bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inequality of opportunity in health: evidence from Chile
Authors: Gallardo Kevin , Varas Liseth , Gallardo Mauricio
Published: December 2017

OBJECTIVE: To assess the possible presence of inequality of opportunities in the health status of Chileans, according to sociodemographic circumstances. METHODS: Self-rated health data were used from the Chilean National Health Survey of 2010 to test the hypothesis of strong and weak equality of opportunities in the health status of the Chilean population. These hypotheses were tested using nonparametric techniques and second-order stochastic dominance criteria. RESULTS: Robust empirical evidence was obtained, which indicate that the education level of the mother, household socioeconomic status, sex, zone, and region of residence determine opportunities to achieve good health in Chile. CONCLUSIONS: Better health status was identified for Chilean adults whenever their mothers had a higher education level, their household income was higher, they were men, or lived in urban areas. The region of residence also affects opportunities to achieve good health in Chile.
Prevalência de transtorno mental comum entre trabalhadores canavieiros
Authors: Costa Polyana Felipe Ferreira da , Santos Solange Laurentino dos , Silva Marcelo Saturnino da , Gurgel Idê Gomes Dantas
Published: December 2017

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns e analisar os fatores associados em trabalhadores migrantes e canavieiros. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado com 110 trabalhadores. Os transtornos mentais comuns foram avaliados por meio do Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) e foram estudadas variáveis sociodemográficas, ocupacionais e de estilo de vida. Para detectar o uso abusivo de bebidas alcoólicas, foi utilizado o questionário CAGE. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns afetou 40% dos trabalhadores e a associação mostrou significância estatística para a positividade no teste CAGE, adoecimento, falta ao trabalho e atendimento médico durante o período da safra. CONCLUSÕES: A suspeita de casos de bebedores-problemas e os mecanismos de controle utilizados pela usina para os trabalhadores que faltam ou adoecem são fatores que podem causar transtornos mentais comuns.
Enforcement of Fatwas in Bangladesh and the Violation of Constitutionally Guaranteed Fundamental Rights of Others: Compromising Between Rights
Authors: Bhuiyan Md Jahid Hossain
Published: December 2017

Each religious community is entitled to enjoy its religious freedom, and members of every community have the right to manifest, profess, and practice their religion. Fatwas are manifestations of religious belief. In Bangladesh, extra-judicial penalties in the form of lashings or beatings may be carried out in the name of fatwas. Consequently, fatwas as manifestations of religion may come into conflict with the rights of others. Questions then arise whether fatwas as manifestations of religion can be restricted, in what conditions, and by whom. This article will examine these questions.
Molecular confirmation of Leucoagaricus idae-fragum (Agaricales, Agaricaceae), and notes on its morphological variability
Authors: VIZZINI ALFREDO , LEZZI TOMASO , TATTI ALESSIA , IANNOTTI MARIO , FILIPPA MARIO , DOVANA FRANCESCO
Published: December 2017

Leucoagaricus idae-fragum, a nice and very rare pink-lilac lepiotoid species originally described from France, was put into synonymy with the North American taxon Lepiota decorata by Vellinga (2006), only on a morphological basis. In this paper, the independent position of L. idae-fragum from L. decorata is pointed out, based upon the phylogenetic analysis of the nrITS sequences obtained from recently collected specimens of L. idae-fragum from three Italian areas, and from the holotype collection. Morphological investigations of all these collections revealed high variability in shape of the cheilocystidia, spores, inconstant ammonia reaction, characters which have always been considered to be quite stable within a single species and traditionally used for discriminating among species in Leucoagaricus. Full descriptions, with illustrations of fresh basidiomes and of the main macro- and micromorphological features are provided together with a comparison with allied species.
Four new species of the subgenus Homoneura from Jiangxi Province, China (Diptera: Lauxaniidae: Homoneura)
Authors: SHI LI , GAO XUE FENG , SHEN RONG RONG
Published: December 2017

The following four species from Jiangxi Province are new to science: Homoneura (Homoneura) jiangxiensis sp. nov., H. (H.) martini sp. nov., H. (H.) pangae sp. nov. and H. (H.) stepheni sp. nov.. For each species, a diagnosis and description are provided, along with photographs of the habitus and certain characters, and figures of male genitalia. These species belong to the Homoneura (Homoneura) henanensis group (Diptera: Lauxaniidae: Homoneurinae). A key to the species of this species group is presented. This represents the first report of the genus Homoneura for Jiangxi Province. All type specimens for the new species are deposited in the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History, Washington D.C., USA (USNM).
Statistics, Adjusted Statistics, and Maladjusted Statistics
Authors: Kaufman Jay S.
Published: December 2017

