bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
We, the developing rete testis, efferent ducts, and Wolffian duct, all hereby agree that we need to connect
Authors: de Mello Santos T. , Hinton B. T.
Published: April 2019

Background

The mechanisms by which the rete testis joins the efferent ducts, which joins the Wolffian duct during development, are not known. Mouse and chick models have been helpful in identifying genes that are important for the development of each part, but genes have not been identified as to those that play a role in the joining of each part. Clinical implications of the failure of the male reproductive tract to form a fully functional conduit for spermatozoa are not trivial. Epididymal disjunction, the failure of the efferent ducts to join the testis, is one of several epididymal anomalies that have been observed in some boys who were cryptorchid at birth.

Objective

A systematic review of studies focusing on the morphogenesis of the mesonephric duct and mesonephric tubules in different species, and identification of clinical issues should there be failure of these tissues to develop.

Design

PubMed and GUDMAP databases, and review of books on kidney development were searched for studies reporting on the mechanisms of morphogenesis of the kidney and epididymis.

Main outcomes measure(s)

Gaps in our knowledge were identified, and hypotheses coupled with suggestions for future experiments were presented.

Results

A total of 64 papers were identified as relevant, of which 53 were original research articles and 11 were book chapters and reviews covering morphogenesis and clinical issues. Investigators utilized multiple species including, human, mouse, chick, Xenopus, bovine, and sheep.

Conclusion

Fundamental understanding of the morphogenesis of the male reproductive tract is limited, especially the morphogenesis of the rete testis and efferent ducts. Therefore, it is not surprising that we do not understand how each part unites to form a whole. Only one mechanism of joining of one part of the tract to another was identified: the joining of the Wolffian duct to the cloaca via controlled apoptosis.
Does health coaching improve health‐related quality of life and reduce hospital admissions in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Long Hannah , Howells Kelly , Peters Sarah , Blakemore Amy
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To systematically review the evidence for health coaching as an intervention to improve health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and reduce hospital admissions in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL from database inception to August 2018 to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of health coaching for people with COPD. Eligible health coaching interventions had to include three components: goal setting, motivational interviewing, and COPD‐related health education. Data were extracted on study characteristics and the effects of the intervention on HRQoL, hospital admissions, physical activity, self‐care behaviour, and mood. Study quality was appraised by two authors using the Cochrane tool for assessing the risk of bias in RCTs. Effect sizes (standardized mean differences [SMD] or odds ratios [OR]) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and pooled using random effects meta‐analyses.

Results

Of 1578 articles, 10 RCTs were included. Meta‐analysis showed that health coaching has a significant positive effect on HRQoL (SMD = −0.69, 95% CI: −1.28, −0.09, p = .02, from k = 4) and leads to a significant reduction in COPD‐related hospital admissions (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.69, p = .0001, from k = 5), but not in all‐cause hospital admissions (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.41–1.12, p = .20, from k = 3). Three of four studies reported significant improvements to self‐care behaviours such as medication adherence and exercise compliance.

Conclusions

This is the first systematic review to show that health coaching may be a candidate intervention to improve HRQoL and reduce costly hospital admissions in people with COPD.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

COPD is a leading cause of death worldwide and considerably reduces HRQoL. In turn, HRQoL is associated with a range of adverse health outcomes in COPD.

Health coaching is a self‐management intervention for people with long‐term conditions such as COPD. Studies have examined whether health coaching improves HRQOL and other health outcomes in people with COPD, but no systematic review has been conducted.

What does this study add?

The first systematic review and meta‐analysis of RCTs of health coaching for people with COPD.

Health coaching may be a candidate intervention for improving HRQoL and reducing COPD‐related hospital admissions in people with COPD.

The need to establish the most effective health coaching components, delivery modality, and economic impact.
Responses of plant phenology to nitrogen addition: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Chao , Tang Yujia
Published: April 2019

Phenology is one of the most sensitive processes of plant in response to global change. Anthropogenic activities have considerably increased nitrogen (N) deposition, which significant affects plant phenology. Although numerous individual studies have been conducted, it remains controversial how N addition affects phenological stages, and a comprehensive understanding of how plant phenology responds to external N inputs remains elusive. To reconcile the differences, we conducted a meta‐analysis of 117 species to examine the responses of plant phenology to N addition in terrestrial ecosystems, and assessed variations in their responses in relation to ecosystem types, functional groups, and environmental conditions. Our results showed that plant phenology changed significantly after N addition, and phenology time delayed and phenology duration shortened significantly across all biomes except fruiting duration, but varied with biome types. The phenology change in cropland was more dramatical than in grassland after N addition, even in opposite directions. The response of phenological stages to N addition was consistent in two pollination types except the flowering time, the flowering time had no change in anemophilous but significantly delayed in entomophilous. In addition, the response of phenology to N addition was discrepancy among functional groups, the phenology time advanced and duration shortened in sedge, while phenology time delayed and duration shortened in other groups, and the phenology change in legume was larger than grass and forbs. We also found that environmental factors had little effects on the response of plant phenology to N addition, but significant correlation was found between the response ratios of different phenological stages. Our study suggested that phenology was sensitive to N deposition at many phenological stages, and changes in phenology may be smaller with community biodiversity increasing at ecosystem level.
Environmental issues in Chilean salmon farming: a review
Authors: Quiñones Renato A. , Fuentes Marcelo , Montes Rodrigo M. , Soto Doris , León‐Muñoz Jorge
Published: April 2019

