bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Power of the Past, Celebrate the Present, Force of the Future Part 1: Our Story—NASN’s First 25 Years
Authors: Wolfe Linda C.
Published: June 2018

In June 2018, NASN begins a yearlong 50th-anniversary celebration. This article is the first in a series exploring the history, examining the present, and visioning the future of our organization. Part 1 provides a historical account of the first 25 years of the organization and uncovers the passion of our past leaders in promoting the profession of school nursing and creating a national unified voice. With its inception in the United States in 1902, school nurses seeking professional affiliation joined where they were welcome. Unfortunately, no single organization was open and willing to speak on behalf of all school nurses. Through partnerships, collaboration, advocacy, sacrifice, and unwavering determination, a group of school nurses leaders successfully birthed our organization. Yes, the 50th anniversary of NASN deserves a celebration!
Pharmacokinetic-based prediction of real-life dosing of extended half-life clotting factor concentrates on hemophilia
Authors: Morfini Massimo , Gherardini Stefano
Published: June 2018

The improvement of clotting factor concentrates (CFCs) has undergone an impressive boost during the last six years. Since 2010, several new recombinant factor (rF)VIII/IX concentrates entered phase I/II/III clinical trials. The improvements are related to the culture of human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells, post-translational glycosylation, PEGylation, and co-expression of the fragment crystallizable (Fc) region of immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 or albumin genes in the manufacturing procedures. The extended half-life (EHL) CFCs allow an increase of the interval between bolus administrations during prophylaxis, a very important advantage for patients with difficulties in venous access. Although the inhibitor risk has not been fully established, phase III studies have provided standard prophylaxis protocols, which, compared with on-demand treatment, have achieved very low annualized bleeding rates (ABRs). The key pharmacokinetics (PK) parameter to tailor patient therapy is clearance, which is more reliable than the half-life of CFCs; the clearance considers the decay rate of the drug concentration–time profile, while the half-life considers only the half concentration of the drug at a given time. To tailor the prophylaxis of hemophilia patients in real-life, we propose two formulae (expressed in terms of the clearance, trough and dose interval between prophylaxis), respectively based on the one- and two-compartmental models (CMs), for the prediction of the optimal single dose of EHL CFCs. Once the data from the time decay of the CFCs are fitted by the one- or two-CMs after an individual PK analysis, such formulae provide to the treater the optimal trade-off among trough and time-intervals between boluses. In this way, a sufficiently long time-interval between bolus administration could be guaranteed for a wider class of patients, with a preassigned level of the trough. Finally, a PK approach using repeated dosing is discussed, and some examples with new EHL CFCs are shown.
Don’t stop at first glance: pulmonary artery angiosarcoma mimicking chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Correale Michele , Tarantino Nicola , Ieva Riccardo , Gravina Matteo , Casavecchia Grazia , Strazzella Caterina , Di Biase Matteo , Brunetti Natale Daniele
Published: June 2018

We report the case of an incomplete diagnosis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, with relevant prognostic implications, missing the presence of a primary pulmonary artery angiosarcoma. After the late neoplasm diagnosis, the patient, treated for months with riociguat, was considered inoperable and died soon after.

This case highlights the need to manage patients with suspected pulmonary arterial hypertension by expert referral centers with specific and multi‐professional expertise (heart and thoracic imaging) in order to avoid incomplete or delayed diagnoses.
Clinical and genetic determinants of nevirapine plasma trough concentration
Authors: Giacomelli Andrea , Rusconi Stefano , Falvella Felicia Stefania , Oreni Maria Letizia , Cattaneo Dario , Cozzi Valeria , Renisi Giulia , Monge Elisa , Cheli Stefania , Clementi Emilio , Riva Agostino , Galli Massimo , Ridolfo Anna Lisa
Published: June 2018

Background:

Only few data are available on the influence of CYP2B6 and CYP3A4/A5 polymorphisms on nevirapine plasma concentrations in the Caucasian population. Our aim was to assess the impact of CYP2B6 and CYP3A4/A5 polymorphisms on nevirapine plasma concentrations consecutively collected.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of all HIV-positive patients who were followed at the Infectious Diseases Unit, DIBIC Luigi Sacco, University of Milan between January 2000 and December 2015. All patients with at least one nevirapine plasma trough concentration (NVP Cmin) determination were tested for CYP2B6 c.516 G>T, CYP3A4*22C>T and CYP3A5*3 A>G polymorphisms. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were carried out considering NVP Cmin as the dependent variable and genetic polymorphisms and clinical characteristics as independent variables.

