bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Home-based video visits for pediatric patients with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes
Authors: Crossen Stephanie , Glaser Nicole , Sauers-Ford Hadley , Chen Shelby , Tran Victoria , Marcin James
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Management of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is labor-intensive, requiring multiple daily blood glucose measurements and insulin injections. Patients are seen quarterly by providers, but evidence suggests more frequent contact is beneficial. Current technology allows secure, remote sharing of diabetes data and video-conferencing between providers and patients in their home settings.

Methods

Home-based video visits were provided for six months to pediatric T1D patients with poor glycemic control, indicated by a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥8% at enrollment. Video visits were conducted every 4–8 weeks in addition to regularly scheduled clinic visits. Dates of clinic visits and HbA1c values were abstracted from the medical record at baseline and six months. Patients were surveyed at video visits regarding technical issues, and after six months a standardized survey was administered to assess satisfaction with video-based care.

Results

A total of 57 patients enrolled and 36 completed six months of video visits. Patients completing six months averaged 4.0 video visits (SD 1.1). Their frequency of in-person care also increased from 3.2 clinic visits/year at baseline to 3.7 clinic visits/year during the study ( P = 0.04). Mean HbA1c reduction among patients completing six months was 0.8% (95% CI 0.2–1.4%); 94% of these patients were “very satisfied” while 6% were “somewhat satisfied” with the experience.

Discussion

This study demonstrates that home-based video visits are feasible and satisfactory for pediatric patients with poorly controlled T1D. Furthermore, use of video visits can improve frequency of subspecialty care and resulting glycemic control in this population.
A systematic review examining the association between female body image and the intention, initiation and duration of post-partum infant feeding methods (breastfeeding vs bottle-feeding)
Authors: Morley-Hewitt Alexandra Grace , Owen Alison Leah
Published: March 2019

A systematic review was conducted to examine female body image in relation to the intention, initiation and duration of post-partum infant feeding methods. A search of 10 databases was conducted to identify studies. A total of nine studies were included in the systematic review. All studies were of a non-randomised control design with a total of 13,046 participants. Findings suggest that exclusive breastfeeding is more likely in pregnant women with a higher body image, while those with body concerns had less intention to breastfeed or initiate, with those who start having a shorter duration.
Mindsong, music therapy and dementia care: collaborative working to support people with dementia and family carers at home
Authors: Melhuish Ruth , Grady Maggie , Holland Anthea
Published: March 2019

Mindsong brings music therapy to people with dementia across Gloucestershire. In 2016, it was part of an innovative co-production project funded by NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group that offered music therapy to people with advanced dementia and ‘challenging’ behaviour. Music therapy was used at times of crisis with couples in the domiciliary setting and the hardest to reach residents at a dementia specialist care home. Positive outcomes included improvements in well-being, mood, engagement and behaviours. Working with client and carer together resulted in increased carer resilience despite complex challenges. Collaborative working maximised results to the benefit of clients and those who care for them. This article focuses on work in the domiciliary setting.
Impact analysis and vibration reduction design of spiral bevel gears
Authors: Mu Yanming , Fang Zongde , Li Wenli
Published: March 2019

To minimize the running vibration of spiral bevel gear, an optimization design method for vibration control is presented with the model of meshing impact. Firstly, based on the impact model of spiral bevel gears considering tooth deformation, the initial meshing position, meshing stiffness, and the meshing impact is studied. Secondly, the effects of load torque and rotation speed on meshing impact are analyzed. Thirdly, a mathematical model for pinion generator is built with following parameters: tool parameters, initial machine settings, and polynomial coefficients of auxiliary flank modification motion. The polynomial coefficients of the auxiliary flank modification motion are determined by optimizing the minimum impact velocity. Finally, a numerical simulation is performed. The results shows that load torque and pinion rotational speed impose significant influences on the impact. The impact velocity increases with the increase of load torque and pinion rotation speed. With load torque increasing, impact force tends to increase first and then decrease because of meshing stiffness changes, finally impact force increases dramatically due to additional load. The advantages of spiral bevel gear under the optimization of impact velocity in meshing impact are obviously. The accuracy and scientificity of the method presented in the paper for calculating the initial meshing point and meshing stiffness of complicated tooth surfaces is verified. The optimized gear obtained by the optimization method presented in the paper is also proved that owns the lowest meshing impact in the design load range. The proposed optimization method can reduce meshing impact and improve the dynamic meshing performance of spiral bevel gear. This method also can be used for optimum design of other types of gears.
Dating religious change: Pagan and Christian in Viking Age Iceland
Authors: Vésteinsson Orri , Sveinbjörnsdóttir Árný , Gestsdóttir Hildur , Heinemeier Jan , Friðriksson Adolf
Published: March 2019

