bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intermittent catheter users’ symptom identification, description and management of urinary tract infection: a qualitative study
Authors: Okamoto Ikumi , Prieto Jacqui , Avery Miriam , Moore Katherine , Fader Mandy , Sartain Samantha , Clancy Bridget
Published: September 2017

Objectives

To elucidate the views of intermittent catheter (IC) users regarding urinary tract infection (UTI) symptom presentation, terminology for describing signs and symptoms, the cause of UTI and management strategies.

Design

Qualitative study with semi-structured interviews. The transcribed text was analysed thematically.

Setting

12 general practitioner (GP) surgeries in Hampshire and Dorset, UK.

Participants

A convenience sample of 30 IC users, aged over 18, using IC for at least 3 months who had at least one self-reported UTI since starting IC.

Results

Participants reported a variety of signs and symptoms, such as urine cloudiness and smell, as indicators of UTI. The terms used often differed from those in the modified National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) symptom set. IC users had difficulty distinguishing possible UTI symptoms from those of their comorbidities. They expressed uncertainty about the cause of UTI, often attributing it to poor hygiene and lifestyle behaviours. Whereas some viewed UTI as an expected consequence of IC use that could be self-managed, others felt more concerned and were more reliant on their GP for support. A range of management strategies was described, including drinking more fluids, increased attention to personal hygiene and self-medicating with antibiotics.

Conclusions

There is uncertainty among IC users about UTI signs and symptoms and when to seek help. Individual accounts of UTI fitted generally within the modified NIDRR descriptors but adopted less technical and more ‘lay’ language. IC users’ descriptions of UTI signs and symptoms can lack precision, owing partly to the presence of underlying health conditions. This, together with differing levels of concern about the need to seek help and self-medication with antibiotics, presents challenges for the GP. This study provides the basis for developing a self-help tool which may aid identification of UTI and enhance communication with healthcare professionals.
Perceived effects of the economic recession on population mental health, well-being and provision of care by primary care users and professionals: a qualitative study protocol in Portugal
Authors: Antunes Ana , Frasquilho Diana , Cardoso Graça , Pereira Nádia , Silva Manuela , Caldas-de-Almeida José Miguel , Ferrão João
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Economic recession periods can pose accentuated risks to population’s mental health and well-being as well as additional threats to health systems. Users and health professionals are key stakeholders in care delivery; however, little attention has been given to their experiences of the crisis. This paper presents a qualitative study protocol to assess users’ and health professionals’ perceptions about the effects of the post-2008 economic recession on mental health and care delivery in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, Portugal.

Methods and analysis

The methodology to assess perceived effects of the economic recession by primary care users and professionals on population mental health, well-being and provision of care is presented. Focus groups with users and semistructured interviews with health professionals will be carried out in three primary healthcare units in Lisbon areas especially affected by the crisis. Thematic analysis of full-transcribed interviews will be conducted using an iterative and reflexive approach.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of NOVA Medical School, NOVA University of Lisbon. The findings will be useful for other researchers and policy-makers to develop and implement the assessment of prevailing experiences of users and health professionals on the effects of the economic recession on mental health and quality of care in primary health context, promoting their involvement and contribution to services responsiveness.
Telemedicine-guided education on secondary stroke and fall prevention following inpatient rehabilitation for Texas patients with stroke and their caregivers: a feasibility pilot study
Authors: Jhaveri Mansi M , Benjamin-Garner Ruby , Rianon Nahid , Sherer Mark , Francisco Gerard , Vahidy Farhaan , Kobayashi Kayta , Gaber Mary , Shoemake Paige , Vu Kim , Trevino Alyssa , Grotta James , Savitz Sean
Published: September 2017

Introduction

The aftermath of stroke leaves many consequences including cognitive deficits and falls due to imbalance. Stroke survivors and families struggle to navigate the complex healthcare system with little assistance posthospital discharge, often leading to early hospital readmission and worse stroke outcomes. Telemedicine Guided Education on Secondary Stroke and Fall Prevention Following Inpatient Rehabilitation feasibility study examines whether stroke survivors and their caregivers find value in telerehabilitation (TR) home visits that provide individualised care and education by a multidisciplinary team after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.

Methods and analysis

A prospective, single arm, pilot study is designed to evaluate the feasibility of weekly TR home visits initiated postdischarge from inpatient rehabilitation. Newly diagnosed patients with stroke are recruited from a Houston-based comprehensive stroke centre inpatient rehabilitation unit, loaned an iPad with data plan and trained to use information technology security-approved videoconferencing application. After hospital discharge, six weekly TR home visits are led by rotating specialists (pharmacist, physical/occupational therapist, speech therapist, rehabilitation physician, social worker, geriatrician specialised in fracture prevention) followed by satisfaction survey on week 7. Specialists visually assess patients in real time, educate them on secondary stroke and fall prevention and suggest ways to improve function including direct medical interventions when indicated. Primary outcomes are proportion of eligible patients consenting to the study, participation rate in all six TR home visits and satisfaction score. The study started 31 December 2015 with plan to enrol up to 50 patients over 24 months. Feasibility study results will inform us as to whether a randomised controlled trial is warranted to determine efficacy of TR home visit intervention in improving stroke outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval obtained by the Institutional Review Board (IRB), Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects, IRB number: HSC-MS-14–0994. Study results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Reducing DNACPR complaints to zero: designing and implementing a treatment escalation plan using quality improvement methodology
Authors: Shermon Elizabeth , Munglani Laura , Oram Sarah , William Linda , Abel Julian
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR)decisions have traditionally formed the basis of ceiling of care discussions. However, poor quality discussions can lead to high patient and relative dissatisfaction, generating hospital complaints. Treatment escalation plans (TEPs) aim to highlight the wider remit of treatment options with a focus on effective communication. We aimed to improve TEP discussions and documentation at Weston General Hospital by introducing a standardised form.