Statistical adjustment is a ubiquitous practice in all quantitative fields that is meant to correct for improprieties or limitations in observed data, to remove the influence of nuisance variables or to turn observed correlations into causal inferences. These adjustments proceed by reporting not what was observed in the real world, but instead modeling what would have been observed in an imaginary world in which specific nuisances and improprieties are absent. These techniques are powerful and useful inferential tools, but their application can be hazardous or deleterious if consumers of the adjusted results mistake the imaginary world of models for the real world of data. Adjustments require decisions about which factors are of primary interest and which are imagined away, and yet many adjusted results are presented without any explanation or justification for these decisions. Adjustments can be harmful if poorly motivated, and are frequently misinterpreted in the media’s reporting of scientific studies. Adjustment procedures have become so routinized that many scientists and readers lose the habit of relating the reported findings back to the real world in which we live.
Advancing the Study of Adolescent Substance Use Through the Use of Integrative Data Analysis
Authors: Curran Patrick J. , Cole Veronica , Giordano Michael , Georgeson A. R. , Hussong Andrea M. , Bauer Daniel J.
Published: December 2017

A wealth of information is currently known about the epidemiology, etiology, and evaluation of drug and alcohol use across the life span. Despite this corpus of knowledge, much has yet to be learned. Many factors conspire to slow the pace of future advances in the field of substance use including the need for long-term longitudinal studies of often hard-to-reach subjects who are reporting rare and episodic behaviors. One promising option that might help move the field forward is integrative data analysis (IDA). IDA is a principled set of methodologies and statistical techniques that allow for the fitting of statistical models to data that have been pooled across multiple, independent samples. IDA offers a myriad of potential advantages including increased power, greater coverage of rare behaviors, more rigorous psychometric assessment of theoretical constructs, accelerated developmental time period under study, and enhanced reproducibility. However, IDA is not without limitations and may not be useful in a given application for a variety of reasons. The goal of this article is to describe the advantages and limitations of IDA in the study of individual development over time, particularly as it relates to trajectories of substance use. An empirical example of the measurement of polysubstance use is presented and this article concludes with recommendations for practice.
Endoscopic Anatomy of the Tensor Fold and Anterior Attic
Authors: Li Bin , Doan Phi , Gruhl Robert R. , Rubini Alessia , Marchioni Daniele , Fina Manuela
Published: December 2017

Objectives

The objectives of the study were to (1) study the anatomical variations of the tensor fold and its anatomic relation with transverse crest, supratubal recess, and anterior epitympanic space and (2) explore the most appropriate endoscopic surgical approach to each type of the tensor fold variants.

Study Design

Cadaver dissection study.

Setting

Temporal bone dissection laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

Twenty‐eight human temporal bones (26 preserved and 2 fresh) were dissected through an endoscopic transcanal approach between September 2016 and June 2017. The anatomical variations of the tensor fold, transverse crest, supratubal recess, and anterior epitympanic space were studied before and after removing ossicles.

Results

Three different tensor fold orientations were observed: vertical (type A, 11/28, 39.3%) with attachment to the transverse crest, oblique (type B, 13/28, 46.4%) with attachment to the anterior tegmen tympani, and horizontal (type C, 4/28, 14.3%) with attachment to the tensor tympani canal. The tensor fold was a complete membrane in 20 of 28 (71.4%) specimens, preventing direct ventilation between the supratubal recess and anterior epitympanic space. We identified 3 surgical endoscopic approaches, which allowed visualization of the tensor fold without removing the ossicles.

Conclusions

The orientation of the tensor fold is the determining structure that dictates the conformation and limits of the epitympanic space. We propose a classification of the tensor fold based on 3 anatomical variants. We also describe 3 different minimally invasive endoscopic approaches to identify the orientation of the tensor fold while maintaining ossicular chain continuity.
Social Payments: Innovation, Trust, Bitcoin, and the Sharing Economy
Authors:   Future of Money Research Collaborative:, Nelms Taylor C. , Maurer Bill , Swartz Lana , Mainwaring Scott
Published: December 2017

The payments industry – the business of transferring value through public and corporate infrastructures – is undergoing rapid transformation. New business models and regulatory environments disrupt more traditional fee-based strategies, and new entrants seek to displace legacy players by leveraging new mobile platforms and new sources of data. In this increasingly diversified industry landscape, start-ups and established players are attempting to embed payment in ‘social’ experience through novel technologies of accounting for trust. This imagination of the social, however, is being materialized in gated platforms for payment, accounting, and exchange. This paper explores the ambiguous politics of such experiments, specifically those, like Bitcoin or the on-demand sharing economy, that delineate an economic imaginary of ‘just us’ – a closed and closely guarded community of peers operating under the illusion that there are no mediating institutions undergirding that community. This provokes questions about the intersection of payment and publics. Payment innovators’ attenuated understanding of the social may, we suggest, evacuate the nitty-gritty of politics.
Is the effect of coping styles disease specific? Relationships with emotional distress and quality of life in acquired brain injury and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Brands Ingrid , Bol Yvonne , Stapert Sven , Köhler Sebastian , van Heugten Caroline
Published: December 2017

Objective:

To investigate the use of coping styles and the relationships linking coping to emotional distress and quality of life in patients with acquired brain injury and multiple sclerosis.

