bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the origin of the left-Hegelian concept of immanent transcendence: Reflections on the background of classical sociology
Authors: Strydom Piet
Published: October 2018

This article pursues the question of the origin of the left-Hegelian concept of immanent transcendence that emerged in the nineteenth century. Whereas some contemporary critical theorists apparently understand the concept as deriving from a religious origin, evolutionary and historical considerations would seem to indicate that more might be involved. Evolutionarily, the origin of the concept can be traced to the civilisation-founding cognitive achievement that marks the emergence of the current version of the human species and the concomitant cultural explosion during the Palaeolithic period. In this context, the cultural consolidation of the newly acquired metarepresentational capacity by language and visual symbolisation or art preceded religion by a considerable elapse of time. As one among a number of sociocultural practices, it could only have made a partial contribution to the conditions for the emergence of the concept. Historically, the thought of the key nineteenth-century left-Hegelians Marx and Peirce was fundamentally shaped, not by religion, but rather by the core modern innovation of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries – the new mathematical-scientific-philosophical understanding of infinity as real – which gained primacy by significantly impacting on relevant late eighteenth- and nineteenth-century intellectual developments, including laying down the parameters of classical social thought in general and left-Hegelianism in particular. Since the competing religious understanding of infinity, despite having left traces on modern validity concepts such as truth, justice and truthfulness, remained shrouded in indefinite incomprehensibility, it could at best continue to play only the role of an identity-securing, identity-cultivating and motivational source for some, not all. As such, it did not contribute to the nineteenth-century left-Hegelian concept.
Ethnoregional Dynamics of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in Nigeria
Authors: Dim Eugene Emeka
Published: October 2018

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a reality the average Nigerian woman has to grapple with everyday. Ethnicity and place of residence play a pivotal role in the social realities of Nigerian women, especially with their experience of IPV. However, there is a paucity of reviews examining the impact of ethnicity and place of residence on women’s experiences of IPV in Nigeria. This study seeks to explore the ethnoregional dynamics of IPV from the range of studies undertaken on the subject matter. Eighteen studies meant the inclusion criteria for analysis. The major criteria for selecting studies for analysis were peer-reviewed studies on IPV against women and studies on a Nigerian population, regardless of the nationality of the authors. Databases like the University of Saskatchewan Library, ProQuest, Sociological Abstracts, and Journal Storage ( JSTOR) were used in searching for peer-reviewed studies. The study revealed that Igbo women tend to experience IPV more than Yoruba and Hausa women. The study also found that rural women tend to experience IPV more than urban women. The study points out some of the services available for female victims of IPV and the possible strategies that can be adapted to reach them effectively.
Case Series of 23 Patients Who Developed Fatal Radiation Pneumonitis After Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Lung Cancer
Authors: Onishi Hiroshi , Marino Kan , Yamashita Hideomi , Terahara Atsuro , Onimaru Rikiya , Kokubo Masaki , Shioyama Yoshiyuki , Kozuka Takuyo , Matsuo Yukinori , Aruga Takashi , Hiraoka Masahiro
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics and treatment plans of patients who experienced fatal radiation pneumonitis after stereotactic body radiation therapy for primary or oligometastatic lung cancer. Records of 1789 patients treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy for primary or oligometastatic lung cancer were retrospectively reviewed to identify those who developed fatal radiation pneumonitis. Twenty-three (1.3%; 18 men and 5 women) patients developed fatal radiation pneumonitis after stereotactic body radiation therapy for lung cancer; their median age was 74 years. The mean Krebs von den Lungen-6 level and percent vital capacity were 1320 U/mL and 82%, respectively. Prestereotactic body radiation therapy computed tomography revealed pulmonary interstitial change in 14 (73.7%) of 19 patients in whom computed tomography data could be reviewed. Seven (30.4%) of 23 patients had regularly used steroids. The median time duration between stereotactic body radiation therapy commencement and pneumonia symptom appearance was 75 (range: 14-204) days. Median survival time following pneumonia symptom appearance was 53 (range: 4-802) days. The 6- and 12-month overall survival rates were 34.8% and 13.0%, respectively. The 6-month overall survival rates in patients with and without heart disease were 50.0%, 16.7%, and 46.7% for heart disease existence, respectively. There were 4 patients in whom fatal radiation pneumonitis occurred within 2 months after stereotactic body radiation therapy and who died within 1 month. Three of them had no pulmonary interstitial change before stereotactic body radiation therapy, but had heart disease. In summary, the survival time in this case series was generally short but varied widely. More than half of the patients had pulmonary interstitial change before stereotactic body radiation therapy, although immediately progressive fatal radiation pneumonitis was also observed in patients without pulmonary interstitial change. True risk factors for fatal radiation pneumonitis should be examined in a prospective study with a larger cohort.
Dynamic responses of concrete-faced rockfill dam due to different seismic motion input methods
Authors: Xu Bin , Zhou Yang , Zhou Chenguang , Kong Xianjing , Zou Degao
Published: October 2018

