bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Receiving Foreign Aid Can Reduce Support for Incumbent Presidents
Authors: Briggs Ryan C.
Published: September 2018

Foreign aid is thought to be useful, and therefore desirable, to recipient governments because it allows them to increase their support through the provision of goods or services. However, the effect of the provision of aid on vote choice has rarely been directly tested. I examine the effect of receiving foreign aid on incumbent electoral support in three African countries using a spatial difference in differences design. Surprisingly, receiving aid lowers support for incumbent presidents. I test two mechanisms that could produce this result and find support for a mechanism where aid reduces one’s opinion of the incumbent, perhaps because aid does not live up to expectations. I discuss the implications of this result for research on the political effects of foreign aid and electoral accountability.
A Review of Qualitative Data Analysis Practices in Health Education and Health Behavior Research
Authors: Raskind Ilana G. , Shelton Rachel C. , Comeau Dawn L. , Cooper Hannah L. F. , Griffith Derek M. , Kegler Michelle C.
Published: September 2018

Data analysis is one of the most important, yet least understood, stages of the qualitative research process. Through rigorous analysis, data can illuminate the complexity of human behavior, inform interventions, and give voice to people’s lived experiences. While significant progress has been made in advancing the rigor of qualitative analysis, the process often remains nebulous. To better understand how our field conducts and reports qualitative analysis, we reviewed qualitative articles published in Health Education & Behavior between 2000 and 2015. Two independent reviewers abstracted information in the following categories: data management software, coding approach, analytic approach, indicators of trustworthiness, and reflexivity. Of the 48 ( n = 48) articles identified, the majority ( n = 31) reported using qualitative software to manage data. Double-coding transcripts was the most common coding method ( n = 23); however, nearly one third of articles did not clearly describe the coding approach. Although the terminology used to describe the analytic process varied widely, we identified four overarching trajectories common to most articles ( n = 37). Trajectories differed in their use of inductive and deductive coding approaches, formal coding templates, and rounds or levels of coding. Trajectories culminated in the iterative review of coded data to identify emergent themes. Few articles explicitly discussed trustworthiness or reflexivity. Member checks ( n = 9), triangulation of methods ( n = 8), and peer debriefing ( n = 7) were the most common procedures. Variation in the type and depth of information provided poses challenges to assessing quality and enabling replication. Greater transparency and more intentional application of diverse analytic methods can advance the rigor and impact of qualitative research in our field.
A Systematic Review of Genetic Influence on Psychological Resilience
Authors: Niitsu Kosuke , Rice Michael J. , Houfek Julia F. , Stoltenberg Scott F. , Kupzyk Kevin A. , Barron Cecilia R.
Published: September 2018

When exposed to adversity, some individuals are at an increased risk of posttraumatic stress disorder, experiencing persistent biopsychosocial disturbances, whereas others adapt well, described as resilience. Resilience is a complex biopsychosocial phenomenon conceptualized as adaptation to adversity influenced by an individual’s genetic variants, epistasis, epigenetics, and gene-by-environment interactions. Studies on psychological resilience have focused on behavioral and psychosocial variables with far less examination of the genetic contributions. The purpose of this review is to identify specific genetic variants contributing to the biological capacity for psychological resilience. PubMed and PsycINFO were searched using the following key words: psychological resilience AND genotype(s). Additional articles were identified from the Human Genome Epidemiology Navigator using the term resilience, psychological. Ten studies met the criteria. Six genes were empirically associated with psychological resilience: serotonin-transporter-linked polymorphic region ( 5-HTTLPR), dopamine receptor D4, brain-derived neurotrophic factor ( BDNF), corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1, oxytocin receptor and regulator of G-protein signaling 2 . The findings of this systematic review suggest that the L/L or L’/L’ genotype of 5-HTTLPR and rs25531 in children/adolescents and the S/S or S’/S’ genotype in adults are most frequently related to resilience. Additionally, the Val/Val genotype of rs6265 in BDNF in Caucasians was also associated with resilience. There are numerous factors contributing to the complexity of determining the genetic influence on resilience including analysis of rs25531, assumptions of the mode of inheritance, operationalization of resilience, demographic and population characteristics, sample size, and other types of genetic influence including epistasis and epigenetics. While current evidence is supportive, further investigation of the genetic influence on resilience is required.
Functional Outcome Measures of Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator–Treated Stroke Patients in the Telestroke Technology
Authors: Gainey Jordan , Brecthtel Leanne , Blum Brice , Keels Aaliyah , Madeline Lee , Lowther Ervin , Nathaniel Thomas
Published: September 2018

