bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual loss from dermal fillers
Authors: Jolly Rohit , Bhalla Minak , Zakir Rahila , Joshi Naresh
Published: June 2019

Background:

An increasing number of people are undergoing non-surgical aesthetic procedures, especially injections of botulinum toxin and dermal fillers. While toxin injections have lower rates of complications, profound and serious consequences can arise with the use of dermal fillers.

Case:

A 29-year-old woman presented to the eye casualty department with sudden visual loss, ptosis and ophthalmoplegia after having had non-surgical rhinoplasty in a beauty salon in West London. The filler was administered by a healthcare professional not registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) or similar governing body.

Discussion:

Despite prompt measures on arrival at our service, the symptoms of visual loss, ptosis and ophthalmoplegia persisted. Attempts from the patient and medical services to report the incident (to trading standards and the police) were to no avail.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the poor treatment response to filler-related ophthalmic complications. It is also evident that in the United Kingdom, there appears to be poor regulation in the use of these products, a lack of clear guidelines for the management of their complications and finally no recourse for patients to challenge practitioners who lack medical registration and are not held accountable.
In-hospital mortality among adults with autism spectrum disorder in the United States: A retrospective analysis of US hospital discharge data
Authors: Akobirshoev Ilhom , Mitra Monika , Dembo Robbie , Lauer Emily
Published: June 2019

A retrospective data analysis using 2004–2014 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample was conducted to examine in-hospital mortality among adults with autism spectrum disorders in the United States compared to individuals in the general population. We modeled logistic regressions to compare inpatient hospital mortality between adults with autism spectrum disorders (n = 34,237) and age-matched and sex-matched controls (n = 102,711) in a 1:3 ratio. Adults with autism spectrum disorders had higher odds for inpatient hospital mortality than controls (odds ratio = 1.44, 95% confidence interval: 1.29–1.61, p < 0.001). This risk remained high even after adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, income, number of comorbidities, epilepsy and psychiatric comorbidities, hospital bed size, hospital region, and hospitalization year (odds ratio = 1.51, 95% confidence interval: 1.33–1.72, p < 0.001). Adults with autism spectrum disorders who experienced in-hospital mortality had a higher risk for having 10 out of 27 observed Elixhauser-based medical comorbidities at the time of death, including psychoses, other neurological disorders, diabetes, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis collagen vascular disease, obesity, weight loss, fluid and electrolyte disorders, deficiency anemias, and paralysis. The results from the interaction of sex and autism spectrum disorders status suggest that women with autism spectrum disorders have almost two times higher odds for in-hospital mortality (odds ratio = 1.95, p < 0.001) than men with autism spectrum disorders. The results from the stratified analysis also showed that women with autism spectrum disorders had 3.17 times higher odds (95% confidence interval: 2.50–4.01, p < 0.001) of in-hospital mortality compared to women from the non–autism spectrum disorders matched control group; this difference persisted even after adjusting for socioeconomic, clinical, and hospital characteristics (odds ratio = 2.75, 95% confidence interval: 2.09–3.64, p < 0.001). Our findings underscore the need for more research to develop better strategies for healthcare and service delivery to people with autism spectrum disorders.
Detection of broken wires in elevator wire ropes with ultrasonic guided waves and tone-burst wavelet
Authors: Rostami Javad , Tse Peter W , Yuan Maodan
Published: June 2019

Elevator wire ropes with polymer cores hold and hoist heavy fluctuating loads in a corrosive environment. Such working condition causes metal fatigue, which together with abrasion around pulleys leads to progressive loss of the metallic cross section. This can be seen in the forms of a roughened and pitted surface of the ropes, reduction in diameter, and broken wires. Therefore, their deterioration must be monitored so that any unexpected damage or corrosion can be detected before it causes a fatal accident. Ultrasonic-guided wave-based inspection, which has proved its capability in nondestructive testing of platelike structures such as tubes and pipes, can monitor the cross section of wire ropes in their entire length from a single point. However, guided waves have drawn less attention for defect detection purposes in wire ropes. This article reports the condition monitoring of a steel wire rope from a hoisting elevator with broken wires as a result of corrosive environment and fatigue. Finite element analysis was conducted as a baseline to study guided wave propagation in wire ropes and plot dispersion curves. Guided wave propagation in wire ropes was experimentally investigated on a newly built cable stretching machine equipped with a load sensor under different amount of tensile loading. To expose the indication of broken wires, the recorded signals were analyzed by tailor-made continuous wavelet transform called tone burst wavelet.
Improving Speed and Security When Sharing Protected Health Information of Deceased Organ Donors
Authors: Trageser Jeffrey , Davidson Judy E.
Published: June 2019

