bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Healthy China 2030, a breakthrough for improving health
Authors: Tan Xiaodong , Zhang Yanan , Shao Haiyan
Published: January 2018

China has the largest population in the world, and its health levels have greatly affected the healthy development of the population of the world. Healthy China 2030 is a breakthrough for ensuring that the Chinese population have access to health, through advocating the whole society’s participation in the concept of “Health for All, and All for Health.” The plan puts forward five strategies such as popularizing healthy life, optimizing the health service, improving health protection, building a healthy environment, and developing healthy industry, from the perspectives of health effects of personal life and behavior, health care and security, production, and the living environment. As a national guide for public health promotion, we briefly describe the main intentions of Healthy China 2030, and give some commentaries from a health promotion perspective.
Physical Therapy Protocols for Arthroscopic Bankart Repair
Authors: DeFroda Steven F. , Mehta Nabil , Owens Brett D.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Outcomes after arthroscopic Bankart repair can be highly dependent on compliance and participation in physical therapy. Additionally, there are many variations in physician-recommended physical therapy protocols.

Hypothesis:

The rehabilitation protocols of academic orthopaedic surgery departments vary widely despite the presence of consensus protocols.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

Web-based arthroscopic Bankart rehabilitation protocols available online from Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)–accredited orthopaedic surgery programs were included for review. Individual protocols were reviewed to evaluate for the presence or absence of recommended therapies, goals for completion of ranges of motion, functional milestones, exercise start times, and recommended time to return to sport.

Results:

Thirty protocols from 27 (16.4%) total institutions were identified out of 164 eligible for review. Overall, 9 (30%) protocols recommended an initial period of strict immobilization. Variability existed between the recommended time periods for sling immobilization (mean, 4.8 ± 1.8 weeks). The types of exercises and their start dates were also inconsistent. Goals to full passive range of motion (mean, 9.2 ± 2.8 weeks) and full active range of motion (mean, 12.2 ± 2.8 weeks) were consistent with other published protocols; however, wide ranges existed within the reviewed protocols as a whole. Only 10 protocols (33.3%) included a timeline for return to sport, and only 3 (10%) gave an estimate for return to game competition. Variation also existed when compared with the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists’ (ASSET) consensus protocol.

Conclusion:

Rehabilitation protocols after arthroscopic Bankart repair were found to be highly variable. They also varied with regard to published consensus protocols. This discrepancy may lead to confusion among therapists and patients.

Clinical Relevance:

This study highlights the importance of attending surgeons being very clear and specific with regard to their physical therapy instructions to patients and therapists.
Clinical and histological findings in bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis: The implication of time of symptoms
Authors: Porru Daniele , Bobbi Valentina , Di Franco Carmelo , Viglio Alessandra , Novario Mattia , Tinelli Carmine , Gardella Barbara , Nappi Rossella , Spinillo Arsenio , Paulli Marco , Rovereto Bruno
Published: January 2018

Objective:

To find out whether a correlation exists between denudation of urothelium and time of symptom onset in patients with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC), and to search for a correlation between the impact of symptoms.

Patients and methods:

Fifty-seven consecutive patients underwent cystoscopy under anaesthesia to classify those cases suspected of being affected with BPS/IC. The time elapsed between onset of symptoms and diagnosis at the time of bladder biopsy was also defined as BPS/IC duration. Bladder biopsies were taken including detrusor muscle, three deep cold biopsies of posterior, anterior and lateral bladder wall.

Results:

Statistical analysis showed significant correlation between BPS/IC duration and the presence of Hunner’s lesions ( P<0.023). Hunner’s lesion with cystoscopy and histological evidence of urothelial denudation with bladder biopsy appear to be related to BPS/IC duration. Thus an early diagnosis allows an appropriate therapeutic approach to be started to prevent a more severe evolution of this multifaceted painful syndrome.

Conclusions:

Our study shows a correlation between the time of symptom onset and evidence of urothelial denudation and with detrusor mast cell count in the whole group of patients. BPS/IC duration did not seem to correlate with the severity of symptoms, but rather with the presence of associated diseases.

Level of evidence:

Not applicable for this multicentre audit.
A prospective study of the utility of a routine ‘loopogram’ at three months for the early detection of anastomotic stricture post-cystectomy and conduit urinary diversion
Authors: Omar Kawa , Gan Christine , Rottenberg Giles , O’Brien Timothy S , Thomas Kay , Thurairaja Ramesh , Khan Muhammad Shamim
Published: January 2018

Objective:

The objective of this study is to evaluate the utility of routine loopogram follow-up three months after cystectomy and urinary diversion in the early detection of benign ureteroileal anastomotic stricture (UAS).

Materials and methods:

A loopogram was incorporated into our standard follow-up three months after cystectomy and conduit urinary diversion in August 2010–December 2015. Data were maintained prospectively in a database.

