bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrospective Cohort Analysis of Pedal Procedures in the Thrombocytopenic Patient
Authors: Schmidt Brian M. , Holmes Crystal M.
Published: November 2017

Thrombocytopenia is an important medical condition to understand prior to performing procedures in the foot and ankle. We have set forth to highlight factors a physician should take into consideration before performing procedures in the thrombocytopenic patient. A retrospective cohort analysis at a large academic institution was undertaken utilizing a cohort discovery tool to discover incidence and management strategies for patients with foot-related conditions that require in-office procedures. We demonstrate that a full history and physical are important to guide treatment along with complete blood count testing prior to intervention. We included all patients at the institution that underwent a foot and ankle procedure in-office with podiatric surgery over 10 years where thrombocytopenia was demonstrable via complete blood count within 3 months of the procedure. Patients’ charts were reviewed for 1 year following podiatric intervention and outcomes were recorded. The cohort reveals that patients with thrombocytopenia have many advanced comorbidities but performing procedures in this cohort is safe. Complications from procedures included erythrocyte transfusion, ulcer recurrence, need for formal surgical intervention, infection, falls, and death. We then provide a brief discussion about the etiology and management options available for thrombocytopenia.
Increased serum levels of mBDNF in women with minimal and mild endometriosis have no predictive power for the disease
Authors: Perricos Alexandra , Ashjaei Kazem , Husslein Heinrich , Proestling Katharina , Kuessel Lorenz , Obwegeser Reinhard , Wenzl Rene , Yotova Iveta
Published: November 2017

The objective of our pilot clinical, prospective study was to determine the serum levels of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor, in of women with endometriosis and controls and explore whether mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a potential biomarker for the disease. The patients were selected from the Endometriosis Marker Austria prospective cohort study conducted at the tertiary referral certified Endometriosis Center of the Medical University of Vienna. All women underwent laparoscopic surgery because there was a suspicion of endometriosis, or the women had pelvic pain, adnexal cysts, unexplained infertility, or uterine fibroids. Our main outcome parameter was total levels of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor in serum, measured using ELISA. Our results show that serum levels of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor are significantly higher in women with endometriosis compared to women without endometriosis. The mean serum protein levels are significantly higher in women with rAFS stage I and II endometriosis, whereas no difference was found in women with stage III and IV endometriosis and controls. Postoperative follow-up at 6–10 weeks revealed that surgical intervention leads to equilibration of the levels of secreted mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor between women with and without endometriosis. The difference between serum mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels of women with endometriosis compared to women without endometriosis is independent of menstrual cycle phase and overall self-reported pelvic pain. ROC-curve analysis showed that, the mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor is not a useful biomarker for endometriosis. In conclusion, although women with stage I and II endometriosis have increased levels of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor in serum compared to controls, the difference is not predictive for the disease.

Impact statement

Endometriosis is a disease that can have a significant impact on the quality of life of affected women. The gold standard for diagnosis to this day remains visualization through laparoscopic surgery with histological verification. Current studies are attempting to find a biomarker with high sensitivity and specificity, which would bypass the surgery-associated risks and would significantly reduce costs. In an attempt to elucidate whether mature serum BDNF can serve as diagnostic marker for the disease, we compared the levels of the protein in women with endometriosis to endometriosis-free controls. While our results showed that serum concentrations of the mature protein were significantly higher in women with endometriosis, we did not find this marker to have the sensitivity or specificity needed in order to allow a reliable diagnosis.
What do children say about tidy-up time? A comparative study of American and Taiwanese children’s perceptions of tidy-up time
Authors: Izumi-Taylor Satomi , Lin Chia-Hui
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the similarities and differences in American and Taiwanese children’s perspectives of tidy-up time. The participants consisted of 25 American kindergarteners in the southeastern US, and 25 Taiwanese kindergarteners from central Taiwan. Children were asked to respond to five questions regarding tidy-up time. Qualitative analysis of the data yielded four themes: transitions, clean and safe environments, work, and cooperation. All participants associated tidy-up time with transitions. They considered tidy-up as the notion of maintaining clean environments, but only Taiwanese children perceived it to be keeping the classroom safe. Also, all participants viewed such time as work, and as time to cooperate with each other. More Taiwanese children’s responses indicated how they and their teachers cooperate during cleaning as compared to their American counterparts.
Secukinumab: a review of the anti-IL-17A biologic for the treatment of psoriasis
Authors: Frieder Jillian , Kivelevitch Dario , Menter Alan
Published: November 2017

Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease associated with numerous comorbidities and a profound impact on patients’ quality of life. While its complex immune pathogenesis is still not fully delineated, current evidence supports a fundamental role of the T-helper-17 (TH-17) pathway and its related interleukin-17 (IL-17) cytokine. Thus, new antipsoriatic therapies have been developed to block this key cytokine and its downstream effects. Secukinumab is a fully humanized, monoclonal anti-IL-17A antibody, and the first in its class to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It has also been approved for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Its clinical efficacy in plaque psoriasis has been well demonstrated in numerous phase II and III clinical trials. In addition, it has shown superiority in clinical trials to current biologic agents including etanercept and ustekinumab, with a safe adverse event profile. In correlation with excellent skin improvements, secukinumab is also associated with significant improvements in health-related quality of life measures. Thus, secukinumab offers the potential for equal, or improved, therapeutic effects compared with other biologics, and is a valuable addition to our current antipsoriatic armamentarium.
The importance of pheochromocytoma case detection in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Tate Joshua M , Gyorffy Janelle B , Colburn Jeffrey A
Published: November 2017

