bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Preliminary Analysis of Tyler Perry’s ‘House of Payne’ and ‘Meet the Browns’: Effect on the Black Identity, African Americans’ Frequency of Exposure, Perception of Accuracy and Affective Evaluation
Authors: Musambira George W. , Jackson Nicole E.
Published: October 2018

A survey method was applied to a sample of 145 self-identified African American members of four predominantly African American churches to assess the influence of Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and Meet the Browns television shows on their racial identity and how they perceived and evaluated the shows. Results indicate that (1) particular socioeconomic factors, more specifically education attainment, may negatively influence exposure to House of Payne and Meet the Browns, 2) religiosity may account for viewers’ exposure more to House of Payne than to Meet the Browns, 3) House of Payne may have a more significant influence on viewers” black identity than Meet the Browns, 4) Frequency of exposure, income, and education may predict affective evaluation and perceived accuracy of both House of Payne and Meet the Browns, and 5) House of Payne may be considered a more accurate and positive reflection of the black group experience than Meet the Browns.
Evaluation of a Positive Youth Development Program in Hong Kong: A Replication
Authors: Ma Cecilia M. S. , Shek Daniel T. L. , Leung Hildie
Published: October 2018

Objectives:

In this study, we used the one-group pretest–posttest design to examine changes in students after joining a positive youth development program (Project PATHS) in Hong Kong, with 9,226 successfully matched junior high school students joining the Tier 1 and/or Tier 2 program(s).

Method:

Program participants completed the validated outcome measures on positive youth development, life satisfaction, and thriving before and after joining the program(s).

Results:

Students showed positive changes after joining the Tier 1 and/or Tier 2 program(s). The present findings replicated and converged with the findings of the previous two studies.

Conclusion:

The present study illustrates the role of positive youth development programs in promoting adolescent development and highlights the importance of replication in intervention research in positive youth development programs in youth services. The contributions and limitations of this series of studies are discussed.
Novel De NovoEFTUD2 Mutations in 2 Cases With MFDM, Initially Suspected to Have Alternative Craniofacial Diagnoses
Authors: Lacour Jennie C. , McBride Lori , St. Hilaire Hugo , Mundinger Gerhard S. , Moses Michael , Koon Jessica , Torres Jairo I. , Lacassie Yves
Published: October 2018

We report 2 cases of mandibulofacial dysostosis with microcephaly (MFDM) with different and novel de novo mutations in the elongation factor Tu GTP binding domain containing 2 gene. Both cases were initially thought to have alternative disorders but were later correctly diagnosed through whole-exome sequencing. These cases expand upon our knowledge of the phenotypic spectrum in patients with MFDM, which will aid in defining the full phenotype of this disorder and increase awareness of this condition.
Who Represents Me? Race, Gender, Partisan Congruence, and Representational Alternatives in a Polarized America
Authors: English Ashley , Pearson Kathryn , Strolovitch Dara Z.
Published: October 2018

The belief among citizens that their views are represented is essential to the legitimacy of American democracy, but few studies have explicitly examined which political actors Americans feel best represent them. Using data from the 2006 Cooperative Congressional Election Study, we ask new questions about whether respondents who share a partisan, racial, or gender identification with their members of Congress (MCs) feel those members best represent them. Although the framers designed the House so that individuals’ own MCs would be their closest and most responsive representatives, a majority of respondents turn to other actors for representation. Partisanship is a key reason for this attenuated connection, as respondents who do not share a partisan identification with their MCs are more likely than those who do to rely on their party’s congressional leaders or advocacy organizations for representation instead. Sharing a racial identification with one’s own MC can strengthen representational connections as respondents who share a racial identity with their MCs are significantly more likely than respondents who do not to indicate that their MC represents them “the most.” These results shed light on enduring questions about the significance of symbolic representation and its link to partisanship and descriptive representation.
Injury Pattern in Ligamentous Lisfranc Injuries in Competitive Athletes
Authors: Porter David A. , Barnes Adam F. , Rund Angela , Walrod Madison T.
Published: October 2018

Background:

We report data on the largest cohort to date of patients who sustained a ligamentous Lisfranc injury during sport. To date, the prevalence of concurrent intercuneiform ligament injuries in the competitive athlete with subtle Lisfranc instability has not been reported.

Methods:

Eighty-two patients (64 males, 18 females) sustained an unstable Lisfranc injury (49 left, 33 right) and met inclusion criteria. Injuries were classified as traditional dislocation (TRAD, first to second TMT ligament tear), medial column dislocation (MCD, second TMT, and medial-middle cuneiform ligament tear), or proximal extension dislocation (PE, first, second, and medial-middle cuneiform ligament tear) and the injury pattern confirmed at surgery. All athletes underwent open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) of each unstable midfoot segment. Fisher exact tests and 2-tailed t tests were used to analyze statistical significance according to injury pattern, sport, gender difference, hindfoot angle alignment, and injured side ( P < .05).

