bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Sensory Testing and Current Perception Threshold Testing in Patients With Chronic Pain Following Lower Extremity Fracture
Authors: Griffioen Mari A. , Greenspan Joel D. , Johantgen Meg , Von Rueden Kathryn , O’Toole Robert V. , Dorsey Susan G. , Renn Cynthia L.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Chronic pain is a significant problem for patients with lower extremity injuries. While pain hypersensitivity has been identified in many chronic pain conditions, it is not known whether patients with chronic pain following lower extremity fracture report pain hypersensitivity in the injured leg.

Purpose:

To quantify and compare peripheral somatosensory function and sensory nerve activation thresholds in persons with chronic pain following lower extremity fractures with a cohort of persons with no history of lower extremity fractures.

Method:

This was a cross-sectional study where quantitative sensory testing and current perception threshold testing were conducted on the injured and noninjured legs of cases and both legs of controls.

Results:

A total of 14 cases and 28 controls participated in the study. Mean time since injury at the time of testing for cases was 22.3 (standard deviation = 12.1) months. The warmth detection threshold ( p = .024) and nerve activation thresholds at 2,000 Hz ( p < .001) and 250 Hz ( p = .002), respectively, were significantly higher in cases compared to controls.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that patients with chronic pain following lower extremity fractures may experience hypoesthesia in the injured leg, which contrasts with the finding of hyperesthesia previously observed in other chronic pain conditions but is in accord with patients with nerve injuries and surgeries. This is the first study to examine peripheral sensory nerve function at the site of injury in patients with chronic pain following lower extremity fractures using quantitative sensory testing and current perception threshold testing.
Antidepressive Effects of Environmental Enrichment in Chronic Stress–Induced Depression in Rats
Authors: Seong Ho-Hyun , Park Jong-Min , Kim Youn-Jung
Published: February 2018

Depression is caused by a variety of factors, especially stressful life events. Chronic stress–induced depression has detrimental effects on hippocampal integrity. Environmental enrichment (EE) is a beneficial intervention for improving anxiety, fear, and stress. We aimed to investigate the antidepressive effects of EE in a depressive rat model (DEP) that was subjected to chronic stress. The control group ( n = 10) was kept under normal conditions, while depressive rats ( n = 8 per group) were randomized into DEP, DEP + EE, and DEP + fluoxetine (Flx) groups. DEP + EE/Flx groups were exposed to standard housing and EE or Flx, respectively. The behavioral tests showed that hopelessness and anxiety were decreased in DEP + EE and DEP + Flx groups compared with the DEP group ( p < .05). Similarly, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and tryptophan hydroxylase was significantly higher in the DEP + EE and DEP + Flx ( p < .05) groups. The levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tyrosine receptor kinase B were also significantly higher in the DEP + EE and DEP + Flx groups compared with the DEP group ( p < .05). Our findings can serve as a foundation for future investigations examining the effects of environmental improvement and physical exercise in patients with depression. This study suggests that EE may be useful for mitigating the detrimental effects of chronic stress in patients with depression.
Serum BDNF Is Positively Associated With Negative Symptoms in Older Adults With Schizophrenia
Authors: Binford Sasha S. , Hubbard Erin M. , Flowers Elena , Miller Bruce L. , Leutwyler Heather
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

Older adults with chronic schizophrenia are at greater risk for functional disability and poorer health outcomes than those without serious mental illness. These individuals comprise 1–2% of the elderly population in the United States and are projected to number approximately 15 million by 2030. The symptoms of schizophrenia can be disabling for individuals, significantly reducing quality of life. Often, the negative symptoms (NS) are the most resistant to treatment and are considered a marker of illness severity, though they are challenging to measure objectively. Biomarkers can serve as objective indicators of health status. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a potential biomarker for schizophrenia and may serve as an important indicator of illness severity.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study with 30 older adults with chronic schizophrenia. Participants were assessed on serum levels of BDNF and psychiatric symptoms (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale). Pearson’s bivariate correlations (two-tailed) and linear regression models were used.

Results:

A significant positive association ( p < .05) was found between higher serum levels of BDNF and greater severity for the NS items of passive, apathetic, social withdrawal, and emotional withdrawal. In multivariate analyses, the association remained significant.

Conclusions:

Although the association between BDNF and NS was not in the expected direction, the data corroborate findings from previous work in patients with schizophrenia. It is possible that higher serum levels of BDNF reflect compensatory neuronal mechanisms resulting from neurodevelopmental dysfunction.
Perceived Racial Discrimination and DNA Methylation Among African American Women in the InterGEN Study
Authors: de Mendoza Veronica Barcelona , Huang Yunfeng , Crusto Cindy A. , Sun Yan V. , Taylor Jacquelyn Y.
Published: February 2018

Introduction:

Experiences of racial discrimination have been associated with poor health outcomes. Little is known, however, about how perceived racial discrimination influences DNA methylation (DNAm) among African Americans (AAs). We examined the association of experiences of discrimination with DNAm among AA women in the Intergenerational Impact of Genetic and Psychological Factors on Blood Pressure (InterGEN) study.

