bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Potent P2Y12 Inhibitors on Ventricular Arrhythmias and Cardiac Dysfunction in Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Chunmei , Zhao Guanqi , Wang Xiao , Nie Shaoping
Published: December 2018

Background. Previous studies have shown that P2Y12 receptor inhibitors might prevent ventricular arrhythmias and cardiac dysfunction in patients with coronary artery disease. However, few studies have focused on comparison of the efficacy of novel oral potent P2Y12 receptor inhibitors with clopidogrel on these outcomes. Methods and Results. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that were published in electronic databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov before June 20, 2018. We compared the effect of prasugrel and ticagrelor with clopidogrel on outcomes of ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), heart failure (HF), and cardiogenic shock (CS). Data were combined using both the fixed-effects models and the random-effects models, and the heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 statistic. Nine RCTs (6 with prasugrel and 3 with ticagrelor) with 45,227 patients were included. Patients receiving prasugrel were associated with a lower risk of combined VT and VF (rate ratio [RR]: 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 95% CI: 0.52-0.99, p=0.043), as well as combined HF and CS (RR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.70-0.94, p=0.005), compared with clopidogrel. Patients receiving ticagrelor were also associated with a reduced risk of VT and VF (RR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.72-1.02, p=0.077), although without statistical significance, but not of HF and CS (RR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.81-1.13, p=0.620). Conclusions. This meta-analysis of RCTs shows that, compared with clopidogrel, novel oral P2Y12 inhibitors, especially prasugrel, might have better effect on improving ventricular rhythm and cardiac function.
Psychometric Properties of the Dental Activities Test: An Exploratory Factor Analysis in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Chen Xi , Liu Wen
Published: December 2018

Objective. The Dental Activities Test (DAT) was developed to be used by dental, nursing, and other health professionals to assess the ability of persons with dementia to perform oral health-related activities and aid care planning. The instrument was designed as a unitary scale and has excellent internal consistency, test-retest reliability, interrater reliability, and construct validity. This study examines the underlying factor structure of the DAT among older adults in assisted living settings. Methods. In a secondary analysis of the data from the original study, the results of testing of 90 older adults with normal to severely impaired cognition from three assisted living communities in North Carolina from March 2013 to February 2014 were studied. An exploratory factor analysis was used to assess the dimensionality of the presumed unitary assessment scale. Results. Two-factor structures were explored. A one-factor model demonstrated acceptably mixed model fit, and a two-factor model had good model fit with moderate correlation between the two factors (r=0.667, p<0.05). All the items in the one-factor model demonstrated significant factor loadings (loadings ≥ 0.39, all p<0.05), while the loadings of some items in the two-factor model (nonsignificant or cross-loadings, loadings < 0.40) did not meet the criteria of factor selection. The one-factor structure was preferred based on the criteria of Scree Plot, eigenvalue, and factor interpretability in relation to clinical relevance. Conclusions. The study provided preliminary evidence that the Dental Activities Test has a unidimensional construct among older adults with cognitive impairment. It suggested that this instrument can be used as a unitary scale to assess dental-related function in persons with dementia. Future testing, including using a confirmatory factor analysis, in a new sample is needed to further assess the usefulness and psychometric properties of this instrument.
Clinical Decision-Making in Chronic Spine Pain: Dilemma of Image-Based Diagnosis of Degenerative Spine and Generation Mechanisms for Nociceptive, Radicular, and Referred Pain
Authors: Eloqayli Haytham
Published: December 2018

Background. Spine-related pain is a complex heterogeneous condition. Excessive reliance on radiological imaging might lead to overdiagnosis of incidental asymptomatic spinal changes and unnecessary surgery. Approaches to the clinical management of spine pain should (1) identify pain generators, types, patterns, and mechanisms; (2) confirm clinical suspension with a diagnostic injection; and (3) ensure that treatment is aimed at controlling pain and improving patient function rather than image-based surgical success. Method. This case series (7 cases) discusses commonly seen clinical presentation of spine pain analytically, with illustrations of possible pain generators, mechanisms, pathways, and pain types. Each case discusses pain types and location (axial nociceptive, referred, and radicular neuropathic), generators (degenerated disc, herniated disc, facet joint, and sacroiliac joint), pathways (sinuvertebral ventral ramus and medial and lateral branches dorsal ramus), and radiculopathy versus radicular pain, elaborating on coccydynia and cervicogenic headaches, epimere versus hypomere muscle embryology, function, innervation, and role in spine-related pain. Results. Multiple pain generators might coexist in the same patient causing mixed pain types and referral patterns with multiple mechanisms and pathways. History review, physical examination, and diagnostic injections are the mainstays of diagnosis. Conclusions. Image-detected spondylosis might be an asymptomatic process. Clinical presentation is related to stenosis or pain. The mechanism of pain is related to compression, inflammation, or microinstability. Spine pain can be nociceptive axial, neuropathic radicular, and/or referred pain. Although image findings are helpful in radicular neuropathic pain from disc herniation, they are unreliable in nociceptive pain, and correlation with clinical and diagnostic injections is mandatory.
Propofol Suppresses Proinflammatory Cytokine Production by Increasing ABCA1 Expression via Mediation by the Long Noncoding RNA LOC286367
Authors: Ma Xin , Wang Teng , Zhao Zhen-Long , Jiang Yu , Ye Shu
Published: December 2018

