bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bootstrapping and Empirical Bayes Methods Improve Rhythm Detection in Sparsely Sampled Data
Authors: Hutchison Alan L. , Allada Ravi , Dinner Aaron R.
Published: August 2018

There is much interest in using genome-wide expression time series to identify circadian genes. However, the cost and effort of such measurements often limit data collection. Consequently, it is difficult to assess the experimental uncertainty in the measurements and, in turn, to detect periodic patterns with statistical confidence. We show that parametric bootstrapping and empirical Bayes methods for variance shrinkage can improve rhythm detection in genome-wide expression time series. We demonstrate these approaches by building on the empirical JTK_CYCLE method (eJTK) to formulate a method that we term BooteJTK. Our procedure rapidly and accurately detects cycling time series by combining information about measurement uncertainty with information about the rank order of the time series values. We exploit a publicly available genome-wide data set with high time resolution to show that BooteJTK provides more consistent rhythm detection than existing methods at typical sampling frequencies. Then, we apply BooteJTK to genome-wide expression time series from multiple tissues and show that it reveals biologically sensible tissue relationships that eJTK misses. BooteJTK is implemented in Python and is freely available on GitHub at https://github.com/alanlhutchison/BooteJTK .
Pharmacist Perception of a Mobile Application Audience Response System for Remote Pharmacy Continuing Education Participants
Authors: Koval Peter G. , Kim Jennifer J. , Makhlouf Tanya
Published: August 2018

Introduction:

Interactive audience response during continuing education (CE) in pharmacy practice increases audience involvement. However, remote-site participants may not have access to interactive technology. This study explores the perceptions of a mobile application audience response system (ARS) by remote pharmacy CE participants. Secondarily, we evaluatedinterest in continued use of ARS, as well as willingness to use as an assessment tool for CE effectiveness.

Methods:

Pharmacists participating in CE sessions remotely within a health system were provided a unique ARS session code to enter into a free mobile application. Participants then responded to ARS presentation questions. An online survey link was e-mailed to all potential remote participants inquiring about perceptions of ARS use.

Results:

Of the 52 potential remote users, 28 (53.8%) responded to the survey. The top 3 positive responses included the availability of free software (71.4%), anonymity (57.1%), and ease of use (53.6%). Top 2 barriers included slowing the process down (14.3%) and requiring the use of application software (14.3%).

Discussion:

Interactive software during pharmacy CE lectures for participants at remote locations within a health system was well accepted. ARS should be considered and further studied for CE lectures at institutions with remote participants.
Significant Publications on Infectious Diseases Pharmacotherapy in 2017
Authors: Skoglund Erik W. , Dotson Kierra M. , Dempsey Casey J. , Su Christy P. , Foolad Farnaz , Janak Chase , Sofjan Amelia K. , Phe Kady
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

The most significant peer-reviewed articles pertaining to infectious diseases (ID) pharmacotherapy, as selected by panels of ID pharmacists, are summarized.

Members of the Houston Infectious Diseases Network (HIDN) were asked to nominate peer-reviewed articles that they believed most contributed to the practice of ID pharmacotherapy in 2017, including the areas of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). A list of 33 articles related to general ID pharmacotherapy and 4 articles related to HIV/AIDS was compiled. A survey was distributed to members of the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP) for the purpose of selecting 10 articles believed to have made the most significant impact on general ID pharmacotherapy and the single significant publication related to HIV/AIDS. Of 524 SIDP members who responded, 221 (42%) and 95 (18%) members voted for general pharmacotherapy- and HIV/AIDS-related articles, respectively. The highest ranked articles are summarized below.

Conclusion:

Remaining informed on the most significant ID-related publications is a challenge when considering the large number of ID-related articles published annually. This review of significant publications in 2017 may aid in that effort.
Competencies for fresh graduates’ success at work: Perspectives of employers
Authors: Pang Elvy , Wong Michael , Leung C. H. , Coombes John
Published: August 2018

This article investigates Hong Kong employers’ views on graduate competencies that facilitate new graduates’ success in the workplace. The methodology involves the use of a questionnaire to elicit responses from business employers on the importance of specific competencies contributing to the success of fresh graduates at work. The findings indicate that all of the competencies examined are important to a degree. ‘Ability and willingness to learn’, ‘teamwork and cooperation’, ‘hardworking and willingness to take on extra work’, ‘self-control’ and ‘analytical thinking’ are the five highest-ranking competencies measured, although all are clearly necessary for success. Hard and soft skills are rated equally important by employers overall. Recommendations for developing competencies among university students prior to their entry to the workforce are discussed. As the competencies are of a practical nature, it is suggested that universities work together with industry to develop workplace-oriented programmes. This is the first research, to the authors’ knowledge, that approaches desirable graduate competencies from the perspective of the skills gap in the context of Hong Kong.
Standardization and the Production of Justice in Summary Criminal Courts: A Post-Human Analysis
Authors: Welsh Lucy , Howard Matt
Published: August 2018

