bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Owner perceptions of radiotherapy treatment for veterinary patients with cancer
Authors: Smith Patrick A. D. , Burnside Shona , Helm Jenny R. , Morris Joanna S.
Published: January 2019

Veterinary clients may have trepidation about treating their pet with radiotherapy because of concerns about radiation side effects or repeated anaesthetics. The purpose of this study is to assess whether owners' attitudes towards veterinary radiotherapy, including concerns over side effects, change during the course of treatment, and whether radiotherapy was perceived to affect pets' quality of life (QOL). A prospective cohort study of clients from 2012 to 2015 was performed. Pets received palliative or definitive radiotherapy for various tumours. Clients completed questionnaires before, during and after radiotherapy. Questions assessed owner preconceptions before treatment, including side effect expectations, actual side effects experienced and overall satisfaction with the process. In addition, at each time point, the owners assessed their pet's QOL using a simple numerical scale. Forty‐nine patients were included. After completing treatment, owners were significantly less concerned about potential side effects of radiotherapy (P < 0.001), side effects associated with repeat anaesthetics (P < 0.001), and about radiotherapy in general (P < 0.001). QOL did not show a significant change at any point during or after treatment. Following treatment, 94% reported that the experience was better than expected and 100% supported the use of radiotherapy in pets. This is the first prospective study evaluating client attitudes and satisfaction before and after radiotherapy treatment in pets. The results indicate that radiotherapy is well tolerated, and the anxiety associated with radiotherapy is significantly alleviated after experiencing the process. These results will help veterinarians allay client concerns, and will hopefully lead to an increase in clients pursuing radiotherapy in pets.
Determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations for silver sulfadiazine and other topical antimicrobial agents against strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from canine otitis externa
Authors: von Silva‐Tarouca Maritta S. E. , Wolf Georg , Mueller Ralf S.
Published: January 2019

Background

Otitis externa is a common presenting complaint in practice. Ear infections by Pseudomonas aeruginosa are particularly problematic due to the organism's high level of resistance and ability to damage the tympanum. Treatment should be based on susceptibility testing although minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) are not available for all treatment options. Silver sulfadiazine has been used in cases of recurrent P. aeruginosa otitis, although a MIC for silver sulfadiazine as a single agent has not been established.

Objectives

To describe susceptibility patterns of P. aeruginosa isolated from canine otitis externa and determine the MIC for silver sulfadiazine and other topical antimicrobials.

Animals

Thirty‐six P. aeruginosa isolates were collected from client‐owned dogs, suffering from otitis externa.

Methods and materials

Susceptibility patterns were established using disc diffusion susceptibility testing against 17 antimicrobial agents. For determination of the MIC, selected strains were tested against increasing concentrations of marbofloxacin, enrofloxacin, gentamicin, polymyxin B and silver sulfadiazine using broth microdilution.

Results

For nine of 17 antimicrobial agents, complete resistance was seen in all isolates tested via disk diffusion susceptibility testing. Approximately 94% and 96% of isolates were susceptible to gentamicin and imipenem, respectively. These findings were consistent with broth dilution, where all strains were susceptible to gentamicin. Resistance was higher against polymyxin B and the fluoroquinolones. Silver sulfadiazine was effective in vitro with a MIC ranging from 1 to 64 μg/mL.

Conclusions and clinical significance

As the MIC of silver sulfadiazine was lower than the concentration in a 1% preparation, such a product potentially represents a treatment option for dogs with P. aeruginosa otitis.
O modus operandi de Deus e a composição da comunidade cristã. Um estudo de 1 Cor 1,26-31
Authors: Filho José Adriano
Published: January 2019

Ao analisar 1 Cor 1,26-31, este artigo procura destacar a força retórica do argumento paulino que afirma que a maior parte das pessoas a quem Deus chamou para formar a comunidade cristã em Corinto não são “sábios”, “poderosos” e “de família prestigiosa”, mas “as coisas loucas”, “as coisas fracas”, “as coisas desprezíveis” e “as coisas que nada são”. Deus, ao revelar a sua sabedoria e poder na cruz de Cristo, escolhe a fraqueza e loucura do mundo, destruindo os fundamentos do orgulho humano. O artigo demonstra também que as declarações de Paulo não podem ser desvinculadas do discurso de honra próprio da cultura grecoromana, a qual estava associada a poder, gênero e lugar social. Além da riqueza, associada às pessoas de status social elevado, havia uma hierarquia de valores que incluía linhagem familiar, conexões com Roma e sofisticação cultural.
Neuroteología y la naturaleza de la experiencia religiosa
Authors: Múnera Montoya Juan Carlos
Published: January 2019

