bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a Mobile APP-Supported Learning System for Evaluating Health-Related Physical Fitness Achievements of Students
Authors: Cheng Ching-Hsue , Chen Chung-Hsi
Published: May 2018

This study developed a mobile APP support learning system to compare the effects of two different learning approaches based on students’ health-related physical fitness (HRPF) achievements, self-efficacy, and system usability. There were 90 participants from four physical education classes in an elementary school of Taiwan who were assigned to the experimental and control groups. An 8-week experiment was conducted to evaluate the two different learning approaches. The experimental results showed that a mobile APP support learning approach could improve the students’ HRPF achievements. Furthermore, this study found that the self-efficacy and system operations affect the students’ HRPF achievements. To sum up, the combination of traditional and a mobile APP support learning system is an effective approach that would help students to improve their HRPF achievements. The findings can provide the key factors of assisted learning design and students’ HRPF achievements for the teachers and the related educators as references.
Energy Efficiency Design for Secure MISO Cognitive Radio Network Based on a Nonlinear EH Model
Authors: Ni Lei , Da Xinyu , Hu Hang , Zhang Miao
Published: May 2018

In this work, we investigate the secrecy energy efficiency (SEE) optimization problem for a multiple-input single-output (MISO) cognitive radio (CR) network based on a practical nonlinear energy-harvesting (EH) model. In particular, the energy receiver (ER) is assumed to be a potential eavesdropper due to the open architecture of a CR network with simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT), such that the confidential message is prone to be intercepted in wireless communications. The aim of this work is to provide a secure transmit beamforming design while satisfying the minimum secrecy rate target, the minimum EH requirement, and the maximum interference leakage power to primary user (PU). In addition, we consider that all the channel state information (CSI) is perfectly known at the secondary transmitter (ST). We formulate this beamforming design as a SEE maximization problem; however, the original optimization problem is not convex due to the nonlinear fractional objective function. To solve it, a novel iterative algorithm is proposed to obtain the globally optimal solution of the primal problem by using the nonlinear fractional programming and sequential programming. Finally, numerical simulation results are presented to validate the performance of the proposed scheme.
Experimental Investigation on Hydraulic Properties of Granular Sandstone and Mudstone Mixtures
Authors: Ma Dan , Cai Xin , Zhou Zilong , Li Xibing
Published: May 2018

The caved zone during longwall mining has high permeability, resulting in a mass of groundwater storage which causes a threat of groundwater inrush hazard to the safe mining. To investigate the hazard mechanism of granular sandstone and mudstone mixture (SMM) in caved zone, this paper presents an experimental study on the effect of sandstone particle (SP) and mudstone particle (MP) weight ratio on the non-Darcy hydraulic properties evolution. A self-designed granular rock seepage experimental equipment has been applied to conduct the experiments. The variation of particle size distribution was induced by loading and water seepage during the test, which indicated that the particle crushing and erosion properties of mudstone were higher than those of sandstone. Porosity evolution of SMM was strongly influenced by loading (sample height) and SP/MP weight ratio. The sample with higher sample height and higher weight ratio of SP achieved higher porosity value. In particular, a non-Darcy equation, for hydraulic properties (permeability κ and non-Darcy coefficient ζ) calculation, was sufficient to fit the relation between the hydraulic gradient and seepage velocity. The test results indicated that, due to the absence and narrowing of fracture and void during loading, the permeability κ decreases and the non-Darcy coefficient ζ increases. The variation of the hydraulic properties of the sample within the same particle size and SP/MP weight ratio indicated that groundwater inrush hazard showed a higher probability of occurrence in sandstone strata and crushed zone (e.g., faults). Moreover, isolated fractures and voids were able to achieve the changeover from self-extension to interconnection at the last loading stage, which caused the fluctuation tendency of κ and ζ. Fluctuation ability in mudstone was higher than that in sandstone. The performance of an empirical model was also investigated for the non-Darcy hydraulic properties evolution prediction of crushing and seepage processes. The predictive results indicated that particle crushing and water erosion caused the increase of hydraulic properties, being the main reason that the experimental values are typically higher than those obtained from the predictive model. The empirical model has a high degree of predictive accuracy; however, κ has a higher predictive accuracy than ζ. Furthermore, the predictive accuracy of κ increases and ζ decreases with increasing weight ratio of SP.
Energy Dependence of Particle Ratios in High Energy Nucleus-Nucleus Collisions: A USTFM Approach
Authors: Bashir Inam-ul , Parra Rameez Ahmad , Nanda Hamid , Uddin Saeed
Published: May 2018

We study the identified particle ratios produced at mid-rapidity (y<0.5) in heavy-ion collisions, along with their correlations with the collision energy. We employ our earlier proposed unified statistical thermal freeze-out model (USTFM), which incorporates the effects of both longitudinal and transverse hydrodynamic flow in the hot hadronic system. A fair agreement seen between the experimental data and our model results confirms that the particle production in these collisions is of statistical nature. The variation of the chemical freeze-out temperature and the baryon chemical potential with respect to collision energies is studied. The chemical freeze-out temperature is found to be almost constant beyond the RHIC energy and is found to be close to the QCD predicted phase-transition temperature suggesting that the chemical freeze-out occurs soon after the hadronization takes place. The vanishing value of chemical potential at LHC indicates very high degree of nuclear transparency in the collision.
Searching for the Impact of Participation in Health and Health Research: Challenges and Methods
Authors: Harris Janet , Cook Tina , Gibbs Lisa , Oetzel John , Salsberg Jon , Shinn Carolynne , Springett Jane , Wallerstein Nina , Wright Michael
Published: May 2018