Aims and method

We aimed to develop a TEP document to reduce resuscitation-related complaints by improving communication and documentation. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected over 2 years and used to develop plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles using quality improvement methodology. Main barriers to improvement included time constraints and clinician’s resistance.

Results

Analysis of patient liaison services data showed a progressive reduction in complaints regarding resuscitation, with no complaints having been received for the final six months of the project. Through use of a standardised form including treatment prompts, the quality of discussions and plans improved. Qualitative feedback demonstrated increased patient and relative satisfaction. In addition, junior doctors report the plans are helpful when making out-of-hours decisions.

Conclusion

Development of a user-friendly form to document patient-guided TEPs helped junior doctors to lead advanced care planning discussions. The use of PDSA cycles demonstrated improvement in the quality of forms, which in turn improved communication, documentation and satisfaction. Future developments could include involvement of specialist teams to ensure TEP forms remain relevant to all clinical areas. In addition, with widespread use of the TEP forms, the traditional tick-box DNAR could be replaced to focus on patient-led care planning.
Lower airways inflammation in patients with ARDS measured using endotracheal aspirates: a pilot study
Authors: Spadaro Savino , Kozhevnikova Iryna , Casolari Paolo , Ruggeri Paolo , Bellini Tiziana , Ragazzi Riccardo , Barbieri Federica , Marangoni Elisabetta , Caramori Gaetano , Volta Carlo Alberto
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Our knowledge of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) pathogenesis is incomplete. The goal of this pilot study is to investigate the feasibility of measuring lower airways inflammation in patients with ARDS using repeated endotracheal aspirates (ETAs).

Methods

ETAs were obtained within 24 hours by intensive care unit admission from 25 mechanically ventilated patients with ARDS and 10 of them underwent a second ETA within 96 hours after the first sampling. In each sample, cell viability was assessed using trypan blue exclusion method and the total and differential cell counts were measured using Neubauer-improved cell counting chamber and cytospins stained with Diff-Quik.

Results

The median cell viability was 89 (IQR 80–93)%, with a median total cell count of 305 (IQR 130–1270)×103/mL and a median macrophage, neutrophil, lymphocyte and eosinophil count, respectively, of 19.8 (IQR 5.4–71.6)×103/mL; 279 (IQR 109–1213)×103/mL; 0 (IQR 0–0.188)×103/mL; 0 (IQR 0–1.050)×103/mL. Eosinophil count in the ETA correlated with the number of blood eosinophils (r=0.4840, p=0.0142). Cell viability and total and differential cell counts were neither significantly different in the second ETA compared with the first ETA nor were unaffected by the presence or absence of bacteria in the blood and/or ETA, or by the ARDS aetiology, apart from the macrophage count which was significantly increased in patients with ARDS associated with acute pancreatitis compared with those associated with pneumonia (p=0.0143).

Conclusions

ETA can be used to investigate the cellularity of the lower airways in patients with ARDS and it is an easy-to-perform and non-invasive procedure. Eosinophil counts in ETA and blood are significantly correlated. The number of macrophages in ETA may be affected by the aetiology of the ARDS.
Three cases of imported eyeworm infection in dogs: a new threat for the United Kingdom
Authors: Graham‐Brown John , Gilmore Paul , Colella Vito , Moss Lyndsay , Dixon Chris , Andrews Martin , Arbeid Peter , Barber Jackie , Timofte Dorina , McGarry John , Otranto Domenico , Williams Diana
Published: September 2017

In July 2016 we described the first known case of canine ocular thelaziosis in the UK in a dog recently imported from Romania. Here we confirm our initial diagnosis using PCR followed by sequence analysis, and we report a further two clinical cases in dogs with recent history of travel to Italy and France. In view of the presence in the UK of the vector for Thelazia callipaeda, namely Phortica spp, we discuss the significance of these three cases in the context of the UK government's pet travel scheme, disease control and both animal and public health in the UK.
INVESTIGATION ON DEVICE CHARACTERISTICS OF n-CdS/p-Ag(Ga-In)Te2 HETEROJUNCTION DIODE
Authors: BAYRAKLI Ö. , GÜLLÜ H. H. , PARLAK M.
Published: September 2017

