bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Particularizing the Tensions Between Canonical and Bodily Discourses
Authors: Dyches Jeanne
Published: April 2018

This case study tells the story of Geneva Wilson, an African American teacher of British literature. The study positions the entirely White male curriculum and Geneva’s Black female body as texts that embody oppositional dominant and nondominant Discourses. Findings reveal a contentious relationship between the categorical canonicity Geneva experienced, and was required to teach, and her body. Intertextual frictions complicated the culturally responsive practices she felt efficacious in actualizing. Geneva mitigated Discoursal incongruences by performing a secondary dominant Discourse and designing subversively culturally responsive experiences for her students. The study highlights the need to nuance and particularize the effects of canonicity and to situate investigations of White male curricula relative to literacy teachers’ storied existences and contextually specific teaching experiences.
Disconnected: Non-Users of Information Communication Technologies
Authors: Hardey Mariann , Atkinson Rowland
Published: April 2018

Growing concern about the impact of constant, mediated connection has often focused on the ways in which technologies contribute to a ubiquitous sense of presence and interaction, and the kind of invasion that this may represent to a sense of self and privacy. Discussion about information communication technologies is increasingly converging around the need for a deepened understanding of their effect on pace of life, methods of work, consumption, and wellbeing. Counter-narratives to overwhelming hyper-connectivity have emerged as a result of these changes. Using qualitative interview data from respondents recruited from across the globe, we focus on the strategies and worldviews of those who explicitly reject the use of any information communication technologies. Our participants relate how, to varying degrees, they have elected to avoid forms of immediate connection and what they identify as the deep advantages and therapeutic benefits of such ways of being. The article responds to rising social anxieties about being locked into information communication technology ecologies and the difficulty of opting out of corporate information-exchange systems. These concerns, we argue, are generating increasing interest in how to manage information communication technologies more effectively or to switch off altogether.
The complexities of contagion: The experience of social isolation among children and youth living with cystic fibrosis in Canada
Authors: Moola Fiona
Published: April 2018

While cross-respiratory infection guidelines reduce the risk of infection, this may have deleterious impacts on the socialization skills of young people living with cystic fibrosis (CF). The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of social isolation among young Canadians with CF, as well as how they navigate these complex contamination restrictions. The thematic analytic qualitative research tradition was adopted and social theories of risk provided theoretical grounding. The youth described a pressing sense of social isolation in their everyday lives. Although most of the youth ‘obeyed’ the cross-contamination guidelines, some demonstrated a more carefree attitude. Social media was employed across the group as a tool to reduce isolation. In accordance with the sociology of risk, youth with CF demonstrate sophisticated decision-making abilities, navigating exceedingly difficult choices to preserve an always-precarious future. While necessary, cross-contamination guidelines might further marginalize an already isolated group of children and youth.
Grit and stigma: Gay men ageing with HIV in regional Queensland
Authors: Gardiner Bernard
Published: April 2018

The ageing of the first generation of HIV long-term survivors brings into sharp focus the suffering that activism and the clinical management of HIV has not solved, particularly in regional areas. Although HIV is now usually a manageable chronic condition, it also involves navigating unrelenting social stigma. Quality of life beyond viral suppression is not assured. Despite a history of affected communities demanding equal partnership with health-care providers, an increasingly biomedicalized orientation risks neglecting the psycho-social needs of those with a history of trauma, depression and other co-morbidities often more difficult to manage than HIV itself.
The effect of crack geometry on stiffness of spring steel cantilever beam
Authors: Khalkar V , Ramachandran S
Published: April 2018

The survival of the crack in structures always keeps the structure away from performing well in applications due to significant changes in its dynamic response. It has been observed that in service the size of the crack in structures increases with time and finally it leads to its catastrophic failure. Hence it is crucial to do the vibration study of cracked beams in regard of free vibration-based crack detection and its crack classification. Until now the vibration-based nondestructive testing methods are applied to many spring steel cracked cantilever beams for its possible crack detection. However, the effect of various kinds of practical cracks, i.e. V-shaped, U-shaped and rectangular-shaped open cracks, on the applicability of these methods has been overlooked. In order to investigate this issue, artificially cracks are made on the cantilever beam. By free vibration analysis, the effect of crack geometry, crack depth, and crack location on the beam stiffness is investigated. In this study, the stiffness of each cracked case is computed by the deflection methods and vibration methods to ensure the strong validation. The stiffness results obtained from V-shaped, U-shaped and rectangular-shaped crack models for the same configuration are compared with each other and it is found that the results of the stiffness are comparatively more sensitive to U-shaped crack models. Through vibration study, it is found that spring steel structures are slightly sensitive to the change in crack geometries as long as the vibration characteristics are concerned. Hence, it is obvious that free vibration-based crack detection method can satisfactorily predict the location and depth of the crack in any spring steel structures irrespective of the crack geometries. Apart from this, it is also found that for the same configurations, EN 8 and EN 47 cracked cantilever beams give the identical structural integrity or structural stability property for all the cracked cases. Lastly, it is also found that as the crack depth increases by keeping the crack location constant, the stiffness of the beam decreases.
Experiences and Needs of Older Adults Following Hurricane Ike: A Pilot Study of Long-Term Consequences
Authors: Krishnan Shilpa , Pappadis Monique R. , Runo Ray , Graham James E.
Published: April 2018