Results:

A total of 143 patients were evaluated. Most of them were males (61.5%) and Caucasian (92.3%). Overall, NVP Cmin varied from 1571 to 14,189  ng/mL (median  =  5063  ng/mL, interquartile range  =  3915–6854). The median NVP Cmin significantly differed in patients with different CYP2B6 genotypes, but did not vary in those with different CYP3A phenotypes. In the final general linear model, factors significantly associated with a higher NVP Cmin were each extra unit of T alleles of CYP2B6 rs3745274 (β  =  0.328, 95% confidence interval  =  0.172–0.484; p  <  0.0001), older age (β  =  0.362, 95% confidence interval  =  0.193–0.532; p  <  0.0001) and hepatitis C virus coinfection (β  =  0.161, 95% confidence interval  =  0.006–0.315; p  <  0.041).

Conclusion:

Our study, conducted in a prevalent Caucasian population, highlighted the importance of CYP2B6 genetic variants in influencing nevirapine plasma trough concentration. Furthermore, older age and hepatitis C virus coinfection significantly increase exposure to nevirapine.
Mental health service users' and professionals' relationship with games and gaming
Authors: Hopia Hanna , Siitonen Marko , Raitio Katja
Published: June 2018

Background

Games and elements of gamification can be utilized in mental healthcare to provide customized interventions for the service users. However, very little evidence exists as to what kind of experiences service users and professionals have towards games and gaming, and what their perceptions of the phenomenon are. This sort of information is needed to help professionals put game-based interventions actively into practice in mental health services.

Research objectives

The objective is to describe the experiences and perceptions of digital games and gaming from the perspectives of mental health service users and mental health professionals.

Methods

In this qualitative study, data consisted of interviews of 23 mental health service users and professionals working in the mental health field. We conducted altogether 39 interviews. Sixteen of the participants were interviewed twice. Main categories and subcategories were identified using qualitative content analysis.

Results

The analysis revealed four distinct orientations towards games and gaming: (a) compulsive gaming; (b) closet gaming; (c) gaming as a hobby; and (d) late bloomers. Each group was characterized by different personal histories, experiences, conceptions and attitudes regarding gaming and digital games.

Conclusion

When attempting to implement a game-based intervention in mental health services, it is essential to recognize the different attitudes that both service users and staff exhibit concerning games and gaming. The attitudes of service users and professionals described in this study can be utilized in the implementation of game-based methods as part of care and rehabilitation in mental health services.
The BREATHE Project, a mobile application, video-monitoring system in family homes as an aid to the caring role: Needs, acceptability and concerns of informal carers
Authors: Comiskey Catherine M , Delaney Sarah , Galligan Karen , Dinsmore John , Keenan Mike , Cullen Kevin
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Family carers provide 80% of care to older people in Europe. Our aim was to explore the needs and acceptability among informal carers, of a live video home monitoring system.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative design was implemented with nine interviewees and a focus group of five informal carers in Ireland in 2014. A thematic analysis of the data was conducted.

Results

Ten hours of data were recorded. Three themes emerged: routine, risk, and acceptance. Although all assisted persons had a routine, carers not living in the home stated that cameras would assist with less tangible concerns such as nutrition and loneliness. Carers were interested in monitoring risks in specific situations rather than general monitoring. The majority of carers, while expressing concerns about privacy, accepted camera technology for monitoring emergencies and, in-spite of concerns, favoured a real video view. Acceptance in non-emergencies was mixed and concerns about the privacy of the assisted person were expressed.

Discussion

While video monitoring is contentious, informal carers did express a willingness for real video-footage monitoring under strict conditions that addressed specific needs.

Conclusion

The challenge for technology is to address these needs while maintaining personal dignity.
Combinatory treatment using tacrolimus and a STAT3 inhibitor regulate Treg cells and plasma cells
Authors: Park Jin-Sil , Kim Sung-Min , Hwang Sun-Hee , Choi Si-Young , Kwon Ji Ye , Kwok Seung-Ki , Cho Mi-La , Park Sung-Hwan
Published: June 2018

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE; lupus) is a prototypical autoimmune disease characterized by circulating autoantibodies to nuclear antigens and immune complex deposition, resulting in damage to target organs. To investigate the effects of tacrolimus (TAC) on effector T cells and B cells, we examined its involvement in the development of effector T cells, germinal center (GC) B cells, and plasma cells in an in vitro system using wild-type (WT) and lupus-prone mice. The population of T helper (Th) 1, Th2, and Th17 cells interleukin (IL)-17-producing T (Th17) cells and the production of interferon-γ and interleukin-17A IL-17A were suppressed by TAC. TAC also reduced the population of regulatory T (Treg) cells; however, a combination treatment with the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibitor STA-21 promoted the population of Treg cells. TAC also suppressed the populations of GC B cells and plasma cells synergistically with STA-21. These findings suggest that the application of TAC with a STAT3 signal inhibitor may provide benefits in SLE treatment.
Banxia Xiexin decoction ameliorated cognition via the regulation of insulin pathways and glucose transporters in the hippocampus of APPswe/PS1dE9 mice
Authors: Chen Fang , He Yingkun , Wang Pengwen , Wei Peng , Feng Huili , Rao Yingxue , Shi Jing , Tian Jinzhou
Published: June 2018

