and avascular density (%) were provided for the superficial capillary plexus and the deep capillary plexus.

Results:

The foveal avascular zone area at the superficial capillary plexus was larger in the study group compared to controls, irrespective of the area of the slab considered. A meaningful difference was found in the vessel density at the deep capillary plexus of the 3.0 × 3.0 mm slab (p = 0.03). Almost all the variables considered in the study showed a significant within-subject effect. Age significantly correlated with vessel density of superficial capillary plexus on 4.5 × 4.5 mm in both control and diabetic eyes.

Conclusion:

Diabetic patients with subclinical diabetic retinopathy feature a larger foveal avascular zone at the superficial capillary plexus compared with controls, as well as relative reduction of the vessel density at the deep capillary plexus. These findings might serve as the basis for screening between normal and diabetic subjects.
Ocular emergencies presenting to an emergency department in Central Spain from 2013 to 2018
Authors: Galindo-Ferreiro Alicia , Sanchez-Tocino Hortensia , Varela-Conde Yago , Diez-Montero Cecilia , Belani-Raju Minal , García-Sanz Raquel , Diego-Alonso Miguel , LLorente-Gonzalez Ines , Pazó-Jaudenes Carlota , Schellini Silvana
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

To determine the frequency of ocular conditions among patients presenting to an emergency department at a tertiary hospital in Spain.

Methods:

A retrospective, longitudinal analysis of all patients who presented to the ocular emergency department of Rio Hortega University Hospital, Valladolid, Spain, from 2013 to 2018 was performed. Data on demographics, ophthalmic examination, and diagnosis were collected. Diseases were classified according the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes.

Results:

We had 20,822 patients, of which 10,878 (52.2%) were women. The main age categories were 45–65 years (7391 patients; 35.5%) and 15–45 years (5979 patients; 28.2%). Most of the patients (17,793; 85.5%) were discharged on the same day. Conjunctival pathology was the most common cause of presentation (4110; 19.7%), followed by corneal disorders (4025; 19.3%). Acute conjunctivitis was diagnosed in 2920 (14%) and ocular trauma in 2125 (10.2%) patients. Non-emergency ophthalmic conditions were diagnosed in 1581 (7.6%) patients. Retinal detachments and peripheral holes occurred more commonly in patients aged 45–65 years ( p <0.001). Corneal or conjunctival disorders and lid inflammation ( p <0.001) were more frequent in women, whereas men had higher incidences of trauma ( p <0.001).

Conclusion:

Most of our patients presented ocular surface diseases. Men were more vulnerable to trauma, mainly superficial foreign body. The majority of the patients presented with uncomplicated ocular conditions that would be managed more cost-effectively by primary health care providers. We advocate greater education of primary care physicians and patients in managing simple ocular emergencies to reduce the cases presenting to an emergency department of a tertiary hospital.
Current topics in robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty: a review
Authors: Perets Itay , Mu Brian H , Mont Michael A , Rivkin Gurion , Kandel Leonid , Domb Benjamin G
Published: December 2019

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is among the most successful procedures of modern medicine, yet failures and complications continue to occur, leaving room for improvement. Robotics is a cutting-edge technology that tries to improve joint arthroplasty surgery. There is some evidence that shows that robotic-assisted THA improves implant positioning, but less is known about its effect on clinical outcomes or the rate of complications. This article reviews the literature on robotic-assisted THA to elucidate the history, advantages, disadvantages, and current clinical understanding of this procedure.
Progression of adverse local tissue reaction in ASR metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty: a longitudinal MARS-MRI study at mid- to long-term
Authors: Laaksonen Inari , Galea Vincent P , Connelly James W , Matuszak Sean J , Marega Luca , Madanat Rami , Muratoglu Orhun , Malchau Henrik
Published: December 2019

Background:

Despite the large number of studies assessing adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR) in metal-on-metal (MoM) hip implants, there is still a lack of knowledge about the natural progression of ALTR. The aims of this study were to describe the natural course of changes in ALTR at mid- to long-term follow-up for patients treated with metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty and to determine possible risk factors associated with change in ALTR.

Methods:

A total of 158 patients (158 hips), 109 MoM hip resurfacing arthroplasties (HRAs) and 49 MoM total hip arthroplasties (THAs), with 2 clinical follow-ups including MARS-MRIs were included. The mean time from index operation to the first visit was 7.6 years (range 3.4–11.4 years), and the mean time between the 2 visits was 1.0 year (range 0.7–1.6 years).