El desarrollo de las neurociencias en las últimas décadas ha reavivado el interés por el fenómeno de la creencia y de la experiencia religiosa. Precisamente, la neuroteología se posiciona como un espacio común de investigación y reflexión para hallar las correlaciones entre ciencia y otras disciplinas interesadas en el fenómeno religioso. En este artículo se consideran explicaciones neuropsicológicas de algunos exponentes importantes. Además, trata de contribuir a la discusión sobre el valor epistémico de la experiencia religiosa y sobre su naturaleza, un campo en el cual aportan diferentes ciencias.
Validating Enterovirus D68-2A
pro
as an Antiviral Drug Target and the Discovery of Telaprevir as a Potent D68-2A
pro
Inhibitor
Authors: Musharrafieh Rami , Ma Chunlong , Zhang Jiantao , Hu Yanmei , Diesing Jessica M. , Marty Michael T. , Wang Jun
Published: January 2019

A 2014 EV-D68 outbreak in the United States has been linked to the development of acute flaccid myelitis in children. Unfortunately, no treatment options against EV-D68 are currently available, and the development of effective therapeutics is urgently needed. Here, we characterize and validate a new EV-D68 drug target, the 2A
pro
, and identify telaprevir—an FDA-approved drug used to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections—as a potent antiviral with a novel mechanism of action toward 2A
pro
. 2A
pro
functions as a viral protease that cleaves a peptide sequence corresponding to the VP1-2A polyprotein junction. The binding of telaprevir potently inhibits its enzymatic activity, and using drug resistance selection, we show that the potent antiviral activity of telaprevir was due to 2A
pro
inhibition. This is the first inhibitor to selectively target the 2A
pro
from EV-D68 and can be used as a starting point for the development of therapeutics with selective activity against EV-D68.
Challenges in Quantifying Cytosine Methylation in the HIV Provirus
Authors: LaMere Sarah A. , Chaillon Antoine , Huynh Christina , Smith Davey M. , Gianella Sara
Published: January 2019

DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism most commonly associated with transcriptional repression. While it is clear that DNA methylation can silence HIV proviral expression in
in vitro
latency models, its correlation with HIV persistence and expression
in vivo
is ambiguous, particularly in persons living with HIV (PLWH) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Engineering Clostridial Aldehyde/Alcohol Dehydrogenase for Selective Butanol Production
Authors: Cho Changhee , Hong Seungpyo , Moon Hyeon Gi , Jang Yu-Sin , Kim Dongsup , Lee Sang Yup
Published: January 2019

Renewable biofuel represents one of the answers to solving the energy crisis and climate change problems. Butanol produced naturally by clostridia has superior liquid fuel characteristics and thus has the potential to replace gasoline. Due to the lack of efficient genetic manipulation tools, however, clostridial strain improvement has been slower than improvement of other microorganisms. Furthermore, fermentation coproducing various by-products requires costly downstream processing for butanol purification. Here, we report the results of enzyme engineering of aldehyde/alcohol dehydrogenase (AAD) to increase butanol selectivity. A metabolically engineered
Clostridium acetobutylicum
strain expressing the engineered aldehyde/alcohol dehydrogenase gene was capable of producing butanol at a high level of selectivity.
Recurrent vulvar melanoma in a patient with neurofibromatosis and gastrointestinal stromal tumour
Authors: Linehan Anna , Harrold Emily , Pilson Keith , McCaffrey John
Published: January 2019

We report a case of a 51-year-old woman with neurofibromatosis who presented in 2012 with postmenopausal bleeding. Excision biopsy of a pigmented lesion of the labia minora was consistent with an ulcerated vulvar BRAF wild type malignant melanoma (MM). Initial excision was followed by radical vulvectomy and adjuvant interferon. Local recurrence in January 2017 was further resected. Positron emission tomography (PET)-CT in May 2017 identified an FDG avid omental deposit; consistent histologically with MM when resected. Postoperative PET-CT in August 2017 demonstrated local recurrence. In the setting of resected stage IV disease and a third local recurrence, the decision was made to instigate immunotherapy. Vulvar melanoma is rare accounting for 0.2% of all melanoma. Presentation is typically a decade later than cutaneous melanoma with a tendency to late metastases and poorer prognosis. Given their rarity the treatment paradigm is less clearly defined and largely extrapolated from that of cutaneous melanomas.
Successful treatment of stage III hidradenitis suppurativa with botulinum toxin A
Authors: Shi Weibin , Schultz Shannon , Strouse Amy , Gater David R
Published: January 2019

A 41-year-old obese Native American woman presented with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) after failing all available treatment options. Her HS was more pronounced in the axillary and groin regions (Hurley stage III) and was a major source of her pain and a barrier for home exercise and aquatic therapy. She received a botulinum toxin A injection every 3 months (four times thus far), which has significantly helped alleviate her pain and curb the progress of her HS by resolving abscesses and healing draining sinuses.
Clear cell, giant myoepithelioma of tongue base: a diagnostic and surgical challenge
Authors: Saravanam Prasanna Kumar , Manimaran Vinoth , Rajendran Rashmika
Published: January 2019