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a complex, multi-system genetic disorder that is associated with an increased prevalence of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma compared to the general population, 1.0%–5.7% versus 0.2%–0.6%, respectively. A delay in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma diagnosis or undiagnosed pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, as seen in normotensive and asymptomatic patients, may portend a significant morbidity and mortality risk due to excess catecholamine secretion. Currently, there are no generally accepted guidelines of screening for pheochromocytoma and paragangliomas in asymptomatic individuals of this population with approaches and practices varying considerably between physicians. Emerging data suggest benefit in routine pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma screening of all individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1. Herein, we present a case to highlight how routine case detection screening would have identified pheochromocytoma earlier in an active duty military member.
Why the Anthropocene has no history: Facing the unprecedented
Authors: Simon Zoltán Boldizsár
Published: November 2017

This paper argues that the tendency to invoke modern historical thinking in trying to make sense of the Anthropocene amounts to an untenable, self-contradictory, and self-defeating enterprise. There is a fundamental contradiction between the prospect of unprecedented change as entailed by the Anthropocene and the deep continuity of a processual historical change. On the one hand, conceiving the Anthropocene as the prospect of the unprecedented creates a demand for immediate action to prevent future catastrophe. On the other hand, pointing out the inequalities in the historical process of bringing about the Anthropocene creates a demand for social justice. Although both are legitimate and important demands, they are incompatible. They represent different temporalities, different conceptions of change, and different modes of action. Inasmuch as the Anthropocene appears as unprecedented, it does not have a processual history; and inasmuch as it has a processual history, it is not the Anthropocene.
Incremental temperature cement delivery technique may prevent cement leakage in metastatic vertebral lesions
Authors: Liu Hao , Wang Shenghao , Liu Tao , Meng Bin , He Fan , Zhou Rong , Yang Huilin
Published: November 2017

Objectives:

To analyze the clinical efficacy and cement leakage rate of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for the treatment of metastatic vertebral lesions between the two groups using different cement infusion techniques.

Methods:

One hundred twenty-nine patients (160 metastatic vertebral fractures) who chose “the incremental temperature cement delivery technique” (ITCDT group) and 105 patients (128 metastatic vertebral fractures) who chose “traditional infusion technique” (TI group) were finally enrolled (nine patients were lost to the follow-up). The visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the local Cobb’s angle, the relative height of the vertebral anterior border, and cement leakage were analyzed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the two cement infusion techniques within postoperative 12 months.

Results:

There was no significant difference in the VAS scores, ODI scores, the relative height of the vertebral anterior border, and local Cobb’s angle between the ITCDT group and TI group preoperatively and postoperatively ( p > 0.05). The cement leakage occurred in three patients of ITCDT group (2.3%), which was significantly less than TI group (12 patients, 11.4%; p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The ITCDT and TI technique in kyphoplasty are effective at relieving pain and improving functional disability, vertebral height, and kyphosis angle; However, kyphoplasty using the ITCDT causes less cement leakage significantly.
Paraeducators’ Perceptions and Experiences Working With Diverse Families
Authors: Sheehey Patricia H. , Wells Jenny C. , Ogata Veronica F.
Published: November 2017

This investigation explored the interactions between paraeducators and the culturally and linguistically diverse families of their students with disabilities. Paraeducators ( n = 117) attending a statewide professional development event responded to a questionnaire designed to explore their interactions with diverse parents and families. Results from the questionnaire allowed investigators to examine (a) the frequency and type of interactions between paraeducators and families in a small, primarily rural, Western state and (b) paraeducators’ perspectives on cultural and communication challenges related to working with diverse families. Paraeducators reported issues related to both communication and culture in their interactions with diverse families.
Physiological Srsf2 P95H expression causes impaired hematopoietic stem cell functions and aberrant RNA splicing in mice
Authors: Kon Ayana , Yamazaki Satoshi , Nannya Yasuhito , Kataoka Keisuke , Ota Yasunori , Nakagawa Masahiro Marshall , Yoshida Kenichi , Shiozawa Yusuke , Morita Maiko , Yoshizato Tetsuichi , Sanada Masashi , Nakayama Manabu , Koseki Haruhiko , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Ogawa Seishi
Published: November 2017

Key Points

Blood-specific expression of the Srsf2 P95H mutant results in decreased stem/progenitor cell numbers and a reduced repopulation capacity. Srsf2 P95H mutation by itself is not sufficient to develop MDS but contributes to the MDS phenotype in transplantation settings.
CD86 regulates myeloma cell survival
Authors: Gavile Catherine M. , Barwick Benjamin G. , Newman Scott , Neri Paola , Nooka Ajay K. , Lonial Sagar , Lee Kelvin P. , Boise Lawrence H.
Published: November 2017