Mortuary customs frequently provide the principal archaeological evidence for religious identity. Such customs are often seen as a direct reflection of religion and therefore a change of religion should be expected to result in a change in burial rite. There is growing evidence that the relationship is not so straightforward. In this paper we report results from Viking Age Iceland which challenge the previous view of a relatively clear-cut transition from pagan to Christian burial rites. The implication of our findings is that burial rites cannot be expected to change in lockstep with religious ideas. Burial rites reflect a variety of concerns held by those who perform them – and religion, ideology or cosmology may be the least of those. It is one of the characteristics of institutionalized religions like Christianity that they strive to design rituals and control their performance but the assertion of such control does not have to be coterminous with conversion.
Promoting climate change transformation with young people in Brazil: participatory action research through a looping approach
Authors: Trajber Rachel , Walker Catherine , Marchezini Victor , Kraftl Peter , Olivato Débora , Hadfield-Hill Sophie , Zara Cristiana , Fernandes Monteiro Shirley
Published: March 2019

Amid research into the mounting social and environmental threats presented by climate change, young people’s everyday experiences and knowledges are often overlooked, despite being the generation that will be most affected by climate change. We present a ‘looping’ methodology, developed through collaborative work between two distinct but complementary research projects wherein young people in the Paraíba do Sul watershed, São Paulo state, Brazil shared their perspectives on (respectively) climate-related disasters and the food–water–energy nexus. The approach brings together the theoretical framings of citizen science and nexus thinking under the aegis of participatory action research, to identify points of mutual learning in relation to the knowledge, action and critique co-produced with young people. This ‘looping methodology’ enables meta-analytic insights into how participatory action research, looped with other forms of action-oriented research, can enable young people and other protagonists to articulate and act upon the complex, multi-scalar processes that characterise what it means to live in uncertain social, political and environmental times.
T-labs and climate change narratives: Co-researcher qualities in transgressive action–research
Authors: Macintyre Thomas , Monroy Tatiana , Coral David , Zethelius Margarita , Tassone Valentina , Wals Arjen EJ
Published: March 2019

This paper addresses the call for more action-based narratives of grassroot resistance to runaway climate change. At a time when deep changes in society are needed in order to respond to climate change and related sustainability issues, there are calls for greater connectivity between science and society, and for more inclusive and disruptive forms of knowledge creation and engagement. The contention of this paper is that the forces and structures that create a disconnect between science and society must be ‘transgressed’. This paper introduces a concept of Transgressive Action Research as a methodological innovation that enables the co-creation of counter hegemonic pathways towards sustainability. Through the method of the Living Spiral Framework, fieldwork reflexions from the Colombian case study of the international T-Learning project were elicited, uncovering and explicating the transgressive learning qualities needed to respond to climate change. As part of a larger action–research project, this paper combines the arts with the social sciences, demonstrating how the concept of ‘Transgressive Action Research’ can enable co-researchers to engage in disruptive and transformative processes, meeting the need for more radical approaches to addressing the urgent challenges of climate change.
You defend what you feel: ‘Presencing’ nature as ‘experiential knowing’
Authors: Gioacchino Gioel
Published: March 2019

This article reflects on a youth-led action research process on climate change adaptation carried out in Cuba between 2013 and 2015. The research explored the question: ‘How are Cuban youth engaging with climate change adaptation challenges and what can we learn from it?’. The objectives of the research were to understand young people's attitudes towards climate change and environmental work while connecting a youth network in Cuba and encourage collaboration. This article contributes to PAR with a rich description of a research process in which the group of co-researchers was able to collectively shift their awareness of and personal relationship with nature. Proposing a conversation between Heron and Reason's extended epistemology (1997) and Scharmer's TheoryU (2016, 2018), I argue that experiential knowledge in climate change and environmental work looks like entering an intimate state of co-presencing with the aliveness of the earth. Second of all, the research contributes to the literature on youth participation highlighting that in Cuba there is a gap between the political will and attention towards climate change adaptation, which is remarkable, and young people's ability to meaningfully take leadership in such efforts.
Flexibility in adopting relative frames of reference in dorsal and lateral settings
Authors: Wilke Fiona , Bender Andrea , Beller Sieghard
Published: March 2019

The relative frame of reference (FoR) is used to describe spatial relations between two objects from an observer’s perspective. Standard, frontal referencing situations with objects located in the observer’s visual field afford three well-established variants: translation, reflection, and rotation. Here, we focus on references in non-standard situations with objects located at the back or at the side of an observer ( dorsal and lateral, respectively). We scrutinise the consistency assumption, which was introduced to infer the covert strategy used in dorsal tasks from an ambiguous overt response: that, when confronted with a non-standard situation, people adopt a strategy consistent with how they construct the relative FoR in frontal situations. Lateral tasks enable us to disentangle the ambiguous response. The results of a study in Norway and Germany support the consistency assumption in part: Nearly all participants with a preference for translation in frontal tasks applied translation in lateral tasks, and some participants with a preference for reflection in frontal tasks turned towards the objects before applying reflection in lateral tasks. Most other participants with a preference for reflection in frontal tasks, however, switched to translation in lateral tasks. The latter may be due to a specific affordance of the lateral arrangements, which invite translation as the easier strategy compared to the alternative derived from reflection. Our findings indicate that people do not apply their preferred variant of the relative FoR to all kinds of situations, but rather flexibly adapt their strategy when it is more convenient to do so.
4G versus 3G-enabled telemedicine in prehospital acute stroke care
Authors: Winter B , Wendt M , Waldschmidt C , Rozanski M , Kunz A , Geisler F , Grittner U , Kaczmarek S , Ebinger M , Audebert HJ ,   for the Stroke Emergency Mobile (STEMO) Consortium
Published: March 2019

