bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Chinese version of the Gold-MSI: Adaptation and validation of an inventory for the measurement of musical sophistication in a Taiwanese sample
Authors: Lin Hsin-Rui , Kopiez Reinhard , Müllensiefen Daniel , Wolf Anna
Published: September 2019

This study presents the Chinese adaptation of the Goldsmiths Musical Sophistication Index (Gold-MSI), an instrument for measuring individual differences in musical ability and skilled musical behaviour. Its psychometric properties were examined with a Taiwanese sample. The Gold-MSI inventory was translated into Chinese following recommendations from the literature on cross-cultural test development. Subsequently, the psychometric properties of the Chinese Gold-MSI self-report inventory, including the Melody Memory Task and the Beat Alignment Perception Task, were evaluated using an online survey with 1,065 participants. Results of confirmatory factor analysis suggest that the original factor structure of the Gold-MSI inventory showed an acceptable fit with the data from the Chinese-speaking sample. In addition, the Chinese Gold-MSI inventory shows good reliability. The Melody Memory Task and the Beat Alignment Perception Task also have sufficient test-retest reliability. Finally, correlations between the Chinese Gold-MSI inventory and the Musical-Rhythmic Intelligence subscale of the Eight Multiple Intelligences Questionnaire as well as the two additional music tests provide evidence for convergent and divergent validity. Overall, the data suggest that the Chinese Gold-MSI has good psychometric properties. Percentile norms for the Gold-MSI inventory and the music tests from the present sample are reported for use in future studies. The present study thus makes a valuable contribution to cross-cultural research in music psychology by enabling the comparison between Chinese and Western studies of individual differences in musical ability.
Building capacity for child and adolescent mental health and psychiatry in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Kowalenko Nick , Hagali Monica , Hoadley Benjamin
Published: September 2019

Objective:

To describe the recent work of child psychiatrists in Australia, New Zealand (ANZ) and Papua New Guinea (PNG) adding to mental health capacity building across the life-span, starting with children and adolescents.

Method:

Concerns about treatment access and clinical training needs, combined with academic leadership and National Department of Health commitment, supported the collaborative involvement of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry (RANZCP) in workforce development. This has been initially established under the auspices of the Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (FCAP).

Results:

Workforce development in child and adolescent mental health is underway, with sustainability, consolidation and scaling up of initiatives required to meet need.

Conclusions:

Expanding mental health workforce capacity in partnership with the National Department of Health and the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) seems feasible. Ongoing cooperation is required to realize the potential of such collaborative initiatives.
The role of psychodynamic psychotherapy for the older adult – two contrasting cases
Authors: Jeyasingam Neil
Published: September 2019

Objective:

To outline the successful psychotherapeutic intervention of two older patients.

Conclusion:

Psychodynamic principles should be considered more readily in the treatment of older people.
Disability Rights in Botswana: Perspectives of Individuals With Disabilities
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Sourav , Moswela Emmanuel
Published: September 2019

Even though the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities (UN-CRPD) 2006 has been in existence for the last 10 years, the Government of Botswana has not ratified the convention. As a result, individuals with disabilities (IWDs) fail to access services and are at the mercy of the service providers. This qualitative study involved in-depth interviews with 30 IWDs about their experiences related to disability rights. Analysis of the data indicated that IWDs face several challenges in exercising their basic rights; these challenges being (a) stigmatization, (b) infrastructural barriers, (c) transport barriers, and (d) information barriers. Findings suggested that awareness of disability rights among IWDs, caregivers, and the general public was generally low. As a result, many IWDs were not aware of their rights and therefore could not exercise their rights fully.
Immediate Effect of Fan Therapy in Terminal Cancer With Dyspnea at Rest: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kako Jun , Kobayashi Masamitsu , Oosono Yasufumi , Kajiwara Kohei , Miyashita Mika
Published: September 2019

Background:

Dyspnea is a common distressing symptom in patients with malignant and nonmalignant diseases. Fan therapy, which uses a fan to blow air toward the patient’s face, can alleviate dyspnea; however, its efficacy remains unclear.

Aim:

To examine the immediate efficacy of fan therapy for alleviation of dyspnea at rest.

Design:

Meta-analysis.

Data sources:

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE EBSCO, CINAHL EBSCO, and Scopus from January 1, 1987, to August 21, 2018 (PROSPERO-CRD42018108610). In addition, we hand-searched studies and used the similar articles feature on PubMed to search for articles. Randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of fan therapy with placebo or other interventions to alleviate dyspnea at rest, in which patients were aged ≥18 years, were eligible for inclusion in the review. We excluded articles on long-term intervention involving fan therapy and complex intervention (including fan therapy). The risk of bias assessment was conducted using the Cochrane tool, and the meta-analysis was performed using RevMan version 5.3.