Key Points

CD86 mediates myeloma survival via activity from its cytoplasmic tail and the CD28-CD86 interaction facilitates stromal independence. Blocking the CD28-CD86 pathway is a promising therapeutic avenue for myeloma, as there are already approved agents that target this pathway.
Correction to: (Un)beliveable wages? An analysis of minimum wage policies in Europe from a living wage perspective
Authors: Fabo Brian , Belli Sharon Sarah
Published: November 2017

Correction to: IZA journal of labor policy (2017) 6:4 DOI: 10.1186/s40173-017-0083-3

In the original version of this article (Fabo & Belli, 2017), published on 16 March 2017, the values for Minimum Wages (MW) in the Table 2 are incorrect. This also affected both the paragraph describing the values in Table 2 and Fig. 2. In this Correction the incorrect and correct version of Table 2, of its accompanying paragraph and of Fig. 2 are shown.
Ideology and the text-in-context relation
Authors: Lukin Annabelle
Published: November 2017

While aspects of Halliday’s theory have been adopted for the study of ideology in discourse - in particular via Critical Discourse Analysis - these applications of his ideas have not attempted to bring the full weight of Halliday’s model to the problem of understanding the phenomenon and practical manifestation of ideology. A consideration of Halliday’s model reveals, first of all, that Halliday, like Vološinov in linguistics, and Mannheim in sociology, sees ideology as entirely pervasive. The act of analysing ideology is, therefore, ideological, a conundrum known as ‘Mannheim’s paradox’. This paradox, rather than hindering the study of ideology, invites the researcher to work explicitly with the concepts in one’s theoretical model, and to test their usefulness in producing robust and revealing descriptions of the ideologies that shape human experience and behaviour. This paper explores ideology in the context of the ‘architecture’ of human language, that is, with reference to key concepts in Halliday’s theory, including realisation/stratification, instantiation, register and context of situation and of culture. I argue that while ideology is permeable with respect to register - the same ideology can be expressed across a variety of contexts - the concepts of context and register are crucial to showing the affordances of particular registers to the dissemination of specific ideologies. I illustrate this claim by analysing one text with respect to its context of situation (drawing on Hasan’s context networks) and its context of culture. I consider how the text, as an instance of a particular register, is an ideal host for ideological meanings that legitimate organised violence in the pursuit of geopolitical power.
Treatment of Parotid Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jamal Basem
Published: November 2017

Purpose

This meta-analysis aimed to review the published outcomes of parotid non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) pertaining to different treatment modalities.

Materials and Methods

A total of 48 journal articles published between 1993 and 2015, comprising 742 cases of parotid NHL, were initially evaluated. In total, 108 patients from 12 studies who had sufficient data for analysis, including age, tumor histopathology, treatment modality, and outcome at final follow-up, were included. Patients were randomly assigned to different categories on the basis of histopathology and treatment modality. Groups were compared using Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis and the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

Log-rank tests demonstrated that for early-stage (I and II) parotid NHL of all histopathology variants, radiation therapy significantly improved the survival rate versus chemotherapy ( P = .043), as well as combined treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy ( P = .023). For early-stage diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, combined treatment significantly improved survival versus single treatment ( P = .028). No treatment was received by seven patients with early-stage mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma after undergoing parotidectomy. When the clinical outcomes of these patients were compared with those of other patients with the same histology who underwent further treatment, no significant differences were noted in survival outcomes.

Conclusion

Radiation therapy seems to be a valid treatment of early-stage parotid NHL. However, for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, survival was higher with combined treatment versus single treatment. For early-stage parotid mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, complete excision of the tumor through superficial parotidectomy may have similar survival outcome.
Combined Ovarian and Adrenal Venous Sampling in the Localization of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone-Independent Ectopic Cushing Syndrome
Authors: Chen Shi , Li Ran , Zhang Xiaobo , Lu Lin , Li Ji , Pan Hui , Zhu Huijuan
Published: November 2017

Context

Cushing syndrome is rarely caused by the secretion of cortisol from ovarian tumors. In clinical decision-making, it is important to determine whether the ovarian tumor is capable of secreting cortisol. Selective ovarian and adrenal venous sampling is scarcely reported in the localization of ACTH-independent ectopic Cushing syndrome.

Case Description

We present a case of 40-year-old Chinese woman who had weight gain, hirsutism, hypertension, and menstrual disorder over 6 months. Her physical examination and biochemical assessment revealed adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent Cushing syndrome. Adrenal computed tomography scan indicated no abnormality. A mass of 5.7 cm × 4.2 cm × 3.4 cm was discovered by pelvic ultrasonography. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy revealed no abnormal radioactivity intake. Combined ovarian and adrenal venous sampling together with a cortisol assay were conducted. Results revealed cortisol concentration of the right-side ovarian vein, left-side ovarian vein, and peripheral vein of 268.60, 29.00, and 35.18 μg/dL, respectively, suggesting a right-side ovarian origin. A right-side salpingo-oophorectomy was performed and the pathological diagnosis revealed ovarian steroid cell tumor, not otherwise specified. The cortisol level was substantially lower after the patient underwent surgery and symptoms of Cushing syndrome disappeared. At 3-year follow-up, the patient remained disease free, and no tumor was observed on pelvic ultrasonogram.