Internationally, the interest in involving patients and the public in designing and delivering health interventions and researching their effectiveness is increasing. Several systematic reviews of participation in health research have recently been completed, which note a number of challenges in documenting the impact of participation. Challenges include working across stakeholders with different understandings of participation and levels of experience in reviewing; comparing heterogeneous populations and contexts; configuring findings from often thin descriptions of participation in academic papers; and dealing with different definitions of impact. This paper aims to advance methods for systematically reviewing the impact of participation in health research, drawing on recent systematic review guidance. Practical examples for dealing with issues at each stage of a review are provided based on recent experience. Recommendations for improving primary research on participation in health are offered and key points to consider during the review are summarised.
Self-Learning-Based Data Aggregation Scheduling Policy in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lu Yao , Zhang Taihua , He Erbao , Comşa Ioan-Sorin
Published: May 2018

The problems of reducing the transmission delay and maximizing the sensor lifetime are always hot research topics in the domain of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). By excluding the influence of routing protocol on the transmission direction of data packets, the MAC protocol which controls the time point of transmission and reception is also an important factor on the communication performance. Many existing works attempt to address these problems by using time slot scheduling policy. However, most of them exploit the global network knowledge to construct a stationary scheduling, which violates the dynamic and scalable nature of WSNs. In order to realize the distributed computation and self-learning, we propose to integrate the Q-learning into the exploring process of an adaptive slot scheduling with high efficiency. Due to the convergence nature, the scheduling quickly approaches an approximate optimal sequence along with the execution of frames. By conducting the corresponding simulations, the feasibility and the high efficiency of the proposed method can be validated.
In the View of Endothelial Microparticles: Novel Perspectives for Diagnostic and Pharmacological Management of Cardiovascular Risk during Diabetes Distress
Authors: Pernomian Larissa , Moreira Jôsimar Dornelas , Gomes Mayara Santos
Published: May 2018

Acute or chronic exposure to diabetes-related stressors triggers a specific psychological and behavior stress syndrome called diabetes distress, which underlies depressive symptoms in most diabetic patients. Distressed and/or depressive diabetic adults exhibit higher rates of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, which have been correlated to macrovascular complications evoked by diabetic behavior stress. Recent experimental findings clearly point out that oxidative stress accounts for the vascular dysfunction initiated by the exposure to life stressors in diabetic conditions. Moreover, oxidative stress has been described as the main autocrine and paracrine mechanism of cardiovascular damage induced by endothelial microparticles (anuclear ectosomal microvesicles released from injured endothelial cells) in diabetic subjects. Such robust relationship between oxidative stress and cardiovascular diseases strongly suggests a critical role for endothelial microparticles as the primer messengers of the redox-dependent vascular dysfunction underlying diabetes distress. Here, we provide novel perspectives opened in the view of endothelial microparticles as promising diagnostic and pharmacotherapeutic biomarkers of cardiovascular risk in distressed diabetic patients.
Timing Embryo Preservation for a Patient with High-Risk Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Ye Rebecca , Tomlinson Benjamin , de Lima Marcos , Malek Ehsan
Published: May 2018

Great strides have been made in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) resulting in increased number of survivors over all age groups, but especially in patients of reproductive age. Given the gonadotoxicity of high-dose induction chemotherapy and subsequent allogeneic stem cell transplant, it is paramount that fertility preservation options are discussed and explored at the time of diagnosis as fertility preservation has been associated with greater quality of life in survivors. Starting the conversation early is especially important for female patients given the time needed for all currently available fertility preservation techniques. Furthermore, due to a lack of current guidelines for the optimal timing of treatment, patients often encounter difficulties trying to balance life-saving treatment and fertility preservation. We present a case of female patient of reproductive age diagnosed with AML who opted for ovarian stimulation, oocyte retrieval, and subsequent IVF following a cycle of induction chemotherapy with satisfactory results for both embryo generation and disease treatment.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Tumor-Associated Macrophages: Clinical Translation
Authors: Aghighi Maryam , Theruvath Ashok J. , Pareek Anuj , Pisani Laura L. , Alford Raphael , Muehe Anne M. , Sethi Tarsheen K. , Holdsworth Samantha J. , Hazard Florette K. , Gratzinger Dita , Luna-Fineman Sandra , Advani Ranjana , Spunt Sheri L. , Daldrup-Link Heike E.
Published: May 2018

Purpose: Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in malignant tumors have been linked to tumor aggressiveness and represent a new target for cancer immunotherapy. As new TAM-targeted immunotherapies are entering clinical trials, it is important to detect and quantify TAM with noninvasive imaging techniques. The purpose of this study was to determine if ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI can detect TAM in lymphomas and bone sarcomas of pediatric patients and young adults.

