bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biological Processes and Biomarkers Related to Frailty in Older Adults: A State-of-the-Science Literature Review
Authors: Wang Jinjiao , Maxwell Cathy A. , Yu Fang
Published: September 2018

The objectives of this literature review were to (1) synthesize biological processes linked to frailty and their corresponding biomarkers and (2) identify potential associations among these processes and biomarkers. In September 2016, PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched. Studies examining biological processes related to frailty in older adults (≥60 years) were included. Studies were excluded if they did not employ specific measures of frailty, did not report the association between biomarkers and frailty, or focused on nonelderly samples (average age < 60). Review articles, commentaries, editorials, and non-English articles were also excluded. Fifty-two articles were reviewed, reporting six biological processes related to frailty and multiple associated biomarkers. The processes (biomarkers) include brain changes (neurotrophic factor, gray matter volume), endocrine dysregulation (growth hormones [insulin-like growth factor-1 and binding proteins], hormones related to glucose and insulin, the vitamin D axis, thyroid function, reproductive axis, and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis), enhanced inflammation (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6), immune dysfunction (neutrophils, monocytes, neopterin, CD8+CD28−T cells, albumin), metabolic imbalance (micronutrients, metabolites, enzyme-activity indices, metabolic end products), and oxidative stress (antioxidants, telomere length, glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio). Bidirectional interrelationships exist within and between these processes. Biomarkers were associated with frailty in varied strengths, and the causality remains unclear. In conclusion, frailty is related to multisystem physiological changes. Future research should examine the dynamic interactions among these processes to inform causality of frailty. Given the multifactorial nature of frailty, a composite index of multisystem biomarkers would likely be more informative than single biomarkers in early detection of frailty.
Systematic Identification and Classification of β-Lactamases Based on Sequence Similarity Criteria: β-Lactamase Annotation
Authors: Silveira Melise Chaves , Azevedo da Silva Rangeline , Faria da Mota Fábio , Catanho Marcos , Jardim Rodrigo , R Guimarães Ana Carolina , de Miranda Antonio B
Published: September 2018

β-lactamases, the enzymes responsible for resistance to β-lactam antibiotics, are widespread among prokaryotic genera. However, current β-lactamase classification schemes do not represent their present diversity. Here, we propose a workflow to identify and classify β-lactamases. Initially, a set of curated sequences was used as a model for the construction of profiles Hidden Markov Models (HMM), specific for each β-lactamase class. An extensive, nonredundant set of β-lactamase sequences was constructed from 7 different resistance proteins databases to test the methodology. The profiles HMM were improved for their specificity and sensitivity and then applied to fully assembled genomes. Five hierarchical classification levels are described, and a new class of β-lactamases with fused domains is proposed. Our profiles HMM provide a better annotation of β-lactamases, with classes and subclasses defined by objective criteria such as sequence similarity. This classification offers a solid base to the elaboration of studies on the diversity, dispersion, prevalence, and evolution of the different classes and subclasses of this critical enzymatic activity.
Investigating the role of vocabulary size in second language speaking ability
Authors: Uchihara Takumi , Clenton Jon
Published: September 2018

The current study investigates the extent to which receptive vocabulary size test scores can predict second language (L2) speaking ability. Forty-six international students with an advanced level of L2 proficiency completed a receptive vocabulary task (Yes/No test; Meara & Miralpeix, 2017) and a spontaneous speaking task (oral picture narrative). Elicited speech samples were submitted to expert rating based on speakers’ vocabulary features as well as lexical sophistication measures. Results indicate that vocabulary size was significantly associated with vocabulary rating. However, learners with large vocabulary sizes did not necessarily produce lexically sophisticated L2 words during speech. A closer examination of the data reveals complexities regarding the relationship between vocabulary knowledge and speaking. Based on these findings, we explore implications for L2 vocabulary assessment in classroom teaching contexts and provide important suggestions for future research on the vocabulary-and-speaking link.
Maintaining “mianzi” and “lizi”: Understanding the reasons for formality marriages between gay men and lesbians in China
Authors: Ren ZhengJia , Howe Catherine Q. , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2018

As a result of societal expectations and to avoid societal homophobia, many lesbians and gay men in China marry heterosexual partners and do not disclose their own sexual orientation. This study used qualitative methods to explore why gay men enter into such marriages of convenience. A total of 17 in-depth interviews were conducted with lesbians and gay men who had entered “formality marriages.” All interviews were digitally recorded for transcription; transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory to determine themes. The reasons for engaging in formality marriage can be grouped into broad categories, including: maintaining mianzi (reputation) and lizi (inner reality), avoiding moral distress, social discrimination, working in tizhi (social systems), accounting for their social relationships, and fulfilling filial piety. From our model we can see growing up as a member of a minority sexual orientation group means being discriminated against and marginalized in the family, work place, community, and society at large. Formality marriages not only offer a way to maintain one’s personal and family reputation ( mianzi) in different contexts, but also avoid moral distress and maintain a personal private sexual orientation ( lizi) with their own homosexual partner. Formality marriage serves as a compromise to ensure cultural continuity, and it harmonizes individuals’ interpersonal relationships and traditional Chinese family values. Understanding the reasons for formality marriage practices can help health professionals to create public health campaigns to dispel stereotypes and stigma about homosexuality, and to develop culturally sensitive services for homosexual populations.
Evaluation of the New ISGLS Definitions of Typical Posthepatectomy Complications
Authors: Birgin E. , Tesfazgi W. , Knoth M. , Wilhelm T.J. , Post S. , Rückert F.
Published: September 2018