The efficiency of telestroke programs in improving the rates of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) in stroke patients has been reported. Previous studies have reported favorable treatment outcomes with the use of telestroke programs to improve the use of rtPA, but functional outcomes are not fully understood. This study investigated the effect of telestroke technology in the administration of rtPA and related functional outcomes associated with baseline clinical variables. Retrospective data of a telestroke registry were analyzed. Univariate analysis was used to compare demographic and clinical variables in the rtPA group and the no rtPA group and between the improved functional ambulation group and the no improvement group. A stepwise binary logistic regression identified factors associated with improved functional outcome in the total telestroke population and in the subset of the telestroke population who received rtPA. In adjusted analysis and elimination of any multicollinearity for patients who received rtPA in the telestroke setting, obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 2.138, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.164-3.928, P < .05), higher systolic blood pressure at the time of presentation (OR = 1.015, 95% CI, 1.003-1.027, P < .05), and baseline high-density lipoprotein at the time of admission (OR = 1.032, 95% CI, 1.005-1.059, P < .05) were associated with improved functional outcomes. Increasing age (OR = 0.940, 95% CI, 0.916-0.965, P < .0001) and higher calculated National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (OR = 0.903, 95% CI, 0.869-0.937) were associated with a poorer outcome in rtPA-treated patients. Telestroke technology improves functional outcomes at spoke stations where neurological expertise is unavailable. Further studies are necessary to determine how telestroke technology can be optimized, especially to improve contraindications and increase eligibility for thrombolysis therapy.
Creative destruction in the screen industries and implications for policy
Authors: Cunningham Stuart
Published: September 2018

This article traverses aspects of a personal journey of a humanities scholar, trained in traditional disciplines of textual analysis and aesthetic appreciation, working with evolutionary economics. Reflecting on a 2008 article for the Journal of Cultural Economics that hypothesised the importance of social network markets as a new definition of creative industries, the article notes how remarkably this had come to pass, with the emergence of social media entertainment. This new industry is based on previously amateur creators engaging in content innovation and media entrepreneurship across multiple social media platforms to aggregate global fan communities and incubate their own media brands. The implications of social media entertainment for screen policy, both through cultural and industry agency support and through regulation and programme innovation, are explored internationally as well as in the context of the current Australian Content and Children’s Review.
Building materials: Influence of physical, mechanical and acoustic properties in sound prediction models
Authors: Santoni Andrea , Fausti Patrizio , Bonfiglio Paolo
Published: September 2018

Several models to compute the sound reduction index of a building partition, based on different approaches, can be found in the literature. Building construction involves a great variety of materials, and regardless of the chosen sound transmission simulation prediction approach, their elastic and physical properties, which are necessary as input data, have a strong influence on the accuracy of the predicted results. In this article, the influence of such properties is investigated, by means of a prediction model based on the method proposed by the recently updated standard EN ISO 12354. Moreover, the reliability of different prediction models and the consistency of their results have been tested, by simulating several building partitions made of various materials, both homogeneous and non-homogeneous.
Zika virus found in brain tissue of a multiple sclerosis patient undergoing an acute disseminated encephalomyelitis-like episode
Authors: Alves-Leon Soniza Vieira , Lima Monique da Rocha , Nunes Priscila Conrado Guerra , Chimelli Leila Maria Cardão , Rabelo Kíssila , Nogueira Rita Maria Ribeiro , de Bruycker-Nogueira Fernanda , de Azeredo Elzinandes Leal , Bahia Paulo Roberto , Rueda Lopes Fernanda Cristina , Marcondes de Souza Jorge P Barreto , Fontes-Dantas Fabrícia Lima , Paes Marciano Viana , Lemos Elba RS , Santos Flavia Barreto
Published: September 2018

Background:

A range of different neurological manifestations has been reported in fetuses and adults after Zika virus (ZIKV) infection.

Objective:

We describe a detection of the ZIKV in the brain tissue from a multiple sclerosis (MS) patient with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)-like event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Methods:

Biological samples collected during the hospitalization were tested by serology and molecular diagnostic for various infectious agents. Histopathological analysis was performed using the anti-flavivirus group 4G2 monoclonal antibody, anti-ZIKV non-structural 1 (NS1) monoclonal antibody, and anti-CD4, CD8, and CD11b antibodies.

Results:

Anti-ZIKV IgM and IgG antibodies were positive in the serum and urine. A brain biopsy showed ZIKV protein in brain cells and T CD8 infiltration in brain tissue.

Conclusion:

Our data describe the coexistence of a recent central nervous system (CNS) ZIKV infection accompanied by a severe ADEM-like syndrome outcome in a patient with clinical history of MS. A de novo immune response concomitant with ZIKV infection might be involved in the mechanism of the ADEM-like syndrome and response to immunotherapy. The present report reinforces the importance of providing the differential diagnosis of acute episodes of MS exacerbation in an environment prone to ZIKV expression.
Collaborating With an Expert Panel to Establish the Content Validity of an Intervention for Preschoolers With Language Impairment
Authors: Dinnesen Megan Schneider , Olszewski Arnold , Breit-Smith Allison , Guo Ying
Published: September 2018