Methods:

The InterGEN study examines the effects of genetic and psychological factors on blood pressure among AA women and their children. Measures include the Major Life Discrimination (MLD) and the Race-Related Events (RES) scales. In the present analysis, we examined discrimination and DNAm at baseline in the InterGEN study. The 850K EPIC Illumina BeadChip was used for evaluating DNAm in this epigenome-wide association study (EWAS).

Results:

One hundred and fifty-two women contributed data for the RES-EWAS analysis and 147 for the MLD-EWAS analysis. Most were 30–39 years old, nonsmokers, had some college education, and had incomes <US$15,000/year. After controlling for age, smoking, and cell composition, MLD was significantly associated with DNAm at nine CpG (regions of DNA where a cytosine nucleotide is followed by a guanine nucleotide) sites (false discovery rate [FDR]-corrected p < .05). For the RES-EWAS analysis, no DNAm sites passed the epigenome-wide significance level after genomic control, though suggestive associations were observed at CpG sites after genomic control (raw p < 10−5).

Conclusion:

We observed significant epigenetic associations between disease-associated genes (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and asthma) and perceived discrimination as measured by the MLD Scale. Future health disparities research should include epigenetics in high-risk populations to elucidate functional consequences induced by the psychosocial environment.
Epigenetic Modifications Following Noxious Stimuli in Infants
Authors: Hatfield Linda A. , Hoffman Rebecca K. , Polomano Rosemary C. , Conley Yvette
Published: February 2018

Purpose:

To recruit healthy full- and preterm infants into genetic research and determine the effectiveness of a noninvasive DNA sampling technique for comparing epigenetic modifications.

Background:

Noxious stimuli during a vulnerable period of infant neuronal plasticity may trigger long-term epigenetic changes affecting neurodevelopment, pain modulation, and reactivity. Recognizing epigenetic pain findings is problematic because parents are reluctant to enroll newborns into genetic research.

Methods:

Design: Within-subject change over time candidate-gene DNA methylation association study. Setting/ sample: Urban teaching hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit and newborn nursery. Convenience sample of healthy full- (>37 weeks, n = 6) and preterm (<37 weeks, n = 6) infants. Procedure: Parents participated in a genetic presentation prior to informed consent. Infant buccal saliva was collected after admission to the unit and prior to discharge. Analysis: The methylation pattern at the 5′ end of µ-opioid receptor gene ( OPRM1) was examined. DNA was treated with bisulfite to convert all cytosines to uracil residues, leaving methylated cytosines unchanged. Sequencing of untreated and bisulfite-converted DNA was carried out. The sequences of unconverted and bisulfite-converted DNA were aligned with ClustalW, fidelity of the polymerase chain reaction and the sequencing reaction evaluated, and the methylation pattern identified.

Results:

Recruitment and assessment of a noninvasive DNA sampling technique for comparing epigenetic modifications were successful; however, infant stress did not produce a change in OPRM1 methylation expression.

Relevance:

This study established the feasibility of recruiting healthy full-term infants into genetic research and the effectiveness of noninvasive DNA sampling for comparing epigenetic modification in infants.
Review of Statistical Learning Methods in Integrated Omics Studies (An Integrated Information Science)
Authors: Zeng Irene Sui Lan , Lumley Thomas
Published: February 2018

Integrated omics is becoming a new channel for investigating the complex molecular system in modern biological science and sets a foundation for systematic learning for precision medicine. The statistical/machine learning methods that have emerged in the past decade for integrated omics are not only innovative but also multidisciplinary with integrated knowledge in biology, medicine, statistics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Here, we review the nontrivial classes of learning methods from the statistical aspects and streamline these learning methods within the statistical learning framework. The intriguing findings from the review are that the methods used are generalizable to other disciplines with complex systematic structure, and the integrated omics is part of an integrated information science which has collated and integrated different types of information for inferences and decision making. We review the statistical learning methods of exploratory and supervised learning from 42 publications. We also discuss the strengths and limitations of the extended principal component analysis, cluster analysis, network analysis, and regression methods. Statistical techniques such as penalization for sparsity induction when there are fewer observations than the number of features and using Bayesian approach when there are prior knowledge to be integrated are also included in the commentary. For the completeness of the review, a table of currently available software and packages from 23 publications for omics are summarized in the appendix.
An Operational Evaluation of 3 Methoprene Larvicide Formulations for Use Against Mosquitoes in Catch Basins
Authors: Harbison Justin E , Runde Amy B , Henry Marlon , Hulsebosch Bridget , Meresh Alka , Johnson Haley , Nasci Roger S
Published: February 2018