Results:

A total of 250 patients (181 male; 69 female); median age of 70 years (range: 38–83) underwent cystectomy and conduit urinary diversion during this period. Of these, 167 (66.8%) had a routine loopogram at three months. Seven of 167 were confirmed to have a benign UAS. Twenty-three of 250 (9.2%) had an early loopogram prior to the planned three-month study in response to symptoms. Nine of 23 were diagnosed with benign UAS. Sixty of 250 (24%) did not have a routine loopogram for a variety of reasons. Five patients with normal three-month loopograms developed late strictures after a median time of 22 months (range 5–38). In total 21/250 (8.4%) patients developed UAS. Stricture rates for the open, robotic and laparoscopic modalities were 8/129 (6.2%), 12/111 (10.8%) and 1/10 (10%) respectively. Five of seven of patients with early, asymptomatic UAS diagnosed on routine loopogram received treatment; four of five had improvement in renal function.

Conclusion:

Overall stricture rate in this series was 8.4%. The majority of UAS occur early and are more likely to be symptomatic. A policy of routine loopogram benefitted only 4/250 (1.6%) patients. We advocate the use of loopograms in cases with a high index of suspicion rather than for routine screening.

Level of evidence:

Not applicable for this multicentre audit.
Barriers to Peritoneal Dialysis in Aboriginal Patients
Authors: Mathew Anna T. , Park Joonho , Sachdeva Mala , Sood Manish M. , Yeates Karen
Published: January 2018

Background:

Aboriginal people in Canada have an unduly high burden of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and many live in rural settings. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a home-based dialysis modality that may provide a valuable alternative to in-center hemodialysis which is relatively underutilized by the Aboriginal population.

Objective:

We aim to assess the barriers to PD utilization in Aboriginal patients with ESKD.

Design:

This article is a prospective observational cohort study.

Setting:

The setting involves 3 predialysis clinics in Winnipeg, Kingston, and Moose Factory.

Patients:

The patients were 99 individuals (67 non-Aboriginal and 32 Aboriginal) who were at least 18 years of age with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 30 mL/min/1.73m2, and were enrolled in one of the 3 study sites from April 2011 to October 2013.

Measurements:

Patient demographics and comorbidities were documented. Barriers to PD, PD as modality choice, and Aboriginal status were assessed via patient survey upon study enrollment. PD use as the initial dialysis modality was assessed via monthly patient follow-up for 1 year after enrollment in the study.

Methods:

The patient survey was created based on literature review of known barriers to PD, repaired based on direct patient feedback, and tested for reliability via the test-retest method. Differences in PD choice, barriers to PD, and PD use between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal patients were determined by chi-square test and logistic regression.

Results:

All patients enrolled in the study completed the survey. Mean age was 65.5 versus 54.6 years for non-Aboriginals and Aboriginals, respectively. Barriers to PD significantly associated with Aboriginal status were lack of money (odds ratio [OR]: 21.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.3-86.4; P < .0001) and anxiety (OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.1-7.1; P = .03). There was no difference in PD choice between non-Aboriginals and Aboriginals (66.7% vs 68.8%, respectively; P = .83). One of 67 non-Aboriginals (1.5%) and 5 of 32 Aboriginals (15.6%) died prior to initiating dialysis ( P = .013). No significant difference was observed between non-Aboriginals (33%) and Aboriginals (28%) in use of PD ( P = .81).

Limitations:

Small sample size was a limitation of this study.

Conclusions:

Aboriginal people in Canada have a disproportionately large burden of ESKD, and PD could provide an alternative to in-center hemodialysis for those living in rural areas. Our study identified anxiety and lack of money as barriers to PD significantly associated with Aboriginal status. When choosing dialysis modality, shared decision making between physicians and patient is of key importance to weigh all potential benefits and risks and emphasize the Aboriginal patient’s values and preferences. These results can be used to guide future research and to help devise interventions targeting barriers to PD in Aboriginals.
Margin to mainstream, periphery to center
Authors: Kumada Naoko
Published: January 2018

Once one of the most remote and forgotten regions in the world, the rugged upland of Myanmar, between China and India, is moving from periphery to center. Both resource rich and strategically critical, this mountainous area bordering five countries plays a role of heightened geopolitical significance with the opening up of Myanmar, the rise of China, and India’s attempt to ‘Act East.’ As a way to explore the Silk Road Ethos, by decolonizing the global order and understanding local contexts (Ling and Perrigoue, 2018), this article focuses on the upland region of Myanmar where the southern land routes of the old Silk Roads pass. The relatively unknown routes are now being revived, as the China-led ‘One Belt, One Road’ (OBOR) strategy gains momentum. Building on classic descriptions of the anthropological context for the region’s resistance against and accommodation with the economic and political claims of the continental states whose ‘roads’ traverse it, the article will explore new ways to think about the upland as it undergoes a transformation that places it at the heart of the rise of a new Asia.
Unjustified: Youth of Color Navigating Police Presence Across Sociospatial Environments
Authors: Campos-Manzo Ana Lilia , Flores Marisol , Pérez Denise , Halpert Zoe , Zevallos Kevin
Published: January 2018

