bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
15AU81, A Prostacyclin Analog, Enhances Donor-Specific Hepatocytes to Prolong the Survival of Rat Heart but Not Small Bowel Allografts
Authors: Boyle Michael J. , Dumble Lynette J.
Published: June 2017

Prostacyclin analogs have previously been shown to have not only cytoprotective but also independent immunosuppressive effects. The effect of one such analog, 15AU81, to enhance the immunosuppressive effects of liver was investigated. We have previously demonstrated that cyclosporine (CsA) in conjunction with rapamycin (RAPA) potentiates class I+, class II–donor-specific hepatocytes to prolong rat cardiac and small bowel allograft survival. Brown Norway (BN; RT1a) hepatocytes alone (5 × 107/kg, administered intrasplenically) failed to prolong the survival of BN heart allografts in Wistar Furth (WFu; RT1#) recipients, beyond that of untreated controls (MST = 7.2 ± 0.8 days). Survival of BN hearts was increased to 11.4 ± 1.7 days in WFu recipients treated with BN hepatocytes and 50 μg/kg/day 15AU81 administered by continuous SC infusion for 14 days using osmotic pumps (p < 0.05). The further addition of RAPA 0.0075 mg/kg/day and CsA 0.375 mg/kg/day delivered for 14 days by continuous IV infusion (CIVI) using osmotic pumps (a combination that alone prolonged BN heart allografts in WFu hosts to 18.4 ± 1.3 days and in conjunction with BN hepatocytes prolonged survival to 27.2 ± 1.9 days) prolonged allograft survival to 35.2 ± 5.2 days. In contrast, the survival of small bowel allografts was not enhanced by 15AU81 administration. Survival of BN small bowel transplants in LEW recipients treated with hepatocytes alone (MST = 11.6 ± 1.5 days) or hepatocytes plus 15AU81 (MST = 10.0 ± 1.0 days) was similar to controls (MST = 10.2 ± 1.9 days). Treatment with hepatocytes and RAPA/CsA increased survival to 21.2 ± 1.5 days. The further addition of 15AU81 failed to augment this (MST = 17.0 ± 1.9 days). In vitro WFu lymphocyte proliferative responses from animals pretreated with BN hepatocytes, 15AU81, or both treatments, for 2 weeks prior to harvesting, exhibited a reduction of at least 50%, compared to untreated controls upon allostimulation with irradiated BN or ACI spleen cells. These findings demonstrate that 15AU81 interacts favorably with hepatocytes either alone or in conjunction with RAPA and CsA to enhance their immunosuppressive effects on rat heart allograft survival. The failure to enhance small bowel allograft survival may be explained by the inability at this low dosage of 15AU81 to influence the intense graft versus host reaction elicited by small bowel transplants.
Water and Cryoprotectant Permeability Characteristics of Isolated Human and Canine Pancreatic Islets
Authors: Woods Erik J. , Liu Jun , Zieger Michael A. J. , Lakey Jonathan R. T. , Critser John K.
Published: June 2017

Cryopreservation allows accumulation of the necessary islet transplantable mass as well as adequate time for tissue typing and infectious disease screening. Cryopreservation protocols may be optimized by modeling the osmotically induced volume excursions that occur during the addition and removal of cryoprotective agents (CPAs). To that end, three transport parameters were measured at 22°C in canine and human islets isolated by collagenase digestion and euroficoll purification: (i) the apparent hydraulic conductivity (Lp), (ii) the permeability coefficient of the CPA (Ps), and (iii) the associated reflection coefficient (σ). The parameters were determined by volumetric analysis of islets upon abrupt exposure to 1, 2, and 3 M dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethylene glycol (EG), glycerol (GLY), and propylene glycol (PG). The parameters were calculated using the Kedem-Katchalsky theory to describe islet volume excursion kinetics (assuming islets to be single equivalent osmotic units with the same volume and surface area of the actual islet) and a three-parameter curve fit was performed using the Marquardt-Levenberg method. It was determined that the permeability characteristics of pancreatic islets are species specific, and based upon the measured parameters, the highest Ps values for canine islets were observed following exposure to 2 M EG, and the highest Ps values for human islets were observed following exposure to 2 M PG. The permeability parameters were analyzed adjusting for islet radius using ANCOVA procedures to acquire least square means. For canine islets exposed to 2 M EG these values were determined to be 0.936 μm/min/atm, 2.47 μm/s, and 0.90 (for Lp, Ps, and ϕ, respectively) and for human islets exposed to 2 M PG the values were determined to be 1.56 μm/min/atm, 3.48 μm/s, and 0.85 (for Lp, Ps, and σ, respectively). These parameters were used in a model to calculate osmotically induced islet volumetric response upon addition/dilution of the optimum CPAs, taking into consideration critical volume excursion limits at which irreversible damage occurs.
Fetal Porcine Dopaminergic Cell Survival in Vitro and its Relationship to Embryonic Age
Authors: Barker Roger A. , Ratcliffe Emma , Richards Andrew , Dunnett Stephen B.
Published: June 2017