Since the 1980s, successive governments have become increasingly distrustful of professional judgment in those services which remain funded by the state, including the criminal justice system. Against this background, governments sought to increase efficiency in summary criminal courts. One way that this seems to have occurred is via the use of standardized forms in case progression. During 2013, Welsh conducted empirical research in which the reliance placed on standardized case management forms became apparent. We argue, drawing on post-humanist vocabularies to inform our analytic framework, that such documents may have shifted the temporality of summary criminal justice, which has the (perhaps unintended) consequence of (further) marginalizing defendant participation and limiting the types of legal issue that are litigated. These documents and processes, therefore, participate in the development of a particularized, and temporally situated, form of ‘justice’.
The effectiveness of modified basic life support module on knowledge, attitude, and performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation among university students
Authors: Wan Jusoh Azizul Fadzli , Yahaya Rosliza , Nik Him Nik Ahmad Shaiffudin , Nik Mohamed Nik Arif , Zahary Mohd Nizam , Wan Ibrahim Wan Pauzi
Published: August 2018

Introduction:

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a primary method used in the treatment of sudden cardiac arrest. It is a crucial skill that a healthcare provider and a lay rescuer should acquire to improve the survival and the neurological outcome of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Several modules were used to teach cardiopulmonary resuscitation for the healthcare provider and lay rescuer, but no module been developed that could be utilised in both population. Thus, this study aims to investigate the effectiveness of modified cardiopulmonary resuscitation training to knowledge (K), attitude (A), and performance (P) between medical and non-medical university students.

Methods:

This research was a single experimental study involving a total number of 125 students: 58 for a medical group and 67 for a non-medical group. A modified basic life support module, based on American Heart Association guideline 2015 was delivered to both groups under the same study setting. Pre and post KA scores were assessed using Res-Q questionnaire. The performance was evaluated by resuscitation feedback machine. The KA scores were analysed using repeated measure analysis of variance, and performance was examined using Pearson chi-square.

Results:

The study showed 64.8% of the participants were able to perform high-quality chest compression. Despite significant differences of sociodemographic background, there was no significant difference on effective chest compression between two groups (p = 0.200). There were also significant improvements in KA scores in both groups after intervention (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation can be delivered to everyone as aspired by our stakeholder to have one qualified cardiopulmonary resuscitation provider in a family. This modified basic life support module is reliably applicable to both healthcare and lay rescuer cardiopulmonary resuscitation training. All rescuers will perform in a similar manner, and this will tremendously reduce the discrepancy in the cardiopulmonary resuscitation qualities. Ultimately, this will improve an out-of-hospital return of spontaneous circulation rate.
Facial Growth of Patients With Complete Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Treated With Alveolar Bone Grafting at 6 Years
Authors: Doucet Jean-Charles , Russell Kathleen A. , Daskalogiannakis John , Mercado Ana M. , Emanuele Nicholas , James Lindsay , Hathaway Ronald R. , Long Ross E.
Published: August 2018

Objective:

To investigate the effect that alveolar bone grafting (ABG) around 6 years of age has on facial growth by assessing craniofacial growth outcomes.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

North American cleft centers.

Participants:

A total of 33 children with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate who were consecutively treated with secondary ABG around 6 years of age were compared to 148 participants from 4 centers with late secondary ABG.

Methods:

Preorthodontic standardized lateral cephalometric radiographs were analyzed and traced according to the Americleft Study protocol. Sixteen angular and 2 proportional measurements were performed. The outcomes of all ABG were assessed using the Standardized Way to Assess Graft scale. Measurement means from the study center (SC) were compared to 4 North American centers using analysis of variance and Welch modified t tests, and P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

For the SC, the mean age (SD) at the time of bone graft was 5.85 (0.71) years and the mean age at the time of the lateral cephalogram was 13.4 (1.8) years. The sagittal maxillary prominence of the SC was comparable to the 4 other centers. The mean SNA (78.1 [4.3]) for the SC was significantly higher compared to one center that used primary bone grafting ( P = .03). The soft tissue mean ANB (3.52 [4.09]) for the SC was significantly lower compared to 3 of the centers.

