bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A TECHNOLOGY OF COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT OF FUTURE DOCTORS IN THE PROCESS OF PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Authors: Lomakina Yu. V. , Bulyk R. Ye. , Tymofiieva M. P. , Fedoniuk L. Ya. , Muzyka N. Ya.
Published: April 2020

The article analyzed the problem of development of communicative competence of future doctors in the process of their professional training. The characteristic features of the physician communicative competent are distinguished.
As a result of research, a peculiarity of communicators is highlighted. A slight percentage of the surveyed have quite significant personal problems that require long-term psychotherapeutic work, that should precede measures directly aimed to the development of their communicative competence.
Models of communicative competence development are considered. It is presented a fairly a common feature, namely: competence in communication is understood as a result of quantitative accumulation of communication skills. It is assumed that at some point this number translates the person to a qualitatively new level of communicative behavior. Communicative skills are regarded as means of overcoming the drama of communication.
The meaning of the training in the context of professional training of specialists are emphasized and substantiated.
The basic training of communicative competence should be focused on developing the skills of active listening and regulation of emotional tension, since these skills allow to greatly solve the drama of communication.
The logic scheme of the training is proposed based on the fact that the professional communication of a doctor is considered as a sequence of communication tasks of varying degrees of complexity. The task of the training was to correct the settings of participants regarding communication with people in general and patients in particular; development of abilities to action in unusual situations, forecasting the consequences of people's interaction. In accordance with these tasks, a meaningful group operation is highlighted.
The implementation of the program included the use of various psychotechnical methods of work: exercises, rehearsal of behavior, situational and role-playing games, group discussions and discussions, bodily and motor techniques.
"Ninguém tem como falar da gente"
Authors: Alcure Adriana Schneider
Published: April 2020

Na cena contemporânea do teatro, a cidade tem estado bastante presente, seja como suporte sensível, temática, base dramatúrgica ou material de trabalho. As relações entre cidade e violência, por exemplo, têm perpassado o trabalho de grupos como o Nóis de Teatro, de Fortaleza, e o Coletivo Bonobando, do Rio de Janeiro. Os locais de moradia dos integrantes e os percursos que fazem na cidade, assim como suas experiências de vida, corporeidades, memórias e vivências, são decisivos para seus processos de criação e também para seus modos de produção. Ao colocar em evidência as especificidades e as urgências dessas produções, que historicamente estiveram excluídas dos nichos hegemônicos das artes, consideramos que essas cenas podem atualizar e ampliar os debates entre arte e política no Brasil.
Tragédia na Vila do Meio-Dia
Authors: Garcia Walter
Published: April 2020

O artigo retoma a recepção de Gota D’Água {Preta}, encenação da peça escrita por Paulo Pontes e Chico Buarque, idealizada e dirigida por Jé Oliveira em 2019. O valor estético do espetáculo é discutido à luz da estrutura do texto teatral e das relações que a montagem estabeleceu entre a MPB e sonoridades da Diáspora Africana.
Moçambique em perspectiva
Authors: Wissenbach Maria Cristina Cortez , Magalhães Juliana Paiva , Laranjeira Lia Dias
Published: April 2020

Uma possível perspectiva analítica para o devir dos estudos africanos no Brasil é pensá-los a partir de suas inflexões, uma vez que o desenvolvimento do campo parece ter dado saltos qualitativos nos últimos anos. Nessa direção, a configuração e a própria concepção do dossiê Moçambique em perspectiva: histórias conectadas, interdisciplinaridade e novos sujeitos históricos, desde o diálogo estabelecido entre as organizadoras até a publicação dos artigos, estão relacionadas à trajetória de implantação e consolidação da área cujos marcos políticos, legais e institucionais são retomados no escopo desta apresentação.
Relationship Between Venules and Perivascular Spaces in Sporadic Small Vessel Diseases
Authors: Jochems Angela C.C. , Blair Gordon W. , Stringer Michael S. , Thrippleton Michael J. , Clancy Una , Chappell Francesca M. , Brown Rosalind , Jaime Garcia Daniela , Hamilton Olivia K.L. , Morgan Alasdair G. , Marshall Ian , Hetherington Kirstie , Wiseman Stewart , MacGillivray Tom , Valdés-Hernández Maria C. , Doubal Fergus N. , Wardlaw Joanna M.
Published: April 2020

Background and Purpose—

Perivascular spaces (PVS) around venules may help drain interstitial fluid from the brain. We examined relationships between suspected venules and PVS visible on brain magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods—

We developed a visual venular quantification method to examine the spatial relationship between venules and PVS. We recruited patients with lacunar stroke or minor nondisabling ischemic stroke and performed brain magnetic resonance imaging and retinal imaging. We quantified venules on gradient echo or susceptibility-weighted imaging and PVS on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the centrum semiovale and then determined overlap between venules and PVS. We assessed associations between venular count and patient demographic characteristics, vascular risk factors, small vessel disease features, retinal vessels, and venous sinus pulsatility.

Results—

Among 67 patients (69% men, 69.0±9.8 years), only 4.6% (range, 0%–18%) of venules overlapped with PVS. Total venular count increased with total centrum semiovale PVS count in 55 patients after accounting for venule-PVS overlap (β=0.468 [95% CI, 0.187–0.750]) and transverse sinus pulsatility (β=0.547 [95% CI, 0.309–0.786]) and adjusting for age, sex, and systolic blood pressure.