Results:

The proportion of patients with moderate or severe ALTR did not increase significantly between the first and second visit for the MoM HRA group (14.7–15.6%; p = 0.850) or the MoM THA group (32.7–36.7%; p = 0.671). 8 (7.3%) HRA patients and 9 (18.4%) THA patients progressed in ALTR grade. None of the collected clinical variables was sensitive or specific in identifying patients with ALTR progression.

Conclusions:

Although ALTR prevalence was high in our cohort, clinically significant ALTR progression was rare. We were unable to find any predictors associated with ALTR change. This indicates that MARS-MRI remains a valuable tool in the follow-up of patients treated with MoM hip devices in identifying patients who may need revision surgery.
Developing a Patient Charter for People Living With Conditions, Diseases, or Traumas Involving the Skin
Authors: Sivanand Arunima , Andrews-Clay Kathryn , Lui Harvey
Published: December 2019

Background

Studies have shown disparities in the perception of skin disease burden between patients and physicians, with patients often feeling that the severity, emotional impact, and social repercussions of their skin condition are underestimated. Although physician’s professional behavior is guided by documents such as the Hippocratic Oath, there are no patient-driven principles to guide healthcare interactions involving skin concerns.

Objective

To develop a concise and practical charter for patients based on their perceptions of unmet needs with the goals of helping patients express their needs and exercise their rights to accessing and utilizing the healthcare system for conditions, diseases, or traumas involving the skin.

Methods

An initial literature review examined healthcare delivery concerns of patients with skin conditions. Results were used to draft a charter that was reviewed by a Canadian patient focus group representing various skin condition advocacy groups. A revised charter was reviewed by Canadian dermatologists before being formally approved by the Canadian Skin Patient Alliance Board and endorsed by the Canadian Dermatology Association.

Results

The Patient Charter comprises 8 principles for providing and receiving professional services for the skin in the healthcare setting.

Conclusions

This Patient Charter provides direct insights into patient priorities and will be used as an educational and advocacy tool in healthcare, occupational, and social settings. The intended goal is for the Patient Charter to empower patients and to educate health professions, government, industry, and society at large. Accordingly, the charter will be disseminated through print materials, informational videos, and social media campaigns.
An elasto-plastic contact model for conformal contacts between cylinders
Authors: Hu Jianqiao , Gao Fuhai , Liu Xiaoming , Wei Yueguang
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we present a new model for the elasto-plastic conformal contact between cylinders. By using finite element simulation, it is observed that the transition of elasto-plastic contact in conformal case is different from the transition in Hertz contact. The plastic contact of conformal case can be physically represented by the plastic-Winkler model. The new model provides an explicit solution for the normal force–displacement relation of elasto-plastic conformal contact. Compared to other elastic contact models of conformal contact, the advantages of our model are: (1) it can be used for high load contact and (2) plasticity is taken into account by using the plastic-Winkler model. Our model, therefore, is capable of dealing with realistic engineering problem with high load and plasticity.
Run, jump, throw and catch: How proficient are children attending English schools at the fundamental motor skills identified as key within the school curriculum?
Authors: Duncan Michael J , Roscoe Clare MP , Noon Mark , Clark Cain CT , O’Brien Wesley , Eyre Emma LJ
Published: December 2019

This study examined proficiency levels in fundamental motor skills (FMS) in children within Key Stage 1 and 2 of the English school system. Four hundred and ninety-two children aged 6–9 Years old (245 boys, 247 girls) from school Years Two ( n = 130), Three ( n = 154) and Four ( n = 208) participated in this study. FMS for the run, jump, throw and catch were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development – 2. The proportion of children who achieved mastery or near mastery of the skills was determined. For the whole sample, 18.5% ( n = 91) did not achieve mastery in any of the four skills. A similar proportion (18.7%, n = 92) achieved mastery in all four of the FMS examined in this study. The proportion of children achieving mastery of all four skills was lower for Year Two children (0%) compared to children in years Three (24%) and Four (25%). More boys (25.7%) achieved mastery in all four of the FMS compared to girls (11.7%). Individual behavioural components in skill performance were also examined. The results of the present study highlight that less than one-fifth of children aged 6–9 years old have mastered the four key FMS identified by the physical education (PE) curriculum despite having the developmental potential to become fundamentally competent by six years of age. Fostering positive trajectories of FMS development presents a challenge for PE specialists given the association between FMS mastery in childhood and physical activity, weight status and health.
Assessment for tactical learning in games: A systematic review
Authors: Barquero-Ruiz Carmen , Arias-Estero José Luis , Kirk David
Published: December 2019