Because extensive data from medical records are gathered by organ procurement teams, the process of data transfer between sites created a data security risk. This includes the use of fax machines, courier services, and employees’ vehicles. Even health records transmitted over public Wi-Fi become at risk for a data breach. The Plan-Do-Study-Act method for performance improvement was used to address this time-consuming and labor-intensive process. A secured virtual private network from within the donor hospital site setting was developed to improve the transfer of images and data. The goal was to improve the process and increase data security. Once the new network was in place, the process steps decreased and eliminated data vulnerability. Average process time decreased by approximately 1 hour. Organs procured increased from pre (expected 3, observed 2) to post (expected 3, observed 5) implementation of the new process.
Complication Incidences and Treatment Outcomes of Endovascular Aneurysm Repair—A Single-Center Long-Time Follow-Up Study
Authors: Andersen Rosa Marie , Rasmussen Benjamin S. B. , Halekoh Ulrich , Langfeldt Sten , Mafi Hossein Mohit , Graumann Ole
Published: June 2019

Background:

Few long-time follow-up studies describe all complications, treatment outcome of complications, and mortality in relation to endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and treatment outcome including mortality of radiological visible complications related to the EVAR procedure at a single center with up to 10 years’ surveillance.

Materials and Methods:

Patients treated with EVAR from March 2006 to March 2016 at a Danish university hospital, 421 in total, were included. Patient and aneurysm characteristics, follow-up, and secondary intervention data were collected from a national database and medical records. Follow-up computed tomography angiography and plain abdominal X-ray reports were reviewed for complications. Scans and X-rays with suspected complications were evaluated by an interventional radiologist.

Results:

A total of 172 complications in 147 patients, mainly in the beginning of the follow-up period, were found; 35% had a least one complication. The main part of complications (62%) was type II endoleaks, followed by stent graft stenosis (11%), type I endoleaks (9%), and stent graft occlusion (7%). A total of 66 (38%) complications, observed in 55 patients, were treated with reintervention, of which 77% were treated with endovascular procedures and 23% with surgical treatment, that is, 13% of all studied patients had a complication that required a reintervention. The remaining 2 of the 3 complications were treated conservatively. We found no increased all-cause mortality in connection with having a complication including those requiring reintervention.

Conclusion:

We presented a 10-year single-center study of EVAR. Many patients treated with EVAR had a radiological visible complication, mainly in the beginning of the follow-up period. Only a smaller fraction required reintervention and having a reintervention-requiring complication was not connected to increased mortality.
Literacy Instruction in General Education Settings: A Call to Action
Authors: Toews Samantha Gross , Kurth Jennifer A.
Published: June 2019

While legislation and research have promoted inclusive education and the importance of literacy instruction for students with extensive support needs, the majority of literacy instruction research continues to occur in separate self-contained special education settings. This article is a call to action to the educational research community to elicit research on literacy instruction strategies, including collaborative planning, teaching, and material preparation related to grade-level general education curriculum in general education school settings. Findings from current research on literacy instruction in separate special education and general education settings are presented. Suggestions for future research and action are discussed.
Management of Less-Than-Severe Aortic Stenosis During Coronary Bypass: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yanagawa Bobby , An Kevin R. , Ouzounian Maral , Gaudino Mario , Puskas John D. , Asaoka Nozomi , Verma Subodh , Friedrich Jan O.
Published: June 2019

Objective

The management of concomitant mild-to-moderate aortic stenosis (AS) at the time of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is controversial. Here we perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of CABG and aortic valve replacement (AVR) versus CABG alone in patients with mild–moderate AS.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE databases until July 2018 for studies comparing CABG & AVR versus CABG in patients with mild–moderate AS undergoing coronary bypass. Data were extracted by 2 independent investigators. The main outcomes were operative mortality, long-term survival, and reintervention for AS.

Results

There were 6 unmatched retrospective observational studies with 1,172 patients (median follow-up 4.7 [interquartile range: 4.3 to 5.3] years). Patients undergoing CABG & AVR had less severe coronary artery disease. There were no differences in operative mortality (relative risk [RR]: 1.07; 95% CI, 0.59 to 1.94; P = 0.8). CABG & AVR was associated with greater incidence of stroke, bleeding, renal failure, and mediastinitis. At median follow-up of 5 years, there was no difference in long-term mortality (incidence rate ratio [IRR]:1.44; 95% CI, 0.83 to 2.51; P = 0.19), but CABG & AVR was associated with 73% lower risk of reoperation for AS ( n = 13/485 versus n = 71/702; IRR: 0.27; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.51; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In patients undergoing CABG with mild–moderate AS, combining AVR with CABG was associated with no difference in operative mortality but with increased risk of stroke, bleeding, renal failure, and mediastinitis. Long-term mortality was not different, but a risk of reoperation for AS at 5 years was 73% lower. Given the increasingly wide availability and safety of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), one may consider a conservative approach toward concomitant mild–moderate AS.
Zone 1 Debranching for Frozen Elephant Trunk and Whole-Body Perfusion
Authors: Bisleri Gianluigi , Ali Hassan Syed M. , Payne Darrin M. , Petsikas Dimitri , Hamilton Andrew , Esposito Giampiero
Published: June 2019