Conclusions—

Despite increases in both visible PVS and suspected venules, we found minimal spatial overlap between them in patients with sporadic small vessel disease, suggesting that most magnetic resonance imaging-visible centrum semiovale PVS are periarteriolar rather than perivenular.
Of Metaphors and Molecules: Figurative Language Bridging STEM and the Arts in Education
Authors: Henriksen Danah , Mishra Punya
Published: April 2020

STEM education in the United States is often described as being in a downward spiral, when assessed by competency test scores and lack of student motivation for engaging STEM disciplines. The authors suggest this arises from an overly instrumental view of STEM. While STEAM has arisen as a pushback paradigm, the application of STEAM in schools is challenging, and educators are often unclear about connecting STEM and the arts. The authors suggest envisioning STEAM through natural disciplinary interconnections. They focus on the integration of language arts and figurative thinking to blur the boundaries of STEM and the arts, and offer examples of figurative language—such as metaphor, linguistic etymology and synecdoche—for framing STEM teaching and learning.
A checklist of ciliates (Ciliophora) inhabiting on ostracods (Crustacea, Ostracoda)
Authors: CHATTERJEE TAPAS , DOVGAL IGOR , MAYÉN-ESTRADA ROSAURA , FERNANDEZ-LEBORANS GREGORIO
Published: April 2020

A compilation of the ciliated species found on freshwater and marine ostracods as epibiont or parasite (endobiont) has been carried out based on published records. The checklist includes the taxonomic position of each species of epibiontic and endobiontic ciliate, the species of basibiont ostracodes, the geographic zones and the bibliographic references where they were recorded. Altogether 7 suctorian, 29 peritrich, one apostome and one scuticociliatid species were listed. Two of recorded suctorian species are possible specific to marine ostracodes, whereas only one, Tokophrya sibirica to freshwater hosts. Fourteen species of peritrichs are likely specific to freshwater ostracodes, while three possible specific to marine ostracode hosts. Other suctorian and peritrich ciliate species were found on a variety of host taxa. One species of scuticociliatid was recorded as endobiont in ostracod.
(Re) Honoring the Legacy of Jessie Bernard: An Analysis of Junior Scholars’ Outstanding Feminist Family Scholarship
Authors: Weaver Shannon E. , Sharp Elizabeth A. , Britton Carmen
Published: April 2020

As a further tribute to feminist scholar Jessie Bernard, in this paper, we review the entire collection of the National Council on Family Relations’ Jessie Bernard Outstanding papers awarded to feminist junior scholars spanning from 1990 to 2018. In so doing, we showcase Jessie Bernard’s devotion to mentoring young scholars as we highlight evolving feminist family scholarship of student/new professionals. In this paper, we sought to:(a) honor Jessie Bernard’s intellectual legacy, (b) celebrate contributions of young feminist family scholar’s work, and (c) explore how the award collection maps on to wider feminist theoretical debates and empirical shifts within feminist family science over the past three decades.
Likeness, Familiarity, and the Ambient Portrait Average
Authors: Hayes Susan , Caputi Peter , Zaracostas T. S. , Henderson Maggie , Telenta Julie , McCombe Elspeth , Christopher Kim , Calvert Emma , Abbati Donna , Smith Odette , Medwell Emma , Wilcock Joyce
Published: April 2020

This artist-led research project involved 10 visual artists producing 10 ambient portraits and a portrait average of a locally familiar Sitter, and 10 ambient portraits and a portrait average of a less locally familiar Sitter. All were then assessed for likeness by more than 150 members of the general public attending an exhibition during Australia’s 2018 National Science Week. The results of this study are that portrait averages can be highly shape accurate and tend to be seen as a good likeness by all viewers. However, the portrait average is not necessarily the best likeness. Extending and validating our previous findings regarding the relationship of likeness, familiarity, and shape accuracy (as measured using geometric morphometrics) in portraiture, unfamiliar viewers favouring shape accurate depictions of a Sitter attained statistical significance. Familiar viewers, however, although also tending to view shape accurate depictions a good to very good likeness, were shown to have a stronger preference for portraits that exaggerate a Sitter’s facial distinctiveness, including an exaggeration of their head pose, providing such exaggerations are in approximate proportional agreement.
Changes in Oxygen Saturation and Mean Arterial Pressure With Inhaled Epoprostenol in Transport
Authors: Richards Jeremy B. , Frakes Michael , Saia Mark S. , Johnson Robert , Wilcox Susan R.
Published: April 2020

Objective:

Patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure have traditionally been considered one of the riskiest patient populations to transport, given the potential for desaturation with movement. We performed a retrospective cohort study to analyze our experience using inhaled epoprostenol in transport, with a primary objective of assessing change in the oxygen saturation throughout the transport.

Methods:

The transport records of patients with severe hypoxemic respiratory failure or right heart failure, transported on inhaled epoprostenol, were reviewed. The primary outcome was the change in SpO2 from the start of the inhaled epoprostenol transport to the time of handover of care at the receiving institution. The secondary outcome was the change in the mean arterial pressure (MAP).

