bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissecting the Role of Dominance in Robberies: An Analysis and Implications for Microsociology of Violence
Authors: Liebst Lasse Suonperä , Lindegaard Marie Rosenkrantz , Bernasco Wim
Published: May 2019

The influential microsociological theory of violence advanced by Randall Collins suggests that emotional dominance preconditions physical violence. Here, we examine robbery incidents as counterevidence of this proposition. Using 50 video clips of real-life commercial robberies recorded by surveillance cameras, we observed, coded, and analyzed the interpersonal behaviors of offenders and victims in microdetail. We found no support for Collins’s hypothesized link between dominance and violence, but evidence against it instead. It is the absence, not the presence, of emotional offender dominance that promotes offender violence. We consider these results in the light of criminological research on robbery violence and suggest that Collins’s strong situational stance would benefit from a greater appreciation of instrumental motivation and cold-headed premeditation.
Career Adaptability, Self-Determination, and Life Satisfaction: A Mediational Analysis With People With Substance Use Disorder
Authors: Maggio Ilaria Di , Shogren Karrie A. , Wehmeyer Michael L. , Nota Laura , Sgaramella Teresa Maria
Published: May 2019

Living a satisfying life is an important goal for people with substance use disorder (SUD). However, making decisions about the future, imagining future scenarios, and setting and attaining goals related to that future after treatment is a complex task. As several studies have shown, people with SUD experience multiple barriers to designing their future life at the individual, program, and social support levels. Using a life design approach, the aim of this study was to investigate the role career adaptability and self-determination play in life satisfaction for adults with SUD. More specifically, a partial mediation model focused on career adaptability and life satisfaction through enhanced self-determination was tested in a sample ( n = 134) of people with SUD. Findings suggest that career adaptability is indirectly related to life satisfaction, mediated by self-determination. These results have important implications for practice in vocational rehabilitation and career counseling for people with SUD.
Authoritarian Neoliberalism in Europe: The Red Herring of Ordoliberalism
Authors: Storey Andy
Published: May 2019

Europe has seen increasing steps taken to try to insulate economic decision-making from democratic influence. However, this trend, while in line with the foundation charters of ordoliberalism, is by no means confined to Europe or to ordoliberalism. Significant and ongoing attempts to preclude the population from influencing economic policy are global in nature and are characteristic of all forms of neoliberalism and of capitalist governance more generally. Structural adjustment in the Global South in the 1980s and 1990s provides a more helpful model for how the crisis has been responded to in Europe than the often Eurocentric conceptions of (and specious claims made for) ordoliberalism.
Experimental investigation of the cooling characteristics of a monobloc cast iron brake disc with fingered hub
Authors: Tirovic Marko , Topouris Stergios , Sherwood Glenn
Published: May 2019

The paper compares heat dissipation characteristics of two interchangeable ventilated brake discs, a standard solid hub and a newly developed fingered hub version, both single piece cast designs. The tests were conducted on a specially developed Thermal Flow Rig, which enables disc induction heating to 450°C and cooling for a range of rotational and air speeds, in parallel and angular cross flow. The Rig facilitated very accurate and repeatable experiments to be conducted for numerous combinations of operating conditions. From the recorded cooling curves, average heat transfer coefficients for convection and radiation were extracted and the results also presented in a generic form, using Nusselt numbers. The fingered design demonstrated superior convective heat dissipation, with the improvements varying depending on the rotational speed, air cross flow velocity and angle, as well as disc temperature. The gains were ranging from 3.5% to over 20%. The fingered design is 8.5% lighter and being a single piece cast disc, it remains inexpensive to mass produce.
Labour migration of doctors and nurses and the impact on the quality of health care in Eastern European countries: The case of Poland
Authors: Żuk Piotr , Żuk Paweł , Lisiewicz-Jakubaszko Justyna
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this commentary article is to explain the causes and effects of the economic migration of health care workers from Poland to Western countries, and to analyse the impact of the migration of doctors and nurses on the functioning of the public health system. We use data from the National Central Statistical Office, our own preliminary research, social surveys and the Watch Health Care database. Domestic data are analysed and compared with trends in Western Europe as described in Eurostat and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development reports. The decreasing number of active physicians remaining in the health care system results in long waits for specialist appointments. The demand for doctors from Central and Eastern Europe will continue to grow. Consequently, there will be a further outflow of medical staff from Poland and other countries in the region and the current problems with access to health care will continue.