We previously reported that propofol upregulated the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1) via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma/liver X receptor in macrophage-derived foam cells. Here, we provide evidence that in addition to inducing ABCA1 expression, propofol represses proinflammatory cytokine production by increasing ABCA1 expression in a LOC286367-dependent manner. Western blot analysis showed that ABCA1 expression was elevated in macrophages by propofol treatment and this effect was markedly reduced by LOC286367 overexpression. Moreover, propofol treatment downregulated the production of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor, and interferon gamma in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages by enhancing ABCA1 expression. Notably, propofol achieved this effect in a LOC286367-dependent manner. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the mechanism in which propofol represses proinflammatory cytokine production mediated by ABCA1.
O estudo da performance musical e o seu caráter social
Authors: Almeida Marcus Vinicius Scanavez Ramasotti Medeiros de
Published: December 2018

O presente artigo oferece alternativas para o estudo da performance musical. A partir da constatação feita por Nicholas Cook de que toda performance possui uma dimensão social, a etnografia é apresentada como metodologia para pesquisa em Música. Então, são apresentados autores que compreendem a performance como um fenômeno social e, desse modo, estabelecem uma relação entre a pesquisa musical e as Ciências Sociais, particularmente a Antropologia. Com o objetivo de estabelecer diretrizes para o pesquisador, abordam-se os conceitos da Antropologia Musical de Anthony Seeger, da Antropologia da Performance de Richard Schechner e Victor Turner, e, por último, o conceito de Musicar de Christopher Small.
Prática pedagógica no contexto de Piano em Grupo: harmonizando a música Boogie blues
Authors: Bollos Liliana Harb , Costa Carlos Henrique
Published: December 2018

Este artigo discute a Harmonização como ferramenta imprescindível da formação pianística e parte integrante da disciplina Piano Complementar nos cursos de Licenciaturas em Música e aponta procedimentos pedagógicos embasados no estudo harmônico do piano popular. Nosso objetivo é apontar aspectos do processo de aprendizagem cognitiva e motora dos alunos no contexto de aulas coletivas de piano diante da aplicação de uma prática pedagógica específica de harmonização de uma melodia. Ao analisar o que se pratica, adquire-se habilidade para se entender seu caminho harmônico, capacitando também a memorização e a transposição. Também apresenta diversas etapas de execução na música "Boogie blues”, com baixo, acorde, melodia e improvisação e os resultados obtidos dessa experiência realizada dentro da pesquisa-ação em três classes e duas instituições de ensino.
Edição crítica do Quarteto nº 3 (1962) de Mozart Camargo Guarnieri
Authors: Rueda Diego , Galon Lucas E. S.
Published: December 2018

Mozart Camargo Guarnieri foi, sem dúvida, um dos maiores e mais influentes compositores brasileiros do século XX, tendo suas obras e seu trabalho reconhecido por todo o mundo, principalmente após a década de 1950, quando se tornou uma referência nacional e internacional no âmbito do modernismo, junto com outros importantes compositores, como Heitor Villa-Lobos e Francisco Mignone. Apesar de ter sido um dos mais influentes na área da composição, possui ainda nos dias de hoje obras apenas em registros manuscritos, sem uma edição final corrigida e revisada. Este trabalho visa preencher um pouco a lacuna existente ainda hoje, com uma edição crítica da obra Quarteto nº 3, de 1962, incluindo a partitura completa e suas respectivas partes individuais.
Aortic Root Dilatation and Aortic-Related Complications in Children After Tetralogy of Fallot Repair
Authors: Grotenhuis Heynric B. , Dallaire Frederic , Verpalen Inez M. , van den Akker Michelle J.E. , Mertens Luc , Friedberg Mark K.
Published: December 2018

Background:

The study objective was to assess the severity, progression rate, and risk factors for aortic root dilatation (ARD) in pediatric tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and to study its relationship to complications including aortic regurgitation.