Results:

Comparing the initial SpO2 to the final, there was no significant difference in oxygenation between time 0 and the transfer of care at the receiving hospital at 91% versus 93% (interquartile range [IQR] 86.0-93.5 vs 87.5-96.0, P = .49). Comparing the SpO2 for those who had inhaled epoprostenol started by the transport team showed a larger change at 86% compared to 93% (IQR: 83.0-91.0 vs 86.5-94.5, P = .04). There was no change in the median MAP from time 0 to the end of the transport (77 vs 75 mm Hg, IQR, 67.5-84.8 vs 68.5-85.8, P = .70).

Conclusions:

In this study, patients with severe cardiopulmonary compromise transported on inhaled epoprostenol had no significant change in their median oxygen saturations, with the overall population increasing from 91% to 93%. When inhaled epoprostenol was initiated by the transport team, the improvement was clinically and statistically significant with an increase in SpO2 from 86% to 93%, with a final oxygen saturation comparable to those who were on the medication at the time of the team’s arrival.
Antibacterial activities and cell responses of Ti–Ag alloys with a hybrid micro- to nanostructured surface
Authors: Lei Zeming , Zhang Hangzhou , Zhang Erlin , You Junhua , Ma Xiaoxue , Bai Xizhuang
Published: April 2020

In this study, the surfaces of Ti–Ag casting alloys were modified by chemical treatment (acid etching combined with alkaline treatment) to produce hybrid micron and submicron porosities, sponge-like nanostructures and Ag-containing particles. The surface characteristics, ion release, pH values, antibacterial activities and cell responses of the chemically treated Ti–Ag (Ti–Ag(CT)) samples were investigated. The antibacterial activities of the Ti–Ag(CT) samples were assessed using Staphylococcus aureus, and these samples showed strong antibacterial activities that were attributed to Ag ion release and Ag-containing particles. The effects of Ti–Ag(CT) samples on cells were assessed using MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblasts; samples with 1 and 3 wt.% Ag showed higher cell adhesion and higher alkaline phosphatase values than those of commercially available pure Ti samples. These results indicated that Ti–Ag casting alloys with 1 and 3 wt.% Ag modified by chemical treatment prevented bacterial infection and have latent capacities to promote osseointegration.
Correlation between the microstructure and machinability in machining Al–(5–25) wt% Si alloys
Authors: Zhang Peirong , Liu Zhanqiang , Du Jin , Su Guosheng , Zhang Jingjie , Sun Yujing
Published: April 2020

The machinability of the Al–Si alloys becomes worse with the Si content increasing. This article explored the influence of Si content on the machinability including cutting forces and chip breakability in machining the Al–Si alloys. The change in machinability of the Al–Si alloys with different Si content attributes to the evolution of microstructure. The cutting forces when cutting hypoeutectic Al–Si alloys are higher than the hypereutectic alloys because only Mg2Si ( β-phase) precipitations are formed in the former one versus cooperative precipitation of Al2Cu ( θ-phase) and Mg2Si in the latter. With regard to hypereutectic Al–Si alloys, cutting force components decrease with the increase in Si content due to the formation of brittle primary Si, which induces the initiation of cracks in material removal process. Moreover, the cutting stability of Al–Si alloys is improved with Si contents in the range of 12–18 wt%, while deteriorates for the Si content of 25 wt%. Besides, the chip breakability is improved due to the increase in eutectic silicon in hypoeutectic and eutectic ranges and because of the formation of block-shaped primary Si for hypereutectic alloys. The optimization of Si content is 12–18 wt% with cutting speed not less than 150 m/min.
Slip control during inertia phase of clutch-to-clutch shift using model-free self-tuning proportional-integral-derivative control
Authors: Yahagi Shuichi , Kajiwara Itsuro , Shimozawa Tomoaki
Published: April 2020

Transmissions require a good shift feeling and improved fuel efficiency. In state-of-the-art stepped automated transmissions, the number of gear stages increases, and the lock-up area is expanded to improve fuel efficiency. However, this makes it difficult to obtain a good shift feeling and it takes a large number of calibration man-hours. Therefore, to reduce the number of calibration man-hours and improve the shift feeling, we propose a slip control law between the engine and the clutch, which is composed of a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller and a disturbance observer. Moreover, PID gain is adjusted online by installing an automatic tuning method, which does not require a controlled object model. The effects of the proposed method are verified via an experiment using an actual vehicle. The experimental results show that the proposed method is effective for automatically adjusting PID gain and improving the shift feeling of the stepped automated transmission.
Numerical assessment of strain rate in an adhesive layer throughout double cantilever beam and end notch flexure tests
Authors: Nunes Paulo DP , Borges Catarina SP , Marques Eduardo AS , Carbas Ricardo JC , Akhavan-Safar Alireza , Antunes Diogo P , Lopes António M , da Silva Lucas FM
Published: April 2020