Conclusion

Combined ovarian and adrenal venous sampling is valuable in the localization of adrenocorticotropic hormone–independent ectopic Cushing syndrome.
Comparison of Transcranial Doppler and Ultrasound-Tagged Near Infrared Spectroscopy for Measuring Relative Changes in Cerebral Blood Flow in Human Subjects
Authors: Lipnick Michael S. , Cahill Elizabeth A. , Feiner John R. , Bickler Philip E.
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND:

Currently, no reliable method exists for continuous, noninvasive measurements of absolute cerebral blood flow (CBF). We sought to determine how changes measured by ultrasound-tagged near-infrared spectroscopy (UT-NIRS) compare with changes in CBF as measured by transcranial Doppler (TCD) in healthy volunteers during profound hypocapnia and hypercapnia.

METHODS:

Ten healthy volunteers were monitored with a combination of TCD, UT-NIRS (c-FLOW, Ornim Medical), as well as heart rate, blood pressure, end-tidal Pco
2 (PEtco
2), end-tidal O2, and inspired O2. Inspired CO2 and minute ventilation were controlled to achieve 5 stable plateau goals of Etco
2 at 15–20, 25–30, 35–40, 45–50, and 55–60 mm Hg, for a total of 7 measurements per subject. CBF was assessed at a steady state, with the TCD designated as the reference standard. The primary analysis was a linear mixed-effect model of TCD and UT-NIRS flow with PEtco
2, which accounts for repeated measures. Receiver operating characteristic curves were determined for detection of changes in CBF.

RESULTS:

Hyperventilation (nadir PEtco
2 17.1 ± 2.4) resulted in significantly decreased mean flow velocity of the middle cerebral artery from baseline (to 79% ± 22%), but not a consistent decrease in UT-NIRS cerebral flow velocity index (n = 10; 101% ± 6% of baseline). Hypercapnia (peak PEtco
2 59.3 ± 3.3) resulted in a significant increase from baseline in both mean flow velocity of the middle cerebral artery (153% ± 25%) and UT-NIRS (119% ± 11%). Comparing slopes versus PEtco
2 as a percent of baseline for the TCD (1.7% [1.5%–2%]) and UT-NIRS (0.4% [0.3%–0.5%]) shows that the UT-NIRS slope is significantly flatter, P < .0001. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was significantly higher for the TCD than for UT-NIRS, 0.97 (95% confidence interval, 0.92–0.99) versus 0.75 (95% confidence interval, 0.66–0.82).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our data indicate that UT-NIRS cerebral flow velocity index detects changes in CBF only during hypercarbia but not hypocarbia in healthy subjects and with much less sensitivity than TCD. Additional refinement and validation are needed before widespread clinical utilization of UT-NIRS.
Low- Versus High-Chloride Content Intravenous Solutions for Critically Ill and Perioperative Adult Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Kawano-Dourado Leticia , Zampieri Fernando G. , Azevedo Luciano C. P. , Corrêa Thiago D. , Figueiró Mabel , Semler Matthew W. , Kellum John A. , Cavalcanti Alexandre B.
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND:

To assess whether use of low-chloride solutions in unselected critically ill or perioperative adult patients for maintenance or resuscitation reduces mortality and renal replacement therapy (RRT) use when compared to high-chloride fluids.

METHODS:

Systematic review and meta-analysis with random-effects inverse variance model. PubMed, Cochrane library, EMBASE, LILACS, and Web of Science were searched from inception to October 2016. Published and unpublished randomized controlled trials in any language that enrolled critically ill and/or perioperative adult patients and compared a low- to a highchloride solution for volume maintenance or resuscitation. The primary outcomes were mortality and RRT use. We conducted trial sequential analyses and assessed risk of bias of individual trials and the overall quality of evidence. Fifteen trials with 4067 patients, most at low risk of bias, were identified. Of those, only 11 and 10 trials had data on mortality and RRT use, respectively. A total of 3710 patients were included in the mortality analysis and 3724 in the RRT analysis.