Background and Objectives:

The International Study Group of Liver Surgery established the first internationally standardized definitions and grading for posthepatectomy hemorrhage, posthepatectomy liver failure, and bile leakage. We aimed to correlate these definitions and grades of complications with objective parameters of the postoperative course, namely, mortality and length of stay, to assess the usefulness in clinical routine.

Methods:

A total of 415 patients underwent hepatic surgery between 2004 and 2014. Uni- and multivariate analyses were made for correlations of posthepatectomy hemorrhage, posthepatectomy liver failure, and bile leakage with perioperative parameters and mortality.

Results:

Of the total, 25 (6.1%) patients developed a posthepatectomy hemorrhage Grade A, 3 (0.7%) patients a posthepatectomy hemorrhage Grade B, and 1 (0.2%) patient a posthepatectomy hemorrhage Grade C; 23 (5.5%) patients had a posthepatectomy liver failure Grade A, 24 (5.8%) patients a posthepatectomy liver failure Grade B, and 7 patients (1.6%) a posthepatectomy liver failure Grade C. Bile leakage Grade A occurred in 10 (2.4%) patients, bile leakage Grade B in 24 (5.8%) patients, and bile leakage Grade C in 7 (1.6%) patients. Mortality was significantly increased in patients with posthepatectomy hemorrhage Grades B and C and in patients with posthepatectomy liver failure Grades A, B, and C. Three (42.9%) patients with bile leakage Grade C died.

Conclusion:

Our data indicate that the new definitions correlate well with mortality and duration of hospital stay.
Achieving veracity: A study of the development and use of an information system for data analysis in preventive healthcare
Authors: Mønsted Troels
Published: September 2018

Within healthcare, information systems are increasingly developed to enable automatic analysis of the large amounts of data that are accumulated. A prerequisite for the practical use of such data analysis is the veracity of the output, that is, that the analysis is clinically valid. Whereas most research focuses on the technical configuration and clinical precision of data analysis systems, the purpose of this article is to investigate how veracity is achieved in practice. Based on a study of a project in Denmark aimed at developing an algorithm for stratification of citizens in preventive healthcare, this article confirms that achieving veracity requires close attention to the clinical validity of the algorithm. It also concludes, however, that the veracity in practice hinges critically on the citizens’ ability to report high-quality data and the ability of the health professionals to interpret the outcome in the context of existing care practices.
Fostering quality education research: The role of the European Educational Research Association as a scientific association
Authors: Madalińska-Michalak Joanna
Published: September 2018

This paper considers the role and responsibilities of a scientific association in promoting and supporting high quality research, particularly with regard to providing guidance on research ethics.

The paper reports on a survey-based study commissioned by the European Educational Research Association in 2015 which focused on educational researchers’ experiences with, and attitudes toward, the research ethics review scope and practice. The study provides insight into the role and activities of the European Educational Research Association in fostering high quality educational research. The analysis reveals the perception of academics that the European Educational Research Association might further high quality educational research for the benefit of education and society in the following ways: (i) leading the development of guidelines on ethical education research that are applicable across Europe whilst recognizing varied transnational contexts; (ii) promoting free, open dialogue and critical discussion on ethics in educational research; (iii) taking a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to ethics in educational research; (iv) informing the public about current developments in educational research; (v) developing practices of reviewing educational research in the context of research ethics; and (vi) promoting debate on ethics in the academic field of educational research. The paper concludes with some recommendations for the European Educational Research Association related to its role and responsibilities in fostering quality research.
Assessment of Communication in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in South India: Influence of Environment
Authors: Krupa Murugesan , Boominathan Prakash , Sebastian Swapna , Venkat Ramanan Padmasani
Published: September 2018

Assessment of communication skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is challenging in an unfamiliar clinical environment due to their limited verbal output and inadequate motivation to communicate. To analyze whether the communication sample recorded at clinic represents the child’s competence and performance, this study compared caregiver–child interaction in 24 to 48 months old children with ASD ( n = 10, M = 38.2 months) at clinic and home. The 30-minute caregiver–child interaction at clinic and home was video recorded and analyzed for frequency of pragmatic acts (initiations and responses) and duration of joint engagement. Results indicated that children initiated and responded more at home than at clinic, whereas caregivers initiated and responded more at clinic. The study provides evidence that communication profile of children with ASD in multiple environments needs to be considered for obtaining representative and reliable communication sample for child-centered assessment and intervention.
Toward an “Ethics of Serendipity”: Disrupting Normative Ethical Discourses in Organizations
Authors: Fatien Diochon Pauline , Defiebre-Muller Renaud , Viola Federico
Published: September 2018