This work indicates the device properties of polycrystalline p-AgGaInTe2 (AGIT) thin films deposited on bare and ITO-coated glass substrates with thermal evaporation technique. Device characteristics of n-CdS/p-AGIT heterostructure have been analyzed in terms of current–voltage ([Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text]) for different temperatures and capacitance–voltage ([Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text]) measurements for different frequencies, respectively. The series and shunt resistances were determined from the analysis of parasitic resistance for high forward and reverse bias voltages, respectively. The ideality factors were evaluated from [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] variation at each sample temperature as lying in between 2.51 and 3.25. The barrier height was around 0.79[Formula: see text]eV at room temperature. For low bias region, the variation in the diode parameters due to the sample temperature exhibited the thermionic emission with [Formula: see text] anomaly, whereas space-charge-limited current analysis was also found to be pre-dominant carrier transport mechanism for this heterostructure. From [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] measurements, the obtained built-in potential and series resistances were found to be in good agreement with [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] results.
Quantum gauge freedom in the Lorentz violating background
Authors: Shah Mushtaq B. , Ganai Prince A.
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we will study the Lorentz symmetry breaking down to its subgroup. A two-form gauge theory is investigated in the Lorentz violating background and it will be shown that this symmetry violation affects the structure of this gauge theory. In particular, we will study the gaugeon formalism and FFBRST for such a theory in this broken spacetime. In addition to Kugo-Ojima type condition, a thorough evaluation of quantum gauge freedom and gaugeon modes is carried out. We will explicitly demonstrate that in Lorentz broken spacetime, our reducible gauge theory fully depicts the physical aspects of gaugeon fields.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE MANAGER ON FIRM INNOVATION IN EMERGING ECONOMIES
Authors: CROWLEY FRANK , BOURKE JANE
Published: September 2017

The focus of this paper is on the relatively under-researched area of the influence of management on innovation activities for firms in emerging economies. Many emerging economies adopt a strategy of outward-oriented development with the aim to enhance innovation performance through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and international trade. However, attention should be paid to firm mechanisms, including intangibles, that may enable a firm to benefit from the more tangible performance-enhancing effects. It is through such a lens that we examine firm innovation in emerging economies, focusing on how variations in management experience, management practices and management incentives impact innovation performance. We employ a production function approach to identify the effect of the management environment on innovation diversity for firms in emerging economies. Our diversity of innovation measure takes account of five types of innovation activity, and is indicative of the degree of ‘innovativeness’ that the firm possesses. A Tobit estimation technique is employed. Innovation decisions typically involve managers as filtering mechanisms to consider a range of external and internal factors that enhance the likelihood of innovation outcomes. Our results indicate that management experience, management practices and management incentives are all important in determining innovation activities in firms from emerging economies. Our analysis reveals the importance of the management environment in explaining innovation differences at the level of the firm in emerging economies. Therefore, strategies to empower and support managers in emerging economies should be considered alongside outward-orientated development strategies.
Improving Climatic Comfort of Citizens by Adjusting the Orientation and Extension of Physics of City Squares: Case Study of Yazd
Authors: KHEIRABADI Fouad , ALIZADEH Hooshmand , NOURMOHAMMADZAD Hossein
Published: September 2017

The heat of the earth is provided by solar radiation. A change in the angle of solar radiation and the surface of the earth causes changes in the ambient temperature. Sometimes, these changes reduce climatic comfort of human beings. Climatic comfort is established when there is a balance between excreted and absorbed temperatures of the skin of the body. Orientation and extension rates of physics of squares relative to the geographical north influence the amount of received direct sunlight in different months. Relevant studies show that the squares of the city of Yazd reduce the climatic comfort of its citizens; moreover, the physics of Yazd's squares apply various extension rates, which led to high building costs to citizens and relevant organizations. This study, by using the correlation method and R software, measures different orientation and extension rates of physics of squares in Yazd. It analyzes two models with orientation and physical extension as variables and evaluates the shade and sunlight in the space. The results reveal significant differences between desirable and undesirable options. Considering the climatic comfort of space users and residents at the same time, a rectangle with an extension ratio of one to several and the north-south orientation, making the lowest facade face the south, is the most appropriate physic for city squares.
Multifeature Anisotropic Orthogonal Gaussian Process for Automatic Age Estimation
Authors: Li Zhifeng , Gong Dihong , Zhu Kai , Tao Dacheng , Li Xuelong
Published: September 2017

Automatic age estimation is an important yet challenging problem. It has many promising applications in social media. Of the existing age estimation algorithms, the personalized approaches are among the most popular ones. However, most person-specific approaches rely heavily on the availability of training images across different ages for a single subject, which is usually difficult to satisfy in practical application of age estimation. To address this limitation, we first propose a new model called
Orthogonal Gaussian Process
(OGP), which is not restricted by the number of training samples per person. In addition, without sacrifice of discriminative power, OGP is much more computationally efficient than the standard Gaussian Process. Based on OGP, we then develop an effective age estimation approach, namely anisotropic OGP (A-OGP), to further reduce the estimation error. A-OGP is based on an anisotropic noise level learning scheme that contributes to better age estimation performance. To finally optimize the performance of age estimation, we propose a multifeature A-OGP fusion framework that uses multiple features combined with a random sampling method in the feature space. Extensive experiments on several public domain face aging datasets (FG-NET, MORPH Album1, and MORPH Album 2) are conducted to demonstrate the state-of-the-art estimation accuracy of our new algorithms.
Beng Chin Ooi Speaks Out on Building a Strong Database Group
Authors: Winslett Marianne , Braganholo Vanessa
Published: September 2017