Effectiveness in controlling mosquitoes in storm water catch basins in the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District (northeastern Cook County, Illinois) was determined for 3 formulations of methoprene-based larvicides (Altosid XR 150-day Briquets, Altosid 30-day Pellets, Altosid 30-day Granules) in 2017 using a pass/fail evaluation criterion, in which emergence of a single adult from pupae collected from the basin constituted a control failure. Over the course of the 16-week study, basins receiving the 150-day briquets were treated once and basins receiving the pellet and granular formulations were treated every 4 weeks, with the first treatment occurring during the last week of May. Untreated basins were also observed for comparison with the treated basins. Over the course of the study, adult mosquitoes emerged from pupae collected in 94.2% of the untreated basins that contained pupae. All of the formulations evaluated in the study demonstrated some degree of control compared with the untreated basins, with pupae successfully emerging as adults in 64.6%, 55.5%, and 21.8% of samples from 150-day briquet, 30-day tablet, and 30-day pellet–treated basins that contained pupae, respectively. Pellets reapplied every 28 days provided significantly more effective control than the other formulations. The simple pass/fail criterion for evaluating control effectiveness proved to be a useful procedure for comparing effectiveness to untreated basins and among treatments.
Multiple sclerosis–related fatigue: Altered resting-state functional connectivity of the ventral striatum and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
Authors: Jaeger Sven , Paul Friedemann , Scheel Michael , Brandt Alexander , Heine Josephine , Pach Daniel , Witt Claudia M , Bellmann-Strobl Judith , Finke Carsten
Published: February 2018

Objective:

Since recent studies suggested a role of the striatum and prefrontal cortex for multiple sclerosis (MS)-related fatigue, we investigated resting-state functional connectivity alterations of striatal subdivisions and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC).

Methods:

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was acquired in 77 relapsing–remitting MS patients (38 fatigued (F-MS), 39 non-fatigued (NF-MS)) and 41 matched healthy controls (HC). Fatigue severity was assessed using the fatigue severity scale. Seed-based connectivity analyses were performed using subregions of the striatum and the dlPFC as regions of interest applying non-parametric permutation testing.

Results:

Compared to HC and NF-MS patients, F-MS patients showed reduced caudate nucleus and ventral striatum functional connectivity with the sensorimotor cortex (SMC) and frontal, parietal, and temporal cortex regions. Fatigue severity correlated negatively with functional connectivity of the caudate nucleus and ventral striatum with the SMC and positively with functional connectivity of the dlPFC with the rostral inferior parietal gyrus and SMC.

Conclusion:

MS-related fatigue is associated with reduced functional connectivity between the striatum and sensorimotor as well as attention and reward networks, in which the ventral striatum might be a key integration hub. Together with increased connectivity between the dlPFC and sensory cortical areas, these connectivity alterations shed light on the mechanisms of MS-related fatigue.
Pupils’ experiences of autonomy, competence and relatedness in ‘Move for Well-being in Schools’: A physical activity intervention
Authors: Holt Anne-Didde , Smedegaard Søren , Pawlowski Charlotte Skau , Skovgaard Thomas , Christiansen Lars Breum
Published: February 2018

Physical activity at school can be beneficial to children’s psychosocial well-being. To realise this potential, a school environment that supports physical activity is crucial. Self-Determination Theory provides the basis for one approach, namely to focus on pupils’ need to feel competent, autonomous and related. The purpose of this study was to investigate how pupils experienced a school physical activity intervention based on Self-Determination Theory and to assess whether the components developed for the intervention appeared to increase the pupils’ sense of competence, autonomy and relatedness, thereby furthering their psychosocial well-being. Two schools were selected to take part in a qualitative case study, with one grade four (ages 9–10) and one grade six (ages 12–13) class selected for closer monitoring. Ten semi-structured focus group interviews were carried out, involving 36 pupils, combined with 28 days of participant observations. The data were analysed based on the principles of deductive content analysis, using competence, autonomy and relatedness in the categorisation matrix. Findings showed that the pupils’ sense of relatedness was central to well-being and influenced their sense of competence and autonomy. Changing the physical activity climate to focus on mastery and learning instead of competing and performance was challenging, but in some instances brought about more positive experiences, especially for pupils with limited motivation in school physical activity. Finally, while being given influence and choice evidently promoted the sense of autonomy, some pupils felt uncomfortable choosing activities on behalf of the group.
Development of a tool to assess client-centered practice on a domestic violence hotline
Authors: Grossmann Jessica , Shor Rachel , Schaefer Karen , Bennett Cattaneo Lauren
Published: February 2018

Client-centered practice, also termed survivor-centered practice in the context of domestic violence, has broad support as a set of strategies for working effectively with trauma survivors. However, research, evaluation and staff training are limited by a lack of measurement tools. This paper describes the process of developing an index of hotline caller reactions to practitioners’ client-centered practices.

Findings

The project was a collaborative effort between academic researchers and practitioners working in a community agency. To generate and refine the items, researchers consulted the scholarly literature and agency materials, had discussions with practitioners, and coded a group of 25 recorded calls to the agency’s hotline. The resulting tool separates two phases of the hotline calls and identifies 23 client reactions to advocate behaviors that indicate the client-centeredness of the interaction.