The growth of Chilean salmon production has not been free of important sanitary and environmental shortcomings. To ensure sustainability, it is necessary to understand the environmental impacts of salmon production on the Patagonian ecosystems. Currently, there is limited regulation or monitoring of impacts in the freshwater phase compared to the marine fattening stage, and there is some evidence of local eutrophication impact and diversity changes downstream the farms. Eutrophication of Patagonian channels and fjords from marine farms has been recognized as crucial environmental risk, although most scientific evidence comes from local effects below and around farms. So far, there are no regulations based on carrying capacity estimates to limit maximum fish biomass per area or water body. There is controversy regarding the potential role of nutrients derived from farming in triggering harmful algal blooms, yet current environmental monitoring and available information does not allow establishing or rejecting a cause–effect relationship. Pesticides used to control sea lice infestation have been shown to be deleterious to some non‐target species. There is evidence that the use of high quantities of antibiotics has allowed the development of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria in sediments and there is concern that salmon aquaculture has the potential to increase the proportion of antimicrobial‐resistant bacteria to antibiotics that are used in human medicine. There is an urgent need for more comprehensive ecosystem (beyond farm) studies on the impacts of antibiotics. Escapes of salmon (exotic species) from farms are a relevant environmental risk, although the most farmed species, Salmo salar, has shown little success in establishing wild populations. The review identifies critical knowledge gaps whose fulfilment is essential to advance towards an ecosystem approach to aquaculture and to protect Patagonian ecosystems.
Is Allocation Affected by the Perception of Others' Irresponsible Behavior and by Ambiguity?
Authors: Safra Zvi , Ma Sinong , Melkonyan Tigran
Published: April 2019

The article examines how the perception of others' irresponsible behavior and ambiguity regarding probabilities affect allocation among potential beneficiaries. To elicit these views, we conducted a survey where the participants were first asked to make an allocation of a fixed sum of money between a hereditary cancer, where chance plays a central role, and a lifestyle‐related cancer, where individual lifestyle decisions are more important. Our estimation results show that a substantial share of the respondents allocate significantly more to the hereditary cancer. This may indicate that these respondents care about others' irresponsible behavior. Then, we elicited perceptions of cancer hazards in the form of imprecise probabilities and examined the interplay between allocating behavior and risk perceptions. Finally, we investigated the effects of various socioeconomic characteristics, and of awareness of highly publicized cancer cases, on respondents' allocations.
Low frequency ultrasonic‐assisted Fenton oxidation of textile wastewater: process optimization and electrical energy evaluation
Authors: Asghar Anam , Ramzan Naveed , Jamal Bade ul , Maqsood Maham , Sajjadi Baharak , Chen Wei‐Yin
Published: April 2019

Worldwide, there is a continuous need to develop alternative treatment methods to replace conventional processes for textile wastewater.  In this regard, Fenton oxidation, with the potential of hydroxyl radical production, is an efficient method. Nevertheless, pH dependence, high chemical consumption and sludge production are a few aspects that limit its wide application. Therefore, to overcome these limits, integration of Fenton oxidation with other advanced oxidation processes is considered a viable option. Therefore, in this study, Ultrasonic‐assisted Fenton oxidation was investigated to observe the increase in degradation efficiency of Fenton oxidation. For this purpose, low frequency ultrasonic water bath was used and malachite green dye was used as a model pollutant. Central composite design was used for experimental design, and [OP]ini, OP:Fe+2(wt/wt), H2O2:Fe+2(wt/wt) and pH were used as control factors. Based on experimental results, maximum of 97.5% Chemical Oxidation Demand (COD) reduction was obtained at the process conditions of [OP]ini: 100 mg/L, OP:Fe+2: 50, H2O2:Fe+2: 1.5 and pH:3. Furthermore, 10 times reduction in the consumption of hydrogen peroxide was obtained. According to Pareto analysis, organic pollutant (OP) in interaction with OP is the most significant while pH was identified as the least. The process followed pseudo‐first order kinetics (k = 0.0196 min−1) with electrical energy order of 26.21 kWh/m3and the maximum energy consumption per COD removal of 0.8 kJ/COD, lower than those available in the literature. The results suggested that US‐assisted Fenton oxidation could be considered as an efficient method for treating the recalcitrant wastewater.
Respiratory Frequency as a Marker of Physical Effort During High-Intensity Interval Training in Soccer Players
Authors: Nicolò Andrea , Montini Marco , Girardi Michele , Felici Francesco , Bazzucchi Ilenia , Sacchetti Massimo
Published: April 2019