JEL Codes: I00, I11, J61
Misinformation Is a Matter of Context: Rejoinder to “The Menace of Misinformation: Faculty Misstatements in Management Education and Their Consequences”
Authors: Lewis Vance Johnson
Published: May 2019

The notion that we as business faculty are misleading students is on the surface shocking but in deeper thought not misguided. While Giacalone and Promislo present a compelling argument for how and why business schools do not present the full picture to students, their discussion lacks in embracing the situations faced by all students. In this rejoinder to their article, the demographics of today’s students and their desires from higher education are added to the discussion along with an examination of hiring policies that seem to be negatively affecting the message business students are receiving.
Treating Opioid Use Disorders in Drug Court: Participants’ Views on Using Medication-Assisted Treatments (MATs) to Support Recovery
Authors: Gallagher John R. , Wahler Elizabeth A. , Minasian Raychel M. , Edwards Abigail
Published: May 2019

Drug courts began in 1989 in Miami-Dade County, FL. Due to their success in treating substance use disorders and reducing criminal recidivism, they have expanded globally and are currently operating in countries such as Australia, Canada, and Scotland, to name a few. Drug courts can be a key intervention in addressing the opioid epidemic. This is the first known qualitative study to ask drug court participants ( n = 38) who have opioid use disorders questions related to their lived experiences in drug court, as well as direct questions related to the use of medication-assisted treatments (MATs) in drug court. Overall, drug court participants felt that MATs were helpful for treating their opioid use disorders; however, some participants reported using other drugs while on MATs and they viewed their recovery through a harm reduction lens. Additionally, participants emphasized the importance of using MATs in combination with counseling that used cognitive and behavioral therapies. Implications for drug court practice and future research are discussed.
Elevating Problems of Journalistic Power in an Age of Post-Truth
Authors: Gutsche Robert E.
Published: May 2019

Recent pushes to embrace problems and solutions related to working and teaching in an age of “post-truth” reveal problematic, long-time journalistic cultures and approaches of journalism that educators are challenged to address. This essay provides a critical voice to this special issue on education in “post-truth” to interpret current themes of threats to journalism discussed across journalistic communities. This perspective takes into account forces of neoliberalism and hegemonic ideologies within journalism education that, if addressed, could turn trials of “post-truth” into a redevelopment of journalism education for the common good.
Comparison of Quality of Life, Productivity, Functioning and Self-Esteem in Adults Diagnosed With ADHD and With Symptomatic ADHD
Authors: Pawaskar Manjiri , Fridman Moshe , Grebla Regina , Madhoo Manisha
Published: May 2019

Objective: Investigate the association between diagnosis and outcomes in adults with symptoms of ADHD. Method: The Validate Attitudes and Lifestyle Issues in Depression, ADHD and Troubles with Eating (VALIDATE) study collected sociodemographic and clinical characteristics data, and responses from validated questionnaires on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), work productivity, functioning, and self-esteem. ADHD-diagnosed respondents ( n = 444) were matched with respondents with symptomatic ADHD ( n = 1,055) within the same sex-by-age group using propensity score matching. Effects of ADHD diagnosis on each outcome were adjusted for covariates that remained imbalanced after matching, using generalized mixed models. Results: After matching, symptomatic respondents ( n = 867) had worse outcomes than ADHD-diagnosed respondents ( n = 436), as measured by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment: General Health questionnaire and Sheehan Disability Scale ( p < .001). ADHD-diagnosed respondents had better mean EuroQol five-dimensional five-level (EQ-5D-5L) scores and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale scores than symptomatic respondents ( p < .001). Conclusion: ADHD-diagnosed individuals are more likely to experience better functional performance, work-related productivity, HRQoL, and self-esteem than individuals with symptomatic ADHD.
Topical Topiramate Improves Wound Healing in an Animal Model of Hyperglycemia
Authors: Jara Carlos Poblete , do Prado Thais Paulino , Dias Bóbbo Vanessa Cristina , Ramalho Albina de Fátima S. , Lima Maria H. M. , Velloso Licio A. , Araujo Eliana P.
Published: May 2019

Wound healing is severely affected in hyperglycemia and other metabolic conditions. Finding new therapeutic approaches that accelerate wound healing and improve the quality of the scar may reduce the morbidity commonly associated with skin lesions in diabetes. This study evaluated the effect of topical topiramate (TPM) on wound healing in C57 mice. Streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic mice were subjected to a wound on the back and randomly allocated for treatment with either vehicle or topical TPM cream (2%) once a day for 14 days. Polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and microscopy were performed for the analysis. TPM improved wound healing (complete resolution at Day 10, 98% ± 5 for TPM vs. 81% ± 28 for vehicle), increased organization and deposition of collagen Type I, and enhanced the quality of the scars as determined by microscopy. In addition, TPM modulated the expression of cytokines and proteins of the insulin-signaling pathway: In early wound-healing stages, expression of interleukin-10, an anti-inflammatory marker, increased, whereas at the late phase, the pro-inflammatory markers tumor necrosis factor-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 increased and there was increased expression of a vascular endothelial growth factor. Proteins of the insulin-signaling pathway were stimulated in the late wound-healing phase. Topical TPM improves the quality of wound healing in an animal model of hyperglycemia. The effect of TPM is accompanied by modulation of inflammatory and growth factors and proteins of the insulin-signaling pathway. Therefore, topical TPM presents as a potential therapeutic agent in skin wounds in patients with hyperglycemia.
Sequence-based Prediction of Protein-Protein Interactions Using Gray Wolf Optimizer–Based Relevance Vector Machine
Authors: An Ji-Yong , You Zhu-Hong , Zhou Yong , Wang Da-Fu
Published: May 2019