Application

The collaborative nature of the process ensured that the final product included multiple vantage points on client-centered practice. The tool developed in this study, the Client-Centered Hotline Assessment Tool (C-CHAT), may be used for research, evaluation, and training. Future research could explore the generalizability and, consequently, predictive utility of the tool in outcomes of interest to practitioners. In evaluation, the tool allows agencies, in assessing client experience, to go beyond client self-report of general satisfaction, and to improve services in response. Finally, in training, the tool allows supervisors to assess the level of fidelity to the client-centered model, and to pinpoint particular aspects of interactions that suggest strengths or growth areas for staff, ultimately improving the quality of services.
The work-related well-being of social workers: Framing job demands, psychological well-being, and work engagement
Authors: Tesi Alessio , Aiello Antonio , Giannetti Enrichetta
Published: February 2018

Social workers’ occupational health has become a central theme in the psychosocial literature. This study aimed at exploring how specific job demands and psychological well-being are related to work engagement. A sample of 140 Italian social workers was analyzed in accordance with the job demands–resources model. Participants were asked to complete a written questionnaire containing several measurement scales.

Findings

Multiple regression analyses showed that social workers’ psychological well-being was positively related to work engagement. Moderation analyses also indicated that, when psychological well-being was high (vs. low), job demands were associated to higher levels of work engagement, thus highlighting the buffering role of psychological well-being as a specific personal resource. When job demands were high (vs. low), the psychological well-being appeared to be strongly related to lowest levels of work engagement, showing that high job demands could reduce the fostering role of psychological well-being on social workers’ work engagement.

Applications

While administration of job demands may often be difficult in social work contexts, managers should be encouraged, as part of a systemic approach to training, to promote specific measures for improving social workers’ psychological well-being as a personal resource for promoting work engagement.
Xenophobia before and after the Paris 2015 attacks: Evidence from a natural experiment
Authors: Jungkunz Sebastian , Helbling Marc , Schwemmer Carsten
Published: February 2018

In light of ongoing debates that discuss the link between Muslim migration and terrorist attacks in various European cities, this paper investigates how attitudes toward (Muslim) immigrants have been affected by these attacks. We draw on a German student survey conducted immediately before and after the attacks in Paris in November 2015. The experimental vignette design allows us to further differentiate between attitudes toward Syrian migrants from different religious backgrounds. We show that the attitudes towards immigration held by students who identify with conservative parties became more negative after the attacks. Immigrants’ religion also plays an important role depending on whether the issue in question is a social or political one. The attitudes of liberal students are hardly affected. This paper goes beyond existing studies that measure attitudes only in the aftermath of such attacks and focuses on attitudes regarding policy responses to terrorist attacks or attitudes towards immigrants in general. We show that such attacks do not lead to negative attitudes in general; they mostly do so for people who attach great importance to issues of national security. We also see that people differentiate between various migrant groups.
Learning Scientific Explanations by Means of Worked Examples – Promoting Psychology Students’ Explanation Competence
Authors: Klopp Eric , Stark Robin
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study is to investigate whether worked examples are effective in fostering psychology students’ explanation competence. Explanation competence is a context-specific cognitive disposition that enables a person to construct a causal model of an observable psychological phenomenon by drawing on psychological theories. We set up a training intervention using worked examples to demonstrate how the observed psychological phenomenon (e.g., cognitive dissonance) is represented in an explanation. Instructional support was implemented using a fading procedure. We investigated the effects of worked examples on explanation competence using a sample of psychology students ( n = 46) from a German university. In an experimental between-group pre- and post-tests design, the participants in the experimental condition received the training intervention, whereas the participants in a control condition did not receive the intervention. The experimental and control groups did not differ in their explanation competence before the training intervention. Participants in the experimental condition had a significant higher explanation competence after the training intervention than the participants in the control condition. Thus, our results indicate that worked examples effectively foster psychology students’ explanation competence. Considerations on how the results could be implemented in actual teaching settings are provided.
The Significance of Doppler Ultrasound in the Causes of Varicose Veins
Authors: Manzoor Iqra , Bacha Raham , Gilani Syed Amir
Published: February 2018

Varicose veins could be clinically diagnosed with visual inspection but the use of Doppler ultrasound (US) in varicose veins is to identify the cause of varicose veins. Need for an extensive systematic review is therefore felt to itemize different causes of varicose veins. Relevant literature was searched and systematic analysis was performed with the aim to show the significance of US in the diagnosis of various causes of varicose veins. Various causes can be diagnosed with color and spectral Doppler US which can be usual causes and unusual causes as well including neovascularization, chronic venous ulceration, obesity, incompetency of the perforating veins, deep vein thrombosis, saphenofemoral junction incompetence, recurrence of the varicose veins after surgical treatment, vulvoperineal varicosities, intraosceous perforating vein incompetence, round ligament varicosity, persistent sciatic vein incompetence, congenital venous malformation and Klippel– Trenaunay syndrome, portosystemic collateral–related varicose veins, and pelvic congestion syndrome.