Clear cell variant is a rare histological type of myoepithelioma seen in parotid and soft palate. This article describes clear cell variant of myoepithelioma in the tongue base, which has not been reported in the literature so far. A 34-year-old man presented with dysphagia and foreign body sensation of throat. Video laryngostroboscopy using a 70° rigid telescope showed a smooth globular mass in the oropharynx arising from the tongue base. Based on clinical and radiological findings, the lesion was considered as benign. Fine needle aspiration cytology was not attempted fearing risk of bleeding, aspiration and airway compromise. Hence, an excisional biopsy followed by definitive histopathological examination without frozen section was planned. The patient underwent coblator-assisted excision and subsequently sent for histopathological analysis. There were cuboidal cell nests with abundant clear cytoplasm which stained positive for p63 by immunohistochemistry. This helped in establishing the diagnosis of clear cell myoepithelioma.
Novel intronicDICER1variation associated with pleuropulmonary blastoma in two siblings
Authors: Leckey Bruce D , Carney John M , Sun Jessica M , Pavlisko Elizabeth N
Published: January 2019

Pleuropulmonary blastomas (PPB) are rare aggressive paediatric lung malignancies associated withDICER1variants. We present two cases, a 2-year-old girl with upper respiratory tract symptoms as well as a 6-month-old girl sibling undergoing screening due to family history of malignancy. Imaging of the 2-year-old girl revealed a large mass filling the right hemithorax which was determined to be a type II PPB after pathological examination. Imaging of the 6-month-old sibling demonstrated a small cystic lesion in the posterior basal segment of the right lower lobe which was determined to be a type 1r PPB after pathological examination. The 2-year-old girl received adjuvant chemotherapy while the baby sister underwent resection alone and both are alive and well at 12 months and 7 months, respectively. Sequence analysis in both cases confirmed the sameDICER1variation, c.2437-2A>G (likely pathogenic), which has not been previously described in the literature.
Associations between physical activity and asthma, eczema and obesity in children aged 12–16: an observational cohort study
Authors: Jago Russell , Salway Ruth E , Ness Andy R , Shield Julian P Hamilton , Ridd Matthew J , Henderson A John
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To compare the physical activity of adolescents with three common long-term conditions (asthma, eczema and obesity) with adolescents without these conditions.

Design

Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of adolescents at ages 12, 14 and 16 in a large UK cohort study.

Setting

The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.

Participants

6473 adolescents with complete accelerometer data at at least one time point.

Methods

Mean minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time per day were derived from accelerometer-based measurements at ages 12, 14 and 16. Obesity was defined at each time point from height and weight measurements. Parents reported doctor-assessed asthma or eczema. Cross-sectional and longitudinal regression models examined any differences in MVPA or sedentary time for adolescents with asthma, eczema or obesity compared with those without.

Results

In longitudinal models, boys engaged in an average of 69.7 (95% CI 67.6 to 71.7) min MVPA at age 12, declining by 3.1 (95% CI 2.6 to 3.6) min/year while girls’ average MVPA was 47.5 (95% CI 46.1 to 48.9) min at age 12, declining by 1.8 (95% CI 1.5 to 2.1) min/year. There was no strong evidence of differences in physical activity patterns of those with and without asthma or eczema. Obese boys engaged in 11.1 (95% CI 8.7 to 13.6) fewer minutes of MVPA, and obese girls in 5.0 (95% CI 3.3 to 6.8) fewer minutes than their non-obese counterparts. Cross-sectional models showed comparable findings.

Conclusions

Mean minutes of MVPA per day did not differ between adolescents with asthma or eczema and those without, but obese adolescents engaged in fewer minutes of MVPA. Findings reinforce the need for strategies to help obese adolescents be more active but suggest no need to develop bespoke physical activity strategies for adolescents with mild asthma or eczema.
Impact of automated OCT in a high-volume eye urgent care setting
Authors: Kaplan Richard I , Chen Masako , Gupta Meenakashi , Rosen Richard B
Published: January 2019

Background/Aims

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become standard of care in the diagnosis and management of a myriad of retinal and optic nerve pathology. Access to diagnostic equipment and skilled imaging personnel in the after-hours setting is often limited. We examined the utility and diagnostic indications for automated OCT in a high-volume after-hours clinic within an eye institute.

Methods

OCT images obtained over a period of 15 months were reviewed in the context of electronic patient records. Residents and fellows were surveyed regarding their experience with the OCT and its value in emergency patient management.

Results

202 patients and 359 eyes were examined. Complaints prompting imaging included flashes/floaters, metamorphopsia, decreased vision and scotomas. Diagnoses included vascular occlusion, retinal detachment, macular hole, cystoid macular oedema and central serous retinopathy. Of the 25 residents and fellows surveyed, most agreed that the OCT that facilitated delivery of optimal urgent management. OCT also aided in the triage of patients to specialty clinics.

