bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efektivitas Cooperative Script dalam Pembelajaran Reading Skill pada Mata Kuliah Reading Comprehension II
Authors: Ekorini Puput Zuli
Published: April 2018

Artikel berikut berkonsentrasi pada penelitian tentang reading skill dimana reading skill merupakan skill yang sangat penting untuk dikuasai oleh mahasiswa pada prodi pendidikan bahasa inggris terutama pada mata kuliah Reading Comprehension II. Ada beberapa masalah yang sangat mendasar dan krusial terkait dengan proses kegiatan belajar mengajar pada mata kuliah Reading Comprehension II yang dihadapi oleh para mahasiswa. Pertama adanya kesulitan dalam memahami materi dan kurangnya motivasi untuk membiasakan diri melakukan kegiatan membaca untuk meningkatkan penguasaan vocab. Hal inilah yang melatarbelakangi peneliti untuk melakukan penelitian untuk mengetahui reading skill pada mahasiswa sebelum dan setelah mendapatan pengajaran menggunakan cooperative script dan adanya efektivitas dalam penggunaan cooperative script dalam kegiatan belajar menagajar mahasiswa pendidikan bahasa inggris STKIP PGRI Nganjuk. Cooperative script merupakan salah satu teknik mengajar dari cooperative learning. Cooperative script ini diaplikasikan untuk mengajar mahasiswa semester dua program pendidikan bahasa inggris STKIP PGRI Nganjuk tahun ajaran 2015/2016 yang terdiri dari 27 mahasiswa. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode kuantitatif dengan desain eksperimenl. Berdasarkan dari data yang diambil dari pre-test dan post-test pada penelitian ini, peneliti menyimpulkan bahwa penggunaan cooperative script dalam pengajaran reading skill adalah efektif. Hal in berarti bahwa adanya kemajuan pada reading skill mahasiswa pada mata kuliah Reading Comprehension II setelah mendapatkan pengajaran menggunakan cooperatove script. Nilai rata-rata pada pre-test adalah 54.81 dan rata-rata pada post-test adalah 74.07. Berdasarkan pada hasil perhitungan ini maka peneliti menemukan bahwa to adalah 10.58. setelah menemukan nila to langkah terakhir adalah mencari nilai tabel dengan nilai 2.04 (5%). Sehingga peneliti dapat menjelaskan bahwa to mempunyai nilai yang lebih tinggi dari pada nilai pada t-tabel juga pada level perbedaan signifikan pada hasil antara pre-test dan post-test. Hal ini menunjukkan adanya hasil yang signifikan pada penelitian ini.
Osmotic myelinolysis: literature review and case report
Authors: Rutkauskaitė G. , Klimašauskienė A.
Published: April 2018

Central pontine myelinolysis is described as osmotic myelinolysis syndrome which usually occurs as a consequence of rapid correction of hyponatremia. Pontine myelinolysis is divided into central pontine myelinolysis and extrapontine myelinolysis. Hyponatremia is commonly found in patients with chronic alcoholism and malnutrition and can be caused by liver diseases, the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, as well as adrenal insufficiency and iatrogenic disorders. There are several pathophysiologic mechanisms that explain the development of osmotic myelinolysis. A biphasic clinical course is characteristic. The primary symptoms are encephalopathy and/or seizure attacks due to hyponatremia followed by regeneration during normonatremia and, after several days, a deterioration may manifest with focal neurological symptoms, mental and behavioral disorders. The earliest intrinsic brain changes can be seen in the MRT DWI images. There are no approved recommendations for the treatment of osmotic myelinolysis, however, the literature describes four successful cases when treating patients with thyrotropin-releasing hormone, plasmapheresis therapy, corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulins. Osmotic myelinolysis can be prevented by increasing the serum sodium concentration by 4 to 6  mmol/L in a 24-hour period and the maximum rate of correction should be 8 mmol/L in other 24-hour periods. With proper recognition and therapy, the outcomes of osmotic myelinolysis can improve. We present a case report of a 30-year old male patient with parkinsonian syndrome when magnetic resonance imaging confirmed extrapontine myelinolysis.
Fatigue and associated factors in multiple sclerosis patients in Latvia
Authors: Šetlere S. , Abelsen A. , Pastare D. , Millers A.
Published: April 2018

Background and objectives. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to determine the presence of fatigue in MS patients in Latvia and its relation to life style factors, neurological disability and depression.Material and methods. This cross-sectional study included 117 participants (44 patients with MS and 73 healthy control group). Applied research instruments were: Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and the general questionnaire for the collection of socio-demographic, life style habits and clinical data constructed for the purposes of this study.Results. Mean FSS score was 3.9±1.9 in MS group. 26 (59.1%) patients had FSS score of 3.8 or more and were classified as a fatigue group (MSF) while 18 (40.9%) patients had FSS of 3.7 or less and were classified as a non-fatigue (MSNF) group. There was statistically significant difference between MSF and MSNF groups considering PHQ-9 score (p=0.019), FSS score (p<0.001) and EDSS score (p<0.001). Significant correlations of fatigue with depression (r=0.48, p=0.001), fatigue with neurological disability (r=0.49, p=0.001) and fatigue with smoking (r=0.29, p=0.054) were confirmed.Conclusions. Fatigue is a common symptom in MS patients in Latvia. This study supports significant association between fatigue and clinical factors (disability, depression) and modifiable lifestyle factor – smoking.
A Critical Approach to Roma Design
Authors: Szilágyi-Kispista Ágota
Published: April 2018