Experimental Design: In a first-in-patient, Institutional Review Board–approved prospective clinical trial, 25 pediatric and young adult patients with lymphoma or bone sarcoma underwent ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI. To confirm ferumoxytol enhancement, five pilot patients (two lymphoma and three bone sarcoma) underwent pre- and postcontrast MRI. Subsequently, 20 patients (10 lymphoma and 10 bone sarcoma) underwent ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI 24 to 48 hours after i.v. injection, followed by tumor biopsy/resection and macrophage staining. To determine if ferumoxytol-MRI can differentiate tumors with different TAM content, we compared T2* relaxation times of lymphomas and bone sarcomas. Tumor T2* values of 20 patients were correlated with CD68+ and CD163+ TAM quantities on histopathology.

Results: Significant ferumoxytol tumor enhancement was noted on postcontrast scans compared with precontrast scans (P = 0.036). Bone sarcomas and lymphomas demonstrated significantly different MRI enhancement and TAM density (P < 0.05). Within each tumor group, T2* signal enhancement on MR images correlated significantly with the density of CD68+ and CD163+ TAM (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI is immediately clinically applicable and could be used to stratify patients with TAM-rich tumors to immune-targeted therapies and to monitor tumor response to these therapies. Clin Cancer Res; 24(17); 4110–8. ©2018 AACR.
Hydrogen Therapy in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases: from Bench to Bedside
Authors: Zhang Yaxing , Tan Sihua , Xu Jingting , Wang Tinghuai
Published: May 2018

Hydrogen (H2) is colorless, odorless, and the lightest of gas molecules. Studies in the past ten years have indicated that H2 is extremely important in regulating the homeostasis of the cardiovascular system and metabolic activity. Delivery of H2 by various strategies improves cardiometabolic diseases, including atherosclerosis, vascular injury, ischemic or hypertrophic ventricular remodeling, intermittent hypoxia- or heart transplantation-induced heart injury, obesity and diabetes in animal models or in clinical trials. The purpose of this review is to summarize the physical and chemical properties of H2, and then, the functions of H2 with an emphasis on the therapeutic potential and molecular mechanisms involved in the diseases above. We hope this review will provide the future outlook of H2-based therapies for cardiometabolic disease.
Comprehensive Effects of Suppression of MicroRNA-383 in Human Bone-Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Treating Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Wei Guo-Jun , Zheng Ke-wen , An Gang , Shi Zuo-Wei , Wang Kai-Fu , Guan Ying , Wang Yan-Song , Li Peng-Fei , Dong Da-Ming
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Transplantation of bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) promotes neural cell regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI). Recently, we showed that suppression of microRNA-383 (miR-383) in MSCs increased the protein levels of glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), resulting in improved therapeutic effects on SCI. However, the overall effects of miR-383 suppression in MSCs on SCI therapy were not determined yet. Here, we addressed this question. Methods: We used bioinformatics tools to predict all miR-383-targeting genes, confirmed the functional bindings in a dual luciferase reporter assay. The effects of alteration of candidate genes in MSCs on cell proliferation were analyzed by MTT assay and by Western blotting for PCNA. The effects on angiogenesis were assessed by HUVEC assay. The effects on SCI in vivo were analyzed by transplantation of the modified MSCs into nude rats that underwent SCI. Results: Suppression of miR-383 in MSCs not only upregulated GDNF protein, but also increased vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and cyclin-dependent kinase 19 (CDK19), two other miR-383 targets. MiR-383-suppression-induced increases in CDK19 resulted in a slight but significant increase in MSC proliferation, while miR-383-suppression-induced increases in VEGF-A resulted in a slight but significant increase in MSC-mediated angiogenesis. Conclusions: Upregulation of CDK19 and VEGF-A by miR-383 suppression in MSCs further improve the therapeutic potential of MSCs in treating SCI in rats.
Connexin 43 Modulates Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Through GSK-3beta/Beta-Catenin Signaling Pathways
Authors: Lin Fei-xiang , Zheng Gui-zhou , Chang Bo , Chen Rong-chun , Zhang Qi-hao , Xie Peng , Xie Da , Yu Guo-yong , Hu Qin-xiao , Liu De-zhong , Du Shi-Xin , Li Xue-dong
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) are multipotent precursors that give rise to osteoblasts, and contribute directly to bone formation. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the most ubiquitous gap junction protein expressed in bone cell types, and plays crucial roles in regulating intercellular signal transmission for bone development, differentiation and pathology. However, the precise role and mechanism of Cx43 in BMSCs are less known. Here, we investigate the function of Cx43 in osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vitro. Methods: BMSCs were isolated by whole bone marrow adherent culture. Knock down of Cx43 was performed by using lentiviral transduction of Cx43 shRNA. BMSCs were induced to differentiate by culturing in a-MEM, 10% FBS, 50 µM ascorbic acid, 10 mM beta-glycerophosphate, and 100 nM dexamethasone. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and alizarin red S staining were used to evaluate osteogenic differentiation in calcium nodules. Target mRNAs and proteins were analyzed by using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and western blotting. Results: Cx43 expression markedly increased during osteogenic differentiation. Osteogenic differentiation was suppressed following lentiviral-mediated knockdown of Cx43 expression, as judged by decreased levels of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteocalcin (Bglap), Osterix (Osx), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the number of calcium nodules in response to osteogenic differentiation stimuli. Knock down of Cx43 reduced the level of phosphorylation of GSK-3beta at Ser9 (p-GSK-3beta), resulting in decreased beta-catenin expression and activation. Furthermore, treatment of Cx43-knockdown cells with lithium chloride (LiCl), a GSK-3beta inhibitor, reduced osteogenic differentiation and decreased GSK-3beta levels, as well as partially rescued levels of both total and activated beta-catenin. Conclusion: These findings indicate that Cx43 positively modulates osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs by up-regulating GSK-3beta/beta-catenin signaling pathways, suggesting a potential role for Cx43 in determining bone mass and bone mineral density by modulating osteogenesis.
Impact of a History of Hypertension in Pregnancy on Later Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Scantlebury Dawn C. , Kattah Andrea G. , Weissgerber Tracey L. , Agarwal Sanket , Mielke Michelle M. , Weaver Amy L. , Vaughan Lisa E. , Henkin Stanislav , Zimmerman Katherine , Miller Virginia M. , White Wendy M. , Hayes Sharonne N. , Garovic Vesna D.
Published: May 2018