Background

Time to reperfusion treatment is closely related to outcome in ischemic stroke. Prehospital stroke work-up in CT-equipped mobile stroke units is effective in reducing time to thrombolytic treatment. Current evidence predominantly comes from mobile stroke units staffed with neurologists but telemedicine-guided management may be acceptable for providing neurological expertise in ambulances. With unsatisfactory experiences in third-generation (3G)-based approaches, fourth-generation (4G) networks may provide adequate audio-visual quality but systematic comparisons of technological parameters and decision-making are lacking.

Methods

Trained actors presented stroke symptoms and paramedics assisted the remotely guided extended National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (eNIHSS) assessment on the mobile stroke unit in Berlin, Germany. We compared technical parameters of 4G and 3G connections, assessed audio-visual quality of examination, and analyzed reliability of neurological assessment and treatment decisions made by the remote neurologist versus the mobile stroke unit neurologist.

Results

4G and 3G connections were evaluated in 40 scenarios each. Connectivity was not available in 17% of 4G- and 15% of 3G-attempts with 6% simultaneous unavailability of both networks. The remote examiners graded audio and video quality in 4G better than in 3G with slightly shorter assessment duration in 4G (mean: 9 (SD:5) vs. mean 11 (SD:3) min, p = 0.10). Reliability of the eNIHSS sum scores was high with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.99 (95% CI: 0.987–1.00) for 4G and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96–0.99) for 3G. None of the remote treatment decisions differed from onsite decisions.

Conclusions

4G mobile communications provided higher quality of video-examination and allowed reliable remote assessment of stroke symptoms but coverage was still incomplete in both networks.
Interventional therapy in patients with severe emphysema: evaluation of contraindications and their incidence
Authors: Polke Markus , Rötting Matthias , Sarmand Nilab , Krisam Johannes , Eberhardt Ralf , Herth Felix J.F. , Gompelmann Daniela
Published: March 2019

Background:

Endoscopic and surgical interventions may be beneficial for selected patients with emphysema. Rates of treatment failure decrease when the predictors for successful therapy are known. The aim of the study was to evaluate the number of patients with severe emphysema who were not eligible for any intervention, and the reasons for their exclusion.

Methods:

The study was a retrospective analysis of 231 consecutive patients with advanced emphysema who were considered for interventional therapy in 2016 at the Thoraxklinik, Heidelberg, Germany. The reasons for not receiving valve or coil therapy were assessed for all patients who did not receive any therapy.

Results:

Of the 231 patients, 50% received an interventional therapy for lung volume reduction (LVR) (82% valve therapy, 6% coil therapy, 4.3% polymeric LVR or bronchial thermal vapour ablation, 4.3% total lung denervation, and 3.4% lung volume reduction surgery [LVRS]). A total of 115 patients did not undergo LVR. Out of these, valve or coil therapy was not performed due to one or more of the following reasons: incomplete fissure in 37% and 0%; missing target lobe in 31% and 30%; personal decision in 18% and 28%; pulmonary function test results in 8% and 15%; ventilatory failure in 4% and 4%; missing optimal standard medical care and/or continued nicotine abuse in 4% and 3%; general condition too good in less than 1% and 3%; cardiovascular comorbidities in 0% and 3%; age of patient in 0% and less than 1%. Both techniques were not performed due to one or more of the following reasons: solitary pulmonary nodule(s)/consolidation in 27%; bronchopathy in 7%; neoplasia in 2%; destroyed lung in 2%; prior LVRS in less than 1%.

Conclusions:

The main reason for not placing valves was an incomplete fissure and for coils a missing target lobe. Numerous additional contraindications that may exclude a patient from interventional emphysema therapy should be respected.
A mathematical model of cartilage regeneration after chondrocyte and stem cell implantation – II: the effects of co-implantation
Authors: Campbell Kelly , Naire Shailesh , Kuiper Jan Herman
Published: March 2019

We present a mathematical model of cartilage regeneration after cell therapy, to show how co-implantation of stem cells (mesenchymal stem cells) and chondrocytes into a cartilage defect can impact chondral healing. The key mechanisms involved in the regeneration process are simulated by modelling cell proliferation, migration and differentiation, nutrient diffusion and Extracellular Matrix (ECM) synthesis at the defect site, both spatially and temporally. In addition, we model the interaction between mesenchymal stem cells and chondrocytes by including growth factors. In Part I of this work, we have shown that matrix formation was enhanced at early times when mesenchymal stem cell-to-chondrocyte interactions due to the effects of growth factors were considered. In this article, we show that the additional effect of co-implanting mesenchymal stem cells and chondrocytes further enhances matrix production within the first year in comparison to implanting only chondrocytes or only mesenchymal stem cells. This could potentially reduce healing time allowing the patient to become mobile sooner after surgery.
Potential usage of cardioneuroablation in vagally mediated functional atrioventricular block
Authors: Aksu Tolga , Guler Tumer Erdem , Bozyel Serdar , Yalin Kivanc
Published: March 2019