In his 2016 book Notes on the Ontology of Design, Arturo Escobar asks whether it is possible to talk about the existence of a “critical design theory”. He states that if by “critical” we mean the application of a series of critical theories and approaches in the fields of design, and a certain connection to cultural studies, then we can talk about the ongoing development of a “critical design theory”. Based on an analysis of a set of objects by the social enterprise Meșteshukar ButiQ (Bucharest, Romania), I analyze the role of design in the construction and representation of Romani identity. Generally, design is interpreted as a representation of the self, however it has a significant role in constructing it too. According to Penny Sparke, “design is seen as being part of the dynamic process through which culture is actually constructed, not merely reflected” (2013: 4). Through an analysis of the products created and sold by Meșteshukar ButiQ and its collaborators, I examine the role of design not just in expressing but also in creating meanings, and thereby, I emphasize the design process’ importance in identity politics.
Assessing the Historical Irresponsibility of the Gypsy Lore Society in Light of Romani Subaltern Challenges
Authors: Selling Jan
Published: April 2018

Contemporary scholarship in the fields of Romani Studies and antigypsyism (i.e., anti-Gypsyism or antiziganism), increasingly recognizes the centrality of location or “standpoint” in the discourse around representation and legitimacy. Deriving from a conceptual understanding of antigypsyism, this paper analyzes Gypsylorism, in the sense of constructions of “the exotic Other within Europe” (Lee, 2000). The trajectory of knowledge production from the early days of ”Gypsyology” to (critical) Romani Studies is analyzed: first, by means of a historiographical analysis of Nordic literature, which establishes the analytical dichotomy between subalternity and Gypsylorism, and second, by a scrutiny of recent academic debates in the field. The paper argues that the emergence of authors from the Romani standpoint in fictional and academic literature has contributed to a change as well as provoked counter-reactions. The paper illuminates debates and trajectories by discussing the failed attempts to make the Gypsy Lore Society (GLS) claim historical responsibility for its Gypsylorism/Orientalism at its Istanbul conference in 2012 and the compromise resolution of GLS in Stockholm in 2016, which avoided an apology and maintained the unresolved antagonism.
Introducing the New Journal Critical Romani Studies
Authors: Bogdan Maria , Dunajeva Jekatyerina , Junghaus Tímea , Kóczé Angéla , Rostas Iulius , Rovid Marton , Szilvasi Marek
Published: April 2018

The Introduction presents the origins of the new journal "Critical Romani Studies". It discusses why the editors found a new journal. Finally, the paper presents the main features of the new journal.
The Role of Entrepreneurship Education in Cultivating Student’s Entrepreneurial Intention
Authors: Putra Bayu Airlangga , Tridayanti Hermien , Sukoco Agus
Published: April 2018

Purpose: This research seeks to prove whether entrepreneurship education can significantly grow student’s entrepreneurial intention. The approach of theory of planned behavior (TPB) is used to examine whether the effect of entrepreneurship education on student’s entrepreneurial intention initially goes through attitude variables, subjective norms, and perceptions about behavioral control first. The population of this study is the students of Narotama University who were taking the course of Strategic HR Management in the odd semester of 2017/2018. Data was analyzed using path analysis method. The result shows that entrepreneurship education has no direct effect on student’s entrepreneurial intention. As for the three elements of TPB, only attitude variable which is able to significantly mediate the influence of entrepreneurship education on student’s entrepreneurial intention.

Design/methodology/approach: In this research, data in the form of respondents’ perceptions were analyzed quantitatively using path analysis method.

Findings: Entrepreneurship education has no direct effect on student’s entrepreneurial intention and solely mediated by attitude of the students in order to effectively influence their entrepreneurial intention.  

Research limitations/implications: In this research, entrepreneurship education is seen from the learning process in one course only, not viewed holistically starting from a policy making process at the top management level of the university, the preparation of an integrated entrepreneurship curriculum, to its implementation in the learning process in each course. Also, the family background of each student was not considered as one of the determinants of their entrepreneurial intention.

Practical implications: There is a need to increase affective content so that a stronger persuasive ability will be established among students to influence the norms in their social environment. Addition in psychomotor content is also needed to form more positive perception about students’ competence in doing entrepreneurial activity.

Originality/value: This research combines the study of entrepreneurship education with the latest development in TPB study. This research also focuses on a population of students who are taking a certain course. Thus, the components in a learning process can be better observed. 