It is concluded that duplex ultrasonography plays an important role in the diagnosis of the various causes of varicose veins.
The Lone Carotid: Ultrasound Findings in Rare Innominate Artery Occlusion
Authors: Tenny Elizabeth R. , Fleischmann Dominik
Published: February 2018

A 70-year-old woman presented with bilateral asymptomatic carotid bruits. Carotid duplex ultrasound demonstrated to-and-fro right carotid artery waveforms, retrograde right vertebral artery flow, and monophasic waveforms in the right subclavian artery. This triad of findings indicates significant stenosis or occlusion of the innominate artery. Computed tomography angiography showed an occluded innominate artery, as well as an occluded left proximal vertebral artery, resulting in the left carotid artery being the only direct source of blood flow to the brain and right upper extremity via a patent Circle of Willis. Significant innominate artery blockage is an infrequent finding and, as such, publications regarding its prevalence, treatment, and natural course are scant. We report an unusual case of an innominate artery obstruction.
Tin Ring Splint Treatment for Osteoarthritis of the Distal Interphalangeal Joints
Authors: Tada Kaoru , Toribatake Yasumitsu , Yamamoto Daiki , Nakajima Tadahiro , Nakada Mika , Matsuta Masashi , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: February 2018

Background: We made a tin ring splint for osteoarthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint that looks attractive and is easy to wear. We report the treatment results with this splint. Methods: We enrolled 30 patients with painful osteoarthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in this study. A tin ring splint was made with tin alloy containing small quantities of silver. Patients were instructed to wear the splint when they felt pain. Patients were assessed before splint use and after 1, 3, and 6 months of splint use. Endpoints included the numeric pain scale, active arc of motion of the distal interphalangeal joint, Hand 20, functional assessment criteria of the upper extremities, and treatment satisfaction. In addition, data were collected on time to symptom relief and satisfaction related to usability and appearance of the splint (0 = dissatisfied, 10 = satisfied). Results: The numeric pain scale showed significant pain improvement from 58.4 ± 4.1 at baseline to 33.1 ± 4.5 at 1 month, and the Hand 20 score also showed significant improvement from 35.0 ± 4.3 at baseline to 20.2 ± 3.2 after 6 months. Active arc of motion were not changed significantly. Most patients responded that symptoms were relieved by the 10th day after treatment. Satisfaction related to usability was 8.9 ± 0.3, and appearance was 7.6 ± 0.4. Conclusions: A tin ring splint quickly reduced pain, and satisfaction related to usability and appearance was high. This splint could be one choice for conservative treatment of osteoarthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint.
Pedestrian movement intention identification model in mixed pedestrian-bicycle sections based on phase-field coupling theory
Authors: Liu Zhen-xue , Wang Xiao-yuan , Wang Jian-qiang , Wang Fang , Liu Ya-qi , Wang Jing-heng
Published: February 2018

Pedestrian is an important factor for traffic safety and capacity in the sections mixed with bicycle. It is important for improving active safety to implement timely pedestrian safety warning under the condition of Internet of pedestrian and bicycle. The mutual influence of pedestrian and its surrounding traffic participants in mixed pedestrian-bicycle sections was comprehensively analyzed, and the phase of pedestrian-bicycle traffic was partitioned and reduced on the basis of previous researches and phase-field coupling theory. Fuzzy logic method was used to build the pedestrian movement intention identification model. The pedestrian safety and the satisfaction for walking speed and space were synthetically considered in this model. The experimental verifications show that the result of pedestrian movement intention identification model is consistent with the actual situation, and this study can provide theoretical support for the realization of the pedestrian active safety under the condition of Internet of Things.
Micropolitics and meritocracy: Improbable bed fellows?
Authors: Montes López Estrella , O’Connor Pat
Published: February 2018

Universities present themselves as meritocratic organizations; however, there is evidence that such claims are ‘rationalised myths’. This article is concerned with the perceived effect of micropolitics on academic careers in two case study universities: a collegial Spanish and a managerial Irish one. The data are drawn from 86 semi-structured interviews with academics (43 from each context). The focus is on two aspects of micropolitics: those related to career experiences, particularly networks; and those related to the evaluation of candidates, particularly double standards. Research results show that informal social networks are perceived to facilitate career progression; and these are referred to in particular by the Spanish male respondents. Double standards in evaluation are used to favour specific candidates: local ones in the Spanish case, men in the Irish case. Men in the Spanish context refer more openly than their Irish counterparts to these double standards, arguably reflecting the strength of discourses other than merit in that context. The results suggest that the informal structure influences the formal structure regardless of the governance model, raising fundamental questions about the nature of universities and the limitations of structural changes.
Prediction of benign and malignant breast cancer using data mining techniques
Authors: Chaurasia Vikas , Pal Saurabh , Tiwari BB
Published: February 2018