The increasingly larger use of adhesive joints in the automotive industry demands a full comprehension of the adhesive behaviour when subjected to dynamic loadings. So far, some authors studied the effect of the strain rate regarding the adhesives performance, usually for the range of approximately 0–105/s; nevertheless, few studies are clear regarding the method used to calculate strain rate, especially when fracture mechanics analysis is the focus of study. Those who present approaches to assess the values of strain rate usually consider a constant value for each test. In this paper, a numerical approach is proposed to assess the strain rate in modes I and II in double cantilever beam and end notch flexure tests, respectively. The results of this study demonstrate that the strain rate in the adhesive bondline along the crack propagation in the double cantilever beam and end notch flexure tests is not constant when loaded at a constant cross-head speed. This finding also helps to justify why experimental R-curves of double cantilever beam tests, when loaded at speeds above quasi-static conditions, do not have a perfect plateau contrasting with those, usually presented by numerical simulations, that do not take into account the effect of the strain rate.
Social norms on working hours and peak times in public transport
Authors: Munch Emmanuel
Published: April 2020

What employee with the right to choose their own working hours has not felt the silent weight of critical reproach from their colleagues or their boss when they arrive later than most at work? Although this is a form of social control that seems widespread in the world of French flexitime, it is a subject that has so far received very little scholarly attention in research on day-to-day temporalities. Yet in the era of flexible working hours, the persistence of daily peak commuting periods could be partly explained by the presence of implicit timekeeping norms in the workplace. In this article, therefore, we try to demonstrate the existence of ‘social norms on working hours’ that continue to put pressure on flexitime workers to arrive at the office at the same time as their colleagues. Drawing on a field survey conducted in big companies in the Paris region, we show that there exist two types of social norms on working hours that directly contribute to morning peak-time transport congestion: ‘the norm of the disciplined worker’ and the ‘norm of the dedicated executive’.
Effect of rGO@Fe3O4 on the tribological behavior of biodiesel soot-contaminated polyalphaolefin
Authors: Li Chuan , Zhang Qiangqiang , Wu Bo , Feng Weimin , Song Hui , Hu Xianguo
Published: April 2020

The biodiesel soot interacts with engine oil and causes the wear of engine parts. In this study, we present the effects of rGO@Fe3O4 on the tribological behavior of the biodiesel soot-contaminated lubricating oil using a UMT-2 multifunction friction tester to ensure active control with respect to the role of biodiesel soot in engine oil. Three-dimensional laser scanning microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy were used to analyze the worn surfaces of the lower disc. rGO@Fe3O4 reduced the wear of the GCr15 steel specimens as an additive in the polyalphaolefin-6 base oil containing biodiesel soot. The tribological mechanism can be attributed to the formation of a protecting layer in the presence of rGO@Fe3O4 and the ability of the exfoliated Fe3O4 particles to repair the friction surfaces, enhancing the anti-wear property of polyalphaolefin-6 containing biodiesel soot.
Photoreactivity of humic-like polyphenol material under irradiation with different wavelengths explored by FTICR MS and deuteromethylation
Authors: Zherebker Alexander , Yakimov Boris , Rubekina Anna , Kharybin Oleg , Fedoros Elena I , Perminova I V , Shirshin Evgeny , Nikolaev Evgeny N
Published: April 2020

The goal of this study was to establish reactivity of lignin-derived synthetic polyphenolic material under irradiation by ultraviolet (254 nm) and visible (460 and 525 nm) light in order to deeper examine relationships between the optical properties of this complex mixture and its individual constituents. In all photoirradiation experiments, blue shift of the fluorescence spectrum was observed. We aimed at understanding whether these changes could be explained on the basis of the chromophore interactions hypothesis, which implies destruction of electron-acceptor pairs via free radical transformations to be responsible for the alteration of optical properties. For this, changes in molecular composition were explored by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Irradiation with UV resulted in a pronounced oxidation of polyphenols, which was manifested in the van Krevelen diagram by the formation of components with higher O/C ratio. At the same time, irradiation by visible light had led to the appearance of more condensed molecules depleted of oxygen. Consideration of changes in relative contribution of 500 most abundant components in polyphenol materials revealed higher transformation yields under UV light as compared to the visible light. Further studies using deuteromethylation followed by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry enabled to enumerate the number of carboxylic groups in individual components of the parent polyphenol material. It was shown that at all wavelengths irradiation mainly impacted carboxylic-rich unsaturated and aromatic compounds, which can be considered as strong electron-acceptors. We suggest that their transformation is responsible for the blue shift of fluorescence spectrum, thus emphasizing the role of chromophore interaction mechanism of the optical properties formation.
A Systematic Review of Barriers to Formal Help Seeking for Adult Survivors of IPV in the United States, 2005–2019
Authors: Robinson Sarah R. , Ravi Kristen , Voth Schrag Rachel J.
Published: April 2020