RESULTS:

No statistically significant impact on mortality (odds ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.69–1.17; P = .44; I
2 = 0%) or RRT use (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.80–1.58; P = .52; I
2 = 0%) was found. Overall quality of evidence was low for both primary outcomes. Trial sequential analyses highlighted that the sample size needed was much larger than that available for properly powered outcome assessment.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current evidence on low- versus high-chloride solutions for unselected critically ill or perioperative adult patients demonstrates no benefit, but suffers from considerable imprecision. We noted a limited exposure volume for study fluids and a relatively low risk of the populations in each study. Together with the relatively small pooled sample size, these data leave us underpowered to detect potentially important differences. Results from well-conducted, adequately powered randomized controlled trials examining sufficiently large fluid exposure are necessary.
Epidural Anesthesia to Facilitate Organ Blood Flow During the First Penile Transplantation in the United States: A Case Report
Authors: Ruscic Katarina J. , Zamora-Berridi Grettel J. , McGovern Francis J. , Cetrulo Curtis , Winograd Jonathan M. , Eberlin Kyle R. , Bojovic Branko , Ko Dicken S. , Anderson T. Anthony
Published: November 2017

Regional anesthesia has been used to help create local sympathectomy and improve blood flow in plastic surgery procedures involving tissue grafts and flaps. However, anesthetic techniques that reduce systemic vascular resistance must be used with caution in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). Combined neuraxial and general anesthesia with careful titration of the local anesthetic dose can be a safe approach for patients with AS undergoing microvascular procedures. We present the anesthetic management of the first North American penile transplant, on an obese patient with moderate AS.
Adjusting Pediatric Endotracheal Tube Depths Relative to the Cricoid by Using Longitudinal Ultrasound Images of the Saline-Inflated Cuff in the Trachea: Two Case Reports
Authors: Kayashima Kenji , Mizuyama Hayato , Takesue Miyuki , Doi Taku , Imai Keiko , Murashima Koji
Published: November 2017

Cuff positions of endotracheal tubes should be confirmed to ensure safe anesthesia. However, determining the cuff positions relative to the cricoid by using chest radiography or fiberoptic bronchoscopy is difficult. We identified the cephalad edges of saline-inflated pediatric endotracheal tube cuffs relative to the cricoid on longitudinal ultrasound images over the larynx and trachea in 2 children. Thereafter, we adjusted the endotracheal tube depths and confirmed the cuff positions relative to the cricoid. Longitudinal ultrasound images over the larynx and trachea can help confirm the distance from the caudal edge of the cricoid to the saline-inflated cuff.
Update on GH therapy in adults
Authors: Boguszewski Cesar Luiz
Published: November 2017

Over the last three decades, short- and long-term observational studies, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses have provided relevant information on the efficacy and safety of growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy in adults with GH deficiency (AGHD). The knowledge acquired during this time has been compiled into different guidelines that offer clinicians an evidence-based, practical approach for the management of AGHD. There are, however, still open questions in some key areas in which recommendations are supported by only moderate or weak evidence. In the last recent years, the development of long-acting GH preparations has created new therapeutic possibilities by decreasing injection frequency, improving adherence and thereby potentially maximizing clinical outcomes. The aims of this review are to advance our understanding on the diagnosis and treatment of AGHD and to present an update and future perspectives on the use of long-acting GH preparations.
Identifying Soccer Players on Facebook Through Predictive Analytics
Authors: Bogaert Matthias , Ballings Michel , Hosten Martijn , Van den Poel Dirk
Published: November 2017

This study assesses the feasibility of identifying self-reported sports practitioners (soccer players) on Facebook. The main goal is to develop a system to support marketers with the decision as to which prospects to target for advertising purposes. To do so, we benchmark several algorithms (i.e., random forest, logistic regression, adaboost, rotation forest, neural networks, and kernel factory) using five times twofold cross-validation. To evaluate performance and variable importances, we build a fusion model, which combines the results of the other algorithms using the weighted average. This technique is also referred to as information-fusion sensitivity analysis. The results reveal that Facebook data provide a viable basis to come up with sports predictions as the predictive performance ranges from 72.01% to 80.43% for area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), from 81.96% to 83.95% for accuracy, and from 2.41 to 3.06 for top-decile lift. Our benchmark study indicates that stochastic adaboost, the fusion model, random forest, rotation forest, and regularized logistic regression are the best-performing algorithms. Furthermore, the results show that the most important variables are the average number of friends that play soccer, membership of a soccer group, and the number of favorite teams. We also assess the impact of our results on profitability by conducting a thorough sensitivity analysis. Our analysis reveals that our approach can be beneficial for a wide range of companies. The analysis and results in this study will assist sports brands with decisions regarding their implementation of targeted marketing approaches.
Nonparametric Production Technologies with Multiple Component Processes
Authors: Podinovski Victor V. , Olesen Ole Bent , Sarrico Cláudia S.
Published: November 2017

We develop a nonparametric methodology for assessing the efficiency of decision-making units operating in a production technology with several component processes. The latter is modeled by the new multiple hybrid returns-to-scale (MHRS) technology, formally derived from an explicitly stated set of production axioms. In contrast with the existing models of data envelopment analysis (DEA), the MHRS technology allows the incorporation of component-specific and shared inputs and outputs that represent several proportional (scalable) component production processes as well as nonproportional inputs and outputs. Our approach does not require information about the allocation of shared inputs and outputs to component processes or any assumptions about this allocation. We demonstrate the usefulness of the suggested approach in an application in the context of secondary education and also in a Monte Carlo study based on a simulated data generating process.
Nurse-led triage of rapid access referrals for colorectal cancer screening
Authors: Sykes Sarah
Published: November 2017