Hyper-surveillance in marginalized communities places Brown and Black boys at a high risk of involuntary police contact. Prior research, however, has primarily focused on the experiences of youth already labeled delinquent, and has only just begun to explore girls’ lived experiences and differentially surveilled spaces. The current study engages a sociospatial qualitative approach to explore how 84 nondelinquent boys and girls of color experience police presence across a racially/ethnically and socioeconomically segregated metropolitan area in the Northeast region of the United States. Specifically, 41 boys and 43 girls, ages 9–17, of African-American, Latina/Latino, Jamaican-American, Nigerian/Saint Lucian, and multiracial/ethnic descent, participated in semistructured interviews at four community youth centers. The results suggest that nondelinquent youth of color experience police presence in gendered and racialized ways in public spaces, and that such experiences vary across racially/ethnically and socioeconomically segregated cities and suburbs.
Preoperative Ultrasonography Is Unreliable in Predicting Hamstring Tendon Graft Diameter for ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Momaya Amit M. , Beicker Clint , Siffri Paul , Kissenberth Michael J. , Backes Jeffrey , Bailey Lane , Rulewicz Gabriel J. , Mercuri Jennifer M. , Shealy E. Carlisle , Tokish John M. , Thigpen Charles A.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Hamstring autograft size <8 mm has been shown to be a predictor for failure after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The ability to predict graft size preoperatively is helpful in counseling patients about the possible need for graft augmentation.

Purpose:

To determine whether preoperative ultrasound (US) measurements of hamstring tendons can predict intraoperative graft diameter during ACL reconstruction.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Twenty patients undergoing unilateral isolated ACL reconstruction were prospectively enrolled in the study (10 males, 10 females; mean ± SD age, 22.8 ± 6.6 years; height, 175.1 ± 7.1 cm; weight, 81.4 ± 14.2 kg; body mass index, 26.5 ± 4.1 kg/m2). Hamstrings were assessed by US, and double-looped semitendinosus-gracilis hamstring size was independently calculated with a freehand selection method on a nonmagnified US image by 2 orthopaedic surgeons. Intraoperative autograft size was determined with a standard graft-sizing tool. Intra- and interrater reliability was measured with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and standard error of the measure (SEM). A receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated to assess the ability of the US measurement to predict intraoperative measurements.

Results:

The mean autograft diameter by US was 8.9 ± 0.98 mm, while the mean intraoperative hamstring graft size was 8.1 ± 0.89 mm. There was excellent intrarater (ICC2,1 = 0.95, SEM = 0.32 mm) and interrater (ICC2,1 = 0.88, SEM = 0.55 mm) reliability for US measurements. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that US did not consistently quantify graft size. Graft size did not significantly correlate with height, weight, or body mass index in our sample ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

These results suggest that preoperative US imaging of the hamstring tendons is unreliable in predicting intraoperative graft diameter.
Free Sugars Consumption around Bedtime and Dental Caries in Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Baghlaf K. , Muirhead V. , Moynihan P. , Weston-Price S. , Pine C.
Published: January 2018

This systematic review aimed to assess the association between food and drink consumption around bedtime—specifically, food and drinks containing free sugars—and the risk of dental caries in children. Five electronic databases were searched (PubMed, Ovid Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus) to identify studies that investigated any relationship between food and drink around bedtime and dental caries in 3- to 16-y-old children. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality domain guidelines were used to assess the quality of the individual studies, while GRADE guidelines assessed the quality of studies based on the body of evidence. From 1,270 retrieved titles, 777 remained after removal of duplicates. Of these, 72 were reviewed in full. Eighteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis: 13 cross-sectional, 4 cohort, and 1 case-control. Studies were categorized into 3 age groups: 3- to 5-y-old, 6- to 11-y-old, and 12- to 16-y-old children. Based on the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality criteria, 6 of the 18 studies were rated as providing good-quality evidence; 8 were rated as fair; and 4 were categorized as being of poor quality. It was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis, because of the considerable variations in the type of bedtime exposure and outcome measures. The studies showed a consistent positive association across the 3 age groups, with all 7 studies on preschool children reporting significant positive associations. However, the quality of the body of evidence pertaining to the consumption of food and drinks at bedtime (specifically, food and drinks containing free sugars) and risk of caries was rated as “very low.” The results suggest that restricting free sugars before and at bedtime may reduce the risk of caries, but studies with improved design are needed to confirm this.

Knowledge Transfer Statement: This is the first systematic review of the evidence assessing the association between caries risk in children and the consumption of food or drinks at bedtime—specifically, foods and drinks containing free sugars. Although the data showed a consistent positive association, the quality of evidence was very low. This means that the current recommendation to restrict food and drinks containing free sugars before bedtime in children, while based on a sound physiologic premise, is supported only by very low-quality published evidence as measured by GRADE guidelines.
Mitigating the zonal effect in modeling urban population density functions by Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Wang Fahui , Liu Cuiling , Xu Yaping
Published: January 2018