Reduced glucose utilization and deficient energy metabolism that occur in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease correlate with impaired cognition, and this information is evidence that Alzheimer’s disease is a metabolic disease that is associated with brain insulin/insulin-like growth factor resistance. This research aimed to investigate the effects of Banxia Xiexin decoction (BXD) on cognitive deficits in APPswe/PS1dE9 double transgenic mice and verify the hypothesis that BXD treatment improves cognitive function via improving insulin signalling, glucose metabolism and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus of APPswe/PS1dE9 double transgenic mice. We used 3-month-old APPswe/PS1dE9 double transgenic mice as the case groups and wild-type littermates of the double transgenic mice from the same colony as the control group. Forty-five APPswe/PS1dE9 double transgenic mice were randomly divided into the model group, donepezil group and BXD group. The mice in the control and model groups were administered 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose orally. The Morris water maze and step-down test were conducted to evaluate the cognitive performance of APPswe/PS1dE9 double transgenic mice after BXD treatment. Ultrastructure of synapses was observed in the hippocampal CA1 area. Proteins involved in insulin signalling pathways and glucose transports in the hippocampus were assessed through immunohistochemical staining and western blot. After 3 months intervention, we found that BXD treatment improved cognitive performance and the synaptic quantity and ultrastructure, restored insulin signalling and increased the expression of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and GLUT3 levels. These findings suggest that the beneficial effect of BXD on cognition may be due to the improvement of insulin signalling, glucose metabolism and synaptic plasticity.
Blood biomarkers in ischemic stroke: Role of biomarkers in differentiation of clinical phenotype
Authors: Fang Chunyan , Lou Bin , Zhou Juanjuan , Zhong Ren , Wang Rujie , Zang Xiaopeng , Shen Hongmei , Li Yonghong
Published: June 2018

Stroke is the major cause of death and disability worldwide and ischemic stroke contributes 80% among them. Although limited number of patients display hemorrhagic stroke (HS), the disability and death rate are higher in HS. Several studies have been reported on identification of suitable markers for diagnosis of stroke, but none of them holds true worldwide. These observations direct toward identification of population-specific biomarker of stroke. In this study, we screened various blood biomarkers in a large cohort of well-characterized Chinese stroke patients and healthy controls. A total of 308 stroke patients including 262 acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients and 42 HS patients were enrolled in the study and blood samples were collected within 6–24 h of stroke onset. In addition, 46 stroke mimic subjects were included for comparison of blood markers with stroke patients. Furthermore, healthy controls (n = 200) and patient controls (n = 125) from similar ethnic group were enrolled in the study. Biomarkers (S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), P-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, interleukin 10 (IL-10), nitric oxide (NO), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)) were quantified by ELISA. Blood levels of S100B, CRP, IL-6, PAI-1, MMP-9, P-selectin, ICAM-1, and TNF-α were significantly higher in AIS and HS patients compared to healthy controls, patient controls, and stroke mimic patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed CRP, IL-6, PAI-1, P-selectin, and TNF-α as possible biomarkers for AIS patients, and HS patients can be diagnosed based on S100B, IL-6, PAI-1, MMP-9, and TNF-α. Interestingly, significant area under ROC curves were observed for plasma S100B and CRP for differentiating AIS from HS. The results of this study validated certain blood parameters used for diagnosis of AIS or HS in Chinese patients. Furthermore, S100B and CRP are promising biomarkers for differentiation of AIS from HS.
Concomitant Upper Extremity Fracture Worsens Outcomes in Elderly Patients With Hip Fracture
Authors: Thayer Mary Kate , Kleweno Conor P. , Lyons Vivian H. , Taitsman Lisa A.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Elderly patients with low-energy hip fractures have high rates of morbidity and mortality, but it is not well known how often concurrent upper extremity fractures occur and how this impacts outcomes. We used the National Trauma Databank (NTDB), the largest aggregation of US trauma registry data available, to determine whether patients with concurrent upper extremity and hip fractures have worse outcomes than patients with hip fractures alone.

Methods:

We accessed the NTDB to identify patients aged 65 to 100 who sustained a hip fracture. The cohort was then narrowed to include only patients who sustained their injury in a fall and had an injury severity score indicating hip fracture as the most severe injury. We then analyzed this group to assess the impact of a simultaneous upper extremity fracture on length of stay, in-hospital mortality, and discharge disposition.

Results:

From 2007 to 2014, a total of 231,299 patients aged 65 to 100 were identified as having a hip fracture. The narrowed cohort with fall as the mechanism and hip fracture as the most severe injury included 193,862 patients. Of these, 12,618 patients sustained a concomitant upper extremity fracture (6.5%). Compared to isolated hip fractures, patients with a concomitant upper extremity fracture had higher odds of death in the hospital (odds ratio [OR] = 1.3; 95% confidence interval = 1.2-1.4), were less likely to be discharged to home as compared to a skilled facility (OR = 0.73; 95% confidence interval = 0.68-0.78), and had a significantly longer average length of stay (7.1 vs 6.4 days, P < .001).