Purpose: Variables currently used in soccer training monitoring fail to represent the physiological demand of the player during movements like accelerations, decelerations, and directional changes performed at high intensity. We tested the hypothesis that respiratory frequency (fR) is a marker of physical effort during soccer-related high-intensity exercise. Methods: A total of 12 male soccer players performed a preliminary intermittent incremental test and 2 shuttle-run high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols, in separate visits. The 2 HIIT protocols consisted of 12 repetitions over 9 minutes and differed in the work-to-recovery ratio (15:30 vs 30:15 s). Work rate was self-paced by participants to achieve the longest possible total distance in each HIIT protocol. Results: Work-phase average metabolic power was higher (P < .001) in the 15:30-second protocol (31.7 [3.0] W·kg−1) compared with the 30:15-second protocol (22.8 [2.0] W·kg−1). Unlike heart rate and oxygen uptake, fR showed a fast response to the work–recovery alternation during both HIIT protocols, resembling changes in metabolic power even at supramaximal intensities. Large correlations (P < .001) were observed between fR and rating of perceived exertion during both 15:30-second (r = .87) and 30:15-second protocols (r = .85). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that fR is a good marker of physical effort during shuttle-run HIIT in soccer players. These findings have implications for monitoring training in soccer and other team sports.
Characteristics of Contact Force and Muscle Activation During Choreographed Falls With 2 Common Landing Techniques in Contemporary Dance
Authors: Van Ramshorst Chad , Choi Woochol Joseph
Published: April 2019

This study investigated the contact forces and muscle activation during 2 choreographed fall techniques in contemporary dancers and how these were affected by the fall technique. Ten collegiate-level dancers were instructed in 2 choreographed falls: (1) an anteriorly focused fall involving ankle plantar flexion, knee flexion, and hip flexion with dispersion of forces up the anterior surface of the shank (technique 1) and (2) a laterally focused fall involving inversion at the ankle with dispersion of forces up the lateral aspect of the shank (technique 2). The knee and hip contact forces were 26.3% smaller (technique 1: 1743 N vs technique 2: 1284 N) and 24.1% greater (technique 1: 1334 N vs technique 2: 1656 N), respectively, in technique 2 (P < .03). At the time of knee contact, percentage of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) was 45.8% greater for rectus femoris muscle (technique 1: 7.2% vs technique 2: 10.5%) and 96.9% greater for gluteus medius muscle (technique 1: 3.2% vs technique 2: 6.3%) (P < .01) in technique 2. The results provide insight into determining safer landing strategies to avoid knee injuries in individuals who experience a fall (ie, dancers, athletes, and older adults).
Similar Neural Pathways Control Foraging in Mosquitoes and Worms
Authors: Singh Jogender , Aballay Alejandro
Published: April 2019

Female
Aedes aegypti
mosquitoes bite human hosts to obtain a blood meal and, in the process, act as vectors for many disease-causing viruses, including the dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika viruses. After a complete meal, the female mosquitoes lose attraction to their hosts for several days.
Urban airborne particle exposure impairs human lung and bloodMycobacterium tuberculosisimmunity
Authors: Torres Martha , Carranza Claudia , Sarkar Srijata , Gonzalez Yolanda , Osornio Vargas Alvaro , Black Kathleen , Meng Qingyu , Quintana-Belmares Raul , Hernandez Martha , Angeles Garcia Jose Juan F , Páramo-Figueroa Victor Hugo , Iñiguez-Garcia Marco Antonio , Flores Jose L , Zhang Junfeng (Jim) , Gardner Carol R , Ohman-Strickland Pamela , Schwander Stephan
Published: April 2019

Rationale

Associations between urban (outdoor) airborne particulate matter (PM) exposure and TB and potential biological mechanisms are poorly explored.

Objectives

To examine whether in vivo exposure to urban outdoor PM in Mexico City and in vitro exposure to urban outdoor PM2.5(< 2.5 µm median aerodynamic diameter) alters human host immune cell responses toMycobacterium tuberculosis.

Methods

Cellular toxicity (flow cytometry, proliferation assay (MTS assay)),M. tuberculosisand PM2.5phagocytosis (microscopy), cytokine-producing cells (Enzyme-linked immune absorbent spot (ELISPOT)), and signalling pathway markers (western blot) were examined in bronchoalveolar cells (BAC) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy, non-smoking, residents of Mexico City (n=35; 13 female, 22 male). In vivo-acquired PM burden in alveolar macrophages (AM) was measured by digital image analysis.

Measurements and main results

In vitro exposure of AM to PM2.5did not affectM. tuberculosisphagocytosis. High in vivo-acquired AM PM burden reduced constitutive,M. tuberculosisand PM-induced interleukin-1β production in freshly isolated BAC but not in autologous PBMC while it reduced constitutive production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha in both BAC and PBMC. Further, PM burden was positively correlated with constitutive, PM,M. tuberculosisand purified protein derivative (PPD)-induced interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in BAC, and negatively correlated with PPD-induced IFN-γ in PBMC.