Most empirical studies indicate that the pattern of declining urban population density with distance from the city center is best captured by a negative exponential function. Such studies usually use aggregated data in census area units that are subject to several criticisms such as modifiable areal unit problem, unfair sampling, and uncertainty in distance measure. In order to mitigate these concerns associated, this paper uses Monte Carlo simulation to generate individual residents that are consistent with known patterns of population distribution. By doing so, we are able to aggregate population back to various uniform area units to examine the scale and zonal effects explicitly. The case study in Chicago area indicates that the best fitting density function remains exponential for data in census tracts or block groups, however, the logarithmic function becomes a better fit when uniform area units such as squares, triangles or hexagons are used. The study also suggests that the scale effect remain to some extent in all area units, and the zonal effect be largely mitigated by uniform area units of regular shape.
Maintenance of murine platelet homeostasis by the kinase Csk and phosphatase CD148
Authors: Mori Jun , Nagy Zoltan , Di Nunzio Giada , Smith Christopher W. , Geer Mitchell J. , Al Ghaithi Rashid , van Geffen Johanna P. , Heising Silke , Boothman Luke , Tullemans Bibian M. E. , Correia Joao N. , Tee Louise , Kuijpers Marijke J. E. , Harrison Paul , Heemskerk Johan W. M. , Jarvis Gavin E. , Tarakhovsky Alexander , Weiss Arthur , Mazharian Alexandra , Senis Yotis A.
Published: January 2018

Key Points

Csk and CD148 are nonredundant regulators of SFKs in platelets, and deletion of either induces cell-intrinsic negative feedback mechanisms. Csk is a negative regulator of SFK activity, whereas CD148 is a dual positive and negative regulator of SFK activity in platelets.
SGLT-2-inhibition with dapagliflozin reduces tissue sodium content: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Karg M. V. , Bosch A. , Kannenkeril D. , Striepe K. , Ott C. , Schneider M. P. , Boemke-Zelch F. , Linz P. , Nagel A. M. , Titze J. , Uder M. , Schmieder R. E.
Published: January 2018

Background and aims

Sodium tissue content by23Na magnetic resonance imaging (Na-MRI) has been validated in experimental and human studies. SGLT-2 inhibition blocks the reabsorption of glucose and of sodium in the proximal tubular cells in a 1:1 fashion. We hypothesized that SGLT-2 inhibition in patients with type 2 diabetes characterized by sodium retention leads to decreased tissue sodium content due to its pharmacological action.

Materials and methods

In a prospective double blind, placebo controlled, cross-over trial 59 patients (61 ± 7.6 years) with type 2 diabetes were randomized to either dapagliflozin 10 mg or placebo once daily for 6 weeks each. In addition to metabolic parameters and ambulatory blood pressure (BP) we analysed the sodium content in the skin and muscles of the lower leg by Na-MRI.

Results

Compared to baseline 6 weeks treatment with the SGLT-2 inhibitor dapagliflozin decreased fasting (132 ± 28 vs. 114 ± 19 mg/dl, p < 0.001), postprandial blood glucose (178 ± 66 mg/dl vs. 153 ± 46 mg/dl, p < 0.001), body weight (87.6 vs. 86.6 kg, p < 0.001) and systolic (129 ± 12 vs. 126 ± 11 mmHg, p = 0.010), and diastolic (77.4 ± 9 vs. 75.6 ± 8 mmHg, p = 0.024), 24-h ambulatory BP. Tissue sodium content in the skin was reduced after 6 weeks treatment with dapagliflozin compared to baseline [24.1 ± 6.6 vs. 22.7 ± 6.4 A.U.(arbitrary unit) p = 0.013]. No significant reduction of tissue sodium content was observed in the muscle (M. triceps surae: 20.5 ± 3.5 vs. 20.4 ± 3.7 A.U. p = 0.801). No clear significant difference in tissue water content of muscle and skin was observed after 6 weeks of treatment with dapagliflozin, compared to baseline.

Conclusion

SGLT-2 inhibition with dapagliflozin resulted in a significant decrease in tissue sodium content of the skin after 6 weeks. This observation point to a decrease of total sodium content in patients with type 2 diabetes prone to cardiovascular complications, that might be mitigated by SGLT-2 inhibition.

Trial registrationThe study was registered athttp://www.clinicaltrials.gov(NCT02383238) retrospectively registered
Delayed facial nerve decompression for severe refractory cases of Bell's palsy: A 25-year experience
Authors: Berania Ilyes , Awad Mohamed , Saliba Issam , Dufour Jean-Jacques , Nader Marc-Elie
Published: January 2018

Background

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of delayed facial nerve decompression for Bell's palsy (BP).

Methods

We performed a retrospective case review of all patients having undergone facial nerve decompression for severe refractory BP between 1984 and 2009 at our tertiary referral center. Demographics, timing between onset of symptoms and surgical decompression, degree of facial nerve dysfunction pre- and post-operatively, follow-up length after surgery and postoperative complications were recorded. Facial nerve dysfunction was assessed using the House-Brackmann (HB) scale. Electroneuronography, electromyography and imaging results were assessed when available.

Results

Eighteen patients had surgery between 21 and 60 days after onset of BP (group I), and 18 patients had surgery more than 60 days after onset of symptoms (group II). In group II, 11 patients had surgery between 61 and 89 days and 7 patients after 90 days. Groups I and II showed similar functional gain and rates of improvement to HB 3 or better (11/18 vs. 11/18, p > 0.05). In group II, patients operated 60 to 89 days after onset of BP showed a significantly higher rate of improvement to HB 3 or better (9/11 vs. 2/6, p = 0.049) with higher functional gain compared to those operated after 90 days ( p = 0.0293).