Expanding on the extant body of research on content validity, this study applied the tenets of content validity research to the development of an expository book reading intervention focused on science for preschool students with language impairment. This example case explains how, guided by content validity research in healthcare interventions, collaboration with an expert panel was systematically approached in the development of an educational intervention. Specifics as to how feedback was gathered and analyzed are discussed. Of practical importance for practitioners and researchers, this study provides a detailed description of how the knowledge and experience of a panel of experts was captured, analyzed, and incorporated into the development process of an educational intervention to validate its application.
Spontaneous Accessory Renal Artery Aneurysm Rupture in a Patient With Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Case Report
Authors: Roberts Kallie , Fan Betty , Brightwell Robert
Published: September 2018

True renal artery aneurysms are rare. Ruptured aneurysms are even rarer but can have devastating consequences. Renal artery aneurysms most commonly occur in patients with hypertension, atherosclerosis, or fibromuscular dysplasia. Treatment options can range from embolization to nephrectomy. We describe an interesting case of spontaneous accessory renal artery aneurysm rupture in a 44-year-old female with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) who otherwise had no medical problems. She was successfully treated with selective coil embolization, recovered without complications, and maintained preoperative renal function.
Children With Cerebral Palsy Have Greater Stride-to-Stride Variability of Muscle Synergies During Gait Than Typically Developing Children: Implications for Motor Control Complexity
Authors: Kim Yushin , Bulea Thomas C. , Damiano Diane L.
Published: September 2018

Background. There is mounting evidence that the central nervous system utilizes a modular approach for neuromuscular control of walking by activating groups of muscles in units termed muscle synergies. Examination of muscle synergies in clinical populations may provide insights into alteration of neuromuscular control underlying pathological gait patterns. Previous studies utilizing synergy analysis have reported reduced motor control complexity during walking in those with neurological deficits, revealing the potential clinical utility of this approach. Methods. We extracted muscle synergies on a stride-to-stride basis from 20 children with cerebral palsy (CP; Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I-II) and 8 children without CP, allowing the number of synergies to vary for each stride. Similar muscle synergies across all participants and strides were grouped using a k-means clustering and discriminant analysis. Results. In total, 10 clusters representing 10 distinct synergies were found across the 28 individuals. Relative to their total number of synergies deployed during walking, synergies from children with CP were present in a higher number of clusters than in children with typical development (TD), indicating significantly greater stride-to-stride variability. This increased variability was present despite reduced complexity, as measured by the mean number of synergies in each stride. Whereas children with CP demonstrate some novel synergies, they also deploy some of the same muscle synergies as those with TD, although less frequently and with more variability. Conclusion. A stride-by-stride approach to muscle synergy analysis expands its clinical utility and may provide a method to tailor rehabilitation strategies by revealing inconsistent but functional synergies in each child with CP.
A hierarchical vision-based localization of rotor unmanned aerial vehicles for autonomous landing
Authors: Yuan Haiwen , Xiao Changshi , Xiu Supu , Zhan Wenqiang , Ye Zhenyi , Zhang Fan , Zhou Chunhui , Wen Yuanqiao , Li Qiliang
Published: September 2018

The vision-based localization of rotor unmanned aerial vehicles for autonomous landing is challenging because of the limited detection range. In this article, to extend the vision detection and measurement range, a hierarchical vision-based localization method is proposed for unmanned aerial vehicle autonomous landing. In such a hierarchical framework, the landing is defined into three phases: “Approaching,”“Adjustment,” and “Touchdown,” in which visual artificial features at different scales can be detected from the designed object pattern for unmanned aerial vehicle pose recovery. The corresponding feature detection and pose estimation algorithms are also presented. In the end, typical simulation and field experiments have been carried out to illustrate the proposed method. The results show that our hierarchical vision-based localization has the ability to a consecutive unmanned aerial vehicle localization in a wider working range from far to near, which is significant for autonomous landing.
A correction method of screw rotor profile error based on parameter adjustment for grinding wheel dresser
Authors: Tao Lijia , Xing Yu , Yuan Mingxin , Chen Sijie
Published: September 2018

Accuracy of grinding wheel profile that is generated by form grinding theory and formed by grinding wheel dresser is a crucial factor affecting profile accuracy of screw rotors. A correction method for screw rotor profile error based on parameter adjustment for grinding wheel dresser such as diameter and distance of diamond rollers is proposed. Influence of diameter and distance of diamond rollers on grinding wheel profile and screw rotor profile based on theory of segmented dressing method is analyzed, and the adjustment method for parameters of grinding wheel dresser is presented. The results of the analysis provide a theoretical basis for error correction in screw rotor grinding. Grinding experiments for female rotor were performed due to the character that the female rotor has smooth bottom profile where the change of profile error is easy to observe. The experimental results show that the height difference between the long and short sides of rotor profile at the bottom of the rotor is significantly reduced from 0.22 mm to 0.034 mm by adjusting diameter of diamond rollers, and the distance between the long and short sides of the actual rotor profile is almost consistent with the theoretical one by measuring the distance again and adjusting its value in the computer numerical control system. These results verify the correctness of the correction method.
Optimized tuber-lifting velocity model for cassava harvester design
Authors: Yang Wang , Yang Ran , Li Juanjuan , Wei Lin , Yang Jian
Published: September 2018