An increase in parasympathetic tone may be the main cause of some transient or permanent atrioventricular block cases. Some of these patients, defined as vagally mediated functional atrioventricular block, may be severely symptomatic and refractory to conventional therapies and may necessitate cardiac pacing. Cardioneuroablation is a relatively new strategy for management of patients with excessive vagal activation based on radiofrequency catheter ablation of main ganglionated plexi around the heart. Present review was dedicated to discuss potential usage of cardioneuroablation in patients with vagally mediated functional atrioventricular block.
Power Relations in the Force Field of Academia: A Close Reading of Srividya Natarajan’s No Onions Nor Garlic
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Averi
Published: March 2019

University campuses serve as second homes for students, teachers, administrators, and parents coming from diverse regions, religions, classes, castes, and different genders. Interaction and camaraderie between the major characters in the academe develop. The bonhomie that exists between the stakeholders of the academe has its own rules, rules that are marked by the interference of power. The one wielding more power by virtue of one’s position, class, caste, or gender tries to dictate the terms of a particular relationship. Relations evolve as power relations, whereby a specific code of conduct regarding speech, behavior, thought, writing, love, and life is laid down for all—from administrators and professors to students and parents. This article studies how in a location as specific as Chennai University as described in Srividya Natarajan’s No Onions Nor Garlic, the ideological prejudices and hierarchical divisions highlighted by the play of power affect the daily life of the academe and chart out the course of action for everyone, from professors, students, high caste, low caste to men and women, involved in power relations. On the basis of that, this article suggests power in general serves not only to suppress the powerless but is productive also, as countering power with power creates a proper kind of resistance that blurs the difference between the agent and the target of power in power relations.
The Stress–Burnout Relationship: Examining the Moderating Effect of Physical Activity and Intrinsic Motivation for Off-Job Physical Activity
Authors: Isoard-Gautheur Sandrine , Ginoux Clément , Gerber Markus , Sarrazin Philippe
Published: March 2019

Current research highlights the need to critically examine the factors that can reduce the relationship between work stress and burnout to improve employee health and well-being, as well as to create healthier workplaces. The objective of this study was to enhance insight into the association between stress and job burnout by testing the moderated moderating effect of off-job physical activity (PA) and intrinsic motivation for off-job PA on this association. A total of 369 university staff (70% females) completed a web survey comprising measures of perceived stress, job burnout, PA, and intrinsic motivation for PA. A three-way conditional process model revealed that the “Stress × PA” interaction was significant for cognitive weariness, and that the three-way interaction between “Stress × PA × Intrinsic Motivation for PA” was significantly related to job burnout, and to cognitive weariness. The results highlight (a) that stress was associated with higher levels of job burnout; (b) that under a high stress condition, PA was negatively linked to cognitive weariness; and (c) that intrinsic motivation for PA reinforced the positive moderating effect of PA on the stress–burnout relationship, especially when stress is high.
The Influence of Supervisors’ Use of Motivating Language in Organizations Located in India
Authors: Madlock Paul E. , Hildebrand Clubbs Brooke
Published: March 2019

The purpose of the current study was to extend organizational communication scholarship by examining the influence of culture on the use of motivating language by supervisors in organizations located in India. Furthermore, the influence of motivating language on employees’ perceptions of their supervisors’ communication competence and their own job satisfaction was examined. Participants included 180 full-time employees from various organizations located in India. The current findings indicate that supervisors in India tended to use direction-giving language most frequently followed by empathetic and meaning-making language. A structural equation model indicated how culture tended to mediate the use of motivating language on the communication competence of supervisors and the job satisfaction of employees.
Determinants and Outcome of Community-Acquired Late-Onset Neonatal Sepsis in Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Saqeeb Kazi Nazmus , Hasan S. M. Tafsir , Khan Md. Alfazal , Ahmed Tahmeed , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer
Published: March 2019