Objective. This study explored the experiences and needs of older adults during and following Hurricane Ike. Method. Two focus group interviews were conducted among older adults who lived in or around Galveston Island before Hurricane Ike. Nine older adults (six women and three men) participated in two focus group sessions. These qualitative interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic content analyses. Results. The findings of this study reveal the need for continuity in health care services, medications, psychological support, social and family support, community-level services, and information among older adults. Conclusions. The contribution of factors such as health care continuity and psychological support reinforces the importance of specific postdisaster resources to meet the needs of older adults following hurricanes. These results suggest the importance of designing hurricane preparedness guidelines specifically for older adults.
Benefit of Adjuvant Traditional Herbal Medicine With Chemotherapy for Resectable Gastric Cancer
Authors: Lee Yu Kyung , Bae Kyeore , Yoo Hwa-Seung , Cho Seung-Hun
Published: April 2018

Introduction: Stomach cancer, historically, has a low survival rate advances in curative resection procedures. Objectives: To assess the potential benefits of traditional herbal medicines in conjunction with chemotherapy in postoperative gastric cancer patients in terms of overall survival and disease-free survival. Data Sources: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, a Chinese database (CNKI), a Korean database, a Japanese database, AMED, and CINAHL up to September 2016. We summarized survival data from all RCTs. Study Selection: All RCTs of oral traditional medicines for resectable gastric cancer compared with chemotherapy alone were eligible. Data Extraction: Thirteen eligible trials with survival data (1075 patients) were deemed eligible for inclusion. Results: There were 217 documented deaths of the 574 patients assigned to adjuvant traditional medicines groups and 319 documented deaths of the 501 patients assigned to the chemotherapy-only groups. Adjuvant traditional medicines were associated with a statistically significant benefit in terms of overall survival rate (hazard ratio = 0.56; 95% confidence interval = 0.47-0.66; P < .00001) and disease-free survival (hazard ratio = 0.54; 95% confidence interval = 0.43-0.66; P < .00001). Conclusion: Among the RCTs included, the inclusion of postoperative adjuvant traditional medicines was associated with reduced risk of death in gastric cancer patients, when survival rates were compared with the group of patients who received chemotherapy alone. However, most of the included studies utilized are thought to be of low quality, so it would certainly appear that more trials are both advisable and necessary to arrive at correct and convincing conclusions.
A Simple, Principled Approach to Combining Evidence From Meta-Analysis and High-Quality Replications
Authors: Carter Evan C. , McCullough Michael E.
Published: April 2018

Recent discussions of the influence of publication bias and questionable research practices on psychological science have increased researchers’ interest in both bias-correcting meta-analytic techniques and preregistered replication. Both approaches have their strengths: For example, meta-analyses can quantitatively characterize the full body of work done in the field of interest, and preregistered replications can be immune to bias. Both approaches also have clear weaknesses: Decisions about which meta-analytic estimates to interpret tend to be controversial, and replications can be discounted for failing to address important methodological heterogeneity. Using the experimental literature on ego depletion as a case study, we illustrate a principled approach to combining information from meta-analysis with information from subsequently conducted high-quality replications. This approach (a) compels researchers to explicate their beliefs in meta-analytic conclusions (and also, when controversy arises, to defend the basis for those beliefs), (b) encourages consideration of practical significance, and (c) facilitates the process of planning replications by specifying the sample sizes necessary to have a reasonable chance of changing the minds of other researchers.
Role of genetic variations of chitinase 3-like 1 in bronchial asthmatic patients
Authors: Abe Kazuyuki , Nakamura Yutaka , Yamauchi Kohei , Maemondo Makoto
Published: April 2018

Background

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) are associated with bronchial severity and pulmonary function. CHI3L1 proteins are involved in both innate and adaptive immune responses; however, to date, the correlation of these SNPs and their age of onset of bronchial asthma has not been demonstrated.

Methods

To address the role of these genetic variations, 390 patients with well-controlled bronchial asthma and living in Japan were recruited, genotyped, and had a pulmonary function test performed on them in this study. To analyze the concentration levels of CHI3L1 protein, bronchial lavage fluids were examined.

Results

Forced expiratory volume in one second, %predicted (%FEV1), was significantly decreased in homozygotes of rs1214194 compared to heterozygotes and wild type. The age of onset of adult bronchial asthma was significantly younger in GG homozygotes of rs4950928 and AA homozygotes of rs1214194 than in the other two genotypes. The concentration of CHI3L1 protein in bronchial lavage fluid increased in both homozygotes of rs4950928 and rs1214194.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that the homozygotes of rs4950928 and rs1214194 of CHI3L1 might predict an early onset of bronchial asthma and have the propensity to promote airway remodeling.