Conclusions:

Early secondary ABG around 6 years of age did not result in reduced midface projection as assessed by SNA and thus did not compromise anterior maxillary growth.
Impact of a Medication Therapy Management Clinic on Glycosylated Hemoglobin, Blood Pressure, and Resource Utilization
Authors: Tilton Jessica J. , Edakkunnathu Mansi G. , Moran Kellyn M. , Markel Vaysman Anna , DaPisa Jessica L. , Goen Brianna M. , Touchette Daniel R.
Published: August 2018

Background: Medication therapy management is widely promoted to improve care. However, few well-controlled studies have evaluated its impact. Objectives: We evaluated whether enrollment in a comprehensive medication therapy management clinic (MTMC) was associated with improved 12-month outcomes. Methods: This institutional review board approved study was a retrospective controlled cohort study in an academic health center serving low-income, African American and Latino populations. Between 2001 and 2011 MTMC patients were matched to control patients by age, gender, and comorbidities. Outcomes were mean change in glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C), diastolic (DBP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP), and emergency department (ED) and hospital admissions at 6 and 12 months. A difference-in-difference analysis was conducted for each outcome of interest, adjusting for observed, unmatched confounders. Results: Patients with diabetes and receiving MTMC had greater A1C improvements, compared with controls, of 0.54% (P = 0.0067) at 6 months and 0.63% (P = 0.0160) at 12 months. At 6 months, SBP and DBP decreased in MTMC patients by 6.5 mm Hg (P = 0.0108) and 3.8 mm Hg (P = 0.0136) more than controls, respectively. At 12 months, those receiving MTMC services had SBP and DBP decreases, respectively, of 8.2 mm Hg (P = 0.0018) and 1.7 mm Hg (P = 0.2691) compared with controls. ED and hospital visits were not statistically significantly different between groups. Conclusion and Relevance: This MTMC potentially improved outcomes for referred patients in whom target goals were difficult to achieve and can serve as a model for other similar medication management programs.
Fundamental solution and its validation by numerical inverse Laplace transformation and FEM for a damped Timoshenko beam subjected to impact and moving loads
Authors: Zhang Xiayang , Liang Haoquan , Zhao Meijuan
Published: August 2018

This paper, taking the clamped boundary condition as an example, develops Su and Ma's fundamental solutions of the dynamic responses of a Timoshenko beam subjected to impact load. Based on that, a further extension regarding the general moving load case is also established. Kelvin–Voigt damping, whether proportionally or nonproportionally damped, is incorporated into the model, making it more comprehensive than the model of Su and Ma. Numerical inverse Laplace transformation is introduced to obtain the time-domain solution, where Durbin's formula and the corresponding convergence criteria are utilized in numerical experiments. Further, the real modal superposition method is applied at an analytical level to validate the numerical results by applying a proportionally damped condition. Total comparisons are made between the methods by sufficient case studies. The dynamic responses with and without damping effect are computed with wider slenderness to verify the correctness and effectiveness of the numerical results. Furthermore, parametric studies regarding the damping coefficients are performed to explore the nonproportional damping effect. The results show that the structural damping has significant influences on the dynamic behaviors and is especially stronger at small slender ratios. As the damping decreases the inherent frequencies and excites the low-frequency modal components more actively, a resonant phenomenon appears in high slenderness case when the beam experiences a low-speed moving load. Additionally, the computations in the moving load case indicate that the algorithm convergence is preferable when the number of grids exceeds 1000.
Stability, bifurcation analysis and chaos control for a predator-prey system
Authors: Din Qamar
Published: August 2018

We study qualitative behavior of a modified prey–predator model by introducing density-dependent per capita growth rates and a Holling type II functional response. Positivity of solutions, boundedness and local asymptotic stability of equilibria were investigated for continuous type of the prey–predator system. In order to discuss the rich dynamics of the proposed model, a piecewise constant argument was implemented to obtain a discrete counterpart of the continuous system. Moreover, in the case of a discrete-time prey–predator model, the boundedness of solutions and local asymptotic stability of equilibria were investigated. With the help of the center manifold theorem and bifurcation theory, we investigated whether a discrete-time model undergoes period-doubling and Neimark–Sacker bifurcation at its positive steady-state. Finally, two novel generalized hybrid feedback control methods are presented for chaos control under the influence of period-doubling and Neimark–Sacker bifurcations. In order to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategies, numerical simulations are presented.
ALK and GSK3: Shared Features of Neuroblastoma and Neural Crest Cells
Authors: Gonzalez Malagon Sandra G , Liu Karen J
Published: August 2018

Neuroblastoma is one of the most common and deadly childhood cancers. Neuroblastoma arises from transformed cells of the neural crest lineage. Outcomes of the disease vary greatly, ranging from spontaneous regression to aggressive metastases. While this variability may reflect the inherent migratory capabilities and multipotency of neural crest cells, there have been few direct comparisons between neuroblastoma and embryonic neural crest cells, in part because of the limited in vivo accessibility of the mammalian neural crest lineage. Our recent studies demonstrate a novel link between anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3). Our work suggests that ALK-dependent regulation of GSK3 via tyrosine phosphorylation may alter the substrate specificity of GSK3, thus regulating cytoskeletal dynamics in migrating neural crest cells.
Early life influences on child weight outcomes in the Study to Explore Early Development
Authors: Kral Tanja VE , Chittams Jesse , Bradley Chyrise B , Daniels Julie L , DiGuiseppi Carolyn G , Johnson Susan L , Pandey Juhi , Pinto-Martin Jennifer A , Rahai Neloufar , Ramirez AnnJosette , Schieve Laura A , Thompson Aleda , Windham Gayle , York Whitney , Young Lisa , Levy Susan E
Published: August 2018

