bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Randomized Study of Immunotherapy with Low-Dose Subcutaneous Interleukin-2 plus Melatonin Vs Chemotherapy with Cisplatin and Etoposide as First-Line Therapy for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Lissoni Paolo , Meregalli Sofia , Fossati Vittorio , Paolorossi Franco , Barni Sandro , Tancini Gabriele , Frigerio Franco
Published: October 2018

Aims and Background

The theraputic role of chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is controversial because of its potentially detrimental action on host anticancer defenses. On the contrary, IL-2 would seem to prolong survival time by improving the immune status, even though it is generally less effective in determining tumor regression in NSCLC. Our previous studies have suggested the possibility of increasing tumor sensitivity to IL-2 by concomitant administration of immunomodulating neurohormones, such as the pineal hormone melatonin (MLT). On this basis, a study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of immunotherapy with low-dose IL-2 plus MLT versus chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC.

Methods

The study included 60 patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC, who were randomized to receive immunotherapy or chemotherapy. The immunotherapy consisted of IL-2 (3 million IU/day subcutaneously for 6 days/week for 4 weeks) and MLT (40 mg/day orally every day, starting 7 days before IL-2); in nonprogressing patients, a second cycle was repeated after a 21-day rest period, then they underwent a maintenance period consisting of one week of therapy every month until progression. Chemotherapy consisted of cisplatin (20 mg/m2) and etoposide (100 mg/m2)/day intravenously for 3 days; cycles of chemotherapy were repeated every 21 days until progression.

Results

No complete response was obtained. A partial response was achieved in 7/29 patients treated with chemotherapy and in 6/31 patients receiving chemotherapy. The difference was not significant. In contrast, the mean progression-free period and the percentage survival at 1 year was significantly higher in patients treated with immunotherapy than in those treated with chemotherapy. Toxicity was substantially lower in patients receiving immunotherapy than in those given chemotherapy.

Conclusions

This randomized study showed that immunotherapy with low-dose IL-2 plus MLT is a better tolerated and more effective therapy in terms of survival time than chemotherapy containing cisplatin in patients affected by advanced NSCLC.
Oxyphilic Follicular Tumor Arising in Struma Ovarii
Authors: Piana Simonetta , Damiani Stefania , Santini Donatella
Published: October 2018

The present report describes a case of a proliferative lesion developed in a struma ovarii of a 26-year-old woman who presented with asymptomatic bilateral mature ovarian teratomas. The tumor immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally proved to be an oxyphilic follicular thyroid tumor. Although it showed some histologic features which could raise a suspicion of malignancy (solid, trabecular pattern and nuclear pleomorphism), no unequivocable signs of aggressive behaviour (high mitotic activity and vascular invasion) were evident. The patient was alive and well 1 year after a bilateral subtotal ovariectomy.
Land as material, knowledge and relationships: Resource extraction and subsistence imaginaries in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Authors: Panikkar Bindu , Tollefson Jonathan
Published: October 2018

This article examines the social, historical and political constitution of land and resource imaginaries in Bristol Bay, Alaska. We compare the dynamics of these different imaginaries in the region within the early permitting debates concerning the proposed Pebble Mine to understand the contemporary politics of defining and constructing ideologies of extractive resource use. We show that the civic epistemologies and ontologies embedded in different social, scientific and political practices help explain environmental actions and outcomes. We demonstrate that the contested fields of social imagination allow for resource exploitation – commodification, extraction and profit – that endangers nature, but also allow for building alternative imaginaries and constructions of land and value as key components of environmental justice and land sovereignty initiatives. Contestations can also highlight problematic and unjust resource practices that disenfranchise and destabilize subordinate industries, poor communities, indigenous lands and subsistence or renewable resource use. These divergent discourses, and the deliberative valuations of alternative futures that they contribute to, are not effectively considered in Alaska’s large mine permitting process.
Oil spill modeling: computational tools, analytical frameworks, and emerging technologies
Authors: Nelson Jake R. , Grubesic Tony H.
Published: October 2018