The concrete-faced rockfill dam valley foundation was considered as an open energy system and a reasonable non-uniform seismic motion input method was applied to the dynamic analysis of a concrete-faced rockfill dam based on the generalized plastic model. First, the corresponding program was validated by means of the scattering question of an idealized semicircle valley. Subsequently, the seismic elasto-plastic finite element analyses were performed to compare and investigate the performances of a concrete-faced rockfill dam under different seismic motion input methods. The results show that the dynamic responses of the concrete-faced rockfill dam are decreased by 10%–30% approximately with the use of non-uniform seismic motion input method. As a result, the traditional uniform seismic motion input method would overestimate the responses of the dam. From the perspective of seismic safety evaluation, the overestimations would disturb the reasonable assessment of the aseismic capacity of the dam. Moreover, the slope stability analysis results might be conservative and unreasonable due to overestimating the accelerations during the earthquake.
MCS-RF: mobile crowdsensing–based air quality estimation with random forest
Authors: Feng Cheng , Tian Ye , Gong Xiangyang , Que Xirong , Wang Wendong
Published: October 2018

It is a great challenge to offer a fine-grained and accurate PM2.5 monitoring service in urban areas as required facilities are very expensive and huge. Since PM2.5 has a significant scattering effect on visible light, large-scale user-contributed image data collected by the mobile crowdsensing bring a new opportunity for understanding the urban PM2.5. In this article, we propose a fine-grained PM2.5 estimation method based on random forest with data announced by meteorological departments and collected from smartphone users without any PM2.5 measurement devices. We design and implement a platform to collect data in the real world including the image provided by users. By combining online learning and offline learning, the method based on random forest performs well in terms of time complexity and accuracy. We compare our method with two kinds of baselines: subsets of the whole data sets and six classical models (such as logistic, naive Bayes). Six kinds of evaluation indexes (precision, recall, true-positive rate, false-positive rate, F-measure, and receiver operating characteristic curve area) are used in the evaluation. The experimental results show that our method achieves high accuracy (precision: 0.875, recall: 0.872) on PM2.5 estimation, which outperforms the other methods.
Mixed Methods in Finance Research
Authors: Dewasiri N. J. , Weerakoon Y. K. B. , Azeez A. A.
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study is to uncover the rationale (why) and the types of designs (what) for application of mixed method approaches in finance research using a systematic literature review approach. The findings revealed that there are four main research gaps in mixed method applications in finance: (a) poorly or nonformulated research questions, (b) lack of identification of the rationale for mixed methods, (c) poor identification of mixed methods and design, and (d) the manuscript reviewing gap. Finance studies based on quantitative methods and proxy variables can be further validated through mixed method approaches, thereby increasing the validity, completeness, and confirmation of findings, and minimizing the inherent weaknesses of mono-method approaches. We suggest that researchers in the finance discipline should justify their research methodology in order to eliminate the biases that arise through the selection of convenient methodologies. Thus, future studies should incorporate both qualitative and quantitative aspects when formulating mixed method research questions, emphasize the rationale, and choose appropriate mixed method designs to achieve a high level of scientific rigor in mixed methods research. Also, editors of nonmixed method journals need to have reviewing support from mixed method experts or adhere to the guidelines proposed by Onwuegbuzie and Poth when evaluating mixed method manuscripts to achieve a high level of quality and accuracy in their mixed methods research publications in finance.
Emotional experience of people with advanced liver disease: Secondary data analysis
Authors: Gray-Renfrew Alexandra , Kimbell Barbara , Finucane Anne
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Patients with advanced liver disease live mainly in the community with treatment of complications provided for in-hospital. The illness trajectory of advanced liver disease is uncertain and most do not have access to end of life care. Gaps in knowledge and understanding of the patient experience of this condition have been identified.

Methods

Secondary analysis of 15 transcripts from in-depth interviews with people with advanced liver disease collected as part of a previous longitudinal study on the experience of liver disease. Transcripts were thematically analysed for emotional content.

Results

Fear, anger, sadness and guilt clearly featured in the person’s experience of advanced liver disease. Certain causal factors were identified as provoking these emotional responses, including shock of diagnosis, uncertainty concerning illness, lack of coordinated care, worrying symptoms and sudden death. Humour emerged as a coping mechanism.

Conclusion

People living with advanced liver disease experience distressing emotions. It is helpful for clinicians, nurses and other healthcare support staff to have an appreciation of the person’s emotional concerns in order to provide holistic care typical of a palliative approach.
Multimodal antidepressant vortioxetine causes analgesia in a mouse model of chronic neuropathic pain
Authors: Zuena Anna Rita , Maftei Daniela , Alemà Giovanni Sebastiano , Dal Moro Francesca , Lattanzi Roberta , Casolini Paola , Nicoletti Ferdinando
Published: October 2018