Although most ethics development programs favor cognitive, individual, and top-down approaches, our article discusses, using the illustrative example of Volvo Group’s CreaLab, the cohabitation of multiples ethical discourses in organizations and implications for human resource development (HRD). We introduce the concept of the ethics of serendipity resulting from the ongoing dialogue and confrontation between three ethical discourses that we came up with building on Levinas’ work: The Being I discourse, the Being with discourse, and the discourse of the Call of the Other. The ethics of serendipity, thus, appear as a compromise that results from dissatisfaction with the traditional power dynamics of the Being I discourse, the desire to do something together illustrated in the Being with discourse, and the irresistible Call of the Other. Overall, this article answers a call for more social and experiential approaches to ethics in HRD.
Correlations Between Cognitive Aspects and Quantitative EEG in Adults With Epilepsy
Authors: Tedrus Gloria Maria , Negreiros Leandro M. , Ballarim Raquel S. , Marques Tamires A. , Fonseca Lineu Correa
Published: September 2018

Introduction. Cognitive impairment frequently occurs in adult patients with epilepsy (PWE), but its pathophysiological basis is not well known. This study assessed cognition and its correlations with quantitative EEG coherence (QEEG) of patients with epilepsy. Method. Eighty PWE seen consecutively in the clinic and 40 normal subjects (NC) were assessed by neurological evaluation, Mini Mental State Examination, immediate and delayed recall of 10 simple figures, phonemic verbal fluency (FAS), category fluency test (VF animals), clock drawing, and QEEG. The mean global inter- and intrahemispheric coherences for the delta, theta, alpha, and beta bands were calculated. Cognitive functions and QEEG coherence of the PWE and the NC were compared, and logistic regression analysis determined the factors associated with impaired cognitive functions in PWE. The significance level was set at P < .05. Results. Regression analysis showed that FAS impairment (14.5 ± 8.6 vs 24.3 ± 15.7, respectively) and delayed recall of figures in PWE (7.3 ± 2.07 vs 8.6 ± 1.48) differed significantly between the PWE and the NC (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.266). Absolute power was greater in all the frequency bands in PWE. Interhemispheric and intrahemispheric beta coherences in the theta frequency was higher in the PWE than in the NC. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between interhemispheric delta coherence and VF animal impairment (cutoff point of 12), and between an interhemipheric beta coherence with level of education and delayed recall of figures impairment (cutoff point of 7) (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.297). Other variables were not associated. Conclusions. There was cognitive impairment of PWE and it was significantly associated with QEEG, which suggests that QEEG measures may contribute to the understanding of physiopathological events and as a marker for cognitive alterations in epilepsy.
Dynamic target template matching for railway catenary suspension motion detection in wind area
Authors: Zhou Wei , Xiao Heting , Wang Zhonggang , Chen Lin , Fu Shaoqing
Published: September 2018

A dynamic target template matching method was proposed to identify railway catenary suspension movements of wind-induced vibration in wind area. Catenary positioning point was taken as the target template, which was compared with equal-sized image sequentially using the proposed matching difference. And, three-dimensional contour map of matching difference value at each sub-area was obtained, where the target pixel coordinates were determined by the minimum matching difference value. Considering the complex imaging condition, the target template was updated by the detected target image to sense the gradual change of illumination conditions like brightness and contrast. Furthermore, to eliminate detecting errors due to wind-induced camera vibration, both static and moving target templates were identified for acquiring the absolute motion of the moving target. Finally, validation test was performed with animation in PowerPoint. The calculated target displacement agrees well with theoretical motion with maximum relative error of 1.8%. And experiment application was conducted at site by analyzing the relationship between detecting displacement and wind speed. Results indicate that the proposed dynamic target template matching method can meet required engineering precision and provide an effective way for wind-vibration safety research of railway catenary system in wind area.
Intraoperative Neuromonitoring During Thyroid Surgery: The Effect of Surgical Positioning
Authors: Crowther Jason E. , Ali Daniah Bu , Bamford Jeremy , Kang San-Wook , Kandil Emad
Published: September 2018

Intraoperative neuromonitoring during thyroid surgery has been used to successfully prevent permanent neurological injury by early identification of anatomical variants. Proper interpretation of neuromonitoring data requires knowledge of what factors might affect the data. In this study, we examined the effect of surgical positioning on the latency and amplitude of neural recordings made from the vocalis muscle during thyroid surgery. A retrospective review was performed of 145 patients who underwent thyroid surgery. Eighty-three had open cervical procedures, and 62 had robotic-assisted transaxillary procedures. Intraoperative neuromonitoring recordings were made by stimulation of the vagus and recurrent laryngeal nerves for both groups. Ultrasound measurements were made of a subset of the transaxillary patients immediately before and after arm positioning. Groups differed only on right-sided recordings. Patients with transaxillary surgeries had significantly shorter latencies evoked from the vagus nerve. We found that vagus nerve–evoked latencies were also correlated to ultrasound measurements of the nerves. Surgical positioning during thyroid surgery is a factor that may affect intraoperative neuromonitoring data and should be taken into account by the surgeon during interpretation.
Patient Preferences and Urologist Judgments on Prostate Cancer Therapy in Japan
Authors: Nakayama Masahiko , Kobayashi Hisanori , Okazaki Masateru , Imanaka Keiichiro , Yoshizawa Kazutake , Mahlich Jörg
Published: September 2018