A 65-year-old man with chronic type A aortic dissection underwent zone 1 debranching and frozen elephant trunk with whole-body perfusion. This approach has the potential to improve technical feasibility of the frozen elephant trunk procedure and reduce its ischemic complications.
Direct Transcatheter Valve Deployment via Sternotomy for Complex Aortic Valve Reoperation
Authors: Nguyen Tom C. , Nissen Alexander P. , Loyalka Pranav , Porat Eyal E.
Published: June 2019

Reoperative aortic valve replacement is associated with increased morbidity. Valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement offers a less invasive alternative to traditional reoperation. However, cases of valve failure after valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement represent a complex surgical challenge. We present a case requiring a complex reoperative aortic valve replacement due to structural valve deterioration after multiple previous valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacements. We performed removal of 3 previous valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valves, bioprosthetic leaflet excision, and intentional bioprosthetic fracture under direct vision for annular enlargement. This facilitated direct insertion of a new transcatheter aortic valve for expedient and successful management of recurrent aortic stenosis in a very high-risk patient. Creative use of leaflet excision, intentional bioprosthetic fracture, and insertion of a new transcatheter aortic valve under direct vision, proved efficient and successful in a high-risk patient with few surgical options.
A new method for determination of Poisson’s ratio of woven fabric at higher stresses
Authors: Brnada Snježana , Šomođi Željko , Kovačević Stana
Published: June 2019

Determination of Poisson’s ratio and shear module of complex, nonlinear elastic material, such as woven fabric, is a challenge for researchers in the field of textile mechanics. In the standard method of determining the Poisson’s ratio, the transverse fabric strain is measured by a 1% tensile extension. In this way, there is no information about changing the Poisson’s ratio at higher tensile extensions, and the methodology itself is unsuitable for larger extensions because of woven fabric buckling. In this research, a device has been designed, which can be built on a dynamometer and which has the ability to measure transverse forces in fabric during tensile test. A mechanical model is developed from which it is possible to calculate Poisson’s ratio throughout the fabric stress–strain curve.
Carpometacarpal Fracture-Dislocations: A Retrospective Review of Injury Characteristics and Radiographic Outcomes
Authors: Steinmetz Garrett , Corning Evan , Hulse Trent , Fitzgerald Casey , Holy Filip , Boydstun Seth , Lehman Thomas
Published: June 2019

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the demographics and early radiographic treatment outcome of patients with carpometacarpal (CMC) injuries at our institution over a 10-year period. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients who sustained CMC injuries of the second to fifth digits between 2005 and 2015. We recorded demographic data, mechanisms of and associated injuries, treatment methods, and complications. Injury and intraoperative and postoperative radiographs were evaluated, and the adequacy of reduction was determined on lateral radiographs of the hand using a grading system that we developed. Results: Eighty patients were included in this study. Delivering a blow with a closed fist was the most common mechanism of injury; however, high-energy mechanisms also made up a large percentage of those included. Injuries to the fourth and fifth CMC joints were most common, and these were frequently associated with fractures of the metacarpal bases and distal carpal row. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning offered a higher percentage of patients with concentric reduction at the time of pin removal. Time to surgery was significantly different between those with concentric reduction and those with residual subluxation. Conclusion: The most common mechanism of CMC injuries was blow with a closed fist; however, these injuries can be associated with high-energy mechanisms. Fractures of the metacarpal base and distal carpal row are commonly seen with these injuries. With early diagnosis, closed reduction and percutaneous pinning achieved concentric radiographic reduction. Delayed diagnosis makes closed reduction difficult and was associated with less favorable radiographic outcome.
Finding Common Ground in Meta-Analysis “Wars” on Violent Video Games
Authors: Mathur Maya B. , VanderWeele Tyler J.
Published: June 2019

Independent meta-analyses on the same topic can sometimes yield seemingly conflicting results. For example, prominent meta-analyses assessing the effects of violent video games on aggressive behavior have reached apparently different conclusions, provoking ongoing debate. We suggest that such conflicts are sometimes partly an artifact of reporting practices for meta-analyses that focus only on the pooled point estimate and its statistical significance. Considering statistics that focus on the distributions of effect sizes and that adequately characterize effect heterogeneity can sometimes indicate reasonable consensus between “warring” meta-analyses. Using novel analyses, we show that this seems to be the case in the video-game literature. Despite seemingly conflicting results for the statistical significance of the pooled estimates in different meta-analyses of video-game studies, all of the meta-analyses do in fact point to the conclusion that, in the vast majority of settings, violent video games do increase aggressive behavior but that these effects are almost always quite small.
The prevalence of suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia in Scottish intensive care units
Authors: Hart Robert , McNeill Scott , Maclean Sarah , Hornsby Jamie , Ramsay Sarah
Published: June 2019