Results:

Average age of athletes was 21.0 ± 5.3 years old (range 12-40), and return to sports was 7.5 ± 2.1 months. Injury distribution was as follows: TRAD (n = 40), MCD (n = 17), and PE (n = 23). MCD trended toward a longer return to sport (8.4 ± 3.3 months, P = .074). Football was the most common sport at time of injury (n = 48). Wakeboard athletes (n = 5) were older (31.4 ± 3.2, P = .0002), and MCD tears were more prevalent among them ( P = .061). Basketball (n = 13) players were significantly younger (19.1 ± 2.5 years, P = .028) and returned to sports quicker (5.2 ± 0.7, P = .0002). Return to sport data indicated a typical population for athletes with Lisfranc injury in these sports.

Conclusion:

Proximal extension disruption (intercuneiform ligament tear) occurred in 50% of these low-energy Lisfranc athletic injuries. MCD and PE may be more prevalent than previously understood. This is the first study to document the extent, pattern, and prevalence of associated intercuneiform ligament tears in the competitive athlete with a low-energy subtle, unstable Lisfranc injury.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Closed-form solutions of an elliptical crack subjected to coupled phonon–phason loadings in two-dimensional hexagonal quasicrystal media
Authors: Li Yuan , Fan CuiYing , Qin Qing-Hua , Zhao MingHao
Published: October 2018

An elliptical crack subjected to coupled phonon–phason loadings in a three-dimensional body of two-dimensional hexagonal quasicrystals is analytically investigated. Owing to the existence of the crack, the phonon and phason displacements are discontinuous along the crack face. The phonon and phason displacement discontinuities serve as the unknown variables in the generalized potential function method which are used to derive the boundary integral equations. These boundary integral equations governing Mode I, II, and III crack problems in two-dimensional hexagonal quasicrystals are expressed in integral differential form and hypersingular integral form, respectively. Closed-form exact solutions to the elliptical crack problems are first derived for two-dimensional hexagonal quasicrystals. The corresponding fracture parameters, including displacement discontinuities along the crack face and stress intensity factors, are presented considering all three crack cases of Modes I, II, and III. Analytical solutions for a penny-shaped crack, as a special case of the elliptical problem, are given. The obtained analytical solutions are graphically presented and numerically verified by the extended displacement discontinuities boundary element method.
What’s Race Got to Do With It? Equity and Philanthropic Evaluation Practice
Authors: Dean-Coffey Jara
Published: October 2018

An increasing number of foundations are embracing racial equity/equity as a core value, and it is influencing how they see themselves and operate. However, evaluation has for the most part remained untouched. Knowing how race/racism has influenced both, philanthropy and evaluation, deepens our understanding of how philanthropic evaluation practice may unintentionally reinforce racism. Equitable evaluation shifts the current evaluation paradigm to one that centers equity/racial equity, so that it is more aligned with the values and intentions of current day philanthropic endeavors.
Looking Backward but Moving Forward
Authors: Waapalaneexkweew (Nicole R. Bowman-Farrell, Mohican/Lunaape)
Published: October 2018

Culturally responsive evaluation and culturally responsive Indigenous evaluation (CRIE) within the broader field of evaluation are not often included in Western literature nor are they known or used by the majority of mainstream evaluators. In order to address this literature and practice gap, this article offers an overview and a broader origin story of CRIE prior to colonial or European contact in the United States and gives an overview of the historical, theoretical, and practical foundations for conducting CRIE in a contemporary evaluation context. Examples of evidence-based models, theories, and resources are provided to connect CRIE to Western evaluation designs and provide concrete strategies for the field of evaluation going forward. The article concludes with systemic and policy evaluation considerations as agencies from federal (i.e., United States), tribal, and international governments and partners from private or nonprofit sectors collaborate to carry out Indigenous evaluations in the future. Collectively this multijurisdictional, culturally responsive, and community-centered CRIE approach gives evaluators a new way to move forward.
Evaluation’s Race Problem in the United States
Authors: Hall Melvin E.
Published: October 2018

Despite political and rhetorical pronouncements of a reduction in racism, growing inequity in U.S. society continues to feature race as a prominent fault line with no evidence of reduction on the horizon. Of significant concern is the degree to which inequity among racially identified subgroups of the population link to policies and practices of local, state, and federal government and thereby influence the operation and evaluation of important programs and services. Evaluation as a principal tool of knowledge creation on behalf of government and the public trust must examine its role with respect to these alarming trends and potential vulnerability. The author examines how race and racism (particularly as focused on African American communities) may influence the theories, models, practices, and techniques of evaluation and calls for creation of an ongoing forum in the American Journal of Evaluation where these critical issues can receive thoughtful and continuous attention from the field.
Introduction to the Section on Race and Evaluation
Authors: Bledsoe Katrina L.
Published: October 2018

The introduction to the section outlines the need for the discussion about race and evaluation, as well as race in evaluation, and outlines the articles which discuss the topic from a variety of perspectives.
Profibrotic effects of angiotensin II and transforming growth factor beta on feline kidney epithelial cells
Authors: van Beusekom Cyrina D , Zimmering Tanja M
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of angiotensin II (AT-II) and its main mediator, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), in the development of feline renal fibrosis.