New patient appointment slots at a colorectal surgery clinic in a hospital in northern England were becoming dominated by referrals on the rapid access (2-week wait) pathway, often to the detriment of less urgent referrals. The pathway's predetermined treatment times placed immense demand on hospital trusts to review and investigate in a timely manner. The clinic trialled a nurse-led triage system to relieve these capacity pressures. Advanced nurse practitioners with the right knowledge and skills electronically triaged referrals according to predetermined criteria. Patients were sent either straight to test (typically colonoscopy) or to a face-to-face clinic appointment, depending on the nurse's assessment of their need and suitability for different investigations.
Spondylodiscitis revisited
Authors: Mavrogenis Andreas F. , Megaloikonomos Panayiotis D. , Igoumenou Vasileios G. , Panagopoulos Georgios N. , Giannitsioti Efthymia , Papadopoulos Antonios , Papagelopoulos Panayiotis J.
Published: November 2017

Spondylodiscitis may involve the vertebral bodies, intervertebral discs, paravertebral structures and spinal canal, with potentially high morbidity and mortality rates. A rise in the susceptible population and improved diagnosis have increased the reported incidence of the disease in recent years. Blood cultures, appropriate imaging and biopsy are essential for diagnosis and treatment. Most patients are successfully treated by conservative means; however, some patients may require surgical treatment. Surgical indications include doubtful diagnosis, progressive neurological deficits, progressive spinal deformity, failure to respond to treatment, and unresolved pain.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2:447–461. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.160062
Culturally appropriate health services for Black Canadians
Authors: Wickham Gigi Rain Ella
Published: November 2017

Black Canadians are more likely to suffer health disparities compared to the majority of the population. This is an issue in regards to equity, where some people are not given the right tools needed for physical and/or mental wellness and prosperity. Black-White disparities are partially caused by socio-economic status (SES), sociocultural factors and the social determinants of health. According to public health studies, racism and perceiveddiscrimination, income, poverty and other factors affect adherence to physician referrals or advice and overall health among Black populations. Additionally, Afro-Caribbean cultures suffer from various health issues, such as obesity and hypertension, at a higher incidence than their White counterparts. Research shows that Community Health Clinics (CHCs) like TAIBU CHC in Scarborough, Ontario are likely to be effective in addressing disparities, as they provide care to those who need it most. To coordinate effective care to a specific community, they are using linguistic, sociocultural, evidential and other strategies. With these programs, however, it is important to still view the individual as having specific needs and issues and not just as a reflection of their culture when implementing cultural competence.Les Canadiens noirs font face à des disparités en matière de santé par rapport au reste de la population. Ceci est une question d’équité, car certaines personnes n’ont pas les outils nécessaires pour leur bien-être physique et/ou mental. Ces disparités sont partiellement causées par leur statut socioéconomique (SSE), les facteurs socioculturels et les déterminants sociaux de santé. Selon des études de santé publique, des facteurs tels que le racisme, la discrimination, le revenu et la pauvreté affectent l’adhésion des patients à des conseils médicaux ainsi que la santé globale de la population noire. En outre, la population afro-caribéenne souffre de problèmes de santé comme l’obésité et l’hypertension à une incidence plus élevée que leurs homologues blancs. La recherche montre que les cliniques de santé communautaire (CSC) comme TAIBU CHC à Scarborough, Ontario peuvent être efficaces en adressant les disparités, car elles fournissent des soins à ceux qui ont le plus besoin. Pour coordonner des soins efficaces pour une communauté spécifique, elles utilisent des stratégies linguistiques, socioculturelles, évidentielles, entre autres. Avec ces programmes, cependant, il reste important de répondre aux besoins individuels de la population tout en tenant compte de la culture lors d’une mise en oeuvre de compétences culturelles.
Book Reviews
Authors: Pearse Harold , Knochel Aaron D. , Hanawalt Christina
Published: November 2017

Helen Kemp Frye’s Writings on Art, Robert D. Denham (ed.) (2017) Newcaste on Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 115 pp., ISBN: 9781443836593, h/bk, £45.99

Conversations on Finnish Art Education, Mira Kallio-Tavin and Jouko Pullinen (eds) (2015) Helsinki: Aalto Arts Books, 350 pp., ISBN: 9789526061580, h/bk, 40,00

Mere and Easy: Collage as a Critical Practice in Pedagogy, Jorge Lucero (ed.) (2016) Champaign, IL: University of Illinois Press, 200 pp., ISBN: 9780252082436, p/bk, $30.00
Toll‐like receptor 2 has a prominent but nonessential role in innate immunity to Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia
Authors: Skerrett Shawn J. , Braff Marissa H. , Liggitt H. Denny , Rubens Craig E.
Published: November 2017