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are essential to a number of biological processes. The PPIs generated by biological experiment are both time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, many computational methods have been proposed to identify PPIs. However, most of these methods are limited as they are difficult to compute and rely on a large number of homologous proteins. Accordingly, it is urgent to develop effective computational methods to detect PPIs using only protein sequence information. The kernel parameter of relevance vector machine (RVM) is set by experience, which may not obtain the optimal solution, affecting the prediction performance of RVM. In this work, we presented a novel computational approach called GWORVM-BIG, which used Bi-gram (BIG) to represent protein sequences on a position-specific scoring matrix (PSSM) and GWORVM classifier to perform classification for predicting PPIs. More specifically, the proposed GWORVM model can obtain the optimum solution of kernel parameters using gray wolf optimizer approach, which has the advantages of less control parameters, strong global optimization ability, and ease of implementation compared with other optimization algorithms. The experimental results on yeast and human data sets demonstrated the good accuracy and efficiency of the proposed GWORVM-BIG method. The results showed that the proposed GWORVM classifier can significantly improve the prediction performance compared with the RVM model using other optimizer algorithms including grid search (GS), genetic algorithm (GA), and particle swarm optimization (PSO). In addition, the proposed method is also compared with other existing algorithms, and the experimental results further indicated that the proposed GWORVM-BIG model yields excellent prediction performance. For facilitating extensive studies for future proteomics research, the GWORVMBIG server is freely available for academic use at http://219.219.62.123:8888/GWORVMBIG .
Life imitates art: Yojimbo, critical management, and contractors
Authors: Sementelli Arthur
Published: May 2019

Organization studies have consistently drawn from literature and film as tools to understand, explain, and analyze organizational phenomena. With that goal in mind, this article illustrates how Yojimbo, a movie by Akira Kurosawa, provides a critical representation of work and organizations as a context for how micro emancipation might be undertaken in contemporary organizational settings. The argument revolves around the claim that contractors might become the newest frontier in the study of both micro emancipation and organizational misconduct. Reinforcing this claim, the article draws heavily from the film Yojimbo and later supplements the argument with a case study focusing on Edward Snowden. This article sets the tone for an emergent area of discussion about contemporary micro emancipation across sectors.
Polyphonies of depression: The relationship between voices-of-the-self in young professional women aka ‘top girls’
Authors: Chowdhury Nilima , Gibson Kerry , Wetherell Margaret
Published: May 2019

While the analysis of depression narratives has become increasingly common practice within critical mental health research, this work rarely investigates how these accounts intersect with particular social identities. The recent emergence of the ‘top girl’ identity, a new cultural slot on offer for young women, is underpinned by the rise of neoliberal and post-feminist discourses in the Western world. To explore whether this new feminine subjectivity is indeed taken up by young women and how it shapes their experience of depression, we conducted in-depth interviews with 13 young professional women in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Based on a dialogical approach to theorising and researching subjectivity, we identified repetitive inter-relations between different voices-of-the-self and the voices of depression. The most pervasive pattern in the sample consists of what we have termed demanding voices associated with the ‘top girl’ position, which construct depression as an individual deficit thereby discouraging young women from exploring the sociocultural origins of their distress. In contrast, resistant voices emphasise relationality and a (re)connection with meaningful values and, therefore, seem to be productive for individual recovery.
Citizens’ use of digital media to connect with health care: Socio-ethical and regulatory implications
Authors: Petersen Alan , Tanner Claire , Munsie Megan
Published: May 2019

Digital technologies promise to transform practices of health, medicine and health care and ‘power’ economies. In expectation of their presumed future benefits, governments in recent years have invested heavily in new technology initiatives and have sought to engender ‘digital literacy’ among citizens. This article introduces papers and expands on themes arising from a special issue that explores the socio-ethical and regulatory implications of citizens’ use of digital media to connect with health care. We set the scene by examining the promissory discourse that attaches to digital technologies as applied to health care, and its role in shaping actions, and then consider the longer term prospects and implications of digitalisation for conceptions of citizenship and established categories and distinctions. As we argue, given the history of new technologies, the longer term implications of digitalisation are likely to differ significantly from those envisaged. Digital technologies promise radical positive disruption. Yet many uncertainties accompany their development and future applications and likely implications. Making reference to papers in the special issue and the wider literature, the article considers the prospects of digitalisation in medicine and health care in light of the colonisation of the Internet by powerful technology companies, the shift in capitalist economies from processes of production to technologies of prediction, evidence of inequalities in access to the Internet and related devices, and the growing number of data breaches involving personal health information. We draw attention to the failure of governments to engage citizens in substantive deliberations about digitalisation and its future potential implications and the ultimate democratic deficit that this represents. We ask, what does it mean to ‘regulate’ digital media in a context in which data are widely viewed as the ‘new oil’? While we have no straightforward answers, we suggest that recent legislative efforts (e.g. General Data Protection Regulation in Europe) and growing calls for ‘algorithmic accountability’ have the potential to temper the more harmful aspects of digitalisation.
Small acts of engagement: Reconnecting productive audience practices with everyday agency
Authors: Picone Ike , Kleut Jelena , Pavlíčková Tereza , Romic Bojana , Møller Hartley Jannie , De Ridder Sander
Published: May 2019