Methods

Expression of marker genes indicating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), profibrotic mediators and matricellular proteins was measured in feline kidney epithelial cells (Crandell Rees feline kidney [CRFK] cells) after incubation with AT-II and/or TGF-β1.

Results

Cells incubated with TGF-β1 or the combination of TGF-β1 with AT-II showed clear EMT with more stretched fibroblastic cells, whereas the cells incubated without TGF-β1 and AT-II (control) showed more epithelial cells. Gene expression of collagen type I ( COL1), tenascin-C ( TNC), trombospondin-1 ( TSP-1), connective tissue growth factor ( CTGF) and alpha-smooth muscle actin ( α-SMA) increased significantly after incubation of the CRFK cells with TGF-β1 or TGF-β1 in combination with AT-II for 12 h. As incubation of the CRFK cells with only AT-II did not show any significant rise in gene expression of the above-mentioned genes, this was further investigated. In contrast to healthy feline kidney tissue, CRFK cells showed almost no expression of the AT-II type 1 (AT1) receptor.

Conclusions and relevance

TGF-β1 significantly induced expression of the EMT marker gene α-SMA, profibrotic mediator CTGF, and fibrogenic proteins COL1, TNC and TSP-1 in CRFK cells. The effect of TGF-β1 on myofibroblast formation was also observed by the stretched appearance of the CRFK cells. As CRFK cells expressed almost no AT1 receptors, this cell line proved not suitable for testing the efficacy of drugs that interact with the AT1 receptor. As AT-II stimulates the effects of TGF-β1 in mammals, the results of this study suggest an indirect profibrotic effect of AT-II besides the demonstrated profibrotic effect of TGF-β1 and thus the development of feline renal fibrosis. Modulation of EMT or proliferation of myofibroblasts could serve as a diagnostic tool and a novel therapeutic target to inhibit renal fibrogenesis, and could possibly serve in the therapy of feline renal fibrosis.
Telemedicine in the correctional setting: A scoping review
Authors: Senanayake Buddhika , Wickramasinghe Sumudu I , Eriksson Lars , Smith Anthony C , Edirippulige Sisira
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The access healthcare services to inmates within correctional settings has generally been low and problematic due to specific nature of the prison setting. Telemedicine has been used as an alternative delivery mode. This study aimed to collate the current evidence related to the use of telemedicine to deliver health services within correctional settings.

Methods

A comprehensive search of seven databases – PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Informit, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO and Scopus, for peer-reviewed publications was conducted in April, 2018.

Results

Initial search identified 1147 articles. After review of the title and abstract, 36 articles were included in the final review. Of the included articles, 19 (53%) were published during the period of 2010-2018. Articles were predominantly from the USA ( n = 23; 64 %), France and Australia. There were 23 descriptive studies (64%), five costing studies (14%) five experimental studies (14%), two mixed methods (6%) and one qualitative study (3%). The experimental studies were predominantly focused on mental health services ( n = 4, 80%). The commonest telemedicine intervention used was synchronous videoconferencing ( n = 21, 58%), while eight articles (22%) described asynchronous interventions. Telemedicine interventions were mainly used for mental health ( n = 13), and ophthalmology ( n = 4) disciplines.

Discussion

In the right circumstances, telemedicine interventions within correctional settings seem to be a useful method in connecting inmates with essential health services.
Vulnerability and psychosocial health experienced by repatriated children in Kosovo
Authors: Kienzler Hanna , Wenzel Thomas , Shaini Mimoza
Published: October 2018

Accounts are increasing of non-voluntary deportations of Kosovar adolescents from European countries to Kosovo, and human rights organizations have condemned deportation practices endorsed by European governments for being violent and detrimental to adolescents’ physical and psychosocial health and well-being. However, research remains scarce on the connections among migration, repatriation and reintegration realities, and adolescents’ experiences of psychosocial health and well-being. This article describes how adolescent returnees living in Kosovo express their emotional distress, their struggle with negative living conditions, and their exposure to violence. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 adolescents with very high-level post-traumatic stress and depression symptomatology and a General Health Questionnaire score of 40 or higher. This empirical data provided in-depth information about the adolescents’ narratives of symptoms and illness, explanations of symptom and illness causation, ongoing stressors and the impacts these factors have on their health and well-being. The study found that suffering and related health problems are associated with a sense of loss and ongoing social isolation, economic problems, precarious living conditions, and discrimination. The adolescents’ lack of social and economic capital makes accessing appropriate resources and professional help for their health and social problems extremely difficult. In the discussion and conclusion section, recommendations are made for the development of appropriate and holistic psychosocial interventions focusing on well-being and human rights.
Invisible rights: Barriers and facilitators to access and use of interpreter services in health care settings by Polish migrants in Norway
Authors: Czapka Elżbieta Anna , Gerwing Jennifer , Sagbakken Mette
Published: October 2018