Paper type: Research paper

Keyword: Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial Intention, Entrepreneurship Education, Theory of Planned Behavior
Analisis Pengaruh Equity Terhadap Niat Untuk Keluar Organisasi
Authors: Muhadi Muhadi
Published: April 2018

ABSTRAKSalah satu bentuk sikap yang mengancam keberadaan organisasi adalah niat untuk meninggalkan (keinginan untuk keluar) atau berpikir untuk mencari alternatif pekerjaan lain. Tujuan umum dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis pengaruh equity terhadap niat untuk keluar dosen tetap di STIKES Insan Unggul Surabaya. Jenis penelitian bersifat deskriptif dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Pendekatan Waktu yang digunakan untuk penelitian ini adalah desain penelitian cross-sectional. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada bulan Mei 2013.Sampel penelitian sebanyak 34 responden dosen tetap di STIKES Insan Unggul Surabaya. Analisis dilakukan dengan menggunakan regresi ordinal dan regresi multinomial. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah rasio input (apa yang diberikan seperti komitmen, beban kerja, keterampilan) lebih besar atau lebih tinggi dari output (apa yang diperoleh pengembangan, kompensasi dan kepuasan) dari STIKES Insan Unggul Surabaya.
Hubungan Motivasi Kerja Terhadap Kepatuhan Dalam Pengembalian Berkas Rekam Medis Di Seksi Rekam Medis Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah Dr. Soetomo
Authors: Rakhmaningrum Kanti
Published: April 2018

ABSTRAKPengembalian berkas rekam medis adalah sistem yang cukup penting di seksi rekam medis, karena pengembalian berkas rekam medis dimulai dari berkas tersebut berada diruang rawat sampai kembali ke seksi rekam medis sesuai dengan kebijakan batas waktu pengembalian yaitu 2x24 jam. Berdasarkan data evaluasi pada bulan Februari 2016 dapat dilihat adanya keterlambatan yaitu dari 3451 berkas rekam medis pasien Keluar Rumah Sakit (KRS) terdapat 859 atau sekitar 24,9% berkas rekam medis belum masuk pada seksi rekam medis. Penelitian dilakukan pada bulan Mei 2016 – Juli 2016. Jenis penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kuantitatif dengan rancangan cross sectional. Instrumen dalam penelitian ini berupa kuesioner tertutup yang ditujukan pada dokter, perawat/bidan dan petugas rekam medis di Instalasi Rawat Inap RSUD Dr. Soetomo. Sampel dalam penelitian ini yaitu 81 orang responden yang terdiri dari dokter, perawat/bidan dan petugas rekam medis. Analisis data menggunakan teknik korelasi spearman dan crosstab dengan hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa tidak ada hubungan tanggung jawab dengan kepatuhan (p=0,388), tidak ada hubungan beban kerja dengan kepatuhan (p=0,206), tidak ada hubungan penghargaan prestasi dengan kepatuhan (p=0,213), namun ada hubungan motivasi dari pimpinan terhadap kepatuhan (p=0,029) karena dari 4 faktor motivasi yang memiliki hubungan dengan kepatuhan hanyalah 1 faktor dan 3 faktor lainnya tidak memiliki hubungan maka pada penelitian ini motivasi tidak memiliki hubungan terhadap kepatuhan (p=0,250). Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisa hubungan motivasi (meliputi: tanggung jawab, beban kerja, motivasi dari pimpinan dan penghargaan prestasi) terhadap kepatuhan pengembalian berkas rekam medis di seksi rekam medis RSUD Dr. Soetomo. Saran yang diberikan adalah lebih meningkatkan lagi tanggung jawab terhadap setiap pekerjaan, pemahaman pengetahuan tentang tupoksi yang akan berhubungan dengan beban kerja dan pemberian penghargaan berupa reward secara berkala kepada ruangan yang telah patuh dalam hal pengembalian berkas rekam medis dari ruang rawat inap ke seksi rekam medis RSUD Dr. Soetomo.
НЕЙРОПСИХОЛОГІЧНІ ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ОСІБ З ДЕВІАНТНОЮ ПОВЕДІНКОЮ
Authors: Tkach Bohdan
Published: April 2018

У статті представлено казуальну структуру девіантної поведінки, створену на основі комплексного та системного нейропсихологічного дослідження. Запропоновано нейропсихологічне дослідження здійснювати разом із біометричним (окулографія та ЕЕГ) для усунення елементу суб’єктивності при інтерпретації результатів діагностики. Сформовано три компоненти симптомокомплексу психічної стадії девіацій. Показано, що первинний симптомокомплекс представлений мінімальними порушення функціонування передньої частини мозку: орбіто-фронтальної частини префронтальної кори мозку; дорсолатеральної частини префронтальної кори мозку; передньої цингулярної кори мозку; вентромедіальної частини префронтальної кори мозку. Установлено, що вторинний симптомокомплекс зумовлений перебуванням особистості під впливом наївного реалізму, домінуванням евристичного мислення і невміння користуватися експертним мисленням у повсякденному житті; низькою комунікативною компетентністю; дезадаптацією через нездатність вчасно побачити альтернативні шляхи вирішення проблеми. Показано, що третинний симптомокомплекс – це, власне, і є адикція – патологічний гомеостаз. З’ясовано, що вибір форми адиктивної поведінки не є стохастичним процесом, а залежить від соціального походження, ціннісно-нормативних стандартів, матеріальних можливостей та інформаційного оточення. Виявлено, що при нормальному функціональному стані гіпокампу присутня гедоністична мотивація, а при ослабленому – атарактивна мотивація.
Design Social | Technology . Activism . Anti-Social
Authors: Hasdell Peter , Bruyns Gerhard
Published: April 2018