Trial registration JMA-IIA00045 remodeling-ICS
Adolescent mental health education InSciEd Out: a case study of an alternative middle school population
Authors: Yang Joanna , Lopez Cervera Roberto , Tye Susannah J. , Ekker Stephen C. , Pierret Chris
Published: April 2018

Background

Mental illness contributes substantially to global disease burden, particularly when illness onset occurs during youth and help-seeking is delayed and/or limited. Yet, few mental health promotion interventions target youth, particularly those with or at high risk of developing mental illness (“at-risk” youth). Community-based translational research has the capacity to identify and intervene upon barriers to positive health outcomes. This is especially important for integrated care in at-risk youth populations.

Methods

Here the Integrated Science Education Outreach (InSciEd Out) program delivered a novel school-based anti-stigma intervention in mental health to a cohort of seventh and eighth grade at-risk students. These students were assessed for changes in mental health knowledge, stigmatization, and help-seeking intentions via a classroom activity, surveys, and teacher interviews. Descriptive statistics and Cohen’s d effect sizes were employed to assess pre–post changes. Inferential statistical analyses were also conducted on pilot results to provide a benchmark to inform future studies.

Results

Elimination of mental health misconceptions (substance weakness p = 0.00; recovery p = 0.05; prevention p = 0.05; violent p = 0.05) was accompanied by slight gains in mental health literacy (d = 0.18) and small to medium improvements in help-seeking intentions (anxiety d = 0.24; depression d = 0.48; substance d = 0.43; psychosis d = 0.53). Within this particular cohort of students, stigma was exceptionally low at baseline and remained largely unchanged. Teacher narratives revealed positive teacher views of programming, increased student openness to talk about mental illness, and higher peer and self-acceptance of mental health diagnoses and help-seeking.

Conclusions

Curricular-based efforts focused on mental illness in an alternative school setting are feasible and integrated well into general curricula under the InSciEd Out framework. Preliminary data suggest the existence of unique help-seeking barriers in at-risk youth. Increased focus upon community-based programming has potential to bridge gaps in translation, bringing this critical population to clinical care in pursuit of improved mental health for all.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, ID:NCT02680899. Registered 12 February 2016, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02680899
Diaphragm dysfunction during weaning from mechanical ventilation: an underestimated phenomenon with clinical implications
Authors: Dres Martin , Demoule Alexandre
Published: April 2018

This article is one of ten reviews selected from the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine 2018. Other selected articles can be found online at https://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/annualupdate2018. Further information about the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine is available from http://www.springer.com/series/8901.
Effects of Fluids on the Macro- and Microcirculations
Authors: Bennett Victoria A. , Vidouris Alexander , Cecconi Maurizio
Published: April 2018

This article is one of ten reviews selected from the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine 2018. Other selected articles can be found online at https://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/annualupdate2018. Further information about the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine is available from http://www.springer.com/series/8901.
Continuous Electroencephalography Monitoring in Adults in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Caricato Anselmo , Melchionda Isabella , Antonelli Massimo
Published: April 2018

This article is one of ten reviews selected from the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine 2018. Other selected articles can be found online at https://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/annualupdate2018. Further information about the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine is available from http://www.springer.com/series/8901.
Can cloudlet coordination support cloud computing infrastructure?
Authors: Alsaleh Abdullah
Published: April 2018

The popularity of mobile applications on smartphones requires mobile devices to perform high-performing processing tasks. The computational resources of these devices are limited due to memory, battery life, heat, and weight dissipation. To overcome the limitations of mobile devices, cloud computing is considered the best solution. The major issues faced by cloud computing are expensive roaming charges and growing demand for radio access. However, some major benefits associated with cloud computing are fast application processing, fast transfer of data, and substantial reduction in the use of mobile resources. This study evaluated the association between the distance of cloud servers and cloudlets with and without coordination and data latency. Fast communication in the cloudlet environment is facilitated by coordinated cloudlets, which have a positive influence on the infrastructure of cloud computing. The coordinated cloudlets can be efficiently accessed in different areas, such as vehicular networks, vehicular fog computing, and fog computing.
Prospective surveillance of healthcare-associated infections and patterns of antimicrobial resistance of pathogens in an Italian intensive care unit
Authors: Bianco Aida , Capano Maria Simona , Mascaro Valentina , Pileggi Claudia , Pavia Maria
Published: April 2018

Background

The study aimed to evaluate the distribution of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), the incidence rates and device utilization ratio (DUR) of device-associated infections (DAIs), as well as the distribution and patterns of antimicrobial resistance of the responsible pathogens.

Methods

Eligible patients who were admitted to an adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU) from May 1, 2013 to December 31, 2016 were included in the surveillance. Demographics, intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors, information regarding infection and isolated pathogens with antibiogram results were collected.