We examined associations between child body mass index at 2–5 years and maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, and rapid weight gain during infancy in children with autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, or population controls. The Study to Explore Early Development is a multi-site case–control study of children, aged 2–5 years, classified as autism spectrum disorder ( n = 668), developmental delays ( n = 914), or population controls ( n = 884). Maternal gestational weight gain was compared to the Institute of Medicine recommendations. Rapid weight gain was a change in weight-for-age z-scores from birth to 6 months > 0.67 standard deviations. After adjusting for case status, mothers with pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity were 2.38 times (95% confidence interval: 1.96–2.90) more likely, and mothers who exceeded gestational weight gain recommendations were 1.48 times (95% confidence interval: 1.17–1.87) more likely, to have an overweight/obese child than other mothers ( P < 0.001). Children with autism spectrum disorder showed the highest frequency of rapid weight gain (44%) and were 3.47 times (95% confidence interval: 1.85–6.51) more likely to be overweight/obese as children with autism spectrum disorder without rapid weight gain ( P < 0.001). Helping mothers achieve a healthy pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain represent important targets for all children. Healthy infant growth patterns carry special importance for children at increased risk for an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.
Broadcasting Irish emigration in an era of global mobility
Authors: Negra Diane , McIntyre Anthony P , O’Leary Eleanor
Published: August 2018

This article examines how pre-existing Irish migratory cultural logics have been re-tooled in the post-Celtic Tiger period as a form of adaptation to the new imperatives of global capitalism. In this analysis, we show that just as Julien Mercille has discovered in regard to the Irish press and its role in normalizing and promoting neoliberal responses to the economic crisis, representations of the new emigration in the Irish broadcasting environment traverse a narrow spectrum that runs from optimism to resignation. Reality genres heavily tout the values of enterprise and resilience as well as the material affordances that are seen to accrue from emigration, while dramas are more customarily committed to the emotional management of experiences of loss and separation. Structural inquiry into national economic programmes and priorities is customarily excluded in such an environment, although it may be seen that more vernacular forms such as YouTube videos and a low-level but consistent preoccupation with the experiences and concerns of the returned migrant in the Irish press suggest public interest in unsettled questions about the permeability of Irish society and what it means to be located within or dislocated from it.
Disseminating information or advocating peace? Journalists’ role perceptions in the face of conflict
Authors: Prager Alicia , Hameleers Michael
Published: August 2018

Journalists play an important role in the formation of public opinion and can therefore be regarded as influential actors in conflict resolution. In Colombia, where the peace process remains a highly debated issue, the media are assumed to fuel polarization instead of dialogue. Indeed, deep societal divisions have been unveiled during last year’s plebiscite. In this environment, the concept of Peace Journalism has gained popularity among journalists, as it may promote a more nuanced debate. Against this backdrop, this study explores the role perceptions of Colombian journalists and their compatibility with the premises of Peace Journalism. To provide in-depth insights into journalists’ role conceptions, 16 semi-structured interviews with Colombian journalists were conducted. The results indicate that journalists hold a very active stance and want to influence and engage the public with their work, closely identifying with the role of the public mobilizer.
By-standing memories of curious observations: children’s storied landscapes of ecological encounter
Authors: Dunkley Ria Ann , Smith Thomas Aneurin
Published: August 2018

Founded in contemporary concerns that children are increasingly disconnected from nature, this article explores how children re-imagine their memories of childhood experiences within the landscape of a National Park. The concept of ‘re-connecting’ children with ‘nature’ has recrystalised around conceptualisations of ‘slow ecopedagogy’ as a form of ecological conscientisation.Through creative mapping with children from the Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales, this article questions whether exposure to such environments predisposes young people to an environmental consciousness. Examining children’s creative representations of childhood memories from nonhuman encounters, and building on Philo’s discussion of ‘childhood reverie’, we develop the concept of by-standing memories to articulate how children re-story their own memories, the landscapes in which they take place and the nonhumans they include. Something of a ‘child panic’ currently surrounds the disconnect between children and ecology. While some are concerned by this ‘child panic’, which positions children as ‘by-standers’ to adult affairs, we argue that by-standing is critical for how children tell stories of their dwellings in, and curious observations of, place. The re-telling of childhood memories stretches the conceptualisation of slow ecopedagogy beyond the place of encounter, to the creative spaces of storying and re-telling, which are equally critical for memory itself.
Rousseau on refined Epicureanism and the problem of modern liberty
Authors: Holley Jared
Published: August 2018