One of the critical factors in the survival of embryonic neural grafts is the age at which the population of donor neurons is harvested. This is especially the case for the developing dopaminergic neurons in the embryonic ventral mesencephalon, which are used for neural grafts in Parkinson's disease (PD). The donor age for optimal harvesting of these cells has been well characterized in the mouse, rat, and marmoset, and to a lesser extent in humans. However, the best donor age for porcine ventral mesencephalic tissue has not been ascertained, even though the use of this tissue for xenografts has been explored both experimentally and clinically. In this study the effect of donor age on dopaminergic cell survival was assessed in vitro, from a range of fetal pigs aged from E24 to E35. The number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive cells per ventral mesencephalon was then calculated after 1 and 7 days in culture. E26–E27 embryos gave the highest yield of such cells at both survival time points, suggesting that this will be the optimal age for harvesting tissues whether for experimental or clinical nigral xenograft programs.
An improved analytical model for a lubricated roller bearing including a localized defect with different edge shapes
Authors: Liu Jing , Shao Yimin
Published: June 2017

Vibrations of a roller bearing (RB) with a localized defect (LOD) are determined by LOD edge shapes, which can be used to detect and diagnose the LODs. Therefore, it is very helpful to analyze the relationships between impulses and LOD edge shapes for detection and diagnosis of the early LODs. In this study, an improved analytical model for a lubricated RB with a LOD considering different edge shapes is proposed. The LOD edge propagation is determined by the size of small cylindrical surface at its edge. A time-varying impact force (TVIF) model for the LOD with different edge shapes is also presented depended on Hertzian contact theory. The time-varying displacement excitation (TVDE) and time-varying contact stiffness coefficient (TVSC) between the roller and LOD edges can be formulated by the presented model, which cannot be formulated by the previous models considering sharp edges in the literatures. Influences of LOD edge shapes on vibrations of the unlubricated and lubricated RB are investigated. The numerical results show that the amplitude and impulse waveform of the accelerations of the RB will be affected by the LOD edge shape and lubricated oil; however, the peak frequencies in the spectrum are slightly influenced by the LOD edge shape and lubricated oil. It seems that the presented numerical results can give some guidance for the incipient LOD detection and diagnosis for RBs.
Foam core composite sandwich plates and shells with variable stiffness: Effect of the curvilinear fiber path on the modal response
Authors: Tornabene Francesco , Fantuzzi Nicholas , Bacciocchi Michele
Published: June 2017

This paper presents the free vibration analysis of composite sandwich plates and doubly curved shells with variable stiffness. The reinforcing fibers are located in the external skins of the sandwich structures according to curved paths. These curvilinear paths are described by a general expression that combines power-law, sinusoidal, exponential, Gaussian and ellipse-shaped functions. As a consequence, the reinforcing fibers are placed in these orthotropic layers in an arbitrary manner, in order to achieve the desired mechanical properties. The effect of this variable fiber orientation on the natural frequencies is investigated by means of several parametric studies. As far as the structural theory is concerned, an equivalent single layer approach based on the well-known Carrera Unified Formulation is employed. The Murakami’s function is added to the kinematic model to capture the zig-zag effect, when the soft-core effect is significant. Thus, several higher order shear deformation theories are taken into account in a unified manner. The differential geometry is employed to describe the reference surface of doubly curved shells and panels, which are characterized by variable radii of curvature. The numerical solution is obtained using the generalized differential quadrature method, due to its accuracy and stability features. The present solution is compared with the results available in the literature or obtained by finite element commercial codes.
Modern Contraceptive Choice Among Patients Seen at the “Cameroon National Planning Association for Family Welfare” Clinic Yaoundé
Authors: Yangsi Tameh Theodore , Florent Fouelifack Ymele , Ngole Mbong Eta , Nelson Fomulu
Published: June 2017

Background:

To understand the low modern contraceptive prevalence in Cameroon, we reviewed the methods chosen and determined their side effects among patients in an urban setting.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study at the “Cameroon National Planning Association for Family Welfare (CAMNAFAW) Clinic” in Yaoundé. Data were processed by SPSS software version 20.0 for Windows, and all tests were considered statistically significant at P < .05.

Results:

Of the 1180 women sampled, the most chosen methods were as follows: depot medroxy progesterone acetate: 72.1% (787 of 1091), followed by oral combined contraceptives: 21.3% (232 of 1091), subcutaneous implants: 3.2% (35 of 1091), and intrauterine contraceptive devices: 1.9% (21 of 1091). A hundred and forty two (14.5%) of the 977 women received at least once (revisits) at the Center, reported at least one side effect. Irregular vaginal bleeding was the most frequent side effect: 44.6% (84 of 188 total documented side effects). Side effects were most common among users of subcutaneous implants: 28% (7 of the 25 implant users).