Results

One thousand two hundred eighty-three patients were included in the surveillance. One hundred forty-seven HAIs were detected with a cumulative incidence of 9.2 per 100 patients 4-year period and an incidence rate of 17.4 per 1000 patient days. Fifty-six out of 1283 patients were affected by at least one episode of ICU-acquired pneumonia, and 72.7% of these were associated with intubation. ICU-acquired bloodstream infections (BSIs) occurred in 4.4% of patients and 89.5% were catheter-related. ICU-acquired urinary tract infections (UTIs) occurred in 1% of patients, with 84.6% of the episodes being associated with the use of an urinary catheter. The pattern of antimicrobial-resistance in the isolates showed, among the Gram-positive bacteria, that 66.6% and 16.6% of Staphylococcus epidermidis were oxacillin and teicoplanin resistant, respectively. Among the Gram-negative bacteria, carbapenem resistance was found in 91.6% of Acinetobacter baumannii and 28.5% of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates.

Conclusions

The majority of HAIs in the ICU studied were associated with the use of invasive devices. Since a significant proportion of these HAIs are considered preventable, reinforcement of the evidence-based preventive procedures are needed.
In-office laryngeal procedures (IOLP) in Canada: Current safety practices and procedural care
Authors: Bensoussan Yael , Anderson Jennifer
Published: April 2018

Background

The advent of chip tip technology combined with advanced endoscopy has revolutionized the field of laryngology in the past decade. Procedures such as transnasal esophagoscopy, site-specific steroid injections, injection laryngoplasty and laryngeal laser treatment can now be performed in the office setting under local anaesthesia. Although In-Office Laryngeal Procedures (IOLPs) have become standard-of-care in many American and several Canadian centers, there are no guidelines regulating the practice of these procedures. The goal of this report was to evaluate the current method of IOLP delivery in Canada.

Methods

An electronic survey was dispersed to 22 practicing Canadian laryngologists to assess safety and procedural care measures undertaken when performing IOLP. The survey consisted of 37 questions divided into 6 categories; 1) Demographic data 2) Facilities 3) Staff/personnel 4) Patient screening/monitoring 5) Procedure and emergency equipment 6) Reporting of adverse events.

Results

Data was collected for 16/22 laryngologists (72.7% response rate). Only 1 respondent did not perform IOLP. All performed injection augmentation laryngoplasty. Most performed laryngeal biopsies, intramuscular injection and/or electromyography guided injection for the treatment of spasmodic dysphonia and glottic/subglottic steroid injections. Only 4 respondents performed in-office KTP laser. Significant variation was found in procedural processes including intra procedural monitoring, anticoagulation screening, access to emergency equipment and documentation.

Conclusion

Our survey demonstrates that the delivery of IOLP in Canada varies considerably. The construct of IOLP practice guidelines based on the evidence with consistent documentation would promote safe, efficient and quality care for patient with voice disorders.
Comparisons of fabric care performances between conventional and high-efficiency washers and dryers
Authors: Chen-Yu Jessie H. , Emmel JoAnn
Published: April 2018

High-efficiency (HE) washers use 35–50% less water and about 50% less energy per load than conventional washers. However, there has been a consistent debate as to whether HE washers perform better or worse in garment care than conventional washers. Consumers need research-based information that would help them make informed decisions concerning the purchase of a clothes washer. The purpose of this study was to compare fabric hand, appearance retention (strain removal, color change, and fabric smoothness), and dimension stability (dimensional change and skewness change) after the specimens were repeatedly washed and dried for up to 20 cycles in three combinations of washer and dryer used: (a) conventional washer and dryer, (b) HE washer and conventional dryer, and (c) HE washer and dryer. The results showed that the specimens washed in the HE washer had better fabric hand and were smoother (fewer wrinkles) than those washed in the conventional washer. Conventional and HE washers performed similarly in color change, dimensional change, and skewness change. In regard to dryer, all results except those for stain removal showed no significant differences between the specimens dried in the conventional dryer and those dried in the HE dryer. In stain removal, when a softener was not used, the conventional dryer removed more stains from the specimens than the HE dryer. However, when a softener was used, the stains on the specimens dried in the conventional dryer were more difficult to remove than those on the specimens dried in the HE dryer.
Selection of candidates for surgery as local therapy among early‐stage small cell lung cancer patients: a population‐based analysis
Authors: Jin Kaiqi , Zhang Kaixuan , Zhou Feng , Dai Jie , Zhang Peng , Jiang Gening
Published: April 2018

Background

Surgery and radiotherapy are considered local therapies for small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The present study aimed to select candidates for surgery as local therapy among patients with stage I or II SCLC, based on the eighth edition of the TNM classification for lung cancer.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with SCLC between 2004 and 2013 were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, And End Results database. The TNM stage of SCLC in these patients was re‐classified according to the eighth edition of the TNM classification for lung cancer. Patients with stage I or II SCLC were included in the present study. Overall survival (OS) and lung cancer‐specific survival (LCSS) were separately compared in the different TNM stages between patients who received surgery and radiotherapy as local therapy. Multivariate analysis was applied to evaluate multiple factors associated with survival.