Welcome to ACM SIGMOD Record's series of interviews with distinguished members of the database community. I'm Marianne Winslett, and today we are at my office at the Advanced Digital Sciences Center in Singapore, an outpost of the University of Illinois. I have here with me today Beng Chin Ooi who is the dean of the school of computing at the National University of Singapore where he's been a professor of computer science for many years. Beng Chin is editor-in-chief for IEEE Transactions on Knowledge and Data Engineering. He is the recipient of the 2009 SIGMOD Contributions Award, and he is an IEEE and ACM Fellow and Fellow of Singapore National Academy of Science. He is the co-founder of two startups and his Ph.D. is from Monash University. So Beng Chin, welcome! (Please note that this interview took place in 2011).
Collaborative Filtering for Binary, Positiveonly Data
Authors: Verstrepen Koen , Bhaduriy Kanishka , Cule Boris , Goethals Bart
Published: September 2017

Traditional collaborative ltering assumes the availability of explicit ratings of users for items. However, in many cases these ratings are not available and only binary, positive-only data is available. Binary, positive-only data is typically associated with implicit feedback such as items bought, videos watched, ads clicked on, etc. However, it can also be the results of explicit feedback such as likes on social networking sites. Because binary, positive-only data contains no negative information, it needs to be treated differently than rating data. As a result of the growing relevance of this problem setting, the number of publications in this field increases rapidly. In this survey, we provide an overview of the existing work from an innovative perspective that allows us to emphasize surprising commonalities and key differences.
Fake News Detection on Social Media
Authors: Shu Kai , Sliva Amy , Wang Suhang , Tang Jiliang , Liu Huan
Published: September 2017

Social media for news consumption is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, its low cost, easy access, and rapid dissemination of information lead people to seek out and consume news from social media. On the other hand, it enables the wide spread of \fake news", i.e., low quality news with intentionally false information. The extensive spread of fake news has the potential for extremely negative impacts on individuals and society. Therefore, fake news detection on social media has recently become an emerging research that is attracting tremendous attention. Fake news detection on social media presents unique characteristics and challenges that make existing detection algorithms from traditional news media ine ective or not applicable. First, fake news is intentionally written to mislead readers to believe false information, which makes it difficult and nontrivial to detect based on news content; therefore, we need to include auxiliary information, such as user social engagements on social media, to help make a determination. Second, exploiting this auxiliary information is challenging in and of itself as users' social engagements with fake news produce data that is big, incomplete, unstructured, and noisy. Because the issue of fake news detection on social media is both challenging and relevant, we conducted this survey to further facilitate research on the problem. In this survey, we present a comprehensive review of detecting fake news on social media, including fake news characterizations on psychology and social theories, existing algorithms from a data mining perspective, evaluation metrics and representative datasets. We also discuss related research areas, open problems, and future research directions for fake news detection on social media.
Modelling and Interpretation of Adsorption Isotherms
Authors: Ayawei Nimibofa , Ebelegi Augustus Newton , Wankasi Donbebe
Published: September 2017

The need to design low-cost adsorbents for the detoxification of industrial effluents has been a growing concern for most environmental researchers. So modelling of experimental data from adsorption processes is a very important means of predicting the mechanisms of various adsorption systems. Therefore, this paper presents an overall review of the applications of adsorption isotherms, the use of linear regression analysis, nonlinear regression analysis, and error functions for optimum adsorption data analysis.
Relationship between Metabolic Syndrome and Ocular Microcirculation Shown by Laser Speckle Flowgraphy in a Hospital Setting Devoted to Sleep Apnea Syndrome Diagnostics
Authors: Shiba Tomoaki , Takahashi Mao , Matsumoto Tadashi , Hori Yuichi
Published: September 2017

Purpose. To clarify whether the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the overlap of MetS components are affecting the ocular circulation shown by laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG). Materials and Methods. We studied 76 consistent patients. Blowout score (BOS) and blowout time (BOT), which are the pulse waveform analysis parameters, and mean blur rate (MBR) using LSFG in the optic nerve head (ONH) and choroid were evaluated. Throughout, the ONH was separated out from the vessels and tissue for analysis and MBRs in the ONH were divided into four sections (superior, temporal, inferior, and nasal). Results. Thirty-two patients were diagnosed having Mets. MBR-Tissue (P=0.003), MBR-All (P=0.01), MBR-Choroid (P=0.04), and BOS-Choroid (P=0.03) were significantly lower in patients with MetS than in the patients without MetS. Multiple-regression analysis revealed the temporal side of MBR-Tissue and BOS-Choroid which were identified as factors contributing independently to the overlap of the MetS components. Multiple-regression analysis also revealed that the MetS components were identified to be factors independently contributing to the BOS-Choroid and temporal side of MBR-Tissue. Conclusion. Our study clarified that the incidence of MetS and the overlap of the MetS components are significantly affecting the ONH and choroidal microcirculation.
AβPeptide Originated from Platelets Promises New Strategy in Anti-Alzheimer’s Drug Development
Authors: Inyushin Mikhail Y. , Sanabria Priscila , Rojas Legier , Kucheryavykh Yuriy , Kucheryavykh Lilia
Published: September 2017

The amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide and its deposits in the brain are known to be implicated in the neurodegeneration that occurs during Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recently, alternative theories views concerning both the source of this peptide and its functions have been developed. It has been shown that, as in all other known types of amyloidosis, the production of Aβoriginates in blood cells or cells related to blood plasma, from which it can then spread from the blood to inside the brain, with the greatest concentration around brain blood vessels. In this review, we summarize research progress in this new area and outline some future perspectives. While it is still unclear whether the main source of Aβdeposits in AD is the blood, the possibility of blocking the chain of reactions that lead to constant Aβrelease from the blood to the brain may be exploited in an attempt to reduce the amyloid burden in AD. Solving the problem of Aβaccumulation in this way may provide an alternative strategy for developing anti-AD drugs.
Cardiovascular Consequences of Repetitive Arousals over the Entire Sleep Duration
Authors: Wu Yanyan , Huang Rong , Zhong Xu , Xiao Yi
Published: September 2017

Objectives. To explore the cardiovascular effects of nightlong repetitive arousals (RA).Methods. Twenty healthy subjects participated in two consecutive sleep studies. The first one was free of intervention and the second study involved repetitive arousals induced by acoustical stimuli. Blood pressure, heart rate variability (HRV), arterial stiffness index (ASI), and serum markers including nitric oxide (NO), endothelin-1 (ET-1), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were studied.Results. RA led to overnight elevation in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) but not in systolic blood pressure (SBP). Regarding HRV, overnight increase in low frequency power (LF) and low frequency to high frequency ratio (LHR) and decrease in high frequency power (HF) were evident. The relative overnight differences in HF and LHR correlated with the amount of rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep. RA did not cause detectable change in either ASI or serum markers of interest.Conclusions. Nightlong RA alters the sympathovagal modulation significantly and this effect seems to be associated with the amount of REM sleep. Exposure to RA also causes an elevation in postsleep DBP. Disturbance to autonomic nervous system (ANS) may precede endothelial dysfunction and increased arterial stiffness as cardiovascular consequences of RA.
An Efficient Calibration Method for a Stereo Camera System with Heterogeneous Lenses Using an Embedded Checkerboard Pattern
Authors: Rathnayaka Pathum , Baek Seung-Hae , Park Soon-Yong
Published: September 2017

We present two simple approaches to calibrate a stereo camera setup with heterogeneous lenses: a wide-angle fish-eye lens and a narrow-angle lens in left and right sides, respectively. Instead of using a conventional black-white checkerboard pattern, we design an embedded checkerboard pattern by combining two differently colored patterns. In both approaches, we split the captured stereo images into RGB channels and extract R and inverted G channels from left and right camera images, respectively. In our first approach, we consider the checkerboard pattern as the world coordinate system and calculate left and right transformation matrices corresponding to it. We use these two transformation matrices to estimate the relative pose of the right camera by multiplying the inversed left transformation with the right. In the second approach, we calculate a planar homography transformation to identify common object points in left-right image pairs and treat them with the well-known Zhangs camera calibration method. We analyze the robustness of these two approaches by comparing reprojection errors and image rectification results. Experimental results show that the second method is more accurate than the first one.
Diosgenin, a Novel Aldose Reductase Inhibitor, Attenuates the Galactosemic Cataract in Rats
Authors: Ji Lixia , Cheng Lixia , Yang Zhihong
Published: September 2017

Objective. To seek efficient aldose reductase inhibitors (ARIs) with excellent in vitro and in vivo biological activities against rat galactosemic cataract. Methods. The method was firstly optimized to screen strong ARIs from nonoriented synthetic compounds and natural extracts. Then, diosgenin was assessed on osmotic expansion of primarily cultured lens epithelial cells (LECs) induced by galactose (50 mM). Diosgenin was administered to galactosemic rats by oral (100 and 200 mg/kg) or direct drinking (0.1%) to evaluate its anticataract effects. Results. Diosgenin was found as the strongest ARI with IC50 of 4.59 × 10−6 mol/L. Diosgenin (10 μM) evidently inhibited the formation of tiny vacuoles and upregulation of AR mRNA in LECs. In vivo, diosgenin delayed lens opacification, inhibited the increase of ratio of lens weight to body weight, and decreased AR activity, galactitol level, and AR mRNA expression, especially in the diosgenin drinking (0.1%) group. Conclusions. Diosgenin was an efficient ARI, which not only significantly decreased the LECs’ osmotic expansion in vitro but also markedly delayed progression of rat galactosemic cataract in vivo. Thus, diosgenin rich food can be recommended to diabetic subjects as dietary management to postpone the occurrence of sugar cataract, and diosgenin deserves further investigation for chronic diabetic complications.
Overexpression of Chromosome 21 miRNAs May Affect Mitochondrial Function in the Hearts of Down Syndrome Fetuses
Authors: Izzo Antonella , Manco Rosanna , Cristofaro Tiziana de , Bonfiglio Ferdinando , Cicatiello Rita , Mollo Nunzia , Martino Marco De , Genesio Rita , Zannini Mariastella , Conti Anna , Nitsch Lucio
Published: September 2017

