bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance indicators and prescribing antimicrobials
Authors: Fawcett Anne , Gottlieb Thomas
Published: August 2017

T‐HIS series gives readers the opportunity to consider and contribute to discussion of some of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in veterinary practice. Each month, a case scenario is presented, followed by discussion of some of the issues involved. In addition, a possible way forward is suggested; however, there is rarely a cut‐and‐dried answer in such cases, and readers may wish to suggest an alternative approach. This month's dilemma, ‘Performance indicators and prescribing antimicrobials’, was submitted and is discussed by Anne Fawcett and Thomas Gottlieb. Readers with comments to contribute are invited to send them as soon as possible, so that they can be considered for publication in the next issue. The series is being coordinated by Steven McCulloch, a practising vet with a PhD in the ethics of veterinary policy. It aims to provide a framework that will help practitioners find solutions when facing similar dilemmas.
Medical support to military airborne training and operations
Authors: Starkey Kerry J , Lyon J , Sigman E , Pynn H J , Nordmann G
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Airborne operations enable large numbers of military forces to deploy on the ground in the shortest possible time. This however must be balanced by an increased risk of injury. The aim of this paper is to review the current UK military drop zone medical estimate process, which may help to predict the risk of potential injury and assist in planning appropriate levels of medical support.

Method

In spring 2015, a British Airborne Battlegroup (UKBG) deployed on a 7-week overseas interoperability training exercise in the USA with their American counterparts (USBG). This culminated in a 7-day Combined Joint Operations Access Exercise, which began with an airborne Joint Forcible Entry (JFE) of approximately 2100 paratroopers.

The predicted number of jump-related injuries was estimated using Parachute Order Number 8 (PO No 8). Such injuries were defined as injuries occurring from the time the paratrooper exited the aircraft until they released their parachute harness on the ground.

Results

Overall, a total of 53 (2.5%) casualties occurred in the JFE phase of the exercise, lower than the predicted number of 168 (8%) using the PO No 8 tool. There was a higher incidence of back (30% actual vs 20% estimated) and head injuries (21% actual vs 5% estimated) than predicted with PO No 8.

Conclusion

The current method for predicting the incidence of medical injuries after a parachute drop using the PO No 8 tool is potentially not accurate enough for current requirements. Further research into injury rate, influencing factors and injury type are urgently required in order to provide an evidence base to ensure optimal medical logistical and clinical planning for airborne training and operations in the future.
Lower-bound analytical solution for bearing capacity factor using modified Hoek–Brown failure criterion
Authors: Yang Xiao-Li
Published: August 2017

The bearing capacity factor Nσ of a strip footing resting on homogenous rock masses is investigated by a lower-bound approach with the modified Hoek–Brown failure criterion. Three types of admissible stress fields — three stress legs, nine stress legs, and infinite stress legs — are used to calculate the bearing capacity factor. The new analytical expressions are derived, and the results are compared with existing solutions. Agreement shows that the new analytical expressions are effective for evaluating the bearing capacity factor. The influences of parameters in the modified Hoek–Brown failure criterion on the bearing capacity are discussed. Design tables are presented for practical use in engineering.
Gondwana Large Igneous Provinces: plate reconstructions, volcanic basins and sill volumes
Authors: Svensen H. H. , Torsvik T. H. , Callegaro S. , Augland L. , Heimdal T. H. , Jerram D. A. , Planke S. , Pereira E.
Published: August 2017

Gondwana was an enormous supertarrane. At its peak, it represented a landmass of about 100 × 10
6
km
2
in size, corresponding to approximately 64% of all land areas today. Gondwana assembled in the Middle Cambrian, merged with Laurussia to form Pangea in the Carboniferous, and finally disintegrated with the separation of East and West Gondwana at about 170 Ma, and the separation of Africa and South America around 130 Ma. Here we have updated plate reconstructions from Gondwana history, with a special emphasis on the interactions between the continental crust of Gondwana and the mantle plumes resulting in Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs) at its surface. Moreover, we present an overview of the subvolcanic parts of the Gondwana LIPs (Kalkarindji, Central Atlantic Magmatic Province, Karoo and the Paraná–Etendeka) aimed at summarizing our current understanding of timings, scale and impact of these provinces. The Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) reveals a conservative volume estimate of 700 000 km
3
of subvolcanic intrusions, emplaced in the Brazilian sedimentary basins (58–66% of the total CAMP sill volume). The detailed evolution and melt-flux estimates for the CAMP and Gondwana-related LIPs are, however, poorly constrained, as they are not yet sufficiently explored with high-precision U–Pb geochronology.
Macro-Micro Failure Mechanisms and Damage Modeling of a Bolted Rock Joint
Authors: Wang Gang , Zhang Yongzheng , Jiang Yujing , Wang Shugang , Jing Wenjun
Published: August 2017