The lack of optimized lifting velocity model for cassava tuber lifting results in the shortage of evidence of design of lifting velocity control system and large harvest loss during mechanized harvesting of cassava. First, an optimized velocity model of manually pulling tubers and a velocity model of mechanical lifting tubers were established using physical experiments. And then using the mechanical tuber-lifting velocity model, the mathematical models between coefficients of mechanical tuber-lifting velocity model and cassava harvesting quality were established based on numerical simulation and regression analysis. Moreover, the coefficients were optimized using optimization method and the mechanical optimal tuber-lifting velocity model was obtained. Finally, the optimization results and the mechanical optimal tuber-lifting velocity model were verified by simulation and physical experiment, respectively. The results show that the optimized manual pulling velocity model can be superimposed by a line and a sine curve or a concave downward parabola and a sine curve. The optimal coefficients’ combination of mechanical tuber-lifting velocity model is shown as follows: A = 0.056, B = 0.521, C = 0.048, D = 0.086, E = 38.506, and F = 1.165. The mechanical optimal tuber-lifting velocity model’s expression is simple and the model is reasonable. The mechanical optimal tuber-lifting velocity model, which is established using physical experiments, simulation method, and optimization technique, has great significance for designing lifting velocity control system.
Bipedal walking pattern generation and control for humanoid robot with bivariate stability margin optimization
Authors: Yang Liang , Liu Zhi , Chen Yong
Published: September 2018

This article concentrates on the problem of walking pattern generation and online control for humanoid robot. However, it is challenging and thus still remains open so far in the field of bipedal locomotion control. In this article, we solve this problem by proposing a bivariate-stability-margin-based control scheme, in which a random vector function-link neural networks mechanism is additionally contained. By utilizing opposition-based learning algorithm to generate walking patterns and designing random vector function-link neural networks for compensating the combination of zero-moment point error and modeling error, the new walking controller exhibits good performance. Moreover, a bivariate-stability-margin-based fuzzy logic system is proposed to assign a weight to each training sample according to locomotion stability. With these results, a walking control system is successfully established and experiments validate the proposed control scheme.
Finding Meaning With Creativity in the Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Kaufman James C.
Published: September 2018

Being creative is considered a desirable trait, yet most empirical studies emphasize how to increase creativity rather than explore its possible benefits. A natural connection is how creativity can enhance life’s meaning. Many of the core concepts in work on the meaning of life, such as the needs for coherence, significance, and purpose or the desire for symbolic immortality, can be reached through creative activity. The synthesis of these two constructs—creativity and the meaning of life—is discussed with a temporal model encompassing past, present, and future pathways to creativity. The past pathway can help one understand and reflect on life. The present pathway can remind one of life’s joy and the many possible connections with humanity. Finally, the future pathway strives to ensure some type of legacy that may resonate with younger generations.
Frequent, short bouts of light-intensity exercises while standing decreases systolic blood pressure: Breaking Up Sitting Time after Stroke (BUST-Stroke) trial
Authors: English Coralie , Janssen Heidi , Crowfoot Gary , Bourne Josephine , Callister Robin , Dunn Ashlee , Oldmeadow Christopher , Ong Lin K , Palazzi Kerrin , Patterson Amanda , Spratt Neil J , Walker FR , Dunstan David W , Bernhardt Julie
Published: September 2018

Background

Stroke survivors sit for long periods each day. Uninterrupted sitting is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Breaking up uninterrupted sitting with frequent, short bouts of light-intensity physical activity has an immediate positive effect on blood pressure and plasma clotting factors in healthy, overweight, and type 2 diabetic populations.

Aim

We examined the effect of frequent, short bouts of light-intensity physical activity on blood pressure and plasma fibrinogen in stroke survivors.

Methods

Prespecified secondary analyses from a three-armed randomized, within-participant, crossover trial. Participants were 19 stroke survivors (nine female, aged 68 years old, 90% able to walk independently). The experimental conditions were sitting for 8 h uninterrupted, sitting with 3 min bouts of light-intensity exercise while standing every 30 min, or sitting with 3 min of walking every 30 min. Blood pressure was measured every 30 min over 8 h and plasma fibrinogen at the beginning, middle, and end of each day. Intention-to-treat analyses were performed using linear mixed models including fixed effects for condition, period, and order, and a random intercept for participant to account for repeated measures and missing data.

Results

Sitting with 3 min bouts of light-intensity exercise while standing every 30 min decreased systolic blood pressure by 3.5 mmHg (95% CI 1.7–5.4) compared with sitting for 8 h uninterrupted. For participants not taking antihypertensive medications, sitting with 3 min of walking every 30 min decreased systolic blood pressure by 5.0 mmHg (95% CI −7.9 to 2.0) and sitting with 3 min bouts light-intensity exercise while standing every 30 min decreased systolic blood pressure by 4.2 mmHg (95% CI −7.2 to −1.3) compared with sitting for 8 h uninterrupted. There was no effect of condition on diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.45) or plasma fibrinogen levels (p = 0.91).

