bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tonsillectomy and Antistreptococcal Interventions for Psoriasis: A Review
Authors: Chen Tinley K. , Haddican Madelaine M.
Published: April 2018

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that has been shown to have both genetic and environmental features. Streptococcal infection has been associated with the onset of psoriasis. The palatine tonsils represent an environment within the body that is particularly susceptible to infection and is ideal for antigen sampling. It is considered that psoriasis may be induced due to a cross-reactive T-cell response involving streptococcal M proteins and keratin containing homologous peptides. Antibiotics and tonsillectomy have been used for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis and guttate psoriasis. More recently, the first randomized, controlled clinical trial of tonsillectomy was performed. Here, we review the accumulating evidence pertaining to antistreptococcal interventions and tonsillectomy, and further consider their efficacy as treatment options.
Influence of Cutaneous Involvement in Deciding how to Treat Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Gusis Simon Eduardo , Montoya Sandra Fabiana , Castelli Andrea , Mario Kerzberg Eduardo , Kogan Nora Noemi , Veira Rosana Cyntia
Published: April 2018

Background

Cutaneous psoriasis precedes joint disease in 84% of patients with psoriatic arthritis. We believe that skin involvement should be considered when deciding how to treat psoriatic arthritis.

Objective

The goal of our study was to investigate how the severity of skin disease influenced the management of psoriatic arthritis.

Methods

Fifty patients with psoriatic arthritis and cutaneous involvement were studied. The severity of joint and skin involvement was evaluated. Treatment decisions for each patient were based on the most severe presentation between skin and joint involvement.

Results

Treatment decisions were guided and were compared by the most severe skin involvement in 22/50 patients (44%), by the most severe joint involvement in 16 patients (32%), and by both skin and joint involvement in 12 patients (24%). There were no statistically significant differences (p <0.472).

Conclusion

Treatment decisions in patients with psoriatic arthritis should be made in conjunction with decisions about skin treatment.
The History of Psoriasis
Authors: Stokar Evan , Goldenberg Gary
Published: April 2018

Our current understanding of psoriasis has only been established recently in the course of its history. The intent of this article is to take a historical look at the timeline of how psoriasis came to be what we know it as today. It discusses the evolution of our understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis and the various treatment modalities that have been further fine-tuned overtime. The article concludes with a discussion about the more novel biologic therapies used currently and treatments for the future. It is clear by its puzzling history that psoriasis is no simple disease. It is useful to be cognizant of the mistakes of our predecessors as confusion about the disease dates back thousands of years. Ongoing research continues to recognize more about this conundrum, which we finally agreed to call psoriasis in the last century.
Reviewing the Guidelines for Tuberculosis Screening in Psoriasis Patients Treated with Biologics
Authors: Choi Young M. , Wu Jashin J.
Published: April 2018

Background

Biologic agents for psoriasis, in particular tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors, increase the risk of latent tuberculosis (TB) reactivation, prompting routine TB screening prior to initiating these biologics.

Purpose

We sought to review the current guidelines for the screening and management of TB while using biologic agents.

Methods

A systematic search of the MEDLINE PubMed database was performed to review guidelines published from dermatology and rheumatology associations worldwide.

Results

We reviewed eight guidelines in psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis patients regarding the screening and management of TB with TNF-α inhibitor therapy. There was consensus among all the guidelines that TB screening should be performed prior to initiating therapy. As far as annual TB screening, the current guidelines in psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis suggest routine monitoring only in patients at risk for TB exposure.

Discussion

Dermatologists should utilize clinical judgment based on risk factors for TB exposure to determine whether to perform annual TB testing in their patients on biologics.
Analysis of Gender Differences in the Efficacy of Psoriasis Treatment Modalities Resulting in Clearance
Authors: Garber Caren , Saraiya Ami , Au Shiu-chung , Argobi Yahya , Mansfield Ryan , Smith Natalie , Gottlieb Alice
Published: April 2018

Background/Objective

Characterize gender differences in efficacy of psoriasis treatments, as this has not been well studied.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, data were collected on patients with psoriasis seen at Tufts Medical Center between 2008 and 2014. Treatment courses lasting ≥ 4 weeks in patients with baseline moderate to severe psoriasis were included. Clearance was defined as an S-MAPA (simple measure for assessing psoriasis activity, the product of body surface area and physician global assessment) ≤ 3.

Results

Of the 172 biologic treatment courses, 81 (47%) resulted in clearance, 56% of females and 39% of males (RR=1.43, p=0.032). Women were more likely to clear on infliximab (88% compared to 27% of males, RR=3.21, p=0.02) despite a significantly higher baseline S-MAPA in females in this subgroup (166.63 versus 94.86 in men, p=0.05). There was no statistically significant gender difference in clinical outcomes for patients on conventional systemics or combination treatment courses.