Results

Among the 2129 patients included in the present study, 387 (18.2%) received surgery, 1032 (48.5%) underwent radiotherapy as local therapy, 154 (7.2%) underwent surgery and radiotherapy, and 556 (26.1%) did not undergo either surgery or radiotherapy. Among patients with T1‐2N0 (tumor size ≤ 50 mm without positive lymph nodes) disease, patients who underwent surgery had higher 5‐year OS and LCSS rates than patients who received radiotherapy (T1N0: 46.0% vs. 23.8%, P < 0.001, and 58.4% vs. 36.4%, P < 0.001, respectively; T2N0: 42.6% vs. 24.7%, P = 0.004, and 48.8% vs. 31.3%, P = 0.011, respectively). Multivariate analysis results revealed that surgery was associated with low risk of death. However, among T3N0 or T1‐2N1 (stage IIB) SCLC patients, patients who underwent surgery did not have higher 5‐year OS and LCSS rates than patients who received radiotherapy (T3N0: 16.2% vs. 26.5%, P = 0.085, and 28.7% vs. 30.9%, P = 0.372, respectively; T1‐2N1: 20.3% vs. 29.0%, P = 0.146, and 25.6% vs. 35.5%, P = 0.064, respectively).

Conclusions

Based on the assumption that the overwhelming majority of stage I or II SCLC patients who underwent surgery or radiotherapy also received certain types of systemic therapy, only patients with T1‐2N0 SCLC may benefit from surgery as local therapy. Patients with T3N0 or T1‐2N1 SCLC may consider radiotherapy as local therapy.
Long‐term outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection for high‐grade dysplasia and early‐stage carcinoma in the colorectum
Authors: Chen Tao , Qin Wen‐Zheng , Yao Li‐Qing , Zhong Yun‐Shi , Zhang Yi‐Qun , Chen Wei‐Feng , Hu Jian‐Wei , Ooi Marie , Chen Ling‐Li , Hou Ying‐Yong , Xu Mei‐Dong , Zhou Ping‐Hong
Published: April 2018

Background

Colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) arise from premalignant precursors in an adenoma‐carcinoma sequence, in which adenoma with high‐grade dysplasia (HGD) and early‐stage carcinoma are defined as advanced neoplasia. A limited number of studies have evaluated the long‐term outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for advanced colorectal neoplasia. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of ESD for advanced colorectal neoplasia as well as the long‐term outcomes, including local recurrence and metastasis.

Methods

We analyzed data collected from 610 consecutive patients with 616 advanced colorectal neoplasia lesions treated with ESD between January 2007 and December 2013. Clinical, endoscopic, and histological data were collected over a median follow‐up period of 58 months to determine tumor stage and type, resection status, complications, tumor recurrence, and distant metastasis.

Results

The overall rates of en bloc resection, histological complete resection, and major complications were 94.3%, 89.4%, and 2.3%, respectively. Hybrid ESD was an independent factor of piecemeal resection. Tumor location in the colon was associated with increased risk of ESD‐related complications. During the follow‐up period, all patients remained free of metastasis. However, local recurrence occurred in 4 patients (0.8%); piecemeal resection was a risk factor.

Conclusions

ESD is effective and safe for resection of advanced colorectal neoplasia, with a high en bloc resection rate and favorable long‐term outcomes. ESD is indicated for the treatment of HGD and early‐stage CRC to obtain curative resection and reduce local recurrence rate.
Decreased macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1α and MIP‐1β increase the risk of developing nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Yang Meng‐Jie , Guo Jie , Ye Yan‐Fang , Chen Sui‐Hong , Peng Li‐Xia , Lin Chu‐Yang , Hu Ting , Xie Shang‐Hang , Xie Chuan‐Bo , Huang Qi‐Hong , Lu Yu‐Qiang , Liu Qing , Qian Chao‐Nan , Cao Su‐Mei
Published: April 2018

Background

The association of circulating inflammation markers with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is still largely unclear. This study aimed to comprehensively explore the relationship between circulating cytokine levels and the subsequent risk of NPC with a two‐stage epidemiologic study in southern China.

Methods

The serum levels of 33 inflammatory cytokines were first measured in a hospital‐based case–control study (150 NPC patients and 150 controls) using multiplex assay platforms. Marker levels were categorized into two or more groups based on the proportion of sample measurements that was above the lower limit of detection. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) relating the serum marker concentration to the risk of NPC were computed by multivariable logistic regression models. The associations were validated in 60 patients with NPC and 120 controls in a subsequent nested case–control study within a NPC screening trial. Potential interactions between serum cytokines and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) relating to the risk of NPC were assessed using a likelihood ratio test.

Results

The levels of serum macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1α and MIP‐1β in the highest categories were associated with a decreased risk of NPC in both the case–control study (MIP‐1α: OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.26–0.95; MIP‐1β: OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.22–1.00) and the nested case–control study (MIP‐1α: OR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.03–0.62; MIP‐1β: OR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.04–0.94), compared with those in the lowest categories. Furthermore, individuals with lower levels of these two cytokine markers who were EBV seropositive presented with a largely higher risk of NPC compared with patients with higher levels who were EBV seronegative in both the case–control study (MIP‐1α: OR = 16.28, 95% CI = 7.11–37.23; MIP‐1β: OR = 12.86, 95% CI = 5.9–28.05) and the nested case–control study (MIP‐1α: OR = 86.12, 95% CI = 10.58–701.03; MIP‐1β: OR = 115.44, 95% CI = 13.92–957.73).