In this article, we develop the concept of small acts of engagement (SAOE) in a networked media environment as a conceptual framework to study specific audience practices and as an agenda for research on these practices. We define SAOE, such as liking, sharing, and commenting, as productive audience practices that require little investment and are intentionally more casual than the structural and laborious practices examined as types of produsage and convergence culture. We further elaborate on the interpretive and productive aspects of SAOE, which allow us to reconnect the notions of a participatory culture and a culture of everyday agency. Our central argument is that audience studies’ perspective allows viewing SAOE as practices of everyday audience agency, which, on an aggregate level, have the potential to become powerful acts of resistance.
Predictive model for quality of life in patients with recurrent coronary artery disease
Authors: Jo Eunhee , Kim Sung Reul , Kim Hye Young
Published: May 2019

Background:

The aims of this study were to construct and verify a model that explains the quality of life in patients with recurrent coronary artery disease.

Methods:

Participants were 212 patients with recurrent coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Data were collected through structured questionnaires from 21 December 2016–30 April 2017, and were analyzed using SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 23.0.

Results:

The model’s fit indices were adequate. Type D personality, symptom experience, and resilience had a direct effect on quality of life, while type D personality, cardiac function status, social support, and resilience had an indirect effect on quality of life. Type D personality, cardiac function status, social support, symptom experience, and resilience explained 55% of the total variance in quality of life. Thus, type D personality, cardiac function status, social support, symptom experience, and resilience affected the quality of life in patients with recurrent coronary artery disease.

Conclusions:

Systematic and integrated intervention programs considering factors related to quality of life may be useful for improving quality of life for patients with recurrent coronary artery disease.
Glucose-lowering therapy and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Avogaro Angelo , Bonora Enzo , Consoli Agostino , Del Prato Stefano , Genovese Stefano , Giorgino Francesco
Published: May 2019

Diabetes is a common comorbidity in patients hospitalized for an acute coronary syndrome event, and prevalence is increasing. Among patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction, diabetes can be an independent predictor of mortality and new cardiovascular events; both short- and long-term outcomes are worse for patients with diabetes relative to those without, and undiagnosed diabetes is associated with greater mortality. The impact of glycemic control on cardiovascular outcomes and the best approach to treat hyperglycemia upon hospital admission for acute coronary syndrome in patients with or without known diabetes remain open questions. This review assesses available evidence for hyperglycemia management at the time of admission for acute coronary syndrome and, thereafter, finds that (1) admission plasma glucose plays a role in predicting adverse events, especially in patients with unknown diabetes; (2) glycated haemoglobin is a likely predictor of events in patients with unknown diabetes; and (3) hypoglycemia at the time of acute myocardial infarction hospital admission is an important predictor for mortality in patients with and without diabetes. Whether glucose-targeted insulin and glucose infusion have advantages over glucose–insulin–potassium infusion remains controversial. Evidence for the effect of novel glucose-lowering agents used at the time of an acute cardiovascular event is limited and requires more dedicated studies.
Peripheral Arterial Endovascular Procedures Performed in a Non-Hospital-Based Facility by First-Year Vascular Surgery Fellows
Authors: Pineda Danielle M. , Calligaro Keith D. , Tyagi Sam , Troutman Douglas A. , Domenico Lou , Dougherty Matthew J.
Published: May 2019

Objective:

Traditionally, vascular surgery fellows (VSFs) have learned to perform peripheral arterial endovascular procedures in a hospital setting. Many vascular surgeons currently perform these procedures in an “outpatient” non-hospital-based setting. Loss of these cases from the hospital setting may impact vascular surgery fellowship endovascular volume. We assessed the safety of first-year VSFs performing peripheral endovascular procedures under the supervision of vascular surgery attending surgeons in a non-hospital-based facility.

Methods:

Between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2016, 166 patients underwent 193 endovascular procedures in a non-hospital-based ambulatory facility: 136 interventions (65 femoral, 40 iliac, 13 popliteal, and 9 infrapopliteal arteries) and 31 diagnostic arteriograms for claudication (57.8%; 85), rest pain (11.6%; 17), tissue loss (12.9%; 19), and failing grafts (17.7%; 26). Interventions included balloon angioplasty alone in 8.8% (12/136) of cases, stents in 16.9% (23/136), covered stents in 14% (19/136), atherectomy in 60.3% (82/136), and mechanical thrombolysis in 0.7% (1/136).