Following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010, a substantial body of research has focused on the development of computational tools and analytical frameworks for modeling oil spill events. Much of this work is dedicated to deepening our understanding of the interactions between oil, fragile ecosystems, and the environment, as well as the impacts of oil on human settlements which are vulnerable to spill events. These advances in oil spill modeling and associated analytics have not only increased the efficiency of spill interdiction and mitigation efforts, they have also helped to nurture proactive, versus reactive, response strategies and plans for local and regional stakeholders. The purpose of this paper is to provide a progress report on the wide range of computational tools, analytical frameworks, and emerging technologies which are necessary inputs for a complete oil spill modeling package. Specifically, we explore the use of relatively mature tools, such as dedicated spill modeling packages, geographic information systems (GIS), and remote sensing, as well emerging technologies such as aerial and aquatic drones and other in-situ sensing technologies. The integration of these technologies and the advantages associated with using a geographic lens for oil spill modeling are discussed.
Permeability and Adsorption Capacity of Dialysis Membranes to Lipid A
Authors: Weber C. , Linsberger I. , Rafiee-Tehrani M. , Falkenhagen D.
Published: October 2018

Hemodialysis membranes were tested in vitro for possible penetration by low molecular weight endotoxins containing lipid A. Using lipid A from Escherichia coli as a model substance for this kind of pyrogen, different dialyzers (F4, E3, Acepal 1300, Altraflux, F 40, Polyflux 110, Filtral 12, F 60) were challenged by tangential filtration in aqueous medium. All membranes exhibited impermability to lipid A (as well as to LPS from Pseudomonas aeruginosa), which was proved by additional experiments using culture filtrates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in bicarbonate dialysis fluid, as well as by employing miniaturized dialyzers with synthetic lipid A as a contaminant. Furthermore, the highest adsorption capacities were found for polysulfone and polyamide membranes.
Changes in Bradykinin and Prostaglandins Plasma Levels during Dextran-sulfate Low-density-lipoprotein Apheresis
Authors: Kojima S. , Ogi M. , Yoshitomi Y. , Kuramochi M. , Ikeda J. , Naganawa M. , Hatakeyama H.
Published: October 2018

The negative charges of dextran-sulfate (DS) used for low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis initiate the intrinsic coagulation pathway in which plasma kallikrein acts on the high-molecular-weight kininogen to produce large amounts of bradykinin. This study was undertaken to assess whether bradykinin generated during DS LDL apheresis has any physiologic effects in vivo. The plasma levels of bradykinin, prostaglandins and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were compared, when either of two anticoagulants, heparin or nafamostat mesilate (NM), was used during DS LDL apheresis. Although anticoagulative action by NM depends on the inhibition of thrombin activity, this substance also inhibits the activity of plasma kallikrein. During apheresis using heparin, the plasma levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) increased significantly (5.6 ± 1.2 (mean ± SE, n=4) pg/ml before apheresis and 33.4 ± 13.2 after apheresis, p < 0.05) in association with an increase in bradykinin levels (17.9 ± 2.6 pg/ml before apheresis and 470 ± 135 after apheresis, p < 0.01). Interestingly, these changes were suppressed during apheresis using NM. There were no appreciable changes in cGMP during DS LDL apheresis with either of the anticoagulants. This finding suggests that bradykinin generated during apheresis has some pathophysiological effects via activation of the prostaglandin system. Our results support the view that in patients taking angiotensin-convertingenzyme inhibitors, the anaphylactoid reaction occurring during apheresis may be caused by an excessive rise in the bradykinin levels.
Assessment of Efficacy of Oral Rehydration Salts in Children With Neurally Mediated Syncope of Different Hemodynamic Patterns
Authors: Li Wen , Wang Shuo , Liu Xiaoyan , Zou Runmei , Tan Chuanmei , Wang Cheng
Published: October 2018

Objective:

To assess the efficacy of oral rehydration salts in children with neurally mediated syncope of different hemodynamic types.