Conclusions

Inhalation exposure to urban air pollution PM impairs important components of the protective human lung and systemic immune response againstM. tuberculosis. PM load in AM is correlated with alteredM. tuberculosis-induced cytokine production in the lung and systemic compartments. Chronic PM exposure with high constitutive expression of proinflammatory cytokines results in relative cellular unresponsiveness.
Thermal expansion coefficient of BCC defective substitutional alloy AB with interstitial atom C
Authors: Cam Tuyen Le Thi , Quang Hoc Nguyen , Duc Tinh Bui , Minh Hanh Pham Thi , Dinh Cuong Tran , Hong Viet Le
Published: April 2019

The analytic expressions for the free energy, the concentration of equilibrium vacancies, the isothermal compressibility, the thermal expansion coefficient and the heat capacities at constant volume and at constant pressure of BCC substitutional alloy AB with interstitial atom C and with vacancy under pressure are derived by the statistical moment method. The theoretical results are applied to the thermal expansion coefficient of alloy FeCrSi in the interval of temperature from 700 K to 1100 K, in the interval of substitutional atom concentration from 0% to 10%, in the interval of interstitial atom concentration from 0% to 5% and in the interval of pressure from 0 GPa to 10 GPa. Our calculated results for main metal Fe are compared with the experimental data.
Gait-based Person Re-identification
Authors: Nambiar Athira , Bernardino Alexandre , Nascimento Jacinto C.
Published: April 2019

The way people walk is a strong correlate of their identity. Several studies have shown that both humans and machines can recognize individuals just by their gait, given that proper measurements of the observed motion patterns are available. For surveillance applications, gait is also attractive, because it does not require active collaboration from users and is hard to fake. However, the acquisition of good-quality measures of a person’s motion patterns in unconstrained environments, (e.g., in person re-identification applications) has proved very challenging in practice. Existing technology (video cameras) suffer from changes in viewpoint, daylight, clothing, accessories, and other variations in the person’s appearance. Novel three-dimensional sensors are bringing new promises to the field, but still many research issues are open. This article presents a survey of the work done in gait analysis for re-identification in the past decade, looking at the main approaches, datasets, and evaluation methodologies. We identify several relevant dimensions of the problem and provide a taxonomic analysis of the current state of the art. Finally, we discuss the levels of performance achievable with the current technology and give a perspective of the most challenging and promising directions of research for the future.
Mercado socialmente necessário e situação alimentar em Campinas: território, desigualdade e resistência
Authors: Cangiano Antipon Livia , Cataia Marcio Antonio
Published: April 2019

A cidade de Campinas abriga em seu centro múltiplos estabelecimentos de comercialização popular de alimentos organizados por uma miríade de trabalhadores e consumidores – sujeitos sociais pobres do lugar. Tal Situação Alimentar Urbana analisada sob a perspectiva teórica do circuito inferior da economia urbana revela um cotidiano de dominação e resistências na metrópole, na qual trabalhadores na luta diária de resolver a vida, criam diferentes formas de permanência em seus espaços econômicos. A crise social urbana acaba por organizar as territorialidades da resistência, trazendo à tona a organização de um mercado socialmente necessário contra a fome na cidade.
A geografia crítica e a economia política
Authors: Cruz Rita de Cássia Ariza da
Published: April 2019

Como é amplamente sabido pelos geógrafos,  estivemos e ainda estamos bem distantes de ter uma unidade na Geografia dada pelo movimento de renovação do pensamento geográfico ocorrido a partir dos anos 1970 e ao qual se chamou Geografia Radical, nos EUA, e Geografia Critica, na França, Alemanha e  Brasil, entre outros. A despeito disso, este foi e é um dos movimentos mais importantes na história do pensamento geográfico. Isto posto, este artigo analisa esse movimento considerando sua relação com a economia política de orientação marxista, destacando o protagonismo de autores brasileiros (entre os quais diversos professores do Departamento de Geografia da FFLCH/USP) e estrangeiros que contribuíram para sua disseminação e consolidação, principalmente no Brasil. Um enfoque especial é dado à noção de desenvolvimento geográfico desigual.
A geografia humana e a teoria regional crítica
Authors: Leopoldo Eudes
Published: April 2019

1978 marcou uma guinada na Geografia brasileira, que se fundamenta a partir de então cada vez mais no materialismo dialético como concepção de mundo. O Departamento de Geografia da Universidade de São Paulo tem sido um importante laboratório da Geografia Crítica, que chega ao seu ápice nesse emblemático ano de 1978. Nele, várias frentes são abertas e dentre elas a de uma perspectiva crítica da Geografia Regional. Podemos localizar mais especificamente duas: uma mais vinculada aos processos de urbanização e industrialização e outra mais relacionada à geografia política, a geopolítica e as políticas regionais. À luz dessas contribuições seminais, apresentamos alguns ensaios de uma teoria regional crítica para a compreensão da produção do espaço no século XXI.
Geografia agrária crítica: um pouco de história
Authors: Marques Marta Inez Medeiros
Published: April 2019