Methods and Results:

Seven hundred sixty-eight TOF patients were studied with echocardiography (median age at repair 6.1 months; interquartile range, 4.5–11.3 months) and compared with 304 controls. Five hundred ninety-two (77%) had usual TOF, 41 (5.3%) TOF-type double outlet right ventricle, and 135 (17.6%) TOF with pulmonary atresia. Median follow-up was 3.7 years (interquartile range, 0.5–6.9 years, total follow-up 3002 patients-years). Aortic root dimensions were enlarged at TOF diagnosis and during follow-up. Mean aortic valve annulus
Z
score at first postoperative echo was 3.3±2.7, associated with TOF type (TOF<TOF double outlet right ventricle<TOF/pulmonary atresia;
P
<0.0001). Mean maximum aortic valve diameter
Z
score during follow-up was 4.6±2.5. Overall, there was no rapid progression of ARD or ascending aorta dimensions during follow-up, with a marginal mean decrease of aortic valve annulus
Z
score during follow-up of 0.092
Z
score unit per year (SE=0.010;
P
<0.0001). Ascending aorta showed a mean marginal increase of 0.041
Z
score unit per year (SE=0.008;
P
<0.0001) during follow-up. No predictors of increased rate of progression were identified. ARD increase (>1
Z
score unit per year) was observed in <1% of patients. Of the 768 patients, only 3 (0.39%) developed moderate/severe aortic regurgitation and 2 required aortic surgery for subvalvar aortic stenosis and aortic dissection, respectively.

Conclusions:

ARD is common before and after TOF repair, but our data suggest that aortic root dimensions remain stable in the majority of pediatric TOF patients. Progressive ARD and aortic-related complications are distinctly uncommon during childhood.
Is Less More? Subject-Area Specialization and Outcomes in Elementary Schools
Authors: Bastian Kevin C. , Fortner C. Kevin
Published: December 2018

Whereas subject-area specialization is common practice in secondary grades, little is known about its incidence and impact in elementary schools. In this study we use data from North Carolina elementary schools to assess which teachers specialize and estimate whether specialization is associated with teacher effectiveness and school achievement. We find that specialization is prevalent in upper-elementary grades—approximately 25 percent of fourth-grade teachers and 37 percent of fifth-grade teachers specialize—and schools assign relatively more effective teachers to specialize. Analyses indicate that specialization is not leading to its theorized benefits in mathematics and reading. Teachers are less effective than they were before specializing and school-level achievement is not associated with more specialization. However, science results suggest benefits to subject-area specialization. These findings question the use of specialization in elementary grades but invite continued research to more fully assess its impact.
Primnoidae (Cnidaria: Octocorallia: Calcaxonia) of the Okeanos Explorer expeditions (CAPSTONE) to the central Pacific
Authors: CAIRNS STEPHEN D.
Published: December 2018

This paper discusses and illustrates the 23 primnoid species collected by the R/V Okeanos Explorer in the US marine protected areas in the central and western Pacific, ranging from the Musician Seamounts in the north to American Samoa to the south, and the northern Mariana Islands to the west (CAPSTONE expeditions, 2015-2017). In situ photographs are provided for most species. Thirteen of the 23 species are described as new, as well as two new genera. One new genus, Macroprimnoa, possesses some of the largest polyps in the family. A dichotomous key is provided to facilitate comparisons among the 27 species of Calyptrophora. An update of the abyssal octocorallian species occurring deeper than 3000 m is provided, increasing that number from 39 to 49 species. The character of the articulating ridge, found on the distal edge of the basal body wall scales, is re-evaluated, resulting in four genera having this character state, and requiring the description of the new genus Pseudonarella.
On some miscellaneous sea cucumbers (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) in the collections of the South African Museum with three new species
Authors: THANDAR AHMED S.
Published: December 2018

A miscellaneous collection of mostly small holothuroids, comprising some 140 specimens, received from the Iziko South African Museum (SAM), are here recorded and/or briefly described. Of these, one jar contained a badly mutilated holothuroid which was unidentifiable and hence not included here. The remaining material comprises 18 nominal species and an indeterminate elasipodid, perhaps representing a species of Benthodytes. Of the 18 nominal species, four are new to science, one of which has already been described as Trachythyone flaccida Thandar, 2013. Another, although represented by a single mature specimen from deep-water off the Transkei coast (Eastern Cape Province), is so different from its congeners that it is also described as a new species, Stereoderma mohammedi n. sp. Two other specimens, although juvenile, are so extraordinary in their composition of ossicles, that they are also taken to represent another new species, ?Temparena trouspetita n. sp. The collection also includes a single specimen of Synallactes, which together with a specimen misidentified as S. viridilimus by Thandar (2008), is also described as a new species, S. quatrami n. sp. The remaining species proved to be either new records for the southern African region or already well-known southern African forms whose distribution ranges have now changed.
Self-Responsibility Readdressed: Shifts in Financial Responsibility for Social Security Between the Public Realm, the Individual, and the Family in Europe
Authors: Frericks Patricia , Höppner Julia
Published: December 2018