Conclusions:

Prescription of contraceptives should reflect not only the desire of couples but also the side effects associated with each method. This would optimize observance and adherence, consequently decreasing the failure rate.
Approach to the Management of Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Consensus Document
Authors: Alavi Afsaneh , Lynde Charles , Alhusayen Raed , Bourcier Marc , Delorme Isabelle , George Ralph , Gooderham Melinda , Gulliver Wayne , Kalia Sunil , Marcoux Danielle , Poulin Yves
Published: June 2017

Background:

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a painful, debilitating, and poorly understood condition, which is suboptimally diagnosed, managed, and treated. Evidence supporting various treatment modalities is sparse.

Objectives:

To incorporate scientific evidence and expert opinions to develop useful guidance for the evaluation and management of patients with HS.

Methods:

An expert panel of Canadian dermatologists and surgeons developed statements and recommendations based on available evidence and clinical experience. The statements and recommendations were subjected to analysis and refinement by the panel, and voting was conducted using a modified Delphi technique with a prespecified cutoff agreement of 75%.

Results:

Ten specific statements and recommendations were accepted by the expert panel. These were grouped into 4 domains: diagnosis and assessment, treatment and management, comorbidities and a multidisciplinary approach, and education.

Conclusions:

These statements and recommendations will serve to increase awareness of HS and provide a framework for decisions involving diagnosis and management. Evidence suggests that antibacterial and anti–tumour necrosis factor therapies are effective in the treatment of HS. This is supported by the clinical experience of the authors. Further clinical research and the establishment of multidisciplinary management teams will continue to advance management of HS in Canada.
A combined movement and story-telling intervention enhances motor competence and language ability in pre-schoolers to a greater extent than movement or story-telling alone
Authors: Duncan Michael , Cunningham Anna , Eyre Emma
Published: June 2017

This study examined the effect of a six week combined movement and story-telling intervention on motor competence and naming vocabulary in British pre-schoolers. Using a cluster randomised design, three pre-school classes were allocated to one of a combined movement and story-telling intervention ( n = 22), or a movement only ( n = 25) or story-telling only ( n = 27) intervention. Motor competence and language ability were assessed pre, post and eight weeks post intervention. Results from repeated measures ANOVA indicated significantly greater improvement in both motor competence and language ability pre to post intervention for the combined movement and story-telling group compared to the movement only or story-telling only groups. However, for the period post intervention to eight weeks post intervention the magnitude of change for motor competence and language ability was significant for all groups and similar in magnitude. The results of this study demonstrate the efficacy of combining movement and story-telling, over movement or story-telling alone, to benefit both motor competence and language ability in pre-schoolers. Combining both movement and story-telling appears to offer synergistic benefits in relation to physical and communication development, which are critical for good development in the early years.
Feasibility randomised controlled trial of a self-help acceptance and commitment therapy intervention for grief and psychological distress in carers of palliative care patients
Authors: Davis Esther L , Deane Frank P , Lyons Geoffrey CB , Barclay Gregory D , Bourne Joan , Connolly Vivienne
Published: June 2017

We tested the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an acceptance and commitment therapy self-help intervention for grief and psychological distress in carers of patients in palliative care. Carers were randomised to the control group, which received treatment as usual, or the intervention group, which received treatment as usual plus an acceptance and commitment therapy–based self-help booklet and telephone support call. Questionnaires were completed at baseline, 1-month post-allocation and 6 months post-loss. Results indicated that the intervention was generally feasible and viewed as acceptable to carers. Preliminary effectiveness analyses showed at least a small effect in acceptance, valued-living, grief and psychological distress.
Accountability for Environmental Standards after Brexit
Authors: Lee Maria
Published: June 2017

This Opinion emphasises the importance of paying attention to how government will be held to account for implementing environmental standards once the UK has left the EU. It focuses on three, relatively simple, accountability mechanisms that have been taken for granted during our membership of the EU: the big sticks of Commission-plus-Court of Justice enforcement mechanisms and fines, a more subtle architecture of transparency and political accountability, and a series of EU legal principles that render judicial review before domestic courts more effective.
Estimated Prevalence of the Target Population for Brain-Computer Interface Neurotechnology in the Netherlands
Authors: Pels Elmar G. M. , Aarnoutse Erik J. , Ramsey Nick F. , Vansteensel Mariska J.
Published: June 2017

Background. People who suffer from paralysis have difficulties participating in society. Particularly burdensome is the locked-in syndrome (LIS). LIS patients are not able to move and speak but are cognitively healthy. They rely on assistive technology to interact with the world and may benefit from neurotechnological advances. Optimal research and design of such aids requires a well-defined target population. However, the LIS population is poorly characterized and the number of patients in this condition is unknown. Objective. Here we estimated and described the LIS patient population in the Netherlands to define the target population for assistive (neuro)technology. Methods. We asked physicians in the Netherlands if they had patients suffering from severe paralysis and communication problems in their files. Physicians responding affirmatively were asked to fill out a questionnaire on the patients’ status. Results. We sent out 9570 letters to general practitioners (GPs), who reported 83 patients. After first screening, the GPs of 46 patients received the questionnaire. Based on the responses, 26 patients were classified as having LIS. Extrapolation of these numbers resulted in a prevalence of 0.73 patients per 100 000 inhabitants. Notable results from the questionnaire were the percentage of patients with neuromuscular disease (>50%) and living at home (>70%). Conclusions. We revealed an etiologically diverse group of LIS patients. The functioning and needs of these patients were, however, similar and many relied on assistive technology. By characterizing the LIS population, our study may contribute to optimal development of assistive (neuro)technology.
False Polarization and False Moderation
Authors: Blatz Craig W. , Mercier Brett
Published: June 2017