Results:

First-year VSFs performed an increasing percentage of these procedures during this interval: academic year 2012 to 2013 = 0% (0/49), 2013 to 2014 = 31% (17/54), 2014 to 2015 = 93% (56/60), and 2015 to 2016 = 82% (57/70). All but 5 (3%) patients having 167 procedures were discharged home after 2 to 6 hours of bed rest without any 30-day adverse outcomes. Four patients were immediately transferred to our hospital after the intervention: 2 for respiratory issues (hypoxia), 1 for groin hematoma (observation only), and 1 for arterial occlusion (required tibial stent not available at outpatient center). One patient returned to our hospital with rest pain due to treatment site occlusion the following day.

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrate that complex peripheral arterial endovascular procedures can be performed safely by first-year VSFs under vascular attending supervision in an outpatient, non-hospital-based setting.
Demographic, Behavioral, and Social Characteristics Associated With Smoking and Vaping Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in San Francisco
Authors: Santos Glenn-Milo , Tan Judy , Turner Caitlin , Raymond H. Fisher
Published: May 2019

Tobacco use is the leading lifestyle-related cause of death in the United States. We analyzed correlates of smoking and vaping tobacco in the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in San Francisco in 2014 ( n = 410) using multivariable logistic regression models. We found that more than two in five MSM (41%) smoked or vaped. Smoking was greater for men of color (46% vs. 35%; p = .02); those with annual income below $50,000 (47% vs. 34%; p = .01); those without a college education (51% vs. 30%; p < .01); and the uninsured (55% vs. 38%; p = .04). In multivariable analyses, greater odds of smoking were observed among men living with HIV (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.7; 95% CI [1.00, 2.8]); men who reported cocaine use (aOR = 3.1; 95% CI [1.9, 5.0]), and men who reported greater number of alcohol drinks on a drinking day (aOR = 1.2; 95% CI [1.05, 1.29]). Lower odds of smoking were observed for men who completed college (aOR = 0.57; 95% CI [0.36, 0.88]). Greater odds of vaping were observed among men who reported meth use (aOR = 3.01; 95% CI [1.65, 5.50]). Lower odds of vaping were observed among men who completed college (aOR = 0.55; 95% CI [0.32, 0.98]). In conclusion, the prevalence of smoking and vaping among MSM is extremely high, particularly HIV-positive MSM. MSM who smoked and vaped were more likely to be racial and ethnic minorities, have lower socioeconomic status, and report more substance and alcohol use. These findings highlight the need to develop strategies effectively addressing the high rates of cigarette smoking and vaping among MSM, particularly among minority MSM and MSM living with HIV.
Lifestyle Factors Rather Than Helicobacter pylori Infection or Estradiol Level are Associated With Osteopenia in Japanese Men
Authors: Chinda Daisuke , Shimoyama Tadashi , Sawada Kaori , Iino Chikara , Sakuraba Hirotake , Nakaji Shigeyuki , Fukuda Shinsaku
Published: May 2019

Although decreased calcium absorption, decreased bone formation, alcohol drinking, and smoking have been considered as causes of osteopenia in men, the cause is unknown in half of the cases. Many reports highlighted the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and osteoporosis, mainly in East Asia and Japan. To identify relevant factors of osteoporosis in men, we examined estrogen and calcium intakes and other lifestyle factors together with gastric mucosal atrophy caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. This study is a cross-sectional study design of 268 healthy men who underwent general medical examinations. Multivariate analysis was performed, with age, body mass index, smoking habit, drinking habit, exercise habit, estradiol level, calcium intake, and Helicobacter pylori infection and its associated gastric mucosal atrophy as the independent variables and the presence of osteopenia as the dependent variable. The adjusted odds ratio was 0.74 (95% Confidence Interval [0.29, 1.90], p = .531) and 1.31 (95% Confidence Interval [0.54, 3.21], p = .552), when Helicobacter pylori infection was positive without and with gastric mucosal atrophy, respectively. Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric mucosal atrophy were not significant factors. Low body mass index, smoking habit, and low calcium intake were significantly associated with decreased bone density. In conclusion, Helicobacter pylori infection was not a significant risk, whereas low body mass index, current smoking, and lower calcium intake had a significant influence on the development of osteopenia in men.
Multiobjective optimization of reliability–redundancy allocation problems for serial parallel-series systems based on importance measure
Authors: Zhao Jiangbin , Si Shubin , Cai Zhiqiang , Su Ming , Wang Wei
Published: May 2019