Methods:

Children with unexplained syncope or pre-syncope who visited or were hospitalized between March 2012 and February 2015 were enrolled in the study. Checked by the head-up tilt test, 105 children (aged 4-18 years, with a mean age of 11.96 ± 2.86 years) were diagnosed with neurally mediated syncope. Of them, 73 had vasovagal syncope (vasodepressor type in 46, mixed/cardioinhibitory types in 27), and 32 had postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. They were randomized into the oral rehydration salts plus health education group (n = 55) and the health education alone group (n = 50). All treated children were followed up. The follow-up time ranged from 6 to 25 (14.82 ± 6.13) months. Short-term effects were assessed according to the recurrence of clinical symptoms and reviews of head-up tilt test results 6 months after drug withdrawal. Long-term effects were compared between both groups of children with neurally mediated syncope.

Results:

Short-term effect: No significant differences were found in subjective response rate and head-up tilt test negative results rate among different hemodynamic types ( P > .05). Long-term effect: Compared with the health education alone group, the cumulative response rate increased after treatment with oral rehydration salts ( P < .05). Among oral rehydration salts–treated children, the cumulative response rate was higher in those with vasodepressor vasovagal syncope than with mixed/cardioinhibitory vasovagal syncope ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Compared with children with mixed/cardioinhibitory vasovagal syncope, oral rehydration salt is more suitable for those with vasodepressor vasovagal syncope.
Morphology Matters, but What Do Teacher Candidates Know About It?
Authors: Washburn Erin K. , Mulcahy Candace A.
Published: October 2018

Skilled reading is a complex process in which many subskills are involved, including an awareness of the morphological structure of language. Morphological awareness is the ability to understand how words are broken into meaningful units (e.g., affixes, root words). Explicit and systematic teaching of morphological concepts are reported to help striving readers, particularly those in upper elementary, middle, and secondary grades, with reading. To teach morphological concepts and their relation to reading, teachers need to have both awareness and knowledge of morphology. In the present study, general and special education teachers’ knowledge of morphological concepts are examined. Results indicate that teachers, regardless of type of certification (general vs. special education) or grade level (elementary vs. secondary), have difficulty identifying morphemes in both simple and complex words. Suggestions for what and how teacher educators can integrate the teaching of morphological concepts into teacher preparation contexts are provided.
Professional Misconduct in Healthcare: Setting Out a Research Agenda for Work Sociology
Authors: Currie Graeme , Richmond John , Faulconbridge James , Gabbioneta Claudia , Muzio Daniel
Published: October 2018

In the light of its surprising absence in extant literature in the domain of the sociology of work, specifically within the journal Work, Employment and Society, this article represents a ‘call to arms’ for research focused upon professional misconduct in healthcare. Specifically, interrogation of four dimensions of professional misconduct in healthcare is called for: a broader definition of professional misconduct; antecedents of professional misconduct that recognize the effect of context; professional response to regulation of misconduct; and the hierarchical and affective challenge to frontline professionals blowing the whistle on professional misconduct.
Towards docking safety analysis for unmanned aerial vehicle probe-drogue autonomous aerial refueling based on docking success-probability and docking reachability
Authors: Wang Xu-Feng , Li Jian-Min , Kong Xing-Wei , Dong Xin-Min , Zhang Bo
Published: October 2018

Docking safety is a key problem during the docking phase of the unmanned aerial vehicle probe-drogue autonomous aerial refueling (UAV-PD-AAR). To solve this problem, a novel and effective method based on docking success-probability and docking reachability is presented in this paper. Firstly, by employing the location of the drogue with respect to the probe, a docking success-probability estimation algorithm is proposed to give the probe-drogue docking success-probability in real time, with UAV control and drogue attitude considered. Secondly, considering UAV longitudinal dynamics, a docking reachability calculation algorithm for docking reachable set is designed to ensure the UAV can safely reach the docking target set, by using Hamilton–Jacobi equation. Finally, the docking safety algorithm during the docking phase of UAV-PD-AAR is constructed, based on the estimated docking success-probability and the calculated docking reachability. The experiments of docking success-probability estimation and docking reachability calculation were conducted, which can be used towards docking safety analysis during the docking phase of UAV-PD-AAR.
Epoxidised natural rubber–polyaniline dodecylbenzenesulfonate (ENR-PAni.DBSA) blends with adjustable electrostrictive properties
Authors: Yong KC
Published: October 2018