Ventilator-associated pneumonia is the most common healthcare-associated infection in mechanically ventilated patients. Despite this, accurate diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia is difficult owing to the variety of criteria that exist. In this prospective national audit, we aim to quantify the existence of patients with suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia that would not be detected by our standard healthcare-associated infection screening process. Furthermore, we aim to assess the impact of tracheostomy insertion, subglottic drainage endotracheal tubes and chlorhexidine gel on ventilator-associated pneumonia rate. Of the 227 patients recruited, suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia occurred in 32 of these patients. Using the HELICS definition, 13/32 (40.6%) patients were diagnosed with ventilator-associated pneumonia (H-posVAP). Suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia rate was increased in our tracheostomy population, decreased in the subglottic drainage endotracheal tube group and unchanged in the chlorhexidine group. The diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia remains a contentious issue. The formalisation of the HELICS criteria by the European CDC should allow standardised data collection throughout Europe, which will enable more consistent data collection and meaningful data comparison in the future. Our data add weight to the argument against routine oral chlorhexidine. The use of subglottic drainage endotracheal tubes in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia is interesting and requires further investigation.
Values Reconciliation: Constructing the Exemplary Ideal Personhood through Overseas Education
Authors: Chen Juan
Published: June 2019

This article examines the values that Chinese middle-class families desire for their offspring to acquire, through an analysis of the families’ motivations for pursuing overseas higher education. Based on fieldwork with Chinese tertiary students in the United Kingdom, this article analyses the values – described in interviews by students and their parents and grandparents – that drive these families’ overseas higher education strategies. The results show that in contrast to the current (dominant instrumentalist) understandings of international student motivations, some Chinese middle-class families’ belief in higher education is about the development of a socialist ideal personhood and the wish to make significant social contributions. Ultimately, the author argues that some Chinese middle-class families are experiencing a transition, from egoism to altruism, and in future, fulfilling Confucian values and making social contributions is highly likely to become part of middle-class subjectivities.
Micromeria myrtifolia: Essential Oil Composition and Biological Activity
Authors: Sarikurkcu Cengiz , Ceylan Olcay , Zeljković Sanja Ćavar
Published: June 2019

Detailed chemical composition of the essential oil of Micromeria myrtifolia Boiss. & Hohen., as well as its antioxidant and enzymatic activity, was analyzed. The most abundant constituents of the oil were sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, β-caryophyllene (40.8%) and α-copaene (17.9%), followed by oxygenated sesquiterpene, caryophyllene oxide (13.5 %). Antioxidant activity of the oil was tested via 8 different methods based on reduction of both radicals and stable metal cations. The oil of M. myrtifolia showed weaker, but still comparable activity with the known antioxidants, butylated hydroxyanisole and disodium edetate, that are used as positive controls. In addition, the essential oil of this aromatic plant species revealed strong inhibitory effects against tyrosinase and α-amylase. Present results suggest the use of the essential oil of endemic M. myrtifolia in a wide variety of applications in food and pharmacological industries.
Detection of Potential Human Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated From Feces of Two Colonial Seabirds Nesting on Isla Rasa, Gulf of California: Heermann’s Gull (Larus heermanni) and Elegant Tern (Thalasseus elegans)
Authors: Contreras-Rodríguez Araceli , Aguilera-Arreola Ma G. , Osorio Alma R. , Martin María D. , Guzmán Rosa L. , Velarde Enriqueta , Ruiz Enrico A.
Published: June 2019

Some seabird species have shown to be carriers of human pathogenic bacteria, given their occurrence in contaminated coastal areas. This in turn may pose a health risk to humans and become a possible factor in the spread of infectious diseases. In this scenario, we studied whether potential human pathogenic bacteria of genera Escherichia, Vibrio, and Staphylococcus can be traced in the Heermann’s Gull and the Elegant Tern, two seabirds from Isla Rasa, Gulf of California. To this end, freshly deposited fecal droppings from both seabirds were collected and evaluated through several methods (standard bacterial methods, multiplex PCR, 16S rRNA sequencing, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrophotometry). We identified Escherichia coli isolates, however, no evidence of pathogenicity was found. The analysis of the 16S rRNA sequences allowed the identification of isolates related to Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, both previously reported as human pathogens. Also, analysis of 16S rRNA and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) leads to the identification of isolates related to Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus sciuri, and Staphylococcus aureus, also reported as human pathogens. However, the identified bacteria do not represent any of the species or strains that most importantly affect humans. This study represents the first approach to the identification of pathogenic microorganisms in seabirds nesting in the central region of the Gulf of California; however, it was limited to only two species of seabirds and a few microorganisms. Therefore, monitoring and surveillance work like this should be continued and expanded to other species.
Clinical importance of the occipital artery in vascular lesions: A review of the literature
Authors: Guo Yunbao , Chen Hao , Chen Xuan , Yu Jinlu
Published: June 2019