Method:

Cross-sectional cohort study of 143 patients with acquired brain injury and 310 patients with multiple sclerosis in the chronic stage. Quality of life was measured with the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LiSat-9), coping styles with the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS-T, task-oriented; CISS-E, emotion-oriented; CISS-A, avoidance), emotional distress with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

Results:

Coping styles did not differ between types of multiple sclerosis and varied only little with regard to severity of disease. In both patient groups, task-oriented coping was most used followed by avoidance and emotion-oriented coping. Patients with multiple sclerosis used all styles to a greater extent. In acquired brain injury, lower CISS-E and lower HADS scores were associated with higher LiSat-9 scores. CISS-E had a direct effect on LiSat-9 and an indirect effect via HADS. In multiple sclerosis, next to lower CISS-E and lower HADS scores, higher CISS-A scores were also associated with higher LiSat-9 scores. CISS-E had an indirect effect and CISS-A had a direct and indirect effect on LiSat-9.

Conclusion:

In both patient groups, coping patterns are similar, and emotion-oriented coping negatively influences quality of life. Additionally, in multiple sclerosis, seeking emotional support and distraction (CISS-A) was positively associated with quality of life. Interventions to improve adaptive coping could be organized within a neurorehabilitation setting for both patient groups together.
Horses With Pasture Asthma Have Airway Remodeling That Is Characteristic of Human Asthma
Authors: Ferrari Claudenir R. , Cooley Jim , Mujahid Nisma , Costa Lais R. , Wills Robert W. , Johnson Melanie E. , Swiderski Cyprianna E.
Published: December 2017

Severe equine asthma, formerly recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), is the horse counterpart of human asthma, affecting horses maintained indoors in continental climates. Equine pasture asthma, formerly summer pasture RAO, is clinically similar but affects grazing horses during hot, humid conditions in the southeastern United States and United Kingdom. To advance translational relevance of equine pasture asthma to human asthma, histologic features of airway remodeling in human asthma were scored in lung lobes from 15 pasture asthma-affected and 9 control horses of mixed breeds. All noncartilaginous airways were scored using a standardized grading rubric (0–3) in hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Movat’s pentachrome-stained sections; 15 airways were chosen randomly from each lobe for analysis. Logistic regression identified disease, age, and lobe effects on probability of histologic outcomes. Airway smooth muscle (odds ratio [OR] = 2.5, P < .001), goblet cell hyperplasia/metaplasia (OR = 37.6, P < .0001), peribronchiolar elastic system fibers (OR = 4.2, P < .001), peribronchiolar fibrosis (OR = 3.8, P = .01), airway occlusion by mucus/inflammation (OR = 4.2, P = .04), and airway adventitial inflammation (OR = 3.0, P = .01) were significantly greater in diseased airways. A novel complex tissue disorganization, designated terminal bronchiolar remodeling, was overrepresented in diseased airways (OR = 3.7, P < .0001). Distribution of terminal bronchiolar remodeling corresponded to putative sites of air trapping in human asthma, at secondary pulmonary lobules. Age (>15 years) was an independent risk factor for increased peribronchiolar fibrosis, elastic system fibers, and terminal bronchiolar remodeling. Remodeling differed significantly between lung lobes, congruent with nonhomogeneous remodeling in human asthma. Equine pasture asthma recapitulates airway remodeling in human asthma in a manner not achieved in induced animal asthma models, endorsing its translational relevance for human asthma investigation.
Treatment Responsivity of Aggressive Forensic Psychiatric Outpatients
Authors: Smeijers Danique , Bulten Erik , Buitelaar Jan , Verkes Robbert-Jan
Published: December 2017

Aggression replacement training (ART) is widely used to reduce aggression. Results regarding its effectiveness, however, are inconclusive regarding adults and specific populations displaying severe aggression. The current open uncontrolled treatment study aimed at assessing the social skills and anger control modules of the ART to reduce aggression in forensic psychiatric outpatients (FPOs). Furthermore, characteristics associated with treatment outcome and dropout were examined. The results suggested that aggression changed during the ART. In addition, higher baseline levels of trait aggression were associated with greater reductions of aggression, whereas more cognitive distortions were associated with less reduction. Treatment dropouts were characterized by higher levels of psychopathic traits, proactive aggression, and more weekly substance use. As there was a considerable amount of dropout; it is important to assess risk of dropping out of treatment and, subsequently, improve treatment motivation. This might enhance treatment adherence which may lead to a more successful reduction of aggression.
On the rediscovery of Anthony C. Harris's books and manuscripts at Alexandria
Authors: Hamernik Gottfried
Published: December 2017