Aims: Polish migration to Norway is a relatively new phenomenon. Many Polish migrants do not speak Norwegian or have insufficient knowledge of the language, which makes it difficult or impossible to communicate with health personnel. The main aim of the study was to identify barriers and facilitators to Polish migrants’ access and use of interpreter services in health care settings in Norway. Methods: Nineteen semi-structured interviews with Polish migrants were carried out in 2013 and 2014. Thematic analysis was performed to identify barriers and facilitators related to the use of interpreter services. Results: Participants often received information regarding their health condition and treatment in a language they did not fully understand. They reported that their access to interpretation services was limited or denied for a variety of reasons, such as reluctance of health personnel to book an interpreter and overestimation of patient’s language skills. In many cases, using friends, relatives or bilingual staff instead of professional interpreters compromised the quality of interpretation. Conclusions: Even though migrants are entitled to free interpreter services, Polish migrants experience several barriers accessing interpreters in health care settings. A variety of practices such as selective use and use of unqualified and ad hoc interpreters reveals a failure to meet recommended standards of interpretation services. Not involving professional interpreters in language-discordant consultations constitutes a serious threat to practitioners’ ability to work as competent professionals, potentially risking the quality and safety of health care for these patients.
Travelling with a purpose: An ethnographic study of the eudemonic experiences of volunteer expedition participants
Authors: Curtin Susanna , Brown Lorraine
Published: October 2018

Purposeful travel is apparent in new modes of tourism and particularly in volunteer holidays where tourists are searching for meaningful experiences that provide a sense of physical, emotional or spiritual fulfilment. Based on a qualitative study using participant observation, this article adopted the concept of eudemonia to explore the experiences of participants on an elephant conservation expedition to Bardia National Park, Nepal. Volunteer travel is used to connect with and understand the wider world. Rather than an escape, these journeys allowed participants to experience first-hand the hardships and realities of people in other countries; creating greater perspective and making them ‘better people’ on their return. Feeling virtuous can only be mobilised, however, if participants felt themselves to be useful rather than a passive or ill-equipped bystander. Findings also revealed how the return home is not always easy; that the process of re-entry can be isolating.
Viking leadership: How Norwegian transformational leadership style effects creativity and change through organizational citizenship behavior (OCB)
Authors: Lofquist Eric Arne , Matthiesen Stig Berge
Published: October 2018

This article examines the distinct “Viking” leadership style of top leaders in the Norwegian industry that has evolved from a harsh and violent history. Earlier studies have reported that Norwegian leaders at the middle manager level rate high in transformational leadership traits due to a strong feminine culture and a low power distance society, yet Norwegians are also highly individualistic which differs significantly from other national cultures with feminine traits and collective societies. This unique cultural combination is becoming a cross-cultural issue as the Norwegian society is becoming more heterogeneous, particularly in work settings. Understanding how this leadership style differs from other cultures, even in Scandinavia, is important to help leaders better understand the effects of their leadership style on performance. In this study, we explored four of the original Hofstede national cultural dimensions, specifically, power distance, femininity–masculinity, individualism–collectivism, and uncertainty avoidance and examined how these are reflected at the top leadership level within the Norwegian industry using a national leadership study of Norwegian top leaders ( N = 917). We also examined how these self-reported leadership styles affected perceived organizational results in the form of innovation and change through organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). Our findings suggest that Norwegian top leaders do exhibit transformational leadership traits, and that these traits have a positive influence on OCB, which further had a positive relationship to organizational performance in the form of innovation and change results. We also found that power distance and a collectivistic orientation predicted OCB, while only power distance predicted innovation and change among the Hofstede cultural dimensions. Of the four Hofstede dimensions, only one moderating effect was found for predicting OCB, the link between transformational leadership and power distance, suggesting that leaders with low power distance and high transformational leadership orientation are most connected with OCB.
Bayesian causal mediation analysis with multiple ordered mediators
Authors: Gao Tianming , Albert Jeffrey M
Published: October 2018

Causal mediation analysis provides investigators insight into how a treatment or exposure can affect an outcome of interest through one or more mediators on causal pathway. When multiple mediators on the pathway are causally ordered, identification of mediation effects on certain causal pathways requires a sensitivity parameter to be specified. A mixed model-based approach was proposed in the Bayesian framework to connect potential outcomes at different treatment levels, and identify mediation effects independent of a sensitivity parameter, for the natural direct and indirect effects on all causal pathways. The proposed method is illustrated in a linear setting for mediators and outcome, with mediator-treatment interactions. Sensitivity analysis was performed for the prior choices in the Bayesian models. The proposed Bayesian method was applied to an adolescent dental health study, to see how social economic status can affect dental caries through a sequence of causally ordered mediators in dental visit and oral hygiene index.
In search of a privacy action against breaches of physical privacy in Hong Kong
Authors: Mo Jojo YC
Published: October 2018