Conclusions:

We found a 6.5% prevalence of concomitant upper extremity fractures in patients aged 65 to 100 with a hip fracture sustained after a fall where the hip fracture was the most severe injury. These patients had a higher risk of in-hospital mortality, were less likely to be discharged to home, and had longer average length of stay.
Serving Children of Incarcerated Parents
Authors: Brown Emily C. , Barrio Minton Casey A.
Published: June 2018

To consider the experiences of school counselors who served children of incarcerated parents (CIP) in a single school district in a southeastern state, we used an instrumental case study design. Participants sought to meet the needs of CIP using skills inherent in their professional roles; however, they experienced barriers navigating professional roles and meeting the needs of CIP. We provide implications for school counselors and recommendations for future research.
Protective Factors for Mental Health Concerns in Urban Middle School Students
Authors: Carney JoLynn V. , Kim Hyunhee , Hazler Richard J. , Guo Xiuyan
Published: June 2018

Addressing mental health in urban schools with youth who are often disadvantaged requires an understanding of protective individual and school contextual influences. Using hierarchical multiple regression analyses, we investigated school connectedness (SC) as a moderator between social skills (SS) and emotional/behavioral difficulties (ED/BD) among 319 urban middle school students (Grades 6–8; 65% self-identified as Black). SS levels predicted ED/BD. SC moderated the association between SS and mental health concerns. We address implications for school counseling practice.
Masculinity and Minority Stress among Men in Same-sex Relationships
Authors: Lu Alexander , LeBlanc Allen J. , Frost David M.
Published: June 2018

Although previous research has examined associations among masculinity, sexual orientation, minority stress, and mental health, these studies focused exclusively on individuals as units of analysis. This study investigates how men in same-sex relationships uniquely experience minority stress associated with their perceptions and performances of masculinity, as individuals and as couples. Qualitative, dyadic data are drawn from in-depth interviews with 24 male couples (48 partners), discussing two main stress themes— Threatened by Others’ Gender Performances and Straight-acting Masculinity as Individual-level Insulation with Couple-level Challenges. Primary findings are (1) men in same-sex relationships are vulnerable to new forms of minority stress because their relationships increase visibility via others’ masculinity, and (2) being in a same-sex relationship influences partners’ self-perceptions of masculinity and their relationship dynamics. Findings improve insights regarding gender performance in minority stress processes affecting sexual minority men and their intimate relationships with one another. By virtue of their sexual minority and relationship statuses, men in same-sex relationships experience unique, masculinity-related stressors.
Who Reads Science Fiction and Fantasy, and How Do They Feel About Science? Preliminary Findings From an Online Survey
Authors: Menadue Christopher Benjamin , Jacups Susan
Published: June 2018

This article describes findings from an online survey Science Fiction & Fantasy: Your Experiences, launched in November 2015 and closed 1 year later, which received 909 unique responses. The survey identified characteristics of readers of science fiction, their knowledge and experiences of works, authors, and subgenres. It examined their attitudes to science and science fiction and their judgment of the similarity between real and fictional scientists. Contrary to declining reading habits, the science fiction and fantasy audience read consistently high volumes of books, as well as watching genre TV and film. We discovered that reading science fiction and fantasy may have a role in sustained, and cognitively beneficial, adoption of reading by young people and is complementary to other forms of consumption, rather than competitive. Science fiction was also found to be an important influence on the perception and acceptance of science by the public. Implications of this are that science fiction and fantasy are now a normal part of life for a wide range of people, and science fiction has a positive influence on popular interpretation, acceptance, and support of scientific endeavors. These results support earlier work that suggests science fiction is a valuable research tool for public engagement with science.
Technical and Behavioral Competencies on Performance Evaluation: Petrek Leaders’ Perspectives
Authors: Albino Gabriel
Published: June 2018

This study aims to understand the competencies considered relevant in performance evaluation at Petrek (a workplace in Angola) and the emphasis placed on the competencies identified. The data were collected by using interviews ( n = 24) and a questionnaire ( n = 166) with Petrek’s leaders. The questionnaire data, which were analyzed through an exploratory factor analysis, served as a test of reliability of the findings obtained in the interviews. The qualitative and quantitative analyses of the findings indicate that collaboration, organization, delivery, and complexity are the competency clusters considered relevant at Petrek. The analysis of the dimensions identified demonstrates that 25% consists of technical competencies and 75% corresponds to behavioral competencies, indicating that employees at Petrek should invest in behavioral competencies. The overall results are discussed for future research and the practice of organizational management.
Managing Stress and School: The Role of Posttraumatic Stress in Predicting Well-Being and Collegiate Burnout
Authors: Lucier-Greer Mallory , Quichocho Davina , May Ross W. , Seibert Gregory S. , Fincham Frank D.
Published: June 2018