Background

Atrial fibrillation/flutter (
AF
) produces significant morbidity in women and is typically attributed to cardiac remodeling from multiple causes, particularly hypertension. Hypertensive pregnancy disorders (
HPD
s) are associated with future hypertension and adverse cardiac remodeling. We evaluated whether women with
AF
were more likely to have experienced a
HPD
compared with those without.

Methods and Results

A nested case–control study was conducted within a cohort of 7566 women who had a live or stillbirth delivery in Olmsted County, Minnesota between 1976 and 1982.
AF
cases were matched (1:1) to controls based on date of birth, age at first pregnancy, and parity.
AF
and pregnancy history were confirmed by chart review. We identified 105
AF
cases: mean age 57±8 (mean±
SD
) years, (controls 56±8 years), 32±8 years (controls 31±8 years) after the first pregnancy. Cases were more likely to have obesity during childbearing years, and hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, coronary disease, valvular disease, and heart failure at the time of
AF
diagnosis. Cases were more likely to have a history of
HPD
s, compared with controls: 28/105 (26.7%) cases versus 12/105 (11.4%) controls, odds ratio: 2.60 (95% confidence interval, 1.21–6.04). After adjustment for hypertension and obesity, the association was attenuated and no longer statistically significant; odds ratio (95% confidence interval, 2.12 (0.92–5.23).

Conclusions

Women with
AF
are more likely to have had a
HPD
, a relationship at least partially mediated by associated obesity and hypertension. Given the high morbidity of
AF
, studies evaluating the benefit of screening for and management of cardiovascular risk factors in women with a history of
HPD
should be performed.
Pregnancy‐Related Risk Factors Are Associated With a Significant Burden of Treated Hypertension Within 10 Years of Delivery: Findings From a Population‐Based Norwegian Cohort
Authors: Egeland Grace M. , Skurtveit Svetlana , Staff Anne Cathrine , Eide Geir Egil , Daltveit Anne‐Kjersti , Klungsøyr Kari , Trogstad Lill , Magnus Per M. , Brantsæter Anne Lise , Haugen Margaretha
Published: May 2018

Background

The association between pregnancy complications and women's later cardiovascular disease has, primarily, been evaluated in studies lacking information on important covariates. This report evaluates the prospective associations between pregnancy‐related risk factors (preeclampsia/eclampsia, gestational hypertension, pregestational and gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm delivery, and fetal growth restriction) and pharmacologically treated hypertension within 10 years after pregnancy, while adjusting for a wide range of covariates.

Methods and Results

Prepregnancy normotensive women participating in the MoBa (Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study) from January 2004 through July 2009 were linked to the Norwegian Prescription Database to identify women with pharmacologically treated hypertension beyond the postpartum period of 3 months. The burden of hypertension associated with pregnancy‐related risk factors was evaluated using an attributable fraction method. A total of 1480 women developed pharmacologically treated hypertension within the follow‐up among 60 027 women (rate of hypertension, 3.6/1000 person‐years). The proportion of hypertension associated with a history of preeclampsia/eclampsia, gestational hypertension, preterm delivery, and pregestational or gestational diabetes mellitus was 28.6% (95% confidence interval, 25.5%–31.6%) on the basis of multivariable analyses adjusting for numerous covariates. The proportion was similar for women with a healthy prepregnancy body mass index (18.5‐24.9 kg/m
2
; attributable fraction (AF)% 25.9%; 95% confidence interval, 21.3%‐30.3%), but considerably higher for nulliparous women at baseline within the first 5 years of follow‐up. Small‐for‐gestational age, however, did not increase subsequent hypertension risk in multivariable analyses.