Conclusion

Clinical outcomes are better for biologics, especially infliximab, in females compared to males with moderate to severe psoriasis. Further investigation of possible biologic or pharmacokinetic explanations for this finding is warranted.
Palmoplantar Psoriasis: A Review of Current Therapy
Authors: Miceli Alyssa , Rogge Megan , Czernik Annette
Published: April 2018

Palmoplantar psoriasis is a variant form of psoriasis that characteristically affects the skin of the palms and soles. It is chronic and inflammatory in nature and presents with hyperkeratotic, pustular, or mixed morphologies. Painful fissuring and bleeding may occur, which produces significant physical, functional, and social disability. Palmoplantar psoriasis is a therapeutically challenging condition and notoriously difficult to treat with topical therapy alone. Furthermore, limited data exist on treatment given that patients are typically excluded from clinical trials, which often require at least 10% body surface area (BSA) involved as an inclusion criterion. This article reviews the topical and systemic agents including biologics that have been investigated in the treatment of palmoplantar psoriasis. Combination therapy, comprising topical, systemic, and/or light treatments, with a particular focus on improvement in function and pain reduction, appears to be the most effective approach in treating these patients.
An Update on the IDEOM (International Dermatology Outcome Measures) Initiative to Restructure Current Psoriasis Outcome Assessment Measures to a Globally Uniform Set of Patient-Centric Outcome Measures for Use in Clinical Trials and Clinical Practice
Authors: Solomon James A. , Schuering Ryan
Published: April 2018

The International Dermatology Outcome Measures (IDEOM) group was created with the goal of establishing improved, as well as patient-centered, outcome measures. The effort involves the worldwide participation of those involved in the treatment of psoriasis, including dermatologists, rheumatologists, pharmaceutical and device company medical officers, payors, regulatory officers, patient advocacy groups including the National Psoriasis Foundation, and patients themselves. This review will outline the work done to date, the methodology utilized, and future planned action, including a worldwide search for patient representatives to this endeavor.
Stress and Psoriasis: Review of Pathophysiology with New Data on Immunological Mechanisms
Authors: Zhang April , Nguyen Catherine , Koo John Y.M.
Published: April 2018

There is a well-known association between psychosocial stress and psoriasis. However, the underlying mechanism of stress-induced exacerbation of psoriasis is not well understood. Until recently, the majority of evidence has pointed to alterations of the endocrine and peripheral nervous systems, while less is known about changes in the immune system despite psoriasis being a chronic inflammatory skin disease. In the past few years, there has been an increase in data concerning evidence for the immune system as a mediator between stress and psoriasis, which we now review. Possible immunological mechanisms explored include increased leukocyte trafficking to the skin, elevations in proinflammatory cytokines, and reductions in anti-inflammatory cytokines in response to psychosocial stress.
Enhanced phosphocholine metabolism is essential for terminal erythropoiesis
Authors: Huang Nai-Jia , Lin Ying-Cing , Lin Chung-Yueh , Pishesha Novalia , Lewis Caroline A. , Freinkman Elizaveta , Farquharson Colin , Millán José Luis , Lodish Harvey
Published: April 2018

Key Points

PHOSPHO1 regulates phosphocholine metabolism, ATP production, and amino acid supply during erythropoiesis.
Astrocytes, neurons, synapses: a tripartite view on cortical circuit development
Authors: Farhy-Tselnicker Isabella , Allen Nicola J.
Published: April 2018

In the mammalian cerebral cortex neurons are arranged in specific layers and form connections both within the cortex and with other brain regions, thus forming a complex mesh of specialized synaptic connections comprising distinct circuits. The correct establishment of these connections during development is crucial for the proper function of the brain. Astrocytes, a major type of glial cell, are important regulators of synapse formation and function during development. While neurogenesis precedes astrogenesis in the cortex, neuronal synapses only begin to form after astrocytes have been generated, concurrent with neuronal branching and process elaboration. Here we provide a combined overview of the developmental processes of synapse and circuit formation in the rodent cortex, emphasizing the timeline of both neuronal and astrocytic development and maturation. We further discuss the role of astrocytes at the synapse, focusing on astrocyte-synapse contact and the role of synapse-related proteins in promoting formation of distinct cortical circuits.
Deep data analysis via physically constrained linear unmixing: universal framework, domain examples, and a community-wide platform
Authors: Kannan R. , Ievlev A. V. , Laanait N. , Ziatdinov M. A. , Vasudevan R. K. , Jesse S. , Kalinin S. V.
Published: April 2018

Many spectral responses in materials science, physics, and chemistry experiments can be characterized as resulting from the superposition of a number of more basic individual spectra. In this context, unmixing is defined as the problem of determining the individual spectra, given measurements of multiple spectra that are spatially resolved across samples, as well as the determination of the corresponding abundance maps indicating the local weighting of each individual spectrum. Matrix factorization is a popular linear unmixing technique that considers that the mixture model between the individual spectra and the spatial maps is linear. Here, we present a tutorial paper targeted at domain scientists to introduce linear unmixing techniques, to facilitate greater understanding of spectroscopic imaging data. We detail a matrix factorization framework that can incorporate different domain information through various parameters of the matrix factorization method. We demonstrate many domain-specific examples to explain the expressivity of the matrix factorization framework and show how the appropriate use of domain-specific constraints such as non-negativity and sum-to-one abundance result in physically meaningful spectral decompositions that are more readily interpretable. Our aim is not only to explain the off-the-shelf available tools, but to add additional constraints when ready-made algorithms are unavailable for the task. All examples use the scalable open source implementation fromhttps://github.com/ramkikannan/nmflibrarythat can run from small laptops to supercomputers, creating a user-wide platform for rapid dissemination and adoption across scientific disciplines.
Catching “butterflies” in the morning: A new methodology for rapid detection of aerially deployed plastic land mines from UAVs
Authors: de Smet Timothy S. , Nikulin Alex
Published: April 2018