Experiencing a traumatic event is generally posited to increase vulnerability. Informed by a stress process framework, this study investigated the relation of posttraumatic stress to depressive symptoms, risky drinking, and school burnout in emerging adulthood, a developmental period during which common behavioral and psychological disorders reach their peak. Whether self-control acts as a mechanism linking posttraumatic stress to these outcomes was also examined. Using a short-term longitudinal design ( N = 373 undergraduate students), we found a direct, positive association between heightened levels of posttraumatic stress and heightened depressive symptoms, risky drinking, and school burnout. Posttraumatic stress was also indirectly linked to depressive symptoms, risky drinking, and school burnout via self-control. Experiences of posttraumatic stress are thought to erode self-control capacity, and depleted self-control is thought to be adversely associated with mental health, decision-making, and school success. Implications for intervention across multiple lines of defense are discussed.
Emerging Adults Thinking About Their Future: Development of the Portuguese Version of the Hopes and Fears Questionnaire
Authors: Fonseca Gabriela , Silva José Tomás da , Paixão Maria Paula , Cunha Diana , Crespo Carla , Relvas Ana Paula
Published: June 2018

Nowadays, emerging adults live in a context of macroeconomic uncertainty. As the major processes of one’s identity exploration currently occur in emerging adulthood, understanding how these individuals foresee their future is of special interest. The purpose of this study was 2-fold: (i) to investigate future orientation (FO) in a sample of Portuguese emerging adults and (ii) to validate the Portuguese version of the Hopes and Fears Questionnaire. Data from 332 individuals were analyzed. Results demonstrated that participants’ future hopes and fears were mainly pertaining to education, work/career, and family/marriage. Participants also reported concerns related to their financial resources. Thus, the results showed that participants’ FO reflected major tasks associated with their development stage, as well as contextual factors, such as macroeconomic trends. This study contributed to the knowledge of emerging adulthood in Portugal, simultaneously providing a useful and reliable measure to evaluate emerging adults’ FO in that country.
Detection of early osteoarthritis in canine knee joints 3 weeks post ACL transection by microscopic MRI and biomechanical measurement
Authors: Mittelstaedt Daniel , Kahn David , Xia Yang
Published: June 2018

Purpose:

To detect early osteoarthritis (OA) in a canine Pond–Nuki model 3 weeks after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) transection surgery, both topographically over the medial tibial surface and depth-dependently over the cartilage thickness.

Methods:

Four topographical locations on each OA and contralateral medial tibia were imaged individually by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 17.6 µm transverse resolution. The quantitative MRI T2 relaxation data were correlated with the biomechanical stress-relaxation measurements from adjacent locations.

Results:

OA cartilage was thinner than the contralateral tissue and had a lower modulus compared to the contralateral cartilage for the exterior, interior, and central medial tibia locations. Depth-dependent and topographical variations were detected in OA cartilage by a number of parameters (compressive modulus, glycosaminoglycan concentration, bulk and zonal thicknesses, T2 at 0° and 55° specimen orientations in the magnet). T2 demonstrated significant differences at varying depths between OA and contralateral cartilage.

Conclusion:

ACL transection caused a number of changes in the tibial cartilage at 3 weeks after the surgery. The characteristics of these changes, which are topographic and depth-dependent, likely reflect the complex degradation in this canine model of OA at the early developmental stage.
Use of a distraction-to-stall lengthening procedure in magnetically controlled growing rods: A single-center cohort study
Authors: Dahl Benny , Dragsted Casper , Ohrt-Nissen Søren , Andersen Thomas , Gehrchen Martin
Published: June 2018

Purpose:

The objective of this study was to assess the outcome of patients treated with magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs) using a standardized distraction procedure with intended distraction-to-stall and to compare the outcomes between idiopathic and nonidiopathic patients.

Methods:

This was a retrospective single-center cohort study. Conversion cases were excluded. Distractions were performed with 2- to 3-month intervals with the intention of distraction-to-stall on both rods. Distraction length was measured on X-rays every 6 months. Spinal height was assessed using T1-T12 and T1-S1 annual increase.

Results:

19 patients (eight idiopathic and 11 nonidiopathic) were included. Mean age at surgery was 9.7 ± 1.9 years, and median follow-up was 1.9 years (interquartile range (IQR): 1.3–2.2). Major curve improved from median 76° (IQR: 64–83) preoperatively to 42° (IQR: 32–51) postoperatively ( p < 0.001) corresponding to a curve correction of 43% (IQR: 33–51). Correction was maintained at 1- and 2-year follow-up. Median annual T1-T12 and T1-S1 height increase were 10 mm (IQR: 6–16) and 11 mm (IQR: 7–33), respectively. A total of 159 distraction procedures were performed; 83.5% of these were distracted-to-stall, and 16.5% were stopped due to discomfort. Median rod distraction per procedure was 2.0 mm (IQR: 1.6–2.7) for the concave side and 1.7 mm (IQR: 1.4–2.5) for the convex side. Five patients had implant-related complications. Patients with nonidiopathic etiology were significantly younger and had lower flexibility compared with idiopathic patients ( p ≤ 0.040). However, we found no statistically significant difference in curve correction, spinal height increase, distraction length, or complications between the two groups ( p ≥ 0.109).