For complex equipment, designers are challenged to reduce the expense while satisfying high requirements of system reliability. This article focuses on the multiobjective reliability–redundancy allocation problem for serial parallel-series systems to balance the conflicts between system reliability and design cost. The multiobjective reliability–redundancy allocation problem model for serial parallel-series systems is established with constraints on system reliability and design cost. An importance measure–based and harmony search–based multiobjective particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed to solve the multiobjective model effectively based on the importance measure–based harmony search and multiobjective particle swarm optimization algorithm. The performance of the importance measure–based and harmony search-based multiobjective particle swarm optimization algorithm is verified by comparison with the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm and importance measure–based multiobjective particle swarm optimization algorithm. In Experiment 1, the performance of the importance measure–based and harmony search-based multiobjective particle swarm optimization algorithm is better than that of the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm and importance measure–based multiobjective particle swarm optimization, and the importance measure–based and harmony search-based multiobjective particle swarm optimization algorithm also can get the Pareto front with better uniformity. Compared to the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm, four cases with different constraints of system reliability and design cost are considered in Experiment 2, and the importance measure–based and harmony search–based multiobjective particle swarm optimization algorithm applies to the systems with the lower system reliability constraints and the higher design cost constraints.
Root cause analysis of epidural spinal cord stimulator implant infections with resolution after implementation of an improved protocol for surgical placement
Authors: Arnold Forest W , Bishop Sarah , Johnson David , Scott LaShawn , Heishman Crystal , Oppy Leah , Ball Tyler , Sharma Mayur , Angeli Claudia , Ferreira Christie , Chen Yangsheng , Harkema Susan , Boakye Maxwell
Published: May 2019

Background:

Placing a spinal stimulator for the purpose of restoring paralysed function is a novel procedure; however, paralysis predisposes people to infection. Preventing surgical site infections is critical to benefit this population.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to review the root cause analysis of postoperative wound infections by a hospital epidemiology team following implantation of epidural spinal cord neurostimulators in patients with chronic spinal cord injury.

Methods:

A team was assembled to review the case of every individual who had been enrolled to receive a neurostimulator at the facility. A root cause analysis was performed evaluating five categories: the patient; equipment; facility/environment; procedure; and personnel.

Findings:

The root cause analysis included 11 patients. Two patients became infected. Three others dehisced their wound without becoming infected. All patients were given preoperative antibiotics on time. A mean of 17 personnel were in the operating room during surgery. Vancomycin powder was used in the patients who either dehisced their wound or became infected.

Conclusions:

The root cause analysis provides guidance for other institutions performing the same novel procedure. This analysis did not reveal a direct association, but did generate several areas for improvement including increasing pre-surgical screening, cleaning transient equipment (e.g., computer screens), limiting traffic in the operating room, using new sterile instruments for each stage of the procedure, not reopening the back incision, not applying vancomycin powder, and using an antimicrobial envelope for the stimulator.
Health-Related Quality of Life After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Gohal Chetan , Shamshoon Saif , Memon Muzammil , Kay Jeffrey , Simunovic Nicole , Randelli Filippo , Ayeni Olufemi R.
Published: May 2019

Context:

Hip pain from femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) can impair health-related quality of life (HRQL) but can be treated via hip arthroscopy techniques.

Objective:

To systematically assess the HRQL outcomes after arthroscopic management of FAI.

Date Sources:

Three online databases (EMBASE, PubMed, and Ovid [MEDLINE]) were searched for relevant literature from database inception until June 2018 and screened by 2 reviewers independently and in duplicate.

Study Selection:

Level I to IV English studies that investigated HRQL outcomes after hip arthroscopy were included. Data for generic and hip-specific HRQL outcomes were collected. Mean differences were plotted in a forest plot when possible.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

A total of 29 studies were included for assessment. Of the 6476 patients (6959 hips), the mean age was 32 years (range 9-79 years) and 50.7% were female. Significant improvements were reported in all studies assessing generic HRQL outcomes, including the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (range of mean postoperative scores, 82.2-89.8), and EuroQOL-5D scores (range of mean postoperative scores, 0.74-0.87) between 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Significant improvements were similarly identified in the hip-specific HRQL outcomes scores, with the majority of studies also reporting improvement between 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Mean improvement in International Hip Outcome Tool–33 scores from preoperative values to postoperative values ranged from 22.7 to 43.2 ( I2 = 44%), for studies with follow-up between 12 and 24 months.

Conclusion:

Hip arthroscopy can lead to significant improvement in generic and hip-specific HRQL outcomes at 12 to 24 months postoperatively in patients with FAI who do not have advanced hip osteoarthritis. Confirmatory, high-quality, prospective studies are warranted to compare this observed improvement with other treatment modalities for FAI and to determine long-term outcomes.
3D gelatin-chitosan hybrid hydrogels combined with human platelet lysate highly support human mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Re Federica , Sartore Luciana , Moulisova Vladimira , Cantini Marco , Almici Camillo , Bianchetti Andrea , Chinello Clizia , Dey Kamol , Agnelli Silvia , Manferdini Cristina , Bernardi Simona , Lopomo Nicola F. , Sardini Emilio , Borsani Elisa , Rodella Luigi F. , Savoldi Fabio , Paganelli Corrado , Guizzi Pierangelo , Lisignoli Gina , Magni Fulvio , Salmeron-Sanchez Manuel , Russo Domenico
Published: May 2019