Staphylococcus aureus is an important cause of acute bacterial pneumonia. Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) recognizes multiple components of the bacterial cell wall and activates innate immune responses to gram‐positive bacteria. We hypothesized that TLR2 would have an important role in pulmonary host defense against S. aureus. TLR null (TLR2−/−) mice and wild type (WT) C57BL/6 controls were challenged with aerosolized S. aureus at a range of inocula for kinetic studies of cytokine and antimicrobial peptide expression, lung inflammation, bacterial killing by alveolar macrophages, and bacterial clearance. Survival was measured after intranasal infection. Pulmonary induction of most pro‐inflammatory cytokines was significantly blunted in TLR2−/− mice 4 and 24 h after infection in comparison with WT controls. Bronchoalveolar concentrations of cathelicidin‐related antimicrobial peptide also were reduced in TLR2−/− mice. Lung inflammation, measured by enumeration of bronchoalveolar neutrophils and scoring of histological sections, was significantly blunted in TLR2−/− mice. Phagocytosis of S. aureus by alveolar macrophages in vivo after low‐dose infection was unimpaired, but viability of ingested bacteria was significantly greater in TLR2−/− mice. Bacterial clearance from the lungs was slightly impaired in TLR2−/− mice after low‐dose infection only; bacterial elimination from the lungs was slightly accelerated in the TLR2−/− mice after high‐dose infection. Survival after high‐dose intranasal challenge was 50–60% in both groups. TLR2 has a significant role in early innate immune responses to S. aureus in the lungs but is not required for bacterial clearance and survival from S. aureus pneumonia.
Mysteries, Markets, and Myths: Publishing Relevant Policy Research
Authors: Stewart David W.
Published: November 2017

This issue of the Journal of Public Policy & Marketing ( JPPM) is the last to be published during my tenure as editor. The five years I have served as editor have been a time of growth for the journal: growth in submissions, growth in the number of papers published, and growth in the influence of JPPM. Serving as the editor of a major journal such as JPPM is a learning experience. My service as editor of JPPM, combined with my prior terms as editor of Journal of Marketing and Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, has taught me a great deal about the marketing discipline, the enterprise of scholarly research, and the role of marketing in a broader societal context. I use this final editorial to share some of what I have learned and to offer advice to scholars who wish to contribute to scholarship in marketing and public policy.
Barriers for Use of Wood in Architecture: The Latvian Case
Authors: Viļuma Antra , Bratuškins Uģis
Published: November 2017

Wood in general is a traditional building material in Northern Europe including Latvia and other Baltic countries, but nowadays it is used less in Latvia than in other EU countries. There are many forests in Latvia and a well-developed timber industry. Latvian society is enthusiastic about eco-materials, and qualified architects and engineers are ready to work with timber structures. However, wood is mainly used for small buildings and residential construction, but minimally in public and multi-apartment buildings. The study was carried out among architects and other stakeholders in Latvia to analyze their impact on the selection of building material. Thirty-eight interviews were conducted, questionnaire among 73 respondents carried out, and discussion in a focus group was held to find out the main reason and barriers for using wood for buildings in Latvia less than in other EU countries. During the research the main influencing factors for choosing wood constructions were identified and seven main barriers formulated. The study results were compared with the results of similar studies in other countries. Two of the seven barriers in Latvia – stereotypes and legislation – were not mentioned in other studies, nevertheless, these are the most frequently mentioned obstacles in the Latvian case.
The Great Depression of Income: Historical Estimates of the Longer-Run Impact of Entering the Labor Market during a Recession
Authors: Moulton Jeremy Grant
Published: November 2017

In this paper, I estimate the longer-run impact of variation in labor market entry conditions, driven by the Great Depression, on income and other labor outcomes in the 1940 Census. I use a regression discontinuity research design and find that 10 years after entry, less educated men entering the labor market at the beginning of the Great Depression earned 8.6 % less than those entering just one year prior. I find that the effect is larger (14.7 %) for those born in states more negatively affected by the Great Depression and close to zero for those born in states relatively less affected. The results indicate that the Great Depression had a persistent, negative impact on less-educated entrants that is not significantly different from that experienced by unlucky entrants of modern recessions.
Once Upon a Time… Fairy Tales and Other Stories
Authors: Smith-Shank Deborah L.
Published: November 2017

Children and adults absorb and interpret folk tales, fairy tales, and other stories through books, movies, and the vast resources available today on the Internet, including a multitude of storied games. The very best stories are personal, transparent, and effective vehicles for teaching and learning. They teach us how we (mis)fit in families, cultures, hopes, and dreams. From the classic tales of Indigenous people to contemporary interactive web-stories, we learn how strength and weakness, courage and fear, tenacity and laziness define girls and women, boys and men. It is through stories that we learn what it is to transgress and the punishments meted out for making bad choices. Through stories, we learn to be who we are. And through a social semiotic study of these stories as practices of meaning-making, we begin to understand how they shape individuals and society.
Verb Class-Specific Caused-Motion Constructions
Authors: Xia Xiaorong
Published: November 2017

In a constructional approach, the caused-motion construction is productive enough to attract verbs of different types into the construction; however, the distinct senses derived from actual instances indicate it is necessary to posit the caused-motion construction at lower levels because more novel uses present meanings closer to those lower constructions. The present analysis of the corpus data of English motion verbs shows that the senses of manner of caused-motion, manner of causing motion, and accompanied motion arise from their occurrences in the caused-motion construction. From a usage-based perspective, the entrenched use would yield verb class-specific constructions that are productive as well. The lower level of construction, together with the most schematic one, is stored in our memory as part of conceptual representation. The research indicates that creative use of motion verbs in the caused-motion construction is better interpreted with verb class-specific constructions.
Properties of Mandarin Reflexives
Authors: Zhang Zhiyi
Published: November 2017