Background. This study examined the sociodemographic as well as other determinants and outcome of community-acquired late-onset neonatal sepsis (LONS) in rural Bangladesh at Matlab. Methods. In this retrospective chart review, we used an unmatched case-control design (1:2 ratio) to evaluate the factors associated with LONS and their outcomes among babies admitted to the neonatal ward of Matlab Hospital of icddr,b, from January 2012 to December 2014. Neonates presenting with any of the clinical signs of serious bacterial infection during 3 to 28 days of life constituted the cases (LONS), and those without LONS constituted the controls. All the data were retrieved from the electronic databases of Matlab Hospital and Matlab Health and Demographic Surveillance System. Results. Among 1482 admitted neonates, 202 were cases and 404 were randomly selected controls. In babies with LONS, case fatality rate (1% vs 0%, P = .037), duration of inpatient stay (4 days vs 2 days, P < .001), and referral to higher center (9% vs 5%, P = .020) were higher. In an adjusted model, undernutrition (weight for length Z score < −2; odds ratio [OR] = 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2-2.94), admission in winter season (OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.09-2.41), mother’s schooling <10 years (OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.09-2.85), primiparity (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.05-2.29), home delivery (OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.07-3.26), and household food insecurity (OR = 2.78, 95% CI = 1.31-5.88) were found to be independently associated with LONS. Conclusion. LONS posed considerable socioeconomic burden to the rural community. Further studies are required to consolidate our findings.
2′-Fucosyllactose Is Well Tolerated in a 100% Whey, Partially Hydrolyzed Infant Formula With Bifidobacterium lactis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Storm Heidi M. , Shepard Julie , Czerkies Laura M. , Kineman Brian , Cohen Sarah S. , Reichert Heidi , Carvalho Ryan
Published: March 2019

Human milk oligosaccharides are important components of breast milk. We evaluated feeding tolerance of the human milk oligosaccharide 2′-fucosyllactose (2′FL) in a 100% whey, partially hydrolyzed infant formula with the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis ssp lactis strain Bb12 ( B lactis; Test) as compared with the same formula without 2′FL (Control) in a randomized controlled trial of healthy infants enrolled at 2 weeks of age (±5 days). After 6 weeks of feeding the assigned formula, the primary outcome of tolerance was assessed using the Infant Gastrointestinal Symptom Questionnaire. Stooling, vomiting, spit-up, crying, and fussing were compared between groups. Seventy-nine infants were enrolled and 63 completed the study per protocol (30 Test, 33 Control). Infant Gastrointestinal Symptom Questionnaire scores were similar between groups (Test 20.9 ± 4.8, Control 20.7 ± 4.3, P = .82). Partially hydrolyzed infant formula with 2′FL and B lactis is tolerated well, as confirmed by a validated multi-symptom index.
Antibiotic Prescriptions for Upper Respiratory Infections in a Pediatric Office Versus an Urgent Care Center
Authors: Hayes Rebecca , Merritt Brandon , Lewis Stacee , Shields Jessie , Gerlach Jennifer , Gress Todd W. , Evans Joseph
Published: March 2019

It is estimated that as many as 10 million unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions are written each year for children. Children are more likely to receive antibiotics for an upper respiratory infection in an urgent care center compared with the primary care office. However, no study has examined the antibiotic prescribing practices of the same physicians in these settings. This retrospective chart review evaluated pediatricians’ antibiotic prescribing practices for patients with symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection in the office setting and an urgent care setting. There was no difference in the total antibiotic prescribing rate by pediatricians in their primary care office versus an urgent care setting. Pediatricians who were high antibiotic prescribers in the office setting were also high prescribers in the urgent care. The highest prescribing physicians prescribed the appropriate recommended antibiotics for a particular diagnosis the lowest percentage of the time. Efforts to promote antimicrobial stewardship should be directed toward the individual physician and not toward the location where the patients are being evaluated.
Starting and stopping movement by the primate brain
Authors: Lemon Roger , Kraskov Alexander
Published: March 2019

We review the current knowledge about the part that motor cortex plays in the preparation and generation of movement, and we discuss the idea that corticospinal neurons, and particularly those with cortico-motoneuronal connections, act as ‘command’ neurons for skilled reach-to-grasp movements in the primate. We also review the increasing evidence that it is active during processes such as action observation and motor imagery. This leads to a discussion about how movement is inhibited and stopped, and the role in these for disfacilitation of the corticospinal output. We highlight the importance of the non-human primate as a model for the human motor system. Finally, we discuss the insights that recent research into the monkey motor system has provided for translational approaches to neurological diseases such as stroke, spinal injury and motor neuron disease.
RNA-sequencing in ophthalmology research: considerations for experimental design and analysis
Authors: Owen Nicholas , Moosajee Mariya
Published: March 2019

High-throughput, massively parallel sequence analysis has revolutionized the way that researchers design and execute scientific investigations. Vast amounts of sequence data can be generated in short periods of time. Regarding ophthalmology and vision research, extensive interrogation of patient samples for underlying causative DNA mutations has resulted in the discovery of many new genes relevant to eye disease. However, such analysis remains functionally limited. RNA-sequencing accurately snapshots thousands of genes, capturing many subtypes of RNA molecules, and has become the gold standard for transcriptome gene expression quantification. RNA-sequencing has the potential to advance our understanding of eye development and disease; it can reveal new candidates to improve our molecular diagnosis rates and highlight therapeutic targets for intervention. But with a wide range of applications, the design of such experiments can be problematic, no single optimal pipeline exists, and therefore, several considerations must be undertaken for optimal study design. We review the key steps involved in RNA-sequencing experimental design and the downstream bioinformatic pipelines used for differential gene expression. We provide guidance on the application of RNA-sequencing to ophthalmology and sources of open-access eye-related data sets.
Interdevice agreement in respiratory resistance values by oscillometry in asthmatic children
Authors: Ducharme Francine M. , Jroundi Imane , Jean Guillaume , Lavoie Boutin Guillaume , Lawson Christiane , Vinet Benjamin
Published: March 2019

