bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paving the Higher Road
Authors: Moore Jo Ellen , Hester Andrea J. , Yager Susan E.
Published: February 2016

Although research on employees experiencing dissatisfaction has focused on turnover, Hirschman?s (1970) classic discourse reminds us that the dissatisfied worker has another option: voice. While exit is defined as leaving the organization, voice represents an effort to gain correction of the aggravating work situation. For organizations to have an opportunity to correct a situation and not lose a valued IT employee, the worker must choose to voice his or her dissatisfaction rather than move directly to exit. To increase the likelihood of this, a better understanding of factors influencing the decision to voice is needed. Toward this end, we develop a theory-based model of exit and voice by drawing upon and extending the management literature. We test the model through a field survey. While confirming the associations of perceived safety of voice and proactive personality with the tendency to voice, our research elucidated an inhibitor to voice not identified in prior research: perceived job alternatives. Furthermore, our joint investigation of voice and turnover revealed a new contributor to turnover intention: perceived futility of voice impacted turnover intention, both directly and indirectly through affective commitment. Managerial openness was found to correspond with higher perceived safety of voice and with lower perceived futility of voice, suggesting a manager?s treatment of employee voice is a vital factor in retaining valued IT professionals. As a final point, we empirically explored differences between IT and non-IT workers in regard to the model of voice and exit.
Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients Undergoing Hip Fracture Surgery in the Sugammadex Era: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Oh Chung-Sik , Rhee Ka Young , Yoon Tae-Gyoon , Woo Nam-Sik , Hong Seung Wan , Kim Seong-Hyop
Published: February 2016

Background.Residual neuromuscular block (NMB) after general anesthesia has been associated with pulmonary dysfunction and hypoxia, which are both associated with postoperative delirium (POD). We evaluated the effects of sugammadex on POD in elderly patients who underwent hip fracture surgery.Methods.Medical records of 174 consecutive patients who underwent hip fracture surgery with general anesthesia were reviewed retrospectively to compare the perioperative incidence of POD, pulmonary complications, time to extubation, incidence of hypoxia, and laboratory findings between patients treated with sugammadex and those treated with a conventional cholinesterase inhibitor.Results.The incidence of POD was not significantly different between the two groups (33.3% versus 36.5%, resp.;P=0.750). Postoperative pulmonary complications and laboratory findings did not showed significant intergroup difference. However, time to extubation (6 ± 3 versus 8 ± 3 min;P<0.001) and the frequency of postoperative hypoxia were significantly lower (23% versus 43%;P=0.010) in the sugammadex group than in the conventional cholinesterase inhibitor group.Conclusion.Sugammadex did not reduce POD or pulmonary complications compared to conventional cholinesterase inhibitors, despite reducing time to extubation and postoperative hypoxia in elderly patients who underwent hip fracture surgery under general anesthesia.
Exenatide Treatment Causes Suppression of Serum Ghrelin Levels following Mixed Meal Test in Obese Diabetic Women
Authors: Topyildiz Figen , Kiyici Sinem , Gul Zulfiye , Sigirli Deniz , Guclu Metin , Kisakol Gurcan , Cavun Sinan
Published: February 2016

Aim. To investigate the effect of exenatide treatment on serum ghrelin levels in obese female patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods. Fourteen female patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus being treated with metformin and exenatide were enrolled. A mixed meal test was applied to the patients while continuing with their daily medications. Blood samples were taken before and at 60, 120, and 180 minutes following mixed meal test to measure serum total ghrelin, glucose, and insulin levels. The following week, exenatide treatment of the patients was paused for 24 hours and the same experimental procedures were repeated.Results. Serum ghrelin levels were suppressed significantly at 180 minutes with exenatide treatment compared with baseline (294.4±57.5versus234.5±59.4 pg/mL) (p<0.001). Serum ghrelin levels at 180 minutes were statistically different when percentage change in serum ghrelin levels after mixed meal tests with and without exenatide usage were compared (p=0.001). Estimated total area under the curve values for serum ghrelin concentrations was also significantly lower with exenatide compared with omitted treatment (p=0.035).Conclusion. These results suggest that the effect of exenatide on weight loss may be related with the suppression of serum ghrelin levels, which is an orexigenic peptide.
Electroacupuncture at ST25 Inhibits Cisapride‐Induced Gastric Motility in an Intensity‐Dependent Manner
Authors: Pang Tingting , Lu Chunxia , Wang Kaiyue , Liang Chao , Yu Zhi , Zhu Bing , Xu Bin
Published: February 2016

Background. Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of frequency‐specific EAS. However, evaluation of intensity‐response effects is challenging and has yet to be addressed. Aims. Using cisapride to promote gastric emptying, we measured the intensity‐response relationship of EA at ST25 on gastric motility. Methods. We determined the effects of EA at ST25 using intensities (0.5, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 mA) on gastric motility in rats injected with cisapride (0.2, 0.02, and 0.002 mg/kg). Results. Utilizing three concentrations of cisapride yielded significantly differing levels of gastric motility. Furthermore, log IC50 values for EAS were different within each group. Given the same EA intensity, cisapride antagonism decreased progressively in each group as a function of drug concentration. The relative amount of cisapride antagonized by EAS did not change in a linear fashion. Finally, EAS at different intensities within the three groups induced a similar pattern of cisapride antagonism. Conclusions. The ability of EAS to elicit a decrease in cisapride‐induced gastric motility pressure was demonstrated in this study. The study encompasses construct validity to mirror individualized treatment being based on patients’ subjective feelings, not on a set fixed EA intensity. Clinically utilizing EAS at the smallest intensity can achieve the desired therapeutic effect.
Research Trends in Emerging Contaminants on the Aquatic Environments of Tanzania
Authors: Miraji H. , Othman O. C. , Ngassapa F. N. , Mureithi E. W.
Published: February 2016