There are some problems concerning the properties of Mandarin reflexives as claimed by former studies. The present study redefines Mandarin simplex reflexives and compound reflexives as having different syntactic properties. Mandarin simplex reflexives withzijipossess features of both anaphor and pronoun and follow the normal pattern of derivation. This explains why the simplex reflexives exhibit the long-distance binding phenomenon and blocking effect. Mandarin compound reflexives are quite similar to English reflexives and they follow the special derivational pattern. At the beginning of the derivation, they form pairs with antecedents and their antecedents help to value the reflexive feature and then designatezijias a suffix to the pronouns. This helps to explain why the Mandarin compound reflexives strictly follow the BCA. The simplex reflexive in Mandarin double reflexive structures is different from the bare conditionalshuiin havingde dictointerpretation, that is, it has an implicit specified antecedent in the context.
Species distribution models for critically endangered liverworts (Bryophyta) from the Czech Republic: a guide to future survey expeditions.
Authors: Číhal Lukáš , Kaláb Oto
Published: November 2017

Using 35 presence-only data samples and five uncorrelated bioclimatic variables, we made species distribution models (SDMs) for 4 species of critically endangered (CR) liverworts from genus Jungermanniales and Marchantiales (Cephaloziella elegans, Leiocolea heterocolpos, Lophozia wenzelii and Riccia papillosa) using the maximum entropy modelling method (MaxEnt). Since we were modelling CR species, only one model proved to be strong enough to be used in the field. However, SDMs can serve as effective and fast tools for acceleration of the discovery of the rare and endangered species. The final model presented in this study can serve as a guide to future survey expeditions, the conservation of the target species and also to help understand their ecology.
A new record of Linaria genistifolia (Plantaginaceae) in Poland
Authors: Pliszko Artur
Published: November 2017

In this paper, a new Polish record of Linaria genistifolia is presented. It was found on 27 August 2017 in Zabrze, Silesia Province, growing at the foot of the reclaimed slag heap. The updated map of its distribution in Poland is provided using the ATPOL cartogram method.
New records of Cecidomyiidae, Dixidae and Mycetophilidae (Diptera) from the Czech and Slovak Republics
Authors: Sikora Tomáš , Čada Miroslav , Ševčík Jan
Published: November 2017

New records of Cecidomyiidae, Dixidae and Mycetophilidae (Diptera) are presented from various localities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Three species of Cecidomyiidae, four species of Dixidae and two species of Mycetophilidae are new to the Czech Republic. One species of Cecidomyiidae, two species of Dixidae and two species of Mycetophilidae are new to Slovakia. Problems with the interpretation of the species Dixella nigra (Staeger, 1840) and Dixella bankowskae (Vaillant, 1969) are also commented on.
A new record ofSenecio inaequidens(Asteraceae) in Poland
Authors: Pliszko Artur
Published: November 2017

The paper presents a new Polish record ofSenecio inaequidens, a perennial plant native to South Africa. It was found growing on roadside verge in Głogoczów, West-Beskidian Piedmont, southern Poland, on September 22, 2016. A map of distribution ofS. inaequidensin Poland is presented using the ATPOL cartogram method and the pattern of its spread along motorways is discussed.
GIS-Based Sub-Basin Scale Identification of Dominant Runoff Processes for Soil and Water Management in Anambra Area of Nigeria
Authors: Fagbohun Babatunde Joseph , Olabode Oluwaseun Franklin , Adebola Abiodun Olufemi , Akinluyi Francis Omowonuola
Published: November 2017

Identifying landscapes having comparable hydrological characteristics is valuable for the determination of dominant runoff process (DRP) and prediction of flood. Several approaches used for DRP-mapping vary in relation to data and time requirement. Manual approaches which are based on field investigation and expert knowledge are time demanding and difficult to implement at regional scale. Automatic GIS-based approach on the other hand require simplification of data but is easier to implement and it is applicable on a regional scale.

In this study, GIS-based automated approach was used to identify the DRPs in Anambra area. The result showed that Hortonian overland flow (HOF) has the highest coverage of 1508.3 km2(33.5%) followed by deep percolation (DP) with coverage of 1455.3 km2(32.3%). Subsurface flow (SSF) is the third dominant runoff process covering 920.6 km2(20.4%) while saturated overland flow (SOF) covers the least area of 618.4 km2(13.7%) of the study area. The result reveal that considerable amount of precipitated water would be infiltrated into the subsurface through deep percolation process contributing to groundwater recharge in the study area. However, it is envisaged that HOF and SOF will continue to increase due to the continuous expansion of built-up area. With the expected increase in HOF and SOF, and the change in rainfall pattern associated with perpetual problem of climate change, it is paramount that groundwater conservation practices should be considered to ensure continued sustainable utilization of groundwater in the study area.