Conclusions

A structured postpartum follow‐up of high‐risk women identified through pregnancy‐related risk factors would facilitate personalized preventive strategies to postpone or avoid onset of premature cardiovascular events.
Association Between Gestational Hypertension and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Among 617 589 Norwegian Women
Authors: Riise Hilde Kristin Refvik , Sulo Gerhard , Tell Grethe S. , Igland Jannicke , Nygård Ottar , Iversen Ann‐Charlotte , Daltveit Anne Kjersti
Published: May 2018

Background

Preeclampsia and gestational hypertension (
GH
) are the most common hypertensive pregnancy disorders. Preeclampsia has been linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease (
CVD
), but a similar association for
GH
has not been established. We aimed to determine the association between
GH
and subsequent
CVD
, and explore the additional role of small‐for‐gestational‐age infants, preterm delivery, and parity.

Methods and Results

Data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway were linked to the Cardiovascular Disease in Norway project and the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were computed using Cox proportional hazard regression, comparing women with and without
GH
during their first and/or second pregnancy. We included all women with a first delivery from 1980 through 2009 (n=617 589) and followed them for a median of 14.3 (quartile 1–quartile 3: 6.9–21.5) years. Women with
GH
in the first pregnancy had 1.8‐fold (95% confidence interval, 1.7–2.0) higher risk of subsequent
CVD
compared with women without any hypertensive pregnancy disorder. When
GH
occurred in combination with small‐for‐gestational‐age infants and/or preterm delivery, the hazard ratio was 2.6 (95% confidence interval, 2.3–3.0). When women with
GH
were compared with women with preeclampsia, the risk of
CVD
was comparable when the pregnancy complications occurred in either the first or second pregnancy but was significantly higher for preeclampsia without complications when the disorder occurred in both pregnancies.

Conclusions

GH
was associated with increased risk of subsequent
CVD
, and the highest risk was observed when
GH
was combined with small‐for‐gestational‐age infants and/or preterm delivery.
Differentiation Analysis of Continuous Electroencephalographic Activity Triggered by Video Clip Contents
Authors: Mensen Armand , Marshall William , Sasai Shuntaro , Tononi Giulio
Published: May 2018

While viewing a video clip, we experience a wide variety of contents, from low-level features of the images to high-level ideas such as the storyline. Each change in our experience must be supported by some corresponding change in neurophysiological activity. Differentiation analysis, which quantifies the differences in brain activity by measuring the distances between observed brain states, was applied here to continuous high-density electroencephalographic data recorded while participants watched short video clips. These clips were manipulated in various ways to change the degree of meaningfulness of their contents. We found that neurophysiological differentiation mirrored that of phenomenal differentiation, being higher for meaningful clips and lower for phase-scrambled versions or random noise. The distinction between meaningful and meaningless clips was present even at the individual level, and moreover, differentiation values correlated with individual subjective reports of meaningfulness. Spatial and spectral breakdowns of the overall effect showed frontal and posterior ROIs and highlighted specific roles for different spectral bands. Comparing the results with a multivariate decoding approach reveals that the two methods are capturing different aspects of brain activity and highlights a crucial theoretical distinction between the level and pattern of activity. In future applications, differentiation analysis may be used to evaluate the subjective meaningfulness of stimuli when behavioral responses may be inadequate, as with disorders of consciousness.
We are the world (but only at the end of the world): Race, disaster, and the Anthropocene
Authors: Joo Hee-Jung S
Published: May 2018

This essay explores the racial politics of a select group of contemporary disaster film and fiction to reveal the relationship between race and futurity that also undergirds discussions of the Anthropocene. I provide a comparative close reading of the disasters in Roland Emmerich’s The Day After Tomorrow and 2012, Behn Zeitlin’s Beasts of the Southern Wild, and Karen Tei Yamashita’s Through the Arc of the Rain Forest. I argue that the cultural anxieties that structure these texts are expressions of the racial logic rooted in universalist concerns for the future of humanity, the very concern of the Anthropocene. Arguing against inclusion as the means of achieving equality and toward a new materialist understanding of race, my paper illuminates not only the racial assumptions of the Anthropocene but also, and perhaps more importantly, its racial consequences.
Compression with 23 mmHg or 35 mmHg stockings after saphenous catheter foam sclerotherapy and phlebectomy of varicose veins: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Cavezzi Attilio , Mosti Giovanni , Colucci Roberto , Quinzi Valentina , Bastiani Luca , Urso Simone U
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To compare two different medical compression stockings after varicose vein treatment.

Patients and methods

A randomized single-blind controlled study on two compression regimes after saphenous catheter foam sclerotherapy + phlebectomy was performed. After pads and 5 mmHg contention sock, 23 mmHg (group A, Struva 23®) or 35 mmHg (group B, Struva 35®) medical compression stocking was applied 24 h/day for seven days; subsequently 21–23 mmHg medical compression stocking in daytime. Symptoms, compliance, skin findings, and bioimpedance spectroscopy parameters were assessed.