Dosage-dependent upregulation of most of chromosome 21 (Hsa21) genes has been demonstrated in heart tissues of fetuses with Down syndrome (DS). Also miRNAs might play important roles in the cardiac phenotype as they are highly expressed in the heart and regulate cardiac development. Five Hsa21 miRNAs have been well studied in the past: miR-99a-5p, miR-125b-2-5p, let-7c-5p, miR-155-5p, and miR-802-5p but few information is available about their expression in trisomic tissues. In this study, we evaluated the expression of these miRNAs in heart tissues from DS fetuses, showing that miR-99a-5p, miR-155-5p, and let-7c-5p were overexpressed in trisomic hearts. To investigate their role, predicted targets were obtained from different databases and cross-validated using the gene expression profiling dataset we previously generated for fetal hearts. Eighty-five targets of let-7c-5p, 33 of miR-155-5p, and 10 of miR-99a-5p were expressed in fetal heart and downregulated in trisomic hearts. As nuclear encoded mitochondrial genes were found downregulated in trisomic hearts and mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of DS phenotypes, we put special attention to let-7c-5p and miR-155-5p targets downregulated in DS fetal hearts and involved in mitochondrial function. The let-7c-5p predicted targetSLC25A4/ANT1was identified as a possible candidate for both mitochondrial and cardiac anomalies.
Hodgkin's Lymphoma in Crohn's Disease Treated with Infliximab
Authors: Carvalho Diana , Russo Pedro , Bernardes Carlos , Saiote Joana , Ramos Gonçalo , Mascarenhas Luís , Borges Nuno , Ramos Jaime
Published: September 2017

Introduction: Lymphoproliferative disorders, particularly non-Hodgkin's and Hodgkin's lymphomas, are rare in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. The use of thiopurines and infection by Epstein-Barr virus are well-known cofactors that can raise its prevalence. Other risk factors such as disease activity and biological treatment are the subject of discussion, without enough data in the literature to confirm a potential association. Methods: We report a case of Hodgkin's lymphoma in a patient who had been treated with azathioprine and was on long-term monotherapy with infliximab. Conclusions: We stress the importance of recognizing the possible occurrence of a lymphoproliferative disorder in association with anti-tumor necrosis factor-α therapy
Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Assessment of Inflammatory Breast Cancer Prior to and After Neoadjuvant Treatment
Authors: van Uden Dominique J.P. , de Wilt J. Hans W. , Meeuwis Carla , Blanken-Peeters Charlotte F.J.M. , Mann Ritse M.
Published: September 2017

Background: The aim of this study was to describe the dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) features of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and to assess the value of DCE-MRI for the prediction of pathological complete response (pCR). Methods: Image analysis was performed in 15 patients with IBC (cT4d) and 12 patients with non-IBC (cT2), and included the assessment of BIRADS characteristics, skin alterations, enhancement characteristics, and changes post chemotherapy. Sensitivity and specificity of DCE-MRI for the presence of residual disease were obtained. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated comparing the (preoperative) tumor size with the histological size. Results: Skin thickening/enhancement (80%) and non-mass-like enhancement (66.7%) occurred more often in IBC (16.7 vs. 8.3% in non-IBC). In 2 of 3 cases of IBC, pCR was correctly predicted (sensitivity 92%, specificity 67%), compared to 3 of 5 cases in non-IBC (sensitivity 86%, specificity 40%). Lower peak enhancement might be associated with a higher likelihood of pCR in IBC. No other parameters predicted eventual pCR. In IBC, no correlation between preoperative tumor size and histological size was found (r = 0.22, p = 0.50), whereas in non-IBC, size estimations were more accurate (r = 0.75, p = 0.03). Conclusion: IBC is characterized on MRI by skin changes and non-mass-like enhancement. Radiological complete response seems indicative of pCR in IBC and non-IBC. Size estimation of residual disease in IBC appears to be inaccurate.
Sea Buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) Oil Improves Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions via Inhibition of NF-κB and STAT1 Activation
Authors: Hou Dian-Dong , Di Zheng-Hong , Qi Rui-Qun , Wang He-Xiao , Zheng Song , Hong Yu-Xiao , Guo Hao , Chen Hong-Duo , Gao Xing-Hua
Published: September 2017

Background and Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the topical effects of sea buckthorn (SBT) oil on atopic dermatitis (AD)-like lesions in a mouse model generated by repeated topical administration of DNCB in BALB/c mice. Methods: DNCB was applied repeatedly on the dorsal skin of mice to induce AD-like lesions. Following AD induction, SBT oil was applied daily on the dorsal skin for 4 weeks. The severity of skin lesions was examined macroscopically and histologically. We further measured the production of MDC/CCL22 and TARC/CCL17 in IFN-γ/TNF-α activated HaCaT cells. Results: Topically applied SBT oil in DNCB-treated mice ameliorated the severity score of dermatitis, decreased epidermal thickness, reduced spleen and lymph node weights, and prevented mast cell infiltration. In addition, SBT oil suppressed the Th2 chemokines TARC and MDC via dose-dependent inhibition of NF-κB, JAK2/STAT1, and p38-MAPK signaling pathways in IFN-γ/TNF-α-activated HaCaT cells. Conclusion: These results suggest that SBT oil had a beneficial effect on AD-like skin lesions, partially via inhibition of the Th2 chemokines TARC and MDC in inflamed skin.
Modified Hysterotomy Closure Technique for Open Fetal Surgery
Authors: Zaretsky Michael V. , Liechty Kenneth W. , Galan Henry L. , Behrendt Nicholas J. , Reeves Shane , Marwan Ahmed I. , Wilkinson Corbett , Handler Michael , Lagueux Megan , Crombleholme Timothy M.
Published: September 2017