Vortioxetine is a multimodal antidepressant that potently antagonizes 5-HT3 serotonin receptors, inhibits the high-affinity serotonin transporter, activates 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors, and antagonizes 5-HT1D and 5-HT7 receptors. 5-HT3 receptors largely mediate the hyperalgesic activity of serotonin that occurs in response to nerve injury. Activation of 5-HT3 receptors contributes to explain why selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine, are not indicated in the treatment of neuropathic pain. Here, we studied the analgesic action of vortioxetine in the chronic constriction injury model of neuropathic pain in mice. Vortioxetine was injected once a day for 27 days at doses (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) that determine >90% 5-HT3 receptor occupancy in the central nervous system. The action of vortioxetine was compared to the action of equal doses of the serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, venlafaxine (one of the gold standard drugs in the treatment of neuropathic pain), and fluoxetine. Vortioxetine caused a robust analgesia in chronic constriction injury mice, and its effect was identical to that produced by venlafaxine. In contrast, fluoxetine was inactive in chronic constriction injury mice. Vortioxetine enhanced mechanical pain thresholds in chronic constriction injury mice without changing motor activity, as assessed by the open-field and horizontal bar tests. None of the three antidepressants caused analgesia in the complete Freund’s adjuvant model of chronic inflammatory pain. These findings raise the attractive possibility that vortioxetine can be effective in the treatment of neuropathic pain, particularly in patients with comorbid depression and cognitive dysfunction.
Disconnectomics: Stroke-related disconnection and dysfunction in distributed brain networks
Authors: Veldsman Michele , Brodtmann Amy
Published: October 2018

Modern clinical neuroscience was built on observations of how localized damage caused specific functional, cognitive and behavioral deficits. Stroke neurology was a cornerstone of understanding this functional specialization in the brain. But most lesion-symptom mapping provides little prognostic value above clinical observations. Stroke topography remains a poor indicator of long-term outcome, and with stroke a major risk factor for dementia, there is strong incentive to find markers of predictive value. There is now growing recognition that the damage caused by stroke does not occur in isolation but is embedded within a complex, highly interconnected, organized and dynamic system: the connectome. Early theories of the widespread effect of focal lesions are resurfacing, buoyed by sophisticated new methods and large-scale data sets. As with all emerging methods and technologies, there may be healthy skepticism as to the appropriateness of the method to the population under investigation or doubt that connectivity-derived metrics will ever be clinically translatable. While we acknowledge that there remain significant technical challenges to overcome, we argue that the methods provide real potential to illuminate our understanding of the widespread effects and clinical syndromes that can arise from diverse focal damage.
Transnational fandom in the making: K-pop fans in Vancouver
Authors: Yoon Kyong
Published: October 2018

This study examines how young people become, and feel about being, K-pop fans in a Western context, which is geographically and culturally distant from K-pop's place of origin. Drawing on qualitative interviews with K-pop fans in Vancouver, Canada, the study explores (1) how young fans encounter K-pop and negotiate its cultural distance, (2) how K-pop and its fandom are stereotyped by non-fans, (3) how the stereotypes are negotiated by the fans, and (4) how the fans engage in a particular sense of belonging through K-pop.
Feasibility and safety of intrathecal treatment with nusinersen in adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Stolte Benjamin , Totzeck Andreas , Kizina Kathrin , Bolz Saskia , Pietruck Lena , Mönninghoff Christoph , Guberina Nika , Oldenburg Denise , Forsting Michael , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Hagenacker Tim
Published: October 2018

Background:

Nusinersen is an intrathecally administered antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) and the first approved drug for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). However, progressive neuromyopathic scoliosis and the presence of spondylodesis can impede lumbar punctures in SMA patients. Our aim was to assess the feasibility and safety of the treatment in adults with SMA.

Methods:

For the intrathecal administration of nusinersen, we performed conventional, fluoroscopy-assisted and computer tomography (CT)-guided lumbar punctures in adult patients with type 2 and type 3 SMA. We documented any reported adverse events and performed blood tests.

Results:

We treated a total of 28 adult SMA patients (9 patients with SMA type 2 and 19 patients with SMA type 3) aged between 18–61 years with nusinersen. The mean Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM) score at baseline in SMA type 2 and SMA type 3 patients was 9.9 ± 4.6 and 29.5 ± 8.5, respectively. The mean Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE) score at baseline was 3.1 ± 2.5 and 31.2 ± 18.1, respectively. Half of the SMA type 3 patients were ambulatory at treatment onset. In total, we performed 122 lumbar punctures with 120 successful intrathecal administrations of nusinersen. Lumbar punctures were well tolerated, and no serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusions:

Our data demonstrate the feasibility and tolerability of intrathecal treatment with nusinersen in adults with SMA type 2 and type 3. However, treatment can be medically and logistically challenging, particularly in patients with SMA type 2 and in patients with spondylodesis.
Women’s Experiences of Day-and-Night Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery During Type 1 Diabetes Pregnancy
Authors: Farrington Conor , Stewart Zoe , Hovorka Roman , Murphy Helen
Published: October 2018

Aims:

Closed-loop insulin delivery has the potential to improve day-to-day glucose control in type 1 diabetes pregnancy. However, the psychosocial impact of day-and-night usage of automated closed-loop systems during pregnancy is unknown. Our aim was to explore women’s experiences and relationships between technology experience and levels of trust in closed-loop therapy.