Bone marrow and adipose tissue human mesenchymal stem cells were seeded in highly performing 3D gelatin–chitosan hybrid hydrogels of varying chitosan content in the presence of human platelet lysate and evaluated for their proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Both bone marrow and adipose tissue human mesenchymal stem cells in gelatin–chitosan hybrid hydrogel 1 (chitosan content 8.1%) or gelatin–chitosan hybrid hydrogel 2 (chitosan 14.9%) showed high levels of viability (80%–90%), and their proliferation and osteogenic differentiation was significantly higher with human platelet lysate compared to fetal bovine serum, particularly in gelatin–chitosan hybrid hydrogel 1. Mineralization was detected early, after 21 days of culture, when human platelet lysate was used in the presence of osteogenic stimuli. Proteomic characterization of human platelet lysate highlighted 59 proteins mainly involved in functions related to cell adhesion, cellular repairing mechanisms, and regulation of cell differentiation. In conclusion, the combination of our gelatin–chitosan hybrid hydrogels with hPL represents a promising strategy for bone regenerative medicine using human mesenchymal stem cells.
Endometrial polyps: Pathogenesis, sequelae and treatment
Authors: Nijkang Njume Peter , Anderson Lyndal , Markham Robert , Manconi Frank
Published: May 2019

Endometrial polyps are overgrowths of endometrial glands that typically protrude into the uterine cavity. Endometrial polyps are benign in nature and affect both reproductive age and postmenopausal women. Although endometrial polyps are relatively common and may be accompanied by abnormally heavy bleeding at menstruation. In asymptomatic women, endometrial polyps may regress spontaneously, in symptomatic women endometrial polyps can be treated safely and efficiently with hysteroscopic excision.
Treatment of Hailey–Hailey disease with narrowband phototherapy and acitretin: A case report
Authors: Lapa Tatiana , Breslavets Maksym
Published: May 2019

The Hailey–Hailey disease, or familial benign chronic pemphigus, is an autosomal dominant genodermatosis affecting mainly intertriginous areas. It manifests itself in painful blisters, erosions, and cracks and has a chronic course with frequent flares, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Presently, there is no cure, but multiple treatment modalities are available. Most evidence supports treatment with topical steroids and antimicrobials. Treatment of recalcitrant disease has been shown to benefit from the addition of oral antibiotics, Naltrexone, systemic retinoids, botulinum toxin A injections, laser treatment, and surgical excision. We describe a case of refractory Hailey–Hailey disease for which most of the abovementioned options failed, but which demonstrated significant improvement following a combination of oral acitretin and narrowband ultraviolet-B phototherapy. To achieve remission, the patient received 30 sessions three times per week with the increment of 20 mJ/cm2 per session and oral acitretin 25 mg PO daily.
A large bladder hematoma resulting from infectious hemorrhagic cystitis after pelvic reconstruction with transvaginal mesh: An unusual complication
Authors: Shyu Ing-Luen , Wang Peng-Hui , Huang Ben-Shian
Published: May 2019

A large hematoma resulting from hemorrhagic cystitis after uncomplicated pelvic reconstruction surgery with a transvaginal mesh is rare. A 66-year-old female who underwent pelvic reconstruction with transvaginal mesh presented with acute urinary retention and hematuria on postoperative day 10. Leukocytosis, pyuria, and hematuria were noted in the emergency room. After using cystoscopy to irrigate the coagulum, there was no mesh erosion or bladder perforation on inspection. A large bladder hematoma resulting from infectious hemorrhagic cystitis was confirmed, and uropathogenic Escherichia coli was isolated. The clinical condition improved after a 1-week treatment with an indwelling Foley catheter and oral antibiotics. Careful aseptic techniques and antibiotic prophylaxis reduce bacterial contamination only for brief periods of time, and patients may still be at risk for delayed infections. The possible modalities to prevent postoperative urinary tract infection after pelvic reconstruction surgery with transvaginal mesh include shortening the indwelling Foley catheter period and administration of an additional antibiotic during catheter removal. However, the antibiotic policies for pelvic reconstruction with transvaginal mesh demand further cost analyses.
Scalp biopsy identifies systemic amyloidosis presenting as isolated telogen effluvium: A case report
Authors: Sutherland Rory A , Crawford Richard I
Published: May 2019

AL amyloidosis is a complication of B-cell dyscrasias and multiple myeloma, manifest as deposition of antibody fragments in many different organs, including the skin. We describe a rare case of this systemic disease which presented with isolated scalp alopecia. Further investigation led to the diagnosis of an occult plasma-cell dyscrasia, showing the benefit of including systemic amyloidosis in the differential diagnosis of alopecia. The biopsy finding of cutaneous amyloidosis should prompt further workup to exclude an underlying pathology.
Determinants of First-Year Student Identity and Satisfaction in Higher Education: A Quantitative Case Study
Authors: Ang Chin-Siang , Lee Kam-Fong , Dipolog-Ubanan Genevieve F.
Published: May 2019