Conclusion

Expanded access to automated OCT in the urgent care setting shows promise for improving the accuracy and timeliness of diagnosis, which can be critical for optimising patient outcomes. OCT also provides clear, immediate documentation of pathology for substantiating medical decision-making.
Influence of exercise amount and intensity on long-term weight loss maintenance and skeletal muscle mitochondrial ROS production in humans
Authors: Larsen Steen , Dandanell Sune , Kristensen Kasper Birch , Jørgensen Sofie Drevsholt , Dela Flemming , Helge Jørn W.
Published: January 2019

Sustaining a weight loss after a lifestyle intervention is challenging. The objective of the present study was to investigate if mitochondrial function is associated with the ability to maintain a weight loss. Sixty-eight former participants in an 11–12-week lifestyle intervention were recruited into 2 groups; weight loss maintenance (WLM; body mass index (BMI): 32 ± 1 kg/m2) and weight regain (WR; BMI: 43 ± 2 kg/m2) based on weight loss measured at a follow-up visit (WLM: 4.8 ± 0.4; WR: 7.6 ± 0.8 years after lifestyle intervention). Maximal oxygen consumption rate, physical activity level, and blood and muscle samples were obtained at the follow-up experiment. Mitochondrial respiratory capacity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were measured. Fasting blood samples were used to calculate glucose homeostasis index. WR had impaired glucose homeostasis and decreased maximal oxygen uptake and physical activity level compared with WLM. The decreased physical activity in WR was due to a lower activity level at vigorous and moderate intensities. Mitochondrial respiratory capacity and citrate synthase (CS) activity was higher in WLM, but intrinsic mitochondrial respiratory capacity (mitochondrial respiratory capacity corrected for mitochondrial content (CS activity)) was similar. ROS production was higher in WR compared with WLM, which was accompanied by a decreased content of antioxidant proteins in WR. Intrinsic mitochondrial respiratory capacity in skeletal muscle is not associated with the ability to maintain a long-term weight loss. WLM had a higher maximal oxygen uptake, physical activity level, mitochondrial respiratory capacity and CS activity compared with WR. The reduced glucose tolerance was concurrent with increased ROS production per mitochondria in WR, and could also be associated with the lower physical activity level in this group.
Modality-specific training adaptations – do they lead to a dampened acute inflammatory response to exercise?
Authors: Hoekstra Sven P. , Westerman Matthew N. , Beke Flavio , Bishop Nicolette C. , Leicht Christof A.
Published: January 2019

While adaptations to a short-term training program can dampen the acute inflammatory response to exercise, less is known about the influence of chronic modality-specific adaptations to training. This study compares the acute inflammatory response to upper- and lower-body interval exercise in individuals chronically trained in these respective modalities. Ninety minutes of interval exercise matched for relative power output on an arm-crank (ARM) and cycle ergometer (LEG) was performed by 8 trained paddlers and 8 trained cyclists. Blood samples were taken before and after exercise. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations were analysed in plasma, while the expression of intracellular heat shock protein 72 (iHsp72) was assessed in monocytes. IL-6 was increased following both modalities (fold change – ARM: 7.23 ± 3.56, p < 0.001; LEG: 9.03 ± 4.82, p < 0.001), in both groups (cyclists, p < 0.001; paddlers, p < 0.001), but the increase was smaller in ARM compared with LEG (time × modality, p < 0.001). ARM induced a smaller iHsp72 response compared with LEG (fold change – ARM: 1.07 ± 0.14, p = 0.102; LEG: 1.18 ± 0.14, p < 0.001; time × modality, p = 0.039). Following ARM, iHsp72 expression was increased in the cyclists only (fold change cyclists: 1.12 ± 0.11, p = 0.018; paddlers: 1.03 ± 0.17, p = 0.647), while iHsp72 expression following LEG was increased in both groups (fold change cyclists: 1.14 ± 0.15, p = 0.027; paddlers: 1.22 ± 0.13, p < 0.001). Taken together, the acute inflammatory response to lower-body interval exercise was larger compared with work-matched upper-body interval exercise. Moreover, adaptations to upper-body exercise training dampened the iHsp72 response to this modality. Therefore, exercise may be less effective in reducing chronic low-grade inflammation in individuals relying on their upper body, such as wheelchair users.
Dominant and nondominant leg press training induce similar contralateral and ipsilateral limb training adaptations with children
Authors: Ben Othman Aymen , Chaouachi Anis , Chaouachi Mehdi , Makhlouf Issam , Farthing Jonathan P. , Granacher Urs , Behm David G.
Published: January 2019

Cross-education has been extensively investigated with adults. Adult studies report asymmetrical cross-education adaptations predominately after dominant limb training. The objective of the study was to examine unilateral leg press (LP) training of the dominant or nondominant leg on contralateral and ipsilateral strength and balance measures. Forty-two youth (10–13 years) were placed (random allocation) into a dominant (n = 15) or nondominant (n = 14) leg press training group or nontraining control (n = 13). Experimental groups trained 3 times per week for 8 weeks and were tested pre-/post-training for ipsilateral and contralateral 1-repetition maximum (RM) horizontal LP, maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of knee extensors (KE) and flexors (KF), countermovement jump (CMJ), triple hop test (THT), MVIC strength of elbow flexors (EF) and handgrip, as well as the stork and Y balance tests. Both dominant and nondominant LP training significantly (p < 0.05) increased both ipsilateral and contralateral lower body strength (LP 1RM (dominant: 59.6%–81.8%; nondominant: 59.5%–96.3%), KE MVIC (dominant: 12.4%–18.3%; nondominant: 8.6%–18.6%), KF MVIC (dominant: 7.9%–22.3%; nondominant: nonsignificant–3.8%), and power (CMJ: dominant: 11.1%–18.1%; nondominant: 7.7%–16.6%)). The exception was that nondominant LP training demonstrated a nonsignificant change with the contralateral KF MVIC. Other significant improvements were with nondominant LP training on ipsilateral EF 1RM (6.2%) and THT (9.6%). There were no significant changes with EF and handgrip MVIC. The contralateral leg stork balance test was impaired following dominant LP training. KF MVIC exhibited the only significant relative post-training to pretraining (post-test/pre-test) ratio differences between dominant versus nondominant LP cross-education training effects. In conclusion, children exhibit symmetrical cross-education or global training adaptations with unilateral training of dominant or nondominant upper leg.
On the Bell’s spaceships paradox and the proper length of an accelerated body
Authors: Ceresuela Jesús , Llosa Josep
Published: January 2019