Conclusion

Frequent, short bouts of light-intensity physical activity decreases systolic blood pressure in stroke survivors. However, before translation into clinical practice, the optimal duration and timing of physical activity bouts needs to be determined.

Clinical trial registration

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry http://www.anzctr.org.au ANZTR12615001189516.
National and sub-national patterns of mortality from stroke in the Iranian population (1990–2015): Complementary results from the NASBOD study
Authors: Djalalinia Shirin , Saeedi Moghaddam Sahar , Rezaei Nazila , Rezaei Negar , Mansouri Anita , Abdolhamidi Elham , Naderimagham Shohreh , Modirian Mitra , Marzban Mona , Khademiureh Sara , Rezaee Kamyar , Hasan Milad , Namazi Shabestari Alireza , Farzadfar Farshad
Published: September 2018

Background

Iran lacks a population level comprehensive assessment of stroke epidemiology. Using data from the NASBOD Study, we estimated the mortality of stroke among the Iranian population from 1990 to 2015.

Methods

Data were collected from all the available sources including the national death registration system and two major cemeteries. After addressing incompleteness of child and adult death data and by using mixed effect model, spatio-temporal model and Gaussian Process Regression, levels and trends of child and adult mortality were estimated. By considering cause fraction to these estimates; cause specific mortality was estimated. In these process wealth index, urbanization, and years of schooling were used as covariates.

Results

In 2015, the age-standardized stroke mortality rate due was 47.76 (95% UI: 34.68–65.03) for males and 40.16 (30.38–5 2.72) for females, per 100,000 population. Stroke occurrence for both ischemic and non-ischemic strokes showed decreasing trends in both sexes after 2001–2002, at national and sub-national levels. The highest and lowest mortality rates between provinces ranged from 52.11 (40.3–66.66) to 24.47 (18.71–31.79) in men and from 65.51 (47.13–89.41) to 30.43 (21.95–41.82) in women per 100,000 population.

Conclusion

Although age-standardized rates of stroke mortality are falling, in the past three decades, the absolute number of people who have had a stroke has increased. Stroke mortality remains high in Iran.
Breaking up sitting time after stroke (BUST-stroke)
Authors: English Coralie , Janssen Heidi , Crowfoot Gary , Callister Robin , Dunn Ashlee , Mackie Paul , Oldmeadow Christopher , Ong Lin K , Palazzi Kerrin , Patterson Amanda J , Spratt Neil J , Walker F Rohan , Bernhardt Julie , Dunstan David W
Published: September 2018

Objectives

People with stroke sit for long periods each day, which may compromise blood glucose control and increase risk of recurrent stroke. Studies in other populations have found regular activity breaks have a significant immediate (within-day) positive effect on glucose metabolism. We examined the effects of breaking up uninterrupted sitting with frequent, short bouts of light-intensity physical activity in people with stroke on post-prandial plasma glucose and insulin.

Methods

Randomized within-participant crossover trial. We included people between 3 months and 10 years post-stroke, ambulant with minimal assistance and not taking diabetic medication other than metformin. The three experimental conditions (completed in random order) were: sitting for 8 h uninterrupted, sitting with 3 min bouts of light-intensity exercise while standing every 30 min, or sitting with 3 min of walking every 30 min. Meals were standardized and bloods were collected half- to one-hourly via an intravenous cannula.

Results

A total of 19 participants (9 female, mean [SD] age 68.2 [10.2]) completed the trial. The majority ( n = 12, 63%) had mild stroke symptoms (National Institutes of Stroke Scale score 0–13). There was no significant effect of experimental condition on glucose (mean [SD] positive incremental area [+iAUC] mmol·L·h-1 under the curve during sitting 42.3 [29.5], standing 47.4 [23.1], walking 44.6 [26.5], p = 0.563) or insulin (mean + iAUC pmol·L·h-1 sitting 14,161 [7,560], standing 14,043 [8,312], walking 14,008 [8,269], p = 0.987).

Conclusion

Frequent, short bouts of light-intensity physical activity did not have a significant effect on post-prandial plasma glucose and insulin in this sample of people with stroke. Further studies are needed to identify strategies that improve inactivity-related glucose metabolism after stroke.
Triphalangeal thumb: clinical features and treatment
Authors: Hovius Steven E. R. , Potuijt Jacob W. P. , van Nieuwenhoven Christianne A.
Published: September 2018

Triphalangeal thumb is a rare congenital anomaly in which the thumb has three phalanges. Clinical presentation of triphalangeal thumb can vary considerably and can be present in both hands or unilateral. The thumb can be long with a ﬁnger-like appearance. The presence of clinodactyly depends on the shape of the extra phalanx varying from wedge-shaped to rectangular. Various joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons of the ﬁrst ray can be hypoplastic or absent, with varying degrees of stiffness or instability. The aim of surgical treatment is to reconstruct or correct the anatomic anomalies to obtain greater function and a more acceptable appearance. In our series, operations varied from removal of the delta phalanx with ligament reconstruction to multiple osteotomies and rebalancing of soft tissues. Results in these often complex cases can be rewarding if the surgeon has sufﬁcient knowledge of the underlying anatomic differences. This review summarizes our current concepts of presentation and management of the triphalangeal thumb.
Changes in duodenal CD163-positive cells in dogs with chronic enteropathy after successful treatment
Authors: Dandrieux Julien RS , Martinez Lopez Lina Maria , Stent Andrew , Jergens Albert , Allenspach Karin , Nowell Cameron J , Firestone Simon M , Kimpton Wayne , Mansfield Caroline S
Published: September 2018