Results

A total of 94 patients (48 and 49 limbs in groups A and B, respectively) were enrolled. Three (T3) and seven (T7) days post-operatively, most symptoms were significantly milder in group B, especially pain and heaviness at T7 and at day 40 (T40). Ambulation, medical compression stocking stability/tolerability and skin healing were significantly better in group B, with p = 0.046, 0.021/0.060, and 0.010, respectively, at T7. Bioimpedance parameters increased at T7 and decreased at T40 in both groups; leg reactance and limb L-Dex improved in group B at T7 and T40, respectively (p = 0.039 and 0.012).

Conclusions

Compression with 23 and 35 mmHg medical compression stocking after catheter foam sclerotherapy + phlebectomy was effective and well tolerated at immediate/short term. Compression with 35 mmHg medical compression stocking provided less adverse post-operative symptoms and better tissue healing. Bioimpedance results confirmed a slightly better edema improvement with 35 mmHg medical compression stocking.
Evaluation of anterior intermeniscal ligament in discoid lateral meniscus cases and presenting the accompanying meniscal pathologies with MRI
Authors: Koç Ali , Tokmak Turgut Tursem , Karabıyık Özgür , Türk Gamze
Published: May 2018

Background

Although several studies were conducted to put forth the biomechanical function of anterior intermeniscal ligament (AIML) on the stability of meniscal structures, there are few data on the etiology of the early degeneration of discoid type compared to the normal shaped ones.

Purpose

To determine the AIML subtypes and accompanying meniscal pathologies in discoid lateral menisci (DLM) on knee MRI exams.

Material and Methods

Knee MRI exams of 171 individuals with DLM were reviewed. DLMs and AIMLs were typed according to Watanabe’s classification and Nelson-Laprade classification, respectively. Medial and lateral menisci were evaluated for tear and menisco-capsular pathology. Pearson’s correlation test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

DLM was type I in 83 (48.5%) individuals and type II in 88 (51.5%) individuals. AIML was absent in 90 (52.6%) participants; type I AIML was seen in 38 out 81 (22.2%), type II in 31 out of 81(18.1%), and type III in 12 out of 81 (7%). Meniscal pathology was observed in 56 (32.7%) individuals as follows: menisco-capsular strain/separation in 25 (14.6%); medial meniscal tear in 22 (12.8%); and lateral meniscal tear in nine (5.2%); Of these 56 cases, 26 (46%) had no AIML, 15 cases (27%) had type I, nine cases (16%) had type II, and six cases (11%) had type III AIML.

Conclusion

No statistically significant correlation was found between the type of DLM and type of AIML ( P = 0.855), between the type of DLM and meniscal pathology ( P = 0.791), or between the type of AIML and meniscal pathology ( P = 0.282).
Detection of loco-regional recurrence in malignant head and neck tumors: a comparison of CT, MRI, and FDG PET-CT
Authors: Kim Eun Soo , Yoon Dae Young , Moon Ji Yoon , Baek Sora , Han You Mie , Seo Young Lan , Yun Eun Joo
Published: May 2018

Background

The early and accurate detection of local or regional recurrence of head and neck tumor is critically important.

Purpose

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)-CT, alone and in combination, in detecting the locoregional recurrence of malignant head and neck tumor.

Material and Methods

A total of 93 patients with loco-regional recurrence of malignant head and neck tumors underwent CT, MRI, and PET-CT within 30 days before surgery. CT, MRI, and PET-CT for each patient were retrospectively reviewed to determine the presence of recurrent tumors in the primary site on a patient-by-patient basis and that of regional lymph nodes on a level-by-level basis. The diagnostic accuracy of CT, MRI, and PET-CT, alone and combined, were accessed with the postoperative histopathological findings or with 12-month follow-up results as the standard of reference.

Results

The sensitivity/specificity/and accuracy of CT, MRI, and PET-CT for the detection of primary site recurrence was 89.9/85.7/89.3%, 94.9/85.7/93.6%, and 97.5/92.9/96.8%, respectively. The sensitivity/specificity/accuracy of CT, MRI, and PET-CT for the detection of nodal recurrence was 66.3/99.4/92.4%, 74.7/99.4/94.2%, and 85.5/94.9/93.0%, respectively. MRI + PET-CT achieved the best performance in the receiver operating characteristics curve analysis (Az value = 0.958 for primary site recurrence and 0.929 for nodal recurrence).

Conclusion

MRI + PET-CT offered the highest diagnostic performance in the detection of loco-regional recurrence of malignant head and neck tumor, compared with CT, MRI, PET-CT, and other combinations including CT.
The Euler–Bernoulli beam on a tensionless Winkler foundation: A simple problem of receding contact
Authors: Stephen NG , Ch’ng SY
Published: May 2018

A steel ruler supported by a flexible foam foundation, modelled as an Euler–Bernoulli beam on a Winkler foundation, exhibits receding contact when subjected to a point load. The system is analysed using simple beam theory and Laplace transformation – both of which are typically covered in the first two years of a UK Mechanical Engineering undergraduate programme. The design of a simple experiment is described.
Multisensory stimulation to promote upper extremity motor recovery in stroke: A pilot study
Authors: Law Lawla LF , Fong Kenneth NK , Li Ray KF
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Occupational therapists have been using various preparatory methods as part of the treatment sessions to prepare clients for occupational performance and participation in occupation. Studies have shown sensory stimulation both activates brain areas inducing cortical reorganization and modulates motor cortical excitability for the stimulated afferents, hence re-establishing the disrupted sensorimotor loop due to stroke. This pilot investigates the potential effects of using multisensory stimulation as a preparatory method prior to conventional training (CT) on upper-extremity motor recovery and self-care function in stroke patients.