The emergence of social media and the networked society, as exemplified by The Internet of Things (IoT) (Ashton 1999), generates enormous potential that repositions design as a means to synthesise emerging social complexities into new constellations. One of the ways design in this context becomes reconfigured is as the dynamic interconnections of people, practices, and artefacts. The propinquity of this lineage leads to relational rather than objectified forms of design. Such approaches tend to be process-driven rather than outcome-based, and activate design’s potential within both knowledge generation and knowledge transfer processes. This in itself can be understood as “information” or as designbefore- design and design-after-design that provides pathways for innovation in the development of new processes, systems, networked, and relational outcomes (Deforge and Cullars 1990).
Design, Demos, Dialectics
Authors: Healy Patrick
Published: April 2018

The main focus of this paper is to examine the analysis offered of the Temple of Zeus at Olympia by Max Raphael in his study dedicated to the remains of the temple. The temple of Zeus at Olympia is often cited as the canonical example of Doric temple architecture and Raphael examines how a particular design can have such far ranging influence, to which end he elucidates the relationship of design to the activity of a participatory and democratic process specific to the Greek polis. By bringing to bear a highly dialectical analysis of the various forces at play in both construction and the elaboration of the temple, Raphael advances a brilliant interpretation which takes account of the social, spiritual and material dimensions at play and dissolves older academic understandings of the achievement of ‘classical art’.
The Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in Down Syndrome (BPSD-DS) Scale: Comprehensive Assessment of Psychopathology in Down Syndrome
Authors: Dekker Alain D. , Sacco Silvia , Carfi Angelo , Benejam Bessy , Vermeiren Yannick , Beugelsdijk Gonny , Schippers Mieke , Hassefras Lyanne , Eleveld José , Grefelman Sharina , Fopma Roelie , Bomer-Veenboer Monique , Boti Mariángeles , Oosterling G. Danielle E. , Scholten Esther , Tollenaere Marleen , Checkley Laura , Strydom André , Van Goethem Gert , Onder Graziano , Blesa Rafael , zu Eulenburg Christine , Coppus Antonia M.W. , Rebillat Anne-Sophie , Fortea Juan , De Deyn Peter P.
Published: April 2018

People with Down syndrome (DS) are prone to develop Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are core features, but have not been comprehensively evaluated in DS. In a European multidisciplinary study, the novel Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in Down Syndrome (BPSD-DS) scale was developed to identify frequency and severity of behavioral changes taking account of life-long characteristic behavior. 83 behavioral items in 12 clinically defined sections were evaluated. The central aim was to identify items that change in relation to the dementia status, and thus may differentiate between diagnostic groups. Structured interviews were conducted with informants of persons with DS without dementia (DS, n = 149), with questionable dementia (DS+Q, n = 65), and with diagnosed dementia (DS+AD, n = 67). First exploratory data suggest promising interrater, test-retest, and internal consistency reliability measures. Concerning item relevance, group comparisons revealed pronounced increases in frequency and severity in items of anxiety, sleep disturbances, agitation & stereotypical behavior, aggression, apathy, depressive symptoms, and eating/drinking behavior. The proportion of individuals presenting an increase was highest in DS+AD, intermediate in DS+Q, and lowest in DS. Interestingly, among DS+Q individuals, a substantial proportion already presented increased anxiety, sleep disturbances, apathy, and depressive symptoms, suggesting that these changes occur early in the course of AD. Future efforts should optimize the scale based on current results and clinical experiences, and further study applicability, reliability, and validity. Future application of the scale in daily care may aid caregivers to understand changes, and contribute to timely interventions and adaptation of caregiving.
Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease Based on the Patient’s Creative Drawing Process: First Results with a Novel Neuropsychological Testing Method
Authors: Heymann Petra , Gienger Regine , Hett Andreas , Müller Stephan , Laske Christoph , Robens Sibylle , Ostermann Thomas , Elbing Ulrich
Published: April 2018

Based on the knowledge of art therapy, we developed a new neuropsychological drawing test in order to identify individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as well as dementia patients and healthy controls (HC). By observing a variety of drawing characteristics of 92 participants with a mean age of 67.7, art therapy and dementia experts discriminate HC from MCI, early dementia of the Alzheimer-type (eDAT), and moderate dementia of the Alzheimer-type (mDAT) by the process analysis of tree drawings on a digitizing tablet. The art therapist’s average categorical rating of healthy and MCI or demented individuals matched the clinical diagnosis by 88%. In a first small study, we analyzed interrater reliability, sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predicted values of our tree drawing test (TDT) in comparison with the clock drawing test (CDT). Similar values of moderate interrater reliability were found for the TDT (0.56) as well as for the CDT (0.54). A significant high sensitivity of 0.9 within this binary impairment scale (HC versus impaired or demented) can be demonstrated. Substantial values for the specificity (0.67) could be obtained that however remain under a perfect value of the CDT (1.0). Considering 31 individuals that received the clinical diagnosis “impaired or demented” the TDT shows a higher recognition rate for the MCI group than the CDT. Furthermore in 8 of 12 borderline cases of clinical diagnosis, the outcome of the TDT diagnosis was consistent with the final clinical result.
Reaction of Amyloid-β Peptide Antibody with Different Infectious Agents Involved in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Vojdani Aristo , Vojdani Elroy , Saidara Evan , Kharrazian Datis
Published: April 2018