The notebooks and manuscripts of the nineteenth century collector and scholar A. C. Harris have lain unnoticed in the Graeco-Roman Museum in Alexandria for over a century. Now relocated, a summary of their contents is given.
An Egyptian rhyton from the Eighteenth Dynasty*
Authors: Metz Geoffrey , Schiller Birgit
Published: December 2017

This article presents a previously unpublished vessel fragment of Egyptian clay, made in imitation of the Aegean rhyton vessel type. Fabric and stylistic comparisons date it to the late Eighteenth Dynasty. The decoration with an animal head, and the unusual solution of the spout, distinguishes this rhyton from other known Egyptian examples in clay and faience. The position of the animal head decoration is reminiscent of Hittite rhyta. The ‘Amarna letters' indicate that Hittite kings sent rhyta to other kings as gifts. An Egyptian potter therefore probably produced this vessel, which is an amalgam of an Aegean vessel type with Hittite inspired decoration.
Dementia in prisons – enabling better care practices for those ageing in correctional facilities
Authors: du Toit Sanetta HJ , McGrath Margaret
Published: December 2017

The number of older people with dementia who are ‘ageing in place’ in prisons across the world is rapidly increasing. Within the broader prison population these older people are particularly vulnerable to poorer outcomes as a result of inadequate access to appropriate health services. There is an urgent need for occupational therapists to collaborate with prison services to develop evidence-based care practices that provide viable, cost-effective options for prisoners who are ageing with dementia. We identify priorities for research and practice and set out a call for action for occupational therapists worldwide to address this growing need.
Headache in the pediatric emergency department: A 5-year retrospective study
Authors: Rossi Roberta , Versace Antonia , Lauria Barbara , Grasso Giulia , Castagno Emanuele , Ricceri Fulvio , Pagliero Rosaura , Urbino Antonio F
Published: December 2017

Aim

To determine the red flags for serious organic causes of headache in children, to analyze if the management of headache in the Pediatric Emergency Department is appropriate, and whether the follow-up may limit repeated visits to the Emergency Department.

Methods

All the patients ≤ 18 years referred to our pediatric Emergency Department for non-traumatic headache over 5 years were retrospectively reviewed. The patients followed up by the Pediatric Headache Centre were also screened. Statistical analysis was undertaken using the Chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test and multivariate analysis; significance at p < 0.05.

Results

1833 patients (54.6% males) accessed our Emergency Department 2086 times; 62.1% had primary headache, 30.0% had secondary headache, 7.8% received inconsistent diagnosis. Among those with secondary headache, 24 (1.1% of total visits) were diagnosed with serious disorders. The clinical red flags for “serious headache” were: Cranial nerves palsy, strabismus, and drowsiness. One hundred and eighty four patients (8.8 %) underwent neuroimaging (rate of pathological findings: 7.1 %); 37.2 % of the patients received analgesic therapy. One hundred and fifteen patients (6.2 %) returned within three months; 24 of these were referred to the Headache Centre, with only one accessing the Emergency Department again.

Conclusions

The vast majority of headaches referred to the Pediatric Emergency Department are benign, and primary forms prevail. “Serious headache” is rare and shows typical clinical features and abnormal neurologic evaluation; specific clinical red flags, along with suggestive personal history, should lead the pediatrician to prescribe only appropriate neuroimaging. Pain relief is still insufficient in the Pediatric Emergency Department despite appropriate guidelines. Last, the collaboration with the Headache Centre is crucial to limit repeated visits.
Examining the Mediating Role of Person–Job Fit in the Relationship between Training and Performance: A Civil Servant Perspective
Authors: Bhat Zahid H. , Rainayee Riyaz A.
Published: December 2017

In a dynamic environment, the nature of work tasks continues to change requiring employees to learn new knowledge and skills to perform their jobs effectively. Training is among the crucial strategies of an organization, which helps employees to acquire those necessary knowledge and skills to meet the challenges. The linkage between training and performance has been robustly studied in the literature suggesting that training is a major determinant of employees’ performance. Further, literature in the field of industrial/organizational psychology implies the effect of person–job fit on the relations between training and performance. The purpose of this study is to examine the degree of direct and indirect relationship between employee training (TR) and performance (PER), conceiving the mediating role of job fit (JF), as few studies have been reported in literature so far. The hypotheses were tested on a sample of 171 civil service officers by structural equation modelling technique using partial least square (PLS) approach to measure and test the proposed structural relationships. The results confirm that employee training and job fit are directly related with improvement in job performance. The results also demonstrate the significant mediating effect of job fit on employee performance. This article contributes to the existing body of literature by examining both the direct and indirect effect of employee training on job performance. Moreover, job fit is established to partially mediate the relationship between them. The findings of this study provide useful information for policymakers to improve employees’ job fit and their performance by means of employee training. The limitations to the study and directions for future research are discussed as well.
Education in Independent India
Authors: Oommen T.K.
Published: December 2017