Results:

We identified a total of 218 studies; 2 met our criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Fan therapy significantly improved dyspnea at rest in terminally ill patients with cancer compared to control groups (mean difference: −1.31, 95% confidence interval: −1.79 to −0.83, P < .001). There were no studies that met the inclusion criteria regarding fan therapy for patients with nonmalignant disease.

Conclusions:

This meta-analysis demonstrated that fan therapy may be an effective intervention for dyspnea at rest in patients with terminal cancer.
Leading Toward Equity in Bilingual Education: Leadership Actions in a Reconceptualization of a Common Literacy Assessment Routine
Authors: Evans Leanne M. , Burgos Laurie , Nass Alexis
Published: September 2019

This article presents a case study that examined leaders’ actions within a Spanish/English two-way immersion program as they guided teachers in a critical analysis of a common literacy assessment routine. The intent of this research was to move toward a more equitable reconceptualization of the literacy assessment routine and ultimately work to disaffirm deficit views of emergent bilingual learners often perpetuated by conventional assessment practices. This examination relied on the framework of transformative leadership and linguistically responsive schooling. Findings reveal the leaders established a critical bilingual stance, enacted bilingual pedagogical spaces, and fostered the development of a bilingual community identity. The authors contend the critically transformative leader is key to the sustainability of equitable practices as they act to support, sustain, and deepen the critical aspect of professional learning communities and influence pedagogical change. Although focused on the ever-expanding field of bilingual education, the outcomes of this work address all leaders who seek to create equity in their diverse school communities and uphold culture and language as assets to learning.
Application of an innovative high-throughput liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous analysis of 18 hazardous drugs to rule out accidental acute chemotherapy exposures in health care workers
Authors: Shu Pan , Zhao Ting , Wen Bo , Mendelsohn-Victor Kari , Sun Duxin , Friese Christopher R , Pai Manjunath P
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Despite safe handling guidelines published by several groups, health care worker exposure to hazardous drugs continues to occur due to suboptimal engineering controls and low use of protective equipment. Simple, multi-target and specific analytical methods are needed so that acute exposures to these drugs in the workplace can be assessed rapidly. Our aim was to develop an analytical method for simultaneous detection and quantification of widely used cancer drugs to rule out accidental acute chemotherapy exposures in health care workers.

Methods

We examined the feasibility of alternate high-performance liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometry methods to simultaneously detect eighteen chemotherapy analytes in plasma and urine. The linear concentration ranges tested during assay development were 0.1–50 ng/mL. After development of a multi-analyte assay protocol, plasma samples (n = 743) from a multi-center cluster-randomized clinical trial (n = 12 sites) of an hazardous drug educational intervention were assayed. Confirmatory assays were performed based on the individual acute-spill case-histories.

Results

An innovative HPLC-multiple reaction monitoring-information dependent acquisition-enhanced production ion (MRM-IDA-EPI) analytical method was developed to simultaneously detect: cytarabine, gemcitabine, dacarbazine, methotrexate, topotecan, mitomycin, pemetrexed, irinotecan, doxorubicin, vincristine, vinblastine, ifosamide, cyclophosphamide, vinorelbine, bendamustine, etoposide, docetaxel, and paclitaxel. The retention times ranged from 4 min to 13 min for the analytical run. The limit of detection (MRM-IDA-EPI) and limit of quantitation (MRM) was 0.25 ng/mL and 0.1 ng/mL, respectively for most analytes. No detectable plasma concentrations were measured at baseline, post-intervention and in cases of documented acute spills. Use of a secondary tandem mass spectrometry approach was able to successfully rule out false positive results.

Conclusions

Development of a sensitive high-throughput multi-analyte cancer chemotherapy assay is feasible using an MRM-IDA-EPI method. This method can be used to rapidly rule out systemic exposure to accidental acute chemotherapy spills in health care workers.
Draft Genome Sequence of Ciprofloxacin and Ceftriaxone Resistant Campylobacter jejuni MM26-781 Assigned to Novel ST Isolated From Common Pigeon in Lithuania
Authors: Aksomaitiene Jurgita , Ramonaite Sigita , Novoslavskij Aleksandr , Malakauskas Mindaugas , Kudirkiene Egle
Published: September 2019