As early as the 1980s, molecular virologist Ruth Itzhaki began to investigate if there was a causal connection between infections and neurodegenerative disorder. Although the theory has yet to be universally embraced, in 2016 Itzhaki and 33 other scientists from all over the world published a review article in this very journal presenting evidence for the causal role of pathogens in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Exactly how and in what way pathogens affect the induction of AD has yet to be determined, but one possible answer may involve the cross-reactivity of different pathogens with amyloid-β (Aβ). Aβ autoantibodies have been detected in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of AD patients and in some healthy individuals. In the present study our major goal was to investigate whether antibodies made against Aβ would react both with other brain proteins as well as pathogens associated with AD as a result of molecular mimicry or the binding of bacterial toxins to Aβ42. Our study used a specific monoclonal antibody made against Aβ42, which not only reacted strongly with Aβ42, tau protein, and α-synuclein, but also had from weak to strong reactions with 25 different pathogens or their molecules, some of which have been associated with AD. The homology between peptide stretches of microbial origin and proteins involved in AD could be a mechanism by which antibodies to homologous peptides mount attacks against autoantigens in AD. We concluded that bacterial molecules bind to Aβ protein, forming small oligomers, then encasing pathogens and their molecules to form amyloid plaques, the tell-tale markers of AD. Conversely, these same Aβ peptides induce the production of antibodies to both Aβ42 and bacterial molecules, which may inhibit bacterial pathogenesis, but in the process may promote amyloid plaque formation.
Association between Plasma Levels of PAI-1, tPA/PAI-1 Molar Ratio, and Mild Cognitive Impairment in Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Yuan Yang , Cai Rongrong , Huang Rong , Tian Sai , Lin Hongyan , Guo Dan , Wang Shaohua
Published: April 2018

Background:

Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) are involved in the complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and early pathology of Alzheimer’s disease.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the association between plasma PAI-1, tPA/PAI-1 molar ratio, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Chinese T2DM patients.

Methods:

A total of 162 Chinese T2DM patients were recruited and divided into two groups according to the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score. Demographic data were collected, plasma PAI-1 and tPA levels were measured through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, tPA/PAI-1 molar ratio was calculated, and neuropsychological test results were examined. The association between PAI-1, tPA/PAI-1 molar ratio, and cognition was analyzed.

Results:

There were 66 diabetic MCI patients and 96 healthy cognition participants (controls). T2DM patients with MCI displayed significantly increased plasma PAI-1 levels ( p = 0.016) and decreased tPA/PAI-1 molar ratio ( p = 0.021) compared with the controls. High PAI-1 levels and low tPA/PAI-1 molar ratio were associated with MCI in T2DM patients, e.g., plasma level of PAI-1 were negatively correlated ( r = –0.343, p = 0.007) with logic memory in T2DM patients with MCI. Linear regression analysis further revealed that PAI-1 concentration was an independent factor of diabetic MCI ( p = 0.001).

Conclusions:

High PAI-1 levels and low tPA/PAI-1 molar ratio were significantly correlated with T2DM-associated cognitive impairment, especially memory function, in Chinese patients.
A Qualitative Approach to Health Related Quality-of-Life in Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Cornwall Kylie M. , Butterfield Russell J. , Hernandez Antonio , Heatwole Chad , Johnson Nicholas E.
Published: April 2018

Congenital muscular dystrophies (CMD) cause progressive muscle weakness resulting in severe motor disabilities. Previous studies focused on the effects of motor disability. Here, we explore other factors affecting health related quality-of-life (HRQOL) in CMD. Qualitative interviews were conducted with participant-parent dyads to identify symptoms having the greatest impact on HRQOL. Symptoms were classified into themes and domains representing physical, mental, social health, and disease specific issues. Social role limitations and specific activity impairment were frequently mentioned. A greater understanding of symptoms impacting HRQOL will provide a framework for improved clinical care and patient centered outcomes as new therapies are developed.
Erb’s palsy complicating a case of annular pancreas
Authors: Hegde S. , Bawa M. , Mahajan J.K. , Rao K.L.N.
Published: April 2018

We report an unusual presentation of annular pancreas with pneumoperitoneum in a newborn with an associated left sided Erb’s palsy. The neurological deficit caused considerable confusion in the diagnosis and unexpected complications after surgery. We highlight the importance of clinical examination and the complications that an Erb’s palsy can cause. This unusual triad of Erb’s palsy, eventration of diaphragm and annular pancreas has hitherto not been described in literature.
Factors associated with early childhood caries among 3 to 6 year old children in India: A case control study
Authors: Sridevi T. , Pranoti S. , Anand S. , Umesh W. , Sachin G.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND:

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a multifactorial disease as it is associated with biological, social and behavioral risk factors. However, not much research studied the influence of perinatal factors like birth weight, mode of delivery and gestational age with ECC. Aim of this study is to assess the association between ECC and risk factors, such as Socio-economic status (SES), Body mass index (BMI), Gestation age, birth weight and mode of delivery among Indian children aged 3 to 6 years.