Methods:

We recruited 16 pregnant women with type 1 diabetes to a randomized crossover trial of sensor-augmented pump therapy compared to automated closed-loop therapy. We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews at baseline and follow-up. Findings from follow-up interviews are reported here.

Results:

Women described benefits and burdens of closed-loop systems during pregnancy. Feelings of improved glucose control, excitement and peace of mind were counterbalanced by concerns about technical glitches, CGM inaccuracy, and the burden of maintenance requirements. Women expressed varied but mostly high levels of trust in closed-loop therapy.

Conclusions:

Women displayed complex psychosocial responses to day-and-night closed-loop therapy in pregnancy. Clinicians should consider closed-loop therapy not just in terms of its potential impact on biomedical outcomes but also in terms of its impact on users’ lives.
Evaluation of Analytical Performance of Three Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems: System Accuracy, Measurement Repeatability, and Intermediate Measurement Precision
Authors: Pleus Stefan , Jendrike Nina , Baumstark Annette , Mende Jochen , Haug Cornelia , Freckmann Guido
Published: October 2018

Introduction:

Blood glucose monitoring systems (BGMS) should provide sufficient analytical quality to allow adequate therapy for diabetes patients. Besides system accuracy, measurement precision is an important aspect of a BGMS’ analytical quality.

Methods:

Based on ISO 15197:2013/EN ISO 15197:2015, system accuracy, measurement repeatability, and intermediate measurement precision were assessed. ISO 15197:2013 system accuracy criteria require that ⩾95% of individual BGMS’ test strip lot results shall fall within ±15 mg/dl or ±15% of corresponding comparison method results (at glucose concentrations <100 mg/dl and ⩾100 mg/dl, respectively), and that ⩾99% of results fall within consensus error grid (CEG) zones A and B. Measurement repeatability was assessed using venous blood samples, whereas intermediate measurement precision was assessed using control solution samples. Standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated for glucose concentrations <100 mg/dl and ⩾100 mg/dl, respectively. Precision acceptance criteria are not specified by ISO 15197:2013.

Results:

All three BGMS fulfilled system accuracy criteria with 96% to 98% of individual test strip lot’s results falling within the acceptable accuracy limits. All measurement results fell within CEG zones A and B. For measurement repeatability, SD was ⩽3.3 mg/dl, and CV was ⩽3.9% for the investigated BGMS. Assessment of intermediate measurement precision showed SD ⩽1.3 mg/dl and CV ⩽3.0%.

Conclusion:

All three BGMS fulfilled system accuracy criteria of ISO 15197:2013. In absence of acceptance criteria, precision results were found to be consistent with the manufacturer’s labeling of the investigated devices.
Updates in clinical trial data of extended half-life recombinant factor IX products for the treatment of haemophilia B
Authors: Mahlangu Johnny N.
Published: October 2018

Whilst the global prevalence of haemophilia B is less than that of haemophilia A, rapid and remarkable innovations have been made in the development of haemophilia B therapies in the last decade. The most recent developments are the evolution of extended half-life haemophilia B replacement therapies which are designed to reduce the treatment burden associated with prophylactic infusion of factor IX (FIX) to prevent bleeding in haemophilia B participants. Clinical development programmes have culminated in the completion of three phase III studies on extended half-life (EHL) recombinant FIX (rFIX) products and subsequent approval and registration of these in many countries around the world. Current data from the three EHL rFIX clinical studies indicate that these products have acceptable safety profiles with no allergic reactions, thromboembolic phenomena or neutralizing antibodies when given to previously treated adolescent and adults for the prevention of bleeds, for the treatment of bleeds and in the perisurgical haemostasis use. Studies in previously untreated paediatric participants are currently ongoing. The EHL rFIX products have the potential impact to reduce the treatment burden associated with prophylactic infusion of replacement FIX, to treat and prevent bleeds in participants with haemophilia B and to improve the participant’s health-related quality of life. The impact of EHL rFIX is likely to be modified by current development of other haemophilia B therapy such as antitissue factor pathway inhibitors and haemophilia B gene therapy. In this review, we aim to provide an update on the safety and efficacy data from the three EHL rFIX clinical studies and to consider their roles in the face of novel haemophilia B therapy currently evolving.
Sedentary time, metabolic abnormalities, and all-cause mortality after myocardial infarction: A mediation analysis
Authors: Wu Zhijun , Huang Zhe , Wu Yuntao , Huang Shue , Wang Yanxiu , Zhao Haiyan , Chen Shuohua , Wu Shouling , Gao Xiang
Published: October 2018

Background

Sedentary time was associated with myocardial infarction (MI) and metabolic diseases in previous studies.

Purpose

To investigate whether sedentary time measured before disease onset was associated with all-cause mortality among MI survivors and whether the sedentary time–mortality association was mediated by physical activity status and metabolic phenotypes.