Method

This was a quasi-randomized controlled pilot. Twelve participants (age in years = 67.17 + /−11.29) with upper extremity motor deficits were randomly allocated to multisensory therapy (n = 6) or conventional (n = 6) groups for 12-week training. Assessments were conducted at baseline and post-intervention using Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery after Stroke (FMA), Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), Functional Test for the Hemiplegic Upper Extremity (Hong Kong version FTHUE-HK) and Modified Barthel Index (MBI).

Results

Significant between-group differences were shown in FMA ( p = 0.003), FTHUE-HK ( p = 0.028) and MMT ( p = 0.034).

Conclusion

Multisensory stimulation could be used as a preparatory method prior to CT in improving upper extremity motor recovery in stroke rehabilitation. Further well-designed larger scale studies are needed to validate the potential benefits of this application.
Technology use to improve everyday occupations in older persons with mild dementia or mild cognitive impairment: A scoping review
Authors: Patomella Ann-Helen , Lovarini Meryl , Lindqvist Eva , Kottorp Anders , Nygård Louise
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Technology use is a highly relevant part of everyday occupations and difficulties can lead to challenges among older adults with cognitive impairments. The aim of this study was to review empirical studies reporting on the use of technology for improving performance in everyday occupations and evaluate the effect of training strategies in technology use in older people with mild-stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment.

Method

A scoping review methodology was used. Key databases were searched, covering January 2000 to October 2016, to identify studies, which were screened and assessed for inclusion.

Results

In total, 14 studies were included. Most studies used quantitative designs with small sample sizes. The methods used to measure performance in everyday occupations differed. Six studies focussed on the use of technology for improving performance. Eight studies evaluated the effect of training strategies in technology use.

Conclusion

Although positive effects of technology use and training in technology use have been reported for instrumental activities of daily living outcomes, the evidence supporting the use of technology in enhancing performance in occupations in people with mild-stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment is limited. Future studies should focus specifically on people with mild cognitive impairment, use more rigorous designs and include standardised methods.
Ethical brokerage and self-fashioning in Italian immigration bureaucracy
Authors: Tuckett Anna
Published: May 2018

In increasingly bureaucratised immigration regimes, experts who can assist migrants in their navigation of immigration law are in high demand. This article examines the role of community brokers – migrants who are self-styled immigration advisers – within the Italian immigration regime. Contributing to recent anthropological work which challenges the common characterisation of brokers as immoral or amoral, I show how becoming a migration broker is rooted in ethical projects of self-betterment that enable migrants to challenge their legally and economically marginalised position in Italian society.
Rare primary headaches in Italian tertiary Headache Centres: Three year nationwide retrospective data from the RegistRare Network
Authors: Lupi Chiara , Evangelista Luana , Favoni Valentina , Granato Antonio , Negro Andrea , Pellesi Lanfranco , Ornello Raffaele , Russo Antonio , Cevoli Sabina , Guerzoni Simona , Benemei Silvia
Published: May 2018

Background

Rare primary headaches are mainly included in Chapters 3, Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, and 4, Other primary headache disorders, Part One of the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition. Epidemiological data are scarce, mostly emerging from case series or small studies, with the exception of cluster headache. In order to overcome the knowledge gap about rare primary headaches, the RegistRare Network was launched in 2017 to promote research in the field.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study including patients who, from April 30, 2014 to May 1, 2017, visited seven Italian tertiary Headache Centres, was undertaken to estimate in that clinical setting prevalence and incidence of headaches included in Chapters 3 and 4, Part One of the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition. Prevalent headache is defined as a headache recorded within the study timeframe, regardless of when the diagnosis was made. Incident headache is defined as a headache diagnosed for the first time in the patient during the study period.

Results

Twenty thousand and eighty-three patients visited the participating centres, and 822 (4.1%) prevalent cases, of which 461 (2.3%) were incident cases, were registered. Headaches listed in Chapter 3 affected 668 patients, representing 81.3% of the total number of prevalent cases. Headaches listed in Chapter 4 affected 154 patients and represent 18.7% of the total number of prevalent cases. Cluster headaches represent the most frequently diagnosed rare headaches (70.4%). For 13 entities out of 20, no cases were registered in more than 50% (n ≥ 4) of the centres, and for 14 entities more than 50% of diagnoses were incident.

Conclusions

This large, multicentre study gives the first wide-ranging snapshot of the burden in clinical practice of rare headaches and confirms that cooperative networks are necessary to study rare headaches, as their prevalence is often very low. The launch of a disease registry by the RegistRare Network will favour research in this neglected population of headache patients.