The continuity for discovery and production of new chemicals, allied products, and uses has currently resulted into generation of recent form of contaminants known as Emerging Contaminants (ECs). Once in the aquatic environment ECs are carcinogenic and cause other threats to both human’s and animals’ health. Due to their effects this study was aimed at investigating research trends of ECs in Tanzania. Findings revealed that USA and EU countries were leading in ECs researches, little followed by Asia, South Africa, and then Zambia. Only few guidelines from USA-EPA, WHO, Canada, and Australia existed. Neither published guidelines nor regulations for ECs existed in Tanzania; rather only the occurrence of some disinfection by-products and antibiotics was, respectively, reported in Arusha and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. As these reports had a limited coverage of ECs, henceforth, these findings constitute the first-line reference materials for ECs research in Tanzania which shall be useful for future monitoring and regulation planning.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Photogrammetry: Analysis of Orthophoto Images over the Territory of Lithuania
Authors: Suziedelyte Visockiene J. , Puziene R. , Stanionis A. , Tumeliene E.
Published: February 2016

It has been recently observed that aircrafts tend to be replaced by light, simple structure unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or mini unmanned aerial vehicles (MUAV) with the purpose of updating the field of aerial photogrammetry. The built-in digital photo camera takes images of the Earth’s surface. To satisfy the photogrammetric requirements of the photographic images, it is necessary to carry out the terrestrial project planning of the flight path before the flight, to select the appropriate flying height, the time for acquiring images, the speed of the UAV, and other parameters. The paper presents the results of project calculations concerning the UAV flights and the analysis of the terrestrial images acquired during the field-testing flights. The experience carried out so far in the Lithuanian landscape is shown. The taken images have been processed by PhotoMod photogrammetric system. The paper presents the results of calculation of the project values of the UAV flights taking the images by digital camera Canon S100 and the analysis of the possibilities of the UAV orthophoto images’ mode.
Analysis of the Expression and Function of Immunoglobulin-Like Transcript 4 (ILT4, LILRB2) in Dendritic Cells from Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Guerra-de Blas Paola del Carmen , Villaseñor-Talavera Yael Sebastián , Cruz-González Daniela de Jesús , Baranda Lourdes , Doníz-Padilla Lesly , Abud-Mendoza Carlos , González-Amaro Roberto , Monsiváis-Urenda Adriana Elizabeth
Published: February 2016

Dendritic cells (DC) play an important role in the development and maintenance of immune tolerance. Although the inhibitory receptor ILT4/LILRB2 has been related with the tolerogenic phenotype of DC, the possible role of this receptor in the breakdown of DC tolerogenic function in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has not been elucidated. In this study, we analyzed the expression and function of the inhibitory receptor ILT4 in DC from SLE patients. We found that the percentage of ILT4 positive plasmacytoid DC and myeloid DC is significantly diminished in SLE patients. Interestingly, ligation of ILT4 did not affect the maturation or immunogenic capability of DC in healthy controls. In contrast, in SLE patients we observed an inhibitory effect of ILT4 on the immunogenic capability of DC. ILT4 was shown not to have a crucial role in regulating the maturation and function of DC from healthy controls but is partially involved in the maturation process and immunogenic capability of DC from SLE patients, suggesting that other inhibitory receptors, involved in the regulation of DC tolerogenic function, may be impaired in this autoimmune disease.
A Submodular Optimization Framework for Outage-Aware Cell Association in Heterogeneous Cellular Networks
Authors: Su Gongchao , Chen Bin , Lin Xiaohui , Wang Hui , Li Lemin
Published: February 2016

In cellular heterogeneous networks (HetNets), offloading users to small cell base stations (SBSs) leads to a degradation in signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) and results in high outage probabilities for offloaded users. In this paper, we propose a novel framework to solve the cell association problem with the intention of improving user outage performance while achieving load balancing across different tiers of BSs. We formulate a combinatorial utility maximization problem with weighted BS loads that achieves proportional fairness among users and also takes into account user outage performance. A formulation of the weighting parameters is proposed to discourage assigning users to BSs with high outage probabilities. In addition, we show that the combinatorial optimization problem can be reformulated as a monotone submodular maximization problem and it can be readily solved via a greedy algorithm with lazy evaluations. The obtained solution offers a constant performance guarantee to the cell association problem. Simulation results show that our proposed approach leads to over 30% reduction in outage probabilities for offloaded users and achieves load balancing across macrocell and small cell BSs.
Characterization of Alginate/Silver Nanobiocomposites Synthesized by Solution Plasma Process and Their Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Nam Sangwoo , MubarakAli D. , Kim Jungwan
Published: February 2016