This article argues that imparting literacy through the mother tongue of the child and in the setting of an inclusive classroom are the two essential steps for fostering universal elementary education.1 Nurturing appropriate methodological orientations specific to the material, life and human sciences is critical in accelerating the development of higher education. In the age of globalisation, the three pillars on which societies rest are the state, the market and the civil society. Hence, education should be the conjoint responsibility of these three pillars.
Combined Popliteal Catheter With Single-Injection vs Continuous-Infusion Saphenous Nerve Block for Foot and Ankle Surgery
Authors: Jarrell Kathleen , McDonald Elizabeth , Shakked Rachel , Nicholson Kristen , Kasper Vincent , Raikin Steven M.
Published: December 2017

Background:

The increasing scope and complexity of foot and ankle procedures performed in an outpatient setting require more intensive perioperative analgesia. Regional anesthesia (popliteal and saphenous nerve blocks) has been proven to provide satisfactory pain management, decreased postoperative opioid use, and earlier patient discharge. This can be further augmented with the placement of a continuous-flow catheter, typically inserted into the popliteal nerve region. This study investigated the use of a combined popliteal and saphenous continuous-flow catheter nerve block compared to a single popliteal catheter and single-injection saphenous nerve block in postoperative pain management after ambulatory foot and ankle surgery.

Methods:

A prospective study was conducted using 60 patients who underwent foot and ankle surgery performed in an outpatient setting. Demographic data, degree of medial operative involvement, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical classification system, anesthesia time, and postanesthesia care unit time were recorded. Outcome measures included pain satisfaction, numeric pain scores (NPS) at rest and with activity, and opioid intake. Patients were also classified by degree of saphenous nerve involvement in the operative procedure, by the surgeon who was blinded to the anesthesia randomization.

Results:

Patients in the dual-catheter group took significantly less opioid medication on the day of surgery and postoperative day 1 (POD 1) compared to the single-catheter group ( P = .02). The dual-catheter group reported significantly greater satisfaction with pain at POD 1 and POD 3 and a significantly lower NPS at POD 1, 2, and 3. This trend was observed in all 3 subgroups of medial operative involvement.

Conclusion:

Patients in the single-catheter group reported more pain, less satisfaction with pain control, and increased opioid use on POD 1, suggesting dual-catheter use was superior to single-injection nerve blocks with regard to managing early postoperative pain in outpatient foot and ankle surgery.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, prospective cohort study.
Correlation of Incisura Anatomy With Syndesmotic Malreduction
Authors: Boszczyk Andrzej , Kwapisz Sławomir , Krümmel Martin , Grass Rene , Rammelt Stefan
Published: December 2017

Background:

The anatomy of the syndesmosis is variable, yet little is known on the correlation between differences in anatomy and syndesmosis reduction results. The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between syndesmotic anatomy and the modes of syndesmotic malreduction.

Methods:

Bilateral postreduction ankle computed tomography (CT) scans of 72 patients treated for fractures with syndesmotic disruption were analyzed. Incisura depth, fibular engagement into the incisura, and incisura rotation were correlated with degree of syndesmotic malreduction in coronal and sagittal planes as well as rotational malreduction.

Results:

Clinically relevant malreduction in the coronal plane, sagittal plane, and rotation affected 8.3%, 27.8%, and 19.4% of syndesmoses, respectively. The syndesmoses with a deep incisura and the fibula not engaged into the tibial incisura were at risk of overcompression, anteverted incisuras at risk of anterior fibular translation, and retroverted incisuras at risk of posterior fibular translation.

Conclusions:

Certain morphologic configurations of the tibial incisura increased the risk of specific syndesmotic malreduction patterns.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, comparative study.
Structural similitudes of stiffened cylinders
Authors: Petrone G , Manfredonia M , De Rosa S , Franco F
Published: December 2017

Similarity theory is a branch of engineering science that deals with establishing conditions of similarity among phenomena and is applied to various fields, such as structural engineering problems, vibration and impact. Tests and numerical simulation of scaled models are still a valuable design tool, whose purpose is to accurately predict the behaviour of large or small prototypes through scaling laws applied to the experimental and numerical results. The aim of this paper is to predict the behaviour of the complete and incomplete similarity of stiffened cylinders by applying distorted scaling laws of the models in similitude. The investigation is performed using models based on the finite element method within commercial software. Two classes of cylinders scaled, with different laws, and, hence, reproducing replicas (exact similitude) and avatars (distorted similitude) are investigated.
Mind the gap! Differences between parents’ childhood games and their children’s game preferences
Authors: Balci Sibel , Ahi Berat
Published: December 2017