The anchoring mechanism of a bolted joint subjected to a shear load was investigated using a bilinear constitutive model via the inner-embedded FISH language of particle flow code based on the discrete element method. The influences of the anchoring system on the macro-/micromechanical response were studied by varying the inclination angle of the bolt. The results indicate a clear relationship between the mechanical response of a bolted rock joint and the mechanical properties of the anchoring angle. By optimizing the anchorage angle, the peak strength can be increased by nearly 50% relative to that at an anchorage angle of 90°. The optimal anchorage angle ranges from 45° to 75°. The damage mechanism at the optimal anchorage angle joint is revealed from a macroscopic mechanical perspective. The concentration of the contact force between disks will appear in the joint and around the bolt, resulting in crack initiation. These cracks are mainly tensile cracks, which are consistent with the formation mechanism for compression-induced tensile cracks. Therefore, the macroscopic peak shear stress in the joint and the microscopic damage to the anchoring system should be considered when determining the optimal anchoring angle to reinforce a jointed rock mass.
Analysis of a Heroin Epidemic Model with Saturated Treatment Function
Authors: Wangari Isaac Mwangi , Stone Lewi
Published: August 2017

A mathematical model is developed that examines how heroin addiction spreads in society. The model is formulated to take into account the treatment of heroin users by incorporating a realistic functional form that “saturates” representing the limited availability of treatment. Bifurcation analysis reveals that the model has an intrinsic backward bifurcation whenever the saturation parameter is larger than a fixed threshold. We are particularly interested in studying the model’s global stability. In the absence of backward bifurcations, Lyapunov functions can often be found and used to prove global stability. However, in the presence of backward bifurcations, such Lyapunov functions may not exist or may be difficult to construct. We make use of the geometric approach to global stability to derive a condition that ensures that the system is globally asymptotically stable. Numerical simulations are also presented to give a more complete representation of the model dynamics. Sensitivity analysis performed by Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) suggests that the effective contact rate in the population, the relapse rate of heroin users undergoing treatment, and the extent of saturation of heroin users are mechanisms fuelling heroin epidemic proliferation.
An Advanced Encryption Standard Powered Mutual Authentication Protocol Based on Elliptic Curve Cryptography for RFID, Proven on WISP
Authors: Ibrahim Alaauldin , Dalkılıç Gökhan
Published: August 2017

Information in patients’ medical histories is subject to various security and privacy concerns. Meanwhile, any modification or error in a patient’s medical data may cause serious or even fatal harm. To protect and transfer this valuable and sensitive information in a secure manner, radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology has been widely adopted in healthcare systems and is being deployed in many hospitals. In this paper, we propose a mutual authentication protocol for RFID tags based on elliptic curve cryptography and advanced encryption standard. Unlike existing authentication protocols, which only send the tag ID securely, the proposed protocol could also send the valuable data stored in the tag in an encrypted pattern. The proposed protocol is not simply a theoretical construct; it has been coded and tested on an experimental RFID tag. The proposed scheme achieves mutual authentication in just two steps and satisfies all the essential security requirements of RFID-based healthcare systems.
Necrotizing Fasciitis Secondary to Aeromonas Infection Presenting with Septic Shock
Authors: Bhatia Nikhil , Castro-Borobio Manuel , Greene John N. , Nanjappa Sowmya
Published: August 2017

This report describes a case of necrotizing fasciitis presenting with septic shock due to an Aeromonas infection. The patient cut his foot while mowing the lawn and then spent time in a pool with black mold. He began feeling ill and developed swelling and a quarter-sized black area on his right lower extremity. Despite being hemodynamically unstable with systolic blood pressure in the low 70s, the patient was transferred to our facility from outside hospital 100 miles away. Upon arriving to facility, the patient appeared to be septic and the infected area of skin had grown. Irrigation and debridement were performed and appropriate antibiotic therapy was given; however, the patient subsequently died on hospital day 8. On review of the literature, cases of necrotizing fasciitis due to Aeromonas infection have been treated successfully with the aforementioned therapy; however, there is high mortality associated with these infections, many times related to a delayed diagnosis. Our patient also had multiple poor prognostic factors including hepatic dysfunction and immunosuppression.
Relationship between Subclinical Thyroid Dysfunction and the Risk of Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Sun Jing , Yao Liang , Fang Yuan , Yang Ruifei , Chen Yaolong , Yang Kehu , Tian Limin
Published: August 2017

Background. Evidence on the association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and the risk of cardiovascular outcomes are conflicting. Methods and Results. PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and China Biology Medicine (CBM) databases were searched from inception to July 10, 2016. A total of 16 studies were included for meta-analysis. We found that subclinical hypothyroidism was not correlated with coronary heart disease (CHD) (RR = 1.17; 95% CI, 0.91–1.52), total mortality (RR = 1.02; 95% CI, 0.93–1.13), cardiovascular mortality (RR = 1.06; 95% CI, 0.77–1.45), heart failure (RR = 1.17; 95% CI, 0.87–1.57), and atrial fibrillation (RR = 1.05; 95% CI, 0.91–1.21), except CHD mortality (RR = 1.37; 95% CI, 1.03–1.84). Subgroup analysis indicated a higher estimation risk in CHD (RR = 1.54; 95% CI, 1.00–2.39), cardiovascular mortality (RR = 2.14; 95% CI, 1.43–3.22), and CHD mortality (RR = 1.54; 95% CI, 1.11–2.15) among participants < 65 years. Furthermore, subclinical hyperthyroidism was found to be associated with CHD (RR = 1.20; 95% CI, 1.02–1.42), total mortality (RR = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.07–1.51), and CHD mortality (RR = 1.45; 95% CI, 1.12–1.86). Conclusions. Subclinical hypothyroidism is likely associated with an increased risk of CHD mortality, and subclinical hyperthyroidism is likely associated with increased risk of CHD, CHD mortality, and total mortality.
Baseline Antibody Titre against Salmonella enterica in Healthy Population of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Patki Rucha , Lilani Sunil , Lanjewar Dhaneshwar
Published: August 2017