Sulphur-vulcanised epoxidised natural rubber–polyaniline dodecylbenzenesulfonate (ENR-PAni.DBSA) blends with useful electrical conductivities (up to 10−1 S/cm) and adjustable electrostrictive behaviour were successfully produced via a thermomechanical mixing method. A reasonably high level of compatibility between ENR and PAni.DBSA was observed from both Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy studies. As found from both electrostrictive strain ( Sz) tests, ENR-PAni.DBSA blends with 10.0–30.0 wt% of PAni.DBSA content possessed the best electrostrictive response ( Sz up to 12.25%) with applied electric field strengths up to 50 V/µm. Apart from this, blends with very low and very high PAni.DBSA contents (i.e. ≤5.0 wt% and ≥40.0 wt%) had much poorer electrostrictive responses under the same level of applied electrical field, which is due to their lower dielectric properties and higher level of phase separation between ENR and PAni.DBSA.
Effects of manufacturing technology on static, multi-frequency dynamic mechanical analysis and fracture energy of cross-ply and quasi-isotropic carbon/epoxy laminates
Authors: Bergant Zoran , Savin Adriana , Grum Janez
Published: October 2018

The magnitude of improvement of mechanical properties of laminates using expensive technologies is important to justify the investment in new equipment. The objective of this research is to evaluate the mechanical properties of a cross-ply and quasi-isotropic symmetrical plain weave carbon-epoxy laminate produced with a vacuum bagging method and an autoclave processing method for a given set of epoxy/carbon fabric types. Autoclave-processed laminates exhibit higher static strengths, higher moduli in tension, compression and bending but lower Charpy impact toughness. New findings about materials properties were deduced from dynamic multi-frequency tests between 1 Hz and 50 Hz where it was found that the activation energy was 1.8 times higher in autoclave-processed specimens. Autoclave laminates had, on an average, 1.7-times lower damping ratio in the glassy plateau region and a 3-times lower peak damping ratio in the glass transition region than wet lay-up specimens.
Novel technique for repair of arteriovenous fistula with aneurysm
Authors: Muramatsu Masaki , Mizutani Toshihide , Sakurabayashi Kei , Maeda Maho , Yonekura Takashi , Nihei Hiroshi , Hyodo Yoji , Shinoda Kazunobu , Shishido Seiichiro , Sakai Ken
Published: October 2018

Aneurysm of autogenous arteriovenous fistula is a common complication in patients receiving hemodialysis. We present a novel method for repair of a case of aneurysm of arteriovenous fistula resulting from stenosis. A 52-year-old woman presented with aneurysm formation of the left upper arm arteriovenous fistula, with related numbness in the left hand. Clinical examination revealed a tense, pulsatile aneurysm above the brachiocephalic anastomosis. Ultrasound examination revealed an aneurysm (50 mm × 25 mm) with proximal stenosis and an arteriovenous fistula flow rate above 1200 mL/min. An incision was made lateral to the aneurysm from the brachiocephalic anastomosis to the proximal stenosis through the antecubital fossa. After exposure of the entire aneurysmal arteriovenous fistula, the narrowed segment, and the proximal cephalic vein, the aneurysm outflow was ligated and the narrowed segment was removed. A U-shaped incision was made on the aneurysm to create an aneurysmal flap (75 mm × 20 mm). The flap was tubularized after calibration of the lumen with a 14-Fr cannula. End-to-end anastomosis was performed between the distal tubularized flap and the proximal cephalic vein. Intra- and postoperative arteriovenous fistula flow rates were below 900 mL/min. After surgery, the remodeled arteriovenous fistula was immediately usable for hemodialysis with normal arteriovenous fistula flow in the upper arm. The repair technique achieved not only aneurysmorrhaphy but also created an autologous vascular graft as the bypass after removal of the narrowed segment. Moreover, this technique achieved reduced arterial inflow and is suitable for patients with conditions similar to those of this case.
An experimental investigation on the effects of fuel additive on the exhaust emissions of a ferry
Authors: Ergin Selma , Durmaz Murat , Kalender Saliha Saadet
Published: October 2018