Methods

In this prospective community-based cohort including 101,510 Chinese adults, we used sedentary time, evaluated at 2006 (baseline), to predict further all-cause mortality among individuals who then developed new onset MI from 2006 to December 2013 ( n = 989). The post-MI mortality was ascertained after the first non-fatal MI until December 2014. We assessed the mediating effects of physical inactivity and metabolic factors on the sedentary time-mortality association.

Results

During 7 years follow up, 180 deaths occurred among these participants with incident MI. Prolonged sedentary time was associated with a higher risk of mortality among MI survivors. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of mortality for sedentary time 4–8 hours/day versus <4 hours/day, was 1.62 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–2.31). A high amount of sedentary time (>4 hours/day) and inactive physical activity had an increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 2.74, 95% CI 1.34–5.60), relative to those with sedentary time ≤4 hours/day and moderate/vigorous physical activity. Physical inactivity and metabolic factors mediated a small proportion (≤9.2 % for all) of the total association between sedentary time and post-MI mortality.

Conclusion

High sedentary time was significantly associated with all-cause mortality among MI survivors, independent of physical activity status and metabolic abnormalities.
Baicalin attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 through miR-124-STAT3 axis
Authors: Tang Bin , Wang Xixi , Zhu Yuqing , Li Xuhui , Yao Shukun
Published: October 2018

Baicalin, a flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, has shown a wide range of anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiviral, and antitumor properties. However, the molecular mechanism of how baicalin exerts its effects, especially on inflammation regulation, has not been fully investigated. In this article, we report the effects of baicalin on the mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7. Our results demonstrate that baicalin inhibits the production of inflammatory factors interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha upon lipopolysaccharide stimulation of macrophages. We observed that baicalin inhibits STAT3 activation through retarding its expression and phosphorylation. Interestingly, baicalin treatment promotes the elevation of miR-124 in lipopolysaccharide-treated macrophages. Overexpression of the miR-124 mimic in RAW264.7 reduced STAT3 expression and phosphorylation. Furthermore, inhibition of miR-124 attenuated the dysregulation of STAT3 and reduction of inflammatory factors upon baicalin treatment. Our results revealed the molecular mechanism that baicalin attenuates pro-inflammatory cytokine production through miR-124-STAT3 signaling pathway, suggesting that miR-124 is an important modulator in regulating anti-inflammation by baicalin in macrophages.
Alternatives to School Exclusion in Ghana: Changing the Rhythm of Dealing With Truancy in Ghanaian High Schools
Authors: Mohammed Gunu Ibrahim
Published: October 2018

In this article, school disciplinary exclusions in high schools in Ghana are highlighted to explore alternatives to school exclusions. The 2017 budget and the preceding budgets of the Republic of Ghana clearly indicate that the bulk of the nation’s expenditure is spent on education. Part of the 2017 budget is especially targeted at making the senior high school (SHS) education free in Ghana beginning 2017-2018 academic year. Needy students have been the thrust of this investment to widen the broader spectrum of academic opportunities in Ghana. This government initiative has the potential to enhance access to secondary education in Ghana. In the education policy context, this kind of investment is expected to yield enhanced academic outputs beyond the exam results. In the estimation of this article, these outputs include creating an enlightened society, equipping Ghanaian students with appropriate value judgment, providing equitable access to education, and developing a sense of creativity through educational activities. However, the rampant student exclusions in Ghanaian high schools put the academic career of these students into jeopardy. It is in the light of this that this article provides a focused discussion on the contextual understanding and alternatives to school disciplinary exclusion in Ghana.
Latino Destinations and Environmental Inequality: Estimated Cancer Risk from Air Toxics in Latino Traditional and New Destinations
Authors: Alvarez Camila H. , Norton-Smith Kathryn G.
Published: October 2018

Since the 1990s, Latino migration patterns have shifted from traditional destinations to new destinations away from the Mexico border. Scholars note disparities between destinations in housing, crime, and health care, yet no study has examined environmental inequalities. In this article we employ theories of spatial assimilation and environmental inequality to evaluate health risks across Latino destinations by asking the question, is there a difference in estimated cancer risk from air toxics among established, new, and nondestination locations? Using county-level data with spatial lag regression analyses, we find that early new destinations (i.e., counties with significant Latino growth from 1990 to 2000) and recent new destinations (i.e., counties with significant Latino growth from 1990 to 2010) have higher estimated cancer risk from air toxics than established destinations (i.e., counties at or greater than the national average of Latinos in 1990) and nondestinations. The effect remains significant when controlling for various economic indicators.
The Impact of Replacement Conventional Dentures on Eating Experience
Authors: Al-Sultani H.F. , Field J.C. , Thomason J.M. , Moynihan P.J.
Published: October 2018

Introduction:

Despite much research on the impact of edentulism and prosthetic rehabilitation on food and nutrient intake, there is little information on how replacing complete dentures affects social and emotional issues around eating.