Conclusions

Decreased preclinical MIP‐1α and MIP‐1β levels might be associated with a subsequently increased risk of NPC. More mechanistic studies are required to fully understand this finding.
Amniotic Fluid Exosome Proteomic Profile Exhibits Unique Pathways of Term and Preterm Labor
Authors: Dixon C Luke , Sheller-Miller Samantha , Saade George R , Fortunato Stephen J , Lai Andrew , Palma Carlos , Guanzon Dominic , Salomon Carlos , Menon Ramkumar
Published: April 2018

Our objective was to determine the amniotic fluid–derived exosomal proteomic profile in patients who had spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) or preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) compared with those who delivered at term. A cross-sectional study of a retrospective cohort was used to quantify and determine the protein content of exosomes present in amniotic fluid, in PTB or pPROM, and normal term labor (TL) or term not in labor (TNIL) pregnancies. Exosomes were isolated by differential centrifugation and quantified using nanocrystals (Qdot) coupled to CD63 and placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) by fluorescence nanoparticle tracking analysis. The exosomal proteomic profile was identified by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and a small ion library was constructed to quantify the proteomic data by Sequential Window Acquisition of All Theoretical analysis. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis determined canonical pathways and biofunctions associated with dysregulated proteins. Amniotic fluid exosomes have similar shape and quantity regardless of the conditions; however, the PLAP/CD63 ratios for TL, PTB, and pPROM were significantly higher (∼3.8-, ∼4.4-, and ∼3.5-fold, respectively) compared with TNIL. The PLAP/CD63 ratio was also significantly higher (∼1.3-fold) in PTB compared with pPROM. Biological functions primarily indicated nonspecific inflammatory response regardless of condition, but unique profiles were also identified in cases (PTB and pPROM) compared with term. Amniotic fluid exosomes provide information specific to normal and abnormal parturition. Inflammatory marker enrichment and its uniqueness in term and preterm pregnancies support the value of exosomes in determining underlying physiology associated with term and preterm parturition.
Approach to Myelopathy
Authors: Cho Tracey A. , Bhattacharyya Shamik
Published: April 2018

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Myelopathy is commonly encountered in clinical practice and is associated with a large number of causes. This article reviews the anatomy of the spinal cord and discusses how the clinical findings, time course, and radiographic patterns can help to identify the causes of myelopathy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Imaging observations such as MRI “pancake” gadolinium enhancement pattern with spondylotic myelopathy and subpial enhancement with neurosarcoidosis have improved diagnostic specificity. On the other hand, common diseases such as degenerative spine disease are now recognized as presenting much more variably. Improved imaging and the identification of genetic markers enhance the specificity of diagnosis. The improved identification of biomarkers has shown that the same cause, such as compressive myelopathy, can present more variably than previously appreciated.

Spinal cord dysfunction, or myelopathy, remains a clinical diagnosis, and determining the cause requires integration of clinical, laboratory, and imaging parameters, none of which have great specificity individually. Most cases of myelopathy will require further neuroimaging, and some require CSF analysis for diagnosis. This article presents an approach to the diagnosis of myelopathy based on excluding compressive myelopathy initially and then differentiating between acute and subacute processes and chronic causes.
Mice harbouring an oculodentodigital dysplasia-linked Cx43 G60S mutation have severe hearing loss
Authors: Abitbol Julia M. , Kelly John J. , Barr Kevin J. , Allman Brian L. , Laird Dale W.
Published: April 2018

Given the importance of connexin43 (Cx43, encoded by GJA1) function in the central nervous system and sensory organ processing, we proposed that it would also be crucial in auditory function. To that end, hearing was examined in two mouse models of oculodentodigital dysplasia that globally express GJA1 mutations resulting in mild or severe loss of Cx43 function. Although Cx43I130T/+ mutant mice, with ∼50% Cx43 channel function, did not have any hearing loss, Cx43G60S/+ mutant mice, with ∼20% Cx43 channel function, had severe hearing loss. There was no evidence of inner ear sensory hair cell loss, suggesting that the mechanism for Cx43-linked hearing loss lies downstream in the auditory pathway. Since evidence suggests that Cx26 function is essential for hearing and may be protective against noise-induced hearing loss, we challenged Cx43I130T/+ mice with a loud noise and found that they had a similar susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss to that found in controls, suggesting that decreased Cx43 function does not sensitize the mice for environmentally induced hearing loss. Taken together, this study suggests that Cx43 plays an important role in baseline hearing and is essential for auditory processing.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Catalytic Asymmetric Amination of meso-Epoxide Using Soy Polysaccharide (Soyafibe S-DN)
Authors: Takeuchi Yuki , Asano Tatsuhiro , Tsuzaki Kazuya , Wada Koichi
Published: April 2018