Conclusion:

MCGR effectively corrected the deformity and increased spinal height using a distraction procedure with intended distraction-to-stall. Five of 19 patients had implant-related complications, and we found no difference in the outcomes between idiopathic and nonidiopathic patients.
Use of Posterior Hamstring Harvest During Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in the Pediatric and Adolescent Population
Authors: Khanna Krishn , Janghala Abhinav , Pandya Nirav K.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Posterior hamstring harvest has been described in the adult population in a limited fashion, but no study is available describing the use of posterior hamstring harvest in an active pediatric and adolescent cohort. At times, surgeons may be faced with a challenging anterior harvest due to patient anatomic characteristics, particularly the anatomic features and size of the pes tendons. Clinicians need to have multiple harvest approaches at their disposal. Complications with hamstring harvest such as premature graft transection are more problematic in this population due to higher failure rates with allograft tissue. The posterior harvest via its more proximal location may allow for easier tendon identification, visualization of the accessory attachments, and longer preserved tendon length if transection error occurs when the anterior approach is avoided based on surgical technique, patient anatomic characteristics, and surgeon and patient preference.

Purpose:

To describe the technique of a posterior hamstring harvest in pediatric and adolescent patients and to analyze complications.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

This study was a retrospective review of a consecutive series of pediatric and adolescent patients who underwent posterior hamstring harvest. During surgery, the patient’s leg was abducted and externally rotated to expose the posteromedial aspect of the knee. A 2-cm incision was made overlying the palpable medial hamstring at the popliteal crease. The posterior hamstring tendons were first harvested proximally with an open tendon stripper and distally with a closed stripper. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative findings and complications were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 214 patients (mean ± SD age, 15.7 ± 4.1 years; range, 8.0-19.8 years) underwent posterior harvest, with a mean ± SD follow-up of 1.83 ± 1.05 years. No complications occurred in our series related to graft harvest—no graft transections, neurovascular injuries, secondary procedures for wound healing or closure, cosmetic concerns, or limitations in return to activity due to the posterior incision.

Conclusion:

The posterior hamstring harvest is a safe and reliable technique to harvest autograft tendon in pediatric and adolescent anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. The posterior technique entailed no complications related to harvest. No patients expressed any cosmetic concerns about their incision or had limitations in return to sport due to the posterior harvest.
Distilling the Essence of the McKinsey Way: The Problem-Solving Cycle
Authors: Chia Austin
Published: June 2018

Consulting projects where students are tasked to propose solutions to a client issue are a common feature in many business courses. Whether scenario-based or dealing with real clients, students engaged in consulting tasks tend to focus on solution development without giving due consideration to the underlying process by which they derive their solutions. Drawing on consulting practitioner approaches, this article presents a translation of the McKinsey approach as a six-stage structured problem-solving methodology that can be used to guide students on how to develop solutions in a systematic, logical, and evidence-based way. Prescribing a standardized methodology to students to guide their approach to consulting tasks ensures that they are able define and decompose business problems effectively and enhances the credibility of their proposed solutions.
Validation of Sonography findings of synovitis and tenosynovitis of hands and wrists in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Scheiman-Elazary Anat , Ranganath Veena K , Ben-Artzi Ami , Kafaja Suzanne , Borazan Nabeel H , Woodworth Thasia , Duan Lewei , Elashoff David , Clements Philip , Furst Daniel E
Published: June 2018

Objectives:

Validating musculoskeletal ultrasound features of the joints and tendons of the hands in a large scleroderma cohort.

Methods:

A total of 81 scleroderma patients participated in this prospective, cross-sectional study. Grayscale and power Doppler musculoskeletal ultrasound images of 13 joints and 5 tendons of the wrist and hand were obtained. Clinical assessment included modified Rodnan skin thickness score, joint count, and Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire. Face validity, content validity, construct validity, and feasibility were assessed.

Results:

Mean age was 53.8 years (range 22–80), 76.5% were females, and disease duration ranged from 0.25 to 29 years. Mean length of the examination was 36 min. Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire–Disability Index correlated with musculoskeletal ultrasound erosions (r = 0.5, p = 0.0003). Skin score correlated with tendinitis grayscale (r = 0.26, p = 0.02). Intra-reader correlation coefficient for musculoskeletal ultrasound was 0.96 for the joints and could not be calculated for tendons because there were too few positive findings. When tendon changes existed, percent of agreement was 77.7%–83.3%.