Self-responsibility is a prominent keyword in social policy and in welfare state reforms. The concept of self-responsibility, though, has never been clearly dissected for welfare state analysis. In particular, the debate on the turn toward self-responsibility in welfare states has not been adequately conceptualized, nor has the institutionalization of the family in welfare states been correspondingly analyzed, though all welfare states, to different degrees, apply family-related conditions to social rights. In other words, welfare states have treated individuals with family differently from individuals without family, and this has an impact on the interpretation of the turn toward self-responsibility. In this contribution, we systematically and comparatively analyze welfare state change in the family-related conditions applied to social rights, in order to identify shifts in financial responsibility for social rights from the public realm to either the individual or the family. We analyze changes occurring between 1993 and 2013 for two social security levels and two target groups in six European countries. Our findings show that trends toward reducing public financial responsibility, as in shifting financial responsibility for social security from the public realm back to citizens, have not prevailed. On the contrary, public financial responsibility for social rights has in part increased and in part been reshifted onto the family, so that self-responsibility is subsumed here under the concept of subsidiarity, and therewith refers to a nonindividualized “self”. Citizens, in other words, are not increasingly conceived by welfare state regulations as isolated and self-reliant individuals, but as subjects embedded in both the public and family spheres.
Power of Paradox: Grassroots Organizations’ Legitimacy Strategies Over Time
Authors: Chowdhury Rashedur , Kourula Arno , Siltaoja Marjo
Published: December 2018

Fringe stakeholders with limited resources, such as grassroots organizations (GROs), are often ignored in business and society literature. We develop a conceptual framework and a set of propositions detailing how GROs strategically gain legitimacy and influence over time. We argue that GROs encounter specific paradoxes over the emergence, development, and resolution of an issue, and they address these paradoxes using cognitive, moral, and pragmatic legitimacy strategies. While cognitive and moral strategies tend to be used consistently, the flexible and paradoxical use of pragmatic strategies has important consequences, both for GROs’ legitimacy and for their potential influence over powerful organizations associated with them. We enrich our framework with the help of two illustrative cases and discuss the implications of the framework for GROs’ legitimacy strategies in business and society literature.
Knowing as a Subversive Activity: A Conversation with Steve Fuller’s Post-Truth: Knowledge as a Power Game
Authors: Richmond Sheldon
Published: December 2018

Fuller carries social constructionism to its bitter end in his theory of the “post-truth condition”—endemic to current life and to the entirety of Western Philosophy. According to Fuller, the gates to the elitist power/knowledge-games have been crashed by the democratic mob. Fuller implicitly extends Popper’s radicalism in the philosophy of science to political and social philosophy. Rather than Popper’s piecemeal social engineering for the purpose of minimizing human suffering, Fuller promotes revolutionary social change in the face of catastrophes. Fuller pushes for a “proactionary” approach because the current vast social change refutes the fragility-assumption of Popper’s “risk-adverse” sociopolitical philosophy.
Free Will, Determinism and the “Problem” of Structure and Agency in the Social Sciences
Authors: Pleasants Nigel
Published: December 2018

The so-called “problem” of structure and agency is clearly related to the philosophical problem of free will and determinism, yet the central philosophical issues are not well understood by theorists of structure and agency in the social sciences. In this article I draw a map of the available stances on the metaphysics of free will and determinism. With the aid of this map the problem of structure and agency will be seen to dissolve. The problem of structure and agency is sustained by a failure to distinguish between metaphysical and empirical senses of the relation between social structure and individual agency. The ramifications of this distinction are illustrated via a case study of competing explanations of perpetrator behavior in Christopher Browning’s and Daniel Goldhagen’s studies of the German Order Police in the Holocaust.
The Frustrated Nationalization of Hydrocarbons and the Plunder of Bolivia
Authors: Krommes-Ravnsmed Jeppe
Published: December 2018

Evo Morales came to power in Bolivia after the gas war and a subsequent rebellion that overthrew two presidents in 2003 and 2005. However, the promised nationalization of hydrocarbons remained on paper, and a new extractivist offensive was launched that deepened processes of accumulation by dispossession. Plunder, environmental devastation, and recolonization of indigenous territories have increased because of different factors that are dialectically interrelated: (1) the 2006 oil contracts, which allowed transnationals to retain a dominant position in the sector; (2) the challenge of finding new gas reserves to maintain the current export volume; (3) the country’s substantial dependence on hydrocarbon revenues to maintain public expenditure levels, given that the productive matrix remains unchanged; and (4) the political degeneration of the Movimiento al Socialismo. However, there is no political and discursive coherence: the government conceals its policy behind a revolutionary discourse.

Evo Morales llegó al poder en Bolivia después de la guerra del gas y la subsiguiente rebelión que derrocó a dos presidentes en 2003 y 2005. Sin embargo, la prometida nacionalización de los hidrocarburos se mantuvo en el papel y se lanzó una nueva ofensiva extractivista que profundizó los procesos de acumulación por despojo. El saqueo, la devastación ambiental y la recolonización de los territorios indígenas han aumentado debido a diferentes factores que están dialécticamente interrelacionados: (1) los contratos petroleros de 2006, que permitieron a las transnacionales mantener una posición dominante en el sector; (2) el desafío de encontrar nuevas reservas de gas para mantener el volumen de exportación actual; (3) la dependencia sustancial del país en los ingresos por hidrocarburos para mantener los niveles de gasto público, dado que la matriz productiva permanece sin cambios; y (4) la degeneración política del Movimiento al Socialismo. Sin embargo, no hay coherencia política y discursiva: el gobierno oculta su política detrás de un discurso revolucionario.
Morphology, mechanical behavior, and prediction of A-glass/SiO2/epoxy nanocomposite using response surface methodology
Authors: Saberian Mohammad Hossein , Ashenai Ghasemi Faramarz , Ghasemi Ismail , Bagheri Mohammad Sadegh
Published: December 2018