It is estimated that there are at least 100 million military munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) devices in the world of various size, shape, and composition. Millions of these are surface plastic land mines with low-pressure detonation regimes, such as the mass-produced Soviet PFM-1. These aerially deployed land mines are concentrated primarily in postconflict developing countries such as Afghanistan and represent a continued humanitarian threat, while also thwarting economic and social development in impacted regions. Identification of this particular type of MEC category poses a significant geophysical challenge, as these mines contain almost no metal (nonferrous aluminum). As a result, standard MEC detection and remediation methodologies based on geophysical principles of magnetometry and electromagnetic induction prove largely ineffective and possibly dangerous. Low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles can rapidly collect large remotely sensed data sets with no risk to MEC technicians. We present results of an experiment focused on remotely assessing thermal signatures of plastic land mines relative to background geology to show that this type of analysis permits rapid detection of randomly dispersed plastic MECs with a high degree of accuracy and low associated costs.
Analysis of temperature dependency of elastic moduli in heavy oil deposits
Authors: Javanbakhti A. , Lines L. R. , Gray D.
Published: April 2018

Seismic monitoring of oil sands during hot or cold production requires a valid rock physics model. The effective elastic properties of heavy oil deposits depend on temperature variations, which consequently alter the P- and S-wave velocities in thermal recovery processes. The authors discuss the relationship between temperature, apparent shear modulus, frequency, and velocity dispersion. We use log data from wells drilled in heated and cold zones of a bitumen reservoir to calculate bulk and shear moduli along the wellbore. We apply various filters to control the unwanted effects of other variables, such as porosity and water saturation. We demonstrate that sonic velocities of steam-saturated sands at reservoir conditions can be lower than the compressional velocity of seismic waves in water. We use modulus-temperature crossplots to verify the existence of the liquidation temperature and apparent shear modulus of the heavy oil. In our study, we observe two rapid-decline events in bulk modulus at around 20°C and 200°C. The first event exhibits the ideas of the viscoelastic model of Maxwell. We attribute the second event to effective replacement of liquid phase with steam. For temperatures between 20°C and 200°C, we use a linear relationship to model bulk modulus decline with temperature. The calculated shear modulus shows a wide range of variations at cold temperatures due to a slight change in the bitumen's API gravity with depth. We attribute the weakening of the shear moduli at temperatures greater than 100°C to thermal expansion of the rock.
Analgesic Prescription Patterns and Pain Outcomes in Southeast Asia: Findings From the Analgesic Treatment of Cancer Pain in Southeast Asia Study
Authors: Thinh Dang Huy Quoc , Sriraj Wimonrat , Mansor Marzida , Tan Kian Hian , Irawan Cosphiadi , Kurnianda Johan , Nguyen Yen Phi , Ong-Cornel Annielyn , Hadjiat Yacine , Moon Hanlim , Javier Francis O.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

To identify patterns of analgesic prescription and to explore patient-reported pain intensity, sleep disturbance, and quality of life among cancer patients with pain in Southeast Asia (SEA).

Methods

This cross-sectional observational study included 465 adult outpatients prescribed analgesics for cancer pain for 1 month or longer at 22 sites in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Data on analgesic prescription and cancer characteristics were extracted from medical records. Pain intensity, sleep disturbance, and quality of life measures were recorded via questionnaires.

Results

Most patients (84.4%) had stage III or IV cancer. A total of 419 patients (90.7%) were prescribed opioids; of these, 42.2% received only weak opioids, whereas 57.8% received at least one strong opioid. The mean worst pain intensity during the past 24 hours was 4.76 (standard deviation [SD], 2.47) on a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain); the mean current pain intensity was 4.10 (SD, 2.61). More than half of patients (54.8%) reported sleep disturbance caused by pain in the past 7 days. The majority of patients reported problems with pain/discomfort (82.3%), usual activities (65.8%), mobility (58.2%), and anxiety/depression (56.3%). The median daily dose prescribed in oral morphine equivalents was 30 mg for both morphine and tramadol.