We draw upon the Dewan–Beran–Bell thought experiment of two spaceships connected by a thread that begin to accelerate to discuss the difficulties in extending the notion of proper length to bodies in arbitrary motion. We propose a relativistic extension of proper length by combining Born’s definition of infinitesimal distance and the notion of local simultaneity. Finally we examine how the length of the thread between the ships evolves and compare it with other relativistic extensions.
Human migration patterns in China with the resume data
Authors: Nie Qi , Wu Jian-Jun , Yan Xiao-Yong , Liu Jin-Hu , Wang Jun
Published: January 2019

Researches on the human mobility have made great progress in many aspects, but the long-term and long-distance migration behavior is lack of in-depth and extensive research because of the difficulty in accessing to household data. In this paper, we use the resume data to discover the human migration behavior on the large-scale scope. It is found that the asymmetry in the flow structure which reflects the influence of population competition is caused by the difference of attractiveness among cities. This flow structure can be approximately described by the gravity model of spatial economics. Besides, the value of scaling exponent of distance function in the gravity model is less than the value of short-term travel behavior. It means that, compared with the short-term travel behavior, the long-term human migration behavior is less sensitive. Moreover, the scaling coefficients of each variable in the gravity model are investigated. The result shows that the economic level is the main factor of migration.
Cryptanalysis and improvement of the novel semi-quantum secret sharing scheme using entangled states
Authors: He Qijian , Yang Wei , Chen Bingren , Huang Liusheng
Published: January 2019

A semi-quantum secret sharing scheme using entangled states was proposed in a recent paper [Mod. Phys. Lett. B 32 (2018) 1850256. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0217984918502561 ]. We find a loophole of this scheme. Based on the intercept-resend attack, we propose a deterministic attack strategy and a probabilistic attack strategy. The malicious participant can escape the detection and obtains the secret. We also suggest two improvements to help increase the security of the original scheme.
General matrix exponent solutions to the coupled derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equation on half-line
Authors: Zhang Jian-Bing , Ma Wen-Xiu
Published: January 2019

Generalized matrix exponential solutions to the coupled derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equation (DNLSE) are obtained by the inverse scattering transformation (IST). The resulting solutions involve six matrices, which satisfy the coupled Sylvester equations. Several kinds of explicit solutions including soliton, complexiton, and Matveev solutions are deduced from the generalized matrix exponential solutions by choosing different kinds of the six involved matrices through Mathematica symbolic computations.
CYBERBULLYING AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN HONG KONG
Authors: CHEN JI-KANG
Published: January 2019

Using a large-scale dataset from Hong Kong, this study describes the prevalence of cyberbullying and examines how gender and grade level relate to cyberbullying among secondary school students in Hong Kong. Participants were 1,855 students from secondary schools (Forms 1 to 7). Students were given an anonymous questionnaire that included a scale for reporting their experiences of cyberbullying. Responses indicated that 17.8% of students reported cyberbullying and 30.9% experienced at least one type of cyberbullying in the past three months. Curses, insults, and humiliation were the most common types of cyberbullying. Males reported higher rates of bullying and victimization than did females. The overall rates of bullying and victimization peaked in Forms 2 or 3 and in Form 6. Cyberbullying among secondary students in Hong Kong is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Potential intervention programs should target males and students in Forms 2, 3, and 6. Programs should mainly aim to reduce online curses, insults, and humiliation by students.
SOCIAL WORKER TURNOVER ISSUE IN MAINLAND CHINA: ORGANIZATIONS CAN DO SOMETHING
Authors: MO KITTY YUEN-HAN , LAI HUNG-SING
Published: January 2019

The turnover issue among social workers in Mainland China has been a challenge for the past ten years. Research studies on organizational effort in handling turnover problems of social worker have been lacking in the country. A recent qualitative study has been conducted in the summer of 2017. The study examines turnover issues and how to tackle them by management practices. It helps to answer a question, that is, “what organization can do to retain social workers?” Cultural issues are discussed as well. The role and responsibilities of social work managers in implementing management strategies are mentioned in this study.
VOLUNTEERING AND PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY SERVICE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN HONG KONG
Authors: LING HENRY WAI HANG
Published: January 2019