METHODS:

In this cross sectional study 690 school children aged 3–6 years were included from five government and primary schools among them 345 were suffering from ECC. Data acquisition involved an oral clinical exam, anthropometric measures and a questionnaire administered in interview form to acquire information on socio-demographic data and Gestational age; mode of delivery; birth weight and socio-economic status. Chi-squared test was used to test the association between categorical variables. Multiple logistic regression analysis used to assess strength of association between risk factors and ECC while controlling known confounders.

RESULTS:

Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that male children, increasing age, preterm birth and cesarean section are associated with increased risk of developing ECC.

CONCLUSIONS:

Perinatal factors play a vital role in determination ECC burden. Early life interventions and precautions can be useful strategy to control and prevent ECC.
Microsurgical repair of neonatal iliac artery injuries with saphenous vein grafts
Authors: Adamson Karri A. , Braza Matthew E. , LoGiudice John A. , Dzwierzynski William W.
Published: April 2018

Two neonates with congenital heart disease, one and thirty-one days old respectively, suffered inadvertent arterial injury from cardiac catheterization. Both insults resulted in unrecognized avulsion of the external iliac artery from its origin. The patients quickly decompensated, with their right lower extremities becoming critically ischemic. In both cases, segments of reversed greater saphenous vein were used as interposition grafts from the common iliac artery to the common femoral artery. Reperfusion of the right foot was immediate for the one-day-old. She is now three years old and able to run, but is followed for a mild limb length discrepancy. The 31-day-old had restoration of flow to the right limb; however, the foot remained ischemic and eventually required transmetatarsal amputation. She is now 16 months old and able to crawl; she also is followed for limb length discrepancy. Without vein grafting, both infants would likely have lost their affected limbs, and possibly lost their lives. These cases advocate for microsurgical repair of arterial injuries in even the youngest patients, and promote the use of vein grafts when direct anastomosis is not feasible.
Clavicular fracture in the newborn: Is fracture location a risk factor for obstetric brachial palsy?
Authors: Casellas-García G. , Cavanilles-Walker J.M. , Albertí-Fitó G.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND:

The incidence of clavicle fracture in the newborn population ranges from 0.2 to 3.5% with an associated rate of obstetric brachial palsy (OBP) ranging from 4 to 13% .

METHODS:

The aim of this study was to describe the anatomical location of the fracture in the clavicle and its possible correlation with OBP. We retrospectively reviewed all perinatal clavicle fractures diagnosed at our institution over thirteen years.

RESULTS:

A total of 155 clavicle fractures were identified among 23508 live newborns representing an incidence of 0.67% . Fracture location was categorized according to the Allman classification. The most frequent location was the mid-shaft (Allman I) (92.90%), followed by the medial third (Allman III) (5.81%) and finally by the lateral third (Allman II) (1.29%). 17 cases had an associated OBP (10.97%). 13 of these cases (76.47%) involved the medial third, 4 involved the midshaft (23.53%) whilst none of the cases with a clavicle fracture involving the lateral third was associated to OBP. We could determine a significant association between the occurrence of OBP and fracture of the clavicle medial third (Allman type III) ( p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

To the best of our knowledge this is the first study describing the anatomical location of the fracture in the clavicle and its possible association with OBP. A fracture involving the medial clavicle third in a newborn might alert of the possible event of OBP. Nevertheless, more studies with larger samples will be necessary to confirm these results.
Umbilical cord clamping practices of U.S. obstetricians
Authors: Leslie M.S. , Greene J. , Schulkin J. , Jelin A.C.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND:

Delayed umbilical cord clamping is associated with significant benefits to preterm and term newborns and is recommended for all infants by the World Health Organization and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Little is known about the cord management practices of U.S. obstetricians.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to describe current cord clamping practices by U.S. obstetricians and investigate factors associated with delayed cord clamping.

STUDY DESIGN:

A cross-sectional survey was sent to 500 members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Umbilical cord practices were assessed, and factors related to delaying cord clamping were examined using Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression models.

RESULTS:

The overall response rate was 37% with 74% of those opening the email responding. Sixty-seven percent of respondents reported DCC by one minute or more after vaginal births at term. After preterm and near-term vaginal births, 73% and 79% said they waited at least 30 seconds before clamping. The factor most consistently and strongly related to delaying cord clamping in both bivariate and multivariate analyses was having the belief that the timing of clamping was important. Additional analysis revealed that believing the timing was important was positively associated with the physician’s institution having a written policy on the cord clamping.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this study, a majority of respondents reported delaying cord clamping and indicated that employing strategies to implement the full uptake of this practice could be valuable. Findings suggest that institutional policies may influence attitudes on cord clamping.
Bereaved mothers’ and fathers’ perceptions of a legacy intervention for parents of infants in the NICU
Authors: Akard T.F. , Duffy M. , Hord A. , Randall A. , Sanders A. , Adelstein K. , Anani U.E. , Gilmer M.J.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND:

Legacy-making, actions or behaviors aimed at being remembered, may be one strategy to enhance coping and improve grief outcomes for bereaved parents and siblings. While legacy interventions have been developed and tested in pediatric and adult populations, legacy activities specific to bereaved parents in the neonatal intensive care unit remain unexplored. This study explored bereaved parents’ perceptions of a digital storytelling legacy-making intervention for parents after the death of an infant.