The occipital artery (OA) is a critical artery in vascular lesions. However, a comprehensive review of the importance of the OA is currently lacking. In this study, we used the PubMed database to perform a review of the literature on the OA to increase our understanding of its role in vascular lesions. We also provided our typical cases to illustrate the importance of the OA. The OA has several variations. For example, it may arise from the internal carotid artery or anastomose with the vertebral artery. Therefore, the OA may provide a crucial collateral vascular supply source and should be preserved in these cases. The OA is a good donor artery. Consequently, it is used in extra- to intracranial bypasses for moyamoya disease (MMD) or aneurysms. The OA can be involved in dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) and is a feasible artery for the embolisation of DAVF. True aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms can occur in the OA; surgical resection and embolisation are the effective treatment approaches. Direct high-flow AVF can occur in the OA; embolisation treatment is a good option in such cases. The OA can also be involved in MMD and brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) by forming transdural collaterals. For a patient in the prone position, if occipital and suboccipital craniotomies are performed, the OA can also be used for intraoperative angiography. In brief, the OA is a very important artery in vascular lesions.
Desaturation-Induced Brightness in Face Color Perception
Authors: Shimakura Hitomi , Sakata Katsuaki
Published: June 2019

The distinctiveness of perception of face from nonface objects has been noted previously. However, face brightness is often confounded with whiteness in the beauty industry; few studies have examined these perceptual differences. To investigate the interactions among face color attributes, we measured the effect of saturation on brightness and whiteness in both uniform color patches and face images to elucidate the relationship between these two perceptions. We found that, at constant luminance, a uniform color patch looked brighter with an increase in saturation (i.e., the Helmholtz–Kohlrausch effect occurred), while in contrast, brightness of a facial skin image looked less bright with increased saturation (i.e., contrary to the Helmholtz–Kohlrausch effect), which suggested this interaction of color attributes was influenced by top-down information. We conclude that this inverse effect of saturation on brightness for face images is not due to face recognition, color range of the skin tone, the luminance distribution, or recognition of human skin but due to the composite interactions of these facial skin factors in higher order recognition mechanisms.
Adjustment to amputation and interest in upper limb transplantation
Authors: Talbot Simon G , Carty Matthew J , Jensen Sally E , Dumanian Gregory A
Published: June 2019

Objective:

Upper limb transplantation provides a new restorative option for individuals with amputations. As true for most operations, patient selection is critical to optimizing transplantation outcomes. To improve on the patient selection process, we used qualitative methods to better understand the issues regarding upper extremity loss as well as upper limb transplantation from the amputee point of view.

Methods:

Individuals with upper limb amputations (age range = 24–73 years) discussed their adjustment following amputation and their interest toward transplantation in either a focus group (n = 5) or semi-structured interview (n = 17). Transcripts were coded by theme and summarized.

Results:

Participants described a year-long process typified by adjustment to a new role as an amputee, both psychosocially and functionally. We found that the extent of adjustment was inversely related to an interest in transplantation.

Conclusions:

These findings could explain the difficulty in identifying “ideal” candidates for upper extremity transplantation and may have implications for patient selection and counseling.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Study, Level V
Foundation Year 1 doctors’ experience and confidence in catheterisation: A multicentre survey
Authors: Grimes NG , Leask J , McKay AC , McIlhenny C
Published: June 2019

Objective:

This survey sought to review the experience gained by doctors during their first year of training and their confidence in performing this procedure.

Materials and methods:

All Foundation Year 1 doctors in three hospitals in Scotland were invited to complete an online survey towards the end of their first year of training. The survey asked participants about the number of catheterisations performed, confidence with this procedure and whether they had been signed off as competent.

Results:

In total, 149 doctors were invited to complete the questionnaire and 98 (65.8%) responded. At the time of survey completion, 97.9% and 93.6% of respondents were signed off as competent for male and female catheterisation respectively. A total of 55.7% had performed fewer than five catheterisations, 28.9% had performed 5–10 and 15.5% had performed more than 10. We found 25.8% were very confident about performing an average-difficulty catheterisation and 6.3% were very confident about performing an above-average difficulty catheterisation. Overall, 7.1% of respondents were very confident about changing a suprapubic catheter.

Conclusion:

Despite being deemed competent by the end of first year of training and meeting curriculum requirements, confidence levels in performing catheterisation remains low and many doctors do not have sufficient experience and confidence for daily practice.