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the concordance of treatment preferences between patients and physicians in prostate cancer (PCa) in Japan. An internet-based discrete choice experiment was conducted. Patients and physicians were asked to select their preferred treatment from a pair of hypothetical treatments consisting of four attributes: quality of life (QOL), treatment effectiveness, side effects, and accessibility of treatment. The data were analyzed using a conditional logistic regression model to calculate coefficients and the relative importance (RI) of each attribute. A total of 103 PCa patients and 127 physicians responded. The study looked at 37 patients considered as advanced PCa and 66 who were non-advanced PCa. All of the physicians were urologists. Advanced PCa patients ranked the attributes as follows: treatment effectiveness (RI: 32%), accessibility of treatment (RI: 26%), QOL (RI: 23%), and side effects (RI: 19%). For physicians, the RI ranking was the same as for advanced PCa patients; treatment effectiveness (RI: 29%), accessibility of treatment (RI: 27%), QOL (RI: 26%), and side effects (RI: 18%). For non-advanced PCa patients, accessibility of treatment ranked the highest RI (27%) and treatment effectiveness ranked as the lowest RI (14%). Our study suggests that the ranking of the attributes was consistent between advanced PCa patients and physicians. The most influential attribute was treatment effectiveness. Treatment preferences also vary by disease stage.
Incidence of atrial fibrillation among patients with an embolic stroke of undetermined source: Insights from insertable cardiac monitors
Authors: Verma Nishant , Ziegler Paul D , Liu Shufeng , Passman Rod S
Published: September 2018

Background

Prophylactic use of direct oral anticoagulants for recurrent stroke prevention in patients with embolic strokes of undetermined source is currently being investigated. It is uncertain whether the bleeding risks associated with prophylactic direct oral anticoagulants use will outweigh any stroke prevention benefit in embolic strokes of undetermined source patients who lack underlying atrial fibrillation.

Methods

We determined the proportion of cryptogenic stroke patients in the CRYSTAL atrial fibrillation trial who met inclusion criteria for the NAVIGATE embolic stroke of undetermined source and RE-SPECT embolic stroke of undetermined source trials and their atrial fibrillation incidence. Both embolic strokes of undetermined source trials impose requirements on age, modified Rankin Score, antiplatelet use, and type of infarction. Insertable cardiac monitors were used to determine the atrial fibrillation detection rates at 30 days and 3 years using Kaplan–Meier’s estimates.

Results

Among 441 patients enrolled in the CRYSTAL atrial fibrillation trial, 189 (42.9%) and 236 (53.5%) met the inclusion criteria of the NAVIGATE embolic stroke of undetermined source and RE-SPECT embolic stroke of undetermined source trials, respectively. Atrial fibrillation detection rates at 3 years among insertable cardiac monitors patients eligible for the NAVIGATE embolic stroke of undetermined source and RE-SPECT embolic stroke of undetermined source trials were 35.8% and 33.6% while detection rates at 30 days were 5.6% and 3.5%, respectively.

Conclusion

Only half of cryptogenic stroke patients in CRYSTAL atrial fibrillation met the inclusion criteria for the ongoing embolic strokes of undetermined source trials. Approximately, two-thirds of patients with embolic strokes of undetermined source do not have any atrial fibrillation despite continuous rhythm monitoring for up to three years. The benefits of prophylactic use of direct oral anticoagulants in the absence of atrial fibrillation is unknown and therefore embolic strokes of undetermined source patients could benefit from prolonged atrial fibrillation monitoring until more robust data are available.

ClinicalTrials.gov Registration

NCT00924638. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00924638 .
Microhabitat Temperatures and Prevalence of the Pathogenic Fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Lowland Amazonian Frogs
Authors: von May Rudolf , Catenazzi Alessandro , Santa-Cruz Roy , Kosch Tiffany A. , Vredenburg Vance T.
Published: September 2018