The assessment of tactics is a subject of great interest in physical education and sport pedagogy. However, the lack of knowledge of the topic and the variety of assessment instruments make the assessment of tactics difficult. This study aimed to describe assessment in relation to tactical learning outcomes through an analysis of assessment instruments, based on variables that must be considered when using an instrument: (a) criteria definitions; (b) tactical levels; (c) indexes; (d) units of observation; (e) player/learner roles; and (f) institutional contexts. Hence, the following instruments were found: Game Performance Assessment Instrument, spatial location instruments, game performance evaluation tool, team sport assessment procedure, and system of tactical assessment in Soccer. Building on the review’s purpose, the following issues were found. First, some studies reviewed used non-validated criteria. Second, not all studies considered the three tactical levels (match level, partial forefront level and primary level). Third, the majority of the studies used indexes that masked the results. Fourth, the individual unit of observation was widely used to assess global tactical learning outcomes. Fifth, many instruments were used in contexts for which they were not validated. According to these limitations, general recommendations are proposed. First, researchers should use validated instruments as long as the characteristics of the instruments are aligned with the nature of the study. Second, it is recommended when validating an instrument to consider the following general guidelines: (a) only use validated criteria descriptions; (b) include all three tactical levels; (c) do not use indexes; (d) use the team as the unit of observation; (e) assess both defender and attacker roles; (f) develop the instrument in the same institutional context as the study context; (g) include context variables if applicable.
Understanding willingness to communicate in L2 between Korean and Taiwanese students
Authors: Lee Ju Seong , Lee Kilryoung , Chen Hsieh Jun
Published: December 2019

This study examined Korean ( n = 143) and Taiwanese ( n = 261) EFL students’ willingness to communicate in a second language (L2 WTC) in in-class, out-of-class, and digital settings. Follow-up interviews ( n = 20) were also conducted to identify factors that might have influenced their L2 WTC. Results showed that Korean and Taiwanese participants scored lowest on L2 WTC inside the classroom. The qualitative data suggest that L2 speaking anxiety might have equally influenced both groups’ L2 WTC. Additionally, while Korean students scored higher on L2 WTC outside the classroom than Taiwanese students, the Taiwanese scored higher on L2 WTC in digital settings than did the Koreans. The qualitative data revealed that these discrepancies might have been influenced by English environment and teaching practice. These findings suggest that East Asian learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) can become more willing to communicate when sufficient opportunities for English use are provided through instructional and institutional support.
Mixing time influence on fatigue crack growth in a carbon black-filled natural rubber vulcanizate
Authors: Sridharan Harini , Chanda Jagannath , Ghosh Prasenjit , Mukhopadhyay Rabindra
Published: December 2019

Various processing parameters affect the dispersion of carbon black (CB) in a rubber matrix, of which mixing time plays a major role. The physical properties of a green compound namely bound rubber and Mooney viscosity along with mechanical and fatigue crack growth (FCG) are affected by the dispersion of filler particles. To determine the effect of mastication on dispersion, the mixing time was varied from 120 s to 600 s where it was gauged that an optimum range of mixing times display better dispersion. The difference in dispersion between the green and the cured compounds was also stark due to the flocculation mechanism. Longer mixing times do not show much decrease in agglomerate size on curing, that is, approximately 2%, whereas shorter time has led to a decrease of 20%. The FCG properties were studied using a tear and fatigue analyser, where the FCG rate displays a similar trend with the dispersion of CB.
Organic Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Systems and Their Potential Role in the Treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Hussein Kamareddine Mohammed , Ghosn Youssef , Tawk Antonios , Elia Carlos , Alam Walid , Makdessi Joseph , Farhat Said
Published: December 2019

Chronic myeloid leukemia is a myeloproliferative neoplasm that occurs more prominently in the older population, with a peak incidence at ages 45 to 85 years and a median age at diagnosis of 65 years. This disease comprises roughly 15% of all leukemias in adults. It is a clonal stem cell disorder of myeloid cells characterized by the presence of t(9;22) chromosomal translocation, also known as the Philadelphia chromosome, or its byproducts BCR-ABL fusion protein/messenger RNA, leading to the expression of a protein with enhanced tyrosine kinase activity. This fusion protein has become the main therapeutic target in chronic myeloid leukemia therapy, with imatinib displaying superior antileukemic effects, placing it at the forefront of current treatment protocols and displaying great efficacy. Alternatively, nanomedicine and employing nanoparticles as drug delivery systems may represent new approaches in future anticancer therapy. This review focuses primarily on the use of organic nanoparticles aimed at chronic myeloid leukemia therapy in both in vitro and in vivo settings, by going through a thorough survey of published literature. After a brief introduction on the pathogenesis of chronic myeloid leukemia, a description of conventional, first- and second-line, treatment modalities of chronic myeloid leukemia is presented. Finally, some of the general applications of nanostrategies in medicine are presented, with a detailed focus on organic nanocarriers and their constituents used in chronic myeloid leukemia treatment from the literature.
As4S4 Exhibits Good Killing Effect on Multiple Myeloma Cells Via Repressing SOCS1 Methylation-Mediated JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wu Di , Dong Wei , Fang Kun , Wang Mengchang
Published: December 2019