Past research finds that people hold moderate views on political issues while believing others are extreme. This false polarization has been demonstrated across a variety of different attitude dimensions and is explained by naive realism, the belief that one holds an unbiased view of reality. We argue that because people believe they see the world objectively, they should be very certain about their opinions, more certain than others expect. In three studies, we tested this false moderation of attitude certainty hypothesis and attempted to replicate past research on false polarization of attitude stance and perceived ideology of others. All three studies revealed a false moderation effect on judgements of certainty. Additionally, we replicate the finding that people false polarize others’ ideology but do not find evidence for false polarization of specific stance.
Italy, Denmark and Germany
Authors: Bazzani Tania
Published: June 2017

The article analyses the latest reforms in active and passive labour market policies (LMPs) in Germany, Italy and Denmark, within a European perspective. These Member States employ three of the various kinds of social security systems found in the EU - Continental, Mediterranean and Nordic - and provide an interesting example for comparison of differences/common trends in LMPs. This contribution focuses particularly on the principal characteristics of each protection system in the event of unemployment and on the relationships between unemployment benefits and activation policies and highlights the links between the European Employment Guidelines and the regulation under analysis.
The trial of the 11 March 2004 Madrid terrorist attacks
Authors: Muñoz Helena Soleto
Published: June 2017

On 11 March 2004, 10 bombs exploded on different commuter trains in Madrid. These attacks caused 191 deaths – plus a policeman who died in a related explosion on 3rd April – and more than 1800 injured. The inquiry started that day, and after 3 years of investigation, 29 people were brought to trial and finally 18 were convicted. The management of the case was correct even if some significant difficulties were caused by the particularities of the inquiry and the magnitude of the process and other common wrong practices in the Spanish criminal justice system regarding identification.
A Vinter retreat in Europe
Authors: Pettigrew Mark
Published: June 2017

In Vinter and Others v. United Kingdom, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights held that domestic procedures for reviewing whole life prison sentences in England and Wales were in breach of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. In response, the domestic Court of Appeal declined to revise those procedures, or the material relating to them, and held that the Grand Chamber was incorrect in its finding; the law did in fact give prisoners hope for future release. Rather than reasserting the reasoning and findings of Vinter, the Grand Chamber has been appeased by the clarification offered by the UK court. The contradictions in that retreat from the Vinter judgement are analysed here and the future standing of the court is prophesized in relation to that decision.
Educational Inequalities in Depression: Do Labor Markets Matter?
Authors: Dudal Pieter , Verhaest Dieter , Bracke Piet
Published: June 2017

There is little theoretical understanding of why educational inequalities in depression are larger in some countries than in others. The current research tries to fill this gap by focusing on the way in which important labor market processes, specifically upgrading and polarization, affect the relationship between education and depression. Analyses are based on a subsample, aged between 20 and 65, in 26 countries participating in the European Social Survey (N = 56,881) in 2006, 2012, and 2014. The results indicate that educational inequalities are lower the more a country’s labor market is upgraded, and we suggest that this is a consequence of an amelioration of the labor market position of the lower educated. Analysis shows that polarization is related to more educational inequalities in depression for women. However, central mediating processes are not confirmed, and new perspectives on these mechanisms will be discussed.
General Music Teachers’ Backgrounds and Multicultural Repertoire Selection
Authors: Lee Soojin
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine how teachers’ backgrounds could contribute to their decisions to include music from diverse cultures. Analysis of interviews with three general music teachers indicated that their music training and experiences, ethnic backgrounds, and years of teaching experience may have influenced their familiarity with multicultural music. That familiarity, in turn, may have affected their multicultural repertoire selection. In addition, the findings revealed that participants included multicultural music in spite of their relatively homogeneous student populations, because they recognized the need to provide their students with global perspectives. However, the teachers primarily focused on teaching Western music concepts, employing music from different cultures mainly as a way to offer variety in their repertoire.
Daratumumab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Chari Ajai , Suvannasankha Attaya , Fay Joseph W. , Arnulf Bertrand , Kaufman Jonathan L. , Ifthikharuddin Jainulabdeen J. , Weiss Brendan M. , Krishnan Amrita , Lentzsch Suzanne , Comenzo Raymond , Wang Jianping , Nottage Kerri , Chiu Christopher , Khokhar Nushmia Z. , Ahmadi Tahamtan , Lonial Sagar
Published: June 2017