Little is known about the level of youth participation in voluntary services and “Other Learning Experiences” (OLE) related community service among secondary school students in Hong Kong. This study attempts to provide a preliminary descriptive overview of youth participation in volunteering and OLE related community service. A total of 1,046 secondary school students were recruited to fill in a self-administered questionnaire. This study is relevant to social workers who should be aware of the current volunteer situation in Hong Kong. Such information is an essential foundation for them to plan, organize, execute and evaluate service programs.
WHO SHOULD BE THE CASE MANAGER FOR PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS? SOCIAL WORKER, NURSE OR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST?
Authors: TONG SILVIA THERESA
Published: January 2019

Case manager for persons with mental illness is a skilled professional who works directly with clients and administers specialized care to them. The ultimate goal is to facilitate clients to re-integrate into the community during their recovery process. In Hong Kong, professionals usually employed as case manager in the community setting are social workers, psychiatric nurses and occupational therapists. In principle, every member of the recovery team could be the case manager. However, who is the best fit for this role? This article discusses which professional would best fill the role of case manager. The role of case manager and their relationship with clients are examined. The article explores the core values, roles, functions and work practice of three disciplines in caring for the mentally ill. The code of ethics, training and characteristic of approaches employed from each discipline are reviewed and discussed. In conclusion, social workers, nurses and occupational therapists share similarities in philosophy and theoretical foundations. Expertise from each discipline complements one another and contributes to the symphony in the recovery journey.
OPEN INNOVATION GROUNDWORK
Authors: WIKHAMN BJORN REMNELAND , STYHRE ALEXANDER
Published: January 2019

Although the concept of open innovation has gained much attention in the field of innovation management, few studies have so far theorized how such initiatives are being enacted in practice. This study is based on an inductive empirical analysis of how AstraZeneca, a large biopharmaceutical corporation, implemented an open innovation initiative called BioVentureHub. In the paper we introduce a theoretical model of open innovation enactment based on four interrelated processes. Three of these processes — conceptualization, mobilization, and operationalization — include activities related to preparing for open innovation, what we call open innovation groundwork. The fourth process — facilitation — involves translating the groundwork into actual open innovation.

The study contributes to the broader open innovation domain by its detailed account and theorizing of how open innovation is established in practice. Our methodological approach complements the previous research on open innovation that mostly are based on retrospective accounts or are conceptual in nature. Moreover, the study contributes by illustrating a novel initiative from the life science industry, where open innovation is frequently discussed but where still only a few empirical examples are found in academic literature
Can Environmental Protection in Ecological Functional Zones Break Free from the Constraints of Focusing Just on Economic Benefits? — A Case Study of the Plateau Ecological Zone’s Tiamitcheen
Authors: JIANG Wei
Published: January 2019

Following the 2015 publication and revision of the 2008 National Ecological Functional Division, China, in 2017, added 240 counties (cities, districts, and banners) to its national key ecological functional zone system. Ecological functional zones, in practice, are often caught in a dilemma between environmental protection and economic development, with actions aimed at the promotion of locally-based economic advances frequently conflicting with the goals of ecological functional divisions. To investigate this dilemma, the paper selected Tiamitcheen County in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, a key ecological function zone, as the site for a field investigation, case study. The primary methodologies applied in this study included a questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews. Based on the observation of three main reasons for the dilemma between environmental protection and economic development, the author proposed that ecological functional zones should be further subdivided based on the National Ecological Functional Division according to the zones’ respective characteristics at the local level. More efforts should also go into better specifying the scope of ecological “red lines”, and to the demarcation of the boundaries of ecological functional core zones, buffer zones, and experimental zones. This would help in the formulation of local development planning, while at the same time increasing the support directed to ecological protection zones. In addition, “differentiated” and “greening” zoning assessment mechanisms should also be fully implemented, whereby different assessment factors and weights are established according to the characteristics of the different functional zones. An expanded array of economic indicators should also be delineated, which more specifically indicates the differences between ecological functional zones and other functional zones. This would, via a “differentiated” and “green” assessment system, help to ease the conflicts arising between local governments’ efforts at both economic promotion and ecological protection. Within ecological functional zones, it would also encourage local governments to break through the need to adhere strictly to efforts at economic promotion so as to ensure ecological security.
Telemedicine and Cardiology in the Elderly in France: Inventory of Experiments
Authors: Zulfiqar A. A. , Hajjam A. , Gény B. , Talha S. , Hajjam M. , Hajjam J. , Ervé S. , Andrès E.
Published: January 2019

Telemedicine is now in vogue, allowing through computer and communication tools to be deployed in the field of health, such as cardiology, area in which it has shown interest, in international studies. As the population ages, older people are increasingly concerned with this innovative practice. We take a look at telemedicine projects in France concerning the elderly, in the field of cardiology.
Vitamin D3 and Dental Caries in Children with Growth Hormone Deficiency
Authors: Wójcik Dorota , Szalewski Leszek , Pietryka-Michałowska Elżbieta , Borowicz Janusz , Pels Elżbieta , Beń-Skowronek Iwona
Published: January 2019