METHODS:

Six bereaved mothers and fathers participated in a focus group interview three to 12 months after the death of an infant in the NICU. A semi-structured interview guide with open-ended questions was used to obtain parent self-reports. Qualitative content analysis identified emerging themes.

RESULTS:

Four major themes emerged regarding participants’ perceptions of a legacy intervention: (a) parents’ willingness to participate in a legacy intervention, (b) parents’ suggestions for a feasible intervention, (c) parents’ suggestions for an acceptable intervention, and (d) parents’ perceived benefits of legacy-making.

CONCLUSIONS:

Participants reported that a legacy-making intervention via digital storytelling would be feasible, acceptable, and beneficial for NICU parents. Study results support the need and desire for legacy-making services to be developed and offered in the NICU.
Specters of Marx in Lu Xun's Early Fiction
Authors: Johnson Fletcher
Published: April 2018

Lu Xun is considered by many scholars the most influential modern Chinese writer, likened to Tolstoy, Shakespeare and Goethe in both scope and cultural impact, to the extent that Lu Xun scholarship has earned its own formal appellative: ‘Luxunology’. This impact is due not only to the initial impact of Lu Xun's fiction, but also greatly to Mao Zedong's use of Lu Xun during the Cultural Revolution. The history of Lu Xun's early fiction is analogous to the various historical manifestations, and original ‘spirit’, of Marxism. Through close readings of Lu Xun's early fiction, and then detailing the relationship between Mao Zedong's use of Lu Xun in the Cultural Revolution, I will explore Jacques Derrida's 1993 work Specters of Marx, especially focusing on Derrida's distinction between the ‘spirit’ and the ‘spectre’.
Effects of CMIP5 Projections on Volume Growth, Carbon Stock and Timber Yield in Managed Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Silver Birch Stands under Southern and Northern Boreal Conditions
Authors: ALRahahleh Laith , Kilpeläinen Antti , Ikonen Veli-Pekka , Strandman Harri , Venäläinen Ari , Peltola Heli
Published: April 2018

We investigated how recent-generation (CMIP5) global climate model projections affect the volume growth, carbon stock, timber yield and its profitability in managed Scots pine, Norway spruce and Silver birch stands on medium fertile upland sites under southern and northern boreal conditions in Finland. Forest ecosystem model simulations were conducted for the current climate and changing climate, under two representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5), using 10 individual global climate model (GCM) projections. In addition to the baseline thinning, we maintained either 20% higher or lower stocking in thinning over a 90-year period. In the south, the severe climate projections, such as HadGEM2-ES RCP8.5 and GFDL-CM3 RCP8.5, as opposed to MPI-ESM-MR RCP4.5, considerably decreased the volume growth, carbon stock and timber yield, as well as its profitability, in Norway spruce stands, but also partially in Scots pine stands, compared to the current climate. Silver birch gained the most from the climate change in the south and Scots pine in the north. The impacts of the thinning regime varied, depending on tree species, site and climate applied. Depending on the severity of the climate change, even opposing adaptive management measures may be needed in different boreal regions.
Special Issue Introduction: Inherited Retinal Disease: Novel Candidate Genes, Genotype–Phenotype Correlations, and Inheritance Models
Authors: Cremers Frans , Boon Camiel , Bujakowska Kinga , Zeitz Christina
Published: April 2018

Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are genetically and clinically heterogeneous disorders.[...]
Taekwondo Training Improves Mood and Sociability in Children from Multicultural Families in South Korea: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Roh Hee-Tae , Cho Su-Youn , So Wi-Young
Published: April 2018

Purpose: Children from multicultural families face physical, social, mental, and intellectual hurdles; however, relative interventions are lacking in South Korea (hereafter Korea) in this regard. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of regular Taekwondo (TKD) training on physical fitness, mood, sociability, and cognitive functions in these children. Methods: This study included 30 children from multicultural families in Korea who were randomly assigned to a TKD group (n = 15) and control group (n = 15). The children in TKD group underwent 16 weeks of TKD training once a week for 60 min. Each participant underwent a basic fitness test and sociability questionnaire before and after the intervention. Furthermore, we examined the changes in the mood and cognitive function by determining the profile of mood states (POMS), and Stroop color and word test, respectively. Results: Results of the Stork test of balance were significantly higher in the TKD group after intervention (p < 0.05). In terms of sub-variables, POMS, tension, and depression scores were significantly lower (p < 0.05) after the intervention, while the vigor score was significantly higher in the intervention group than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, sociability and ‘being left out’ score, a sub-variable of sociability, was significantly lower (p < 0.05) after the intervention, while sociability score was significantly higher (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that participation in regular TKD training can be effective for balanced improvements in variables of basic fitness and that it exerts a positive effect on the mood and development of sociability.
The Associations between Sleep Duration and Sleep Quality with Body-Mass Index in a Large Sample of Young Adults
Authors: Krističević Tomislav , Štefan Lovro , Sporiš Goran
Published: April 2018