Objective. The aim of this study was to establish a baseline titre for the population of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Method. Four hundred healthy blood donors, attending blood donation camps, were screened using a survey questionnaire. Widal tube agglutination test was performed on the diluted sera (with 0.9% normal saline) of blood donors, with final dilution ranging from 1 : 40 to 1 : 320. Results. Out of 400 individuals providing samples, 78 (19.5%) individuals showed antibody titres ≥ 1 : 40 for at least one antigen and 322 (80.5%) showed no agglutination. The baseline antibody titres against O antigen and H antigen of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi were found to be 1 : 40 and 1 : 80, respectively. Similarly, the baseline antibody titres for the H antigen of Salmonella enterica serotypes Paratyphi A and Paratyphi B were found to be 1 : 40 and 1 : 80, respectively. Conclusion. Thus, it was noted that the diagnostically significant cutoff of antibody titre from acute phase sample was ≥ 1 : 80 for S. Typhi O antigen and titre of ≥ 1 : 160 for both S. Typhi H antigen and S. Paratyphi BH antigen. Antibody titre of ≥ 1 : 80 can be considered significant for S. Paratyphi AH antigen.
Association of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Gene Polymorphisms and Methylene Tetrahydrofolate Reductase Polymorphisms with Spontaneous Miscarriages
Authors: Bubalo Petra , Buterin Iva , Šalek Zrinko , Ðogić Vesna , Zupančić-Šalek Silva
Published: August 2017

Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate a possible correlation between the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms and unexplained spontaneous miscarriages (SM). Materials and Methods: PAI-1 polymorphisms were evaluated in 150 women with pregnancy in their history. One hundred women with a history of SM formed the study group and 50 women with normal pregnancies served as the control group. Also, the combination of PAI-1 and MTHFR polymorphisms were evaluated in 138 women out of a total of 150, which included 92 women with SM in their history compared to 46 women in the control group. For statistical analysis, χ2 test, Phi, and Cramer V tests were used; p < 0.05 was taken as a statistically significant result. Results: Our findings show: (a) the correlation between SM and PAI-1 mutations reaches statistical significance (p = 0.026); (b) there was a statistically significant difference between heterozygous PAI-1 in women with only 1 SM compared to the control group (p = 0.047); (c) the comparison of combinations of both mutations, PAI-1 and MTHFR, with the control group demonstrates statistical significance in favor of women with SM and both mutations (p = 0.022). Conclusion: PAI-1 and MTHFR polymorphisms may play an important role in pregnancy complications because heterozygous PAI-1 mutations and a combination of both PAI-1 and MTHFR mutations might contribute to SM.
Minimal Gap Size and Dentin Wall Lesion Development Next to Resin Composite in a Microcosm Biofilm Model
Authors: Maske Tamires T. , Kuper Nicolien K. , Cenci Maximiliano S. , Huysmans Marie-Charlotte D.N.J.M.
Published: August 2017

This in vitro study investigated the development of dentin wall lesions next to resin composite containing very small gap sizes using an in vitro biofilm model, and evaluated whether a relevant threshold for the gap size could be established. Microcosm biofilms were grown for 14 days within small interfacial gaps between dentin-resin composite discs under intermittent cariogenic challenge. The factor under study was gap size: samples were either restored with composite resin without adhesive procedure (no intentional gap; no bonding [NB] group) or with intentional gaps of 30, 60, or 90 µm, or with complete adhesive procedure (no gap; bonding [B] group). Secondary caries wall lesion progression was measured in lesion depth (LD) and mineral loss (ML) using transversal wavelength independent microradiography at 3 locations: outer surface lesion and wall lesions at 200 and 500 µm distance from gap entrance. Results from linear regression analysis showed that the presence of an intentional gap (30, 60, and 90 µm) affected the secondary caries progression at 200 µm from the gap entrance (p ≤ 0.013). The NB group did not show significant wall lesion development (ML and LD, p ≥ 0.529). At 500 µm distance almost no wall caries development was observed. In conclusion, dentin wall lesions developed in minimal gap sizes, and the threshold for secondary wall lesion development was a gap of around 30 µm in this microcosm biofilm model.
Conjunctival Metastasis of a Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Brouwer Niels J. , Marinkovic Marina , Jochems Anouk , Kapiteijn Ellen W. , van Duinen Sjoerd G. , Haeseker Barbara I. , Jager Martine J. , Luyten Gregorius P.M.
Published: August 2017