Response surface methodology (RSM) is used to study the mechanical and morphological properties of glass fiber (GF)/epoxy composites. The Box–Behnken method was used to design the experiments and quantify the effects of GF content, glass fiber length (GFL), and silica nanoparticles (SiO2). Each variable consisted of three levels: GF (5, 10, and 15 wt%), GFL (3, 6, and 9 mm), and SiO2 (0, 0.75, and 1.5 wt%). Tensile tests were performed to obtain the tensile strength and elongation at break of the samples, and morphology properties were studied by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that at high levels of GF, the tensile strength, and elongation at break decreased up to 42% and 30%, respectively. Although increasing the GFL from 6 mm to 9 mm deceased tensile strength by 13%, the elongation at break increased by 7%. The presence of SiO2 at medium level in the composites decreased the elongation but enhanced the tensile strength by 10%. In addition, RSM was employed to develop the mathematical model between process variables. The developed models were validated by the analysis of variance. The R2 obtained from analysis of variance results and normal probability plots showed that the experimental data had a good agreement with those predicted by the models (above 0.95 for all responses).
Military Know-Nothings or (At Least) Military Know-Somethings?: Knowledge of Defense Policy in Germany and Its Determinants
Authors: Steinbrecher Markus , Biehl Heiko
Published: December 2018

There is little empirical evidence of the widely shared belief that most civilians know next to nothing about defense policy and armed forces. This article examines knowledge of defense policy in Germany and its determinants. The database is a public opinion survey from 2016. The survey included six questions on various aspects of knowledge of defense policy. Its results show that knowledge of defense policy is approximately on a level with general political knowledge in Germany. Determinants from the categories of resources and sociodemographics, motivations, and opportunity structures explain individual knowledge levels. Internal efficacy, interest in politics, the intention to vote, and the perception of the Bundeswehr’s presence in the media are among the most important predictors. These results indicate that the armed forces can bridge the gap between the public and the military, the civil–military gap, by being present in society and active in personal and mass media communication.
The Impact of a Technology Ban on Students’ Perceptions and Performance in Introduction to Psychology
Authors: Hutcheon Thomas G. , Lian Aileen , Richard Anna
Published: December 2018

To test the impact of the implementation of technology bans on students’ experience within a course, we collected data from four sections of Introduction to Psychology at a small liberal arts college in the northeast. In two sections, students were banned from using personal technology devices during lecture. In the other two sections, students were permitted to use personal technology devices freely during lecture. We found a significant reduction in student engagement but not in reported interest in psychology or perceived professor–student rapport for students in the technology-ban condition relative to students in the technology-permitted condition. In contrast to previous studies, we found no difference in final grade performance across condition. Although further research is needed, these results suggest that instructors should consider the composition of students in their course prior to implementing a technology ban in the classroom.
Science, Story, and Structure: Framing the Conversation for Psychology Faculty and Librarian Information Literacy Collaboration
Authors: Brady Loretta L. C. , Malik Melinda
Published: December 2018

This case study illuminates the effectiveness of collaboration between a librarian and psychology faculty as they use the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education and the Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major to improve an assignment and frame their conversation on scaffolding students’ information literacy skill development. Faculty and librarian collaboration is critical to supporting student learning. Disciplinary standards may be effective tools for librarians and faculty to frame their collaboration, using a shared vocabulary to engage in meaningful conversation about the planning and implementation of course assignments in order to facilitate student learning. Through examination of an undergraduate psychology writing assignment, a librarian and psychology faculty critically examine various paths to information literacy.
Thermal efficiency and cost analysis of solar water heater made in Rwanda
Authors: Nshimyumuremyi Esdras , Junqi Wang
Published: December 2018

Solar water heating is a technology of capturing the energy from the sun's radiation for the purpose of raising the temperature of water from water supply temperature to the desired higher temperature depending on the use. There are many views and discussions on the questions of thermal efficiency of solar water heaters and their associated cost, especially different customers/users want to replace their existing conventional water heating energy by solar water heating systems. In this present paper, a deep investigation has been accomplished to determine thermal efficiency and cost analysis of solar water heater made in Rwanda. During manufacturing of solar water heater, the collector was the main part to emphasize on. The high efficiency of the system was achieved by replacing galvanized iron sheet by aluminum sheet slotted and black painted as an absorber plate. The ambient temperature and average solar radiation of the three sites where solar water heaters are installed were investigated. The used materials, specifications and sizing were discussed in this paper.
Role of the Diabetes Educator in Inpatient Diabetes Management
Authors:   American Association of Diabetes Educators
Published: December 2018