Este artigo analisa o contexto histórico e o teor do debate acadêmico que estão na origem da virada radical da geografia brasileira e trata do surgimento e da trajetória da geografia agrária desenvolvida a partir da perspectiva crítica, tomando como referência a escola de pensamento criada na Universidade de São Paulo (USP) sob a liderança intelectual de Ariovaldo Umbelino de Oliveira. O artigo se baseia em levantamento bibliográfico e em registros pessoais da autora e reproduz em linhas gerais a apresentação realizada no seminário “40 anos de Geografia Crítica”.
The Mechanisms that Determine the Response of the Northern Hemisphere’s Stationary Waves to North American Ice Sheets
Authors: Roberts William H. G. , Li Camille , Valdes Paul J.
Published: April 2019

Stationary waves describe the persistent meanders in the west–east flow of the extratropical atmosphere. Here, changes in stationary waves caused by ice sheets over North America are examined and the underlying mechanisms are discussed. Three experiment sets are presented showing the stationary wave response to the albedo or topography of ice sheets, as well as the albedo and topography in combination, as the forcings evolve from 21 to 6 ka. It is found that although the wintertime stationary waves have the largest amplitude, changes due to an ice sheet are equally large in summer and winter. In summer, ice sheet albedo is the dominant cause of changes: topography alone gives an opposite response to realistic ice sheets including albedo and topography. In winter, over the Atlantic, stationary wave changes are due to the ice sheet topography; over the Pacific, they are due to the persistence of summertime changes, mediated by changes in the ocean circulation. It is found that the response of stationary waves over the last deglaciation echoes the above conclusions, with no evidence of abrupt shifts in atmospheric circulation. The response linearly weakens as the albedo and height decrease from 21 to 10 ka. As potential applications, the seasonal cycle over Greenland is shown to be sensitive primarily to changes in summer climate caused by the stationary waves; the annual mean circulation over the North Pacific is found to result from summertime, albedo-forced, stationary wave effects persisting throughout the year because of ocean dynamics.
PTAs, parent involvement, and the challenges of relying on private money to subsidize public education
Authors: Murray Brittany C.
Published: April 2019

Wealthy parents in public school districts across the country are engaged in elaborate fund-raising efforts to improve the quality of education in their children’s schools, giving them an advantage over families in schools without the same level of access to external resources. Through evaluating parent responses to district policies that address school charitable funding inequities, Brittany Murray sheds light on political challenges facing equity-minded school districts as they attempt to equalize parent charitable donations.
Can off-task be on-track?
Authors: Gargroetzi Emma C. , Chavez Rosa D. , Munson Jen , Langer-Osuna Jennifer M. , Lange Kimiko E.
Published: April 2019

Collaborative learning requires a lot of talk. Although not all student talk may be related to the task at hand, some off-task talk is actually productive, as it enables students to negotiate how they will work together, gain attention of fellow group members, and draw others into joining the work. Emma C. Gargroetzi, Rosa D. Chavez, Jen Munson, Jennifer M. Langer-Osuna, and Kimiko E. Lange observed 4th-grade students working in groups on math exercises and saw multiple seemingly off-task conversations that, in fact, ended up bringing the group together. For example, students who were excluded used off-task talk to get others in the group to pay attention to them. Groups also used off-task talk to ensure that everyone in the group had a role in the solution. The authors offer guidelines for determining when to intervene when students engage in off-task talk.
The Greatest Generation Meets Its Greatest Challenge: Vision Loss and Depression in Older Adults
Authors: O'Donnell Colleen
Published: April 2019

Having lived through the Great Depression and World War II, older adults now face the challenge of vision loss in record numbers. Depression is closely associated with functional loss and social isolation in late-life vision loss. The principles of assisting those who are aging will also benefit those who are aging with a visual impairment. They include recognizing depression, addressing multiple health concerns, promoting well-being, using a client-centered approach, and working collaboratively with the medical community and aging network.
Trends in Braille and Large-Print Production in the United States: 2000–2004
Authors: Emerson Robert Wall , Corn Anne , Siller Mary Ann
Published: April 2019

This study investigated practices in the production and distribution of braille and large-print textbooks, highlighting changes in production and delivery systems from 2000 to 2004. The findings indicate that fewer states use production models for the statewide acquisition and distribution of special materials and that there is a greater reliance on materials from the American Printing House for the Blind and a greater use of publishers’ electronic files for production.
The Psychosocial Experiences of a Student with Low Vision
Authors: George Anne L. , Duquette Cheryll
Published: April 2019

This article presents an in-depth case study of the psychosocial experiences of Eric, a student with low vision, who is enjoying social success in his neighborhood school. It explores the factors that contribute to Eric's social successes at school and in the community and presents a model for inclusion.
Analysis of the Length of Braille Texts in English Braille American Edition, the Nemeth Code, and Computer Braille Code versus the Unified English Braille Code
Authors: Knowlton Marie , Wetzel Robin
Published: April 2019

This study compared the length of text in English Braille American Edition, the Nemeth code, and the computer braille code with the Unified English Braille Code (UEBC)—also known as Unified English Braille (UEB). The findings indicate that differences in the length of text are dependent on the type of material that is transcribed and the grade level of the text. The greater length of text in UEBC was most evident in spatial arithmetic and algebra.
Review of Research: Neuroscience and the Impact of Brain Plasticity on Braille Reading
Authors: Hannan Cheryl Kamei
Published: April 2019