Level of evidence:

2c
How to promote fruits, vegetables, and berries intake among patients with type 2 diabetes in primary care? A self-determination theory perspective
Authors: Koponen Anne M , Simonsen Nina , Suominen Sakari
Published: June 2019

The results of this study showed the importance of autonomous motivation for healthy eating. Autonomous motivation and female gender were the determinants most strongly associated with fruits, vegetables, and berries intake among patients with type 2 diabetes. Other determinants of fruits, vegetables, and berries intake were high education, high social support, high age, and a strong sense of coherence. Autonomous motivation and self-care competence mediated the effect of perceived autonomy support from a physician on fruits, vegetables, and berries intake. Thus, physicians can promote patients’ fruits, vegetables, and berries intake by supporting their autonomous motivation and self-care competence. The results are in line with self-determination theory.
Candida albicans cholecystitis with associated hepatitis in a cat
Authors: Palermo Shannon M , Newman Ashleigh W , Koch Michael W
Published: June 2019

Case summary

A 3-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat was presented for vomiting, inappetence and icterus. Biochemical results and ultrasonographic findings were consistent with cholestasis and possible biliary obstruction. A diagnosis of Candida albicans cholecystitis with associated hepatitis was made following cytologic examination and fungal culture. Progressive hyperbilirubinemia and hepatic encephalopathy were ultimately fatal.

Relevance and novel information

To our knowledge, this is the first report of biliary candidiasis diagnosed by cytologic examination of a cholecystocentesis sample in a domestic animal with no evidence of immunodeficiency. Additionally, this is the first reported case of fungal cholecystitis with associated white bile syndrome due to obstructive cholestasis, without an overt gall bladder mucocele.
Predictive value of NGAL and KIM-1 on survivors of acute kidney injury requiring dialysis
Authors: Guo Meiling , Li Yanjie , Li Haibo
Published: June 2019

To investigate the predictive effects of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) on renal-replacement therapy for traumatic acute kidney injury (TAKI). The urinary NGAL and KIM-1 levels of TAKI patients underwent renal-replacement therapy were assessed. The correlation and predictive model were also analyzed. Short-term (28 days) survival rate of patients were 54.5%. As TAKI stage increased, urinary KIM-1 and NGAL level increased significantly ( P < 0.05). The urinary KIM-1 and NGAL level, negatively correlated with 28-day survial, were all higher in deceased patients than survival patients ( P < 0.05). The Youden index demonstrated the predictive value of urinary NGAL area under the curve (AUC; 0.830) and KIM-1 AUC (0.879) levels in the prognosis of patients in this study. NGAL and KIM-1 can predict the prognosis of patients with TAKI and have significant correlation with the prognosis of patients.
The expression of PTEN and INPP4B and their clinical significance in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Song Haobin , Zhang Yuanda , Liu Yan , Hu Haiyan , Zhao Qing , Zhang Xiao , Zhao Liang , Huang Qian
Published: June 2019

This study investigates the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and Inositol polyphosphate 4-phosphatase type II (INPP4B) in children with acute myeloid leukemia. The levels of PTEN and INPP4B in bone marrow, from 95 acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) patients and 84 controls, respectively, were assessed by immunohistochemistry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and Western blot. The prognosis was followed up and investigated and the correlation analysis was made. We found that the expression levels of PTEN and INPP4B were significantly lower in the AML group than those in the control group ( P < 0.05). The survival time was lower in PTEN and INPP4B negative children relative to PTEN and INPP4B positive children ( P < 0.05). In AML patients, INPP4B and PTEN expression was positively correlated (r = 0.552, P = 0.000). In conclusion, the levels of INPP4B and PTEN were reduced significantly and correlated positively in AML patients accompanying with abnormal karyotypes. The current investigation of INPP4B and PTEN could give new insight into targeted therapy for AML.
Disability in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Exploring the Role of Stroke and Dementia
Authors: Stamm Brian J. , Burke James F. , Lin Chun Chieh , Price Rory J. , Skolarus Lesli E
Published: June 2019

Objectives: We sought to determine the relative contributions of stroke, dementia, and their combination to disability and racial differences in disability among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of 6848 community-dwelling older adults. We evaluated the associations of stroke, dementia, and their combination with activities of daily living (ADL) limitations (range 0-7). We then explored the impact of stroke and dementia on race differences in ADL limitations using Poisson regression after accounting for sociodemographics and comorbidities. Results: After full adjustment, ADL limitations differed among older adults with stroke and dementia. Older adults without stroke or dementia had 0.32 (95% CI 0.29-0.35) ADL limitations compared to 0.64 (95% CI 0.54-0.73) with stroke, 1.36 (95% CI 1.20-1.53) with dementia and 1.84 (95% CI 1.54-2.15) with stroke and dementia. Overall, blacks had 0.27 (95%CI 0.19-0.36) more ADL limitations than whites. Models accounting for stroke led to a 3.7% (95%CI 2.98%-4.43%) reduction in race differences, while those for dementia led to a 29.26% (95%CI 28.53%-29.99%) reduction and the stroke-dementia combination −1.48% (95%CI −2.21% to −0.76) had little impact. Discussion: Older adults with stroke and dementia have greater disability than older adults with either of these conditions alone. However, the amount of disability experienced by older adults with stroke and dementia is less than the sum of the contributions from stroke and dementia. Dementia is likely a key contributor to race differences in disability.
Improvements in Psychological and Occupational Well-being Following a Brief Yoga-Based Program for Education Professionals
Authors: Trent Natalie L , Borden Sara , Miraglia Mindy , Pasalis Edi , Dusek Jeffery A , Khalsa Sat Bir S
Published: June 2019

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine changes in psychological and occupational well-being in education professionals who attended a yoga-based program.