Purpose: To report a patient who presented with a conjunctival tumour as a first sign of distant metastasis of cutaneous melanoma. The patient was treated successfully with BRAF/MEK-inhibitors and anti-PD-1 antibodies. Methods: Clinical and histopathological examination of the conjunctival lesion. Results: A 74-year-old man was referred to our hospital with a pigmented conjunctival tumour, 5 months after having been diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma on his right scapula with loco-regional axillary lymph node metastases. The conjunctival lesion was excised and showed a BRAF V600E mutation. Histopathology showed a melanoma with characteristics suspicious for metastasis, as the lesion did not have a relation with the overlying epithelium. Systemic screening showed multiple distant metastases of the cutaneous melanoma in spleen, liver, and bone. Systemic treatment with the combination of a BRAF-inhibitor (dabrafenib) and MEK-inhibitor (trametinib) was started and followed by a switch to an anti-PD-1 antibody (pembrolizumab). Twenty-two months later, the patient is alive and in good clinical health. Conclusion: Conjunctival metastases of cutaneous melanoma may mimic primary conjunctival melanoma. A good medical history and systemic work-up are required to differentiate these diseases. Identification of the proper diagnosis including mutation analysis is crucial, allowing patients to benefit from newly introduced treatment strategies for metastatic cutaneous melanoma.
Clinical Metabolomics and Glaucoma
Authors: Barbosa-Breda João , Himmelreich Uwe , Ghesquière Bart , Rocha-Sousa Amândio , Stalmans Ingeborg
Published: August 2017

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. However, there are no biomarkers that accurately help clinicians perform an early diagnosis or detect patients with a high risk of progression. Metabolomics is the study of all metabolites in an organism, and it has the potential to provide a biomarker. This review summarizes the findings of metabolomics in glaucoma patients and explains why this field is promising for new research. We identified published studies that focused on metabolomics and ophthalmology. After providing an overview of metabolomics in ophthalmology, we focused on human glaucoma studies. Five studies have been conducted in glaucoma patients and all compared patients to healthy controls. Using mass spectrometry, significant differences were found in blood plasma in the metabolic pathways that involve palmitoylcarnitine, sphingolipids, vitamin D-related compounds, and steroid precursors. For nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, a high glutamine-glutamate/creatine ratio was found in the vitreous and lateral geniculate body; no differences were detected in the optic radiations, and a lower N-acetylaspartate/choline ratio was observed in the geniculocalcarine and striate areas. Metabolomics can move glaucoma care towards a personalized approach and provide new knowledge concerning the pathophysiology of glaucoma, which can lead to new therapeutic options.
Unilateral Upper Lung Field Pulmonary Fibrosis Radiologically Consistent with Pleuroparenchymal Fibroelastosis after Thoracotomy: A New Disease Entity Related to Thoracotomy
Authors: Sekine Akimasa , Satoh Hiroaki , Iwasawa Tae , Matsui Kentaro , Ikeya Eriko , Ikeda Satoshi , Yamakawa Hideaki , Okuda Ryo , Kitamura Hideya , Shinohara Takeshi , Baba Tomohisa , Komatsu Shigeru , Kato Terufumi , Hagiwara Eri , Ogura Takashi
Published: August 2017

Background: Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is a rare bilateral idiopathic interstitial pneumonia defined by pleural-parenchymal involvement. In clinical practice, we encountered patients with upper lung field pulmonary fibrosis (Upper-PF), which was radiologically consistent with PPFE, but apparently limited to the unilateral lung. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to clarify the clinical characteristics in those patients. Methods: We examined the medical records of all the consecutive patients from 2012 to 2016 to see whether there were patients having unilateral Upper-PF. Results: We found 6 patients with unilateral Upper-PF. The most common symptom was dyspnea, and all patients had a low body mass index and severe restrictive pulmonary impairment. Notably, all patients had a history of thoracotomy for resecting lung or esophageal cancer, and the lesions were limited to the operated side. Dynamic breathing chest MRI showed an impaired thoracic movement in the operated side. Serial chest CT from prethoracotomy to the first visit was obtained in 5 patients: before thoracotomy, only a slight apical cap, defined as a wedge- and triangle-shaped opacity with broad pleural contact, was observed only in the operated side, but progressed into the lesion after a median of 8.4 years following thoracotomy. After the first visit, the unilateral lesion rapidly deteriorated in all patients. Conclusions: Unilateral Upper-PF had some characteristics in common with PPFE. Because the lesion was limited to the operated side, unilateral Upper-PF would be a new disease entity related to thoracotomy. Our results indicate that thoracotomy impairs thoracic movement in the operated side and subsequently triggers unilateral Upper-PF development, especially in patients with an apical cap.
The First Argentinian Family with Familial Amyloidosis of the Finnish Type
Authors: Lucero Saá Francisco , Cremona Federico Andrés , Mínguez Natalia Ximena , Igarzabal María Laura , Chiaradía Pablo
Published: August 2017

Familial amyloidosis of the Finnish type or Meretoja syndrome is a rare autosomic dominant inherited systemic condition. It was first described by Meretoja in Finland in 1969. It is a disease produced by a single mutation in the gene coding for gelsolin, which generates an abnormal protein that cumulates in tissues and leads to various signs. Obtaining an early diagnosis can be challenging, as the first manifestations of the disease are ophthalmological and may only be seen with slit-lamp biomicroscopy. We present the first 3 cases diagnosed in Argentina, confirmed by genetic molecular testing.
TUBB2B Mutation in an Adult Patient with Myoclonus-Dystonia
Authors: Geiger Joshua T. , Schindler Alice B. , Blauwendraat Cornelis , Singer Harvey S. , Scholz Sonja W.
Published: August 2017