In this systematic review of research, the author analyzes studies of neural cortical activation, brain plasticity, and braille reading. The conclusions regarding the brain's plasticity and ability to reorganize are encouraging for individuals with degenerative eye conditions or late-onset blindness because they indicate that the brain can make new connections that have implications for braille reading, tactile perception, and instruction.
Protective Effect of Whortleberry Extract on Salivary Gland Damage Induced by Neck Irradiation in Rats
Authors: Özgür Abdulkadir , Terzi Suat , Özdemir Doğukan , Tümkaya Levent , Rakıcı Sema , Mercantepe Tolga , Yılmaz Adnan , Çeliker Metin , Dursun Engin
Published: April 2019

Radiotherapy is a method of treatment used on malignant head and neck tumors; however, it may lead to adverse effects by influencing other tissues because its effects are not specific to tumor tissues. These adverse effects limit the effectiveness of the treatment and sometimes lead to termination of the treatment. This study aims to histopathologically and biochemically investigate the protective effect of whortleberry against the cellular degeneration and oxidative stress that take place in salivary glands due to radiotherapy. The rats were divided into 6 groups. One group was given radiotherapy only, one group was given radiotherapy and 100 mg/kg of whortleberry, and one group was given radiotherapy and 200 mg/kg of whortleberry. The remaining 3 groups were designated as whortleberry, sham, and control groups. At the end of the study, samples collected were histopathologically and biochemically analyzed. In the group given radiotherapy only, acinar areas were reduced histopathologically, whereas ductal areas increased ( P < .01). Oxidative stress increased only in the group given radiotherapy, whereas the oxidative stress levels in the other groups were close to those in the control groups. In conclusion, whortleberry reduces cellular degeneration and oxidative stress that take place in salivary glands due to radiotherapy.
Diffusion kurtosis imaging in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer: current status and future perspectives
Authors: Granata Vincenza , Fusco Roberta , Reginelli Alfonso , Delrio Paolo , Selvaggi Francesco , Grassi Roberto , Izzo Francesco , Petrillo Antonella
Published: April 2019

Morphological magnetic resonance imaging is currently the best imaging technique for local staging in patients with rectal cancer. However, morphological sequences have some limitations, especially after preoperative chemoradiotherapy (pCRT). Diffusion-weighted imaging has been applied to rectal cancer for detection of lesions, characterization of tissue, and evaluation of the response to therapy. In 2005, a non-Gaussian diffusion model called diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) was suggested.

 Several electronic databases were evaluated in the present review. The search included articles published from January 2000 to May 2018. The references of all articles were also evaluated. All titles and abstracts were assessed, and only the studies of DKI in patients with rectal cancer were retained.

 We identiﬁed 35 potentially relevant references through the electronic search. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we retained five clinical studies that met the inclusion criteria.

 DKI is a useful tool for assessment of tumor aggressiveness, the nodal status, and the risk of early metastases as well as prediction of the response to pCRT. The results of DKI should be considered in treatment decision-making during the work-up of patients with rectal cancer.
Support for staff support groups: A role for group analysts
Authors: Bledin Kenneth
Published: April 2019

Clinical psychologists in NHS settings are often called upon to facilitate ‘staff groups’. A survey of psychologists’ self-reported experiences of facilitating such groups indicated average levels of relevant training, moderate levels of confidence, but only average levels of effectiveness. The value and validity of quantitative evaluations of this kind are discussed. The findings suggest that more group therapies-related teaching and training are needed in clinical psychology training courses and in clinical environments in the NHS and other clinical settings. Group analysts are well placed to encourage, support and provide teaching and training opportunities such as these.
Teachers’ Perceptions of Student Misconceptions in Introductory Programming
Authors: Qian Yizhou , Hambrusch Susanne , Yadav Aman , Gretter Sarah , Li Yue
Published: April 2019

A quality computer science (CS) teacher needs to understand students’ common misconceptions in learning CS. This study explored one aspect of CS teachers’ understanding of student misconceptions: their perceptions of student misconceptions related to introductory programming. Perceptions in this study included three parts: teachers’ perceived frequency of a student misconception, teachers’ perceived importance of a misconception in learning, and teachers’ confidence in addressing a misconception. Teachers in our study taught a Python-based CS course for high schools students. A survey was designed and administered to assess teachers’ perceptions of students’ misconceptions. Our results indicated that teachers’ confidence of addressing misconceptions and the teaching context may affect their perceptions of student misconceptions. We also found that some latent misconceptions are likely to lead to a perception of low frequency as they can be more difficult to detect. Moreover, our study found that teachers’ degrees and additional computing training showed positive relationships with their confidence of addressing student misconceptions and that additional computing training also showed a positive relationship with teachers’ perceived importance of student misconceptions. Implications of the findings for future research and practice of CS education are discussed.
Interprofessional Perceptions and Attitudes Among Pharmacy and Family Nurse Practitioner Students
Authors: Vinluan Celeste M. , Verdell Amber , Ibarra Claudia , Giri Namita , Thai Diem
Published: April 2019

Introduction:

Interprofessional education (IPE) activities involving pharmacy (PharmD) and family nurse practitioner (FNP) students is understudied. Interactions between PharmD and FNP students have become important since most recent Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education standards included a requirement for schools of pharmacy to have IPE. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the perceptions and attitudes among PharmD and FNP students towards an IPE activity.