For individuals experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV), formal services, including community agencies, health services, or the criminal justice system, are critical resources. Understanding the specific barriers that hinder or prevent survivors from seeking help from formal services could reveal important implications for the development of services for IPV as well as for members of other organizations who encounter survivors. The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature to identify barriers to help-seeking from formal services for survivors. Ten electronic databases were searched for key terms related to IPV, help seeking from formal services, and barriers to help seeking. Articles were included in the review if they were U.S.-based, contained samples that were adults who had experienced IPV, and discussed barriers to seeking help from formal services. An initial search yielded 1,155 articles and after screening, 29 articles were included in the review. Data were extracted to reveal the state of the literature regarding help-seeking barriers for survivors. Six barriers to help seeking were identified as follows: (1) lack of awareness, (2) access challenges, (3) consequences of disclosure, (4) lack of material resources, (5) personal barriers, and (6) system failures. These findings demonstrate the need for continued education surrounding available services for IPV as well as the continued development of resources that can mitigate personal barriers that survivors may face. Furthermore, these findings illuminate the necessity to increase the access of services, particularly for non-English speakers, immigrants and refugees, individuals with disabilities, men, and LGBTQIA identified individuals.
Systematically identifying and prioritising domestic abuse perpetrators for targeted intervention
Authors: Robinson Amanda L , Clancy Anna
Published: April 2020

International research finds that the majority of harm from crime can be attributed to a small proportion of perpetrators. Accurately identifying these individuals as priorities for intervention can lead to significant harm reduction. A new method, the Priority Perpetrator Identification Tool, was implemented in three police force areas of England and Wales. Additional investment, restructuring of units and the development of bespoke policies and protocols were necessary to establish the pilots, which to date have seen the Priority Perpetrator Identification Tool used in nearly 1500 domestic abuse cases. Mixed-methods research illustrates how the pilots instigated a systematic approach to identify and prioritise perpetrators in order to inform decisions about the scope and type of intervention to be deployed to reduce their offending. The development of these new collaborative arrangements represents a step change in the way the most harmful domestic abuse perpetrators are identified and managed within a multi-agency partnership.
More Than Just Gender: Exploring Contextual Influences on Media Bias of Political Candidates
Authors: Rohrbach Tobias , Fiechtner Stephanie , Schönhagen Philomen , Puppis Manuel
Published: April 2020

Gender bias in the media coverage of political elections has long been theorized as a major obstacle to women’s success in elections and their institutional representation. However, this view of persistent media bias against women politicians is increasingly subject to pressure by inconsistent evidence of size and patterns of gender bias. This paper argues that some of these inconsistencies derive from a lack of attention to contextual influences of electoral coverage. This study analyzes gender bias in the amount and content of media coverage in the run-up to Swiss federal elections in 2015 by means of a quantitative content analysis. Drawing on an extensive sample of print, online and audiovisual election coverage from the most important tabloid and broadsheet media of three different language regions, the results reveal mixed evidence of gender bias: On the one hand, women candidates remain underrepresented in Swiss media. On the other hand, however, once they are covered by the media, candidates are overwhelmingly presented in a gender-neutral way. Several differences emerge between language regions and media type. Extending the traditional gender bias hypothesis to account for contextual influences, the study illustrates that the geo-cultural and media-specific contextual influences of election coverage impinge on the gendered mediation of candidates together with known drivers of political communication, such as incumbency, the electoral system, and party ideology.
Use of actigraphy to measure real-world physical activities in manual wheelchair users
Authors: Bourassa Sophie , Best Krista L , Racine Maxence , Borisoff Jaimie , Leblond Jean , Routhier François
Published: April 2020

Introduction

The benefits of physical activity for manual wheelchair users are well-known. The purpose of this study was to validate actigraphy to objectively measure physical activity intensity among manual wheelchair users.

Method

An experimental design was used. Adult manual wheelchair users wore a GT3X actigraph on their non-dominant arm while completing eight physical activities of low (reading), moderate (propelling -- flat) and high (propelling -- steep ramp) intensity. Heart rate and rating of perceived exertion were collected at the end of each physical activity. Distribution of data were examined and used to determine the type of repeated measures (parametric vs. non-parametric). A categorical principal component analysis was performed to determine the amount of variability explained by actigraphy, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion. Activity count cut-points were estimated using bootstrapping methods.

Results

Twenty-eight manual wheelchair users completed the study. Actigraphy, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion co-varied as physical activity intensity changed. Activity counts for low-intensity and medium-intensity physical activities were estimated to be 0 to 45 and 45 to 100 activity counts per second, respectively. Activity counts' ranges for high-intensity physical activities were not clear.

Conclusion

Combining actigraphy and rating of perceived exertion could be an easy and reliable method to measure the intensity of real-world activities. Further research is needed confirm cut-points for physical activity intensity.
Risk Factors for Immediate Postoperative Coronal Imbalance in Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis Patients Fused to Pelvis
Authors: Zhang Jiandang , Wang Zheng , Chi Pengfei
Published: April 2020

Study Design:

Retrospective case-control radiographic study.

Objective:

To identify risk factors for immediate postoperative coronal imbalance in degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) patients fused to pelvis.

Methods:

A total of 71 DLS patients treated with deformity correction surgery were reviewed. Measurements included coronal parameters such as global coronal malalignment (GCM), major Cobb angle, L4/L5 coronal tilt and sagittal parameters. Based on the orientation of L4 coronal tilt relative to C7 plumb line (PL) preoperatively, coronal patterns were subdivided into (1) consistency pattern, L4 coronally tilts toward C7 PL, and (2) opposition pattern, L4 coronally tilts opposite C7 PL; the proportion of these 2 patterns was analyzed. Also, the proportion of type C and surgical factors were recorded. According to postoperative GCM, patients were divided into imbalanced group and balanced group.