The focus of privacy laws in Hong Kong has always been on the use and dissemination of personal or confidential information, but a person’s privacy can also be intruded by unwanted watching or listening irrespective of whether information is collected or used. Despite an attempt to introduce two privacy torts by the Law Reform Commission of Hong Kong in 2004, there is no timetable as to when these two statutory torts be introduced. Recognition has been afforded for intrusions upon seclusion or solitude in a number of jurisdictions including New Zealand and the Canadian province of Ontario. In England, an intrusion tort has not been separately recognized, but the decision in Gulati v MGN confirmed that damages may still be awarded for an action for misuse of private information in instances where there is no disclosure or publication of the wrongfully acquired information. This article looks at the possibility of developing a common law action of privacy in Hong Kong which affords protection regardless of whether private information is acquired or published by drawing insights to the developments in New Zealand and England.
Early Recoil After Balloon Angioplasty of Erection-Related Arteries in Patients With Arteriogenic Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Diehm Nicolas , Do Dai-Do , Keo Hak-Hong , Boerlin Jana , Regli Christian , Schumacher Martin , Jungmann Pia M. , Raeber Lorenz , Baumann Frederic
Published: October 2018

Purpose: To evaluate the incidence of elastic recoil in patients presenting with erectile dysfunction (ED) undergoing endovascular revascularization of the pudendal or penile arteries. Methods: A consecutive series of 21 ED patients (mean age 58.3±9.3 years) undergoing minimally invasive revascularization of 31 arteries was analyzed. ED lesions included the pudendal arteries (n=27) and the penile artery (n=4). Mean lesion length was 20.6±13.9 mm. Minimal lumen diameter (MLD) measurements were assessed at baseline, immediately after balloon angioplasty, and 10 minutes thereafter. Early recoil was defined as an MLD reduction >10%. Elastic recoil with >10% lumen compromise was treated with drug-coated balloons, while severe elastic recoil (>30%) required drug-eluting stents (DES). The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) score was obtained prior to and 3 months after the procedure to obtain information on functional outcomes subsequent to angioplasty. Results: Mean MLD at baseline was 0.9±0.6 mm, which improved to 2.0±0.9 mm immediately after balloon dilation. At 10 minutes after dilation, the MLD was 1.7±1.0 mm. Elastic recoil was observed in all 31 lesions and resulted in a mean lumen compromise of 21.2%. Severe (>30%) recoil was observed in 14 arteries, which underwent DES therapy. The IIEF-15 score improved from 31.3±11.2 at baseline to 49.8±16.8 (p<0.001) at the 3-month follow-up. Conclusion: Endovascular revascularization constitutes a safe and feasible treatment modality to restore erectile function in patients with arteriogenic ED and ineffective conservative management. Early elastic recoil is very frequent subsequent to balloon dilation of small-caliber erection-related arteries. Thus, mechanical scaffolding with DES is required in a high subset of ED patients to provide favorable early angiographic and clinical results.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Spinal Malignancies
Authors: Osborn Virginia W. , Lee Anna , Yamada Yoshiya
Published: October 2018

Stereotactic body radiation therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery have become important treatment options for the treatment of spinal malignancies. A better understanding of dose tolerances with more conformal technology have allowed administration of higher and more ablative doses. In this review, the framework for approaching a patient with spinal metastases and primary tumors will be discussed as well as details on the delivery of this treatment.
Upregulation of miR-200b Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Proliferation and Migration by Targeting HMGB3 Protein
Authors: Wang Long-kun , Xie Xi-Na , Song Xu-Hong , Su Ting , Chang Xiao-Lan , Xu Man , Liang Bin , Huang Dong-Yang
Published: October 2018

HMGB3 belongs to the high-mobility group box subfamily and has been found to be overexpressed in gastric cancer. However, the expression and the role of HMGB3 in human hepatocellular carcinoma remain unknown. Here, we report that HMGB3, which is suppressed by miR-200b, contributes to cell proliferation and migration in human hepatocellular carcinoma. After analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas data of 371 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, we identified HMGB3 to be upregulated in human hepatocellular carcinoma tissue. Knockdown of HMGB3 in the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line suppressed cell proliferation and migration. TargetScan analysis showed miR-200b to be a possible regulator for HMGB3. Subsequent luciferase assays indicated that HMGB3 was a direct target of miR-200b. In addition, upregulation of miR-200b inhibited hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth and migration. HMGB3 overexpression or miR-200b downregulation was associated with poor prognosis. Our findings suggest HMGB3 may serve as an important oncoprotein whose expression is negatively regulated by miR-200b in hepatocellular carcinoma.
The governors of school markets? Local education authorities, school choice and equity in Finland and Sweden
Authors: Varjo Janne , Lundström Ulf , Kalalahti Mira
Published: October 2018

As one of the key elements of the Nordic welfare model, education systems are based on the idea of providing equal educational opportunities, regardless of gender, social class and geographic origin. Since the 1990s, Nordic welfare states have undergone a gradual but wide-ranging transformation towards a more market-based mode of public service delivery. Along this trajectory, the advent of school choice policy and the growing variation in the between-school achievement results have diversified the previously homogenous Nordic education systems.