Until recently, it was assumed that the pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis ( Bd) was not widely distributed in warm ecosystems such as lowland tropical rainforests because high environmental temperatures limit its growth. However, several studies have documented Bd infection in lowland rainforest amphibians over the past decade. In addition, a recent study focusing on museum-stored specimens showed that Bd has been present in the lowland Amazon for more than 80 years. These findings lent support to the idea that some lowland rainforest habitats offer suitable environmental conditions for Bd growth, even though most lowland areas may contain suboptimal conditions limiting the pathogen spread and growth. Here, we surveyed four sites in southeast Peru to examine the prevalence and the intensity of infection of Bd in lowland Amazonian amphibians and to fill a gap between two areas where Bd has been present for more than a decade. In one of these “hotspots” of Bd infection, the upper slopes of Manu National Park, several species experienced population declines attributed to Bd epizootics over the past 15 years. We also examined the thermal profile of the main microhabitats used by lowland Amazonian frogs to infer whether these microhabitats offer suitable thermal conditions for Bd growth. We detected Bd in nine lowland frog species and variation in prevalence of infection across years. Our findings suggest that the temperatures in the leaf litter and understory vegetation of some habitats offer suitable conditions for Bd growth.
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol target attainment in patients with stable or acute coronary heart disease in the Asia-Pacific region: results from the Dyslipidemia International Study II
Authors: Poh Kian-Keong , Ambegaonkar Baishali , Baxter Carl A , Brudi Philippe , Buddhari Wacin , Chiang Fu-Tien , Horack Martin , Jang Yangsoo , Johnson Brett , Lautsch Dominik , Sawhney JPS , Vyas Ami , Yan Bryan P , Gitt Anselm K
Published: September 2018

Background

As mortality due to cardiovascular disease increases throughout the world, accurate data on risk factors such as hyperlipidemia are required. This is lacking in the Asia-Pacific region.

Design

The observational Dyslipidemia International Study (DYSIS) II was established to quantify the extent of hyperlipidemia in adults with acute and stable coronary heart disease globally.

Methods

Patients with stable coronary heart disease or hospitalised with an acute coronary syndrome were enrolled across nine Asia-Pacific countries from July 2013 to October 2014. Lipid-lowering therapy and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol target attainment (<70 mg/dL) were assessed. The acute coronary syndrome cohort was followed up 4 months post-discharge.

Results

Of the 4592 patients enrolled, 2794 had stable coronary heart disease and 1798 were admitted with an acute coronary syndrome. In the coronary heart disease cohort, the mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was 86.9 mg/dL, with 91.7% using lipid-lowering therapy and 31% achieving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of less than 70 mg/dL. In the acute coronary syndrome cohort at admission, the corresponding values were 103.2 mg/dL, 63.4% and 23.0%, respectively. Target attainment was significantly higher in lipid-lowering therapy-treated than non-treated patients in each cohort (32.6% vs. 12.9% and 31.1% vs. 9.0%, respectively). Mean atorvastatin-equivalent dosages were low (20 ± 15 and 22 ± 18 mg/day, respectively), with little use of non-statin adjuvants (13.0% and 6.8%, respectively). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol target attainment had improved by follow-up for the acute coronary syndrome patients, but remained low (41.7%).

Conclusions

Many patients in Asia at very high risk of recurrent cardiovascular events had a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level above the recommended target. Although lipid-lowering therapy was common, it was not used to its full potential.
The effect of far infrared radiation therapy on inflammation regulation in lipopolysaccharide-induced peritonitis in mice
Authors: Chang Yuanmay
Published: September 2018

Objective:

Far infrared radiation has been widely used in a variety of healthcare institutions and clinical research. Previous studies have shown that far infrared radiation can promote blood circulation and enhance the functioning of the immune system. Many patients receiving peritoneal dialysis have been co-treated with far infrared radiation to reduce the occurrence of inflammation. This study seeks to evaluate the effects of far infrared radiation therapy on inflammation.

Method:

We used the lipopolysaccharide-induced peritonitis mouse model to study the effect of far infrared radiation treatment. Sixteen mice were randomly divided into two groups, a far infrared radiation treatment group ( n = 8) and a non-far infrared radiation treatment group ( n = 8). Collected blood samples were studied by analyzing the RNA level of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the plasma protein levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS).

Results:

The administration of far infrared radiation inhibited the RNA levels of interleukin-6 and TNF-α after stimulation by lipopolysaccharide. The far infrared radiation treatment inhibited the endothelial nitric oxide synthase RNA levels at 1 h, but the RNA levels returned close to the baseline level after 2 h. In the control group, the endothelial nitric oxide synthase RNA levels were continuously decreasing. The interleukin-6 concentration in the plasma of the far infrared radiation group showed significant inhibition 30 min after lipopolysaccharide stimulation. The tumor necrosis factor alpha RNA concentration in plasma of the far infrared radiation group was significantly reduced 2 h after lipopolysaccharide stimulation.

Conclusion:

Far infrared radiation therapy can inhibit interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha RNA levels of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and recover endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression. These results demonstrate that far infrared radiation therapy might aid in reducing the level of inflammation experienced by patients going through peritoneal dialysis treatment.
Acute presentation of Sinding-Larsen-Johansson disease simulating patella sleeve fracture: A case report
Authors: Alassaf Nabil
Published: September 2018

Objectives:

Diagnosis of Sinding-Larsen-Johansson disease may not be an easy task. Several sport-related conditions affect the distal pole of the patella in the adolescent, and treatment varies considerably. The article describes a patient that had radiographic features of Sinding-Larsen-Johansson disease associated with an atypical acute presentation.

Methods:

Case report and literature review.

Results:

A 10-year-old boy presented with a sudden pain after a noncontact soccer injury. He had tenderness and swelling over the patella. Radiographs showed minimally displaced distal patellar ossicle. Magnetic resonance imaging excluded sleeve cartilaginous injury and documented Sinding-Larsen-Johansson disease. The knee was immobilized briefly. There was complete healing of the injury in 4-week follow-up radiographs.