It is the position of American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) that all inpatient interdisciplinary teams include a diabetes educator to lead or support improvement efforts that affect patients hospitalized with diabetes or hyperglycemia. This not only encompasses patient and family education but education of interdisciplinary team members and achievement of diabetes-related organizational quality metrics and performance outcomes.
The Content and Correlates of Belief in Karma Across Cultures
Authors: White Cindel J. M. , Norenzayan Ara , Schaller Mark
Published: December 2018

Karmic beliefs, centered on the expectation of ethical causation within and across lifetimes, appear in major world religions as well as spiritual movements around the world, yet they remain an underexplored topic in psychology. In three studies, we assessed the psychological predictors of Karmic beliefs among participants from culturally and religiously diverse backgrounds, including ethnically and religiously diverse students in Canada, and broad national samples of adults from Canada, India, and the United States (total N = 8,996). Belief in Karma is associated with, but not reducible to, theoretically related constructs including belief in a just world, belief in a moralizing God, religious participation, and cultural context. Belief in Karma also uniquely predicts causal attributions for misfortune. Together, these results show the value of measuring explicit belief in Karma in cross-cultural studies of justice, religion, and social cognition.
Competition, Proprietary Costs of Financial Reporting, and Financial Statement Comparability
Authors: Imhof Michael J , Seavey Scott E. , Watanabe Olena V.
Published: December 2018

Competitors often pay close attention to rivals’ financial reports. For firms with high levels of proprietary information, competition may increase the costs of public disclosure. Theory suggests that such costs, which we refer to as the proprietary costs of financial reporting, may lead to strategic financial reporting. We find that financial statement comparability is decreasing in the proprietary costs of financial reporting. Our results are robust to the use of alternative measures of comparability and alternative measures of proprietary costs of financial reporting. In addition, theory suggests that financial reports will contain stronger signals of managers’ private information when information asymmetry is high. We show that the negative relation between the proprietary costs of financial reporting and financial statement comparability is stronger for firms with poorer information environments. Together, our findings suggest that through the discretion afforded in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), managers of firms with high levels of proprietary information report in a way that reduces the comparability of their financial statements, particularly when information asymmetry is high.
Reflections on Questions of Race, Nation, and Revolution [Plenary Address, 2017 AHS Annual Meeting]
Authors: Doane Woody
Published: December 2018

Issues of racism, nationalism, and revolution are at the core of the humanist struggle for social justice. This article, initially a plenary address at the historic 2017 Association for Humanist Sociology Conference in Havana Cuba, presents a series of guiding questions on these issues for progressive scholars and activists in these troubled times.
Gender differences in weight status, dietary habits, and health attitudes among college students in Kuwait: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Alkazemi Dalal
Published: December 2018

Background:

A better understanding of the factors involved in health and wellness among college students can aid in the design of interventions that can reduce the rate of weight gain during young adulthood.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to determine the gender differences in weight status, dietary habits, and health attitudes in a sample of college students at Kuwait University (KU).

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, 615 students were recruited from KU between November 2013 and March 2014. Components of the study included a self-report questionnaire, assessment of body mass index, and calculation of Healthy Eating Score (HES) to assess eating habits and attitudes. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the gender differences among these domains.

Results:

The findings revealed that a greater proportion of men were overweight and obese compared to women (28.7% and 23.8% vs. 19.9% and 12.1%, respectively). Both genders show equally unhealthy dietary habits, marked by low mean HES scores. Gender-specific dietary patterns were noted, with more men reporting eating >6 oz (168 g) of animal protein per day as compared to women (48.4% vs. 28.9%, p < 0.001). A higher proportion of female students reported regular consumption of potato chips and fatty salty snacks (51.3% and 40.4%, respectively, p = 0.12) and that they ate sweets more than twice a day (52.5% and 39.9%, respectively, p = 0.041).

Conclusions:

Our findings highlight the need for evidence-based gender-specific strategies to reduce the number of overweight and obese college students and promote healthy dietary habits and eating attitudes among this population.
Serum and follicular fluid levels of sirtuin 1, sirtuin 6, and resveratrol in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: an observational, clinical study
Authors: Bódis József , Sulyok Endre , Kőszegi Tamás , Gödöny Krisztina , Prémusz Viktória , Várnagy Ákos
Published: December 2018

Objective

This observational, clinical study was designed to assess the role of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), sirtuin 6 (SIRT6), and resveratrol in in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Methods

Paired serum and follicular fluid (FF) samples were obtained from 30 consecutive patients (age: 36.43 ± 4.17 years, body mass index: 22.90 ± 2.05 kg/m2, duration of infertility: 5.10 ± 2.80 years) who received IVF treatment. SIRT1, SIRT6, and resveratrol levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Ovarian hyperstimulation resulted in significantly higher serum SIRT1 levels in pregnant women (8 patients) compared with non-pregnant women (22 patients). SIRT6 levels remained unchanged after ovarian hyperstimulation, but were significantly lower in pregnant women compared with non-pregnant women before and after hyperstimulation. Both SIRTs were detected in FF, but they appeared to be independent of their serum levels. After correction for confounders, FF SIRT6 levels were positively related to mature oocytes (F = 6.609), whereas serum SIRT1 and SIRT6 levels were related to clinical pregnancy (F = 10.008, F = 5.268, respectively).