This article argues that in order to understand the form of modern political freedom envisioned by Rousseau, we have to understand his theory of taste as refined Epicureanism. Rousseau saw the division of labour and corrupt taste as the greatest threats to modern freedom. He identified their cause in the spread of vulgar Epicureanism – the frenzied pursuit of money, vanity and sexual gratification. In its place, he advocated what he called ‘the Epicureanism of reason’, or refined Epicureanism. Materially grounded on an equitable proportion of needs and faculties, this was a hedonist theory of self-command designed to cultivate the temperate enjoyment of sensual pleasure. I argue that Rousseau hoped that a shift from vulgar to refined Epicureanism would secure political freedom in modernity by grounding the politics of the general will in an economics of balanced growth and a reinvigorated appreciation of natural beauty. This perspective provides a new way of both clarifying the role of economic justice and aesthetic judgment in Rousseau's republican state theory, and of assessing the consistency of his moral and political thought.
Visual wayfinding for partially sighted pedestrians – The use of luminance contrast in outdoor pavings
Authors: Laurìa A , Secchi S , Vessella L
Published: August 2018

An increase in the number of partially sighted people is one of the effects of population ageing. These people have great difficulties in gathering wayfinding information to move independently in an unfamiliar environment. Guide paths based on the luminance contrast between a strip and surrounding surfaces can be an effective device for mitigating these difficulties, but information provided by the scientific literature on guide paths cannot be usefully applied to the naturally coloured paving materials most commonly found in pedestrian urban spaces. This paper presents a simplified method for measuring the luminance contrast between a guide strip and its background using combinations of naturally coloured paving materials.
Characterization of Factors Affecting the Detection Limit of EGFR p.T790M in Circulating Tumor DNA
Authors: Fahoum Ibrahim , Forer Relly , Volodarsky Dina , Vulih Inna , Bick Tova , Sarji Shada , Bamberger Zeev , Ben-Izhak Ofer , Sabo Edmond , Hershberg Ruth , Hershkovitz Dov
Published: August 2018

Objective:

Circulating tumor DNA is a promising noninvasive tool for cancer monitoring. One of the challenges in applying this tool is the detection of low-frequency mutations. The detection limit of these mutations varies between different molecular methods. The aim of this study is to characterize the factors affecting the limit of detection for epidermal growth factor receptor p.T790M mutation in circulating tumor DNA of patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods:

DNA was extracted from plasma samples of 102 patients. For sequencing the DNA, we used 2 different next-generation sequencing–based platforms: Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (56 cases) and Roche/454 (46 cases). Serially diluted synthetic DNA samples carrying the p.T790M mutation were sequenced using the Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine for validation. Limit of detection was determined through the analysis of non-hot-spot nonreference reads, which were regarded as sequencing artifacts.

Results:

The frequency of the non-hot-spot nonreference reads was higher in Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine compared to Roche/454 (0.07% ± 0.08% and 0.03% ± 0.06%, respectively, P < .001). We found that different base type substitutions occur with different frequency. Since the base substitution leading to p.T790M mutation is C>T transition, its frequency was used to determine the limit of detection for the assay. Based on the C>T non-hot-spot nonreference allele frequency, we found that the limit of detection is 0.18% in Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine and 0.1% in Roche/454. Based on these values, 48% and 56% of the cases were positive for T790M mutation in Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine and Roche/454 groups, respectively. Agreement between duplicates was 76% in Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine and 72% in Roche/454. Using serially diluted synthetic DNA samples carrying the p.T790M mutation, we could identify mutations with allele frequency of 0.18% or more using the Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine, supporting our approach to determine the detection limit.

Conclusion:

Both the sequencing platform and the specific nucleotide change affect the limit of detection and should therefore be determined in the validation process of new assays.
System Backgrounds, Psychosocial Characteristics, and Service Access Among Dually Involved Youth: A Los Angeles Case Study
Authors: Dierkhising Carly B. , Herz Denise , Hirsch Rebecca A. , Abbott Sam
Published: August 2018