Conclusions

When indicated, facial nerve decompression for BP is usually recommended within the first 2 weeks of onset of facial paralysis. Nonetheless, our results suggest that patients with severe BP could benefit from decompression surgery within 90 days after onset of symptoms in the absence of an opportunity to proceed earlier to surgery. Further investigation is still required to confirm our findings.

Trial registration

Retrospective registered. IRB# 2016–6154, CE 15.154 – CA
Nodal induces sequential restriction of germ cell factors during primordial germ cell specification
Authors: Fresques Tara M. , Wessel Gary M.
Published: January 2018

Specification of the germ cell lineage is required for sexual reproduction in animals. The mechanism of germ cell specification varies among animals but roughly clusters into either inherited or inductive mechanisms. The inductive mechanism, the use of cell-cell interactions for germ cell specification, appears to be the ancestral mechanism in animal phylogeny, yet the pathways responsible for this process are only recently surfacing. Here, we show that germ cell factors in the sea star initially are present broadly, then become restricted dorsally and then in the left side of the embryo where the germ cells form a posterior enterocoel. We find that Nodal signaling is required for the restriction of two germ cell factors, Nanos and Vasa, during the early development of this animal. We learned that Nodal inhibits germ cell factor accumulation in three ways including: inhibition of specific transcription, degradation of specific mRNAs and inhibition of tissue morphogenesis. These results document a signaling mechanism required for the sequential restriction of germ cell factors, which causes a specific set of embryonic cells to become the primordial germ cells.
No Effect of Muscle Stretching within a Full, Dynamic Warm-up on Athletic Performance
Authors: BLAZEVICH ANTHONY J. , GILL NICHOLAS D. , KVORNING THUE , KAY ANTHONY D. , GOH ALVIN G. , HILTON BRADLEY , DRINKWATER ERIC J. , BEHM DAVID G.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the effects of static and dynamic stretching routines performed as part of a comprehensive warm-up on flexibility and sprint running, jumping, and change of direction tests in team sport athletes.

Methods

A randomized, controlled, crossover study design with experimenter blinding was conducted. On separate days, 20 male team sport athletes completed a comprehensive warm-up routine. After a low-intensity warm-up, a 5-s static stretch (5S), a 30-s static stretch (30S; 3 × 10-s stretches), a 5-repetition (per muscle group) dynamic stretch (DYN), or a no-stretch (NS) protocol was completed; stretches were done on seven lower body and two upper body regions. This was followed by test-specific practice progressing to maximum intensity. A comprehensive test battery assessing intervention effect expectations as well as flexibility, vertical jump, sprint running, and change of direction outcomes was then completed in a random order.

Results

There were no effects of stretch condition on test performances. Before the study, 18/20 participants nominated DYN as the most likely to improve performance and 15/20 nominated NS as least likely. Immediately before testing, NS was rated less “effective” (4.0 ± 2.2 on a 10-point scale) than 5S, 30S, and DYN (5.3–6.4). Nonetheless, these ratings were not related to test performances.

Conclusion

Participants felt they were more likely to perform well when stretching was performed as part of the warm-up, irrespective of stretch type. However, no effect of muscle stretching was observed on flexibility and physical function compared with no stretching. On the basis of the current evidence, the inclusion of short durations of either static or dynamic stretching is unlikely to affect sprint running, jumping, or change of direction performance when performed as part of a comprehensive physical preparation routine.
Job Polarization and Structural Change
Authors: Bárány ZsÓfia L. , Siegel Christian
Published: January 2018

We document that job polarization—contrary to the consensus— has started as early as the 1950s in the United States: middle-wage workers have been losing both in terms of employment and average wage growth compared to low- and high-wage workers. Given that polarization is a long-run phenomenon and closely linked to the shift from manufacturing to services, we propose a structural change driven explanation, where we explicitly model the sectoral choice of workers. Our simple model does remarkably well not only in matching the evolution of sectoral employment, but also of relative wages over the past 50 years. (JEL E24, J21, J22, J24, J31)
Towards the concept of semantic halo
Authors: Trunin Mikhail
Published: January 2018

This paper is focused on the “semantic halo of meter” («семантический ореол метра»), one of the most recognizable, popular, and widely used concepts in Russian verse studies. After the publication of Kiril Taranovsky’s article “On the Relationships between Verse Rhythm and Theme” (1963), in which the author addresses the issue by looking at the Russian trochaic pentameter and deals with one particular rhythmic variation of the specific meter, most scholars who have adopted Taranovsky’s perspective have overlooked this emphasis therefore effectively shifting focus from rhythm to meter. Mikhail L. Gasparov pointed out that “five semantic shades” are observed around trochaic pentameter. “These are (in the reverse order of relevance): Night, Landscape, Love, Death (triumphant or defied), and Road”. From this perspective, the author analyzes Osip Mandelshtam’s poem “Skilful Lady of Guilty Glances…” (1934; «Мастерица виноватых взоров…»). This poem has attracted a significant number of monographic studies; however, scholars have never examined the poem’s meter and its connection with the semantic halo of trochaic pentameter.
Plotting Poetry: On mechanically enhanced reading, 5–7 October 2017, Basel, Switzerland
Authors: Martínez Cantón Clara , Plecháč Petr , Ruiz Fabo Pablo , Seláf Levente
Published: January 2018