Conclusion

Despite unrelieved pain, sleep disturbance, and issues with quality of life, a notable proportion of patients were prescribed only weak opioids, and opioid doses prescribed were generally low. Efforts focused on encouragement of prescriptions with analgesic strength and/or doses proportional to the pain management needs of patients are vital to improve the status of cancer pain management in the region.
The Attendant's Lament: Loan-Sharking, Squeeze, and Extortion in the Yangzhou Novel Fengyue meng (Seductive Dreams)
Authors: McMahon Keith
Published: April 2018

The brothel and the local yamen are the two main institutions around which life revolves in the 1848 novel Fengyue meng 風月夢 (Seductive Dreams) by an anonymous author. Loan-sharking, squeeze, and extortion are the most prominent ways besides prostitution of making a living in this milieu, which features an array of characters rarely described before in fiction in such detail: yamen functionaries and other working or idle underlings, including clerks, runners, servants, entertainers, laborers, and beggars. The most down-and-out characters resemble the subject of one of the deepest instances of self-expression in the novel, a song about an opium addict, whose lament addresses a key aspect of the life of underlings like him, that he has left village and family to enter the broad mix of people living in Yangzhou, the city of opium, prostitution, and corruption. The novel is about the raw and practical interactions of that world and the new types of relations that take place there. My focus is on the terminology and descriptions used to identify these people and the ways in which the novel narrates the transactions of their brothel-dominated, usury-prone, and squeeze-driven society in terms of both money and that money's equivalent in terms of a character's survival.
The Xikun Experiment: Imitation and the Making of the New Poetic Style in the Early Northern Song
Authors: Wang Yugen
Published: April 2018

Despite its tremendous influence in the early eleventh century, Xikun poetry was essentially written out of the main literary historical narratives of the Northern Song dynasty. When it does appear in such narratives, it is usually used as a foil to set up the reputedly real grand beginnings of Song poetry in the generation led by Ouyang Xiu. This article takes another look at the Xikun phenomenon, arguing that in the Xikun poets' imitative works modeled on the Late Tang poet Li Shangyin, we see a burgeoning interest in creating a more internally consistent world and a tendency toward a more immersive mode of composition that would become a defining feature of the new style of Song poetry. Through closely comparing the technical innovations and rhetorical strategies of the Xikun poets against those used by Li Shangyin, the author demonstrates how these poetic and rhetorical choices made sense in their own new world of creation and how their imitation actually helped advance positive future developments.
High-throughput live-imaging of embryos in microwell arrays using a modular specimen mounting system
Authors: Donoughe Seth , Kim Chiyoung , Extavour Cassandra G.
Published: April 2018

High-throughput live-imaging of embryos is an essential technique in developmental biology, but it is difficult and costly to mount and image embryos in consistent conditions. Here, we present OMMAwell, a simple, reusable device to easily mount dozens of embryos in arrays of agarose microwells with customizable dimensions and spacing. OMMAwell can be configured to mount specimens for upright or inverted microscopes, and includes a reservoir to hold live-imaging medium to maintain constant moisture and osmolarity of specimens during time-lapse imaging. All device components can be fabricated by cutting pieces from a sheet of acrylic using a laser cutter or by making them with a 3D printer. We demonstrate how to design a custom mold and use it to live-image dozens of embryos at a time. We include descriptions, schematics, and design files for 13 additional molds for nine animal species, including most major traditional laboratory models and a number of emerging model systems. Finally, we provide instructions for researchers to customize OMMAwell inserts for embryos or tissues not described herein.
Holding tight on feathers - structural specializations and attachment properties of the avian ectoparasiteCrataerina pallida(Diptera, Hippoboscidae)
Authors: Petersen Dennis S. , Kreuter Nils , Heepe Lars , Büsse Sebastian , Wellbrock Arndt H. J. , Witte Klaudia , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: April 2018

The louse fly Crataerina pallida is an obligate blood-sucking ecto-parasite of the common swift Apus apus. Due to reduction of the wings, C. pallida is unable to fly, thus an effective and reliable attachment to their host's plumage is of outmost importance. Its attachment system shows several modifications in comparison to other calyptrate flies. The most prominent ones are the large tridentate claws and the dichotomously shaped setae located on the pulvilli. Based on data from morphological analysis, confocal laser scanning microscopy, cryo-scanning electron microscopy and traction force experiments, performed on native (feathers) as well as artificial substrates (glass, epoxy-resin and silicone rubber), we showed that the entire attachment system is highly adapted to the fly's lifestyle as an ectoparasite. The claws in particular are the main contributor to strong attachment to the host. Resulting attachment forces on feathers make it impossible to detach C. pallida without damage of feathers or legs of the fly itself. Well-developed pulvilli are responsible for the attachment to smooth surfaces. Both dichotomously shaped setae and high setal density explain high safety factors observed on smooth substrates. For the first time, we demonstrated a material gradient within the setae with soft, resilin dominated apical tips and stiff, more sclerotized bases in Diptera. The empodium seems not to be directly involved in the attachment process, but it might operate as a cleaning device and may be essential to maintain the functionality of the entire attachment system.
Recent advances in bioreactors for cell-based therapies
Authors: Stephenson Makeda , Grayson Warren
Published: April 2018