Breast cancer is the second most leading cancer occurring in women compared to all other cancers. Around 1.1 million cases were recorded in 2004. Observed rates of this cancer increase with industrialization and urbanization and also with facilities for early detection. It remains much more common in high-income countries but is now increasing rapidly in middle- and low-income countries including within Africa, much of Asia, and Latin America. Breast cancer is fatal in under half of all cases and is the leading cause of death from cancer in women, accounting for 16% of all cancer deaths worldwide. The objective of this research paper is to present a report on breast cancer where we took advantage of those available technological advancements to develop prediction models for breast cancer survivability. We used three popular data mining algorithms (Naïve Bayes, RBF Network, J48) to develop the prediction models using a large dataset (683 breast cancer cases). We also used 10-fold cross-validation methods to measure the unbiased estimate of the three prediction models for performance comparison purposes. The results (based on average accuracy Breast Cancer dataset) indicated that the Naïve Bayes is the best predictor with 97.36% accuracy on the holdout sample (this prediction accuracy is better than any reported in the literature), RBF Network came out to be the second with 96.77% accuracy, J48 came out third with 93.41% accuracy.
Gift-giving and reciprocity in global society: Introducing Marcel Mauss in international studies
Authors: Heins Volker M , Unrau Christine , Avram Kristine
Published: February 2018

How do multiple obligations to give, to receive, and to reciprocate contribute to the evolution of international society? This question can be derived from the works of the French anthropologist and sociologist Marcel Mauss, in particular from his classic essay The Gift, published in 1925. The aim of this article is to introduce Mauss’ theory of the gift to international political theorists, to develop a general theoretical argument from his claim about the universality of gift-giving, and to lay out the plan of the Special Issue. First, we explore the basic concepts of gift-giving and reciprocity and how they highlight a type of exchange that differs from market exchange and from other forms of quid-pro-quo interactions. Second, we consider the Marshall Plan as an iconic and controversial example of international gift-giving. Third, we use Martin Wight’s division of international political thought into realism, rationalism, and revolutionism to locate the work of Mauss and neo-Maussian scholars within the tableau of modern international thought. Fourth, we take a look at the interplay between analytical and normative aspects of Mauss’ works and assess the theoretical purchase of these works for international studies. Finally, we introduce the contributions of the Special Issue.
Onset of flame-intrinsic thermoacoustic instabilities in partially premixed turbulent combustors
Authors: Murugesan Meenatchidevi , Singaravelu Balasubramanian , Kushwaha Abhijit K , Mariappan Sathesh
Published: February 2018

We investigate the onset of thermoacoustic instabilities in a turbulent combustor terminated with an area contraction. Flow speed is varied in a swirl-stabilized, partially premixed combustor and the system is observed to undergo a dynamical transition from combustion noise to instability via intermittency. We find that the frequency of thermoacoustic oscillations does not lock-on to any of the acoustic modes. Instead, we observe that the dominant mode in the dynamics of combustion noise, intermittency and thermoacoustic instability is a function of the flow speed. We also find that the observed mode is insensitive to the changes in acoustic field of the combustor, but it varies as a function of upstream flow time scale. This new kind of thermoacoustic instability was independently discovered in the recent theoretical analysis of premixed flames. They are known as intrinsic thermoacoustic modes. In this paper, we report the experimental observation and the route to flame intrinsic thermoacoustic instabilities in partially premixed flame combustors. A simplified low-order network model analysis is performed to examine the driving mechanism. Frequencies predicted by the network model analysis match well with the experimentally observed dominant frequencies. Intrinsic flame-acoustic coupling between the unsteady heat release rate and equivalence ratio fluctuations occurring at the location of fuel injection is found to play a key role. Further, we observe intrinsic thermoacoustic modes to occur only when the acoustic reflection co-efficients at the exit are low. This result indicates that thermoacoustic systems with increased acoustic losses at the boundaries have to consider the possibility of flame intrinsic thermoacoustic oscillations.
Comparison of phase-contrast MR and flow simulations for the study of CSF dynamics in the cervical spine
Authors: Lindstrøm Erika Kristina , Schreiner Jakob , Ringstad Geir Andre , Haughton Victor , Eide Per Kristian , Mardal Kent-Andre
Published: February 2018

Background

Investigators use phase-contrast magnetic resonance (PC-MR) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to assess cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. We compared qualitative and quantitative results from the two methods.

Methods

Four volunteers were imaged with a heavily T2-weighted volume gradient echo scan of the brain and cervical spine at 3T and with PC-MR. Velocities were calculated from PC-MR for each phase in the cardiac cycle. Mean pressure gradients in the PC-MR acquisition through the cardiac cycle were calculated with the Navier-Stokes equations. Volumetric MR images of the brain and upper spine were segmented and converted to meshes. Models of the subarachnoid space were created from volume images with the Vascular Modeling Toolkit. CFD simulations were performed with a previously verified flow solver. The flow patterns, velocities and pressures were compared in PC-MR and CFD flow images.

Results

PC-MR images consistently revealed more inhomogeneous flow patterns than CFD, especially in the anterolateral subarachnoid space where spinal nerve roots are located. On average, peak systolic and diastolic velocities in PC-MR exceeded those in CFD by 31% and 41%, respectively. On average, systolic and diastolic pressure gradients calculated from PC-MR exceeded those of CFD by 11% and 39%, respectively.