Solution plasma process (SPP) was adopted to prepare alginate/silver nanoparticle (AL/AgNP) biocomposites. The biocomposites were synthesized in solutions of varying concentrations of AgNO3(1−5 mM) and alginate (0.1−0.3%, w/w) by discharging plasma for 7 min at 800 V with 30 kHz frequency using a pulsed unipolar power supply. The AL/AgNP emulsion was fabricated into 3D scaffolds by freeze drying and lyophilization and then stabilized by cross-linking via UV irradiation. UV-Vis spectroscopy of the biocomposites showed a characteristic absorbance at the maximum of 415–440 nm with increase in the intensity of the peaks as the concentration of AgNO3increased. FE-SEM analysis showed that the 3D scaffolds had microporous structures with fine and uniform pores of 3–9 ± 2.0 μm in diameter. TEM analysis revealed that AgNPs in the biocomposites were in spherical shape with size range of 5–40±2.0 nm (AL0.3/Ag5) and well distributed in the matrix. The AL/AgNP biocomposites showed microbicidal activity against 9 human pathogens with MIC of 9.6–21 μg/mL for bacteria and 85–425 μg/mL for fungi. Almost all of theE. colicells (99.8%) were killed by the treatment with 42.5 μg/mL of AgNPs at room temperature for 1 h.
Optimal Network QoS over the Internet of Vehicles for E-Health Applications
Authors: Lin Di , Yao Yuanzhe , Labeau Fabrice , Tang Yu , Vasilakos Athanasios V.
Published: February 2016

Wireless technologies are pervasive to support ubiquitous healthcare applications. However, a critical issue of using wireless communications under a healthcare scenario is the electromagnetic interference (EMI) caused by RF transmission, and a high level of EMI may lead to a critical malfunction of medical sensors. In consideration of EMI on medical sensors, we study the optimization of quality of service (QoS) within the whole Internet of vehicles for E-health and propose a novel model to optimize the QoS by allocating the transmit power of each user. Our results show that the optimal power control policy depends on the objective of optimization problems: a greedy policy is optimal to maximize the summation of QoS of each user, whereas a fair policy is optimal to maximize the product of QoS of each user. Algorithms are taken to derive the optimal policies, and numerical results of optimizing QoS are presented for both objectives and QoS constraints.
Research on the Rough Extension of Ontology Description Language of SWRL
Authors: Zhang Xian-kun , Gao Xin-ya , Zhang Qian , Jia Jia
Published: February 2016

Although ontology has strong ability to express knowledge, it is difficult to express uncertain or imprecise information using the language of ontology. In order to improve the ability to express uncertain information, this paper extends the Semantic Web Rule Language (SWRL) and gives the extension of reasoning rules. According to the rough ontology and the rules of SWRL, it updates the knowledge base. Firstly, the concept of rough ontology and the extension of rough relationship of ontology are put forward; secondly, it gives the extension method for concepts, relationships, axioms, examples, and rules of SWRL. Finally, a psychological counseling case shows that the method can well express the uncertainty of knowledge, and it is able to well express the reasoning rules.
Role of Natural Radiosensitizers and Cancer Cell Radioresistance: An Update
Authors: Malik Arif , Sultana Misbah , Qazi Aamer , Qazi Mahmood Husain , Parveen Gulshan , Waquar Sulayman , Ashraf Abdul Basit , Rasool Mahmood
Published: February 2016

Cancer originates from genetic mutations accumulation. Cancer stem cells have been depicted as tumorigenic cells that can differentiate and self-renew. Cancer stem cells are thought to be resistant to conventional therapy like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy damage carcinomic DNA cells. Because of the ability of cancer stem cells to self-renew and reproduce malignant tumors, they are the subject of intensive research. In this review, CSCs radioresistant mechanisms which include DNA damage response and natural radiosensitizers have been summed up. Reactive oxygen species play an important role in different physiological processes. ROS scavenging is responsible for regulation of reactive oxygen species generation. A researcher has proved that microRNAs regulate tumor radiation resistance. Ionizing radiation does not kill the cancer cells; rather, IR just slows down the signs and symptoms. Ionizing radiation damages DNA directly/indirectly. IR is given mostly in combination with other chemo/radiotherapies. We briefly described here the behavior of cancer stem cells and radioresistance therapies in cancer treatment. To overcome radioresistance in treatment of cancer, strategies like fractionation modification, treatment in combination, inflammation modification, and overcoming hypoxic tumor have been practiced. Natural radiosensitizers, for example, curcumin, genistein, and quercetin, are more beneficial than synthetic compounds.
A New Extragradient-Type Algorithm for the Split Feasibility Problem
Authors: Dang Yazheng , Gao Yan , Wang Bo
Published: February 2016

We consider the split feasibility problem (SFP) in Hilbert spaces, inspired by extragradient method presented by Ceng, Ansari for split feasibility problem, subgradient extragradient method proposed by Censor, and variant extragradient-type method presented by Yao for variational inequalities; we suggest an extragradient-type algorithm for the SFP. We prove the strong convergence under some suitable conditions in infinite-dimensional Hilbert spaces.
Extraction of Saponin fromCamellia oleiferaAbel Cake by a Combination Method of Alkali Solution and Acid Isolation
Authors: Liu Yongjun , Li Zhifeng , Xu Hongbo , Han Yuanyuan
Published: February 2016