Trial registration

NCT03416114.
Getting Hit by Pitch in Professional Baseball: Analysis of Injury Patterns, Risk Factors, Concussions, and Days Missed for Batters
Authors: Camp Christopher L. , Wang Dean , Sinatro Alec S. , D’Angelo John , Coleman Struan H. , Dines Joshua S. , Fealy Stephen , Conte Stan
Published: May 2018

Background:

Although batters are frequently hit by pitch (HBP) in baseball, the effect of HBP injuries remains undefined in the literature.

Purpose:

To determine the effect of HBP injuries in terms of time out of play, injury patterns resulting in the greatest time out of play, and the value of protective gear such as helmets and elbow pads.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Based on the Major League Baseball (MLB) Health and Injury Tracking System, all injuries to batters HBP during the 2011-2015 MLB and Minor League Baseball (MiLB) seasons were identified and analyzed. Video analysis was performed on all HBP events from the 2015 MLB season. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis was utilized to determine the predictive capacity of multiple variables (velocity, pitch type, location, etc) on injury status and severity.

Results:

A total of 2920 HBP injuries resulted in 24,624 days missed (DM) over the 5 seasons. MLB HBP injuries occurred at a rate of 1 per 2554 plate appearances (1 per 9780 pitches thrown). Mean DM per injury were 8.4 (11.7 for MLB vs 8.0 for MiLB, P < .001). Surgery was required for 3.1% of MLB injuries and 1.2% of MiLB injuries ( P = .005). The most common body regions injured were the hand/fingers (n = 638, 21.8%), head/face (n = 497, 17.0%), and elbow (n = 440, 15.7%), and there were 146 (5.0%) concussions. Injury rates and mean DM correlated with velocity in a near linear fashion. Players hit in the head/face (odds ratio, 28.7) or distal upper extremity (odds ratio, 6.4) were more likely to be injured than players HBP in other locations. Players with an unprotected elbow missed 1.7 more days (95% CI, –4.1 to 7.6) than those with an elbow protector ( P = .554) when injured after being HBP.

Conclusion/Clinical Relevance:

Although HBP injuries occur infrequently in the course of normal play, they collectively represent a significant source of time out of play. The most common body regions injured include the hands/fingers and head/face, and batters hit in these locations are significantly more likely to be injured. After contusions, concussions were the most common injury diagnosis.
Medical Cannabis for Pediatric Moderate to Severe Complex Motor Disorders
Authors: Libzon Stephanie , Schleider Lihi Bar-Lev , Saban Naama , Levit Luda , Tamari Yulia , Linder Ilan , Lerman-Sagie Tally , Blumkin Lubov
Published: May 2018

A complex motor disorder is a combination of various types of abnormal movements that are associated with impaired quality of life (QOL). Current therapeutic options are limited. We studied the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of medical cannabis in children with complex motor disorder. This pilot study was approved by the institutional ethics committee. Two products of cannabidiol (CBD) enriched 5% oil formulation of cannabis were compared: one with 0.25% δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) 20:1 group, the other with 0.83% THC 6:1 group. Patients aged 1 to 17 years (n = 25) with complex motor disorder were enrolled. The assigned medication was administered for 5 months. Significant improvement in spasticity and dystonia, sleep difficulties, pain severity, and QOL was observed in the total study cohort, regardless of treatment assignment. Adverse effects were rare and included worsening of seizures in 2 patients, behavioral changes in 2 and somnolence in 1.
Animal-Assisted Therapy in Elderly Patients: Evidence and Controversies in Dementia and Psychiatric Disorders and Future Perspectives in Other Neurological Diseases
Authors: Peluso Silvio , De Rosa Anna , De Lucia Natascia , Antenora Antonella , Illario Maddalena , Esposito Marcello , De Michele Giuseppe
Published: May 2018

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) includes a set of nonpharmacological interventions aimed at improving human health through the use of trained or untrained animals. In recent decades, AAT has been trialed for different neurological and psychiatric disorders. In patients with dementia, interaction with animals seems to have a positive influence on aggressiveness and anxiety and to ameliorate quality of life and relationship skills. In psychiatric patients, AAT seems to increase motivation and self-esteem, improve prosocial conduct, and decrease behavioral problems. The aim of this study is to review the literature on AAT for elderly people with dementia and psychiatric disorders. Other fields of possible application for AAT are suggested.
From entitled citizens to nudged consumers? Re-examining the hallmarks of health citizenship in the light of the behavioural turn
Authors: Ewert Benjamin
Published: May 2018

Behavioural Public Policy seeks to produce behavioural change by altering people’s choice architecture. As exemplified in the field of health, this behavioural turn in public policy comes at a cost since policymakers (‘nudgers’) tend to disregard the historical policy legacies and policy rationales that have shaped the notion of health citizenship. Behavioural interventions challenge the traditional hallmarks of health citizenship, such as trust in providers and professionals, lifestyle as a matter of individual choice, and healthcare provision and voice within healthcare governance arrangements. As demonstrated in the areas of health promotion, health insurance provision and the doctor–patient relationship, nudge tactics make state–citizen relations more patchy and inconsistent. This calls for a behaviourally informed citizenship model, which accommodates human flaws and the inevitability of systematic exploitation, offers a way to explore new forms of protecting individuals from coerced behavioural change strategies, and helps to maintain the collective engagement of citizens in the process of public policymaking.