This study discusses the differences between parents’ childhood games and their children’s game preferences. Four hundred and nineteen parents were surveyed to determine their play experiences as children as well as their children’s play experiences today. The results of the study indicate that there is a gap between the time spent outdoors by parents in their childhood and their children. Today, most children spend time indoors, usually playing computer games. The activities and games preferred by the children differed from those of their parents. Although the parents preferred mostly group games requiring group cooperation, competition between groups and physical activity, the children preferred more individualized activities such as cycling and playing in the park. The factors hindering children from playing outside are considered. Although most parents indicated that playing outside is beneficial for their children, they prevented their children from playing outside for reasons such as the dangers of being hit by a car or abduction.
Impact of Lesion Morphology on Durability After Angioplasty of Failed Arteriovenous Fistulas in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Suemitsu Kotaro , Shiraki Tatsuya , Iida Osamu , Kobayashi Hiroki , Matsuoka Yuki , Izumi Masaaki , Nakanishi Takeshi
Published: December 2017

Purpose: To investigate if morphological patterns of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) venous lesions affect primary patency after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Methods: From July 2014 to June 2015, 262 patients underwent PTA for failed AVFs. A total of 104 patients were excluded owing to (1) calcification or AVF occlusion precluding ultrasound examination, (2) central venous or arterial lesions, and (3) no follow-up, leaving 158 patients (mean age 71±12; 96 men) for analysis. More than half of the patients had one or more previous PTAs for the failed AVF. Prior to PTA the stenotic lesions were assessed using ultrasonography to determine stenotic patterns at the minimum lumen area site and to evaluate the flow volume in the brachial artery. Three stenotic patterns were identified: intimal hyperplasia (IH) stenosis (n=110), shrinking lumen stenosis (n=32), and venous valve–related stenosis (n=16). The main outcome measure was primary patency after PTA estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Predictors for loss of primary patency were determined using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model; the results are presented as the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Median follow-up after PTA was 6.3 months (interquartile range 3.3, 10.5). The 6-month primary patency estimates were 56%±5% in the IH group, 40±9% in the shrinking lumen group, and 100% in the valve stenosis group (IH vs shrinking, p=0.013; IH vs valve, p=0.003). In multivariate analysis, shrinking lumen morphology had a negative impact on primary patency (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.25 to 3.36, p=0.005), while venous valve–related stenosis had a positive impact (HR 0.19, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.79, p=0.023). Flow volume (10-mL/min increments; HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96 to 0.99, p=0.004) and history of PTA (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.60, p=0.029) were also independently associated with primary patency after PTA. Conclusion: The patterns of AVF stenosis as determined by ultrasound can affect the outcome of treatment with balloon dilation.
Evolution of the magic bullet: Single chain antibody fragments for the targeted delivery of immunomodulatory proteins
Authors: Fercher Christian , Keshvari Sahar , McGuckin Michael A , Barnard Ross T
Published: December 2017

Immunocytokines are fusion proteins that combine the specific antigen binding capacities of an antibody or derivative thereof and the potent bioactivity of a cytokine partner. These novel biopharmaceuticals have been directed to various targets of oncological as well as non-oncological origin and a handful of promising constructs are currently advancing in the clinical trial pipeline. Several factors such as the choice of a disease specific antigen, the antibody format and the modulatory nature of the payload are crucial, not only for therapeutic efficacy and safety but also for the commercial success of such a product. In this review, we provide an overview of the basic principles and obstacles in immunocytokine design with a specific focus on single chain antibody fragment-based constructs that employ interleukins as the immunoactive component.

Impact statement

Selective activation of the immune system in a variety of malignancies represents an attractive approach when existing strategies have failed to provide adequate treatment options. Immunocytokines as a novel class of bifunctional protein therapeutics have emerged recently and generated promising results in preclinical and clinical studies. In order to harness their full potential, multiple different aspects have to be taken into consideration. Several key points of these fusion constructs are discussed here and should provide an outline for the development of novel products based on an overview of selected formats.
Accessibility of online self-management support websites for people with osteoarthritis: A text content analysis
Authors: Chapman Lara , Brooks Charlotte , Lawson Jem , Russell Cynthia , Adams Jo
Published: December 2017

Objectives

This study assessed accessibility of online self-management support webpages for people with osteoarthritis by considering readability of text and inclusion of images and videos.

Methods

Eight key search terms developed and agreed with patient and public involvement representatives were entered into the Google search engine. Webpages from the first page of Google search results were identified. Readability of webpage text was assessed using two standardised readability indexes, and the number of images and videos included on each webpage was recorded.

Results

Forty-nine webpages met the inclusion criteria and were assessed. Only five of the webpages met the recommended reading level for health education literature. Almost half (44.9%) of webpages did not include any informative images to support written information. A minority of the webpages (6.12%) included relevant videos.