Results:

Compared with the balanced group, the imbalanced group had a larger proportion of preoperative consistency pattern (79.17% vs 40.43%, P = .002), larger proportion of type C (29.17% vs 8.51%, P = .023), and lower amount of GCM correction (−4.92 ± 24.25 vs 14.52 ± 19.49 mm, P < .001). There were no significant intergroup differences regarding preoperative and postoperative major Cobb angle, preoperative and postoperative L4 or L5 coronal tilt, major Cobb correction, the amounts of correction of coronal tilt of L4/L5, osteotomy levels, osteotomy grades, instrumented levels, levels of interbody fusion, and distribution of upper instrumented vertebra.

Conclusions:

In addition to known risk factors such as type C, preoperative coronal consistency pattern might be a new risk factor for postoperative coronal imbalance in DLS patients fused to pelvis.
Hidden Blade Scalpel: A Useful Tool for the Treatment of Axillary Osmidrosis
Authors: Lu Ye , Zhao Aimin , Meng Xiaohui , Wang Binqing , Song Tao , Xia Yang
Published: April 2020

Background:

Axillary osmidrosis is a distressing problem that can particularly affect a patient’s social life. In severe cases, patients may seek a surgical treatment to achieve a permanent effect. Many treatment techniques involving destruction or removal of the apocrine and eccrine glands have been developed. However, previous treatments have been hindered by surgical or aesthetic concerns. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the hidden blade scalpel procedure in treating axillary osmidrosis.

Methods:

From December 2012 to December 2016, 372 patients with axillary osmidrosis underwent the hidden blade scalpel procedure. One 5-mm incision was made at approximately 1 cm beyond the axillary hairline. A hidden blade scalpel was then used to remove the subcutaneous tissue, including the plexus, apocrine and eccrine glands, and hair follicles, from the skin. The clinical efficacy was evaluated using a questionnaire.

Results:

The hidden blade scalpel procedure resulted in a high percentage of patient satisfaction, a much shorter recovery time, and a low complication rate.

Conclusion:

The hidden blade scalpel procedure is an effective method for the treatment of axillary osmidrosis.
Diabetic Macular Edema Treated With Intravitreal Aflibercept Injection After Treatment With Other Anti-VEGF Agents (SWAP-TWO Study)—12-Month Analysis
Authors: Golshani Cyrus , Conti Thais F. , Conti Felipe F. , Silva Fabiana Q. , Rachitskaya Aleksandra , Yuan Alex , Schachat Andrew , Kaiser Peter K. , Singh Rishi P. , Babiuch Amy
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

This article reports 12-month outcomes of patients with diabetic macular edema previously treated with other antivascular endothelial growth factor agents and transitioned to fixed dosing of intravitreal aflibercept (IAI).

Methods:

This prospective, single-arm study enrolled patients to receive IAI 2 mg (0.05 mL) every 4 weeks until optical coherence tomography demonstrated no fluid. Patients then received fixed dosing of IAI 2 mg once every 8 weeks through 12 months. Primary outcome was mean absolute change from baseline central subfield thickness (CST) at 12 months measured by optical coherence tomography.

Results:

Twenty eyes were enrolled. At baseline, best-corrected visual acuity was 70.0 letters, mean CST was 419.7 µm ± 92.0, superficial capillary perfusion density (CPD) was 46.0 ± 4.2%, and deep CPD was 50.8 ± 4.3%. At 12 months, the mean CST improved to 287.2 µm ± 80.2 ( P < .001), superficial CPD decreased to 43.6 ± 4.8% ( P = .04), and deep CPD decreased to 47.6 ± 4.8% ( P = .05).

Conclusions:

Patients who switched to fixed dosing of IAI demonstrated significant anatomic improvements in CST at 12 months. CPD values decreased significantly both in superficial and deep layers without significant changes in vision.
Fiona Terry of the International Committee of the Red Cross talks about The Roots of Restraint in War and the intersection of research and humanitarianism
Authors: Terry Fiona , Kinsella Helen M. , Straus Scott
Published: April 2020

Fiona Terry is the Head of the Centre for Operational Research and Experience at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). She is the co-author of The Roots of Restraint in War ( https://www.icrc.org/en/publication/4352-roots-restraint-war ), which the ICRC published in 2018. The report examines how and why formal and informal norms shape armed group behavior in war. In addition to discussing some of the report’s main findings, the interview addresses the relationship between academic research and humanitarian practitioners; how external researchers are able, or not able, to shape internal organizational culture; the ethics of data collection; gender and the laws of war; and the differences between formal state militaries and other kinds of non-state actors that engage in violence. The interview was conducted by Helen M. Kinsella, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Minnesota, and Scott Straus, co-editor-in-chief of the journal. Author of The Image before the Weapon: A Critical History of the Distinction between Combatant and Civilian, Kinsella was a Council on Foreign Relations Fellow at the ICRC, where she focused on gender and armed conflict, in the 2018–2019 academic year.
Motivational change in the perpetration of genocidal violence
Authors: Reinermann Jan , Williams Timothy
Published: April 2020