This study experimentally investigates the effects of fuel additive on the exhaust emissions and performance of a marine diesel engine installed on a ferry. The fuel additive consisting of hydrocarbon solution of cyclic and aliphatic amino compounds is used to blend the ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel. On-board measurements of NOx, SO2, CO2, CO, hydrocarbon and particulate matter emissions with and without fuel additive were carried out at different engine loads. The composition and formation of the particles are studied by using scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. The results show that the fuel additive reduced the emissions of CO, hydrocarbon and particulate matter by 6.5%, 60% and 38%, respectively. The elemental analysis of particles indicates that there are 13 major elements such as C, O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, K, Ca, Ti, V, Zn and Fe in the samples. Considering the type of the fuel, the Ca, Fe and N are thought to come mainly from the fuel additive. The composition and components of the diesel particles and also the specific fuel oil consumption are not affected significantly by the fuel additive. Consequently, the fuel additive improves the combustion performance and reduces the CO, hydrocarbon and particulate matter emissions of the engine.
Cepstrum-based damage identification in structures with progressive damage
Authors: Dackermann Ulrike , Smith Wade A , Alamdari Mehrisadat Makki , Li Jianchun , Randall Robert B
Published: October 2018

This article aims at developing a new framework to identify and assess progressive structural damage. The method relies solely on output measurements to establish the frequency response functions of a structure using cepstrum-based operational modal analysis. Two different damage indicative features are constructed using the established frequency response functions. The first damage feature takes the residual frequency response function, defined as the difference in frequency response function between evolving states of the structure, and then reduces its dimension using principle component analysis; while in the second damage indicator, a new feature based on the area under the residual frequency response function curve is proposed. The rationale behind this feature lies in the fact that damage often affects a number of modes of the system, that is, it affects the frequency response function over a wide range of frequencies; as a result, this quantity has higher sensitivity to any structural change by combining all contributions from different frequencies. The obtained feature vectors serve as inputs to a novel multi-stage neural network ensemble designed to assess the severity of damage in the structure. The proposed method is validated using extensive experimental data from a laboratory four-girder timber bridge structure subjected to gradually progressing damage at various locations with different severities. In total, 13 different states of the structure are considered, and it is demonstrated that the new damage feature outperforms the conventional principle component analysis–based feature. The contribution of the work is threefold: first, the application of cepstrum-based operational modal analysis in structural health monitoring is further validated, which has potential for real-life applications where only limited knowledge of the input is available; second, a new damage feature is proposed and its superior performance is demonstrated; and finally, the comprehensive test framework including extensive progressive damage cases validates the proposed technique.
Talent Development and Its Role in Shaping Absorptive Capacity in Emerging Market Firms: The Case of Russia
Authors: Latukha Marina O.
Published: October 2018

The Problem

The overall ability to create and transfer knowledge is one of the main competitive advantages for companies from emerging economies and becomes their performance driver. As human resource development (HRD) and talent development (TD), in particular, aim to extend employees’ capabilities related to innovative thinking, creativity, and their key competences, which can be necessary for knowledge creation and development, TD can be associated with a firm’s absorptive capacity; however, their relationship remains underresearched. Although some studies claim about grounds for absorptive capacity, lack of analysis of absorptive capacity dimensions, specified as knowledge acquisition, assimilation, transformation, and exploitation, and its connection to TD in the emerging market context can be observed especially with the relationship to firm performance in Russia.

The Solution

We investigate the influence of TD on firm’s absorptive capacity in emerging market contexts, more specifically in Russia, and confirm the link between TD in Russia and knowledge assimilation, knowledge transformation, knowledge exploitation, and knowledge acquisition.