Plotting Poetry: On mechanically enhanced reading, 5–7 October 2017, Basel, Switzerland
How to set up a journal club
Authors: Aspery Caryl
Published: January 2018

Midwives and nurses are becoming increasingly aware of the need to be in control of their own professional development. In the past, employers have often held the responsibility for their education and progress; now, however, journal clubs offer a method of continuing education which is both inexpensive and independent.
The Children Act 1989: implications for midwifery
Authors: Clarke Elinor J
Published: January 2018

The Children Act 1989 is of major importance to all concerned with the health, welfare and upbringing of children, and midwives as health professionals need to understand how the Act influences and affects their practice.
Midwives and obstetricians
Authors: Allison Julia
Published: January 2018

This occasional column will draw upon archival material; its title, ‘obstetrix’ is the Latin term for ‘midwife’. It is important to be aware of the inevitable link between the work of the midwife and that of the obstetrician, and to realise that in the past, their roles have been blurred.
Respecting others’ values
Authors: Phillips Robyn
Published: January 2018

It has been said, that ‘If the concept of human freedom means anything at all, it means that one should not be coerced unjustly’ (Curtin and Flaherty, 1982).
Promoting confidence in infant nutrition
Authors: Jackson Kate
Published: January 2018

Despite the seemingly unanimous agreement among midwives that breastfeeding needs to be promoted and encouraged, the most recent statistics reveal that there has been no increase in breastfeeding in this country for the past 10 years (Office of Population Censuses and Surveys, 1990).
Attitudes to abortion affect patient care
Authors: Corless Rosemary
Published: January 2018

Abortion is an extremely sensitive and controversial issue, being controlled by numerous factors such as political climate, social issues and familial networks. It is easy to be judgmental, but nurses must not let this interfere with their duty to offer care, support and counselling.
Infection control in the delivery suite and the role of protective clothing
Authors: Hobbs Pauline
Published: January 2018

Pregnancy and childbirth, although natural physiological processes, are not without risk of infection and cross infection to mother, baby and health care personnel. In an effort to maintain a relaxed atmosphere, many midwives have been more reluctant than their counterparts in general nursing to adopt the use of protective clothing. The recognition of blood-borne viruses has, however, necessitated a review of practice.
The pursuit of scholarship
Authors: Hunt Sheila C
Published: January 2018

The 1990s have seen considerable changes in midwifery education and practice. As with nurse education, the previous small schools of midwifery have moved into establishments of higher education. New opportunities and new challenges confront midwife teachers. There is a new culture, a new environment and new goals to meet.
Time for a new Act?
Authors: Jackson Kate
Published: January 2018

Three years ago, I was asked to give evidence to the Royal College of Midwives’ Commission on Legislation Relating to Midwives. The Commission was established to consider the strength of the Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1979 as it related to midwives and midwifery.
Book reviews
Authors: Pinfold Liz , Jones Kath , Flanders Jane
Published: January 2018

Practical Management of the Newborn (5th edn)

Pregnancy Care in the 1990s

Active management of labour. 3rd edn.
Stress incontinence after childbirth
Authors: MacArthur Christine , Lewis Margo , Bick Debra
Published: January 2018

Although recent studies have shown that stress incontinence occurs at some time in one third of all women, few of these women seek advice from a doctor. Childbirth is considered to be the most common cause of the problem, but it has received little attention. This article describes two studies which investigated the predictors, persistence, impact and lack of medical consultation regarding postpartum stress incontinence.
Changing ourselves
Authors: Schott Judith
Published: January 2018

Changing Childbirth (Department of Health, 1993) is a powerful report with the potential to precipitate radical and long-overdue changes. Translating the report’s recommendations into practice will require substantial changes in systems of care. Implementation will also require many health professionals to take a long, hard look at their personal attitudes, beliefs and prejudices.
Is cord care really necessary?
Authors: Dignan Karen
Published: January 2018

Whether and how to treat the umbilical cord is not a new debate, but one that should be of interest toevery practising midwife. This article examines a study with an experimental design that compared two methods of cordcare management.
Midwives fear reduction in insurance cover
Authors: Norris Dorothy
Published: January 2018

One of the first questions that midwives ask about independent midwifery practice is, ‘What do you do about insurance?’ Until recently I have replied, ‘I do the same as you. I have insurance through the Royal College of Midwives for the same amount as you. We are all autonomous practitioners, and therefore we are not only at the same risk, but are also entitled to the same insurance premiums and cover.’ But it turns out that the risk is not the same. Not to the insurance companies, anyway.
Perinatal depression: a factor analysis
Authors: Levy Valerie , Kline Paul
Published: January 2018

This article describes a longitudinal study of depression around the time of childbirth. Data were processed by factor analysis to identify the variables associated with depression at the 36th week of pregnancy, and at 6 weeks and 6 months following delivery.
Effects of the lack of nurse training on preregistration midwifery students
Authors: Stark Sheila , Elzubeir Margaret
Published: January 2018

This article discusses the preliminary evaluation of a preregistration midwifery course and the effects of the lack of a previous nursing qualification on the education and training of students. The feelings of the students, tutors and practice supervisors who participated in the study are described, and there are suggestions for further research.
Midwifery in Pakistan
Authors: Chesney Margaret
Published: January 2018