While the study of perpetrators has benefited greatly from burgeoning work on motivations for participating in genocidal violence, there is a considerable gap regarding how these motivations change over time. This article draws on psychological theories to provide an approach to understanding such motivational change. In the interaction of situational and dispositional approaches, the article proposes that motivations derive from and are structured by hierarchies of needs and that these hierarchies can change through three processes of adaption within the hierarchy: motivation addition, motivation removal and hierarchy re-ordering. The article is primarily conceptual but draws on insights from various different cases in its development and illustrates the model with empirical examples of motivations for participating in genocidal violence.
The Silence of Others: A conversation with the filmmakers
Authors: Carracedo Almudena , Bahar Robert , Groult Charlotte
Published: April 2020

The Silence of Others comes back to a past that doesn’t pass: how the Franco dictatorship (1936–1975) has shaped Spain and how the period that followed, the “transition,” has led to a conflicting collective memory by silencing the victims. Seven years in the making, The Silence of Others, Almudena Carracedo and Robert Bahar’s documentary, follows an unfolding lawsuit launched by a group of victims and survivors determined to seek justice. Unable to prosecute their crimes in Spain, they decided to turn to Argentina with the hope that a judge could apply the principle of universal jurisdiction to open an investigation. Almudena Carracedo and Robert Bahar agreed to talk to Violence about their film and its reception in Spain and abroad, and about how art could pave the way to exiting violence.
Effect of production temperature on thermal and mechanical properties of polystyrene–fly ash composites
Authors: Bicer Ayse
Published: April 2020

This study was conducted to produce a novel construction material by using two different types of waste material consisting of fly ash and fragmented polypropylene (PP). These two materials were mixed on various ratios, and samples with smooth surface were obtained by compressing with 50 kg of weight after each mixture is heated on temperatures of 225°C, 250°C, and 275°C and poured into the molds. Thermal and mechanical tests were performed on the prepared samples. As a result, with the evaluation of two waste materials such as fly ash and PP, (i) the contamination caused by the waste materials will be prevented; (ii) as the fly ash rate increases, the thermal properties of samples produced under 225°C of temperature will be enhanced; (iii) as the fly ash rate increases, the thermal properties of samples produced under 225°C of temperature will be enhanced, and PP ratio and production temperature must be high in order to improve mechanical properties; (iv) the produced composite materials bear the low-cost heat, acoustics, and water insulation, while it will also be possible for the same to be used as coating materials on the walls and tiling in the buildings.
The effects of inbreeding on covering success, gestation length and foal sex ratio in Australian thoroughbred horses
Authors: Todd Evelyn T. , Hamilton Natasha A. , Velie Brandon D. , Thomson Peter C.
Published: April 2020

Background

Horses produce only one foal from an eleven-month gestation period, making the maintenance of high reproductive rates essential. Genetic bottlenecks and inbreeding can increase the frequency of deleterious variants, resulting in reduced reproductive levels in a population. In this study we examined the influence of inbreeding levels on foaling rate, gestation length and secondary sex ratio in Australian Thoroughbred mares. We also investigated the genetic change in these traits throughout the history of the breed. Phenotypic data were obtained from 27,262 breeding records of Thoroughbred mares provided by three Australian stud farms. Inbreeding was estimated using the pedigree of each individual dating back to the foundation of the breed in the eighteenth century.

Results

While both gestation length and foaling rate were heritable, no measurable effect of inbreeding on either trait was found. However, we did find that the genetic value for both traits had decreased within recent generations. A number of environmental factors also had significant effects on foaling rate and gestation length. Secondary sex ratio had only an extremely small paternal heritable effect and was not susceptible to environmental influences.

Conclusions

In contrast to racing performance, inbreeding had no measurable effect on foaling rate or gestation length in Australian Thoroughbred horses. This could be because the level of inbreeding in the population examined is not high enough to show a discernible effect on reproductive traits. Populations that experience higher levels of inbreeding due to use of artificial reproductive technologies or extremely small population sizes may show a more pronounced reduction in natural foaling rate or gestation length. It is also possible that the intensive management techniques used in the Thoroughbred population masks any negative effects of inbreeding. The decrease in the genetic value of foaling rate is likely to be because horses with unfavourable genetic potential have not yet been selected out of the population. The change in genetic value of gestation length may be due to selective breeding favouring horses with shorter pregnancies. We also found that prioritising the mating of older mares, and avoiding out of season mating could lead to an increased breeding success.
The whole blood phagocytosis assay: a clinically relevant test of neutrophil function and dysfunction in community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Reiné J. , Rylance J. , Ferreira D. M. , Pennington S. H. , Welters I. D. , Parker R. , Morton B.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To refine and validate a neutrophil function assay with clinical relevance for patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Design

Two phase cross-sectional study to standardise and refine the assay in blood from healthy volunteers and test neutrophil phagocytic function in hospital patients with CAP.

Participants

Phase one: Healthy adult volunteers (n = 30). Phase two: Critical care patients with severe CAP (n = 16), ward-level patients with moderate CAP (n = 15) and respiratory outpatients (no acute disease, n = 15).