Conclusion:

Musculoskeletal ultrasound of 13 joints and 5 tendons of the hands and wrist has face and content validity. Construct validity was shown for the tendons and erosion scores. Feasibility and reliability were partially validated.
Results of a Pharmacist Intervention on Weight Parameters and A1c Compared to Standard Patient Care
Authors: DeGeeter Michelle , Taylor Shawn Riser , Okarlton Ece Ilkiz , Ellex Jamie , Dolder Christian
Published: June 2018

Obesity is linked to many accompanying comorbidities and has a substantial effect on the cost of health care. Pharmacist are able to provide management and intervention for the treatment of these disease states. This study examined outcomes 12 months prior to pharmacist intervention and 6 months postintervention. The primary outcome was to determine if pharmacist service intervention resulted in improved markers of weight and diabetes. This study revealed significant improvement in the HgbA1c and body mass index (BMI) from baseline (A1c 7.9%, BMI 35.3 kg/m2) to postintervention (A1c 7%, BMI 34.1 kg/m2). These results were statistically significant ( P < .001, Bonferroni correction applied for multiple comparisons), indicating the clinical importance of adding pharmacists to the health care team in obesity and diabetes management.
Phase 2b study of 2 dosing regimens of quizartinib monotherapy in FLT3-ITD–mutated, relapsed or refractory AML
Authors: Cortes Jorge E. , Tallman Martin S. , Schiller Gary J. , Trone Denise , Gammon Guy , Goldberg Stuart L. , Perl Alexander E. , Marie Jean-Pierre , Martinelli Giovanni , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Levis Mark J.
Published: June 2018

Key Points

Quizartinib at 60 mg/day (vs 30 mg/day) was associated with higher overall response, survival, and bridge to transplant. The benefit-risk profile of quizartinib in relapsed or refractory FLT3-ITD–mutated AML warrants further evaluation of 60-mg once-daily dose.
Acellular human lung scaffolds to model lung disease and tissue regeneration
Authors: Gilpin Sarah E. , Wagner Darcy E.
Published: June 2018

Recent advances in whole lung bioengineering have opened new doors for studying lung repair and regenerationex vivousing acellular human derived lung tissue scaffolds. Methods to decellularise whole human lungs, lobes or resected segments from normal and diseased human lungs have been developed using both perfusion and immersion based techniques. Immersion based techniques allow laboratories without access to intact lobes the ability to generate acellular human lung scaffolds. Acellular human lung scaffolds can be further processed into small segments, thin slices or extracellular matrix extracts, to study cell behaviour such as viability, proliferation, migration and differentiation. Recent studies have offered important proof of concept of generating sufficient primary endothelial and lung epithelial cells to recellularise whole lobes that can be maintained for several daysex vivoin a bioreactor to study regeneration. In parallel, acellular human lung scaffolds have been increasingly used for studying cell–extracellular environment interactions. These studies have helped provide new insights into the role of the matrix and the extracellular environment in chronic human lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Acellular human lung scaffolds are a versatile new tool for studying human lung repair and regenerationex vivo.
Factors Contributing to the Success of NIH-Designated Underrepresented Minorities in Academic and Nonacademic Research Positions
Authors: Martinez Luis R. , Boucaud Dwayne W. , Casadevall Arturo , August Avery
Published: June 2018

We report the outcomes of a survey of underrepresented minorities (URMs) in life science academic (e.g., faculty) and nonacademic (e.g., research-related) positions seeking to ascertain variables that contribute to their success (e.g., favorable or desired outcome). Given that they had positions in research careers, all respondents were presumed to be successful, and we sought to identify shared factors that were associated with this success. As in previous studies, respondents reported that undergraduate research opportunities, performing research in small- to medium-sized laboratories, and access to mentors throughout all stages of training were important factors for success in their careers. Surprisingly, analysis of the survey results suggests that a record of publications in high–impact factor journals was not essential for their success. There were fundamental differences in the experiences and needs of URMs in academic and nonacademic careers. For example, academic URMs ranked having mentorship as their first choice in order of importance compared with the nonacademic respondents, who ranked this category as their fifth selection. These findings suggest that taking diverse approaches toward these groups is critical for ensuring that all of the most creative minds have an equal opportunity to contribute to realizing our national research goals and diversified workforce.
A Course-Embedded Comparison of Instructor-Generated Videos of Either an Instructor Alone or an Instructor and a Student
Authors: Cooper Katelyn M. , Ding Lu , Stephens Michelle D. , Chi Michelene T. H. , Brownell Sara E.
Published: June 2018