Methods

Education professionals who attended a 3-day yoga-based RISE (resilience, integration, self-awareness, engagement) program were recruited to participate. RISE was administered at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. Measures of psychological and occupational well-being, and health-related behaviors were completed before (baseline), after (post), and 2 months after RISE (follow-up). Forty-four participants completed baseline and post and were included in the analysis. Of those, 33 participants also completed the follow-up. Paired samples t tests were used to compare scores between time points.

Results

Compared to baseline, at post, participants showed improvements in perceived stress, mindfulness, empowerment, positive affect, negative affect, self-compassion, total work engagement, vigor, sleep quality (all P values < .001), resilience, satisfaction with life, as well as exhaustion and professional efficacy which are dimensions of burnout (all P values < .01). At the follow-up, significant improvements were maintained for mindfulness, empowerment, self-compassion, sleep quality (all P values < .001), resilience, vigor, and exhaustion (all P values < .01) and positive affect, satisfaction with life, and work engagement (all P values < .05).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the yoga-based RISE program improves psychological and occupational well-being in education professionals. In addition, participants reported that attending RISE was feasible, they could continue using RISE practices long-term, shared them with work colleagues, and reported that RISE positively impacted both their daily lives and workplace environment. With these promising results, additional controlled research is warranted.
The North Korean Nuclear Dilemma: Does China Have Leverage?
Authors: Zhang Weiqi , Denton Ginger L.
Published: June 2019

North Korea has repeatedly defied the international community with regards to its nuclear weapons programme. Many look to China for leverage to change North Korea’s behaviour. This study reviews the development of the China–North Korean relationship and conducts a statistical analysis on the impact of China’s influence on North Korea. Our analysis finds China’s leverage on North Korea to be nuanced. We maintain that North Korea has been wary of China’s influence. Complete isolation or pressure from China under certain conditions will render North Korea more resistant to China’s influence. We also suggest that the key to the North Korean issue is still in the hands of the United States and the entire international community through the use of an engagement strategy.
Outcomes Following Treatment of the Infected Achilles Tendon
Authors: Bowers Mark W. , Turner Norman S. , Ryssman Daniel B. , Moran Steven L.
Published: June 2019

Background:

Infection following Achilles tendon surgery is a devastating complication and can be difficult to treat and often leads to poor outcomes. A number of treatments have been described, but there is little information concerning outcomes of these treatments. Our purpose was to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of patients who have undergone treatment for an infected Achilles tendon after acute and chronic midsubstance repair.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 20 patients who had undergone surgical treatment for an infected Achilles tendon between 2000 and 2016. The mean follow-up time was 21 months (range, 2-68 months). All patients underwent extensive debridement of the tendon with removal of all infected tissue and foreign material. Soft tissue wound coverage was utilized for large wounds that were not amenable to primary or secondary closure. All patients received culture-specific intravenous (IV) antibiotics for 3 to 6 weeks. Postoperatively, the extremity was immobilized in a splint followed by a cast until the wound was healed. The cast was then replaced with a walking boot and the patients were provided a physical therapy program. Functional outcomes were measured using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activity of Daily Living (ADL) scale.

Results:

All wounds had healed at the time of last follow-up. Three patients (15%) required an unplanned return to the operating room for repeat debridement. All patients were able to walk without the use of a gait aid. Five patients (25%) required continued use of a boot or brace during ambulation. Fourteen patients participated in the FAAM ADL survey. There were 6 patients lost to follow-up. The average FAAM score was 87 (range, 71.4-100). At last follow-up, most patients reported their overall function as “normal” or “nearly normal.” Eradication of infection and satisfactory functional results can be attained after radical debridement, wound closure, and administration of culture-specific IV antibiotics.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Noninvasive peripheral vagal nerve stimulation prevents migraine aura: A case report
Authors: De Icco Roberto , Bitetto Vito , Martinelli Daniele , Allena Marta , Guaschino Elena , Bottiroli Sara , Liebler Eric , Tassorelli Cristina , Sances Grazia
Published: June 2019

We describe a patient affected by migraine with visual and somatosensory aura, whose symptoms were consistently attenuated by noninvasive peripheral vagal nerve stimulation (nVNS) in multiple prospectively recorded attacks. When compared with the current standard of care, nVNS significantly reduced the duration of visual aura in all the attacks ( n = 5) and prevented the somatosensory aura in three of the five attacks. The overall duration of nVNS-treated auras was 19.0 ± 4.2 min, significantly shorter than the duration of aura in attacks treated with standard of care (103.8 ± 10.3 min). This single-case study requires confirmation in a larger sample size, but we believe that this first report is suggestive of likely efficacy given the relatively high number of treated attacks and the consistent effect of nVNS.
Studies on the grinding force, size effect, surface texture, and mechanism of material removal in the grinding of AA6061-TiB2/ZrB2 in situ composite
Authors: Mahamani A.
Published: June 2019