Chronic enteropathy (CE) in dogs is characterized retrospectively per treatment response as food-responsive enteropathy (FRE), antibiotic-responsive enteropathy (ARE), and immunosuppressant-responsive enteropathy (IRE) – the latter most resembling inflammatory bowel disease in people. The aim of this study was to characterize duodenal macrophages (Mϕ) in CE using immunohistochemistry; with calprotectin (CAL) as a marker of early differentiated Mϕ and CD163 expression as a marker for resident Mϕ in the duodenum before and after treatment. Prior to treatment, dogs with FRE and IRE had a lower CD163+/CAL+ ratio than control dogs (CTRL) in crypts; this increased significantly and normalized compared with CTRL after treatment. Conversely, the CD163+/CAL+ ratio in dogs with ARE was comparable to that in healthy dogs before and after treatment. In summary, these results suggest that Mϕ play a role in the pathogenesis of CE in FRE and IRE, with a decrease in resident Mϕ and an increase in early differentiated Mϕ, but not in ARE dogs. Mϕ normalize after successful treatment.
The effects of varying the Eu3+ concentration on the structural and optical properties of Mg1.5Al2O4.5:x% Eu3+ (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) nanophosphors prepared by sol–gel method
Authors: Maphiri VM , Dejene BF , Motaung TE , Hlatshwayo TT , Ndwandwe OM , Motloung SV
Published: September 2018

Mg1.5Al2O4.5: x% Eu3+ (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) nanopowders were successfully synthesized via sol–gel method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum revealed that the Mg1.5Al2O4.5: x% Eu3+ matches the single phase of face-centred cubic MgAl2O4. The estimated average crystallite sizes calculated using the XRD spectra were found to be in the order of 4 nm. The estimated crystal size was confirmed by the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the presence of all expected elementary composition (Mg, Al, O and Eu). The field emission gun scanning electron microscope showed that varying the Eu3+ concentration influence the morphology of the prepared nanophosphor. The photoluminescence results showed that the host emits the violet colour at around 382 nm, which was attributed to the defects within the band gap ( Eg) of host material. The Eu3+-doped samples showed the emission at around 560, 580, 593, 618, 655 and 704 nm which are, respectively, attributed to the 5D1 → 7F3, 5D0 → 7F0, 5D0 → 7F1, 5D0 → 7F2, 5D0 → 7F3 and 5D0 → 7F4 characteristic transitions in Eu3+. The International Commission on Illumination colour chromaticity showed that the Eu3+ doping influences the emission colour.
Fetal Membrane Inflammation Induces Preterm Birth Via Toll-Like Receptor 2 in Mice With Chronic Gingivitis
Authors: Konishi Haruhisa , Urabe Satoshi , Miyoshi Hiroshi , Teraoka Yuko , Maki Tomoko , Furusho Hisako , Miyauchi Mutsumi , Takata Takashi , Kudo Yoshiki , Kajioka Shunichi
Published: September 2018

Inflammation is associated with preterm birth. We previously described a mouse model of chronic inflammation-induced preterm birth after dental Porphyromonas gingivalis infection. The aim of this study was to employ this model system to investigate the mechanisms through which enhanced uterine contractility induces preterm birth. Messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding contraction-associated proteins, such as oxytocin receptors, was measured at various gestational time points by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Spontaneous and oxytocin-induced uterine contractile activity at gestational day 18 was assessed using a tissue organ bath. The expression levels of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), TLR4, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) on gestational day 18 were also determined by real-time PCR or Western blotting. Messenger RNA encoding contraction-associated proteins was increased at gestational day 18, and the spontaneous contractile activity (1.6-fold greater area under the contraction curve) and sensitivity to oxytocin (EC50: 8.8 nM vs 2.2 nM) were enhanced in the P gingivalis group compared to those in the control group. In the P gingivalis group, COX-2 mRNA expression was not elevated in the placenta or myometrium but was upregulated 2.3-fold in the fetal membrane. The TLR2 mRNA levels in the fetal membrane were 2.7-fold higher in the P gingivalis group, whereas TLR4 levels were not elevated. Activation of the NF-κB p65 and p38 MAPK pathways was enhanced in the fetal membrane of the P gingivalis group. Thus, in mice with chronic dental P gingivalis infection, TLR2-induced inflammation in the fetal membrane leads to upregulation of uterine contractility, leading to preterm birth.
Clinical instructors’ perceptions of virtual reality in health professionals’ cardiopulmonary resuscitation education
Authors: Wong Marie Ann Mae En , Chue Shien , Jong Michelle , Benny Ho Wye Kei , Zary Nabil
Published: September 2018