The aim of our paper is to analyse how Finnish and Swedish local education authorities comprehend and respond to the intertwinement of the market logic of school choice and the ideology of equality. The data consist of two sets of in-depth thematic interviews with staff from the local providers of education, municipal education authorities. The analysis discloses the ways in which national legislation has authorized municipal authorities to govern the provision of education.
Postoperative Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Use and Nasal Saline Rinses After Endonasal Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Practice Pattern Survey
Authors: Choi David L. , Reddy Kesava , Weitzel Erik K. , Rotenberg Brian W. , Vescan Allan , Algird Almunder , D. Sommer Doron
Published: October 2018

Background

Endoscopic skull base surgery continues to evolve in its indications, techniques, instrumentation, and postoperative care. As surgery of the skull base will often violate dura, intraoperative and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is not uncommon and represents a potential conduit for air and bacterial contamination. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) requiring continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy undergoing skull base surgery represent a challenging group. However, there appears to be a paucity of consensus regarding the postoperative management of this patient population. The objective of this study is to examine practice patterns and expert opinion on the use of postoperative CPAP and nasal saline in patients with OSA.

Methods

A 14-item survey was generated by consensus among expert authors and distributed online to members of the North American Skull Base society and other international skull base community members. Data were analyzed for median, mean, and standard deviation variables. Subgroup analysis was completed between surgeons from different geographical locations and operative experience. SPSS22 was utilized for all complex statistical analysis and figures.

Results

Seventy-one responses were collected from skull base surgeons. In patients with OSA, respondents would resume patients’ CPAP therapy after a mean of 10.1 days (median, 7; standard deviation [SD], 10.2), without a CSF leak. In the presence of a small CSF leak, the mean duration would increase to 14.3 days (median, 14; SD, 9.8) and to 20.7 days (median, 21; SD, 11.8) in the presence of a larger leak. A surgeon’s choice to attribute the relationship between delaying the start of nasal saline and CPAP after the endoscopic skull base surgery with progressively more challenging skull base repair was found to be statistically significant ( P < .001).

Conclusion

Saline and CPAP therapies are initiated after the endoscopic skull base surgical repairs by surgeons at an increasing temporal delay in relation to the degree and complexity of the skull base defect repaired.
Ignorance of History and Perceptions of Racism: Another Look at the Marley Hypothesis
Authors: Strickhouser Jason E. , Zell Ethan , Harris Kara E.
Published: October 2018

Why do White Americans perceive less racism than Black Americans? Two provocative studies on the Marley hypothesis suggest that White Americans are more ignorant of historical instances of racism than Black Americans and that ignorance of history mediates racial differences in perceptions of racism. We conducted two replications of the Marley hypothesis in a different institutional and regional context than prior studies. In contrast with prior findings, the difference between White and Black Americans knowledge of historical racism was not significant in either of our replications and was dramatically smaller than that obtained in prior studies. Thus, the present research failed to replicate the mediation effect found in prior studies. We discuss potential explanations for these discrepant findings (e.g., differences in institution and region) and call for additional research examining whether the Marley hypothesis is moderated by cultural contexts.
Interactive effects of pain catastrophizing and mindfulness on pain intensity in women with fibromyalgia
Authors: Dorado Kathleen , Schreiber Kristin L , Koulouris Alexandra , Edwards Robert R , Napadow Vitaly , Lazaridou Asimina
Published: October 2018

The objective of this study was to examine the association between facets of trait mindfulness, pain catastrophizing, and pain severity in a sample of patients with fibromyalgia. Patients with fibromyalgia completed validated baseline and diary assessments of clinical pain, mindfulness, and pain catastrophizing. Multilevel modeling analyses indicated that the daily association between catastrophizing and pain intensity was moderated by certain mindfulness facets. Our findings suggest that various aspects of mindfulness may interact differently with pain and catastrophizing, which may have implications for the design and testing of interventions targeting mindfulness and catastrophizing in fibromyalgia patients.
Longer colonic transit time is associated with laxative and drug use, lifestyle factors, and symptoms of constipation
Authors: Bohlin Johan , Dahlin Erik , Dreja Julia , Roth Bodil , Ekberg Olle , Ohlsson Bodil
Published: October 2018

Background

Gastrointestinal symptoms and changes in colonic transit time (CTT) are common in the population.

Purpose

To evaluate consecutive patients who had been examined for CTT, along with completion of a diary about laxative and drug use, lifestyle factors, and gastrointestinal symptoms, to identify possible associations with longer or prolonged CTT.