Saponin 15%~20% content in the seed cake ofCamellia oleiferaAbel, from which Camellia oil is squeezed, is a natural nonionic surface active agent and is extensively applied to emulsification, humectation, foaming, medicine, pesticide, and so on. In this paper, the extraction process of saponin was researched through a combining method of alkali solution and acid isolation. A quantitative method for saponin was established by ultraviolet spectrophotometer. The influence of extraction factors was investigated by a single-factor test and a response surface methodology. The results indicated that the optimal extraction conditions of saponin were extraction temperature 68°C, alkali solution pH 9.1, acid isolation pH 4.1, and liquid-solid ratio 15.9 : 1. The extraction rate of saponin was 76.12% at the optimal extraction conditions.
Carboxylation and Decarboxylation of Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles Using Bifunctional Carboxylic Acids and Octylamine
Authors: Alexander Shirin , Gomez Virginia , Barron Andrew R.
Published: February 2016

The carboxylation of alumina nanoparticles (NPs), with bifunctional carboxylic acids, provides molecular anchors that are used for building more complexed structures via either physisorption or chemisorption. Colloidal suspensions of the NPs may be prepared by covalently bonding a series of carboxylic acids with secondary functional groups (HO2C-R-X) to the surface of the NPs: lysine (X = NH2),p-hydroxybenzoic acid (X = OH), fumaric acid (X = CO2H), and 4-formylbenzoic acid (X = C(O)H). Subsequent reaction with octylamine at either 25°C or 70°C was investigated. Fourier transform IR-attenuated reflectance spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) along with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were used to characterize the bifunctionalized monolayers and/or multilayer corona surrounding the alumina NPs and investigate the reaction mechanism of octylamine with the functional groups (X) of the NPs. Except for the fumaric functionalized NPs, addition of octylamine to the functionalized NPs leads to removal of excess carboxylic acid corona from the surface via an amide formation. The extent of the multilayer is dependent on the strength of the acid⋯acid interaction.
Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Elderly Patients Admitted to an Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit in Tropical Singapore
Authors: Neo Jong J. , Kong Keng H.
Published: February 2016

Background. Data on hypovitaminosis D in elderly patients admitted to rehabilitation units in tropical countries are scarce.Objective. To assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its associated risk factors in elderly patients admitted to a rehabilitation unit in tropical Singapore.Methods. Prospective, cohort study of 134 subjects ≥ 65 years old admitted to a tertiary rehabilitation centre. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) was measured on rehabilitation admission.Results. Mean age was72.0±5.7years, and stroke was the commonest rehabilitation diagnosis (49.3%). Low 25OHD3 levels were present in 115 patients (85.6%) and 59 patients (44%) were deemed to be vitamin D deficient. The mean PTH level was significantly higher in patients with low 25OHD3 levels. (p=0.002) Age, gender, vitamin D supplementation, premorbid ambulatory status, and admission/discharge Functional Independence Measure scores were not significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency. Malays/Indians (p=0.013) and recurrent fallers (p=0.029) were at significantly higher risk of vitamin D deficiency.Conclusions. Despite the tropical weather, vitamin D deficiency is common in elderly subjects admitted to a rehabilitation unit in Singapore. Routine assessment of vitamin D levels is recommended especially in those with a history of recurrent falls and patients of Indian/Malay ethnicity.
Optical Coherence Tomography: An Adjunctive Tool for Differentiating between Choroidal Melanoma and Metastasis
Authors: Vishnevskia-Dai Vicktoria , Zur Dinah , Yaacobi Shiran , Moroz Iris , Newman Hadas , Neudorfer Meira
Published: February 2016

Purpose.To investigate the value of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for differentiation between choroidal melanoma and metastasis based on characteristics of the anterior choroidal surface and the chorioretinal interface.Methods.This retrospective observational case series included 29 patients with untreated choroidal melanomas and 21 patients with untreated choroidal metastases. Regularity and lobularity characteristics of the anterior choroidal surface were evaluated in a masked manner. Retinal and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) findings were documented as well.Results.OCT demonstrated a regular and smooth anterior choroidal surface in 89.7% of the eyes with melanoma and in 47.6% of the eyes with metastasis (p=0.002; sensitivity = 89.7%; specificity = 52.4%). The anterior choroidal contour was lobulated in 81.0% of the eyes with metastasis versus 17.2% of the eyes with melanoma (p<0.001; sensitivity = 82.8%; specificity = 81.0%). RPE thickness and neuroretinal characteristics (e.g., retinal thickness, the presence of cysts, and the presence of subretinal fluid) were similar in both choroidal tumors.Conclusion. OCT may serve as a noninvasive adjunctive tool for the differential diagnosis of choroidal tumors. Choroidal melanomas usually demonstrate regular surfaces on OCT, while choroidal metastases usually have an irregular and lobulated surface.
Pharmaco-EEG Studies in Animals: An Overview of Contemporary Translational Applications
Authors: Drinkenburg Wilhelmus H.I.M. , Ruigt Gé S.F. , Ahnaou Abdallah
Published: February 2016