Background: Tubulin mutations are a cause of neuronal migrational disorders referred to as tubulinopathies. Mutations in tubulin genes can have a severe impact on microtubule function and result in heterogeneous clinical presentations. Current understanding of the clinical spectrum of tubulinopathies is predominantly based on research in fetal tissue and early-childhood cases. Methods: Testing of candidate genes followed by whole-exome sequencing was performed in an adult woman with a neurodevelopmental, hyperkinetic movement disorder, to identify the underlying genetic cause. Bioinformatic modeling and a systematic review of literature was conducted to investigate genotype-phenotype correlations. Results: The patient was found to carry a heterozygous, de novo c.722G>A, p.R241H mutation in a conserved domain of TUBB2B, encoding the β-isoform of tubulin. In silico analysis indicated that this mutation was pathogenic. On neuroimaging, the patient had asymmetric pachygyria and dysmorphic basal ganglia. Her neurological examination demonstrated mild cognitive impairment, myoclonus-dystonia, and skeletal anomalies. Conclusions: Here, we report the unique phenotype of an adult TUBB2B mutation carrier. This case illustrates a relatively mild phenotype compared to previously described fetal and early childhood cases. This highlights the importance of obtaining molecular genetic testing in individuals with a high probability of a genetic disease, including undiagnosed adult patients.
Memória e esquecimento nos cantos de trabalho da Quixabeira
Authors: Santana Sandro Luiz Cardoso
Published: August 2017

O artigo faz uma reflexão a respeito dos cantos de trabalho na região da Quixabeira1 a partir dos conceitos de memória e esquecimento. Num primeiro momento, apresento uma análise dialógica a respeito dos conceitos supracitados a partir das ideias de Paul Zumthor, numa encruzilhada multidisciplinar com pensadores como Bergson, Bosi,Canclini,Halbwachs e Hall. Em seguida, faço uma breve apresentação da região da Quixabeira e da tradição dos cantos de trabalho neste território, para, então, fazer uma análise dos bois de roça e roubado, das batas de milho e de feijão e das cantigas de roda. O objetivo é compreender como uma das mais importantes manifestações culturais da região tornou-se um elemento espectral, não só pela perda da sua funcionalidade, mas também pelos signos de atraso e pobreza que a ela estão associados.
Internet e a dinamização da esfera pública em Cuba
Authors: Padilla Herrera Alexei
Published: August 2017

Este artigo discute a existência de esferas públicas em países socialistas pós ‑totalitários. Conscientes das limitações do modelo ideal normativo proposto por Jünger Habermas para a análise do cotidiano em países que não se vinculam ao modelo liberal democrático, partimos de um referencial que descreve a estrutura e o funcionamento das esferas públicas nos antigos regimes socialistas da Europa Oriental e da União Soviética. Em seguida, apresentaremos um panorama da evolução da esfera pública em Cuba, desde o triunfo da Revolução (1959) até a atualidade. Explicaremos como o debate propiciado pelo governo cubano e a paulatina socialização do acesso à Internet tem favorecido a proliferação de espaços (físicos e virtuais) contribuem para a visualização da pluralidade política da sociedade cubana contemporânea.
Televisão brasileira: entretenimento do espetáculo ao mito
Authors: Dias Patrícia Ruas
Published: August 2017

Este artigo se propõe a refletir sobre a estruturação das grades de programação dos canais abertos, no Brasil, especialmente sobre a categoria entretenimento, bem como aanalisar o porquê da recorrência deste aspecto, de acordo com as óticas do espetáculo e do mito. A estratégia metodológica que estruturou o trabalho foia revisão teórica. Foi possível compreender que, na televisão, o entretenimento perpassa, de forma signifi‑ cativa, as programações, baseado em um pilar econômico e cultural; além de se utilizar de estratégias características do espetáculo, conformeDebord (1997), para cumprir a missão econômica, e míticas, para realizar o elo social e nortear a vida cotidiana.
Brazilian attitudes towards the use of animals in research
Authors: Souza Ana Paula Oliveira , Molento Carla Forte Maiolino , Bones Vanessa Carli , Quadros Jaqueline , Schuppli Catherine Anne , Weary Daniel Martin
Published: August 2017

Há poucos estudos sobre a opinião de latino-americanos quanto ao uso de animais em pesquisa. Este estudo avaliou o grau de apoio e as motivações de brasileiros em relação a essa questão. Os participantes foram aleatoriamente apresentados a dois cenários, um biomédico e outro ambiental, variando também o número de animais usados. Cada cenário se iniciava com o uso de suínos convencionais e prosseguia com o desenvolvimento e uso de animais geneticamente modificados. Foram analisadas 151 respostas quantitativas e 307 qualitativas. O cenário e o número de animais tiveram pouco efeito no apoio ao uso dos animais, no entanto, a oposição aumentou de 25% para 58% quando o uso de suínos geneticamente modificados foram apresentados no cenário ambiental. O apoio ao uso de animais em pesquisa estava frequentemente condicionado ao grau de bem-estar animal, e o apoio à pesquisa diminuiu com o uso de animais geneticamente modificados, em parte, devido aos riscos associados a essa tecnologia.
Occurrence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in scavenging black vultures (Coragyps atratus) in Brazil
Authors: Gennari Solange Maria , Raso Tania De Freitas , Guida Fernanda Junqueira Vaz , Pena Hilda Fátima Jesus , Soares Herbert Sousa , Dubey Jitender Prakash
Published: August 2017