Key Points

No new safety signals were observed with daratumumab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone, except for increased neutropenia. Daratumumab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone induced rapid, deep, and durable responses in heavily treated patients with multiple myeloma.
Tuberculosis control, and the where and why of artificial intelligence
Authors: Doshi Riddhi , Falzon Dennis , Thomas Bruce V. , Temesgen Zelalem , Sadasivan Lal , Migliori Giovanni Battista , Raviglione Mario
Published: June 2017

Countries aiming to reduce their tuberculosis (TB) burden by 2035 to the levels envisaged by the World Health Organization End TB Strategy need to innovate, with approaches such as digital health (electronic and mobile health) in support of patient care, surveillance, programme management, training and communication. Alongside the large-scale roll-out required for such interventions to make a significant impact, products must stay abreast of advancing technology over time. The integration of artificial intelligence into new software promises to make processes more effective and efficient, endowing them with a potential hitherto unimaginable. Users can benefit from artificial intelligence-enabled pattern recognition software for tasks ranging from reading radiographs to adverse event monitoring, sifting through vast datasets to personalise a patient's care plan or to customise training materials. Many experts forecast the imminent transformation of the delivery of healthcare services. We discuss how artificial intelligence and machine learning could revolutionise the management of TB.
Elastic properties of rock salt: Laboratory measurements and Gulf of Mexico well-log analysis
Authors: Zong Jingjing , Stewart Robert R. , Dyaur Nikolay , Myers Michael T.
Published: June 2017

Rock salt (essentially halite) is a special type of sedimentary rock that has played a large role throughout tectonic and economic history. The unique physical properties of halite (ductility, low density, flowability, and impermeability) can be critical factors in hydrocarbon traps and underground storage. However, seismic imaging and interpretation can be challenging when salt structures are present due to their complex geometry and large impedance contrasts relative to surrounding rocks. To investigate the properties of rock salt in terms of elastic parameters, we use ultrasonic laboratory measurements and well logs. In the laboratory, we have analyzed the effects of composition, crystalline structure, pressure, and temperature on the elastic behavior of a variety of rock salt samples. The samples include pure halite (>95 wt%) from the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) area, argillaceous rock salt from the Zipaquirá Mine, Colombia, and crystalline salt from the Goderich Mine, Canada. Current measurements suggest that the GOM salt cores behave isotropically in general. The Zipaquirá salt samples show velocity and density variations on account of their heterogeneous composition. The Goderich halite crystals display distinct cubic anisotropy. Measurements on the GOM samples at varying confining pressures and temperatures indicate that increasing pressure elevates velocity whereas increasing temperature decreases velocity. From the analysis of 145 log suites from boreholes drilled through rock salt in the northern GOM, we found that, within the salt formations, P-wave velocities increased slightly with depth (approximately [Formula: see text] per km). The S-wave velocities from three wells range from 2280 to [Formula: see text]. Bulk densities from all the wells cluster at [Formula: see text]. These laboratory and log measurements provide new values for the elastic properties of rock salt, which can assist in velocity model building, synthetic seismogram generation, and the understanding of the rock physics of halite.
Interpreting potential field anomaly of an isolated source of regular geometry revisited
Authors: Roy Indrajit G.
Published: June 2017

I have developed an improved practical method for interpreting a symmetrical-shaped potential field anomaly due to an isolated source body of regular geometric configuration. The method uses the first-order horizontal derivative of the logarithmically transformed absolute value of the anomaly in estimating the source-body parameters, such as the location, depth of burial, and shape factor. To tackle noise in data, a regularization technique is designed, which ensures a robust estimate of the first-order derivative of logarithmically transformed data. The regularization technique uses an optimal value of regularization parameter that, although noise dependent, requires no a priori knowledge of the noise level in the data. A graphical method is designed to determine an optimal value of the regularization parameter from the position of the local minimum of a specially defined functional with respect to the regularization parameters. Numerical tests have been conducted on the noise-contaminated synthetic data to validate the proposed method. The successful application of the method on published field data for the gravity and magnetic anomaly suggests the applicability of the method.
Immunotherapy for Brain Tumors
Authors: Sampson John H. , Maus Marcela V. , June Carl H.
Published: June 2017

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal form of brain tumor and remains a large, unmet medical need. This review focuses on recent advances in the neurosciences that converge with the broader field of immuno-oncology. Recent findings in neuroanatomy provide a basis for new approaches of cellular therapies for tumors that involve the CNS. The ultimate success of immunotherapy in the CNS will require improved imaging technologies and methods for analysis of the tumor microenvironment in patients with GBM. It is likely that combinatorial approaches with targeted immunotherapies will be required to exploit the vulnerabilities of GBM and other brain tumors.
Insights From Molecular Profiling of Adult Glioma
Authors: Diamandis Phedias , Aldape Kenneth D.
Published: June 2017