The asymmetric amination of epoxides is an effective method to synthesize chiral β-aminoalcohols and their components as pharmaceuticals. We have developed a new catalyst system for the asymmetric amination of 1,2-epoxycyclohexane with cyclopropylamine. We have also found that water-soluble soy polysaccharide (Soyafibe S-DN) functions as a catalyst. This catalytic reaction proceeded under mild conditions in hydrous toluene at 37–40 °C. (1R,2R)-2-(cyclopropylamino)cyclohexan-1-ol was obtained at 64% enantiomeric excess (ee) by the asymmetric amination of 1,2-epoxycyclohexane with cyclopropylamine using this catalyst system; it was also made at >99% ee by purification as the fumarate salt. The catalytic activity of this soluble soy polysaccharide remained unchanged, even when treated with a protease, but its activity disappeared when treated with a sugar chain degrading enzyme. These results indicate that the polysaccharide rather than the protein acts as the catalyst for this reaction. Thus, we have discovered for the first time that polysaccharides can act as asymmetric catalysts for the amination of 1,2-epoxycyclohexane.
Formation of “Nano-Ice” and Density Maximum Anomaly of Water
Authors: Okajima Hajime , Ando Masahiro , Hamaguchi Hiro-o
Published: April 2018

Water is still mysterious despite intensive and extensive studies over the years. Anomalous behavior of water as a liquid is yet to be fully comprehended. Here we show that the most generally known anomaly of water, the density maximum anomaly, is well accounted for by the formation of nanometer-size ice crystallite at low temperatures. We show spectroscopically that, in cold and super-cooled water, this nanometer-size ice crystallite is formed and coexists with the other two forms of water. Multivariate hyperspectral analysis of 140 temperature dependent Raman spectra in the range of −23∼45 °C determines the three distinct vibrational spectra of the three forms of water and their fractions at different temperatures. Simulation based on the determined fractions successfully reproduces the temperature dependence of density with a maximum at the right temperature. The mystery of the density maximum of water has thus been given an unequivocal solution. The nanometer-size ice crystallite might well be called “nano-ice”.
MSL: Facilitating automatic and physical analysis of published scientific literature in PDF format
Authors: Ahmed Zeeshan , Dandekar Thomas
Published: April 2018

Published scientific literature contains millions of figures, including information about the results obtained from different scientific experiments e.g. PCR-ELISA data, microarray analysis, gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry data, DNA/RNA sequencing, diagnostic imaging (CT/MRI and ultrasound scans), and medicinal imaging like electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), echocardiography  (ECG), positron-emission tomography (PET) images. The importance of biomedical figures has been widely recognized in scientific and medicine communities, as they play a vital role in providing major original data, experimental and computational results in concise form. One major challenge for implementing a system for scientific literature analysis is extracting and analyzing text and figures from published PDF files by physical and logical document analysis. Here we present a product line architecture based bioinformatics tool ‘Mining Scientific Literature (MSL)’, which supports the extraction of text and images by interpreting all kinds of published PDF files using advanced data mining and image processing techniques. It provides modules for the marginalization of extracted text based on different coordinates and keywords, visualization of extracted figures and extraction of embedded text from all kinds of biological and biomedical figures using applied Optimal Character Recognition (OCR). Moreover, for further analysis and usage, it generates the system’s output in different formats including text, PDF, XML and images files. Hence, MSL is an easy to install and use analysis tool to interpret published scientific literature in PDF format.
Differential response of the liver to bile acid treatment in a mouse model of Niemann-Pick disease type C
Authors: Nicoli Elena-Raluca , Huebecker Mylene , Smith David , Morris Lauren , Platt Frances M.
Published: April 2018

Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) disease is a neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the NPC1 or NPC2 genes. Liver disease is also a common feature of NPC that can present as cholestatic jaundice in the neonatal period. Liver enzymes can remain elevated above the normal range in some patients as they age.

We recently reported suppression of the P450 detoxification system in a mouse model of NPC disease and also in post-mortem liver from NPC patients. We demonstrated the ability of the hydrophobic bile acid ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) (3α, 7β-dihydroxy-5β-cholanic acid) to correct the P450 system suppression. UDCA is used to treat several cholestatic disorders and was tested in NPC due to the P450 system being regulated by bile acids. Here, we compare the effect of UDCA and cholic acid (CA), another bile acid, in the NPC mouse model. We observed unexpected hepatotoxicity in response to CA treatment of NPC mice. No such hepatotoxicity was associated with UDCA treatment. These results suggest that CA treatment is contraindicated in NPC patients, whilst supporting the use of UDCA as an adjunctive therapy in NPC patients.
СОВРЕМЕННЫЕ ФОРМЫ ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ ПОВЫШЕНИЯ КВАЛИФИКАЦИИ ПЕДАГОГОВ
Authors: Gam Vladimir Ivanovich , Mikhailova Valeriia Evgenevna
Published: April 2018