Objectives:

To investigate, in a cohort study, how replacing conventional complete dentures affects eating-related quality of life (ERQoL). A secondary aim was to test the responsiveness of an Emotional and Social Issues Related to Eating (ESIRE) questionnaire to change in ERQoL.

Methods:

Participants, recruited from the Dental Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK, completed the self-administrated ESIRE questionnaire before and after provision of new conventional complete dentures. Paired t test was used to determine any change between pre- and posttreatment ESIRE scores, which can range from 0 (poor) to 100 (excellent). Cohen’s d effect size was used to measure the magnitude of change in ERQoL. Standardized response mean (SRM) was used to measure the responsiveness of the ESIRE questionnaire to changes in ERQoL.

Results:

Fifty-five participants aged 52 to 85 y (mean, 72 y), including 21 males (42%) and 29 females (58%), completed the study. A statistically significant improvement in the total ESIRE scores was found, mean (SE) +20.3 (3.30), P < 0.001. Equally, all domains of the ESIRE questionnaire showed significant improvements: enjoyment of food/eating, +27.3 (3.63), P < 0.001; self-consciousness/embarrassment, +18.1 (3.88), P < 0.001; interruption to meals, +13.3 (5.27), P < 0.05; confidence when eating, +18.7 (4.84), P < 0.001; time for eating/preparation of meals, +18.5 (4.85), P < 0.001); and functional ability to eat, +18.2 (3.67), P < 0.001). Cohen’s d was large (0.95) for the total score and ranged from medium (0.37) to large (1.30) for all domains. Value of SRM was large (0.87) for the total score and ranged from medium (0.36) to large (1.1) for all domains.

Conclusion:

Denture replacement can directly improve ERQoL. The ESIRE questionnaire was responsive to clinically important changes in ERQoL.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

The results of this study improve the understanding of the impact of denture replacement on eating-related quality of life (ERQoL). Clinicians are encouraged to pay more attention to the impact of wearing conventional complete dentures on social and emotional issues around eating. The findings should motivate clinicians and inspire specialists in prosthodontics and oral rehabilitation to continue providing conventional complete dentures as a suitable treatment option for edentulous patients.
Coordinating Knowledge Work in Multiteam Programs
Authors: Dingsøyr Torgeir , Moe Nils Brede , Seim Eva Amdahl
Published: October 2018

Software development projects have undergone remarkable changes with the arrival of agile development approaches. Although intended for small, self-managing teams, these approaches are used today for large development programs. A major challenge of such programs is coordinating many teams. This case study describes the coordination of knowledge work in a large-scale agile development program with 12 teams. The findings highlight coordination modes based on feedback, the use of a number of mechanisms, and how coordination practices change over time. The findings can improve the outcomes of large knowledge-based development programs by tailoring coordination practices to needs over time.
Calpain inhibition ameliorates scald burn-induced acute lung injury in rats
Authors: Du Peng-Ran , Lu Hong-Ting , Lin Xi-Xiang , Wang Li-Feng , Wang Yan-Xia , Gu Xiao-Ming , Bai Xiao-Zhi , Tao Ke , Zhou Jing-Jun
Published: October 2018

Background

The molecular pattern of severe burn-induced acute lung injury, characterized by cell structure damage and leukocyte infiltration, remains unknown. This study aimed to determine whether calpain, a protease involved in both processes, mediates severe burn-induced acute lung injury.

Methods

Rats received full-thickness scald burns covering 30% of the total body surface area, followed by instant fluid resuscitation. MDL28170 (Tocris Bioscience), an inhibitor of calpain, was given intravenously 1 h before or after the scald burn. The histological score, wet/dry weight ratio, and caspase-3 activity were examined to evaluate the degree of lung damage. Calpain activity and its source were detected by an assay kit and immunofluorescence staining. The proteolysis of membrane skeleton proteins α-fodrin and ankyrin-B, which are substrates of calpain, was measured by Western blot.

Results

Time-course studies showed that tissue damage reached a peak between 1 and 6 h post-scald burn and gradually diminished at 24 h. More importantly, calpain activity reached peak levels at 1 h and was maintained until 24 h, paralleled by lung damage to some extent. Western blot showed that the levels of the proteolyzed forms of α-fodrin and ankyrin-B correlated well with the degree of damage. MDL28170 at a dose of 3 mg/kg b. w. given 1 h before burn injury not only antagonized the increase in calpain activity but also ameliorated scald burn-induced lung injury, including the degradation of α-fodrin and ankyrin-B. Immunofluorescence images revealed calpain 1 and CD45 double-positive cells in the lung tissue of rats exposed to scald burn injury, suggesting that leukocytes were a dominant source of calpain. Furthermore, this change was blocked by MDL28170. Finally, MDL28170 given at 1 h post-scald burn injury significantly ameliorated the wet/dry weight ratio compared with burn injury alone.