Bioreactors have become indispensable tools in the cell-based therapy industry. Various forms of bioreactors are used to maintain well-controlled microenvironments to regulate cell growth, differentiation, and tissue development. They are essential for providing standardized, reproducible cell-based products for regenerative medicine applications or to establish physiologically relevant in vitro models for testing of pharmacologic agents. In this review, we discuss three main classes of bioreactors: cell expansion bioreactors, tissue engineering bioreactors, and lab-on-a-chip systems. We briefly examine the factors driving concerted research endeavors in each of these areas and describe the major advancements that have been reported in the last three years. Emerging issues that impact the commercialization and clinical use of bioreactors include (i) the need to scale up to greater cell quantities and larger graft sizes, (ii) simplification of in vivo systems to function without exogenous stem cells or growth factors or both, and (iii) increased control in the manufacture and monitoring of miniaturized systems to better capture complex tissue and organ physiology.
Physiologic Monitor Alarm Rates at 5 Children's Hospitals
Authors: Schondelmeyer Amanda C. , Brady Patrick W. , Goel Veena V. , Cvach Maria , Blake Nancy , Mangeot Colleen , Bonafide Christopher P.
Published: April 2018

Alarm fatigue has been linked to patient morbidity and mortality in hospitals due to delayed or absent responses to monitor alarms. We sought to describe alarm rates at 5 freestanding children's hospitals during a single day and the types of alarms and proportions of patients monitored by using a point‐prevalence, cross‐sectional study design. We collected audible alarms on all inpatient units and calculated overall alarm rates and rates by alarm type per monitored patient per day. We found a total of 147,213 alarms during the study period, with 3‐fold variation in alarm rates across hospitals among similar unit types. Across hospitals, one‐quarter of monitored beds were responsible for 71%, 61%, and 63% of alarms in medical‐surgical, neonatal intensive care, and pediatric intensive care units, respectively. Future work focused on addressing nonactionable alarms in patients with the highest alarm counts may decrease alarm rates.
Development of Hospitalization Resource Intensity Scores for Kids (H‐RISK) and Comparison across Pediatric Populations
Authors: Richardson Troy , Rodean Jonathan , Harris Mitch , Berry Jay , Gay James C. , Hall Matt
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

In the Medicare population, measures of relative severity of illness (SOI) for hospitalized patents have been used in prospective payment models. Similar measures for pediatric populations have not been fully developed.

OBJECTIVE

To develop hospitalization resource intensity scores for kids (H‐RISK) using pediatric relative weights (RWs) for SOI and to compare hospital types on case‐mix index (CMI).

DESIGN/METHODS

Using the 2012 Kids' Inpatient Database (KID), we developed RWs for each All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Group (APR‐DRG) and SOI level. RW corresponded to the ratio of the adjusted mean cost for discharges in an APR‐DRG SOI combination over adjusted mean cost of all discharges in the dataset. RWs were applied to every discharge from 3,117 hospitals in the database with at least 20 discharges. RWs were then averaged at the hospital level to provide each hospital's CMI. CMIs were compared by hospital type using Kruskal–Wallis tests.

RESULTS

The overall adjusted mean cost of weighted discharges in Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project KID 2012 was $6,135 per discharge. Solid organ and bone marrow transplantations represented 4 of the 10 highest procedural RWs (range: 35.5 to 91.7). Neonatal APR‐DRG SOIs accounted for 8 of the 10 highest medical RWs (range: 19.0 to 32.5). Free‐standing children's hospitals yielded the highest median (interquartile range [IQR]) CMI (2.7 [2.2–3.1]), followed by urban teaching hospitals (1.8 [1.3–2.6]), urban nonteaching hospitals (1.1 [0.9–1.5]), and rural hospitals (0.8 [0.7–0.9]; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

H‐RISK for populations of pediatric admissions are sensitive to detection of substantial differences in SOI by hospital type.
Things We Do for No Reason – The “48 Hour Rule‐out” for Well‐Appearing Febrile Infants
Authors: Herzke Carrie , Chang Weijen , Leazer Rianna
Published: April 2018

The “Things We Do for No Reason” (TWDFNR) series reviews practices that have become common parts of hospital care but may provide little value to our patients. Practices reviewed in the TWDFNR series do not represent “black and white” conclusions or clinical practice standards but are meant as a starting place for research and active discussions among hospitalists and patients. We invite you to be part of that discussion.
Appraising the Evidence Supporting Choosing Wisely® Recommendations
Authors: Admon Andrew J. , Gupta Ashwin , Williams Margaret , Valley Thomas S. , Sjoding Michael W. , Wiener Renda Soylemez , Cooke Colin R.
Published: April 2018

Despite the growing enthusiasm surrounding the Choosing Wisely® campaign, little is known regarding the evidence underlying these recommendations. We extracted references for all 320 recommendations published through August, 2014, including the 10 adult and pediatric recommendations published by the Society for Hospital Medicine. We then categorized each item by evidence strength, and then assessed a sample of referenced clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) using the validated Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument. Among all recommendations, 70.3% cited CPGs, whereas 22.2% cited primary research as their highest level of evidence. Moreover, 7.8% cited case series, review articles, editorials, or lower quality data as their highest level of evidence. Hospital medicine recommendations were more likely to cite CPGs (90%) as their highest level of evidence. Among the sampled CPGs, the median overall score obtained using AGREE II was 54.2% (interquartile range [IQR] 33.3%‐70.8%), whereas among hospital medicine‐referenced CPGs, the median overall score was 58.3% (IQR 50.0%‐83.3%). These findings suggest that Choosing Wisely® recommendations vary in terms of evidence strength.
Characterizing Hospitalizations for Pediatric Concussion and Trends in Care
Authors: Rhine Tara , Byczkowski Terri , Altaye Mekibib , Wade Shari L. , Babcock Lynn
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Children hospitalized for concussion may be at a higher risk for persistent symptoms, but little is known about this subset of children.