Dually involved youth are youth who are concurrently involved in both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Dually involved youth require a broader array of services compared to single-system youth though less is known about what types of services youth ultimately access while under the supervision of both systems. The current study examines the juvenile justice and child welfare histories, psychosocial characteristics, and predictors of rearrest among the dually involved population in Los Angeles County ( N = 718) as well as the services youth are referred to and utilize among a subsample of dually involved youth tracked postdisposition ( n = 152). Findings reveal an increased representation of females and an overrepresentation of African Americans among the sample. In fact, African American youth in Los Angeles County are disproportionately dually involved at a rate almost 6 times their general population numbers (7.4% vs. 43%). Youth histories show significant involvement in both systems with 33% of the sample having been arrested prior to the current referral, and youth having an average of 10.8 referrals to child welfare in their past. Youth exhibited high levels of behavioral health issues, which were associated with rearrest. Youth were referred to a broad range of services, though not all of them were accessed. Placement changes and contact with probation officers were identified as both challenges to and facilitators of service access in unique ways.
Surgical Management of Madelung Deformity: A Systematic Review
Authors: Peymani Abbas , Johnson Anna Rose , Dowlatshahi Arriyan S. , Dobbe Johannes G. G. , Lin Samuel J. , Upton Joseph , Streekstra Geert J. , Strackee Simon D.
Published: August 2018

Background: Madelung deformity is a congenital wrist condition characterized by volar subluxation of the wrist caused by premature growth arrest of the distal radius. Progressive symptoms can necessitate surgical intervention, yet optimal treatment strategy remains unknown. The aim of this study is to determine treatment options, surgical indications, and operative outcomes for Madelung deformity. Methods: This study adhered to the Meta-Analyses of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. A comprehensive systematic review was performed to identify all studies describing surgical interventions for Madelung deformity. All studies were evaluated by level of evidence and a self-developed quality assessment tool. Results: Twenty-five studies met inclusion criteria; all case series with type IV level of evidence. Studies assessed pain, range of motion, aesthetic deformity, and grip strength. The primary indication for surgery was the presence of wrist pain. Various surgical procedures exist and could be categorized as radial lengthening, ulnar shortening, or a combination of both. All studies report postoperative pain reduction and most studies report an improved range of motion. Conclusions: A variety of surgical procedures reportedly have satisfactory outcomes. However, outcomes are reported in an inconsistent manner, prohibiting pooling of studies and comparisons of surgical procedures and their outcomes. We propose several methodological changes for implementation in future studies, increasing the quality of evidence to compensate for small patient numbers.
Carcinosarcoma of the prostate: case report with molecular and histological characterization
Authors: Salvi Samanta , Casadio Valentina , Martignano Filippo , Gurioli Giorgia , Tumedei Maria Maddalena , Calistri Daniele , Gunelli Roberta , Costantini Matteo
Published: August 2018

Background:

We report a case of prostatic carcinosarcoma, a rare variant of prostatic cancer, which is composed of a mixture of epithelial and mesenchymal components with a generally poor outcome.

Aims and methods:

We aim to identify molecular alterations, in particular copy number variations of AR and c -MYC genes, methylation and expression of glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), AR, and phosphorylated AR expression.

Results:

We found a distinct molecular pattern between adenocarcinoma and carcinosarcoma, which was characterized by high AR copy number variation gain; positive expression of PD-L1, AR, and phosphorylated AR; low espression of GSTP1 in epithelial component. The sarcomatoid component had a lower gain of the AR gene, and no expression of PD-L1, AR, phosphorylated AR, or GSTP1. Both components had a gain of c-MYC copy number variation.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that carcinosarcoma has specific molecular characteristics that could be indicative for early diagnosis and treatment selection.
“I really want people to use our work to be safe”…Using participatory research to develop a safety intervention for adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Hughes Rosemary B , Robinson-Whelen Susan , Goe Rebecca , Schwartz Michelle , Cesal Lisa , Garner Kimberly B , Arnold Katie , Hunt Tina , McDonald Katherine E
Published: August 2018

People with intellectual disability experience disproportionately high rates of interpersonal violence (IPV) due, in part, to disability-related risks that often can be minimized through targeted intervention. In this article, we describe using an academic and community participatory research approach to develop and test the feasibility of an accessible IPV prevention program for people with intellectual disability. The Safety Class, which is an interactive, structured, eight-session, weekly face-to-face group program, was found feasible for implementation in an efficacy study. Working in partnership with the intellectual disability community through all phases of the project helps ensure the relevance, inclusion, and accessibility of The Safety Class.
Assessment of the nursing practice environment in Greek Hospitals: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Brofidi Kalliopi , Vlasiadis Konstantinos , Philalithis Anastas
Published: August 2018

Background

The organisational characteristics of the nursing practice environment play a crucial role in nurses’ job satisfaction, job retention, quality-of-care service provision and patient outcomes. The widely used Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index assesses the favourability of these traits, showing the grade of magnetism of these factors in the workplace.

Aims and methods

This study aims to assess the nurse working environment at five public hospitals in Greece, and to compare these data with those of Magnet and non-Magnet hospitals. The Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index was completed by 532 nurses.

Results

Findings have shown that all five hospitals were assessed by nurses as unfavourable working environments. Four of five subscales were identified as unfavourable by the participants and only Collegial Nurse-Physician Relations were evaluated as a positive organisational trait. The mean scores in all five subscales of favourability were significantly lower than the corresponding scores of non-Magnet hospitals in the US.