Campylobacter jejuni is an important zoonotic pathogen known to be resistant to a wide range of antibiotics worldwide. Campylobacter jejuni may be intrinsically resistant to antibiotics or can acquire antibiotic resistance determinants through gene transfer. However, the knowledge of molecular mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance among Campylobacter isolates from wild birds, especially in Lithuania, is limited. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is a tool for better understanding the evolutionary and epidemiologic dynamics of C jejuni. This study describes a draft whole genome sequence of C jejuni MM26-781 isolated from a common pigeon ( Columba livia) in Lithuania in 2011 and assigned to ST-6424 (CC179) sequence type. The draft genome sequence contained 1.68 Mb, comprising 1651 coding genes, 40 transfer RNAs, 1 ribosomal RNA, and 69 pseudogenes with an average G + C content of 30.4%. The RAST (Rapid Annotation using Subsystem Technology) pipeline annotated (NCTC11168) a total of 305 subsystems in the genome of C jejuni MM26-781 strain, with most of the genes associated with amino acids and derivatives related to metabolism (18.93%) and protein metabolism (14.43%). The genes and mutations related to antibiotic resistance, including gyrA and gyrB genes associated with quinolone resistance, blaOXA-448 gene (locus tag C9371_07715) associated with resistance to β-lactams, rpoB gene associated with resistance to rifamycin, vgaE gene associated with resistance to streptogramin and efflux system CmeABC ( cmeA, cmeB, cmeC), efflux pump PmrA, and transcriptional regulator CmeR responsible for multidrug resistance in C jejuni MM26-781 chromosome, were identified. Also, the virulence factors, including ciaB, cadF, ceuE, pldA, motB, and bd1A genes, were identified by WGS data analysis.
Serum Potassium, Sodium, and Chloride Levels in Sickle Cell Disease Patients and Healthy Controls: A Case-Control Study at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra
Authors: Antwi-Boasiako Charles , Kusi-Mensah Yaw A , Hayfron-Benjamin Charles , Aryee Robert , Dankwah Gifty Boatemaah , Abla Kwawukume Lim , Owusu Darkwa Ebenezer , Botchway Felix Abekah , Sampene-Donkor Eric
Published: September 2019

The activity of Na+-K+ ATPase is altered in sickle cell disease (SCD), which affects serum electrolyte levels. This alteration is associated with several complications in sickle cell patients. This study evaluated the serum levels of sodium, potassium, and chloride in patients with SCD. The study was a case-control cross-sectional study involving 120 SCD patients in the steady state and 48 ‘healthy’ controls. The SCD patients were made up of 69 HbSS patients and 41 HbSC patients. Serum electrolyte levels (Na+, K+, and Cl−) were measured using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (Variant 240FS; Varian Australia Pty Ltd). Serum sodium levels were significantly lower in the sickle cell patients, compared with their ‘healthy’ counterparts ( P = .0001). Although the study found significantly higher serum levels of potassium in the SCD patients ( P = .0001), there was no significant difference in serum chloride levels between patients with SCD and the controls ( P = .098). Serum sodium and chloride levels were not significantly different in both HbSS and HbSC patients ( P = .197 and P = .553, respectively). The level of serum potassium in the HbSS patients was, however, significantly higher compared with those with the HbSC genotype ( P = .0001). There is higher efflux of K+ from the intracellular into the extracellular space in HbSS patients, which may lead to red cell membrane dysfunction and associated complications.
Challenges in integrating health and social care: the Better Care Fund in England
Authors: Harlock Jenny , Caiels James , Marczak Joanna , Peters Michele , Fitzpatrick Raymond , Wistow Gerald , Forder Julien , Jones Karen
Published: September 2019

Objectives

The Better Care Fund is the first and only national policy in England that has legally mandated the use of pooled budgets to support local health and social care systems to provide better integrated care.

Methods

We report qualitative findings from the first national multi-method evaluation of the Better Care Fund, focusing on its implementation, perceptions of progress and expected impacts among key stakeholders. Interviews were carried out with 40 staff responsible for Better Care Fund implementation in 16 local health and social care sites between 2017 and 2018.

Results

Study participants reported their experiences of implementation, and we present these in relation to three themes: organizational issues, relational issues and wider contextual issues. Participants stressed the practical and political challenges of managing pooled budgets and the complexity of working across geographical boundaries. In a context of unprecedented austerity, shared vision and strong leadership were even more vital to achieve collaborative outcomes.

Conclusion

Pooling budgets through the Better Care Fund can lever closer collaboration between sectors and services. Shared vision and leadership are essential to develop and foster this closer collaboration. Although some successes were reported, the study highlights that there are major cultural, operational and territorial barriers to overcome.
Facts versus feelings: Objective and subjective experiences of diversity differentially impact attitudes towards the European Union
Authors: Palma Paolo A. , Sinclair Vanessa M. , Esses Victoria M.
Published: September 2019

This research used secondary data sources to examine how objective and subjective experiences of diversity and immigration are associated with voting and attitudes toward the European Union. Using objective measures of diversity and migration, England’s electorate regions with the most diversity and highest levels of projected migration had the lowest proportion of “Leave” voters in the 2016 Brexit vote (Study 1). Using subjective assessments of intergroup contact and immigration attitudes (Study 2), higher perceived immigrant population size was associated with greater perceived competition with immigrants and Euroscepticism, whereas intergroup contact had the opposite effect. Surprisingly, the explicit desire to reduce immigration was not associated with anti-EU attitudes. This research highlights the importance of combining objective and subjective measures of diversity and immigration in analyzing political motivations, as objective measures suggested immigration did not adversely affect Brexit votes (Study 1), whereas some subjective perceptions of immigration led to greater anti-EU attitudes.
Rethinking human-animal relations: The critical role of social psychology
Authors: Dhont Kristof , Hodson Gordon , Loughnan Steve , Amiot Catherine E.
Published: September 2019