Conclusion:

Emergency physicians, radiologists, and orthopedic surgeons should be aware of the acute presentation of Sinding-Larsen-Johansson disease after knee injuries.
Cognitive acceptance mechanisms of discontinuous food innovations: The case of insects in France
Authors: Gallen Céline , Pantin-Sohier Gaëlle , Peyrat-Guillard Dominique
Published: September 2018

In a context of changing food consumption patterns, discontinuous innovations are a major challenge for the food industry. This article aims to identify the cognitive processes underpinning the acceptance of discontinuous food innovations through the study of classification and encoding mechanisms of mental categorisation. A qualitative study applied to entomophagy explores these mechanisms according to the extent of product processing and their consequences on acceptance by consumers. These results enrich Behavioral Decision Theory and help manufacturers understand the marketing levers that can be used to facilitate acceptance of these innovations.
Methods for combining continuously measured glucose and activity data in people with Type 2 diabetes: Challenges and solutions
Authors: McMillan Kathryn A , Kirk Alison , Hewitt Allan , MacRury Sandra , Lennon Marilyn
Published: September 2018

Aims

To present the novel application of combining continuously measured glucose with continuous accelerometer measured physical activity and sedentary behaviour data and discusses the principles used and challenges faced in combining and analysing these two sets of data in the context of diabetes management.

Methods

The background and rationale for exploring glucose, physical activity and sedentary behaviour in people with Type 2 diabetes is presented, the paper outlines the technologies used, the individual data extraction and finally the combined data analysis. A case study approach is used to illustrate the application of the combined data processing and analysis.

Results

The data analytic principles used could be transferred to different conditions where continuous data sets are being combined to help individuals or health professionals better manage and care for people with long term conditions.

Conclusions

Future work should focus on generating validated techniques to visualise combined data sets and explore ways to present data back to the individual in an effective way to support health care management and rehabilitation.
Crossing the Work/Life Boundary with ICT: Moderating Effect of ICT Perception on the Relationship between Cross-domain ICT Use and Work/Life Conflict
Authors: Tennakoon Uthpala Senarathne
Published: September 2018

Information and communication technology (ICT) enables employees to seamlessly traverse work and life domains, and thus impacts employee work/life interactions. Employers today are mindful of employee work/life interactions as an important element in employee wellbeing. With ICT being an integral element of today’s workplace, the ICT implications on work/life interactions have great relevance for the employers and policymakers. Literature on ICT and work/life interactions have focused on the Western and/or developed countries. Considering the rapid adaptation of ICTs in developing countries, it is important to understand whether the effect of ICT use on work/life interactions is universal. This study examined the impact of cross-domain ICT use on individual work/life conflict using a sample of professionals/ managers from Sri Lanka. Next, the cognitive dissonance theory was used to examine whether individuals’ perception towards ICTs (positive or negative) has a moderating impact on the aforementioned relationship. The findings validated the literature by demonstrating that cross-domain ICT use positively relates to work/life conflict even in the Sri Lankan context. Next, the results empirically demonstrated that individuals with negative perception towards ICT tend to experience a stronger relationship between work ICT use beyond times and work-to-life conflict. The theoretical contribution together with the implications for employers, human resource practitioners and individuals are also discussed.
Transient-Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions Reflect Audiometric Patterns of Age-Related Hearing Loss
Authors: Vaden Kenneth I. , Matthews Lois J. , Dubno Judy R.
Published: September 2018

Distinct forms of age-related hearing loss are hypothesized based on evidence from animal models of aging, which are identifiable in human audiograms. The Sensory phenotype results from damage (e.g., excessive noise or ototoxic drugs) to outer hair cells and sometimes inner hair cells, producing large threshold increases predominately at high frequencies. The Metabolic phenotype results from a decline in endocochlear potential that can reduce outer hair cell motility throughout the cochlea, producing gradually sloping thresholds from lower to higher frequencies. Finally, the combined Metabolic + Sensory phenotype results in low-frequency losses similar to the Metabolic phenotype and high-frequency losses similar to the Sensory phenotype. Because outer hair cell function appears to be affected differently in each phenotype, this study used audiograms from 618 adults aged 50 to 93 years ( n = 1,208 ears) to classify phenotypes and characterize differences in transient-evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) data. Significant phenotype differences were observed in frequency-band TEOAEs and configuration (intercept and slope), including large and broadly distributed TEOAE reductions for Metabolic and Metabolic + Sensory ears and more focused high-frequency TEOAE reductions for Sensory ears. These findings are consistent with metabolic declines that reduce cochlear amplification across a broad range of frequencies and more basally situated, high-frequency declines in sensory hearing loss. The results provide further validation for the classification of age-related hearing loss phenotypes based on audiograms and show human TEOAE declines that are highly consistent with animal models.
Pumping Life Into Your Classroom: Using CPR Training to Teach Principles of Training Design
Authors: Bear Stephen E. , Behson Scott
Published: September 2018