Machining and conversion of aluminum matrix composites into a desired shape with accuracy has been a challenge for many years. Grinding is a process aimed at achieving better-quality surface finish along with reasonable rate of material removal. The present article describes the influence of operating parameters on the tangential grinding force, size effect, and surface integrity in the grinding of in situ aluminum matrix composites using various grinding wheels. The material removal mechanism of the in situ composite under different grinding conditions is established. Experimental results show that the grinding operating parameters have significant influence on the tangential grinding force, size effect, surface integrity, and material removal. Scanning electron and atomic force microscopy findings indicate presence of numerous surface defects on the grounded surface under all grinding conditions. Diamond grinding wheel outperformed the CBN and Al2O3 wheels by requiring lower grinding force and specific grinding energy and generating lower surface defects. Surface defects, including grinding striation, delamination, and ridge formation are unavoidable under all machining conditions. However, the aforementioned surface defects indicate the ductile mode of material removal at all experimental conditions. Undeformed chip thickness under various grinding conditions plays a significant role in material removal and surface generation. These findings help to understand the mechanism of material removal in machining of in situ composites under various grinding conditions, which helps in attaining the economic production rate without compromising the surface integrity.
3D magnetic amplitude inversion in the presence of self-demagnetization and remanent magnetization
Authors: Zuo Boxin , Hu Xiangyun , Cai Yi , Liu Shuang
Published: June 2019

We have developed a general 3D amplitude inversion algorithm for magnetic data in the presence of self-demagnetization and remanent magnetization. The algorithm uses a nonlinear conjugate gradient (NLCG) scheme to invert the amplitude of the magnetic anomaly vector within a partial differential equation framework. Three quantities— the amplitude of the anomalous magnetic field, the analytic signal, and the normalized source strength, defined as the amplitudes of magnetic data that are weakly dependent on the magnetization direction — are inverted to recover the 3D distribution of the subsurface magnetic susceptibility. Numerical experiments indicate that our NLCG amplitude inversion algorithm has a rapid convergence rate that provides a reasonable inversion solution in the absence of knowing the total magnetization direction. High-resolution aeromagnetic data collected from the Pea Ridge iron oxide-apatite-rare earth element deposit, southeast Missouri, USA, are used to illustrate the efficacy of our amplitude inversion algorithm. This algorithm is generally applicable for tackling the large-scale inversion problem in the presence of self-demagnetization and remanent magnetization.
Migration in orthorhombic media: A prestack time-migration approach
Authors: Tian Baoqing , Zhang Jiangjie
Published: June 2019

High-resolution imaging has become more popular recently in exploration geophysics. Conventionally, geophysicists image the subsurface using the isotropy approximation. When considering the anisotropy effects, one can expect to obtain an imaging profile with higher accuracy than the isotropy approach allows. Orthorhombic anisotropy is considered an ideal approximation in the realistic case. It has been used in the industry for several years. Although being attractive, broad application of orthorhombic anisotropy has many problems to solve. We have developed a novel approach of prestack time migration in the orthorhombic case. The traveltime and amplitude of a wave propagating in orthorhombic media are calculated directly by launching new anisotropic velocity and anisotropic parameters. We validate our methods with synthetic data. We also highlight our methods with model data set and real data. The results found that our methods work well for prestack time migration in orthorhombic media.
Petrophysical rock typing in unconventional shale plays: The Niobrara Formation case study
Authors: Kamruzzaman Asm , Prasad Manika , Sonnenberg Stephen
Published: June 2019

Production from organic-rich shale petroleum systems is extremely challenging due to the complex rock and flow characteristics. An accurate characterization of shale reservoir rock properties would positively impact hydrocarbon exploration and production planning. We integrate large-scale geologic components with small-scale petrophysical rock properties to categorize distinct rock types in low-porosity and low-permeability shales. We then use this workflow to distinguish three rock types in the reservoir interval of the Niobrara Shale in the Denver Basin of the United States: the Upper Chalks (A, B, and C Chalk), the Marls (A, B, and C Marl), and the Lower Chalks (D Chalk and Fort Hays Limestone). In our study area, we find that the Upper Chalk has better reservoir-rock quality, moderate source-rock potential, stiffer rocks, and a higher fraction of compliant micro- and nanopores. On the other hand, the Marls have moderate reservoir-rock quality and a higher source-rock potential. The Upper Chalks and the Marls should have major economic potential. The Lower Chalk has higher porosity and a higher fraction of micro- and nanopores; however, it exhibits poor source-rock potential. The measured core data indicate large mineralogy, organic richness, and porosity heterogeneities throughout the Niobrara interval at all scales.