The contemporary value of animal pharmaco-electroencephalography (p-EEG)-based applications are strongly interlinked with progress in recording and neuroscience analysis methodology. While p-EEG in humans and animals has been shown to be closely related in terms of underlying neuronal substrates, both translational and back-translational approaches are being used to address extrapolation issues and optimize the translational validity of preclinical animal p-EEG paradigms and data. Present applications build further on animal p-EEG and pharmaco-sleep EEG findings, but also on stimulation protocols, more specifically pharmaco-event-related potentials. Pharmaceutical research into novel treatments for neurological and psychiatric diseases has employed an increasing number of pharmacological as well as transgenic models to assess the potential therapeutic involvement of different neurochemical systems and novel drug targets as well as underlying neuronal connectivity and synaptic function. Consequently, p-EEG studies, now also readily applied in modeled animals, continue to have an important role in drug discovery and development, with progressively more emphasis on its potential as a central readout for target engagement and as a (translational) functional marker of neuronal circuit processes underlying normal and pathological brain functioning. In a similar vein as was done for human p-EEG studies, the contribution of animal p-EEG studies can further benefit by adherence to guidelines for methodological standardization, which are presently under construction by the International Pharmaco-EEG Society (IPEG).
Pharmaco-EEG Studies in Animals: A History-Based Introduction to Contemporary Translational Applications
Authors: Drinkenburg Wilhelmus H.I.M. , Ahnaou Abdallah , Ruigt Gé S.F.
Published: February 2016

Current research on the effects of pharmacological agents on human neurophysiology finds its roots in animal research, which is also reflected in contemporary animal pharmaco-electroencephalography (p-EEG) applications. The contributions, present value and translational appreciation of animal p-EEG-based applications are strongly interlinked with progress in recording and neuroscience analysis methodology. After the pioneering years in the late 19th and early 20th century, animal p-EEG research flourished in the pharmaceutical industry in the early 1980s. However, around the turn of the millennium the emergence of structurally and functionally revealing imaging techniques and the increasing application of molecular biology caused a temporary reduction in the use of EEG as a window into the brain for the prediction of drug efficacy. Today, animal p-EEG is applied again for its biomarker potential - extensive databases of p-EEG and polysomnography studies in rats and mice hold EEG signatures of a broad collection of psychoactive reference and test compounds. A multitude of functional EEG measures has been investigated, ranging from simple spectral power and sleep-wake parameters to advanced neuronal connectivity and plasticity parameters. Compared to clinical p-EEG studies, where the level of vigilance can be well controlled, changes in sleep-waking behaviour are generally a prominent confounding variable in animal p-EEG studies and need to be dealt with. Contributions of rodent pharmaco-sleep EEG research are outlined to illustrate the value and limitations of such preclinical p-EEG data for pharmacodynamic and chronopharmacological drug profiling. Contemporary applications of p-EEG and pharmaco-sleep EEG recordings in animals provide a common and relatively inexpensive window into the functional brain early in the preclinical and clinical development of psychoactive drugs in comparison to other brain imaging techniques. They provide information on the impact of drugs on arousal and sleep architecture, assessing their neuropharmacological characteristics in vivo, including central exposure and information on kinetics. In view of the clear disadvantages as well as advantages of animal p-EEG as compared to clinical p-EEG, general statements about the usefulness of EEG as a biomarker to demonstrate the translatability of p-EEG effects should be made with caution, however, because they depend on the particular EEG or sleep parameter that is being studied. The contribution of animal p-EEG studies to the translational characterisation of centrally active drugs can be furthered by adherence to guidelines for methodological standardisation, which are presently under construction by the International Pharmaco-EEG Society (IPEG).
Overall Survival Endpoint in Oncology Clinical Trials: Addressing the Effect of Crossover - The Case of Pazopanib in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Diaz Jose , Sternberg Cora N. , Mehmud Faisal , Delea Thomas E. , Latimer Nicholas , Pandite Lini , Motzer Robert J.
Published: February 2016

Objective: To identify the issues of using overall survival (OS) as a primary endpoint in the presence of crossover and the statistical analyses available to adjust for confounded OS due to crossover in oncology clinical trials. Methods: An indirect comparison was conducted between pazopanib and sunitinib in advanced renal cell carcinoma. Statistical adjustment methods were used to estimate the true comparative effectiveness of these treatments. Recently, a head-to-head trial comparing pazopanib and sunitinib was completed. This provided the opportunity to compare the OS treatment effect estimated for pazopanib versus sunitinib using indirect comparison and statistical adjustment techniques with that observed in the head-to-head trial. Results: Using a rank-preserving structural failure time model to adjust for crossover in the pazopanib registration trial, the indirect comparison of pazopanib versus sunitinib resulted in an OS hazard ratio (HR) of 0.97, while an unadjusted analysis resulted in an OS HR of 1.96. The head-to-head trial reported a final OS HR of 0.92 for pazopanib versus sunitinib. Conclusion: This case study supports the need to adjust for confounded OS due to crossover, which enables trials to meet ethical standards and provides decision makers with a more accurate estimate of treatment benefit.
A New Tool for Transbronchial Cryobiopsies in the Lung: An Experimental Feasibility ex vivo Study
Authors: Franke Karl-Josef , Linzenbold Walter , Nuessle Daniela , Enderle Markus , Boesmueller Hans , Nilius Georg , Hetzel Jürgen
Published: February 2016