Material and Methods

A total of 610 consecutive patients had undergone the radiopaque marker method with an abdominal X-ray for clinical purposes. The patients had completed a diary regarding medical treatment, lifestyle factors, stool habits, and their perceived constipation and abdominal pain during the examination period. The associations between CTT and laxative use, lifestyle factors, stool habits, and symptoms were calculated by logistic regression.

Results

Women had longer CTT (2.5 [1.6–3.9] vs. 1.7 [1.1–3.0] days, P < 0.001), lower weekly stool frequency (6 [3–10] vs. 8 [5–12], P = 0.001), and perceived more constipation ( P = 0.025) and abdominal pain ( P = 0.001) than men. High coffee consumption ( P = 0.045), bulk-forming ( P = 0.007) and osmotic ( P = 0.001) laxatives, and lower stool frequency, shaped stool, and perceived constipation ( P for trend < 0.001) were associated with longer CTT. In total, 382 patients (63%) were treated with drugs affecting motility. In the 228 patients without drug treatment, longer CTT was associated with female sex and smoking, and lower frequency of symptoms and prolonged CTT were observed compared to patients using drugs. Tea, alcohol, and abdominal pain did not associate with CTT.

Conclusions

Female sex, coffee, smoking, drug use, infrequent stools, shaped stool, and perception of constipation are associated with longer or prolonged CTT.
Are Borders the Reflection of International Relations? Southeast Asian Borders in Perspective
Authors: Ullah A. K. M. Ahsan , Kumpoh Asiyah Az-Zahra Ahmad
Published: October 2018

Over the past decade, the concepts of border have gained resonance in several disciplines within social sciences. While critical theory of borders has made tremendous advancements, scarcity of the scholarship in border studies is still evident. Borders are, in general, cultural, social, territorial, geographical, political, sexual and racial separators. This article deals with geographical borders in the Southeast Asian (SEA) region. Most countries in SEA share borders with each other. Under a range of circumstances and relationships such as trade, security and migration flows take place. Southeast Asia’s heterogeneity—politically, ethnically, religiously, economically, demographically and spatially—has crucial implications for neighbourly relationships, trade, border constructions, migration and refugee flows for all the countries. This article delves into the interplay between borders and heterogeneity in SEA and their outcomes. We argue that borders type determine the level of relationship between neighbouring countries and security outcome, trade and population mobility.
Risk of HBV reactivation in patients with B-cell lymphomas receiving obinutuzumab or rituximab immunochemotherapy
Authors: Kusumoto Shigeru , Arcaini Luca , Hong Xiaonan , Jin Jie , Kim Won Seog , Kwong Yok Lam , Peters Marion G. , Tanaka Yasuhito , Zelenetz Andrew D. , Kuriki Hiroshi , Fingerle-Rowson Günter , Nielsen Tina , Ueda Eisuke , Piper-Lepoutre Hanna , Sellam Gila , Tobinai Kensei
Published: October 2018

Risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation was assessed in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients with resolved HBV infection (hepatitis B surface antigen negative, hepatitis B core antibody positive) who received obinutuzumab- or rituximab-containing immunochemotherapy in the phase 3 GOYA and GALLIUM studies. HBV DNA monitoring was undertaken monthly to 1 year after the last dose of study drug. In case of HBV reactivation (confirmed, HBV DNA ≥29 IU/mL), immunochemotherapy was withheld and nucleos(t)ide analog treatment (preemptive NAT) started. Immunochemotherapy was restarted if HBV DNA became undetectable or reactivation was not confirmed, and discontinued if HBV DNA exceeded 100 IU/mL on NAT. Prophylactic NAT was allowed by investigator discretion. Among 326 patients with resolved HBV infection, 27 (8.2%) had HBV reactivation, occurring a median of 125 days (interquartile range, 85-331 days) after the first dose. In 232 patients without prophylactic NAT, 25 (10.8%) had HBV reactivation; all received preemptive NAT. Ninety-four patients received prophylactic NAT; 2 (2.1%) had HBV reactivation. No patients developed HBV-related hepatitis. On multivariate Cox analysis, detectable HBV DNA at baseline was strongly associated with an increased risk of reactivation (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 18.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.04-54.93; P < .0001). Prophylactic NAT was strongly associated with a reduced risk (adjusted HR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.02-0.41; P = .0018). HBV DNA monitoring–guided preemptive NAT was effective in preventing HBV-related hepatitis during anti–CD20-containing immunochemotherapy in B-cell NHL patients with resolved HBV infection. Antiviral prophylaxis was also effective and may be appropriate for high-risk patients. These trials were registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01287741 (GOYA) and NCT01332968 (GALLIUM).
The ASEAN experience of the purchasing power parity theory
Authors: Murad S. M. Woahid , Hossain Mohammad Amzad
Published: October 2018