We present an experiential exercise to teach key principles of training design. Selected students participate in a self-learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation training program, CPR Anytime®, offered by the American Heart Association, while the rest of the class observes. The class then assesses the use of several training design principles in the observed program. Finally, students discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the training program, making recommendations for improvement.
Preemptive rituximab prevents long-term relapses in immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Jestin Matthieu , Benhamou Ygal , Schelpe An-Sofie , Roose Elien , Provôt François , Galicier Lionel , Hié Miguel , Presne Claire , Poullin Pascale , Wynckel Alain , Saheb Samir , Deligny Christophe , Servais Aude , Girault Stéphane , Delmas Yahsou , Kanouni Tarik , Lautrette Alexandre , Chauveau Dominique , Mousson Christiane , Perez Pierre , Halimi Jean-Michel , Charvet-Rumpler Anne , Hamidou Mohamed , Cathébras Pascal , Vanhoorelbeke Karen , Veyradier Agnès , Coppo Paul
Published: September 2018

Key Points

TTP patients who display persistent and severe ADAMTS13 deficiency after remission have a relapse rate of 74% during long-term follow-up. Preemptive rituximab can decrease TTP relapses in 85% of patients with a favorable benefit-risk balance.
Medical and social costs after using financial incentives to improve medication adherence: results of a 1 year randomised controlled trial
Authors: Noordraven Ernst L. , Wierdsma André I. , Blanken Peter , Bloemendaal Anthony F. T. , Mulder Cornelis L.
Published: September 2018

Objective

Offering a financial incentive (‘Money for Medication’) is effective in improving adherence to treatment with depot antipsychotic medications. We investigated the cost-effectiveness in terms of medical costs and judicial expenses of using financial incentives to improve adherence. The effects of financial incentives on depot medication adherence were evaluated in a randomised controlled trial. Patients in the intervention group received €30 a month over 12 months if antipsychotic depot medication was accepted. The control group received mental health care as usual. For 133 patients outcomes were calculated based on self-reported service use and delinquent behaviour and expressed as standard unit costs to value resource use.

Results

The financial incentive resulted in higher average costs related to mental health care (€449.6 versus €355.7). and lower medical costs related to other healthcare services (€52.0 versus €78.4). Relevant differences in social costs related to delinquent behaviour were not found. Although wide confidence intervals indicate uncertainty, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio’s (ICER) indicate that it costs €2080 for achieving a 20% increase in adherence or €3332 for achieving over 80% adherence. In sum, offering money as financial incentive for increasing compliance did not lead to an overall cost reduction as compared to care as usual.

Trial registration NTR2350, 01 June 2010
Usage of the HINTS exam and neuroimaging in the assessment of peripheral vertigo in the emergency department
Authors: Quimby Alexandra E. , Kwok Edmund S. H. , Lelli Daniel , Johns Peter , Tse Darren
Published: September 2018

Background

Dizziness is a common presenting symptom in the emergency department (ED). The HINTS exam, a battery of bedside clinical tests, has been shown to have greater sensitivity than neuroimaging in ruling out stroke in patients presenting with acute vertigo. The present study sought to assess practice patterns in the assessment of patients in the ED with peripherally-originating vertigo with respect to utilization of HINTS and neuroimaging.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed using data pertaining to 500 randomly selected ED visits at a tertiary care centre with a final diagnostic code related to peripherally-originating vertigo between January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2014.

Results

A total of 380 patients met inclusion criteria. Of patients presenting to the ED with dizziness and vertigo and a final diagnosis of non-central vertigo, 139 (36.6%) received neuroimaging in the form of CT, CT angiography, or MRI. Of patients who did not undergo neuroimaging, 17 (7.1%) had a bedside HINTS exam performed. Almost half (44%) of documented HINTS interpretations consisted of the ambiguous usage of “HINTS negative” as opposed to the terminology suggested in the literature (“HINTS central” or “HINTS peripheral”).

Conclusions

In this single-centre retrospective review, we have demonstrated that the HINTS exam is under-utilized in the ED as compared to neuroimaging in the assessment of patients with peripheral vertigo. This finding suggests that there is room for improvement in ED physicians’ application and interpretation of the HINTS exam.
Scaffold Proteins: From Coordinating Signaling Pathways to Metabolic Regulation
Authors: Mugabo Yves , Lim Gareth E
Published: September 2018

Among their pleiotropic functions, scaffold proteins are required for the accurate coordination of signaling pathways. It has only been within the past 10 years that their roles in glucose homeostasis and metabolism have emerged. It is well appreciated that changes in the expression or function of signaling effectors, such as receptors or kinases, can influence the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. However, little is known regarding whether scaffolds have similar roles in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. In general, scaffolds are often underappreciated in the context of metabolism or metabolic diseases. In the present review, we discuss various scaffold proteins and their involvement in signaling pathways related to metabolism and metabolic diseases. The aims of the present review were to highlight the importance of scaffold proteins and to raise awareness of their physiological contributions. A thorough understanding of how scaffolds influence metabolism could aid in the discovery of novel therapeutic approaches to treat chronic conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, for which the incidence of all continue to increase at alarming rates.
A non-canonical role for the proneural geneNeurog1as a negative regulator of neocortical neurogenesis
Authors: Han Sisu , Dennis Daniel J. , Balakrishnan Anjali , Dixit Rajiv , Britz Olivier , Zinyk Dawn , Touahri Yacine , Olender Thomas , Brand Marjorie , Guillemot François , Kurrasch Deborah , Schuurmans Carol
Published: September 2018