Background: Transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB) is a minimally invasive procedure to establish a diagnosis of interstitial lung disease though with the disadvantage that samples have to be extracted together with the bronchoscope. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of a new cryoprobe with which biopsy samples can be obtained through the working channel of the flexible bronchoscope. Methods: The feasibility of obtaining transbronchial specimens with TBCB was tested and the technique was compared to transbronchial forceps biopsy (TBFB) in a prospectively randomized ex vivo animal study using a standard flexible bronchoscopy technique. The rate of successful biopsies and the duration of the sampling procedure were recorded for both methods. Size and quality of the biopsies were histologically evaluated and measured. Results: Biopsy samples could be obtained in 93.3% of TBCB and in 79.0% of TBFB procedures (p = 0.182). Sampling procedure time did not differ in any clinically relevant manner between the two methods. The mean specimen area of TBCB samples was significantly higher compared to that of TBFB samples (8.08 ± 5.80 vs. 2.61 ± 2.14 mm2; p < 0.0001). TBCB specimens showed less artifacts and a significantly higher percentage of alveolar tissue (53.57 vs. 25.42%; p = 0.0285) than TBFB specimens. Conclusions: It is feasible to retrieve TBCB samples of good quality and size with the new mini cryoprobe through the working channel of the bronchoscope, while the bronchoscope remains within the central airways throughout the whole procedure. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the safety and efficacy in an in vivo setting.
Multiple Sclerosis Epidemiology in East Asia, South East Asia and South Asia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Eskandarieh Sharareh , Heydarpour Pouria , Minagar Alireza , Pourmand Shadi , Sahraian Mohammad Ali
Published: February 2016

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common chronic immune-mediated diseases of the human central nervous system and an important cause of non-traumatic neurologic disability among young population in several countries. Recent reports from East Asia, South East Asia and South Asia have proposed a low to moderate prevalence of MS in these countries. Methods: A literature review search was carried out in December 2014 in Medline, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane library to recover original population-based studies on MS epidemiology in East Asia, South East Asia and South Asia countries published between January 1, 1950 and December 30, 2014. We intended search strategies using the key words: multiple sclerosis, prevalence, incidence and epidemiology. Based on our inclusion criteria, 68 epidemiologic studies were included in this systematic review. Results: The most extensively used diagnostic criteria in the studies were McDonald's criteria. Most studies were performed in a multi-center hospital setting. The female to male ratio varied and ranged from 0.7 in India to 9.0 in China. The mean age at disease onset ranged from the lowest age of 25.3 in Iran to the highest age of 46.4 in China. MS prevalence ranged from 0.77 in 100,000 populations in Hong Kong (1999) to 85.80 in 100,000 in Iran (2013). Conclusions: Advances in MS registries around the globe allow nationwide population-based studies and will allow worldly comparisons between the prevalence and incidence in different regions that are provided to monitor estimation.
Ruptured Globe due to a Bird Attack
Authors: Abdulla Haitham A. , Alkhalifa Saad K.
Published: February 2016

Introduction: Bird attacks are in general an uncommon event. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case in Bahrain. There have been very few cases reported worldwide. Mainly, birds attack humans as retaliation to threats surrounding their environment. At certain occasions, bird attack frequency increases especially during mating season or in the presence of a threat toward their young. Methods: A 31-year-old male presented with a history of left-eye trauma, loss of vision, pain and tearing for 2 hours. A left corneal penetrating laceration and traumatic cataract were diagnosed. The corneal laceration was closed surgically, the lens was aspirated and anterior vitrectomy performed. Results: After 4 months of follow-up, penetrating keratoplasty and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation were performed elsewhere. The patient's vision improved from hand motion in his left eye to 20/200 without correction. Conclusion: Corneal perforation secondary to a bird injury can be treated successfully with surgical closure and broad intravenous antibiotic coverage. This rare type of ocular trauma does not require any specific additional measures.
Male Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumors of the Adult
Authors: Busch Jonas , Seidel Christoph , Zengerling Friedemann
Published: February 2016

Male extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGCTs) are characterized by a malignant transformation of germ cells without the presence of a gonadal primary tumor. EGCTs represent up to 5% of all germ cell tumors (GCTs) with an incidence around 1/1,000,000. It is assumed that EGCTs either derive from a malignant transformation of germ cells that were misdirected during embryogenesis, or from germ cells that have spread throughout the body during embryogenesis to fulfil different roles in immunological processes or distinct organ functions. EGCTs are mainly localized along the median axis, especially in the mediastinum and in the retroperitoneum. Regarding histology, they have the same subtypes as gonadal GCTs (seminomas and non-seminomas). EGCTs are normally diagnosed in advanced stages due to tumor-associated symptoms or as incidental finding during routine diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. An integral part of EGCT treatment is cisplatinum-based chemotherapy: residual tumor resection is only indicated for non-seminomatous EGCTs. The prognosis of malignant retroperitoneal EGCTs depends on tumor localization and histology. The 5-year overall survival ranges from 40% to 90% and is more favorable for retroperitoneal or seminomatous tumors than for mediastinal non-seminomatous tumors. Mature teratomas of mediastinal EGCTs are benign and are only treated by surgical resection.
Post-H1N1 Flu Vaccination Narcolepsy in Switzerland: A Retrospective Survey in the 30 Sleep-Certified Swiss Centers
Authors: Kallweit Ulf , Mathis Johannes , Jenni Oskar G. , Heinzer Raphaël , Haba-Rubio José , Baumann Christian R. , Cervena Katerina , Bassetti Claudio L.A.
Published: February 2016