The comprehensive molecular profiling of cancer has resulted in new insights into the biology and classification of numerous tumor types. In the case of primary brain tumors that commonly affect adults, an emerging set of disease-defining biomarker sets is reshaping existing diagnostic entities that had previously been defined on the basis of their microscopic appearance. Substantial progress has been made in this regard for common primary brain tumors in adults, especially diffuse gliomas, where large-scale profiling efforts have led to the incorporation of highly prevalent molecular alterations that promote a biologically based classification as an adjunct to the traditional histopathologic approach. The growing awareness that histologically indistinguishable tumors can be divided into more precise and biologically relevant subgroups has demanded a more global routine approach to biomarker assessment. These considerations have begun to intersect with the decreasing costs and availability of genome-wide analysis tools and, thus, incorporation into routine practice. We review how molecular profiling already has led to an evolution in the classification of brain tumors. In addition, we discuss the likely trajectory of incorporation of global molecular profiling platforms into the routine clinical classification of adult brain tumors.
Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance (MR) Findings in Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis: Retrospective Analysis of Pathologically Proven 30 Cases – Tertiary Care Experience
Authors: Sureka Binit , Singh Vaibhav Pratap , Rajesh Rajesh , Laroia Shalini , Bansal Kalpana , Rastogi Archana , Bihari Chhagan , Bhadoria Ajeet Singh , Agrawal Nikhil , Arora Asit
Published: June 2017

Background: To study CT and MR findings in xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC).

Material/Methods: Retrospective analysis of 30 histopathologically confirmed cases of XGC. Seventeen patients underwent CECT and 13 underwent MRI. The following features were studied – wall thickness, intramural nodules, pericholecystic stranding, wall thickness, THAD, fat in gallbladder wall, cholelithiasis, infiltration, biliary dilatation, lymph nodes, complications.

Results: The majority of cases (22/30) showed discontinuous mucosal lining. Discontinuous mucosal lining was seen in all cases with wall thickness >10 mm, 75% of cases with wall thickness between 3–10 mm and none in normal wall thickness (p=0.03). Diffuse wall thickening was seen in 23 cases, focal thickening in 3 and polypoidal wall thickening in 2 cases. Polypoidal thickening was seen in gallbladder carcinoma. Intramural nodules were present in 87.5% of cases with discontinuous mucosal lining. Pericholecystic stranding was seen in 19, biliary dilatation in 12, liver infiltration in 13 and fat in 7 cases. Lymphadenopathy was seen in 1 case with gallbladder carcinoma. Four cases showed a signal drop in the intramural nodules on chemical shift MRI.

Conclusions: Discontinuous mucosal lining is evident in xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis. Diffuse wall thickening, intramural nodules, continuous or discontinuous mucosal lining and cholelithiasis may indicate XGC rather than gallbladder carcinoma. Based on correlation with pathophysiological findings, we conclude that discontinuous mucosal lining is not an unusual finding in cases of XGC. Advances in knowledge: Being aware of the radiological findings described in this article may be helpful in making preoperative radiological diagnosis of XGC. Mucosal lining may be continuous or discontinuous in XGC.
Analytical challenges of untargeted GC-MS-based metabolomics and the critical issues in selecting the data processing strategy
Authors: Han Ting-Li , Yang Yang , Zhang Hua , Law Kai P.
Published: June 2017

Background: A challenge of metabolomics is data processing the enormous amount of information generated by sophisticated analytical techniques. The raw data of an untargeted metabolomic experiment are composited with unwanted biological and technical variations that confound the biological variations of interest. The art of data normalisation to offset these variations and/or eliminate experimental or biological biases has made significant progress recently. However, published comparative studies are often biased or have omissions. Methods: We investigated the issues with our own data set, using five different representative methods of internal standard-based, model-based, and pooled quality control-based approaches, and examined the performance of these methods against each other in an epidemiological study of gestational diabetes using plasma. Results: Our results demonstrated that the quality control-based approaches gave the highest data precision in all methods tested, and would be the method of choice for controlled experimental conditions. But for our epidemiological study, the model-based approaches were able to classify the clinical groups more effectively than the quality control-based approaches because of their ability to minimise not only technical variations, but also biological biases from the raw data. Conclusions: We suggest that metabolomic researchers should optimise and justify the method they have chosen for their experimental condition in order to obtain an optimal biological outcome.
Automated analysis of retinal imaging using machine learning techniques for computer vision
Authors: De Fauw Jeffrey , Keane Pearse , Tomasev Nenad , Visentin Daniel , van den Driessche George , Johnson Mike , Hughes Cian O , Chu Carlton , Ledsam Joseph , Back Trevor , Peto Tunde , Rees Geraint , Montgomery Hugh , Raine Rosalind , Ronneberger Olaf , Cornebise Julien
Published: June 2017

There are almost two million people in the United Kingdom living with sight loss, including around 360,000 people who are registered as blind or partially sighted. Sight threatening diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and age related macular degeneration have contributed to the 40% increase in outpatient attendances in the last decade but are amenable to early detection and monitoring. With early and appropriate intervention, blindness may be prevented in many cases.