People deeply value their social bonds with companion animals, yet routinely devalue other animals, considering them mere commodities to satisfy human interests and desires. Despite the inherently social and intergroup nature of these complexities, social psychology is long overdue in integrating human-animal relations in its theoretical frameworks. The present body of work brings together social psychological research advancing our understanding of: 1) the factors shaping our perceptions and thinking about animals as social groups, 2) the complexities involved in valuing (caring) and devaluing (exploiting) animals, and 3) the implications and importance of human-animal relations for human intergroup relations. In this article, we survey the diversity of research paradigms and theoretical frameworks developed within the intergroup relations literature that are relevant, perchance critical, to the study of human-animal relations. Furthermore, we highlight how understanding and rethinking human-animal relations will eventually lead to a more comprehensive understanding of many human intergroup phenomena.
The future of environmental governance
Authors: Reid Colin T.
Published: September 2019

During the UK’s membership of the EU, the EU structures have provided a degree of external oversight, ensuring that environmental obligations are fulfilled. To fill the gaps left by the removal of these structures, the different parts of the UK are currently developing their own proposals for environmental principles and governance, which are briefly outlined. The different national schemes adopt different approaches and have to fit into different legal and policy backgrounds. Although collaboration is desirable it seems unlikely to be achieved, if only because of the different timescales for turning proposals into action. Progress with the different national schemes may be disrupted by the need to meet any commitments made by the UK government in international agreements. These agreements may include environmental provisions, and the “Backstop” to the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the EU contains substantial commitments on environmental governance. Some firm suggestions are made for enhancing future collaboration.
What’s the lender liability risk for soil pollution in the People’s Republic of China? An evaluation of China’s new Soil Pollution and Control Law in the light of the USA and UK regimes
Authors: Brown Lloyd Andrew
Published: September 2019

On 1 January 2019, following a presidential order confirming its adoption by the Fifth Session of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Soil Pollution and Control 2019 (SPC) was introduced into law. Succinctly, the SPC was enacted to deal with the vast amount of soil pollution that currently exists in China. This article’s central thesis is that, following a comparative analysis of the regulatory regimes in the USA and UK, the law creates environment-related risks for lenders. In particular, the article is concerned with the risk of lender liability, that is, where the lender itself is made directly liable for the costs of soil pollution remediation. In light of the USA and UK regimes, risk management advice is provided for obviating any prospective lender liability that may be forthcoming from the SPC. As with the regulations in other countries, it appears that the degree of ‘control’ that lenders exercise over their clients must be limited to mitigate the possible transference of any direct liability under the PRC’s principles of property rights law.
Effects of combined statin and ACE inhibitor therapy on endothelial function and blood pressure in essential hypertension - a randomised double-blind, placebo controlled crossover study
Authors: Ruszkowski Piotr , Masajtis-Zagajewska Anna , Nowicki Michał
Published: September 2019

Background:

The aim of this study was to compare the influence of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors on endothelial function and blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension on long-term angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy.

Method:

The study was designed as a prospective, double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled, crossover clinical trial. Twenty patients with essential hypertension were treated with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor; the control group included 10 healthy subjects. Hypertensive patients received in random order 80 mg of fluvastatin daily or placebo for 6 weeks. The following parameters were assessed at baseline and after each treatment period: serum lipids, flow-mediated vasodilation, activity of von Willebrand factor, concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor, C-reactive protein and 24-hour blood pressure profile.

Results:

Hypertensive patients did not differ from healthy subjects with respect to age, body mass and biochemical parameters, with the exception of C-reactive protein, which was higher in hypertensive patients ( P=0.02). After statin therapy, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( P<0.0001), C-reactive protein ( P=0.03), von Willebrand factor ( P=0.03) and vascular endothelial growth factor ( P<0.01) decreased and flow-mediated vasodilation improved ( P<0.001). Statins had no significant effect on blood pressure.

Conclusions:

Statins added to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors may improve endothelial function and ameliorate inflammation independently of blood pressure.
Metascience: Guidelines for the Practitioner
Authors: Turner John R. , Brown H. Quincy , Passmore David L. , Nimon Kim , Baker Rose , Jeong Shinhee , Flatt Candace
Published: September 2019

The Problem

The trend in current research is to seek a statistically significant finding, one that provides a p value less than a predetermined alpha. Unfortunately, a large number of research studies have been identified as being nonreplicable along with having other shortcomings (low power, improper methodology, poor sample size) that reduce the rigor of a study’s research findings. Additional techniques are needed beyond relying solely on a p value.

The Solution

This article presents recommendations that Human Resource Development (HRD) scholars and scholar-practitioners can implement to improve the rigor of the discipline’s research and practice. This article also provides guidelines (higher power, meta-analyses, low bias in large studies) of how to best avoid producing nonreplicability studies along with recommendations for the larger field, in this instance for scholars and scholar-practitioners in the social sciences.