Narcolepsy-cataplexy is a sleep-wake disorder and suggested to be immune-mediated, involving genetic and environmental factors. The autoimmune process eventually leads to a loss of hypocretin neurons in the lateral hypothalamus. Epidemiological studies in several countries proved an increased incidence of narcolepsy after H1N1 flu vaccination and infection. This survey in 30 sleep centers in Switzerland led to the identification of 9 H1N1-vaccinated children and adults as newly diagnosed narcolepsy. Clinical features included the abrupt and severe onset of sleepiness, cataplexy and sleep fragmentation.
Oral Administration of Pregabalin in Rats before or after Nerve Injury Partially Prevents Spontaneous Neuropathic Pain and Long Outlasts the Treatment Period
Authors: Wang Ran-Ran , Lou Guo-Dong , Yu Jie , Hu Ting-Ting , Hou Wei-Wei , Chen Zhong , Zhang Shi-Hong , Seltzer Ze''ev
Published: February 2016

Background and Methods: Pregabalin alleviates stimulus-evoked neuropathic pain (NeuP) in some pain patients and rodents in models of painful neuropathies. But it is not known if pregabalin can also alleviate spontaneous NeuP. Sciatic and saphenous neurectomy in rats elicits spontaneous self-mutilation of the denervated hindpaw, a behavior that models spontaneous NeuP. We tested if pregabalin (20 or 30 mg/kg/day; twice daily, per os) for 7 days before denervation, or 42 days thereafter, can suppress this behavior. Results: Compared with the vehicle, pregabalin administered in both treatment regimens markedly and significantly delayed autotomy onset and suppressed its levels for weeks after treatment cessation. Conclusions: At doses known to effectively suppress stimulus-evoked pain in rats, pregabalin can prevent development of spontaneous NeuP and suppress it postoperatively.
Resource Effective Strategies to Prevent and Treat Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Schwalm J.D. , McKee Martin , Huffman Mark D. , Yusuf Salim
Published: February 2016

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of global deaths, with the majority occurring in low- and middle-income countries. The primary and secondary prevention of CVD is suboptimal throughout the world, but the evidence–practice gaps are much more pronounced in low- and middle-income countries. Barriers at the patient, healthcare provider, and health system level prevent the implementation of optimal primary and secondary prevention. Identification of the particular barriers that exist in resource-constrained settings is necessary to inform effective strategies to reduce the identified evidence–practice gaps. Furthermore, targeting modifiable factors that contribute most significantly to the global burden of CVD, including tobacco use, hypertension, and secondary prevention for CVD, will lead to the biggest gains in mortality reduction. We review a select number of novel, resource-efficient strategies to reduce premature mortality from CVD, including (1) effective measures for tobacco control, (2) implementation of simplified screening and management algorithms for those with or at risk of CVD, (3) increasing the availability and affordability of simplified and cost-effective treatment regimens including combination CVD preventive drug therapy, and (4) simplified delivery of healthcare through task-sharing (nonphysician health workers) and optimizing self-management (treatment supporters). Developing and deploying systems of care that address barriers related to the above will lead to substantial reductions in CVD and related mortality.
Parliamentary Diplomacy and the us Congress: The Case of the nato Parliamentary Assembly
Authors: Šabič Zlatko
Published: February 2016

This article analyses the history and practice of the involvement of the us Congress in inter-parliamentary cooperation and diplomacy, with a specific case study of its members’ involvement in the Parliamentary Assembly of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (nato pa), as a leading international parliamentary institution (ipi) in the field of international security. It argues that while members of Congress have participated in the activities of ipis in the past, they mostly focus on domestic affairs and are therefore less keen on engaging with ipis. Nevertheless, they do keep in close touch with transatlantic ipis. This is in line with us foreign policy, which places transatlantic relations at the top of the United States’ strategic interests. The article focuses on Congressional participation in the work of the nato pa before and during nato’s enlargement. It shows that Congress and its members can help the nato pa to play a visible role in transatlantic affairs.
Test–Retest Reliability and Concurrent Validity of an fMRI-Compatible Pneumatic Vibrator to Stimulate Muscle Proprioceptors
Authors: Goossens Nina , Janssens Lotte , Pijnenburg Madelon , Caeyenberghs Karen , Van Rompuy Charlotte , Meugens Paul , Sunaert Stefan , Brumagne Simon
Published: February 2016