Background

With several commercially available devices measuring respiratory impedance by oscillometry, the agreement between values obtained on different instruments or frequencies remains unclear. Our aim was to examine the agreement between resistance and reactance parameters on two oscillometry instruments using different waveforms.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study in asthmatic children aged 3–17 years. Reproducible oscillometry measurements were obtained in random order, by blinded operators, at three modes: 5–10–15–20–25 Hz (5–25 Hz) multifrequency mode on the MasterScreen impulse oscillometry system, and both 5–25 Hz multifrequency mode and 7 Hz monofrequency on the tremoFlo C-100 airwave sinusoidal system. Resistance, reactance and within-breath parameters were examined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), paired t-test, linear regression and Bland–Altman method.

Results

Of 50 participants, 44 and 38 completed between-device and within-frequency measurements, respectively. Between-device measurements at 5–25 Hz showed high (ICC 0.88–0.91) and good (ICC 0.69–0.87) agreement in resistance and reactance, respectively, but with an absolute within-patient difference (≥0.05 kPa·L−1·s−1) and proportional bias (≥30% per kPa·L−1·s−1) in all parameters and oscillatory frequencies, apart from resistance at 5 Hz.A significant proportional bias was documented in most within-breath parameters at 5versus7 Hz on tremoFlo.

Conclusion

Observed differences in resistance and reactance suggest the need for instrument- and frequency-specific paediatric normative values.
Serum Levels of MicroRNA-371a-3p (M371 Test) as a New Biomarker of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: Results of a Prospective Multicentric Study
Authors: Dieckmann Klaus-Peter , Radtke Arlo , Geczi Lajos , Matthies Cord , Anheuser Petra , Eckardt Ulrike , Sommer Jörg , Zengerling Friedemann , Trenti Emanuela , Pichler Renate , Belz Hanjo , Zastrow Stefan , Winter Alexander , Melchior Sebastian , Hammel Johannes , Kranz Jennifer , Bolten Marius , Krege Susanne , Haben Björn , Loidl Wolfgang , Ruf Christian Guido , Heinzelbecker Julia , Heidenreich Axel , Cremers Jann Frederik , Oing Christoph , Hermanns Thomas , Fankhauser Christian Daniel , Gillessen Silke , Reichegger Hermann , Cathomas Richard , Pichler Martin , Hentrich Marcus , Eredics Klaus , Lorch Anja , Wülfing Christian , Peine Sven , Wosniok Werner , Bokemeyer Carsten , Belge Gazanfer
Published: March 2019

PURPOSE

Previous studies suggested that serum levels of microRNA (miR)-371a-3p (so-called M371 test) have a much higher sensitivity and specificity than the classic markers of testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) and are applicable toward both seminoma and nonseminoma. We sought to confirm the usefulness of this test as a novel biomarker for GCT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a prospective, multicentric study, serum samples of 616 patients with testicular GCTs and 258 male controls were examined for serum levels of miRNA-371a-3p (miR levels) by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The GCT population encompassed 359 patients with seminoma and 257 with nonseminoma; 371 had clinical stage I disease, 201 had systemic disease, and 46 had relapses. Paired measurements before and after orchiectomy were performed in 424 patients; 118 with systemic disease had serial measurements during treatment. miR levels were compared with those of β-human chorionic gonadotropin, α-fetoprotein, and lactate dehydrogenase.

RESULTS

For the primary diagnosis of GCT, the M371 test showed a sensitivity of 90.1%, a specificity of 94.0%, an area under the curve of 0.966 upon receiver operating characteristic analysis, and a positive predictive value of 97.2%. α-Fetoprotein, β-human chorionic gonadotropin, and lactate dehydrogenase had sensitivities of less than 50% in seminoma and slightly higher sensitivities in nonseminomas. miR levels were significantly associated with clinical stage, primary tumor size, and response to treatment. Relapses had elevated miR levels that subsequently dropped to normal upon remission. Teratoma did not express miR-371a-3p.