The Stakeholders

Scholars, scholar-practitioners, employees, and researchers who are impacted by changes in their environment due to less-than rigorous evidence-based research findings.
Seizing the Neuroinflammatory Target: The Quest Continues
Authors: Sharma Ayushe A. , Szaflarski Jerzy P.
Published: September 2019

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Cognitive, Regulatory, and Interpersonal Mechanisms of HIV Stigma on the Mental and Social Health of Men Who Have Sex With Men Living With HIV
Authors: Chan Randolph C. H. , Mak Winnie W. S.
Published: September 2019

Public stigma surrounding HIV is related to heightened emotional distress, poor psychological functioning, and reduced subjective well-being in people living with HIV. For men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV, they may also face stigmatizing attitudes within the gay community, which create an additional burden to their health. Grounded in the psychological mediation framework, the present study examined the underlying psychological processes through which HIV stigma from the public and within the gay community influences the mental and social health of MSM living with HIV. Findings from 206 Chinese MSM living with HIV in Hong Kong indicated that negative self-concept, maladaptive coping, and peer isolation mediated the effect of HIV stigma on mental and social health. The study revealed the cognitive, regulatory, and interpersonal processes underlying HIV stigma and health. Feeling intense HIV stigma from the public and within the gay community may render MSM living with HIV more vulnerable to negative self-concept, maladaptive coping, and peer isolation, which contribute to poor mental and social health. To combat prejudice and discrimination against people living HIV, stigma reduction initiatives should be implemented not only in the public, but also in the gay community. Cognitive-behavioral interventions can also be used to restructure negative self-beliefs and build adaptive emotion regulation skills, which can improve stigma-related health outcomes among MSM living with HIV.
Examination of Actual and Ideal Body-Related Characteristics and Body-Related Pride in Adult Males
Authors: Mackowiak Robert , Lucibello Kristen M. , Gilchrist Jenna D. , Sabiston Catherine M.
Published: September 2019

Body image concerns are becoming more prevalent in males. Discrepancies between actual and ideal body muscularity and thinness have been studied from a pathological perspective whereby perceiving the body as discrepant from an internalized ideal is associated with body dissatisfaction, negative emotions, and harmful body-altering behaviors. It is unclear if agreement among actual and ideal self-perceptions is associated with positive emotion in males. The present study examined the associations between actual and ideal congruence and discrepancies in muscularity and thinness, and two facets of pride (i.e., authentic and hubristic pride) in male adults. Participants ( n = 294; Mage = 34.80 years; MBMI = 27.31 kg/m2) completed a cross-sectional self-report survey. Results from polynomial regressions indicated that actual and ideal self-perceptions of muscularity and thinness were significant predictors of both authentic ( R2 = .37 and .20) and hubristic pride ( R2 = .33 and .19), respectively. Response surface values demonstrated that extremely high or low scores that were congruent for muscularity ( a2 = .35 and .40) and thinness ( a2 = .18 and .18) perceptions were associated with higher reports of authentic and hubristic pride. These findings demonstrated that congruence in actual and ideal self-perceptions contribute to feelings of pride, suggesting interventions that promote actual and ideal self-perception congruence may be important for fostering positive emotional experiences in males.
New methodology and instrument for determination of the isothermal drying rate of cotton and polypropylene fabrics at constant air velocity
Authors: Heinisch Tereza , Bajzík Vladimír , Hes Luboš
Published: September 2019

The most important parameters characterizing thermal comfort of garments are thermal resistance and water vapour permeability. Contrary to common garments, protective and sport garments (dresses) are often used in wet state (due to the absorbed sweat), which affects their comfort properties. That is why testing of both mentioned parameters in recent became important, along with the determination of the drying rate and drying time of sport dresses and underwear. However, current method of the drying rate mostly does not enable reliable measurement of this parameter, mostly due to non-isothermal conditions during the measurement and unknown velocity of the drying rate. In the article, a new method and instrument determination of the isothermal drying rate and drying time of sport dresses and underwear are presented, which is executed under at constant velocity of the parallel air flow. The reliability of the instrument and related method was verified by determination of the drying rate of selected woven fabrics.
“Uninformed” Consent: Patient Recollection From Surgical Consent in Hand Surgery—A Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Yu Monica , von Schroeder Herbert P.
Published: September 2019