Processing proprioceptive information in the brain is essential for optimal postural control and can be studied with proprioceptive stimulation, provided by muscle vibration, during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Classic electromagnetic muscle vibrators, however, cannot be used in the high-strength magnetic field of the fMRI scanner. Pneumatic vibrators offer an fMRI-compatible alternative. However, whether these devices produce reliable and valid proprioceptive stimuli has not been investigated, although this is essential for these devices to be used in longitudinal research. Test–retest reliability and concurrent validity of the postural response to muscle vibration, provided by custom-made fMRI-compatible pneumatic vibrators, were assessed in a repeated-measures design. Mean center of pressure (CoP) displacements during, respectively, ankle muscle and back muscle vibration (45–60 Hz, 0.5 mm) provided by an electromagnetic and a pneumatic vibrator were measured in ten young healthy subjects. The test was repeated on the same day and again within one week. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to assess (a) intra- and interday reliability of the postural responses to, respectively, pneumatic and electromagnetic vibration, and (b) concurrent validity of the response to pneumatic compared to electromagnetic vibration. Test–retest reliability of mean CoP displacements during pneumatic vibration was good to excellent (ICCs = 0.64–0.90) and resembled that of responses to electromagnetic vibration (ICCs = 0.64–0.94). Concurrent validity of the postural effect of pneumatic vibration was good to excellent (ICCs = 0.63–0.95). In conclusion, the proposed fMRI-compatible pneumatic vibrator can be used with confidence to stimulate muscle spindles during fMRI to study central processing of proprioception.
Taxonomic status of maskrays of the Neotrygon kuhlii species complex (Myliobatoidei: Dasyatidae) with the description of three new species from the Indo-West Pacific
Authors: LAST PETER R. , WHITE WILLIAM T. , SÉRET BERNARD
Published: February 2016

The bluespotted maskray, Neotrygon kuhlii (Müller & Henle, 1841), once thought to be widely distributed in the Indo-West Pacific, consists of a complex of several species and the type series consists of multiple species; its nomenclature is discussed. A lectotype and paralectotype are designated and the species rediagnosed based on the types and a fresh specimen from Honiara (Solomon Islands), near to the collection locality of the lectotype (Vanikoro, Solomon Islands). Molecular and morphological data provide confirmatory evidence that this maskray is distinct from some other regional forms. Three members of the complex from the Western Pacific identified in earlier studies are confirmed to be new species; Neotrygon australiae sp. nov. (Australia, New Guinea and eastern Indonesia), N. caeruleopunctata sp. nov. (Indian Ocean), and N. orientale sp. nov. (North-West Pacific). These species differ from each other and N. kuhlii in their adult size, anterior angle of the disc, number and distribution of blue spots on the dorsal disc, and other more subtle morphometric and meristic characters. Another largely plain-coloured Neotrygon, also currently misidentified as N. kuhlii, is sympatric with N. orientale sp. nov. in the South China Sea and off Taiwan. Neotrygon varidens (Garman) is resurrected as the valid name for this ray. A key is provided to species of the genus.
„My tu nie mówimy, ino godumy i jesteśmy z tego dumni”. O tym, dlaczego gwary wielkopolskie przetrwały (na przykładzie języka mieszkańców wsi powiatu międzychodzkiego)
Authors: Cemborowski Bartosz
Published: February 2016

On why have the dialects of the Province of Greater Poland survived (an example, the language of Międzychodzki district inhabitants)The aim of this article is to respond to the question: Why have the dialects of the Province of Greater Poland survived while the dialects from other parts of Poland are in decline? The analytical material relates to the statements of the users of this dialect who live in the western parts of Greater Poland (Międzychodzki district). It was collected during fieldwork in the villages of the Międzychodzki district between 2012 and 2015. The research methodology was based on autobiographical interviews, questionnaires and participant observations. Three important factors which contributed to the survival of the dialects of Greater Poland are: the history of this region, the identity of its people and the fashion for dialect use among the younger generation of Greater Poland’s inhabitants. „My tu nie mówimy, ino godumy i jesteśmy z tego dumni”. O tym, dlaczego gwary wielkopolskie przetrwały (na przykładzie języka mieszkańców wsi powiatu międzychodzkiego) Celem artykułu jest odpowiedź na pytanie, dlaczego gwary wielkopolskie przetrwały, podczas gdy w innych regionach Polski zauważalna jest tendencja do ich zaniku. Materiałem wykorzystanym w analizie są wypowiedzi mieszkańców wsi powiatu międzychodzkiego, którzy posługują się gwarą. Materiał został zebrany podczas badań terenowych w latach 2012–2015 za pomocą takich metod, jak wywiad autobiograficzny, ankiety i obserwacja uczestnicząca. Trzema istotnymi czynnikami, które wpłynęły na to, że gwary przetrwały w języku respondentów, są: historia, identyfikacja i narastająca wśród młodego pokolenia moda na mówienie gwarą.
Koncepcja kodów kultury w rosyjskich i ukraińskich badaniach lingwokulturologicznych i etnolingwistycznych
Authors: Chybor Iryna
Published: February 2016

The concept of cultural codes in Russian and Ukrainian linguoculturological and ethnolinguistic studiesThis article is an attempt at presenting the concept of cultural codes, which was earlier discussed in works of Russian and Ukrainian scholars in field of ethnolinguistics and linguoculturological aspects. The key linguoculturological terms, such as cultural code and ethnocode, were explained. The author of this article analysed already existing in Ukrainian and Russian linguistics theoretical basics of defining, isolating and classifying cultural codes. Koncepcja kodów kultury w rosyjskich i ukraińskich badaniach lingwokulturologicznych i etnolingwistycznychW artykule podjęto próbę zaprezentowania koncepcji kodów kultury rozwiniętej w pracach rosyjskich i ukraińskich lingwistów. Należytą uwagę zwrócono na wyjaśnienie kluczowych pojęć lingwokulturologii, a mianowicie kod kultury, etnokod kultury. Poddano analizie istniejące teoretyczne podstawy definiowania, wyodrębniania oraz klasyfikacji kodów kultury znane w językoznawstwie ukraińskim i rosyjskim.