Conclusions

PC-MR shows local flow disturbances that are not evident in typical CFD. The velocities and pressure gradients calculated from PC-MR are systematically larger than those calculated from CFD.
Orbital apex syndrome: An unusual complication of invasive mucormycosis
Authors: Quah W J , Gunavathy M
Published: February 2018

Orbital apex syndrome is a rare manifestation of invasive mucormycosis. We report a case of orbital apex syndrome in a diabetic patient which not only posed a diagnostic challenge but also required a multidisciplinary approach in treatment and management. Prompt imaging followed by early initiation of antimicrobial therapy along with timely surgical intervention were integral in preventing further complications and reducing mortality. However, despite these measures, the patient sustained partial vision loss due to endophthalmitis as a complication.
A 24/7 hospital toxicology service: Experience of a new start-up
Authors: Arciaga Gabriel Joseph , Tan Hock Heng , Kuan Kaibin Kelvin , Mong Rupeng , Kant Abhay
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

A toxicology team providing round-the-clock consultations for poisoning was established in Changi General Hospital in November 2014. This study aims to describe the epidemiology of patients referred to this service in 2015.

Methods:

A retrospective electronic and paper records review of all patients referred to the toxicology service from January to December 2015 was performed for demographics, poisoning, clinical, and outcome data. The cases were graded for poisoning severity score (PSS), likelihood of poisoning exposure and relative contribution to fatality for death cases.

Results:

A total of 306 cases were referred to this service in 2015. The median age was 34 years with majority being females (54%). The most common cause of poisoning was deliberate self-harm (62%) and the most common route of poisoning was oral (85%). Analgesics (21%) and sedatives (19%) were the most common poisoning classes. Six per cent of patients received decontamination and 17% received antidotes. The likelihood of poisoning exposure was probable to definite certainty for 85% of the cases. Mild poisoning (PSS 0–1) constituted 76% of the cohort, while 22% had moderate to severe poisoning (PSS 2–3). Out of the five fatalities, three were exposure-related fatalities contributing to a fatality rate of 1%. Fifty-four per cent of patients were admitted to the emergency department observation unit, 17% to general inpatient wards and 9% to either intensive care unit or high dependency wards.

Conclusions:

Although most poisoning cases resulted in mild clinical effects, a small but significant number of severe acuity cases occurred in this cohort.
Blood patch for the treatment of post-dural puncture tinnitus
Authors: Jia Wei , Fadhlillah Fiqry
Published: February 2018

Audiometric disturbances are recognised as potential complications after spinal or epidural anaesthesia; however, incidences of tinnitus occur less frequently. We report a case of a patient with severe bilateral tinnitus post-lumbar puncture who was treated with an epidural blood patch. A 40-year-old ASA I lady (a medically fit patient with no known medical problem) presented with ongoing bilateral severe tinnitus for 6 days after a lumbar puncture. Venous blood (18 mL) was injected into the epidural space using a 16G needle. The patient completed the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory Questionnaire before the blood patch, 3 h, 24 h and 1-month post-procedure. An audiogram was also conducted before and 1 month after the blood patch. The patient scored 84 (grade 5) on the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory before the blood patch. Three hours post-procedure, her score improved to 16 (grade 1), with complete resolution by 24 h. Audiogram revealed a low-frequency mild sensorineural hearing loss in the left ear prior to the procedure. By her 1-month follow-up, her hearing loss was back to normal. In our experience, an epidural blood patch is an effective treatment for post-dural puncture tinnitus. Its effects are instantaneous and complete resolution is achieved by 24 h.
When press freedom meets national interest: How terrorist attacks are framed in the news in China and the US
Authors: Du Ying Roselyn , Li Lulu
Published: February 2018

This cross-nation, multi-event study examined 142 news stories from CCTV and CNN on two major terrorist attacks in China and the United States. It aimed to unveil how press system and national interest come into play in influencing media coverage of terrorism. Framing analyses were conducted in terms of attitude toward local government and perpetrators, news origin and source, coverage theme, definition of the incident, and attribution of cause of the incident. Findings suggest that, in reporting these two significant terrorist attacks, media of the two countries employed varied framing strategies based on their ideological backgrounds and national interests. The framing strategies utilized by the two media outlets are interpreted and discussed.
Outcomes of arthroscopic capsular release for the diabetic frozen shoulder in Asian patients
Authors: Puah Ken Lee , Salieh Muhammad Sabith , Yeo William , Tan Andrew Hwee Chye
Published: February 2018

Introduction:

Diabetic patients have been known to have a higher incidence of frozen shoulder. Arthroscopic capsular release has been described for diabetic frozen shoulder refractory to non-surgical treatment. We describe our single-surgeon experience of this procedure done in Asian patients presenting with diabetic frozen shoulder.