Neural progenitors undergo temporal identity transitions to sequentially generate the neuronal and glial cells that make up the mature brain. Proneural genes have well characterized roles in promoting neural cell differentiation and subtype specification, but they also regulate the timing of identity transitions through poorly understood mechanisms. Here we investigated how the highly-related proneural genes Neurog1 and Neurog2 interact to control the timing of neocortical neurogenesis. We found that Neurog1 acts in an atypical fashion as it is required to suppress rather than promote neuronal differentiation in early corticogenesis. In Neurog1−/− neocortices, early-born neurons differentiate in excess, while in vitro, Neurog1−/− progenitors have a decreased propensity to proliferate and form neurospheres. Instead, Neurog1−/− progenitors preferentially generate neurons, a phenotype restricted to the Neurog2+ progenitor pool. Mechanistically, Neurog1 and Neurog2 heterodimerize, and while Neurog1 and Neurog2 individually promote neurogenesis, misexpression together blocks this effect. Finally, Neurog1 is also required to induce the expression of neurogenic factors (Dll1, Hes5) and repress the expression of neuronal differentiation genes (Fezf2, Neurod6). Neurog1 thus employs different mechanisms to temper the pace of early neocortical neurogenesis.
Physiology, activity and costs of parental care in birds
Authors: Williams Tony D.
Published: September 2018

Parental care is assumed to be costly in that it requires sustained, high-intensity activity sufficient to cause costs of reproduction (decreased survival and future fecundity of parents). Costs of reproduction are, in turn, thought to have a physiological basis where intense activity causes a decrease in parental condition. However, attempts to identify the physiological basis of costs of reproduction have produced mixed results. Here, I argue that in birds, the central idea that parental care represents sustained, high-intensity work might be incorrect. Specifically: (a) the duration of intense activity associated with chick-rearing might be quite limited; (b) flight, the most obvious sustained, high-intensity activity, might only represent a small component of an individual's overall activity budget; (c) some (high-quality) individuals might be able to tolerate costs of intense activity, either owing to their physiological state or because they have access to more resources, without perturbation of physiological homeostasis; and (d) individuals might utilise other mechanisms to modulate costs of activity, for example, mass loss, again avoiding more substantial physiological costs. Furthermore, I highlight the important fact that life-history theory predicts that reproductive trade-offs should only be expected under food stress. Most birds breed in spring and early summer precisely because of seasonal increases in food abundance, and so it is unclear how often parents are food stressed. Consequently, I argue that there are many reasons why costs of reproduction, and any physiological signature of these costs, might be quite rare, both temporally (in different years) and among individuals.
Ποσοτική ανάλυση - μορφοτεκτονικοί δείκτες για τις περιοχές των ρηγμάτων Στρατωνίου - Βαρβάρας και Γοματίου - μεγάλης Παναγιάς (Ανατολική Χαλκιδική)
Authors: ΜΙΧΑΗΛΙΔΟΥ Α. , ΧΑΤΖΗΠΕΤΡΟΣ Α. , ΠΑΥΛΙΔΗΣ Σ.
Published: September 2018

The study area is located at the NE part of Chalkidiki peninsula. Geologicaly it belongs at Servomacedonian mass. The faults of Stratoni - Barbara and Gomati- M. Panagia have an important role at the surface morphology of the area. These are typically active faults and they are the most important neotectonic structures at Eastern Chaikidiki. For the study of surface morphology a quantitative morphotectonic analysis has been done with the contribution of Geographical Information Systems GIS. The morphological indicators we have studied are: hypsometric curve and hypsometric integral, drainage basin asymmetry, mountain - front sinuosity, stream length - gradient index, transverse topographic symmetry, radio of valley - floor width to valley height and fault scarp morphology. This morphotectonic analysis has confirmed the field observations. Major role in this research had the use of satellite pictures and 3D models (Digital Elevation Model - D.E.M.).
Μορφοτεκτονική μελέτη της ευρύτερης περιοχής Θεσ/νίκης για τη χαρτογράφηση νεοτεκτονικών ρηγμάτων.
Authors: ΖΕΡΒΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ Α. , ΠΑΥΛΙΔΗΣ Σ.
Published: September 2018

At this paper studied the neotectonic active faults of the broader area of Thessaloniki with morphotectonic criteria. We have studied three main faults of Anthemounta, Asvestophori and Pylaia - Panorama with the contribution of cartography, digital elevation models, drainage patterns, and the morphotectonic indices like drainage basin asymmetry, mountain front sinuosity, knick points and stream length-gradient index. Those faults show elements of activity.