Background: Informed surgical consent is necessary and routine; however, it can have significant inadequacies. Our purpose was to investigate patient recollection of the surgical consent process and evaluate adequacy from the patient’s perspective. Methods: A quality improvement framework was used. Two patient surveys capturing information recall and satisfaction of the consent process were administered in 5 consecutive hand clinics. All patients who previously underwent elective hand surgery were included. Results: There was exceptionally low recall of the risks and benefits of surgery in 103 consecutive patients who underwent hand surgery. Patients under age 35 had slightly better recall of surgical risks. Unexpected postoperative events affected patient perceptions of the consent process. Conclusions: Patients who have undergone elective hand surgery have poor recollection of the information discussed during the surgical consent process, and therefore the process is lacking. Surgeons may falsely assume that the consent process is sound because it is erroneously perceived as being sufficient by most patients.
A Modern Technology Applied in Traditional Chinese Medicine: Progress and Future of the Nanotechnology in TCM
Authors: Yan Guojun , Wang Yonglin , Han Xinxin , Zhang Qian , Xie Hui , Chen Jun , Ji De , Mao Chunqin , Lu Tulin
Published: September 2019

The application of nanotechnology to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) enabled the development of Chinese medicine in the international society. The pharmacodynamics of TCM is not only depending on its chemical constituents but also related to its physical state such as particle size. Indeed, there is some new pesticide effect that appeared when the medicine was being made into nanophase. The application of nanotechnology to TCM can expand the use of a range of Chinese medicinal materials. In this review, we introduce the concept of nanometer TCM. We also review the preparation methods, advantages, and development tendency of Nano-TCM; furthermore, we analyze the problems in the process of development of Nano-TCM and put forward varies possible solutions to solve this problems, thereby providing new thought for the development of Nano-TCM.
Serum levels of TIMP-1 and MMP-7 as potential biomarkers in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Vočka Michal , Langer Daniel , Fryba Vladimir , Petrtyl Jaromir , Hanus Tomas , Kalousova Marta , Zima Tomas , Petruzelka Lubos
Published: September 2019

Objective:

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP-7) were reported to have potent growth promoting activity. Lack of balance between MMPs and TIMPs is an important factor in the development of gastrointestinal malignancies.

Methods:

We collected serum samples from 97 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and 79 samples from healthy controls. Serum levels of TIMP-1 and MMP-7 were measured immunochemically and compared with standard tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen and CA19-9.

Results:

Serum levels of TIMP-1 and MMP-7 were significantly higher in patients with colorectal cancer compared to healthy controls (both, P < 0.001). TIMP-1 and MMP-7 correlate with the presence of colon involvement (P = 0.001; P = 0.012) and the presence of liver metastases (P = 0.002; P = 0.037), and negatively correlate with pulmonary metastases (P = 0.014; P = 0.005). MMP-7 had similar sensitivity and the same specificity as carcinoembryonic antigen. TIMP-1 and MMP-7 had better sensitivity than CA19-9. TIMP-1 and MMP-7 level correlate with worse outcome (P = 0.002).

Conclusion:

The results indicate that TIMP-1 and MMP-7 are effective biomarkers in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer with good sensitivity. TIMP-1 and MMP-7 levels strongly correlate with the extent of liver disease and have prognostic value.
INtravenous Iron to Treat Anaemia following CriTical care (INTACT): A protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial
Authors: Shah Akshay , Marian Ioana , Dutton Susan J , Barber Vicki S , Griffith David M , McKechnie Stuart R , Chapman George , Robbins Peter A , Young Duncan , Walsh Timothy S , Stanworth Simon J
Published: September 2019

Background

Anaemia is common in patients who survive critical illness and is associated with high levels of fatigue and poor quality of life. In non-critically ill patients, treating anaemia with intravenous iron has resulted in meaningful improvements in quality of life, but uncertainties regarding the benefits, risks, timing and optimal route of iron therapy in survivors of critical illness remain.

Methods / Design

INtravenous Iron to Treat Anaemia following CriTical care (INTACT) is an open-label, feasibility, parallel group, randomised controlled trial with 1:1 randomisation to either intravenous iron (1000 mg ferric carboxymaltose) or usual medical care. The primary objective is to assess the feasibility of a future, multicentre randomised controlled trial. Participants will be followed up for up to 90 days post-randomisation. The primary outcome measures, which will be used to determine feasibility, are recruitment and randomisation rates, protocol adherence and completeness of follow-up. Secondary outcome measures include collecting clinical, laboratory, health-related quality of life and safety data to inform the power calculations of a future definitive trial.

Conclusion

Improving recovery from critical illness is a recognised research priority. Whether or not correcting anaemia, with intravenous iron, improves health-related quality of life and recovery requires further investigation. If so, it has the potential to become a rapidly translatable intervention. Prior to embarking on a phase III multicentre trial, a carefully designed and implemented feasibility trial is essential.
Extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation for severe respiratory failure in the UK
Authors: Czapran Adam , Steel Matthew , Barrett Nicholas A
Published: September 2019

An overview of the current system for referrals and management of severe respiratory failure in the United Kingdom. We outline the history of severe respiratory failure centres, the process of retrieving a patient for veno-venous extra corporeal membrane oxygenation and highlight some common difficulties and pitfalls when referring these critically unwell patients
The ‘personal work relationship’ in Austria
Authors: Brameshuber Elisabeth
Published: September 2019