Objective: We reviewed our experience with open fetal surgical myelomeningocele repair to assess the efficacy of a new modification of the hysterotomy closure technique regarding hysterotomy complication rates at the time of cesarean delivery. Methods: A modification of the standard hysterotomy closure was performed on all patients undergoing prenatal myelomeningocele repair. The closure consisted of an interrupted full-thickness #0 polydioxanone (PDS) retention suture as well as a running #0 PDS suture to re-approximate the myometrial edges, and the modification was a third imbricating layer resulting in serosal-to-serosal apposition. A standard omental patch was placed per our routine. Both operative reports and verbal descriptions of hysterotomy from delivering obstetricians were reviewed. Results: A total of 49 patients underwent prenatal repair of myelomeningocele, 43 having adequate follow-up for evaluation. Of those, 95.4% had completely intact hysterotomy closures, with only 1 partial dehiscence (2.3%) and 1 thinned scar (2.3%). There were no instances of uterine rupture. Discussion: In patients undergoing this modified hysterotomy closure technique, a much lower than expected complication rate was observed. This simple modified closure technique may improve hysterotomy healing and reduce obstetric morbidity.
The Endometriosis Fertility Index Is Useful for Predicting the Ability to Conceive without Assisted Reproductive Technology Treatment after Laparoscopic Surgery, Regardless of Endometriosis
Authors: Hobo Rutsuko , Nakagawa Koji , Usui Chie , Sugiyama Rie , Ino Nao , Motoyama Hiroshi , Kuribayashi Yasushi , Inoue Masato , Sugiyama Rikikazu
Published: September 2017

Objective: The endometriosis fertility index (EFI) is a novel index for predicting pregnancy after surgery. We investigated the utility of the EFI for predicting the ability to conceive without assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment after laparoscopic surgery. Methods: From July 2011 through December 2012, we recruited 133 infertile patients who underwent laparoscopy, and the EFI was calculated. After surgery, 55 of 133 achieved pregnancy without ART treatment. We evaluated the factors that predicted a naturally successful pregnancy and compared them between the pregnant and non-pregnant subjects. Results: On a univariate linear regression analysis, we found that a younger age, shorter duration of infertility, and higher EFI were positively associated with a successful pregnancy without ART after laparoscopic surgery (p < 0.05). According to 50th percentile EFI, the cutoff EFI predicting a successful pregnancy without ART was 7, the pregnancy rate in the high-EFI group (EFI; 8-10) was significantly higher than that in the low-EFI group (EFI ≤7; p < 0.05), but the duration to natural conception after surgery was similar between the 2 groups. Conclusion: The EFI possesses greater predictive power for a successful pregnancy with natural intercourse or intrauterine insemination in infertile patients, regardless of endometriosis, than the Revised-American Society of Reproductive Medicine classification.
Trimethylamine‐N‐Oxide Induces Vascular Inflammation by Activating the NLRP3 Inflammasome Through the SIRT3‐SOD2‐mtROS Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chen Ming‐liang , Zhu Xiao‐hui , Ran Li , Lang He‐dong , Yi Long , Mi Man‐tian
Published: September 2017

Background

Trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (
TMAO
) has recently been identified as a novel and independent risk factor for promoting atherosclerosis through inducing vascular inflammation. However, the exact mechanism is currently unclear. Studies have established a central role of nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain–like receptor family pyrin domain–containing 3 (
NLRP
3) inflammasome in the pathogenesis of vascular inflammation. Here, we examined the potential role of the
NLRP
3 inflammasome in
TMAO
‐induced vascular inflammation in vitro and in vivo and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods and Results

Experiments using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, Western blot, and fluorescent probes showed that
TMAO
‐induced inflammation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (
HUVEC
s) and aortas from ApoE
−/−
mice. Moreover,
TMAO
promoted
NLRP
3 and activated caspase‐1 p20 expression and caspase‐1 activity in vitro and in vivo. Notably, a caspase‐1 inhibitor (
YVAD
), an
NLRP
3 inhibitor (
MCC
950), as well as

NLRP
3

short interfering
RNA
attenuated
TMAO
‐induced activation of the
NLRP
3 inflammasome, subsequently leading to suppression of inflammation in
HUVEC
s.
TMAO
additionally stimulated reactive oxygen species (
ROS
) generation, in particular, mitochondrial
ROS
, while inhibiting manganese superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) activation and sirtuin 3 (
SIRT
3) expression in
HUVEC
s and aortas from ApoE
−/−
mice.
TMAO
‐induced endothelial
NLRP
3 inflammasome activation was ameliorated by the mitochondrial
ROS
scavenger Mito‐
TEMPO
, or

SIRT
3

overexpression in
HUVEC
s. Conversely,
TMAO
failed to further inhibit SOD2 and activate the
NLRP
3 inflammasome or induce inflammation in

SIRT
3

short interfering
RNA
–treated
HUVEC
s and aortas from
SIRT
3
−/−
mice.