Instructor-generated videos have become a popular way to engage students with material before a class, yet this is a relatively unexplored area of research. There is support for the use of videos in which instructors tutor students, but few studies have been conducted within the context of a classroom. In this study, conducted in a large-enrollment college physiology course, we used a randomized crossover design to compare the impact of two types of instructor-generated videos that students watched as part of their preclass assignments. We compared videos featuring only an instructor (instructor-only videos) with videos featuring an instructor tutoring a student (instructor–tutee videos). We analyzed student survey responses and weekly physiology quiz scores and found that students preferred, enjoyed, and valued the instructor-only videos significantly more than the instructor–tutee videos. In contrast to prior literature, students with a grade point average (GPA) below the median (3.49) performed significantly better on physiology quizzes after watching instructor-only videos compared with instructor–tutee videos. Students with a GPA at or above the median performed equivalently on physiology quizzes after watching instructor-only or instructor–tutee videos. We present this study as an example of bringing cognitive science studies into the context of a real physiology classroom.
Connecting Structure–Property and Structure–Function Relationships across the Disciplines of Chemistry and Biology: Exploring Student Perceptions
Authors: Kohn Kathryn P. , Underwood Sonia M. , Cooper Melanie M.
Published: June 2018

While many university students take science courses in multiple disciplines, little is known about how they perceive common concepts from different disciplinary perspectives. Structure–property and structure–function relationships have long been considered important explanatory concepts in the disciplines of chemistry and biology, respectively. Fourteen university students concurrently enrolled in introductory chemistry and biology courses were interviewed to explore their perceptions regarding 1) the meaning of structure, properties, and function; 2) the presentation of these concepts in their courses; and 3) how these concepts might be related. Findings suggest that the concepts of structure and properties were interpreted similarly between chemistry and biology, but students more closely associated the discussion of structure–property relationships with their chemistry courses and structure–function with biology. Despite receiving little in the way of instructional support, nine students proposed a coherent conceptual relationship, indicating that structure determines properties, which determine function. Furthermore, students described ways in which they connected and benefited from their understanding. Though many students are prepared to make these connections, we would encourage instructors to engage in cross-disciplinary conversations to understand the shared goals and disciplinary distinctions regarding these important concepts in an effort to better support students unable to construct these connections for themselves.
President's Page
Authors: Brook Bob
Published: June 2018

As I walked into the Quality Inn, I was delighted to see that my phone was back to normal after refusing to function at minus fifteen degrees centigrade on the well site I had just visited. Pushing open the door to the motel conference room, I was met by 30 or more people waiting for a prespud meeting on a well that had been planned for more than two years.
Successful leveraging of image processing and machine learning in seismic structural interpretation: A review
Authors: Wang Zhen , Di Haibin , Shafiq Muhammad Amir , Alaudah Yazeed , AlRegib Ghassan
Published: June 2018

As a process that identifies geologic structures of interest such as faults, salt domes, or elements of petroleum systems in general, seismic structural interpretation depends heavily on the domain knowledge and experience of interpreters as well as visual cues of geologic structures, such as texture and geometry. With the dramatic increase in size of seismic data acquired for hydrocarbon exploration, structural interpretation has become more time consuming and labor intensive. By treating seismic data as images rather than signal traces, researchers have been able to utilize advanced image-processing and machine-learning techniques to assist interpretation directly. In this paper, we mainly focus on the interpretation of two important geologic structures, faults and salt domes, and summarize interpretation workflows based on typical or advanced image-processing and machine-learning algorithms. In recent years, increasing computational power and the massive amount of available data have led to the rise of deep learning. Deep-learning models that simulate the human brain's biological neural networks can achieve state-of-the-art accuracy and even exceed human-level performance on numerous applications. The convolutional neural network — a form of deep-learning model that is effective in analyzing visual imagery — has been applied in fault and salt dome interpretation. At the end of this review, we provide insight and discussion on the future of structural interpretation.
In situ chemical oxidation processes: 4D quantitative visualization of byproduct formation and deposition via micro-CT imaging
Authors: Kalogerakis G. C. , Zhao Q. , Grasselli G. , Sleep B. E.
Published: June 2018

In Canada alone, petroleum hydrocarbons have been found in groundwater and soil at approximately 1400 and 4000 sites, respectively. In situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) is a remediation technology that delivers oxidants to the subsurface to mineralize the contaminants. A typical oxidant is permanganate, which generates carbon dioxide (CO2) as gas and manganese oxides (MnO2) as precipitates. In this study, microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) imaging has been used successfully to visualize the oxidation of diesel fuel with permanganate in a 1D column packed with silica sand with respect to time (4D imaging). The byproducts of diesel fuel oxidation with permanganate have been visualized with micro-CT image analysis and subsequently qualitatively and quantitatively assessed via image processing. This is the first study to visualize the distribution of the byproducts in the pores in a noninvasive manner and to quantify both the gaseous CO2 and MnO2. Flushing water through the sample to remove the byproducts was also investigated. Imaging results showed a reduction of the gas phase by approximately 6% from water flushing, but the MnO2 deposits were not removed. CO2 and MnO2 generation from permanganate addition for contaminant remediation may result in preferential pathways, and potential permanganate bypassing of the target treatment zone may occur, reducing the efficiency of the remediation process. Using 4D micro-CT imaging offers an opportunity to further elucidate the fundamental understanding of all underlying processes and potentially help in improving the design of ISCO schemes.