CONCLUSION

The M371 test outperforms the classic markers of GCT with both a sensitivity and a specificity greater than 90%. All histologic subgroups, except teratoma, express this marker. The test could be considered for clinical implementation after further validation.
Dynein activators and adaptors at a glance
Authors: Olenick Mara A. , Holzbaur Erika L. F.
Published: March 2019

Cytoplasmic dynein-1 (hereafter dynein) is an essential cellular motor that drives the movement of diverse cargos along the microtubule cytoskeleton, including organelles, vesicles and RNAs. A long-standing question is how a single form of dynein can be adapted to a wide range of cellular functions in both interphase and mitosis. Recent progress has provided new insights – dynein interacts with a group of activating adaptors that provide cargo-specific and/or function-specific regulation of the motor complex. Activating adaptors such as BICD2 and Hook1 enhance the stability of the complex that dynein forms with its required activator dynactin, leading to highly processive motility toward the microtubule minus end. Furthermore, activating adaptors mediate specific interactions of the motor complex with cargos such as Rab6-positive vesicles or ribonucleoprotein particles for BICD2, and signaling endosomes for Hook1. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and accompanying poster, we highlight the conserved structural features found in dynein activators, the effects of these activators on biophysical parameters, such as motor velocity and stall force, and the specific intracellular functions they mediate.
Osteonecrosis of the femoral head: pathophysiology and current concepts of treatment
Authors: Petek Daniel , Hannouche Didier , Suva Domizio
Published: March 2019

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a disabling pathology affecting a young population (average age at treatment, 33 to 38 years) and is the most important cause of total hip arthroplasty in this population. It reflects the endpoint of various disease processes that result in a decrease of the femoral head blood flow. The physiopathology reflects an alteration of the vascularization of the fine blood vessels irrigating the anterior and superior part of the femoral head. This zone of necrosis is the source of the loss of joint congruence that leads to premature wear of the hip. Several different types of medication have been developed to reverse the process of ischemia and/or restore the vascularization of the femoral head. There is no consensus yet on a particular treatment. The surgical treatments aim to preserve the joint as far as the diagnosis could be made before the appearance of a zone of necrosis and the loss of joint congruence. They consist of bone marrow decompressions, osteotomies around the hip, vascular or non-vascular grafts. Future therapies include the use of biologically active molecules as well as implants impregnated with biologically active tissue.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4:85-97. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.180036
Evapotranspiração de referência pelo método de Penman-Piche em diferentes condições de nebulosidade para Florianópolis, Santa Catarina
Authors: Minuzzi Rosandro Boligon , Tridapalli Isabella Rachadel
Published: March 2019

A medida direta da evapotranspiração de referência (ETo) é difícil e onerosa. Dentre os métodos para estimar a evapotranspiração, o de Penman-Piche é prático por necessitar apenas de dois elementos climáticos de fáceis medidas (temperatura e evaporação). Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho da ETo diária e pentadal, estimado pelo método de Penman-Piche em diferentes condições de nebulosidade para Florianópolis. Os dados meteorológicos diários, necessários para a estimativa da evapotranspiração pelo método de Penman-Piche (ETPi) e de Penman-Monteith (usado como padrão), foram obtidos de 8 de agosto de 2017 a 13 de outubro de 2017. A avaliação da estimativa de ETPi foi realizada por meio do erro padrão da estimativa; erro médio; coeficientes de correlação e de determinação da Regressão Linear; Índice de Concordância e Índice de Confiança. A avaliação da estimativa de ETPi diária também foi realizada dividindo as datas em grupos, de acordo com a nebulosidade (céu claro, parcialmente nublado e nublado) definida pelo Índice de Claridade. Há uma tendência do método de Penman-Piche em subestimar a evapotranspiração, principalmente, quanto menor for a nebulosidade. Apenas na análise pentadal, as estimativas de ETPi foram mais satisfatórias, principalmente, quando os valores foram calibrados, tendo um ‘bom’ desempenho e uma correlação ‘muito alta’.
How many social workers does it take to change a light bulb? One to hold the bulb in place and the rest to incite revolution: subversion, social work and humour
Authors: Jordan Stephen David
Published: March 2019

With its challenges to government austerity, social work could be characterised as a subversive activity as the profession finds itself increasingly alienated from government policies, which have negatively impacted on both the profession and service users. In this context, humour can be a mechanism for social workers to survive under increasingly challenging conditions. Some social workers use subversive forms of humour to survive as they find themselves subject to closer regulation and micromanagement. This article is based on original research into the relationship between humour and social work. Subversive humour, with its challenges to authority, is common in jokes made by service users, who use it to challenge social work authority, and social workers, who employ subversive humour to challenge stereotypes and survive under oppressive management practices. Both these aspects of humour are examined in relation to the contemporary context of social work in the UK.
Ethical and lawful practice in assessment of need and planning support: the case for action
Authors: Slasberg Colin , _ _
Published: March 2019

Many social workers in England believe that the system that assesses needs for care and support and allocates resources is fundamentally oppressive. The direct evidence bears out that this is, indeed, the case. The process leaves service users feeling disempowered, while the system’s design enables it to deny that there is ever a gap between needs and resources. This serves short-term political goals. Delivering the practices required by this system leads social workers to compromise on the profession’s ethics to an intolerable degree. This article analyses the political context of policy in relation to needs assessment and resource allocation. It also analyses the legal context. It goes on to set out the action that social workers can take. This includes action to bring about change in policy so that it ceases to be oppressive. It also sets out how social workers can go further and take direct action through their own practice.
Metallic Nanoparticles Generation by Repetitive Pulsed Laser for Applications in Bio-Medicine
Authors: Restuccia N. , Silipigni L. , Cordaro M. , Torrisi L.
Published: March 2019