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the effect of tetra-arsenic tetra-sulfide on treating multiple myeloma and its potential regulation on suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 methylation-mediated Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway.

Methods:

Tetra-arsenic tetra-sulfide with different concentrations were used to treat U266 cells, and cell viability was measured at 12, 24, and 48 hours with 0 μM tetra-arsenic tetra-sulfide treatment as control by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 methylation and expression were determined by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot, respectively, in U266 cells and normal plasma cells and in U266 cells treated by tetra-arsenic tetra-sulfide. Then, rescue experiments were performed by transfecting suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 small interfering RNA into tetra-arsenic tetra-sulfide-treated U266 cells. Besides, phosphor–Janus kinase 2, Janus kinase 2, phospho–signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 expressions were determined by Western blot.

Results:

Tetra-arsenic tetra-sulfide inhibited U266 cell viability efficiently in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 methylation was higher while suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 expression was lower in U266 cells compared to normal plasma cells; when treated by tetra-arsenic tetra-sulfide, suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 methylation was decreased while suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 expression was increased in U266 cells, along with the reduced phospho–Janus kinase 2 and phospho–signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 expressions. Then, suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 small interfering RNA enhanced the cell viability and phospho–Janus kinase 2 as well as phospho–signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 expressions in both tetra-arsenic tetra-sulfide treatment-free and tetra-arsenic tetra-sulfide-treated U266 cells.

Conclusion:

Tetra-arsenic tetra-sulfide exhibits good killing effect on multiple myeloma cells via repressing suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 methylation and downstream Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway, which might serve as a potential treatment option for multiple myeloma.
A Meta-Analytic Literature Review on Organization-Level Drivers of Team Learning
Authors: Nellen Lydia C. , Gijselaers Wim H. , Grohnert Therese
Published: December 2019

Organizations have a marked interest in fostering team learning to manage performance and innovation. However, practitioners and researchers currently lack coherent knowledge on which drivers are effective at fostering team learning. Along with team learning, we also focus on the emergent states of psychological safety, shared cognition, team potency/efficacy, and cohesion, previously related to team learning. In this meta-analysis, we include 50 quantitative studies providing information on 4,778 teams of professionals across manufacturing, product development, academic research and teaching, health care, and professional services. First, we find that team learning correlates positively, if moderately, with four organization-level drivers: top-level leadership, organizational culture, job resources, and organizational infrastructure. Second, two of these drivers also correlate robustly with team emergent states: organizational culture and job resources. These findings provide specific levers and estimates of relative influence to guide managerial practice and future research on team learning.
Case–Control Study Investigating the Association Between Use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Kao-Chi , Liao Kuan-Fu , Lin Cheng-Li , Lai Shih-Wei
Published: December 2019

Background and Objective:

The aim of the study was to investigate whether use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) was associated with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Methods:

The case–control study was conducted to analyze the database between 2000 and 2013. Patients aged 20 to 84 years with newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis were selected as the cases (n = 8593). Participants without pulmonary tuberculosis were selected as the controls (n = 43 472). Patients who never had a prescription for SSRIs were defined as never use. Those who ever had a prescription for SSRIs were defined as ever use.

Results:

The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of pulmonary tuberculosis was 1.03 for patients with ever use of SSRIs (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93-1.14), compared to never use. The adjusted OR of pulmonary tuberculosis was 1.00 for patients with increasing cumulative duration of SSRI use for every 1 month (95% CI: 0.99-1.00), compared to never use. The adjusted OR of pulmonary tuberculosis was 0.99 for patients with increasing cumulative dosage of SSRI use for every 1 mg (95% CI: 0.99-1.00), compared to never use.

Conclusion:

No significant association can be detected between SSRI use and pulmonary tuberculosis in Taiwan. No duration-dependent effect or dose-dependent effect of SSRIs use can be detected on the risk of pulmonary tuberculosis.