OBJECTIVE

Delineate a cohort of children admitted for concussion, describe care practices received, examine factors associated with prolonged length of stay (LOS) or emergency department (ED) readmission, and investigate changes in care over time.

DESIGN/SETTING

Retrospective analysis of data submitted by 40 pediatric hospitals to the Pediatric Health Information System.

PATIENTS

Children 0 to 17 years old admitted with a primary diagnosis of concussion from 2007 to 2014.

MEASUREMENTS

Descriptive statistics characterized this cohort and care practices delivered, logistic regression identified factors associated with a LOS of ≥2 days and ED readmission, and trend analyses assessed changes in care over time.

RESULTS

Of the 10,729 children admitted for concussion, 68.7% received intravenous pain or antiemetic medications. Female sex, adolescent age, and having government insurance were all associated (P ≤ .02) with increased odds of LOS ≥ 2 days and ED revisit. Proportions of children receiving intravenous ondansetron (slope = 1.56, P = .001) and ketorolac (slope = 0.61, P < .001) increased over time, and use of neuroimaging (slope = –1.75, P < .001) decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Although concussions are usually self‐limited, hospitalized children often receive intravenous therapies despite an unclear benefit. Factors associated with prolonged LOS and ED revisit were similar to predictors of postconcussive syndrome. Since there has been an increased use of specific therapeutics, prospective evaluation of their relationship with concussion recovery could lay the groundwork for evidenced‐based admission criteria and optimize recovery.
When the General Meets the Particular: The Practices and Challenges of Interorganizational Knowledge Reuse
Authors: Waisberg Isaac , Nelson Andrew
Published: April 2018

A large literature addresses the practices and challenges surrounding knowledge reuse within organizations. Yet organizations frequently attempt to reuse knowledge from outside their boundaries, which may be even more challenging. The practice is so prevalent that an entire industry—the consulting industry—has developed to support it. Unfortunately, we understand little about how knowledge embedded in one organization is used to intervene in another and about what challenges follow from the attempt to do so. In this paper, we aim to address these questions. On the basis of an analysis of four months of ethnographic fieldwork and extensive archival data surrounding an engagement between a leading consulting firm and a multihospital healthcare system, we find that partners and senior executives created generalizations based on their experience and encouraged junior consultants and hospital employees to apply these generalizations and reuse old solutions. Yet junior consultants, who had different backgrounds and were embedded in particular contexts, struggled to reuse solutions, and they instead developed novel insights through the engagement. We argue, moreover, that the ultimate success of consulting engagements lies in this division of labor within and across firms. Our work contributes to the literatures on knowledge reuse, organizational learning, and consulting by illuminating how knowledge is (or is not) reused and how differences between junior and senior consultants, and between consultants and clients, shape both the reuse of existing solutions and the development of new ones.
Analysis of Physical Quality and Nutrition of Two Rice Varieties With the Implementation of Various Planting Systems
Authors: ARIEF RATNA W. , ASNAWI R. , BAKRIE B.
Published: April 2018

As an effort to overcome problems in rice cultivation system, it is necessary to use new technologies and innovations. This study aims to determine the physical and nutritional quality of grain and milled rice from 2 varieties of rice using several planting systems. The research was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design of factorial pattern, consisting of 2 factors with 3 replications. The factors were: a) Planting system (S1 = Cubic S2 = Double row 2: 1, and S3 = Twin seed) and b) Rice varieties (V1 = Ciherang; V2 = Inpari 10). The observation parameters include: physical quality of grain, rice milled quality, physical quality of rice and rice nutrition. The results showed that the cubic planting system produced a higher empty grains than the double row and twin seed planting system. The twin seed planting system, yielding lime green grains and yellow broken grains lower than other planting systems, both on rice varieties of Ciherang and Inpari 10. Grains from Ciherang variety had a thinner shell and a higher hardness level of rice compared to grain of Inpari 10 variety, resulting in higher milled rice and head rice, but lower in broken rice and rice groats contents. It can be concluded that: a) the physical quality of rice was not affected by the planting system, but it was significantly affected by the rice varieties; b) the planting system and rice varieties used in this study did not have significant effect on the nutritional quality of the rice produced.
Fortification of Locally Developed Single Super Phosphate With Zinc Sulphate for Enhanced Zinc Nutrition to Maize Crop Under Calcareous Soil Conditions
Authors: Ahmad Jamil , Muhammad Dost , Rahman Mujibur , Mussarat Maria
Published: April 2018