Conclusions

Calpain, a product of infiltrating leukocytes, is a mediator of scald burn-induced acute lung injury that involves enhancement of inflammation and proteolysis of membrane skeleton proteins. Its late effects warrant further study.
Prisoner Taking and Prisoner Killing in the Age of Total War: Towards a Political Economy of Military Defeat
Authors: Ferguson Niall
Published: October 2018

Compared with the First World War, which ended quite quickly once the position of Germany became strategically hopeless, the Second World War proved exceedingly difficult to end even after the overwhelming economic advantage of the Allied powers had turned the strategic tide decisively against the Axis. Both German and Japanese forces continued to fight tenaciously long after any realistic chance of victory had disappeared. Part of the explanation lies in the extremely violent battlefield culture that developed in two key theatres of the war, which deterred soldiers from surrendering, even when they found themselves in hopeless situations. This culture had its origins on the Western Front during the First World War. But in the Second World War it became official policy on both sides, not only on the Eastern Front but in the Pacific theatre as well. Only when the Allied authorities adopted techniques of psychological warfare designed to encourage rather than discourage surrender did German and Japanese resistance end.
Grinding Gears: The AEF and Motor Transportation in the First World War
Authors: McCoy Matthew G.
Published: October 2018

One significant problem that commanders of the American Expeditionary Force encountered was the use of motor transportation. The Americans faced a variety of difficulties, some of which were unavoidable; others were self-inflicted, and still others could have been avoided by closer study of the experiences of the British and French in the war. The war ended before the Americans could put the lessons they had learned about motor transportation into practice, but the experiences with motor vehicles demonstrated that these new weapons of war demanded considerable planning and organization to be effective.
Body Image and the Temporal Lobes
Authors: Trimble Michael R.
Published: October 2018

Before discussing the relationship of the temporal lobes to the body image, it is necessary to consider briefly some other aspects of the neurology of body image and its disturbances. Further, some clarification of the term body image is required.
Dysmorphophobia – A Centenary Discussion
Authors: Birtchnell S. A.
Published: October 2018

The term ‘dysmorphophobia’ was first defined by Morselli (1886) who wrote of it as “a subjective feeling of ugliness or physical defect which the patient feels is noticeable to others, although his appearance is within normal limits”. A century later there is continuing debate as to its status as symptom, syndrome or discrete psychiatric illness. Misleadingly, it is not a phobia and there is no fear of physical abnormality per se – the ugliness of others is tolerated, although the patient may well be apprehensive regarding the response he anticipates his appearance will provoke in others. As a symptom the feeling may be expressed as a preoccupation with appearance, an obsession, overvalued idea or frank delusion. The accompanying self-consciousness may similarly range to full-blown delusions of reference. To some extent the failure of some authors, reporting on dysmorphophobic patients, to specify clearly the level at which the belief is held, has confounded clarification of the phenomenon.
Improve your Galaxy text life: The Query Tabular Tool
Authors: Johnson James E. , Kumar Praveen , Easterly Caleb , Esler Mark , Mehta Subina , Eschenlauer Arthur C. , Hegeman Adrian D. , Jagtap Pratik D. , Griffin Timothy  J.
Published: October 2018

Galaxy provides an accessible platform where multi-step data analysis workflows integrating disparate software can be run, even by researchers with limited programming expertise.  Applications of such sophisticated workflows are many, including those which integrate software from different ‘omic domains (e.g. genomics, proteomics, metabolomics). In these complex workflows, intermediate outputs are often generated as tabular text files, which must be transformed into customized formats which are compatible with the next software tools in the pipeline.  Consequently, many text manipulation steps are added to an already complex workflow, overly complicating the process and decreasing usability, especially for non-expert bench researchers focused on obtaining results.  In some cases, limitations to existing text manipulation are such that desired analyses can only be carried out using highly sophisticated processing steps beyond the reach of most users.  As a solution, we have developed the Query Tabular Galaxy tool, which leverages a SQLite database generated from tabular input data.  This database can be queried and manipulated to produce transformed and customized tabular outputs compatible with downstream processing steps.  Regular expressions can also be utilized for even more sophisticated manipulations, such as find and replace and other filtering actions.  Using several Galaxy-based multi-omic workflows as an example, we demonstrate how the Query Tabular tool dramatically streamlines and simplifies the creation of multi-step analyses, efficiently enabling complicated textual manipulations and processing.  This tool should find broad utility for users of the Galaxy platform seeking to develop and use sophisticated workflows involving text manipulation on tabular outputs.
The evaluation of scholarship in academic promotion and tenure processes: Past, present, and future
Authors: Schimanski Lesley A. , Alperin Juan Pablo
Published: October 2018