Results:

Data were prospectively collected from 25 patients from 2007 to 2008, who underwent arthroscopic capsular release for frozen shoulder with diabetes mellitus. This included the University of California–Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Score by an independent observer. Mean follow-up duration was 44.3 ± 22 months with the age of 57.3 ± 10.9 years at the time of surgery. Mean duration of symptoms prior to surgery was 8.9 ± 7.5 months. Ten right shoulders and 15 left shoulders were operated on. Arthroscopic capsular release was performed in the beach chair position with the aid of a 90° electrocautery hook, from the rotator interval to posterior capsule. Significant improvement was observed in the UCLA scores post-operatively (preoperative total score 15.8 ± 3.6 vs. post-operative 33.3 ± 2.5, p < 0.00), including all domains of pain (3.9 ± 1.8 vs. 9.4 ± 0.9, p < 0.00), function (4.8 ± 1.7 vs. 9.4 ± 1.4, p < 0.00), active forward flexion (2.6 ± 0.7 vs. 4.6 ± 0.6, p < 0.00) and satisfaction (0.0 ± 0.0 vs. 5.0 ± 0.0, p < 0.00). No significant correlation between duration of symptoms and UCLA scores. Significant improvement was observed in forward flexion (preoperative 100.4 ± 18.8° vs. post-operative 157.6 ± 15.9°, p < 0.00) and external rotation (preoperative 14.4 ± 6.34° vs. post-operative 63.8 ± 8.3°, p < 0.00). Although the duration of symptoms correlated significantly with preoperative forward flexion ( r = 0.443 and p < 0.027), there was no significant correlation with post-operative forward flexion ( r = 0.023 and p < 0.91). No axillary nerve palsy observed.

Conclusion:

The diabetic frozen shoulder can be treated favourably with arthroscopic capsular release and the duration of symptoms prior to surgery does not affect the outcomes.
Trajectories of Episodic Disability in People Aging with HIV: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study
Authors: Solomon Patricia , O’Brien Kelly Kathleen , Nixon Stephanie , Letts Lori , Baxter Larry , Gervais Nicole
Published: February 2018

People living with HIV may experience disability which is episodic in nature, characterized by periods of wellness and illness. The purpose of this longitudinal qualitative study was to understand how the episodic nature of HIV and the associated uncertainty shape the disability experience of older adults living with HIV over time. Fourteen men and 10 women who were HIV positive and over 50 years (mean age: 57 years; range: 50-73) participated in 4 interviews over 20 months. Longitudinal analyses of the transcribed interviews identified 4 phenotypes of episodic disability over time: decreasing, increasing, stable, or significant fluctuations. Although all participants experienced uncertainty, acceptance and optimism were hallmarks of those whose phenotypes were stable or improved over time. Understanding a person’s episodic trajectory may help to tailor interventions to promote stability, mitigate an upward trajectory of increasing disability, and increase the time between episodes of illness.
Back to Sports After Arthroscopic Revision Bankart Repair
Authors: Buckup Johannes , Welsch Frederic , Gramlich Yves , Hoffmann Reinhard , Roessler Philip P. , Schüttler Karl F. , Stein Thomas
Published: February 2018

Background:

Recurrent instability following primary arthroscopic stabilization of the shoulder is a common complication. Young, athletic patients are at the greatest risk of recurring instability. To date, the literature contains insufficient description regarding whether return to sports is possible after revision arthroscopic Bankart repair.

Hypothesis:

Patients presenting with recurrent instability after primary arthroscopic stabilization should expect limitations in terms of their ability to partake in sporting activities after revision surgery.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Twenty athletes who underwent arthroscopic revision stabilization of the shoulder after failed primary arthroscopic Bankart repair were included in the study after completing inclusion and exclusion criteria surveys. Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System (ASOSS), Shoulder Sport Activity Score (SSAS), and the Subjective Patient Outcome for Return to Sports (SPORTS) scores were determined to assess the participants’ ability to partake in sporting activities. Furthermore, sport type and sport level were classified and recorded. To assess function and stability, Rowe, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Constant-Murley, and Walch-Duplay scores were measured and recorded.

Results:

Follow-up consultations were carried out after a mean of 28.7 months. The mean age at follow-up examination was 27.75 years. At the time of follow-up, 70% of the patients were able to return to their original sporting activities at the same level. However, 90% of patients described a limitation in their shoulder when participating in their sports. At 28.7 months after surgery, the mean ASOSS score was 76.8; the SSAS score decreased from 7.85 before first-time dislocation to 5.35 at follow-up ( P < .005). The SPORTS score was 5.2 out of 10 at the follow-up consultation. Function- and instability-specific scores showed good to excellent results. The mean external rotational deficit for high external rotation was 9.25°, and for low external rotation it was 12°.

Conclusion:

Patients can return to their original type and level of sport after arthroscopic revision Bankart repair, but they must expect persistent deficits and limitations to the shoulder when put under the strains of sporting activity. Patients with shoulder injuries who partake in sports that put greater demand on the shoulder show the smallest probabilities of returning to sporting activity.