When assessing the personal work relationship in Austria, first the contractual relationship needs to be scrutinised. Following the differentiation between employees, semi-dependent workers (with the sub-category of employee-like working persons) and businesspersons, all, only some, or none, of the statutes and laws falling under the category of ‘individual labour law’ (e.g. Working Hours Act, Holidays Act etc) apply. Collective bargaining agreements, providing, amongst others, for minimum wages (N.B. there is no statutory minimum wage in Austria), can be concluded for employees only, though (with very few and specific exceptions for persons in the media sector). This paper analyses the legal situations of the different categories of working persons and critically assesses the non-application of most labour laws, including collective bargaining agreements, to employee-like working persons. It questions whether, from a teleological point of view, a different assessment would be necessary.
Workers, the self-employed and TRADEs: Conceptualisation and collective rights in Spain
Authors: Todolí-Signes Adrián
Published: September 2019

The subjective scope of application of Labour Law is set by the Statute of Labour. Nevertheless, the interpretation of the Courts is crucial to understand who is a worker in Spain. In this study, the criteria set by the Spanish courts and their evolution are analysed. Recently, the Spanish Supreme Court seems to have abandoned the ‘control test’ criteria for classifying workers and has moved towards a personal conceptualisation of work. This paper shows rulings that prove this evolution. Moreover, Spain has its own Self-employed Workers’ Statute applicable to common self-employed workers and economically dependent self-employees (TRADEs). In this paper I analyse the concept of both types and the individual and collective rights granted to them by the Self-employed Workers’ Statute. Two main conclusions can be drawn: first, the TRADEs are not an intermediate category between employees and self-employees but instead a subcategory of self-employees. Second, the protection granted by the Self-employed Workers’ Statute is clearly insufficient.
New trade union strategies for new forms of employment
Authors: Dockès Emmanuel
Published: September 2019

This paper records the responses to the questionnaire that was circulated to academics for the purposes of compiling the ETUC publication, ‘New trade union strategies for new forms of employment’. In responding to the questions asked, this paper provides a broad description of how work relationships are organised in French law. It includes an analysis of the French concept of employee. It explains how behind the formal central criterion of this concept – subordination - lies a diversity of factors, supposedly proof elements of subordination. The impact of one of them, worker’s economic dependence, explains how French case law has managed to create a wide concept of employee, and hence a wide application range for Labour Law, including most of platform workers and other new forms of employment. This paper also recalls special French statutes extending the French Labour code to dependant workers like home workers, sales representatives, branch managers (including certain types of franchises), etc. The paper finally explains how and why both subordination and dependency should be officially recognised as alternative or combined criteria to draw the scope of labour protection.
Kandinsky or Me? How Free Is the Eye of the Beholder in Abstract Art?
Authors: Braun Doris I. , Doerschner Katja
Published: September 2019

We investigated in “art-naïve” German and Chinese participants the perception of color and spatial balance in abstract art. For color perception, we asked participants (a) to adjust the color of a single element in 24 paintings according to their liking and (b) to indicate whether they preferred their version of the painting or the original. For spatial perception, we asked participants (a) to determine the “balance point” of an artwork and (b) to indicate their preferences for the original or left-right reversed orientation of previously seen and unfamiliar paintings. Results of the color experiments suggest that, even though the interactive task was of a rather open-ended nature, observers’ color adjustments were not random but systematically influenced by each painting’s color palette. Overall, participants liked their own color choices about as much as the original composition. Results of the spatial experiments reveal a remarkable consistency between participants in their balance point settings. The perceived lateral position of the balance point systematically affected the left-right orientation preference for a given painting. We conclude that “art-naïve” observers are sensitive to the composition of colors and spatial structures in abstract art and are influenced by their cultural backgrounds when experiencing abstract paintings.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia presenting as cholestatic jaundice in a 7-year-old boy
Authors: Ford Jessica , Rainey Shane , Hanson Keith , Kendhari Harleena
Published: September 2019

This is a case of a 7-year-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia presenting with cholestasis and elevated transaminase levels. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common malignancy in children and can have variable presenting clinical manifestations. However, cholestasis is less commonly encountered in the pediatric population and can be a diagnostic challenge. We present a case of a 7-year-old boy discovered to have elevated transaminase levels while undergoing an evaluation for motor tics, which subsequently progressed to cholestasis and acute liver failure secondary to acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He demonstrated marked improvement after induction therapy and is in clinical remission. Clinicians should be ever mindful of the potentially unique presentations of childhood leukemia.
Treatment of Wilms Tumor in Sub-Saharan Africa: Results of the Second French African Pediatric Oncology Group Study
Authors: Yao Atteby Jean-Jacques , Moreira Claude , Traoré Fousseyni , Kaboret Sonia , Pondy Angele , Rakotomahefa Narison Mbolanirina Lala , Guedenon Koffi M. , Mallon Brenda , Patte Catherine
Published: September 2019