Discussion

Information provided on health webpages aiming to support patients to self-manage osteoarthritis may not be read, understood or used effectively by many people accessing it. Recommendations include using accessible language in health information, supplementing written information with visual resources and reviewing content and readability in collaboration with patient and public involvement representatives.
Understanding violence when the perpetrator has an intellectual disability: The perceptions of professionals
Authors: Lovell Andrew , Skellern Joanne
Published: December 2017

Aim:

The research sought to enhance professional understanding of the violence perpetrated by some people with an intellectual disability.

Background:

The violent behaviour exhibited by some people with intellectual disabilities remains poorly understood, particularly with regard to a clear and informative definition.

Design:

A qualitative study investigated the views and perceptions of professionals working directly with people with an intellectual disability in different settings.

Methods:

Twenty-two semi-structured interviews were undertaken with professionals from a variety of backgrounds, and four themes were generated through data analysis.

Findings:

Themes produced comprised the degree of intellectual disability, impulsivity, intentionality and unpredictability. Findings indicated tension between understanding violence as purposeful and explaining it in relation to the intellectual disability and/or additional conditions.

Conclusion:

Intellectual disability is central to understanding the impact of the other three themes, though there is a professional reluctance to use such knowledge as evidence to inform practice.
The ‘three-leaf clover’
Authors: Jensen Pia Majbritt , Jacobsen Ushma Chauhan
Published: December 2017

As the global distribution, broadcast and viewing of Danish TV drama in different parts of the world involves the engagement of heterogeneous players involved in complex interrelationships, this article discusses the methodological lens of the ‘three-leaf clover’ to capture the complexity of these interrelationships. The article explains how the three-leaf clover model helps in embracing transnational interconnectivities, presents its opportunities and challenges and tests the capacity of the model by discussing the differing historical trajectories of how the series travelled into the world, the varying intensities of interest in the series and the permeability of the audience groupings.
Dialogues between audience research and production
Authors: Redvall Eva Novrup
Published: December 2017

This article offers a historical analysis of the audience testing of television drama from The Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR) by the in-house DR Media Research Department from the mid-1990s until 2016. The article investigates how the methods for testing have changed from more traditional focus groups and surveys to include biometric methods (e.g. skin conductance) to measure audience arousal. While audience testing is often primarily viewed as a quality measurement tool for executives, the article argues that testing can also be a dialogue-based tool offering creative practitioners the opportunity to learn more about their series and their audiences.
Questioning the Assumptions of Youth Violence Prevention Programs: The Role of Reflexive Evaluation in Program Development
Authors: Powell Jack L. , Black Timothy
Published: December 2017

Several violence prevention projects are described and critiqued. One particular pilot program conducted with 20 Hispanic youth is reviewed. Evaluation of this after-school program emphasizing violence prevention, vocational training, and peer education revealed that students acquired job readiness skills and self-confidence in making presentations before groups. However, the value of violence prevention training was minimal. We introduce the role of reflexive evaluation to question the underlying assumptions of intervention programs. Specific assumptions of this and of previous programs are identified and critically assessed to foster a dialogue that will modify present practices and generate new ideas for future intervention programs.
Critical Currents in Community Service Learning and Community-Based Research: History, Theory and Practice
Authors: Cunningham Ken , Vachta Kerry E.
Published: December 2017

Brulle (2000) has noted the failure of the recent literature in critical theory to reflect the commitment of its founders to applying their philosophical and theoretical scholarship to create concrete social change. The authors have taken up the challenge to recover critical theory's “forgotten materialist component” and simultaneously responded to the call to reinvigorate the civic mission of the public university through efforts to integrate critical theory with community service learning and community-based research. The paper discusses historical, philosophical and theoretical issues in this effort and some reflections on our attempt to apply them in practice through the revitalization of the Center for Community Action and Research at Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg.
The Use of a Call-in Number in Telephone Surveys
Authors: Crull Sue R. , Moore Robert J.
Published: December 2017

An 800 call-in number was left on answering machines or with household members to facilitate interviewing for the second wave of a small panel study. The technique helped in interviewing young adult panel members; 11.6 percent of the completed interviews came from call-ins over the 800 line during the three week calling period. Based on this study, it appears that a toll free call-in number can facilitate interviewing, especially in a panel study. Future studies are needed to establish an experimental design to test the effectiveness of the call-in technique on larger and more varied samples for longer calling periods.
Teaching Sociology Graduate Students to Teach with Techology
Authors: Williams James L. , Rodeheaver Daniel G.
Published: December 2017

In light of the increasing emphasis on the use of instructional technology in higher education, sociology graduate students need to become conversant with instructional technology and its pedagogical implications. Yet, the literature on graduate instructor training has almost completely neglected this issue. This paper directly addresses this important pedagogical issue. After a discussion of the benefits of instructional technology training, we describe how to integrate training in instructional technology into graduate training programs in sociology. Our discussion offers specific suggestions for incorporating instructional technology training throughout the instructor training process. Our recommendations focus on helping graduate students employ effectively instructional technology and to become conversant with its pedagogical implications.
The Work and Occupational Trajectories of Clinical Trials Research
Authors: Mueller Mary-Rose
Published: December 2017