Vitamin D deficiency is a common risk factor for multifactorial diseases, and it seems to be associated with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Vitamin D could prevent dental caries. The goal of this study was to identify whether there is an association between hormonal therapy with growth hormone (GH), vitamin D3 supplementation, vitamin D3 levels, and the occurrence of caries among children affected by GHD. The study group consisted of patients from the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology of the University Paediatric Hospital at the Medical University of Lublin treated with recombinant human GH for pituitary GHD. It was conducted between October 2014 and June 2015. The study group included 121 children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years, with 56 children from rural areas and 65 from urban areas. The study group was stratified by the area of residence. We found the statistically significant impact of vitamin D3 concentration on the average value of the DMFT (decayed, missed, and filled teeth) index and its component—DT (decayed teeth), which was noted in subjects from rural areas. Among patients from urban areas, we found a statistically significant correlation between duration of therapy and the DMFT index. An increase in duration of GH therapy by 10 months leads to a mean increase in DMFT index by 0.70. Based on multiple regression analysis, we developed the following model: value of DT = 3.10 − 0.73∗category of vitamin D3 concentration − 0.07∗duration of supplementation (in months). In this model, variables with a significant impact on the value of DT in the group of patients from rural areas include time of vitamin D3 supplementation and category of vitamin D3 concentration. Greater emphasis should be placed on promoting vitamin D3 as a potentially effective agent reducing the number of dental caries, especially among patients with GHD.
Building Fire: Experimental and Numerical Studies on Behaviour of Flows at Opening
Authors: Onguene Mvogo Philippe , Mouangue Ruben , Tégawendé Zaida Justin , Obounou Marcel , Ekobena Fouda Henri
Published: January 2019

Compartment fire is conducted by complex phenomena which have been the topics of many studies. During fire incident in a building, damage to occupants is not often due to the direct exposition to flames but to hot and toxic gases resulting from combustion between combustibles and surrounding air. Heat is therefore taken far from the source by combustion products which could involve a rapid spread of fire in the entire building. With the intention of studying the impact of the opening size on the behaviour of fire, experimental and computational studies have been undertaken in a reduced scale room including a single open door. Owing to Froude modelling, the obtained results have been transposed into full scale results. In accordance with experiments, numerical studies enabled the investigation of the influence of the ventilation factor on velocities of incoming air and outgoing burned gases and on areas of the surfaces crossed by these fluids during full-developed fire. Comparison of the deduced mass flow rates with the literature reveals an approval agreement.
The Effect of Judo Training on Set-Shifting in School Children
Authors: Lo Wai Leung Ambrose , Liang Zhenwen , Li Wenfeng , Luo Suying , Zou Zhi , Chen Shaozhen , Yu Qiuhua
Published: January 2019

Improving executive functions (EFs) is desirable as they are considered to be critical for academic attainment and mental wellness in children. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of Judo training on the set-shifting function using a spatial task-switching paradigm. Protocol  1 compared the set-shifting ability of Judo players with age-matched healthy individuals. Protocol  2 compared the difference in EFs between children who underwent Judo training (intervention) and age-matched controls. EFs were assessed by a spatial task-switching test. Error rates and response times were analysed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA. Protocol 1. The group effect on error rates was significant. The trial type × group effect was significant in the Judo group. Error rates in the Judo group were lower in the switch trials than the control group (p = 0.001). No significant group difference was seen in the repeat trials (p = 0.764). Protocol 2. The time × trial type × group effect was significant. Post hoc analysis showed significantly lower error rates by the intervention group on switch trials compared to the control group (p = 0.006). Regular Judo training may potentially be an option for improving EFs in schoolchildren or in populations with executive dysfunction.
A Case of Alveolar Bleeding from Clotting Abnormality by Cefmetazole
Authors: Nakano Eri , Fukuoka Tsubasa , Takeuchi Nao , Seki Tomoyuki , Tamai Michihiro , Araki Makoto
Published: January 2019

Cephalosporins are one of the most commonly used first-line antibiotics. In this report, we describe the case of a patient who developed alveolar bleeding due to clotting abnormality following the use of cefmetazole, one of cephalosporins containing an N-methylthiotetrazole (NMTT) side chain. Compared to other antibiotics, cephalosporins with an NMTT side chain cause a higher degree of bleeding events. The bleeding tendency is caused by the depletion of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors via inhibition of the vitamin K epoxide reductase. This mechanism of action is the same as warfarin. Recent years have seen an increase in the number of patients using direct oral anticoagulants that do not require coagulation tests. As a consequence, there may be an increase in the number of bleeding events due to anticoagulant drugs and such antibiotics coprescription. Therefore, this case is an instructive lesson.
GC/MS-Based Metabolomics Approach to Evaluate the Effect of Jackyakgamcho-Tang on Acute Colitis
Authors: Seo Seung-Ho , Park Seong-Eun , Kim Eun-Ju , Youn Daehwan , Lee Yu-Mi , Lee Soon-Young , Bok So-Hyeon , Park Dae-Hun , Seo Chang-Seob , Byun Sung-Hoon , Jun Ki Young , Kim Dae Sung , Na Chang-Su , Son Hong-Seok
Published: January 2019