PURPOSE

Multidisciplinary management of Wilms tumor has been defined through multicenter prospective studies and an average expected patient cure rate of 90%. In sub-Saharan Africa, such studies are uncommon. After the encouraging results of the first Groupe Franco-Africain d'Oncologie Pédiatrique (GFAOP) study, we report the results of the GFAOP-NEPHRO-02 study using an adaptation of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology 2001 protocol.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From April 1, 2005, to March 31, 2011, seven African units participated in a nonrandomized prospective study. All patients who were referred with a clinical and radiologic diagnosis of renal tumor were screened. Those older than age 6 months and younger than 18 years with a unilateral tumor previously untreated were pre-included and received preoperative chemotherapy. Patients with unfavorable histology or with a tumor other than Wilms, or with a nonresponding stage IV tumor were excluded secondarily.

RESULTS

Three hundred thirteen patients were initially screened. Two hundred fifty-seven patients were pre-included and 169 with histologic confirmation of intermediate-risk nephroblastoma were registered in the study and administered postoperative treatment. Thirty-one percent of patients were classified as stage I, 38% stage II, 24% stage III, and 7% stage IV. Radiotherapy was not available for any stage III patients. Three-year overall survival rate was 72% for all study patients and 73% for those with localized disease.

CONCLUSION

It was possible to conduct sub-Saharan African multicenter therapeutic studies within the framework of GFAOP. Survival results were satisfactory. Improvements in procedure, data collection, and outcome are expected in a new study. Radiotherapy is needed to reduce the relapse rate in patients with stage III disease.
Age-Dependent Changes in Glucose Homeostasis in Male Deiodinase Type 2 Knockout Zebrafish
Authors: Houbrechts Anne M , Beckers An , Vancamp Pieter , Sergeys Jurgen , Gysemans Conny , Mathieu Chantal , Darras Veerle M
Published: September 2019

Thyroid hormones (THs) are crucial regulators of glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Moreover, inactivating mutations in type 2 deiodinase (DIO2), the major TH-activating enzyme, have been associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in both humans and mice. We studied the link between Dio2 deficiency and glucose homeostasis in fasted males of two different Dio2 knockout (KO) zebrafish lines. Young adult Dio2KO zebrafish (6 to 9 months) were hyperglycemic. Both insulin and glucagon expression were increased, whereas β and α cell numbers in the main pancreatic islet were similar to those in wild-types. Insulin receptor expression in skeletal muscle was decreased at 6 months, accompanied by a strong downregulation of hexokinase and pyruvate kinase expression. Blood glucose levels in Dio2KO zebrafish, however, normalized around 1 year of age. Older mutants (18 to 24 months) were normoglycemic, and increased insulin and glucagon expression was accompanied by a prominent increase in pancreatic islet size and β and α cell numbers. Older Dio2KO zebrafish also showed strongly decreased expression of glucagon receptors in the gastrointestinal system as well as decreased expression of glucose transporters GLUT2 and GLUT12, glucose-6-phosphatase, and glycogen synthase 2. This study shows that Dio2KO zebrafish suffer from transient hyperglycemia, which is counteracted with increasing age by a prominent hyperplasia of the endocrine pancreas together with decreases in hepatic glucagon sensitivity and intestinal glucose uptake. Further research on the mechanisms allowing compensation in older Dio2KO zebrafish may help to identify new therapeutic targets for (TH deficiency–related) hyperglycemia.
Predicting Risk of Perioperative Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in Spine Fusion Surgery: A Cohort Study Using the National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Shah Shikhar H. , Chen Yi-Fan , Moss Heather E. , Rubin Daniel S. , Joslin Charlotte E. , Roth Steven
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND:

Ischemic optic neuropathy (ION) is a rare complication of anesthesia and surgery that causes vision loss in spine fusion. We sought to develop a predictive model based on known preoperative risk factors for perioperative ION to guide patient and physician preoperative decision-making.

METHODS:

In the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) for 1998–2012, discharges for posterior thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine fusion were identified and classified by ION status. Variables were selected without weighting via variable clustering using Principal Component Analysis of Mixed Data (PCA-MIX). Hierarchical clustering with 4 clusters was performed, and the variable with largest squared loading in each cluster was chosen. By splitting our sample into a training and testing data set, we developed and internally validated a predictive model. The final model using variables known preoperatively was constructed to allow determination of relative and absolute risk of developing perioperative ION and was tested for calibration and discrimination.

RESULTS:

The final predictive model based on hierarchical clustering contained 3 preoperative factors, age, male or female sex, and the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The predictive model based on these factors had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.65 and good calibration. A score cutoff of >1 had 100% sensitivity, while score of 3 had 96.5% specificity. The highest estimated absolute risk (844.5/million) and relative risk of ION (46.40) was for a man, age 40–64 years, with OSA.

CONCLUSIONS:

The predictive model could enable screening for patients at higher risk of ION to provide more accurate risk assessment and surgical and anesthetic planning for perioperative ION in spine fusion.