Conclusions

Our study shows that SIRT1 and SIRT6, but not resveratrol, are involved in human reproduction and they may have a role in oocyte maturation and clinical pregnancy in IVF.
Metachronous metastasis to contralateral retroperitoneal adipose tissue after radical nephrectomy: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Wang Wenting , Li Hui , Li Yongwei , Gao Zhenli , Feng Fan , Lin Chunhua
Published: December 2018

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) metastasis to the adrenal gland, perirenal adipose tissue, and ureter on the contralateral side is rare. We report a case of solitary metachronous clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) metastasis to the contralateral retroperitoneal adipose tissue, which was identified after radical nephrectomy. A patient had undergone retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for RCC in the right kidney in December 2012. Postoperative pathological analysis showed Fuhrman grade I ccRCC, T1bN0M0. Three years after surgery, a solitary tumor of 1.0 × 1.0 cm was identified by an abdominal computed tomographic scan inside the retroperitoneal fat pad in front of the left posterior abdominal wall, without adhesion to the abdominal wall. The tumor was then completely resected by retroperitoneal laparoscopic resection. Pathological analysis showed that it was a metastasized lesion from a previous tumor. Nine months after surgery, there was no sign of recurrence confirmed by radiographic follow-up. Findings from this case indicate the unpredictability of dissemination of RCC. Our findings support a follow-up regimen that includes regular postoperative computed tomographic scans to identify early metastasis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of contralateral retroperitoneal adipose metastasis after laparoscopic tumorectomy.
Intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide implant (ILUVIEN®) for diabetic macular oedema: a literature review
Authors: Massa Horace , Nagar Anindyt M. , Vergados Athanasios , Dadoukis Panagiotis , Patra Sudeshna , Panos Georgios D.
Published: December 2018

Diabetic macular oedema (DMO) is a common complication of diabetic retinopathy and may lead to severe visual loss. In this review, we describe the pathophysiology of DMO and review current therapeutic options such as macular laser photocoagulation, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents, and steroid implants with a focus on the new fluocinolone acetonide implant, ILUVIEN®. The results of the Fluocinolone Acetonide in Diabetic Macular Edema (FAME) studies are also presented together with the results of real-world studies to support the clinical use of ILUVIEN® in achieving efficient resolution of DMO and improving vision and macular anatomy in this challenging group of patients.
Adductor Canal Block Versus Femoral Nerve Block for Pain Control After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Lynch Jonathan R. , Okoroha Kelechi R. , Lizzio Vincent , Yu Charles C. , Jildeh Toufic R. , Moutzouros Vasilios
Published: December 2018

Background:

Femoral nerve block (FNB) is a commonly performed technique that has been proven to provide effective regional analgesia after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The adductor canal block (ACB) uses a similar sensory block around the knee while avoiding motor blockade of the quadriceps muscles.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of our study was to compare the efficacy of FNB versus ACB for pain control after ACL reconstruction. It was hypothesized that there would be no difference in pain levels or opioid requirements between the 2 groups.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

We performed a prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Sixty patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft were randomized to receive either an ACB or an FNB preoperatively. The primary outcomes assessed were pain levels (visual analog scale) and narcotic requirements for 4 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes included ability to perform a straight leg raise in the recovery room and difference in thigh circumference between the operative and nonoperative leg measured at 7 days postoperatively.

Results:

Morphine requirements were less in the ACB group in the first 4 hours postoperatively ( P = .02). Aside from this time interval, no differences were found between the 2 groups with regard to opioid requirements and pain scores at any other time. Similarly, no differences were noted in patients’ ability to perform a straight leg raise in the recovery room ( P = .13) or in thigh circumference at the first postoperative visit ( P = .09).

Conclusion:

The results of our study suggest similar efficacy in perioperative pain control with the use of an ACB for ACL reconstruction when compared with FNB. The potential long-term benefit of quadriceps preservation with the ACB is worthy of future study.