On working visits to a Red Crescent Maternity Hospital in Sahiwal, Pakistan, the practice of midwifery was found to be medically based. Oxytocins were used for all women in the first stage of labour. This was combined with pushing and pulling the baby out in the second stage. This article describes my experiences during the first four of six working trips since 1989.
Learning from the preregistration midwifery experience
Authors: Macdonald Sue
Published: January 2018

The article by Stark and Elzubeir, ‘Effects of the lack of nurse training on preregistration midwifery students’ (British Journal of Midwifery Vol. 2(4) 1994, pp. 182–6), stimulated a great deal of lively discussion in this College, among students, teachers and midwives (see also this month's Letters, p.291). The authors are to be congratulated on opening up this area for long awaited debate. Some of the points that were made in the article were useful, although, from my perspective as a course director for a preregistration midwifery course, I would also take issue with some of the views expressed. It is possible that the researchers may find very different data as the course they were examining matures.
Does what we wear matter?
Authors: Jackson Kate
Published: January 2018

Certain subjects always guarantee lively and passionate debate among midwives and nurses. Unfortunately, they are not normally the subjects that have a profound influence on practice, but those which bring personal prejudice to the surface. You may have guessed the subject that I have in mind: uniforms.
Midwives and the care of ‘normal’ childbirth
Authors: Fawdry Rupert
Published: January 2018

The following extract, entitled ‘A hell of an assault course: Hepatticus is forced to go for a stint of management training’, is taken from a regular humorous column by a fictitious Professor Sir Hepatticus Oath, TS FRS, and appeared in the BMA News Review in May 1994: ‘… the coup de horreur was the discovery on the final day, that Hepatticus must do a three-legged assault course, tied by the ankle to a senior midwife. Can there be anything closer to a definition of hell? How is one meant to work with someone who refused to follow any simple instruction because she is a “practitioner in her own right” but who seemed incapable of doing anything practical at all? A woman who at the first sign of difficulty denied all responsibility and pleaded with Hepatticus to take over. Hepatticus thanks the Lord that, despite as a student being intrigued by William Hunter's 18th century classic, Gravid Uterus, I was never tempted into obstetrics.’
Antenatal casenotes 1: comments on design
Authors: Fawdry Rupert
Published: January 2018

The four groups whose interests should be addressed in a pregnancy health record are GPs, community midwives, hospital staff and the pregnant woman. This article commends the design of a new record which makes the coop card the main record of pregnancy, carried by the mother, between all those responsible for her care.
Midwife researchers need to get their work published
Authors: Mander Rosemary
Published: January 2018

Midwives show a marked reluctance to publish findings of their research, which may be due to certain occupational characteristics. Dissemination is a crucial part of the research process and recommendations are made in this article to encourage midwives to publish their findings.
Nursing care for people dying from chronic obstructive airways disease
Authors: Skilbeck Julie , Mott Laurie , Smith Diane , Page Hilary , Clark David
Published: January 2018

Nursing has demonstrated its ability to respond to the palliative care needs of patients, and their families, with advanced cancer. One of the current challenges to palliative care nursing lies in meeting the needs of patients with a diagnosis other than cancer. This paper reports on how nursing is currently organised and delivered to those individuals dying from chronic obstructive airways disease (COAD).

The study findings illustrate a group of people whose quality of life is perceived to be poor, and whose health burden is considerable. Currently, nursing knowledge, skills and expertise are being under-utilised within the care of this patient group, and this requires urgent attention by purchasers and providers.
The use of transdermal fentanyl in palliative care
Authors: Ling Julie
Published: January 2018

Morphine is recognised as the strong opioid of choice for the treatment of moderate to severe cancer pain. In some cases an alternative strong opioid is required – transdermal fentanyl represents a new option for the pharmacological treatment of pain at Step 3 of the World Health Organisation (WHO) analgesic ladder (WHO 1986). This paper aims to provide a practical overview of the use of this new method of delivering strong opioid analgesia in a patient population requiring palliative care.
Issues affecting the delivery of palliative care in Russia
Authors: Jones Wendy
Published: January 2018

Today's Russia is a complex society with a complex history and a rich variety of ethnic groups represented among its peoples. This paper describes some of the important factors which provide challenges for the delivery of palliative care against the backcloth of conditions in modern Russia.

After a short account of some of the relevant health statistics, and how the demography of the country is affected by them, the issues which impinge more directly on the delivery of palliative care are discussed.
Altruism and Popularity
Authors: Egilmez Eda , Naylor-Tincknell Janett
Published: January 2018