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of Jackyakgamcho-tang (JGT) on acute colitis. GC/MS-based metabolomics and NGS-based metagenomics were applied to investigate the alteration of metabolites and microbiota in an acute colitis model. The severity of acute colitis symptoms was alleviated by JGT treatment. Induction of colitis and JGT treatment changed compositions of gut microbiota and inflammatory cytokine levels (TNF-α and IL-6). They also substantially change metabolites (i.e., lactic acid, linoleic acid, monostearin, and palmitoylglycerol). In addition, some clear correlations were observed among metabolites, cytokine, and microbiota. This study highlights the applicability of metabolomics and metagenomics study for evaluating anti-inflammatory effects of a new functional herbal medicine as a therapeutic agent for acute colitis.
The Influence of Overnight Orthokeratology on Ocular Surface and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Teenagers with Myopia
Authors: Wang Xiu , Li Jing , Zhang Rui , Li Na , Pang Yi , Zhang Yan , Wei Ruihua
Published: January 2019

Purpose. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of overnight orthokeratology (OOK) on ocular surface and meibomian gland dysfunction in teenagers with myopia. Methods. A total of 59 subjects were recruited in this prospective study. The following tests were performed before and after 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months of OOK lens wear, including ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, slit-lamp examination, and Keratograph 5M. Results. No infectious keratitis occurred during the study. OSDI scores increased gradually and reached the maximum at 6 months of OOK wear (P<0.001). The meniscus height was significantly increased at 1 and 3 months after the initiation of OOK (P=0.006, P=0.035). The corneal fluorescein staining at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after wearing OOK were all increased than the prewearing level with significant difference (P=0.014, P=0.036, P<0.001, P<0.001, and P=0.008, respectively). The first and the average tear film NIKBUT were all higher than the prewearing level, but there was no significant difference between every follow-up time points (P>0.05). The lid margin abnormalities were significantly increased (P=0.003, P=0.038, and P=0.015) at 6, 12, and 24 months after the initiation of OOK. There was no significant difference in the meibomian gland orifice scores at each follow-up time points compared to the prewearing level (P>0.05). The meibomian gland lipid secretion scores after wearing OOK were higher than those of the prewearing level, however, without statistically significant difference (P>0.05). No significant differences of the degree of difficulty of lipid excretions were detected after the initiation of OOK (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in meibomian gland dropout scores between all follow-up time points and the prewearing level (P=1.000). Conclusion. OOK increased the symptoms of dry eye and decreased the function of tear film by affecting the meniscus height and BUT. OOK did not affect the function of meibomian glands.Clinical Study registration number: ChiCTR18000185708.
Pylephlebitis: A Case of Inferior Mesenteric Vein Thrombophlebitis in a Patient with Acute Sigmoid Diverticulitis—A Case Report and Clinical Management Review
Authors: Zia Aleena , Sohal Sumit , Costas Chris
Published: January 2019

Pylephlebitis is a rare complication of intra-abdominal infections and describes thrombosis and infection as two different pathophysiological phenomena in the cause of this disease. The nonspecific presentation of disease makes its diagnosis difficult and thus leads to high mortality. The treatment comprises antibiotics and also includes controversial use of anticoagulation in these patients. Here, we present a patient with past medical history of human immunodeficiency virus and past diverticulitis who presented with fever, chills, diarrhea, neck pain, and photophobia. He was diagnosed with acute sigmoid diverticulitis with associated inferior mesenteric vein thrombophlebitis. He improved after intravenous antibiotics and anticoagulation and was discharged. He underwent sigmoid colectomy 3 months after his initial presentation and was advised to take anticoagulation for a total of 6 months.
Motor Imagery EEG Classification Based on Decision Tree Framework and Riemannian Geometry
Authors: Guan Shan , Zhao Kai , Yang Shuning
Published: January 2019

This paper proposes a novel classification framework and a novel data reduction method to distinguish multiclass motor imagery (MI) electroencephalography (EEG) for brain computer interface (BCI) based on the manifold of covariance matrices in a Riemannian perspective. For method 1, a subject-specific decision tree (SSDT) framework with filter geodesic minimum distance to Riemannian mean (FGMDRM) is designed to identify MI tasks and reduce the classification error in the nonseparable region of FGMDRM. Method 2 includes a feature extraction algorithm and a classification algorithm. The feature extraction algorithm combines semisupervised joint mutual information (semi-JMI) with general discriminate analysis (GDA), namely, SJGDA, to reduce the dimension of vectors in the Riemannian tangent plane. And the classification algorithm replaces the FGMDRM in method 1 with k-nearest neighbor (KNN), named SSDT-KNN. By applying method 2 on BCI competition IV dataset 2a, the kappa value has been improved from 0.57 to 0.607 compared to the winner of dataset 2a. And method 2 also obtains high recognition rate on the other two datasets.