Review, promotion, and tenure (RPT) processes significantly affect how faculty direct their own career and scholarly progression. Although RPT practices vary between and within institutions, and affect various disciplines, ranks, institution types, genders, and ethnicity in different ways, some consistent themes emerge when investigating what faculty would like to change about RPT. For instance, over the last few decades, RPT processes have generally increased the value placed on research, at the expense of teaching and service, which often results in an incongruity between how faculty actually spend their time vs. what is considered in their evaluation. Another issue relates to publication practices: most agree RPT requirements should encourage peer-reviewed works of high quality, but in practice, the value of publications is often assessed using shortcuts such as the prestige of the publication venue, rather than on the quality and rigor of peer review of each individual item. Open access and online publishing have made these issues even murkier due to misconceptions about peer review practices and concerns about predatory online publishers, which leaves traditional publishing formats the most desired despite their restricted circulation. And, efforts to replace journal-level measures such as the impact factor with more precise article-level metrics (e.g., citation counts and altmetrics) have been slow to integrate with the RPT process. Questions remain as to whether, or how, RPT practices should be changed to better reflect faculty work patterns and reduce pressure to publish in only the most prestigious traditional formats. To determine the most useful way to change RPT, we need to assess further the needs and perceptions of faculty and administrators, and gain a better understanding of the level of influence of written RPT guidelines and policy in an often vague process that is meant to allow for flexibility in assessing individuals.
Excision with primary midline closure compared with Limberg flap in the treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Arnous M , Elgendy H , Thabet W , Emile SH , Elbaz SA , Khafagy W
Published: October 2018

Background

Although several surgical techniques for treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus (SPND) have been described, there is no consensus on the optimal surgical procedure. In this study we compared excision with primary closure and Limberg flap in the treatment of SPND.

Methods

This was a prospective randomised clinical trial in patients with SPND who were randomly allocated to one of two groups: group I (excision and primary closure) and group II (Limberg flap technique). The primary outcome of the trial was recurrence of SPND whereas postoperative complications, return to work and cosmetic results were the secondary outcomes.

Results

Sixty patients were included, with a mean age of 24.1 years and mean body mass index (BMI) of 26.8 kg/m2. Group 1 had significantly shorter operation time than group II. Both groups had similar hospital stay and comparable complication rates (43.3% vs 30%; P = 0.4). Group I had significantly higher recurrence rate (20% vs 0; P < 0.02) and significantly better cosmetic satisfaction score than group II. Being hairy (P = 0.04), positive family history (P = 0.03), diabetes mellitus (P = 0.005) and history of previous surgery for SPND (P = 0.01) were the significant predictors for recurrence.

Conclusions

The Limberg flap is an effective technique for the treatment of SPND with very low recurrence rate and comparable complication rate and hospital stay to excision and primary closure. Excision and primary closure offered the advantages of quicker healing time, earlier resumption of daily activities, better cosmetic results, which may render it more suitable for patients with low risk for recurrence.
Will we ever cure nasal polyps?
Authors: Ta NH
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Nasal polyposis is a benign hyperplastic growth of nasal mucosa. There is a paucity of evidence on the prevalence and incidence of nasal polyposis. Although nasal polyps can be asymptomatic, they can cause a spectrum of nasal problems including nasal obstruction, rhinorrhoea, nasal congestion, anosmia resulting in ageusia. Nasal polyps are mostly associated with chronic rhinosinusitis, The current management of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is controversial and is not curative.

METHODS

A Medline search was conducted, using the keywords ‘rhinosinusitis’, ‘sinusitis’, ‘classification’ and ‘’aetiology.

FINDINGS

The current treatment of nasal polyposis in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is still challenging. Emerging research through endotypes profiling aims to better understand the complexities of this heterogeneous disease to personalise treatment and provide a cure. Randomised controlled trials aim to provide robust evidence for current management options.
A prospective clinical, cost and environmental analysis of a clinician-led virtual urology clinic
Authors: Miah S , Dunford C , Edison M , Eldred-Evans D , Gan C , Shah TT , Lunn P , Winkler M , Ahmed HU , Gibbons N , Hrouda D
Published: October 2018

Introduction

A virtual clinic is a form of telemedicine where contact between clinical teams and patients occur without face-to-face consultation. Our study aims to quantify the clinical, financial and environmental benefits of our virtual urology clinic.

Material and methods

We collected data prospectively from our weekly follow-up virtual clinic over a continuous four-month period between July and September 2017.

Results

In total, we reviewed 409 patients. Following virtual clinic consultation, 68.5% of our patients were discharged from further follow-up. The majority of our patients (male 57.7%, female 55.5%) were of working age. The satisfaction scores were high, at 90.1%, and there were no reported adverse events as a result of using the virtual clinic. Our calculated cost savings were £18,744, with a predicted 12-month cost saving of £56,232. The creation of additional face-to-face clinic capacity has created an estimated 12-month increase in tariff generation for our unit of £72,072. In total, 4623 travel miles were avoided by patients using the virtual clinic, with an estimated avoided carbon footprint of 0.35–1.45 metric tonnes of CO2e, depending on mode of transport. Our predicted 12-month avoided carbon footprint is 1.04–4.04 metric tonnes of CO2e.

Conclusions

Our virtual clinic model has demonstrated a trifecta of positive outcomes, namely, clinical, financial and environmental benefits. The environmental importance and benefits of a virtual clinic should be promoted as a social enterprise value when engaging stakeholders in setting up such a urological service. We propose the adoption of our virtual clinic model in those urological units considering this method of telemedicine.