First-year undergraduates’ expectations and experience of university and student engagement variables were investigated to determine how these perceptions influence their student identity and overall course satisfaction. Data collected from 554 first-year undergraduates at a large private university were analyzed. Participants were given the adapted version of the Melbourne Centre for the Study of Higher Education Survey to self-report their learning experience and engagement in the university community. The results showed that, in general, the students’ reasons of pursuing tertiary education were to open the door to career opportunities and skill development. Moreover, students’ views on their learning and university engagement were at the moderate level. In relation to student identity and overall student satisfaction, it is encouraging to state that their perceptions of studentship and course satisfaction were rather positive. After controlling for demographics, student engagement appeared to explain more variance in student identity, whereas students’ expectations and experience explained greater variance in students’ overall course satisfaction. Implications for practice, limitations, and recommendation of this study are addressed.
Nonnative EFL Teachers’ Speaking Anxiety: Post-Communist Country Context
Authors: Kralova Zdena , Tirpakova Anna
Published: May 2019

The current study aims to fill the gap in the current literature by focusing on the wide scale of nonnative English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers’ perceptions and opinions in the specific context of a post-Communist country. It focuses on the link between five demographic variables (age, the length of English language study, English teaching experience, stay in English-speaking countries, and the intensity of communication with English native speakers) of Slovak EFL teachers and their English speaking anxiety (ESA) and English speaking quality (ESQ). The teachers’ self-perceived causes, consequences, factors, and needs concerning their ESA were also detected. Data were collected by both qualitative methods (questionnaire and interview) and quantitative methods (scale and test). The correlation analyses revealed a negative relationship between most variables and teachers’ anxiety and a positive relationship between their age and anxiety. Both qualitative and quantitative results reflect the specifics of teaching EFL in a post-Communist country.
Predictors of 30-Day Unplanned Readmissions, Complications, and Mortality Following Operative Management of C2 Fractures
Authors: Bernstein David N. , Thirukumaran Caroline , Raudenbush Brandon , Molinari Robert W. , Menga Emmanuel N. , Mesfin Addisu
Published: May 2019

Study Design:

Retrospective database review.

Objectives:

To determine factors associated with unplanned readmission, complications, and mortality in patients undergoing operative management for C2 fractures.

Methods:

The American College of Surgeons–National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) was queried between 2007 and 2014. Unplanned readmission, any complication, and mortality were the outcomes of interest. Bivariate statistics were calculated, and multivariate regression models were estimated.

Results:

A total of 285 patients were enrolled. Readmission data was available for 199 patients and 11 patients (5.5% of 199 patients) had an unplanned readmission. Overall, 60 patients (21% of 285 patients) had at least 1 complication and 15 patients (5.3% of 285 patients) died. Five factors were associated with complications: transferred from another facility (odds ratio [OR] 3.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]1.51-5.98; P < .01); operative time ≥180 minutes (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.11-5.36; P = .03); at least 1 patient comorbidity (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.01-6.18; P < .05); American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class 3 (OR 4.86, 95% CI 1.19-19.88; P = .03); and ASA class 4 (OR 7.24, 95% CI 1.66-31.66; P = .01). The only factor associated with unplanned readmission was having at least one postoperative complication (OR 7.10, 95% CI 1.04-48.59; P < .05), while patients who were partially or totally dependent from a functional standpoint were at increased odds of death (OR 3.98, 95% CI 1.12-14.08; P = .03).

Conclusions:

Patients with functional limitations have increased odds of death, while patients with postoperative complications have increased odds of unplanned readmission. Being transferred from an outside facility, having an operative time ≥180 minutes, having at least one comorbidity, and being classified as ASA class 3 or 4 increase patient odds of complication.
A Prospective Long-term Follow-up Study of the Posterior Dynamic Stabilizing System to Treat Back Pain Associated With Degenerative Disc Disease
Authors: Kareem Haider , Ulbricht Christian
Published: May 2019

Study Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Objective:

To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of a posterior dynamic spine stabilization (PDS) System called PercuDyn system as a treatment for low back pain (LBP) in patients with degenerative disc disease who have failed conservative treatment.

Methods:

Thirty-five patients (21 males, 14 females, mean age 36 years) with chronic LBP due to degenerative disc disease underwent percutaneous facet augmentation with the PercuDyn system. Indications for implanting the PercuDyn device were chronic LBP without sciatica, significant disc degeneration, and who failed conservative treatment. Follow-up after surgery ranged from 4 to 8 years. Patients were clinically evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire, and the EQ-5D3L.

Results:

The VAS scale and ODI scores improved at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 4 to 8 years in comparison with the baseline values ( P < .001 and P < .01, respectively). Equally, data from the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire suggested improvements in all domains, including pain and discomfort, over the follow-up period. However, during follow-up, 16 patients (46%) have had unsatisfactory outcome including failure of implant to resolve symptoms (n = 8), developed symptomatic disc protrusion (n = 4), and loosening of the screws (n = 4).

Conclusion:

Our clinical experience highlights the rather high overall failure rate of this system. Although, some patients show significant improvement in their symptoms, we believe that patients with LBP related to degenerative disc disease are a poor indication for this PDS device.However, large scale studies, with optimised selection criteria are needed to demonstrate the exact role of this device in spinal patients.