Цель исследования. Выявление адекватных современным условиям форм и методов организации повышения квалификации и профессиональной переподготовки различных категорий педагогов.Метод проведения работы. Основу исследования образуют методы сравнительного анализа, этимологического анализа, анализа научных источников, нормативных документов федерального уровня, общенаучные методы (анализ, синтез, аксиоматика, обобщение).Результаты. Результаты работы заключаются в том, что автор характеризует, систематизирует и описывает преимущества новых форм организации повышения квалификации: дистанционное обучение, персонифицированная система повышения квалификации, индивидуализация, электронное обучение, модульное обучение, проектное обучение, сетевое взаимодействия, стажировки.Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования могут быть использованы при разработке учебно-тематических планов и организации программ повышения квалификации педагогов.
ПОДГОТОВКА ОФИЦЕРОВ УЧЕБНОГО ЦЕНТРА К ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ МЕЖЛИЧНОСТНОГО ВЗАИМОДЕЙСТВИЯ ВОЕННОСЛУЖАЩИХ ПО ПРИЗЫВУ
Authors: Samarin Alexey Ivanovich
Published: April 2018

В статье рассматриваются современные тенденции понимания проблемы подготовки военных кадров в условиях модернизации образования. Обозначена практическая значимость применения программы по подготовке военных кадров к межличностному взаимодействию служащих.Цель. Статья посвящена актуальной образовательной политике государства по подготовке офицеров в военных образовательных учреждениях профессионального образования, в частности возможности применения современных педагогических технологий в образовательном процессе, в том числе при подготовке военнослужащих к межличностному взаимодействию в ходе образовательного процесса.Метод или методология проведения работы. Основу исследования образуют сравнительный анализ и синтез, принцип объективности.Результаты. Результаты работы заключаются в том, что автор анализирует сущность понятия межличностного взаимодействия раскрытого как российскими, так и зарубежными педагогами и психологами. Делает акцент на системно-деятельностном подходе, предлагая его реализовать в рамках военного образовательного учреждения профессионального образования путём выполнения различного рода программ по подготовке военнослужащих, которые имеют социальную и практическую значимость.Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования могут быть применены в сфере военного и психолого-педагогического образования.
Additional Tasks in the Financial Audit
Authors: Гутцайт Евгений , Guttsayt E.
Published: April 2018

The article discusses the possibilities and ways of using the additional information obtained by the solution of the main task of the audit (assess the credibility of the audited fi nancial statements). The feasibility of solving a number of additional tasks of the audit not through the expansion requirements, but by the way of formulating requirements to the audited entity are shown.
Becoming an integrated (accountable) care system
Authors: Deffenbaugh John
Published: April 2018

This is the second in a series of three articles that explains integrated care and explores its anticipated impact on the NHS in England. This article uncovers the concept of an integrated care system. The changing terminology is first discussed, with the aim to understand what the new terminology means in practice. Then the characteristics that will make success of an integrated care system are explored, with an emphasis on leaders shaping their environment. Building on this, the principal organisations in an integrated care system are introduced, bringing in their motivations and what they will be losing when they contribute to integrated care. The focus then moves onto the leaders of an integrated care system and how their leadership function and governance will change as the integrated care system moves to implement changes that have both short- and long-term implications. The article then concludes with the ramifications that result from the end of the internal market in this new paradigm of integrated care.
Working with communities to prevent child sexual abuse: A case study
Authors: Cousins Victoria
Published: April 2018

To help prevent child sexual abuse, it is vital that the whole community works together. Victoria Cousins explains the role contextual safeguarding in public places can play, shares the findings of a SaferLondon project aimed at shopping centres and offers some recommendations based on these findings.
Changes to the administration of an adrenaline autoinjector in anaphylaxis
Authors: Fromage Gemma
Published: April 2018

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and immediate treatment is vital. Adrenaline is administered via intramuscular injection. EpiPen (Mylan UK) is an adrenaline autoinjector and, as of November 2017, its labelling instructions were updated to align with those of the US, Australia and some European countries. Changes include reducing the injection time from 10 seconds to 3, and the removal of the massage step following injection. The changes have been implemented to improve compliance and simplify the administration process. There has been no change to the ingredients of the EpiPen and the length of injection time will not alter its effectiveness.
Open and closed rhinoplasty
Authors: Branford Olivier
Published: April 2018

Rhinoplasty, which may be surgical or non-surgical, is sometimes referred to as a ‘nose job’. It enhances the proportions of the nose and, when performed well, can impact on the overall beauty and harmony of the face. Surgical rhinoplasty can also correct impaired breathing caused by structural defects in the nose and may be performed using an open or closed approach. The open approach affords greater exposure and repositioning of the cartilaginous framework and cartilage grafts, but may cause scarring and swelling. Closed rhinoplasty is contraindicated if excess skin needs to be excised, if specific grafts are needed or in certain cartilage malpositions. Olivier Branford provides an up-to-date overview of this procedure
Capnography: monitoring CO2
Authors: Deighton Rob
Published: April 2018

In each issue, the paramedic education team at Edge Hill University focuses on the clinical skills carried out by paramedics on the frontlines, highlighting the importance of these skills and how to perform them. In this issue, Rob Deighton discusses the uses of capnography as a non-invasive and inexpensive rapid assessment tool.
Examining the true impact of alcohol on the heart
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: April 2018

Emergency care practitioners regularly respond to alcohol-related call-outs. In this comment, Sarah Jane Palmer investigates the true impact of alcohol on the heart, and demystifies some commonly held misconceptions