Background: The main aims of this study were to explore the associations between time spent in bed (as a proxy of sleep duration) and sleep quality with overweight/obesity status in a large sample of young adults. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, participants were 2100 university students (49.6% of women). We used Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire to assess time spent in bed and sleep quality. Body-mass index (BMI) was self-reported and dichotomized as normal (<25 kg/m2) vs. overweight/obesity (≥25 kg/m2) status. Results: In model 1, both short (<6 h/day, OR = 2.72; 95% CI 1.27 to 5.84) and long (>10 h/day, OR = 3.38; 95% CI 2.12 to 5.40) time spent in bed were associated with a greater likelihood of being overweight/obese. In model 2, poor sleep quality (>5 points, OR = 1.45; 95% CI 1.14 to 1.83) was associated with a greater likelihood of being overweight/obese. After entering time spent in bed and sleep quality simultaneously into the model 3, both short (OR = 2.64; 95% CI 1.23 to 5.66) and long (OR = 3.27; 95% CI 2.04 to 5.23) time spent in bed and poor sleep quality (OR = 1.40; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.78) were associated with overweight/obesity status. Conclusions: Our results show that both short and long time spent in bed and poor sleep quality are associated with overweight/obesity status in young adults. Special interventions and policies that use both sleep duration and sleep quality as protective factors against overweight/obesity are warranted.
Source Apportionment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Sediment by the Application of Non-Negative Factor Analysis: A Case Study of Dalian Bay
Authors: Tian Fu-Lin , Li Fa-Yun , Wang De-Gao , Wang Yan-Jie
Published: April 2018

An improved method, factor analysis with non-negative constraints (FA-NNC) was adopted to apportion the sources of sediment polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Dalian Bay, China. Cosine similarity and Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis were used to assist the FA-NNC source resolution. The results identified three sources for PAHs, which were overall traffic, diesel engine emissions and residential coal combustion. The contributions of these sources were quantified as 78 ± 4.6% from overall traffic, 12 ± 3.2% from diesel engine emissions, and 10 ± 1.9% from residential coal combustion. The results from the Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis indicated that the model was robust and convergent.
Characterizing Depression Issues on Sina Weibo
Authors: Tian Xianyun , Batterham Philip , Song Shuang , Yao Xiaoxu , Yu Guang
Published: April 2018

The prevalence of depression has increased significantly over the past few years both in developed and developing countries. However, many people with symptoms of depression still remain untreated or undiagnosed. Social media may be a tool to help researchers and clinicians to identify and support individuals who experience depression. More than 394,000,000 postings were collected from China’s most popular social media website, Sina Weibo. 1000 randomly selected depression-related postings was coded and analyzed to learn the themes of these postings, and a text classifier was built to identify the postings indicating depression. The identified depressed users were compared with the general population on demographic characteristics, diurnal patterns, and patterns of emoticon usage. We found that disclosure of depression was the most popular theme; depression displayers were more engaged with social media compared to non-depression displayers, the depression postings showed geographical variations, depression displayers tended to be active during periods of leisure and sleep, and depression displayers used negative emoticons more frequently than non-depression displayers. This study offers a broad picture of depression references on China’s social media, which may be cost effectively developed to detect and help individuals who may suffer from depression disorders.
Temperature Variability and Gastrointestinal Infections: A Review of Impacts and Future Perspectives
Authors: Ghazani Maryam , FitzGerald Gerard , Hu Wenbiao , Toloo Ghasem (Sam) , Xu Zhiwei
Published: April 2018

The objectives of this research are to review and assess the current state of knowledge of the association between environmental temperature and gastrointestinal (GI) infections. A review of the published literature was undertaken using standard approaches. Initially, four electronic databases including Embase, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science were chosen to retrieve studies published from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2017 based on selected keywords used in the primary search. After the elimination of duplicates, the titles were reviewed for relevance to the principal research question. Secondly, the abstracts of titles deemed to be relevant were reviewed for significance and finally the articles were reviewed in their entirety to identify their contribution to the principal research question. Initially, 8201 articles were identified, and eight studies finally met the inclusion criteria. A secondary phase involving scrutiny of the references of key identified articles found three further studies. Consequently, 11 papers were selected for the final review. Current literature confirms a significant association between temperature and infectious gastroenteritis worldwide. Also, a most-likely non-linear correlation between rainfall and GI infections has been identified in that the rate of such infections can be increased with either high or low precipitation. Finally, some studies suggest high relative humidity may not increase the rate of GI infections and some have found it may decrease it. These findings help inform predictions of risk, particularly under future climate change scenarios.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A Exerts Diverse Cellular Effects via Small G Proteins, Rho and Rap
Authors: Shimizu Akio , Zankov Dimitar P. , Kurokawa-Seo Misuzu , Ogita Hisakazu
Published: April 2018

Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) include five molecules (VEGF-A, -B, -C, -D, and placental growth factor), and have various roles that crucially regulate cellular functions in many kinds of cells and tissues. Intracellular signal transduction induced by VEGFs has been extensively studied and is usually initiated by their binding to two classes of transmembrane receptors: receptor tyrosine kinase VEGF receptors (VEGF receptor-1, -2 and -3) and neuropilins (NRP1 and NRP2). In addition to many established results reported by other research groups, we have previously identified small G proteins, especially Ras homologue gene (Rho) and Ras-related protein (Rap), as important mediators of VEGF-A-stimulated signaling in cancer cells as well as endothelial cells. This review article describes the VEGF-A-induced signaling pathways underlying diverse cellular functions, including cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, and the involvement of Rho, Rap, and their related molecules in these pathways.