We used panel data analysis to evaluate the relative purchasing power parity (PPP) hypothesis of the ten ASEAN member countries between 1973 and 2015. We incorporated the cross-sectionally augmented panel unit root test as proposed by Pesaran (J Appl Econ 22:265-312, 2007). For panel cointegration analysis, we employed the four error-correction-based Westerlund (Oxf Bull Econ Stat 69:709-748, 2007) panel cointegration tests. The Westerlund (Oxf Bull Econ Stat 69:709-748, 2007) tests are general enough to permit a large degree of heterogeneity, both in the long-run cointegrating relationship and in the short-run dynamics, and dependence within as well as across the cross-sectional units. To check the robustness of the results, we further estimated the cointegration test excluding Indonesia and Brunei. The findings support our initial results. Further, all the results overwhelmingly support the relative PPP hypothesis. Consequently, the monetary authority would be able to implement a self-regulating monetary policy. It would also be able to control the exchange rates.
Dexmedetomidine-Mediated Prevention of Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Depends in Part on Cholinergic Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms
Authors: Ma Jianbo , Chen Qian , Li Juanjuan , Zhao Hailin , Mi Emma , Chen Yan , Yi Bin , Ning Jiaolin , Ma Daqing , Lu Kaizhi , Gu Jianteng
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND:

Organ ischemia-reperfusion injury often induces local and systemic inflammatory responses, which in turn worsen organ injury. These inflammatory responses can be regulated by the central nervous system, particularly by the vagal nerve and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which are the key components of cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway can suppress excessive inflammatory responses and be a potential strategy for prevention of ischemia-reperfusion injury of organs including the kidney.

METHODS:

Vagal nerve activity, plasma acetylcholine, catecholamine and inflammatory mediators, renal tissue injury, and cell death were measured in mice with bilateral renal ischemia/reperfusion with or without treatment with dexmedetomidine (Dex), an α2-adrenergic receptor agonist.

RESULTS:

Dex significantly increased the discharge frequency of the cervical vagal nerve by up to 142 Hz (mean) (P < .001), and preserved kidney gross morphology and structure and attenuated cell apoptosis after ischemia-reperfusion. Furthermore, Dex also significantly increased acetylcholine release to 135.8 pmol/L (median) when compared to that (84.7 pmol/L) in the sham group (P < .001) and reduced the levels of several inflammatory mediators induced by renal ischemia/reperfusion. All the effects were abolished by vagotomy, splenectomy, or combinative administration of atipamezole, an α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings suggest that Dex provides renoprotection, at least in part, through anti-inflammatory effects of the parasympathetic nervous system activation in addition to its direct actions on α2-adrenergic receptors.
Multimodality treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Berzenji Lawek , Van Schil Paul
Published: October 2018

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare disease of the pleura and is largely related to asbestos exposure. Despite recent advancements in technologies and a greater understanding of the disease, the prognosis of MPM remains poor; the median overall survival rate is about 6 to 9 months in untreated patients. The main therapeutic strategies for MPM are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy (RT). The two main surgical approaches for MPM are extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), in which the lung is removed en bloc, and pleurectomy/decortication, in which the lung stays in situ. Chemotherapy usually consists of a platinum-based chemotherapy, such as cisplatin, often combined with a folate antimetabolite, such as pemetrexed. More recently, immunotherapy has emerged as a possible therapeutic strategy for MPM. Evidence suggests that single-modality treatments are not an effective therapeutic approach for MPM. Therefore, researchers have started to explore different multimodality treatment approaches, in which often combinations of surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and RT are investigated. There is still no definitive answer to the question of which multimodality treatment combinations are most effective in improving the poor prognosis of MPM. Research into the effects of trimodality treatment approaches have found that radical approaches such as EPP and hemithoracic RT post-EPP are less effective than was previously assumed. In general, there are still a great number of unanswered questions and unknown factors regarding the ideal treatment approach for MPM. Hopefully, more research into multimodality therapy will provide insight into which combination of treatment modalities is most effective.
Vitamin D supplementation and clinical outcomes in cancer survivorship
Authors: Griffin Niamh , Dowling Maura
Published: October 2018

Increasing evidence points to the role of vitamin D supplementation in cancer management. A comprehensive search of online databases was undertaken for all research studies relating to vitamin D supplementation in cancer survivorship published up to November 2017. Eighteen studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for this review, the majority of which involved supplementation in breast cancer. This review concludes that vitamin D supplementation plays an important role in disease-free survival in a number of cancers, particularly breast. In other cancers, the role of supplementation is less clear, and more research is required. More research is also required to investigate the most effective dose and duration of vitamin D supplementation to benefit cancer survivors.
Curriculum design and delivery: Part 7
Authors: Bromley Matt
Published: October 2018

In the final part of his series on designing and delivering a whole-school curriculum, Matt Bromley recaps his key advice, discusses the importance of the language of learning used by teachers, and looks at Ofsted's latest comments ahead of its new inspection framework