Conclusions

The present study shows the favourability grade of Greek hospitals. When compared with Magnet and non-Magnet hospitals in the US, Greek hospitals were perceived as more unfavourable than non-Magnet hospitals. Action to improve the current situation must be taken by hospital management, supporting nurse involvement, continuous education, changing human resources management and adopting evaluation procedures.
Rezum: a new transurethral water vapour therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Westwood Jennifer , Geraghty Robert , Jones Patrick , Rai Bhavan P. , Somani Bhaskar K.
Published: August 2018

Rezum is a minimally invasive transurethral water vapour therapy for benign prostatic enlargement which uses thermal energy for treatment. The short-term results show it to have good outcomes with a potential for outpatient-based treatment preserving sexual function. This review serves to provide an overview of the technique and evaluate its safety and efficacy.
Strong relations of elbow excursion and grip strength with post-stroke arm function and activities: Should we aim for this in technology-supported training?
Authors: Nijenhuis Sharon M , Prange-Lasonder Gerdienke B , Fleuren Judith FM , Wagenaar Jan , Buurke Jaap H , Rietman Johan S
Published: August 2018

Objective

To investigate the relationships between an extensive set of objective movement execution kinematics of the upper extremity and clinical outcome measures in chronic stroke patients: at baseline and after technology-supported training at home.

Methods

Twenty mildly to severely affected chronic stroke patients participated in the baseline evaluation, 15 were re-evaluated after six weeks of intensive technology-supported or conventional arm/hand training at home. Grip strength, 3D motion analysis of a reach and grasp task, and clinical scales (Fugl-Meyer assessment (FM), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and Motor Activity Log (MAL)) were assessed pre- and post-training.

Results

Most movement execution parameters showed moderate-to-strong relationships with FM and ARAT, and to a smaller degree with MAL. Elbow excursion explained the largest amount of variance in FM and ARAT, together with grip strength. The only strong association after training was found between changes in ARAT and improvements in hand opening (conventional) or grip strength (technology-supported).

Conclusions

Elbow excursion and grip strength showed strongest association with post-stroke arm function and activities. Improved functional ability after training at home was associated with increased hand function. Addressing both reaching and hand function are indicated as valuable targets for (technological) treatment applications to stimulate functional improvements after stroke.
Outcomes and Complications After Spinal Fusion in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Lin Charles C. , Lu Young , Patel Nilay A. , Kiester P. Douglas , Rosen Charles D. , Bhatia Nitin N. , Lee Yu-Po
Published: August 2018

Study Design:

Retrospective database study.

Objective:

To investigate the impact obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has on perioperative complications, inpatient mortality, and costs in patients undergoing spinal fusions.

Methods:

Hospitalizations for spinal fusion surgery between the years 2009 and 2011 were identified using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and grouped into patients with and without OSA. Patient demographic data, comorbidities, hospital characteristics, hospitalization outcomes, and costs were extracted and compared. Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to compare the in-hospital outcomes of patients undergoing spinal fusion with and without OSA.

Results:

A total of 107 451 (7.7%) OSA patients who underwent spinal fusions were identified from 2009 to 2011. Compared with patients without OSA, OSA patients were significantly older, more likely to be male, and have significantly greater comorbidity burden. Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that OSA had a significant independent association with slightly increased respiratory (odds ratio [OR] = 1.13, confidence interval [CI] = 1.09-1.16; P < .001), urinary and renal (OR = 1.11, CI = 1.07-1.16; P < .001) or overall inpatient complications (OR = 1.05, CI = 1.02-1.05; P < .001). OSA was also independently associated with significantly lower inpatient mortality (OR = 0.39, CI = 0.33-0.45; P < .001).

Conclusions:

While OSA confers greater comorbidity burden and is associated with slightly higher inpatient complication rates following spinal fusions, diagnosed OSA was not an independent predictor of inpatient mortality. A cautious interpretation of this finding is that on a national level, the current methods of preoperative medical optimization and inpatient management of OSA are satisfactory.
Mini-plate fixation via sinus tarsi approach is superior to cannulated screw in intra-articular calcaneal fractures: A prospective randomized study
Authors: Kir Mustafa C , Ayanoglu Semih , Cabuk Haluk , Dedeoglu Suleyman S , Imren Yunus , Karslioglu Bulent , Yuce Ali , Gurbuz Hakan
Published: August 2018

Objective:

Intra-articular displaced calcaneal fractures are common fractures and are often treated with surgical interventions. Sinüs tarsi approach provides secure access to lateral wall and joint facets. The aim of the study is to compare cannulated screw (CS) fixation and mini-plate (MP) fixation via sinus tarsi approach with Sanders types 2 and 3 fracture of calcaneus.