Registration:

NCT03033589 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
Sustainable location and route planning with GIS for waste sorting centers, case study: Kerman, Iran
Authors: Farahbakhsh Amin , Forghani Mohammad Ali
Published: December 2018

One of the important issues in the world is the significant growth of waste production, including waste that is not biodegradable in nature. According to the Kerman Municipality, 440 tonnes of municipal waste is collected daily in Kerman consisting of five major parts of paper, plastic, metal, glass, and wet waste. The major problems of municipal solid waste disposal are soil erosion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. The most important factors related to recycling are waste sorting and the relevant environmental conditions. This study aims to create a sustainable approach by locating the optimal sites to reduce environmental pollution, decrease costs, and improve the service system to the society. Optimal locations for establishing the collecting and sorting centers in the city are specified by the use of geographic information system software, based on criteria consisting of population density, road network, distance to health centers, distance to disposal center, waste sorting culture, land space, and land cost, which were weighted by an analytical hierarchy process. It was noteworthy that the criterion “waste sorting culture”, which has a foundation in human sciences and sociology, has been considered by experts in this study to be of the highest importance among other criteria at locating sorting centers. Subsequently, using a symmetric capacitated vehicle routing problem, the number and capacity of each vehicle are determined to serve the specified locations according to the economic, social, and environmental constraints.
Acquisition of Early Developmental Milestones and Need for Special Education Services in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Aaen Gregory , Waltz Michael , Vargas Wendy , Makhani Naila , Ness Jayne , Harris Yolanda , Casper T. Charles , Benson Leslie , Candee Meghan , Chitnis Tanuja , Gorman Mark , Graves Jennifer , Greenberg Benjamin , Lotze Timothy , Mar Soe , Tillema Jan-Mendelt , Rensel Mary , Rodriguez Moses , Rose John , Rubin Jennifer , Schreiner Teri , Waldman Amy , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca , Belman Anita , Waubant Emmanuelle , Krupp Lauren
Published: December 2018

Children with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis and pediatric controls were enrolled across 16 pediatric multiple sclerosis centers in the United States and completed questionnaires that addressed time of first unaided walking and acquisition of 2-word phrases. A total of 467 (308 female) cases and 428 (209 female) controls were enrolled. Pediatric multiple sclerosis (n = 467) were not delayed in walking or using 2-word phrases compared to healthy controls (n = 428) (2.2% vs 5.7%, respectively). Children with disease onset before age 11 versus onset at 11 years or after were more likely to need an individualized education plan ( P = .002), reading assistance ( P = .0003), and math assistance ( P = .001). Children with multiple sclerosis onset prior to age 18 are not delayed in meeting the 2 major early developmental milestones but do have a significantly increased use of special services or learning assistance at school. Further research will need to address whether other measures of development (eg, rate of language acquisition or fine motor skills) differ between pediatric multiple sclerosis and controls.
They Are Coming Home: The Effect of Trauma-Related Cognitions on Vocational Readiness of Incarcerated Women
Authors: Anderson Joi D. , Pitner Ronald O.
Published: December 2018

The prevalence of trauma in the lives of incarcerated women has been well-documented. Yet, few studies have included trauma-related cognitions, a common response to interpersonal trauma, in their analyses. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between trauma (pre-incarceration trauma [PIT] and incarceration-based trauma [IBT]), trauma-related cognitions [TRC] (i.e., Total; Self, Blame, and World), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity, and vocational readiness-motivation (VR-M) in a random sample of incarcerated women in three prison facilities. A cross-sectional research design was employed using a stratified random sampling procedure. The stratum was housing security levels 1 to 4. The study was conducted in three prisons located in the midwestern region of the United States. Self-administered questionnaires measured PIT, IBT, TRC, PTSD, and VR-M. The study sample included ( N = 250) female inmates: 152 White (60.8%), 50 Black (20.4%), 18 Biracial (7.3%), 13 Native American/Pacific Islander (5.3%), and 12 Latina (4.8%) females. The average age of participants was 36.2, and 82.4% were mothers. A key finding in this study was that TRC-Total was best predicted by trauma associated with the prison environment (IBT) and PTSD severity. Our findings indicated that for Black and Latina women, higher levels of trauma-related cognitions about “self” were predictive of a lower potential for vocational readiness in the area of motivation. Future examination of trauma’s effect on the development of negative trauma-related cognitions about self (e.g., self as incompetent) has the potential to inform prison mental health practice and the development of clinical interventions to decrease trauma-related cognitions about self for incarcerated women with multiple trauma experiences.
The effect of high-temperature steam ingestion on aerodynamic performance and stability of a transonic rotor
Authors: Tu Baofeng , Zhang Luyao , Hu Jun
Published: December 2018

To investigate the effect of high-temperature steam ingestion on the aerodynamic stability of a transonic axial compressor, a NASA Rotor 37 was numerically simulated. The effects of the high-temperature steam mass fraction, the temperature rise rate, the maximum temperature, and the distribution of steam at the inlet boundary on the aerodynamic stability of a transonic axial rotor were investigated, using the steady-state and quasi-steady methods. From the simulation results, it was found that high-temperature steam ingestion has an adverse effect on the transonic rotor. The greater the steam mass fraction and the maximum temperature, the greater the impact of the steam ingestion on the stability boundary. The temperature rise rate has little effect on the performance and stability. The distribution of steam at the inlet boundary has a significant impact on the performance and stability. In addition, with the ingestion of high-temperature steam, the average density of the gas at the rotor inlet is affected, and the passage shock position moves forward at the same time, which leads to the occurrence of the stall in advance.