Objectives:

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is lifesaving. Yet, cardiac arrest survival remains low despite CPR intervention. Education has been highlighted as a strategy to overcome this issue. Virtual Reality technology has been gaining momentum in the field of clinical education. Published studies report benefits of virtual reality for CPR education; yet, perceptions of CPR instructors towards virtual reality remain unexplored. CPR instructors are key stakeholders in CPR education and their perceptions are valuable for the design and adoption of virtual reality-enhanced learning. The purpose of this study is therefore to understand the perceptions of CPR instructors towards using virtual reality for health professionals’ CPR education. The aim was addressed via three research questions: (1) What are the perceptions of CPR instructors towards current health professionals’ CPR education? (2) What are the perceptions of CPR instructors towards features of virtual reality ideal for health professionals’ CPR education? (3) What are the perceptions of CPR instructors towards the potential role of virtual reality in health professionals’ CPR education?

Methods:

A total of 30 CPR instructors were surveyed on their views towards current health professionals’ CPR education and the use of virtual reality for health professionals’ CPR education, before and after interacting with a CPR virtual reality simulation. Responses were analysed using interpretative thematic analysis.

Results:

CPR instructors perceived current health professionals’ CPR education as limited due to unideal test preparation (resources, practice, motivation, and frame of mind) and performance. They perceived fidelity, engagement, resource conservation, and memory enhancement as features of virtual reality ideal for health professionals’ CPR education. Virtual reality was viewed by CPR instructors as having potential as a blended learning tool, targeting both ‘novice’ and ‘experienced’ health professionals.

Conclusion:

The study highlighted the gaps in current health professionals’ CPR education that can be addressed using virtual-reality-enabled learning. Future research could investigate virtual reality simulations with features desirable for CPR education of target populations.
Knowledge mapping of medication literacy study: A visualized analysis using CiteSpace
Authors: Liang Chaocong , Luo Aijing , Zhong Zhuqing
Published: September 2018

Objective:

The objective of this study was to analyze knowledge mapping and demonstrate the status quo, intellectual base, and hotspots in the field of medication literacy.

Methods:

Using the data from Web of Science Core database, we constructed a knowledge map to visualize medication literacy using CiteSpace, which revealed the power of the studies, core authors and journals, intellectual base, and hotspots in this field.

Results:

According to an analysis of 2025 literature reports, the stronger studies were mainly conducted at research institutions of higher education in the United States. Core author groups with a higher influence were not identified. The core journals included Patient Educ Couns and Fam Med. The health literacy studies served as the foundation for the medication literacy studies. The keywords formed 13 clusters including 5 major clusters.

Conclusion:

The topics in medication literacy study focused on instruments assessing medication literacy, measurement and assessment of medication literacy, medication literacy for the prevention of chronic disease and medication treatment adherence, medication literacy education, and family practice. This study provides an insight into medication literacy and valuable information for medication literacy researchers to identify new perspectives on potential collaborators and cooperative institutions and hotspots.
Population health challenges in primary care: What are the unfinished tasks and who should do them?
Authors: North Frederick , Tulledge-Scheitel Sidna M , Matulis John C , Pecina Jennifer L , Franqueira Andrew M , Johnson Sarah S , Chaudhry Rajeev
Published: September 2018

Background:

There are numerous recommendations from expert sources that help guide primary care providers in cancer screening, infectious disease screening, metabolic screening, monitoring of drug levels, and chronic disease management. Little is known about the potential effort needed for a healthcare system to address these recommendations, or the patient effort needed to complete the recommendations.

Methods:

For 73 recommended population healthcare items, we examined each of 28,742 patients in a primary care internal medicine practice to determine whether they were up-to-date on recommended screening, immunizations, counseling, and chronic disease management goals. We used a rule-based software tool that queries the medical record for diagnoses, dates, laboratory values, pathology reports, and other information used in creating the individualized recommendations. We counted the number of uncompleted recommendations by age groups and examined the healthcare staff needed to address the recommendations and the potential patient effort needed to complete the recommendations.

Results:

For the 28,742 patients, there were 127,273 uncompleted recommendations identified for population health management (mean recommendations per patient 4.36, standard deviation of 2.65, range of 0–17 recommendations per patient). The age group with the most incomplete recommendations was age of 50–65 years with 5.5 recommendations per patient. The 18–35 years age group had the fewest incomplete recommendations with 2.6 per patient. Across all age groups, initiation of these recommendations required high-level input (physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant) in 28%. To completely adhere to recommended services, a 1000-patient cross-section cohort would require a total of 464 procedures and 1956 lab tests.