Este e o primeiro relato de infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em urubus (Coragyps atratus) que são aves carniceiras obrigatórias, encontradas no continente americano. Amostras de soro de 121 urubus, capturados em área urbana da cidade de São Paulo, Brasil, foram testadas quanto a presença de anticorpos anti-T. gondii pelo teste de aglutinação modificada (MAT, ponto de corte de 1:5). Anticorpos foram encontrados em 16 (13,2%) aves com títulos de 1:5 (6 aves), 1:10 (8 aves) e 1:20 (2 aves).
Higher Flow Is Present in Unruptured Arteriovenous Malformations With Silent Intralesional Microhemorrhages
Authors: Chen Xiaolin , Cooke Daniel L. , Saloner David , Nelson Jeffrey , Su Hua , Lawton Michael T. , Hess Christopher , Tihan Tarik , Zhao Yuanli , Kim Helen
Published: August 2017

Background and Purpose—

Silent microhemorrhage (hemosiderin) has been observed in resected brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVM) tissue and may represent a subgroup at increased risk for clinical hemorrhage. Previous studies suggest that ruptured bAVMs have faster flow and shorter mean transit time of contrast in blood vessels than unruptured bAVMs. We hypothesized that flow would be faster in unruptured AVMs with hemosiderin compared with those without hemosiderin.

Methods—

We selected unruptured, supratentorial bAVMs >3.5 cc with pathology specimens. Hemodynamic features were evaluated using color-coding angiography, including contrast mean transit time of AVM nidus, time to peak (TTP) of feeding artery (FA) and draining vein (DV), and the ratio (TTP DV/FA). Characteristics of 9 cases with hemosiderin and 16 without hemosiderin were compared using 2-sample
t
tests and Fisher exact tests.

Results—

No difference in FA TTP and DV TTP was observed between groups. However, cases with hemosiderin had significantly shorter mean transit time compared with those without hemosiderin (1.11±0.28 versus 1.64±0.55 seconds;
P
=0.013) and a lower ratio of DV TTP/FA TTP (1.48±0.32 versus 1.94±0.61;
P
=0.045). Presence of venous varix was significantly associated with hemosiderin (
P
=0.003). No other clinical or angioarchitectural factors were associated with hemosiderin.

Conclusions—

Shorter mean transit time through the AVM nidus, lower DV TTP/FA TTP, and the high prevalence of venous varices suggests that high flow is an important feature of unruptured bAVMs with hemosiderin.
The Trouble with Wang Xizhi: Illness and Healing in a Fourth-Century Chinese Correspondence
Authors: Richter Antje , Chace Charles
Published: August 2017

Containing many reports of his own illnesses and attempts at treatment, along with inquiries after the health of correspondents and acquaintances, the letters of Wang Xizhi (303-361) constitute the earliest sizeable corpus of personal health reports in Chinese literature and are thus a valuable source for the study of Chinese epistolary communication and medical history. This article explores the rhetorical strategies of Wang’s medical narratives and the role that writing about illness and healing may have played in the correspondents’ relationships and broader networks. Examining the medical ideas and terminology evident in Wang Xizhi’s letters, the article also seeks to illuminate a section of the multifaceted world of early medieval Chinese healing practices. By allowing us to get closer to the calligrapher’s body, Wang’s illness narratives further help us to heighten our awareness of the circumstances that shape the artistic process. 

Les lettres de Wang Xizhi (303-361) contiennent de nombreuses informations sur ses propres problèmes médicaux et sur ses façons de se traiter, ainsi que des questions adressées aux destinataires quant à leur santé et celle de leurs connaissances communes. Elles constituent ainsi le plus ancien corpus de taille conséquente au sein de la littérature chinoise traitant de l’histoire médicale d’individus ; elles ont donc une valeur importante comme source tant pour l’histoire épistolaire que médicale. Cet article explore les stratégies rhétoriques dans les récits qu’offre Wang au sujet de la santé, ainsi que le rôle que ses écrits sur les maladies et les guérisons ont pu jouer dans ses rapports sociaux avec ses correspondants et au-delà. En examinant les idées et la terminologie médicale exprimées dans les lettres de Wang Xizhi, cet article ambitionne aussi d’éclairer un pan du monde très varié des pratiques de guérison chinoises médiévales. Ses témoignages sur ses maladies, qui nous permettent d’approcher de près le grand calligraphe dans sa corporalité, nous rendent plus attentif aux conditions les plus physiques de sa production artistique.
Spinal Myxopapillary Ependymoma Metastatic to Bilateral Internal Auditory Canals
Authors: Jatana Kris R. , Jacob Abraham , Slone H. Wayne , Ray-Chaudhury Abhik , Welling D. Bradley
Published: August 2017

Objectives

We report a rare case of spinal myxopapillary ependymoma metastatic to both internal auditory canals (IACs) and its implications for diagnosing neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).

Methods

We present a detailed clinical history, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), intraoperative photographs, and histopathologic findings from a patient with bilateral IAC lesions, and review the diagnostic criteria for NF2.