Results

Our full standard operating procedure for the assay is provided. Patients with severe CAP had significantly decreased neutrophil function compared to moderate severity disease (median phagocytic index 2.8 vs. 18.0, p = 0.014). Moderate severity pneumonia neutrophil function was significantly higher than control samples (median 18.0 vs. 1.6, p = 0.015). There was no significant difference between critical care and control neutrophil function (median 2.8 vs. 1.6, p = 0.752).

Conclusions

Our whole blood neutrophil assay is simple, reproducible and clinically relevant. Changes in neutrophil function measured in this pneumonia cohort is in agreement with previous studies. The assay has potential to be used to identify individuals for clinical trials of immunomodulatory therapies, to risk-stratify patients with pneumonia, and to refine our understanding of ‘normal’ neutrophil function in infection.
Patients with chronic kidney disease are not well adhered to dietary recommendations: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gebretsadik Gebretsadkan Gebremedhin , Mengistu Zelalem Debebe , Molla Birhanu Worku , Desta Helen Tkuwab
Published: April 2020

Background

Nutrition and dietary patterns are modifiable factors that can be utilized to prevent or slow the progression of Chronic kidney disease (CKD). Adherence to current dietary recommendations can reduce the incidence, or slow the progression of CKD and reduce mortality. The objectives of this study was to compare the dietary nutrient intake of CKD patients (CKD above stage 3 including hemodialysis) to dietary recommendations and to assess the correlations of those dietary nutrient intakes with each other and with chosen laboratory measurements.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 patients with CKD. A consecutive 7 days dietary record supplemented with interviews for data completion was used to assess dietary intake. Recent clinical laboratory measurements were obtained from patients’ medical records. The obtained dietary data were analyzed by the Ethiopian food composition database and the nutrisurvey software. Dietary energy and nutrients intake were compared with recommendations for CKD patients.

Results

The dietary energy intake (DEI) of almost all patients was below recommended levels. The average Dietary protein intake (DPI) was above the recommended levels (0.95 ± 0.27 g/kg/day) for about 60% of the respondents. Besides, 38% and only two of the respondents had their dietary phosphorus and potassium intakes above recommended levels, respectively. Estimated Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was positively correlated with both total and animal protein intakes while blood levels of creatinine and urea were negatively correlated with animal protein intake.

Conclusion

Patients with CKD are not well adhered to dietary recommendations and some nutrients showed correlation with chosen clinical laboratory measurements. Besides, DEI and DPI were below and above recommended levels, respectively, for most patients. Besides, more than one-third of the participants had phosphorus intakes above recommendation. These non-optimal dietary nutrient intakes may contribute to fast clinical deterioration and mortality.
Anaphylaxis caused by butylscopolamine bromide: a case report
Authors: Shiraishi Toshie , Nakamura Mitsuyo , Horiuchi Tatsuo , Takazawa Tomonori
Published: April 2020

Background

There have been only few reports on butylscopolamine-induced anaphylaxis despite its global usage as an anticholinergic agent for approximately 70 years. We present a case of anaphylaxis caused by butylscopolamine.

Case presentation

A 63-year-old woman underwent gastrointestinal endoscopic examination. She developed facial cyanosis and hypoxia after intravenous administration of butylscopolamine 10 mg, and her blood pressure was unmeasurable. Her hemodynamic condition recovered after a total of 0.6 mg adrenaline and bolus administration of 100 mg hydrocortisone. One hour after the onset of hypotension, both plasma histamine and serum tryptase were remarkably elevated to 271.7 nmol/L and 174 μg/L, respectively. Skin tests performed 47 days after anaphylaxis showed a positive result only for butylscopolamine among the exposed agents, which was confirmed by basophil activation tests using CD203c and CD63 as markers.

Conclusion

Butylscopolamine has the potential to cause severe anaphylaxis; hence, identification of the causative agent is important to prevent recurrence of anaphylaxis.
Ins1-Cre and Ins1-CreER Gene Replacement Alleles Are Susceptible To Silencing By DNA Hypermethylation
Authors: Mosleh Elham , Ou Kristy , Haemmerle Matthew W , Tembo Teguru , Yuhas Andrew , Carboneau Bethany A , Townsend Shannon E , Bosma Karin J , Gannon Maureen , O’Brien Richard M , Stoffers Doris A , Golson Maria L
Published: April 2020

Targeted gene ablation studies of the endocrine pancreas have long suffered from suboptimal Cre deleter strains. In many cases, Cre lines purportedly specific for beta cells also displayed expression in other islet endocrine cells or in a subset of neurons in the brain. Several pancreas and endocrine Cre lines have experienced silencing or mosaicism over time. In addition, many Cre transgenic constructs were designed to include the hGH mini-gene, which by itself increases beta-cell replication and decreases beta-cell function. More recently, driver lines with Cre or CreER inserted into the Ins1 locus were generated, with the intent of producing β cell-specific Cre lines with faithful recapitulation of insulin expression. These lines were bred in multiple labs to several different mouse lines harboring various lox alleles. In our hands, the ability of the Ins1-Cre and Ins1-CreER lines to delete target genes varied from that originally reported, with both alleles displaying low levels of expression, increased levels of methylation compared to the wild-type allele, and ultimately inefficient or absent target deletion. Thus, caution is warranted in the interpretation of results obtained with these genetic tools, and Cre expression and activity should be monitored regularly when using these lines.