Conclusion:

Providers and patients face a daunting number of tasks necessary to meet guideline-generated recommendations. We will need new approaches to address the burgeoning numbers of uncompleted recommendations.
Thoracic and paraspinal extramedullary hematopoiesis in a cat with chronic non-regenerative anemia
Authors: Bolfa Pompei , Larson Chris , Peda Andrea , Hilchie David , Christopher Mary M , Thrall Mary Anna
Published: September 2018

Case summary

A 6-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat presented with non-regenerative macrocytic anemia of 2 years’ duration and minimally ambulatory paraparesis. Neurologic examination suggested an upper motor neuron paresis or T3–L3 myelopathy. The cat was positive for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), neutropenic, had polyclonal gammopathy and was euthanized following a hemolytic crisis. At autopsy, multifocal bilateral dark red masses were observed subpleurally around the costochondral junctions, extradurally and paraspinally in the spinal canal, and paravertebrally, on the lateral and ventral subpleural surfaces of the T4–11 vertebrae. Histologic examination of the masses revealed extramedullary hematopoietic tissue composed primarily of erythroid precursors and megakaryocytes, with occasional myeloid precursors and blood-filled sinuses. Bone marrow findings supported ineffective granulopoiesis, and decreased erythropoiesis and megakaryopoiesis, with probable myelodysplasia as the underlying cause of the hematologic abnormalities.

Relevance and novel information

Thoracic, paraspinal and paravertebral extramedullary hematopoietis presenting as masses has not been described previously in cats with chronic anemia. This is a unique case of a thoracic–spinal–epidural extramedullary hematopoietic masses resulting in possible spinal cord compression and paraparesis in a cat.
Smallest real differences for robotic measures of upper extremity function after stroke: Implications for tracking recovery
Authors: Zariffa José , Myers Matthew , Coahran Marge , Wang Rosalie H
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Measurements from upper limb rehabilitation robots could guide therapy progression, if a robotic assessment’s measurement error was small enough to detect changes occurring on a time scale of a few days. To guide this determination, this study evaluated the smallest real differences of robotic measures, and of clinical outcome assessments predicted from these measures.

Methods

A total of nine older chronic stroke survivors took part in 12-week study with an upper-limb end-effector robot. Fourteen robotic measures were extracted, and used to predict Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) scores using multilinear regression. Smallest real differences and intraclass correlation coefficients were computed for the robotic measures and predicted clinical outcomes, using data from seven baseline sessions.

Results

Smallest real differences of robotic measures ranged from 8.8% to 26.9% of the available range. Smallest real differences of predicted clinical assessments varied widely depending on the regression model (1.3 to 36.2 for FMA-UE, 1.8 to 59.7 for ARAT), and were not strongly related to a model’s predictive performance or to the smallest real differences of the model inputs. Models with acceptable predictive performance as well as low smallest real differences were identified.

Conclusions

Smallest real difference evaluations suggest that using robotic assessments to guide therapy progression is feasible.
When Nobody “Likes” You: Perceived Ostracism Through Paralinguistic Digital Affordances Within Social Media
Authors: Hayes Rebecca A. , Wesselmann Eric D. , Carr Caleb T.
Published: September 2018

This research explores the processes of perceived ostracism ensuing from a lack of feedback via paralinguistic digital affordances (PDAs), the one-click tools (e.g., Likes and +1s) which are one of the most used features of social media, provided to an individual’s posted social media content. The positive and negative psychological outcomes of social media communication have been well-documented. However, as social media have become entrenched as some of our most common communication channels, the absence of communication via social media has been underexplored and may have negative psychological and communicative outcomes. We utilized focus groups ( N = 37) to examine perceptions of ostracism when individuals did not receive PDAs to their posted content across social media platforms. Participants reported feeling excluded only when they did not receive PDAs from select relationally close or socially superior network members, suggesting audience targeting and expectations when posting. Users frequently attributed low PDA counts to system and content factors. These results contribute to a developing understanding of the psychological effects of lack of communication via social media and provide insight for future research, demonstrating that social exclusion may not manifest from a complete lack of social interaction but rather may occur when individuals do not receive expected or desired feedback.
Social Media’s Role in Romantic Partners’ Retroactive Jealousy: Social Comparison, Uncertainty, and Information Seeking
Authors: Frampton Jessica R. , Fox Jesse
Published: September 2018

Social media often have a dark side in romantic relationships. Affordances such as persistence, association, and visibility can promote romantic jealousy and the salience of relationship threats, including ex-partners. Retroactive jealousy occurs when a person feels upset about their partner’s romantic history even though ex-partners are not actively interfering in the current relationship. Interviews ( N = 36) probed how participants felt social networking sites (SNSs) promoted and mitigated retroactive romantic jealousy. Furthermore, we examined the consequences of these experiences. Participants indicated that SNSs lead to retroactive jealousy via social comparison, digital remnants, and relational uncertainty. In addition, participants used SNSs to gather information or monitor their partners. These information-seeking activities allowed them to disparage a romantic partner’s exes; avoid direct, interactive information seeking about exes; and digitally fact-check information the partner disclosed. Some participants reframed information about the ex-relationship or actively avoided SNSs to reduce retroactive jealousy. Although SNSs may be used in an attempt to mitigate retroactive jealousy, our findings suggest this strategy may backfire in some cases.