Results

An 11-year-old boy with surgically resected spinal myxopapillary ependymoma, treated with total spine irradiation for recurrence, later showed bilaterally enhancing IAC lesions on T1-weighted MRI with contrast. The diagnosis of NF2 with bilateral vestibular schwannomas was entertained. Close examination of T2-weighted MRI, however, demonstrated the masses to be isointense to cerebrospinal fluid. This finding raised the possibility of other, more unusual IAC lesions. The patient underwent sequential suboccipital craniotomies for tissue diagnosis, and both IAC lesions were found to be myxopapillary ependymomas.

Conclusions

This is the youngest reported patient with metastatic myxopapillary ependymoma. Although vestibular schwannomas account for the majority of contrast-enhancing T1-weighted IAC lesions, other uncommon lesions may present in a similar manner. A T2 fast-spin echo screening MRI would have missed this patient's lesions. Therefore, both T1-weighted MRI with or without contrast and T2-weighted MRI may be necessary to distinguish vestibular schwannoma from other, more unusual IAC lesions.
Outcomes of Otologic Surgeries with Special Interest in Learning Curves of Residents in a Tertiary Referral Setting
Authors: Karatas Erkan , Durucu Cengiz , Bağlam Tekin , Bayazit Yildirim A. , Mumbuç Semih , Kanlikama Muzaffer
Published: August 2017

Objectives

We evaluated outcomes of otologic surgeries with a special interest in learning curves of residents in a tertiary referral setting.

Methods

A retrospective review of the outcomes of 811 otologic operations was performed. The outcomes of faculty staff (group 1), senior residents (fifth year; group 2), and residents (fourth year) under supervision of the faculty staff (group 3) were assessed and compared. The faculty staff were available for consultation if needed and were ready to intervene at any stage for group 2.

Results

There were 397 female patients (48.95%) and 414 male patients (51.04%) from 17 to 71 years of age. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding graft take rate or hearing outcome (p > .05).

Conclusions

The otologic training of residents appears to be successful in Turkey, as the surgical outcomes of residents were comparable to those of faculty staff.
Botulinum Toxin Injection to the Salivary Glands for the Treatment of Sialorrhea with Chronic Aspiration
Authors: Raval Tejas H. , Elliott Clark A.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Chronic aspiration of salivary secretions can cause major pulmonary morbidity in neurologically impaired patients. Many treatments are proposed to address these problems, some with significant side effects. Botulinum toxin type A injection into the salivary glands is known to reduce salivary flow without major complications. Few reports exist regarding the use of this treatment in the prevention of recurrent aspiration pneumonia. We studied the effects of this treatment for patients with recurrent aspiration pneumonia.

Methods

We performed a chart review of 12 patients, ranging in age from 7 months to 37 years, treated with botulinum toxin injections at a single tertiary care institution. A caregiver telephone questionnaire was also administered. The numbers of pulmonary infections and hospitalizations before and after the initiation of treatment were compared.

Results

Nine of 12 patients reported improvement in the numbers of hospitalizations and pulmonary infections following botulinum toxin injections. Reduction in the use of anticholinergic medication and reduced pulmonary toilet requirements were also noted. There were no complications of treatment.

Conclusions

Botulinum toxin injection into the salivary glands can be effective in reducing pulmonary morbidity in many neurologically impaired patients. This relatively simple technique offers an alternative to the use of anticholinergic medication and may obviate the need for more invasive surgical treatment in certain patients.
Using Particle Imaging Velocimetry to Measure Anterior-Posterior Velocity Gradients in the Excised Canine Larynx Model
Authors: Khosla Sid , Murugappan Shanmugam , Lakhamraju Raghavaraju , Gutmark Ephraim
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To quantify the anterior-posterior velocity gradient, we studied the velocity flow fields above the vocal folds in both the midcoronal and midsagittal planes. It was also our purpose to use these fields to deduce the mechanisms that cause the anterior-posterior gradient and to determine whether the vortical structures are highly 3-dimensional.

Methods

Using the particle imaging velocimetry method for 5 excised canine larynges, we obtained phase-averaged velocity fields in the midcoronal and midsagittal planes for 30 phases of phonation. The velocity fields were determined synchronously with the vocal fold motion recorded by high-speed videography.

Results

The results show that immediately above the folds, there is no significant anterior-posterior velocity gradient. However, as the flow travels downstream, the laryngeal jet tends to narrow in width and skew toward the anterior commissure. Vortices are seen at the anterior and posterior edges of the flow.

Conclusions

The downstream narrowing in the midsagittal plane is consistent with and is probably due to a phenomenon known as axis switching. Axis switching also involves vortices in the sagittal and coronal planes bending in the axial plane. This results in highly 3-dimensional, complex vortical structures. However, there is remarkable cyclic repeatability of these vortices during a phonation cycle.
Thanks Coefficient Alpha, We Still Need You!
Authors: Raykov Tenko , Marcoulides George A.
Published: August 2017

This note discusses the merits of coefficient alpha and their conditions in light of recent critical publications that miss out on significant research findings over the past several decades. That earlier research has demonstrated the empirical relevance and utility of coefficient alpha under certain empirical circumstances. The article highlights the fact that as an index aimed at informing about multiple-component measuring instrument reliability, coefficient alpha is dependable then as a reliability estimator. Therefore, alpha should remain in service when these conditions are fulfilled and not be abandoned.
Human security and the Canadian armed forces
Authors: Curtis Vincent J.
Published: August 2017