A study was carried out in calcareous soil (low in ABDTPA extractable phosphorus and zinc) to evaluate the effect of zinc fortified locally developed single super phosphate fertilizers on maize grown in summer 2016. Zinc fortified fertilizers were prepared in laboratory of soil science department, University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan. Treatments consisted of mixing two levels of zinc 5 and 10 kg ha-1 with SSP during its formulation by three methods of fortification coating, blending and reaction along with separate application and no application of zinc or a control treatment. Results showed the two levels of zinc mixed by different methods with SSP significantly influenced various appraised parameters of maize crop variety. With varying zinc level and fortification methods thousand grain weights, biomass yield and zinc concentration in leaves and grain were influenced significantly. Zinc at the rate of 10 kg ha-1 fortified with SSP through coating method produced maximum yield and yield components. Zn concentrations were higher in grains than leaves. It was concluded form the study that zinc (at the rate of 10 kg ha-1) mixed with phosphate fertilizer by coating produced highest maize grain yield and this method can be recommended for calcareous soil conditions of Peshawar.
Role of Rhizosphere Fungi Associated with Commercially Explored Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: A Review
Authors: Shaikh Mosma Nadim , Mokat Digambar Nabhu
Published: April 2018

The study of rhizospheric microbial flora for the enhancement of aroma compounds is well recognized. The rhizosphere microbes also play very important role in improving medicinal values of plants. Rhizospheric microbes affect the plant physiology by imparting several useful effects such as nitrogen fixation, nutrient uptake, and production of secondary metabolites in the medicinal and aromatic plants. Recent days there are increasing the interests in the research of the relation between rhizosphere microbes associated with medicinal plant for the improvement of quality of medicinal plants. A large variety of fungi and bacteria is recognized in the rhizosphere soil of medicinal plants that showed significant effect in secondary metabolite alteration and uptake of plant nutrient. There are reports that rhizosphere fungi not only enhanced the growth parameters in plants but also considerably modulated essential oil’s quality. This study highlighted the researches performed on active role of rhizosphere fungi on explored medicinal and aromatic plants. As the use of organic material is one of the constituents of good agricultural practices (GAPs). Therefore, this review also investigates the environmental concerns reducing the use harmful chemicals as well as recommendation for utilization of biological and organics in agriculture. Therefore, a proper understanding of role of rhizosphere mycoflora associated with the medicinal plants is essential.
Grant-making trusts
Authors: Best Brin
Published: April 2018

Many schools do not consider applying to grant-making trusts for funding, even though they are well-placed to make successful bids. Brin Best explains more and lists some of his top trusts to apply to
Spectroscopic Studies on Films of Lead Nitrate Doped Polyvinyl Alcohol – Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone Blend
Authors: Hammannavar Preeti B. , Lobo Blaise
Published: April 2018

Films of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) – polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) blend doped with lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2) were prepared by solution casting method, with doping level (DL) of Pb(NO3)2 in PVA – PVP polymeric blend varying from 2.7 up to 50.5 wt%. The prepared films were characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy, fluorescence (or photo- luminescence) spectroscopy, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. Parameters like optical band gaps due to indirect allowed transition (IAT) and direct allowed transition (DAT), as well as the activation energy (Ea) for optical transitions are extracted from the UV- Visible (or optical) spectra of these films. Objective of the FTIR, Raman and Fluorescence spectroscopic study is to understand the molecular chemical changes in PVA and PVP caused by the dopant (Pb(NO3)2). There is an enhancement of fluorescence intensity at DLs of 2.7 wt%, and at DL 7.6 wt%, the fluorescence intensity decreases (quenching). PVP acts as a capping agent for the dopant species, and is considered to be responsible for changes in fluorescence intensity. Signature of nitrate ion (NO3-) vibration is observed at wavenumber 1037 cm-1 in Raman spectra, and in the FTIR spectra, the NO3- vibration is seen at the wavenumber equal to 1380 cm-1.
Parametric Optimization of Metal Inert Gas Welding for Hot Die Steel by using Taguchi Approach
Authors: Kumar Vijander , Goyal Navneet
Published: April 2018

In present experimental study an attempt has been made to investigate the effect of three machine input parameters namely current,voltage and nozzle to plate distance (NPD) on tensile strength of weld bead and weld penetration. Three different levels (current 180, 190, 200 in ampere. Voltage 21, 24, 27 in volt and NPD 12, 16, 20 in mm) have been considered in order to evaluate the effect of these parameters on tensile strength and penetration of weld bead. Taguchi method has been employed to abate the number of experiments and analyze the effect of various parameters. Orthogonal array L9 was used for data optimization. On the basis of experimental data, the mathematical technique has been developed by using analysis of variance. Results were obtained from each parameter at different levels for tensile strength and weld bead geometry. Based on these results different parameters were identified for maximum tensile strength and maximum weld penetration. Result show that maximum tensile strength was 390.8 Mpa at 200 ampere current, 27 volt and 16 mm NPD where as maximum weld penetration was 3.20 mm at 200 ampere current, 24 volt and 12 mm NPD
Analysis of Bambusa rigida Bamboo Culms between Internodes and Nodes: Anatomical Characteristics and Physical–Mechanical Properties
Authors: Huang Xingyan , Li Feng , De Hoop Cornelis F. , Jiang Yongze , Xie Jiulong , Qi Jinqiu
Published: April 2018