Methods:

Atleast 1 student from each discipline was assigned to one team and participated in simulated ambulatory care scenarios. A survey was completed by students after the activity, which mapped each survey statement to an Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) core competency.

Results:

Perceptions and attitudes between PharmD and FNP students were similar, with no significant differences except with 2 statements, one survey statement in the Teams and Teamwork core competency and another in the Roles/Responsibilities core competency. A less favorable response with more than half of FNP students reporting “strongly agree” (18%) and “agree” (35%) resulted for the statement regarding their professional roles in the IPE activity.

Conclusion:

PharmD and FNP students reported favorable perceptions and attitudes in each IPEC core competency after participation in the IPE activity. There may be a need to review the discipline’s professional role before participating in the activity.
Fish Exports and Economic Growth: The Pakistan’s Experience
Authors: Jawaid Syed Tehseen , Siddiqui Mohammad Haris , Atiq Zeeshan , Azhar Usman
Published: April 2019

This study attempts to explore first time ever the relationship between fish exports and economic growth of Pakistan by employing annual time series data for the period 1974–2013. Autoregressive distributed lag and Johansen and Juselius cointegration results confirm the existence of a positive long-run relationship among the variables. Further, the error correction model reveals that no immediate or short-run relationship exists between fish exports and economic growth. Different sensitivity analyses indicate that initial results are robust. Rolling window analysis has been applied to identify the yearly behaviour of fish exports, and it remains negative from 1979 to 1982, 1984 to 1988, 1993 to 1999, 2004 and from 2010 to 2013, and it shows positive impact from 1989 to 1992, 2000 to 2003 and from 2005 to 2009. Furthermore, the variance decomposition method and impulse response function suggest the bidirectional causal relationship between fish exports and economic growth. The findings are beneficial for policymakers in the area of export planning. This study also provides some policy implications in the final section.
Development of a Community Advance Care Planning Guides Program and the RELATE Model of Communication
Authors: Candrian Carey , Lasker Hertz Susan , Matlock Daniel , Flanagan Lierin , Tate Channing , Kutner Jean S. , Lum Hillary D.
Published: April 2019

Objective:

Quality communication is an important aspect of advance care planning (ACP). This study evaluates a certification program that trains lay people in communication skills to support community-based ACP conversations.

Methods:

The program was developed with an emphasis on communication skills training. The testing of the program included ACP Guides and conversation partners, who were hospice volunteers, to assess the use of communication skills in ACP conversations. The evaluation used direct observations of conversations between trained ACP Guides and conversation partners as well as semi-structured interviews with those trained to become ACP Guides and those participating in the conversation.

Results:

Twenty-two ACP Guides participated in the testing phase with a retention rate of 100% completing all 4 sessions. The RELATE model of communication emerged during program development and testing. Evaluation of 15 ACP Guides having ACP conversations found that trained ACP Guides could use the RELATE model of communication to support ACP conversations.

Conclusion:

A community–academic partnership developed an ACP Community Guides Program that trained individuals to have community-based ACP conversations. Next steps include additional testing of the program and RELATE in small numbers, especially among minority populations, to evaluate acceptability and usability of this approach.

Practice Implications:

Laypersons with concrete communication skills can facilitate effective peer-to-peer ACP conversations.
In Vivo 3D MRI Measurement of Tumour Volume in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Ni Jie , Bongers Andre , Chamoli Uphar , Bucci Joseph , Graham Peter , Li Yong
Published: April 2019

Prostate cancer (CaP) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in males in western countries. Orthotopic implantation is considered as an ideal xenograft model for CaP study, and noninvasive measurement of tumor volume changes is important for monitoring responses to anticancer therapies. In this study, the T2-weighted fast spin echo sequence magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on a CaP orthotopic non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) mouse model weekly for 6 weeks post PC-3 CaP cell inoculation, and the fat signal was suppressed using a chemical shift-selective pulse. Subsequently, the MRI data were imported into the image processing software Avizo Standard and stacked into three-dimensional (3D) volumes. Our results demonstrate that MRI, combined with 3D reconstruction, is a feasible and sensitive method to assess tumor growth in a PC-3 orthotopic CaP mouse model and this established monitoring approach is promising for longitudinal observation of CaP xenograft development after anticancer therapy in vivo. Further investigation is needed to validate this protocol in a larger cohort of mice to generate enough statistical power.
Dialysis therapy: Its past, present, and future? My personal recollection of dialysis therapy
Authors: Ohira Seiji , Kukita Kazutaka
Published: April 2019