Popularity, as a manifestation of social status, has been widely researched and determined by group members. Prosocial behaviors are actions with intention of benefiting others or society as whole with little or no personal gain and may include helping, cooperating, and other voluntary works. Altruism is a type of prosocial behavior that could affect individuals' popularity. Altruism has been studied in different disciplines with the general definition of cooperative behavior that has a cost to the actor with a benefit to the receiver. The common theme in all perspectives is that there is an inevitable cost for the actor with a benefit to the receiver. During the current research, surveys and vignettes were used to collect data. Participants were recruited through an online site, and were compensated for their time and participation via payment of money. As a result of the research, it was observed that helpful behaviors were highly related to the items of empathy, likeability, and popularity. Findings suggest that when gratefulness and helpful behaviors are present, individuals are rated higher in several positive qualities. The unique finding of the study is that both gratefulness and altruism are highly effective resources in interpersonal relations. Purpose of the current study is to examine the relationship between altruistic behaviors that are towards friends and popularity by the endorsement of aforementioned hypotheses and theories.
Expression and Cellular Localization of IFITM1 in Normal and Injured Rat Spinal Cords
Authors: Wang Ying , Lin Yu-Hong , Wu Yan , Yao Zong-Feng , Tang Jie , Shen Lin , Wang Rui , Ding Shu-Qin , Hu Jian-Guo , Lü He-Zuo
Published: January 2018

Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 1 (IFITM1) is a member of the IFITM family that is associated with some acute-phase cytokine-stimulated response. Recently, we demonstrated that IFITM1 was significantly upregulated in the injured spinal cords at the mRNA level. However, its expression and cellular localization at the protein level is still unclear. Here, a rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI) was performed to investigate the spatio-temporal expression of IFITM1 after SCI. IFITM1 mRNA and protein were assessed by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and western blot, respectively. IHC was used to identify its cellular localization. We revealed that IFITM1 could be found in sham-opened spinal cords and gradually increased after SCI. It reached peak at 7 and 14 days postinjury (dpi) and still maintained at a relatively higher level at 28 dpi. IHC showed that IFITM1 expressed in GFAP+ and APC+ cells in sham-opened spinal cords. After SCI, in addition to the above-mentioned cells, it could also be found in CD45+ and CD68+ cells, and its expression in CD45+, CD68+, and GFAP+ cells was increased significantly. These results demonstrate that IFITM1 is mainly expressed in astrocytes and oligodendroglia in normal spinal cords, and could rapidly increase in infiltrated leukocytes, activated microglia, and astrocytes after SCI.
In Situ Detection and Quantification of AR-V7, AR-FL, PSA, and KRAS Point Mutations in Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: El-Heliebi Amin , Hille Claudia , Laxman Navya , Svedlund Jessica , Haudum Christoph , Ercan Erkan , Kroneis Thomas , Chen Shukun , Smolle Maria , Rossmann Christopher , Krzywkowski Tomasz , Ahlford Annika , Darai Evangelia , von Amsberg Gunhild , Alsdorf Winfried , König Frank , Löhr Matthias , de Kruijff Inge , Riethdorf Sabine , Gorges Tobias M , Pantel Klaus , Bauernhofer Thomas , Nilsson Mats , Sedlmayr Peter
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Liquid biopsies can be used in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) to detect androgen receptor splice variant 7 (AR-V7), a splicing product of the androgen receptor. Patients with AR-V7-positive circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have greater benefit of taxane chemotherapy compared with novel hormonal therapies, indicating a treatment-selection biomarker. Likewise, in those with pancreatic cancer (PaCa), KRAS mutations act as prognostic biomarkers. Thus, there is an urgent need for technology investigating the expression and mutation status of CTCs. Here, we report an approach that adds AR-V7 or KRAS status to CTC enumeration, compatible with multiple CTC-isolation platforms.

METHODS

We studied 3 independent CTC-isolation devices (CellCollector, Parsortix, CellSearch) for the evaluation of AR-V7 or KRAS status of CTCs with in situ padlock probe technology. Padlock probes allow highly specific detection and visualization of transcripts on a cellular level. We applied padlock probes for detecting AR-V7, androgen receptor full length (AR-FL), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in CRPC and KRAS wild-type (wt) and mutant (mut) transcripts in PaCa in CTCs from 46 patients.

RESULTS

In situ analysis showed that 71% (22 of 31) of CRPC patients had detectable AR-V7 expression ranging from low to high expression [1–76 rolling circle products (RCPs)/CTC]. In PaCa patients, 40% (6 of 15) had KRAS mut expressing CTCs with 1 to 8 RCPs/CTC. In situ padlock probe analysis revealed CTCs with no detectable cytokeratin expression but positivity for AR-V7 or KRAS mut transcripts.

CONCLUSIONS

Padlock probe technology enables quantification of AR-V7, AR-FL, PSA, and KRAS mut/wt transcripts in CTCs. The technology is easily applicable in routine laboratories and compatible with multiple CTC-isolation devices.
Inside media: Shifts in spectatorship through the ICA’s videotheque and cinematheque
Authors: Bayley Lucy
Published: January 2018

This article explores shifts in spectatorship when London’s Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) transformed their existing cinema into a cinematheque (April 1981) and videotheque (January 1982). This space introduced a new model of interactive viewing and memory on demand that built on cybernetic systems and television broadcasting, whilst bringing together the cinema and the gallery. As described at the time ‘[i]n the midst of growing despair and austerity’ of the Thatcherite era, the ‘slick product’ of 1980s videos offered a way for counterculture to move into the mainstream of contemporary arts. Despite this, its history has been largely ignored by both exhibition studies and moving images histories. This article hopes to address this gap by considering dynamic spectatorship, programming and medial transferral through archival material at the ICA and Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London.