Conclusions

TMAO
promoted vascular inflammation by activating the
NLRP
3 inflammasome, and the
NLRP
3 inflammasome activation in part was mediated through inhibition of the
SIRT
3‐
SOD
2–mitochondrial
ROS
signaling pathway.
MMI‐0100 Inhibits Cardiac Fibrosis in a Mouse Model Overexpressing Cardiac Myosin Binding Protein C
Authors: Meng Qinghang , Bhandary Bidur , Osinska Hanna , James Jeanne , Xu Na , Shay‐Winkler Kritton , Gulick James , Willis Monte S. , Lander Cynthia , Robbins Jeffrey
Published: September 2017

Background

Cardiac stress can trigger production of a 40‐kDa peptide fragment derived from the amino terminus of the cardiac myosin‐binding protein C. Cardiac stress, as well as
cMyBP
‐C mutations, can trigger production of 1 such truncated protein fragment, a 40‐kDa peptide fragment derived from the amino terminus of
cMyBP
‐C. Genetic expression of this 40‐kDa fragment in mouse cardiomyocytes (
cMyBP
‐C
40k
) leads to cardiac disease, fibrosis, and death within the first year. Fibrosis can occur in many cardiovascular diseases, and mitogen‐activated protein kinase––activated protein kinase‐2 signaling has been implicated in a variety of fibrotic processes. Recent studies demonstrated that mitogen‐activated protein kinase––activated protein kinase‐2 inhibition using the cell‐permeant peptide inhibitor
MMI
‐0100 is protective in the setting of acute myocardial infarction. We hypothesized that
MMI
‐0100 might also be protective in a chronic model of fibrosis, produced as a result of
cMyBP
‐C
40k
cardiomyocyte expression.

Methods and Results

Nontransgenic and
cMyBP
‐C
40k
inducible transgenic mice were given
MMI
‐0100 or
PBS
daily for 30 weeks. In control groups, long‐term
MMI
‐0100 was benign, with no measurable effects on cardiac anatomy, function, cell viability, hypertrophy, or probability of survival. In the inducible transgenic group,
MMI
‐0100 treatment reduced cardiac fibrosis, decreased cardiac hypertrophy, and prolonged survival.

Conclusions

Pharmaceutical inhibition of mitogen‐activated protein kinase––activated protein kinase‐2 signaling via
MMI
‐0100 treatment is beneficial in the context of fibrotic
cMyBPC
40k
disease.
Vena Cava Filter Retrieval Rates and Factors Associated With Retrieval in a Large US Cohort
Authors: Brown Joshua D. , Raissi Driss , Han Qiong , Adams Val R. , Talbert Jeffery C.
Published: September 2017

Background

Retrieval of vena cava filters (
VCF
s) is important for safety as complications increase with longer dwell times. This study assessed
VCF
retrieval rates and factors associated with retrieval in a national cohort.

Methods and Results

VCF
s were identified by procedural codes from an administrative claims database. Patients were identified who had a
VCF
placement during a hospitalization from a national commercial administrative claims database. Indications for
VCF
placement were identified as pulmonary embolism with or without deep vein thrombosis, deep vein thrombosis only, or prophylactic. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics were included in proportional hazard regression models to find associations with early (90‐day) and 1‐year
VCF
retrieval. Initiation of anticoagulation and the correlation between time‐to‐retrieval and time‐to‐initiation of anticoagulation were observed. Of 54 766 patients receiving a
VCF
, 36.9% had pulmonary embolism, 43.9% had deep vein thrombosis only, and 19.2% had no apparent venous thromboembolism present. Over the 1 year of follow‐up, the cumulative incidence of
VCF
retrieval was 18.4%. Retrieval increased over time from a low of 14.0% in 2010 up to ≈24% in 2014. In adjusted time‐to‐event models, increasing age, differing regions, and some comorbidities were associated with poorer retrieval rates. Initiation of anticoagulation was poorly correlated with retrieval, with anticoagulation preceding retrieval by a median of 51 days while those without retrieval had a median of 278 days of exposure to anticoagulation.

Conclusions

VCF
retrieval increased over the study period but remained suboptimal and was weakly correlated with anticoagulation initiation.
Taming Arbitration: States’ Men, Lawyers, and Peace Advocates from the Hague to the War
Authors: Harris Steven
Published: September 2017

At the end of the nineteenth century, the states’-system saw off a challenge from international lawyers and peace advocates who sought saw arbitration as a means to constrain raison d’état and state discretion over the decision to go to war. While there is no evidence that statesmen engaged in a vast conspiracy, the statements and actions of diplomats from all the great powers demonstrate a consistent pattern of opposition to arbitration, restricting its application prior to, at, and after the Hague Conferences. In so doing, they worked to create the appearance of meeting public demand for an alternative to war. It is no surprise, therefore, that arbitration was never a meaningful part of international relations and can hardly be blamed for the descent into war in 1914.
Overcoming the Challenges in Establishing Arbitration in Brazil: A Historical Perspective
Authors: de Oliveira Leonardo Valladares Pacheco
Published: September 2017

This article provides a perspective on two barriers created in the Brazilian legal system that were crucial for the stagnation of arbitration in Brazil. The anti-arbitration measures adopted from 1867 until 1996 were detrimental to the acceptance of arbitration as a common method of solving disputes in Brazil. Although the practice of arbitration in Brazil began while it was still a Portuguese colony, two Decrees enacted in 1867 and 1878 provided a step back into the arbitration scenario. The first determined that the arbitration agreement was a promise to submit disputes to arbitration instead of a contract to have future disputes arbitrated. The second stated that an international arbitral award had to be recognised in the jurisdiction where it was issued before its submission for recognition and enforcement in Brazil. However, Brazil overcame these impediments which, at the end of the last century, were repealed.