This paper revisits the concept of trajectory, as set out by Glaser and Strauss in 1965 and developed by others. Much of the research utilizing this concept has been focused on illness and the organization of work and biographies of participants involved in managing illness trajectories. The emphasis of this paper is not illness, but clinical trial research. It utilizes the concept of trajectory as a lens for this empirically grounded thick description of the occupational personnel and the work activities of clinical trials research. It draws on data collected in an ethnographic field study of informed consent and AIDS clinical trials. Social scientists and clinicians are involved in the implementation of clinical trials and in the transfer and utilization of knowledge and interventions derived there from. Therefore, this paper seeks to contribute to scholarship on this complex field of practice.
Public Sociology, Engaged Scholarship, and Community Organizing
Authors: Kleidman Robert
Published: December 2017

Public sociology is a dialogue between social scientists and society about how to understand the present and how to shape the future. This article seeks to contribute in three ways to recent initiatives promoting public sociology. First, by developing a broader concept of engaged social science that includes public sociology and policy or applied sociology, which solves specific social problems. Second, by suggesting ways to move toward greater engagement. Projects centered on creating new theory, the core work of professional sociology, can incorporate elements of engaged work. Policyoriented projects can grow to include the larger dialogues of public sociology. Third, by suggesting ways to manage tensions and create synergies between professional and engaged social science. These ideas are based on a project on community organizing that includes professional research and partnerships centered on policy and public sociology. The article concludes that the movement for more engaged social science should connect with similar initiatives outside the discipline if it is to be effective at individual and institutional levels.
Why Parents Disenroll Children from Public Health Insurance: The Case of Southeastern North Carolina
Authors: Price Jammie , Boswell Jennifer , Lessard Melanie , Wood Katie
Published: December 2017

Nationally, less than 50 percent of children reenroll in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), a program for children from families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but too low to afford private health insurance. To identify why, we surveyed parents who disenrolled children from a North Carolina program in 2004. Seventy-two percent of the respondents knew that their children were disenrolled and 28 percent did not know. The most common reasons parents reported for not reenrolling their children were that they never received the reenrollment forms, or they submitted their forms late. Most said they would pay out of pocket now to purchase health care services for their children. Most respondents took their children to see a provider while enrolled in SCHIP in the last year, and most were satisfied with the care received. We conclude that the goal of increasing children's reenrollment in public health insurance programs requires an improvement in health insurance information, an increase in trust in our social and health institutions, and a reorganization of the reenrollment process.
Influence of Visual Prism Adaptation on Auditory Space Representation
Authors: Pochopien Klaudia , Fahle Manfred
Published: December 2017

Prisms shifting the visual input sideways produce a mismatch between the visual versus felt position of one’s hand. Prism adaptation eliminates this mismatch, realigning hand proprioception with visual input. Whether this realignment concerns exclusively the visuo-(hand)motor system or it generalizes to acoustic inputs is controversial. We here show that there is indeed a slight influence of visual adaptation on the perceived direction of acoustic sources. However, this shift in perceived auditory direction can be fully explained by a subconscious head rotation during prism exposure and by changes in arm proprioception. Hence, prism adaptation does only indirectly generalize to auditory space perception.
Policy Challenges and Opportunities for Rural Special Education
Authors: Rude Harvey , Miller Kevin J.
Published: December 2017

This article reviews current developments in state and national policies that affect rural special education. A brief overview of the federal role in rural education is provided, with emphasis on the implications for the provision of special education services in rural communities. A variety of challenges are identified, including (a) the variable contexts of rural communities and the associated problems with the identity of rural education, (b) influences of rural poverty and accompanying decline in economic development in many rural communities, (c) ongoing personnel shortages in rural schools that pose unique dynamics for recruitment and retention of rural educators, (d) the disparities in available resources targeted for education in rural communities in comparison with urban counterparts, and (e) the influences of increased learner diversity on schools in rural America. A number of promising practices that address the challenges are identified, including attention to comprehensive statewide systems of educator identification, preparation, and ongoing support for educators and schools located in rural communities across America. A set of recommendations for policymakers and policy implementers is offered for consideration to advance the improvement of special education programs and services for learners in rural communities.
Apoptosis in megakaryocytes and platelets: the life and death of a lineage
Authors: McArthur Kate , Chappaz Stephane , Kile Benjamin T.
Published: December 2017

Despite their profoundly different cellular composition, size, and function, megakaryocytes and platelets both depend on restraint of the intrinsic (or “mitochondrial”) apoptosis pathway by BCL-2 family prosurvival proteins for their development and viability. Activation of the pathway contributes to the clearance of megakaryocytes following platelet shedding and constrains platelet lifespan in the circulation. Important questions remain as to how apoptosis is initiated in these cells at steady state and in response to pathophysiological insults.