In this research, the anatomical characteristics and physical–mechanical properties of bamboo between internodes and nodes were investigated to evaluate the influence of nodes on the properties of bamboo culm. The results indicate that node sections had lower vascular bundle frequency, shorter fiber length, and wider parenchyma lumen diameters in comparison with internodes. The compressive strength parallel to grain, shear strength parallel to grain, and modulus of elasticity of bamboo culm internodes were significantly higher than those of the nodes. The basic density, volumetric shrinkage, and modulus of rupture of the former were also higher than the latter, although the difference was not significant.
The Chinese Wisdom of Contemporary Political Economics
Authors: Hailiang Gu
Published: April 2018

The political economics of socialism with Chinese characteristics highlighted “Chinese wisdom” in the process of its theoretical innovation of contemporary political economics, which adhered to the principles and methods of combining Marxist political economics with Chinese reality, while getting a full, systematic and profound knowledge of political economics and firmly grasping the stage characteristics of China's economic and social development. Therefore, it firmly adhered to “dialectics and the doctrine that everything has two aspects” in the aspects of the basic economic system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the socialist market economy. Moreover, it persevered in maintaining stability in the general work guideline and put forth the major principles of the political economics of socialism with Chinese characteristics, which emphasized to grasp the “new normal” of economic development, while pushing forward the supply-side structural reform. And more than anything else, it made a full exploration of “systematized economic theory” that took “the new concepts of development” as a guide. In the course of gaining a qualitative leap from “the first draft of political economics” to “Marxist political economics in contemporary China,” these theoretical innovations kept a good practice of summing up the laws of economy to improve and perfect the theoretical system of the socialist political economics with Chinese characteristics.
Capital after Capitalism: The Evolution of the Concept of Capital in the Light of Long-Run Sustainable Reproduction of the Species
Authors: Hardy Hanappi
Published: April 2018

The capitalist mode of production has fulfilled a most astonishing “historical mission” for the human species. It enabled an explosion of labor productivity gains and the discovery of new utility dimensions. But this progress came at the price of an accompanying explosion of contradictions, of unequal benefits and burdens across global and local classes of humans. This article sets out to explore what will happen if capitalism is finally ending, if its mission collapses. Following the tradition of Hegel and Marx, it can be assumed that a large part of the capitalist algorithm simply will have to vanish. But as history shows there also always is a remainder of a mode of production that in an inverted form becomes part of the next progressive mode of production. To identify what “Capital after Capitalism” could be, what has to be abolished and what might survive in which form is a central prerequisite for a proper understanding of the coming revolution of the current mode of production. Since each step on the ladder of global social evolution is also a step in social human consciousness, this step in understanding implies a direct impact in guiding the actions to accomplish this turnover.
Neoliberal Capitalism Reconsidered: Reviewing D. Kotz's Recent Work
Authors: Makoto Itoh
Published: April 2018

Re-expanded inequality of distribution of wealth and income in major economies in the era of neoliberalism, as impressively revealed statistically by T. Piketty's Capital in the Twenty-First Century (2014), has globally reactivated a series of political movements demanding revival of democratic socialism for working people. To understand the historical significance and rationality of such a new political tide, we need to cooperate on synthetic critical analyses of neoliberal capitalism. By reviewing D. Kotz's The Rise and Fall of Neoliberal Capitalism (2015), this article would discuss the following topics: (1) characteristic approach of SSA (Social Structure of Accumulation) theory to neoliberalism, (2) the impact of information technology (IT) to the restructure of capital-labor relations, (3) Japan's position in the world of neoliberalism, and (4) alternatives for the future.
The maternal impulse as ghost: Three hauntings in contemporary women’s fiction
Authors: Mundler Helen E.
Published: April 2018

This article offers a critical reading of three short stories, each of which explores the extent to which its protagonist is literally, as well as figuratively, haunted by the desire for a child. Firstly, the notion of textual haunting is proposed through an intratextual reading of each of these short stories within the author’s work as a whole. Secondly, the hauntings undergone by the protagonists are analysed, both through close reading and through the notions of abjection and intergenerational haunting.
Book Reviews
Authors: Cox Ailsa , Fenlon Carol
Published: April 2018

The Routledge Handbook to The Ghost Story, Scott Brewster and Luke Thurston (eds) (2018)

New York and Abingdon: Routledge, 487 pp.,

ISBN: 9781138184763, h/bk, £180

Knots, Gunnhild Øyehaug (2017) (trans. Kari Dickson)

New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 164 pp.,

ISBN: 9780374181673, h/bk, $22.00

First published in Norwegian by Korlon Forlag (2012)
The New Life: Construction sites and mine fields
Authors: Women and Victims of Trafficking FIZ Advocacy and Support for Migrant
Published: April 2018

Interview with Sara Donath, counsellor at FIZ Fachstelle Frauenhandel und Frauenmigration (FIZ – Advocacy and Support for Migrant Women and Victims of Trafficking, Switzerland).

Sara Donath has counselled hundreds of survivors of trafficking and accompanied them into their new lives. We asked Sara about the experiences of these women after having experienced exploitation and violence.