Ophthalmic imaging provides a way to diagnose and objectively assess the progression of a number of pathologies including neovascular (“wet”) age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. Two methods of imaging are commonly used: digital photographs of the fundus (the ‘back’ of the eye) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT, a modality that uses light waves in a similar way to how ultrasound uses sound waves). Changes in population demographics and expectations and the changing pattern of chronic diseases creates a rising demand for such imaging. Meanwhile, interrogation of such images is time consuming, costly, and prone to human error. The application of novel analysis methods may provide a solution to these challenges.

This research will focus on applying novel machine learning algorithms to automatic analysis of both digital fundus photographs and OCT in Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust patients.

Through analysis of the images used in ophthalmology, along with relevant clinical and demographic information, DeepMind Health will investigate the feasibility of automated grading of digital fundus photographs and OCT and provide novel quantitative measures for specific disease features and for monitoring the therapeutic success.
Cambio institucional, discurso y política. Una propuesta de análisis desde el postestructuralismo
Authors: Reynares Juan Manuel
Published: June 2017

Este artículo contribuye a la discusión sobre el vínculo entre instituciones y discurso en la ciencia política. Para ello, recupera algunos aportes del institucionalismo discursivo que han subrayado cómo la dimensión simbólica de la política permite comprender los cambios institucionales de un modo del que adolece la mayoría de las perspectivas canónicas del lenguaje institucionalista. No obstante dicha contribución, el presente trabajo pretende mostrar cómo sus presupuestos ontológicos y epistemológicos limitan la noción de política a la consecución del consenso y a la provisión de razones por parte de actores provistos de una racionalidad comunicativa, lo que relega su carácter contingente y disputado. Frente a ello, presenta una perspectiva onto-epistemológica postestructuralista que subraya el carácter constitutivamente descentrado y conflictivo de la objetividad social en el marco de la disputa entre proyectos hegemónicos antagónicos. A partir de esta propuesta se enfatiza en los tropos retóricos de la metáfora y la metonimia como recursos discursivos que permiten comprender la dinámica de desplazamiento y de condensación significante mediante la cual se producen los cambios institucionales. En la última parte del texto, se ponen en juego algunos de estos conceptos en el análisis de la Reforma del Estado implementada en la provincia argentina de Córdoba entre 1999 y 2000.
O sentido das catástrofes naturais na mídia: da prevenção à adaptação
Authors: Marta de Araújo Pinheiro Marta De Araújo Pinheiro
Published: June 2017

La asunción de este trabajo se basa en la idea de que los desastres naturales en diferentes ocasiones movilizan discursos en los que las causalidades constituyen un marco de sentido. Reconociendo los medios como un vector activo en la cultura contemporánea, el objetivo es analizar una serie de artículos trazando los esquemas explicativos que se ofrecen a las catástrofes debido a las inundaciones ocurridas en el Estado de Río de Janeiro, Brasil, en 1988 y 2011. La conclusión resalta la importante falta de cuestionamiento sobre la vulnerabilidad social, y un predominio recién descubierto de medidas de preparación o ajustes con el fin de adaptar a la población a “vivir con el riesgo”.
Effect of inhaled and oral n-acetylcysteine on airway defense mechanism
Authors: Pappová L. , Kazimierová I. , Kocmálová M.
Published: June 2017

Aim: N-acetylcysteine is the prototype of mucolytic agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and chronic effect of inhaled and oral N-acetylcysteine on airway reactivity, cough reflex and ciliary beat frequency and parameters of mentioned defense mechanisms were assessed in physiological conditions.

Methods: An experiment was performed using healthy guinea pigs treated with inhaled (0.6 M; 5min) and oral N-acetylcysteine (20 mg/kg), administrated either acutely as a single dose or chronically during 7 days. The cough reflex and specific airway resistance were assessed by in vivo method, using a double chamber plethysmograph box. The ciliary beat frequency was evaluated in in vitro conditions on tracheal brushed samples using light microscope coupled to high speed video camera.

Results: Inhaled and oral N-acetylcysteine, either administrated as a single dose or during 7 days, have shown a tendency to decrease sensitivity of the cough reflex and increase the airway reactivity. Acute administration of inhaled and oral N-acetylcysteine had no statistically relevant effect on the ciliary beat frequency, whereas chronic administration of both inhaled and oral N-acetylcysteine led to a marked reduction in the ciliary beat frequency.

Conclusion: Chronic administration of oral and inhaled N-acetylcysteine had a negative impact on the ciliary beat frequency, which represents one of the key factors determining the rate of mucociliary clearance. Thus, administration of N-acetylcysteine is less likely to increase the expulsion of mucus by ciliary movement. In addition, the observed tendency of inhaled and oral N-acetylcysteine to increase the airway reactivity may limit its use in conditions with severe airflow obstruction.
Friction Evaluation of Laser Textured Tool Steel Surfaces
Authors: Šugárová Jana , Šugár Peter , Frnčík Martin
Published: June 2017