A Nd:YAG pulsed laser operating at the 1064 nm wavelength, the 3 ns pulse duration, the 1010 W/cm2 intensity and the 10 Hz repetition rate is employed to irradiate biocompatible metallic targets based on Au, Bi and Ag placed in water. The laser-matter interaction produces nanometric spherical particles. The concentration of the solution with nanoparticles is controllable by the laser parameters, the ablative emission process, the irradiation time and the water’s volume. Generally, nanoparticles of about 10 nm in size and concentrations of the order (0.1 ÷ 10) mg/ml are prepared to be injected in cell cultures or in living systems (mice). The nanoparticles introduction in the extra and intra cellular liquids improves the bio-imaging of the tissue and organs by using fluorescence techniques. Moreover, if these nanoparticles are concentrated in tumour cells, they make possible high efficiency radio-therapy and thermal-therapy treatments, as it will be presented and discussed.
SESENGGAK DALAM BAHASA SASAK: CITRAAN METAFORIS DAN SIGNIFIKANSINYA
Authors: Saharudin Saharudin
Published: March 2019

The aims of this research are to describe the metaphorical image in sêsênggak (Sasak proverbs) which is based on the types of reference as the target domain (tenor) and source domain (vehicle); and to uncover the meaning or significance. The data are collected through participant observation method and in-depth interview with key informants. The results show, on one hand, that the sociocultural background of the Sasak community gives the most dominant contribution in sêsênggak’s lexicon (language). On the other, that socio-cultural background has much mpression on the various humanitarian issues involving sêsênggak, which is created to control (directive-prohibitive) and to evaluate the attitude or behavior of a person or a certain group of people. On that ground, sêsênggak was born from some unique mixtures of the natural environment and the socio-cultural organization of thoughts, opinions, memories, senses, experiences, knowledge, imaginations, creativities, sensitivities, intelligences, as well as consciousness, which are based on the rules, the laws, and the societal structures. These mixtures become a united, coherent, rational, and organized expression in the framework of language and conscience.
STANDARISASI TATABAHASA BAHASA SASAK (Sebuah Pertimbangan dari Aspek Linguistik)
Authors: Sirulhaq Ahmad
Published: March 2019

This paper aims at presenting Sasak language structure in relation to the efforts of standardization toward Sasak language dialect. This presentation stems at the universal principles of linguistic structure which are clear, succinct, and simple to be managed as what have been stated by Poedjosoedarmo. Based on those principles, this study shows that among the four dialects in Sasak language, a-dialect in fact owns an opportunity to be treated as a reference to formulate a standardized dialect linguistic system.
BAHASA DAN KELAHIRANNYA
Authors: Herniti Ening
Published: March 2019

Language is a unique trait, which differentiates human being from other creatures. Language ability is a human nature whereas other creatures share their communication system. A study on chimpanzee proves that language only works on human. The study depicts that language is a one of the most primary characteristics of human nature. Chomsky calls it as language acquisition tool.  Philosophical and scientific speculation on the function of language in man was frequent throughout history, dating back to the age of Plato and Aristotle. Yet those speculations have been approached more often by scientists than philosophers. Many theories propose that the gains to be had from language and/or reason were probably mainly in the area of increasingly sophisticated social structures.
PERUBAHAN MAKNA LEKSIKAL DALAM PEMAKAIAN BAHASA ARAB (Studi Kasus Pondok Modern Gontor)
Authors: Zaini Hisyam
Published: March 2019

Modern Islamic Boarding School of Gontor, commonly called Pondok Gontor, is the pioneer of language teaching among pondok pesantrens– islamic boarding schools- in Indonesia. Its reputation is well known nationally and internationally. There have been many researches on its education systems, yet no particular concerns have been given to the study of language used among santris (students of pesantren). For this concern, this paper aims to study the internal condition of language used daily by santris in their daily life. This paper focuses on semantic changes, which occur in santri’s daily language. Due to the usage of Arabic—the language that is the most commonly used by santris— the main focus of this paper is lexical semantic changes in Arabic language. In additions, this paper analyzes the problems in using words. This paper finds that semantically some words are used incorrectly. For example, some nouns are used as verbs, and some other as adjectives. The semantic changes occur amongst santris seem to be influenced by their first language or their mother tongue. Deeper study needs to be conducted in order to get a whole description of the usage of language by the santris.
TUTURAN ORANG KASO: TINJAUAN ETNOGRAFI KOMUNIKASI
Authors: Budhiono R. Hery
Published: March 2019

Utterance is a combination between form (surface structure), meaning (deep structure) and other factors, including culture. Utterance, therefore, has semantic and pragmatic content. It is not only about what is said, but also what it implies. This research is aimed to describe a unique language situation in a certain community-The Kaso. The Kaso people have their own paradigm about language, utterance, and the meaning conveyed. They believe that an utterance is all about the sound which is heard without considering any other things behind it. The point of view of this research is ethnography of communication. What should be mastered to face this kind of community will also be the focus of this research.