Methods:

Sixty patients with Sanders types 2 and 3 calcaneal fracture underwent surgical intervention were randomly allocated into two groups as group MP fixation and group CS fixation regarding osteosynthesis method for 5-year period. Open reduction via sinüs tarsi approach was performed in both groups. Demographic variables, time to surgery (TS), operation duration (OD), length of hospital stay (LOS), surgical complications, and reoperations were recorded. Pre- and postoperative Gissane and Böhler angles; calcaneal length, height, and width; ankle anterior-posterior (AP) and lateral X-rays; and computed tomography were also recorded for radiological evaluation and fracture characteristics. Maryland Foot Score (MFS) was used to evaluate functional outcomes.

Results:

Preoperative age, type of fracture, calcaneal length, height, and Gissane and Böhler angles, TS, LOS, and OD were not different between the groups. The postoperative calcaneal widening was significantly better restored in group MP compared with that of group CS. The incidence of reoperation and algoneurodystrophy was statistically higher in group CS than group MP. MFS in group MP was also higher than group CS at final visit.

Conclusion:

MP fixation via sinus tarsi approach is superior to CS fixation in Sanders types 2 and 3 calcaneal fractures.
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Early Healing Process After Achilles Tendon Repair
Authors: Hiramatsu Kunihiko , Tsujii Akira , Nakamura Norimasa , Mitsuoka Tomoki
Published: August 2018

Background:

Little is known about early healing of repaired Achilles tendons on imaging, particularly up to 6 months postoperatively, when patients generally return to participation in sports.

Purpose:

To examine changes in repaired Achilles tendon healing with ultrasonography for up to 12 months after surgery.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Ultrasonographic images of 26 ruptured Achilles tendons were analyzed at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12 months after primary repair. The cross-sectional areas (CSAs) and intratendinous morphology of the repaired tendons were evaluated using the authors’ own grading system (tendon repair scores), which assessed the anechoic tendon defect area, intratendinous hyperechoic area, continuity of intratendinous fibrillar appearance, and paratendinous edema.

Results:

The mean ratios (%) of the CSA for the affected versus unaffected side of repaired Achilles tendons gradually increased postoperatively, reached a maximum (632%) at 6 months, and then decreased at 12 months. The mean tendon repair scores increased over time and reached a plateau at 6 months.

Conclusion:

Ultrasonography is useful to observe the intratendinous morphology of repaired Achilles tendons and to provide useful information for patients who wish to return to sports. Clinical parameters such as strength, functional performance, and quality of healed repaired tendons should also be assessed before allowing patients to return to sports.
Role of Organizational Climate in Job Involvement: A Way to Develop the Organizational Commitment of Nursing Staff
Authors: Kalhor Rohollah , Khosravizadeh Omid , Moosavi Saeideh , Heidari Mohammad , Habibi Hasan
Published: August 2018

Employees are the most valuable assets of an organization; therefore, it is very important to understand their behavior. In this regard, the present study was carried out in order to examine the effect of organizational climate on job involvement among nurses working in the teaching hospitals of Qazvin Province, Iran. The present descriptive analytical study was done in 2017. To randomly select a specific proportion of nurses from each of Qazvin teaching hospitals, stratified sampling was used. In total, 340 nurses were selected. Data were collected using 3 questionnaires: Halpin and Kraft Organizational Climate Questionnaire, Job Involvement Questionnaire (Kanungo), and Allen and Myer Organizational Commitment Questionnaire. For data analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used applying AMOS-24 software. The results of path analysis showed the effect of organizational climate on the nurses’ job involvement. Moreover, organizational climate influenced organizational commitment through the mediation of job involvement. According to values obtained for degree of freedom based on chi-square, goodness-of-fit index, root mean square error of approximation, and comparative fit index were in the defined range; therefore, the validity of the conceptual model was approved. Based on the results of the present study, managers of health organizations can achieve their goals by understanding the organizational climate of the hospitals and its effect on the employees’ job involvement and discovering strategies needed for organizational commitment improvement.
Testicular Microlithiasis: Case Report and Current Knowledge
Authors: Dudar Rymma
Published: August 2018

Sonographic evaluation is the gold standard in diagnosing of testicular microlithiasis, the nature of which has raised controversy in opinions regarding its premalignant or benign tendency. Testicular microlithiasis is often an incidental finding on sonographic examination with indications for other disease processes, and it may or may not require additional follow-up. This pathology has raised equal interest among domestic and foreign researchers, and studies have been performed on both adult and pediatric populations, yet there is no standard recommendation for follow-up care of testicular microlithiasis. Isolated testicular microlithiasis and that with additional risk factors may require different approaches to testing and care. In this publication, a case study is reviewed and two approaches to follow-up care of testicular microlithiasis based on the associated risk factors or a lack of thereof are discussed.