Surface textures can be defined as a regularly arranged micro-depressions or grooves with defined shape and dimensions. These textures, if they are manufactured by laser ablation process, contribute to a significant improvement of the tribological, optical or various biological properties. The aim of this paper is to analyze the influence of the surface textures prepared by laser surface texturing (LST) at the friction coefficient value measured on the tool (90MnCrV8 steel) – workpiece (S235JRG1 steel) interface. Planar frontal surfaces of compression platens have been covered by parabolic dimple-like depressions with different dimensions. The morphological analysis of such manufactured depressions has been performed by laser scanning microscopy. Influence of such created textures on the tribological properties of the contact pair has been analyzed by the ring compression test method in the terms of hydrodynamic lubrication regime. The experimental research shown that by applying of surface textures with defined shape and dimensions and using an appropriate liquid lubricant at the same time, the coefficient of contact friction can be reduced nearly to the half of its original value.
Advances in Studies Related to Interleukin-12 Family and Infectious Diseases
Authors: Li Bo
Published: June 2017

Interleukin (IL)-12 family is a group of cytokines composed of heterogeneous molecules and whose members include IL-12, IL-23, IL-27, and IL-35. IL-12 family bridges natural and adaptive immune responses and especially plays a significant role in classical adaptive immune process participated by TH1, TH17, and Treg cells. Members of IL-12 family participate in adaptive immune responses via the Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription signaling pathway by sharing some subunits and receptors. IL-12 features an extremely complex regulatory network. During resistance of microbial infection, IL-12 and IL-23 mainly show inflammatory effects, whereas IL-27 and IL-35 commonly show antiinflammatory effects. This study reviews advances in studies related to IL-12 family members and infectious diseases and provides references to further reveal functions of IL-12 family members in occurrence and development of infectious diseases.
Recent Progress in Diagnosis Methods for Latent Tuberculosis Infection and Its Clinical Applications
Authors: Zhou Ling
Published: June 2017

Most people with latentMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection can partly develop active tuberculosis (TB). Therefore, diagnosis of this condition bears significance in early TB prevention. To date, the main methods for diagnosis of latent TB infection (LTBI) include tuberculin skin test and interferon γ release test. These two methods feature their own advantages and disadvantages. Although new diagnostic markers continually emerge, no uniform diagnostic criteria are available for TB detection. This study summarizes several methods for diagnosis of LTBI and new related markers and their application value in clinical practice.
Advances in Epidemiological Studies of Herpes Zoster
Authors: Gu Xiaoming
Published: June 2017

Mycoplasma genitalium (Mg) commonly causes nongonococcal urethritis and cervicitis. Mg is a fastidious bacterium that poses difficulty in time-consuming isolation and culture. Lack of specificity for serological tests also hampers clinical research of Mg. With development of molecular biology, polymerase chain reaction tests, which exhibit high sensitivities and specificities, became primary tools for foundational and clinical studies of Mg.
Reviews of Research on the Relationship between Oral Helicobacter pylori and H. pylori Infection
Authors: Zu Lingling
Published: June 2017

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common pathogens among humans, and it is also closely related to stomach diseases. Spread of its diseases must be understood to properly control H. pylori. Oral H. pylori may also play an important role in the spread of the bacterium. This study provides an overview on the role of oral H. pylori in spread, diagnosis, and prevention of this organism. The present work also determines difficulties encountered in current studies and progress of research on the relationship between oral H. pylori and oral diseases.
Rethinking the Canon of Ancient Near Eastern Art in the Internet Age
Authors: Feldman Marian H.
Published: June 2017

The formation and perpetuation of intellectual canons – as consensually agreed upon corpora considered most significant and representative of a time, place or person – rely heavily on closed systems of knowledge. The bound-paper book exemplifies such a closed system and has been a primary form of constructing and disseminating canons of ancient works. The Internet, however, challenges the very structuring principles of knowledge production inherent in books, offering potentially boundless networks of unorchestrated knowledge bits. As scholars, teachers, and students turn more to the Internet for publication, research, and learning, sharply defined canons face disruption. This article analyzes some of the structuring principles of knowledge production and dissemination in the specific case of ancient Near Eastern art, first considering traditional book-based textbooks. These textbooks follow a model of linear temporal development that unfolds from the first to the last page. It then explores the academic trend toward edited, multi-authored compendia as a concurrent development with the open-ended, networked structure of the Internet. Both vehicles of knowledge production offer more diverse sets of works and multivocality; the Internet in particular permits a radical break from authored and edited narratives. Last, the article considers some of the possibilities, as well as limitations, inherent in the Internet, presenting several existing Internet-based platforms with a specific focus on pedogogy, in order to consider the implications and consequences for knowledge production and dissemination in the Digital Age.
Echo questions as a means of building coherence in conversational discourse
Authors: Strelchenko Natalia
Published: June 2017

The study focuses on the cognitive-communicative characteristics of echo questions in English conversational discourse. Drawing on van Dijk's sociocognitive (mental model) theory and cognitive discourse analysis, the paper suggests viewing echo questions as a means of building/updating a mental context model of a communicative situation. As discourse comprehension presupposes building its coherent mental model, echo questions resolving misunderstanding are regarded as an instrument for increasing coherence in conversational discourse. Based on the mental model theory, the study offers a typology of misunderstandings corrected by echo questions.