We will be pleased to publish from time to time in this new rubric responses to articles that have appeared in the International Journal. Please send them to ij@ciia.org .
Out-of-autoclave manufacturing of GLARE panels using resistance heating
Authors: Müller Bernhard , Palardy Genevieve , Teixeira De Freitas Sofia , Sinke Jos
Published: August 2017

Autoclave manufacturing of fibre metal laminates, such as GLARE, is an expensive process. Therefore, there is an increasing interest to find cost-effective out-of-autoclave manufacturing processes without diminishing the laminate quality. The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of fibre metal laminate panels adhesively bonded and cured using resistance heating. Three manufacturing processes are compared for different layups with an embedded steel mesh at the mid-plane: autoclave curing, resistance bonding of two (autoclave-cured) panels and complete out-of-autoclave resistance curing of panels. Interlaminar shear strength tests and optical microscopy analysis showed that resistance bonding is a promising technique, leading to results comparable to autoclave curing. Resistance curing led to an interlaminar shear strength decrease of 30–60%. A study of the correlation between degree of cure and distance from the mesh revealed the potential of resistance bonding to be used for flexible embedded mesh geometries and on-site repairs.
Visitation Modality Preferences for Adults Visiting Jails
Authors: Tartaro Christine , Levy Marissa P.
Published: August 2017

The development of technology has introduced new options for prison and jail visits, including video visits from jail lobbies and remote video from virtually anywhere. Researchers surveyed visitors to three jails who were participating in either on-site visits through Plexiglas, lobby video visits, or remote video visits. On-site Plexiglas visitors rated their visits as more stressful and time-consuming, while remote video visitors were most likely to indicate that it was difficult to locate finances for the visit. Visitors expressed a preference for contact visits but noted that remote video visits were likely to be the most convenient.
Technological spillovers in space and firm productivity: Evidence from China’s electric apparatus industry
Authors: He Ming , Chen Yang , Schramm Ron
Published: August 2017

Using a spatial econometric model this article studies the determinants and spatial spillovers of firm productivity in China’s electric apparatus industry over the period of 1999–2007. We apply Kelejian’s FE-2SLS procedure to a higher-order spatial autoregressive model and estimate the spatial dependence of firm-level TFP within and across regional borders. The model demonstrates positive and significant intra-regional technological spillovers among firms. It also provides direct evidence that technological spillovers attenuate rapidly in spatial distance. We find that firm productivity benefits from own R&D and export activities, employment density, market competition and public expenditure. Further analyses show that the strength of spillover effects is affected by a broad range of factors, including the surface area of the region, administration type, border effect, transport and ICT infrastructure, FDI intensity, the financial sector, the utility service sector, and human capital. Factors that facilitate long-distance economic connections in general make inter-regional spillovers stronger but intra-regional spillovers weaker.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Patient-Provider Communication With Breast Cancer Patients: Evidence From 2011 MEPS and Experiences With Cancer Supplement
Authors: White-Means Shelley I. , Osmani Ahmad Reshad
Published: August 2017

The current study explores racial/ethnic disparities in the quality of patient-provider communication during treatment, among breast cancer patients. A unique data set, Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and Experiences With Cancer Supplement 2011, is used to examine this topic. Using measures of the quality of patient-provider communication that patients are best qualified to evaluate, we explore the relationship between race/ethnicity and patients’ perspectives on whether (1) patient-provider interactions are respectful, (2) providers are listening to patients, (3) providers provide adequate explanations of outcomes and treatment, and (4) providers spend adequate time in interacting with the patients. We also examine the relationship between race/ethnicity and patients’ perspectives on whether their (1) doctor ever discussed need for regular follow-up care and monitoring after completing treatment, (2) doctor ever discussed long-term side effects of cancer treatment, (3) doctor ever discussed emotional or social needs related to cancer, and (4) doctor ever discussed lifestyle or health recommendations. Multivariate ordinary least squares and ordered logistic regression models indicate that after controlling for factors such as income and health insurance coverage, the quality of patient-provider communication with breast cancer patients varies by race/ethnicity. Non-Hispanic blacks experience the greatest communication deficit. Our findings can inform the content of future strategies to reduce disparities.
Urban poverty in India: Issues and perspectives in development
Authors: Kundu Amitabh
Published: August 2017

The present paper examines the trends in rural and urban poverty, analyses the interstate variations and explains these in terms of socio-economic factors. It shows that rural poverty declines smoothly with economic development, which unfortunately is not the case with urban poverty. The availability of water supply, toilets and electricity, that are not explicitly incorporated in the official definition of poverty, has also been analysed at the state level as also across size class of urban settlements. It is argued that the small and medium towns have a weak and unstable economic base. As a consequence, most of these are not in a position to generate funds to provide civic services to all sections of population. These towns, particularly those located in less developed states, should, therefore, be the major concern of government policy. Further, overviewing the changing system of governance, it argues that the seventy-fourth Constitutional Amendment, has not succeeded in genuine empowerment of civic bodies. The power now seems to have shifted from the state governments to the financial institutions, international donors and credit rating agencies. Finally, the capacity of the government to generate employment directly through anti-poverty programmes would remain limited. The paper, therefore, recommends that the anti-poverty programmes should primarily be focussed on provision of basic amenities.