In Dr Ohira’s era, hemodialysis was done using an external arteriovenous shunt. External arteriovenous shunts surely made repeated hemodialysis possible, but they also brought about serious complications which necessarily produced the arteriovenous fistula. Arteriovenous fistula is definitely the most important contribution to long-term survival of the hemodialysis patient. Hemodialysis therapy soon became very common, so that various kinds of patients appeared for it. Then came the era of arteriovenous grafts, because many patients lost good vessels in order to create the arteriovenous fistula. More grafts are now becoming available, which are made from different materials and in different forms, thus creating greater expectations for the future. Unfortunately, at this time, the revolutionary vascular access surpassing the arteriovenous fistula has yet to appear and we must continue to make proper application of the arteriovenous fistula. Vascular access is surely one of the important factors to assure a smooth dialysis life for patients. So, we must recognize that we play an important role in the dialysis patients’ life. It is interesting to note that in every country, medical care exceeds physical care. This means that the mental factor somewhat compensates for the physical factor. Dr Ohira was a vascular surgeon, but he was also interested in the activities of daily living and quality of life, which must be one of the most delicate fields in medicine.
Spiritual Formation by Training Leaders in their Indigenous Cultures: The Importance of Cultural Humility and Virtue Theory
Authors: Worthington Jonathan D. , Worthington Everett L.
Published: April 2019

In this article, we contribute to a conversation in global Christianity. Majority World pastors want access to training so they can more effectively care for their communities. But how? In this article, we create a context for spiritual formation rooted in virtue theory. We offer a humility-based, cross-cultural, relationally oriented model for training indigenous leaders while they are rooted within their locales, communities, and ministry contexts. We highlight a method that we believe to be culturally, educationally, and psychologically hearty. We explore the non-formal training model and curriculum of Training Leaders International (TLI) as a test case. TLI provides a structured program of training in spiritual growth and hermeneutical and communication skills to Christian leaders in the Majority World within their indigenous contexts. But it develops and delivers this training in a manner that causes two key factors to rise to prominence that are widely applicable in the cross-cultural development of Christian leaders: cultural humility and Christian-adapted virtue development, both relationally oriented. This article is meant to inspire and enable other ministries.
Varicella Zoster Virus Vasculitis and Adult Cerebrovascular Disease
Authors: Bakradze Ekaterina , Kirchoff Kathryn F. , Antoniello Daniel , Springer Mellanie V. , Mabie Peter C. , Esenwa Charles C. , Labovitz Daniel L. , Liberman Ava L.
Published: April 2019

The role of Varicella zoster virus (VZV) in neurological illness, particularly cerebrovascular disease, has been increasingly recognized. Primary infection by VZV causes varicella (chickenpox), after which the virus remains latent in neuronal ganglia. Later, during aging or immunosuppression, the virus can reactivate causing zoster (shingles). Virus reactivation can also spread to cerebral arteries causing vasculitis and stroke. Zoster is a recognized risk factor for stroke, but stroke can occur without preceding zoster rash. The diagnosis of VZV cerebral vasculitis is established by abnormal brain imaging and confirmed by presence of viral DNA or anti-VZV antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment with acyclovir with or without prednisone is usually recommended. VZV vasculitis is a unique and uncommon stroke mechanism that has been under recognized. Careful diagnostic investigation may be warranted in a subgroup of patients with ischemic stroke to detect VZV vasculitis and initiate appropriate therapy. In the following review, we detail the clinical presentation of VZV vasculitis, diagnostic challenges in VZV detection, and suggest the ways to enhance recognition and treatment of this uncommon disease.
A rare case of sorafenib-induced severe hyponatremia
Authors: Khaja Misbahuddin , Torchon Frantz , Millerman Konstantin
Published: April 2019

Background:

Sorafenib is an anti-angiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat patients with renal cell cancer and advanced hepatocellular cancer. Common adverse effects of sorafenib are rash, diarrhea, nausea, and abnormal liver function test and hand-foot syndrome.

Case presentation:

Here, we present a case of a 90-year-old male who was prescribed sorafenib after being diagnosed with hepatocellular cancer. At 1 week after sorafenib initiation, he was admitted to the emergency room for an evaluation of weakness. The patient had hyponatremia, a common electrolyte abnormality seen in cancer patients. His hyponatremia improved when the sorafenib was stopped, suggesting that this was a rare case of hyponatremia induced by sorafenib.

Conclusion:

Although sorafenib is used in the treatment of hepatocellular cancer, it can cause life-threatening complication such as hyponatremia. Early identification of the cause of hyponatremia can prevent serious adverse event.
Switching Costs and Competition in Retirement Investment
Authors: Luco Fernando
Published: April 2019

How do different switching costs affect choices and competition in a private pension system? I answer this question in a setting in which variation in employment status allows me to identify two switching costs that jointly affect enrollees’ decisions: the cost of evaluating financial information and the cost of the bureaucratic process that enrollees must navigate when switching. I use this variation to estimate the different switching costs and study their impact on competition among pension funds. I find that though eliminating all switching costs decreases equilibrium fees the most, eliminating either switching cost decreases fees significantly. JEL (D14, G23, J26, J32, O15)