The Stakeholders

We show the new perspective of talent management, in general, and TD, in particular, for HRD area, showing the leading role of TD in emerging market contexts that should be in a primary agenda for both researchers and practitioners.
Analytical model to investigate distributions of the thermal stresses in the pad and disk for different temporal profiles of friction power
Authors: Yevtushenko Aleksander , Kuciej Michal , Topczewska Katarzyna
Published: October 2018

The friction power is a key parameter that largely determines the value and distribution of temperature and corresponding thermal stresses in friction elements of a braking system. In this article, the influence of this parameter on the thermal stresses is under consideration. For this purpose, the exact formula was obtained to determine the normal thermal stresses, arisen due to frictional heating during relative sliding of the pad on the surface of a brake disk, for 10 selected temporal profiles of the specific friction power. Numerical analysis was carried out for a frictional couple consisting of a cast iron disk and a pad made of retinax. It is established that some temporal profiles of the specific friction power can cause the generation of the tensile stresses on the friction surface of a brake disk in a radial direction. The change of compressive stresses into tensile may indicate the initiation of the microcracks on this surface.
Laser simulator
Authors: Ali Mohammed AH , Mailah Musa
Published: October 2018

A novel technique called laser simulator approach for visibility search graph-based path planning has been developed in this article to determine the optimum collision-free path in unknown environment. With such approach, it is possible to apply constraints on the mobile robot trajectory while navigating in complex terrains such as in factories and road environments, as the first work of its kind. The main advantage of this approach is the ability to be used for both global/local path planning in the presence of constraints and obstacles in unknown environments. The principle of the laser simulator approach with all possibilities and cases that could emerge during path planning is explained to determine the path from initial to destination positions in a two-dimensional map. In addition, a comparative study on the laser simulator approach, A* algorithm, Voronoi diagram with fast marching and PointBug algorithms was performed to show the benefits and drawbacks of the proposed approach. A case study on the utilization of the laser simulator in both global and local path planning has been applied in a road roundabout setting which is regarded as a complex environment for robot path planning. In global path planning, the path is generated within a grid map of the roundabout environment to select the path according to the respective road rules. It is also used to recognize the real roundabout from a sequence of images during local path planning in the real-world system. Results show that the performance of the proposed laser simulator approach in both global and local environments is achieved with low computational and path costs, in which the optimum path from the selected start position to the goal point is tracked accordingly in the presence of the obstacles.
Robust trajectory tracking control for an underactuated autonomous underwater vehicle based on bioinspired neurodynamics
Authors: Jiang Yunbiao , Guo Chen , Yu Haomiao
Published: October 2018

This article investigates the three-dimensional trajectory tracking control problem for an underactuated autonomous underwater vehicle in the presence of parameter perturbations and external disturbances. An adaptive robust controller is proposed based on the velocity control strategy and adaptive integral sliding mode control algorithm. First, the desired velocities are developed using coordinate transformation and the backstepping method, which is the necessary velocities for autonomous underwater vehicle to track the time-varying desired trajectory. The bioinspired neurodynamics is used to smooth the desired velocities, which effectively avoids the jump problem of the velocity and simplifies the derivative calculation. Then, the dynamic control laws are designed based on the adaptive integral sliding mode control to drive the underactuated autonomous underwater vehicle to sail at the desired velocities. At the same time, the auxiliary control laws and the adaptive laws are introduced to eliminate the influence of parameter perturbations and external disturbances, respectively. The stability of the control system is guaranteed by the Lyapunov theorem, which shows that the system is asymptotically stable and all tracking errors are asymptotically convergent. At the end, numerical simulations are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed controller.
Preventive maintenance optimization for repairable products considering two-dimensional warranty and customer satisfaction
Authors: Wang Yukun , Liu Yiliu , Zhang Aibo
Published: October 2018

Customer satisfaction with a purchased product is closely related to the product performance within the warranty region and even the performance during the remainder of its useful life. Every satisfied customer may boost the future sales of the same product with positive evaluations and recommendations to others, and thus will create more profits for the manufacturer. During the useful life of the product, the expected cost to the manufacturer normally depends on the warranty policy, product reliability and specific servicing strategies implemented. In this article, considering the effect of customer satisfaction on the manufacturer’s incurred cost, we investigate a periodic and imperfect preventive maintenance strategy for repairable products sold with a two-dimensional warranty policy. The customer satisfaction is measured with the probability of the customer making a repeat purchase from the same manufacturer. In the proposed model, the number of preventive maintenance actions and corresponding maintenance level are jointly derived with the objective of minimizing the expected total cost per product to the manufacturer. The performance of the proposed preventive maintenance strategy is compared with that of minimal repair corrective maintenance strategy in a numerical example, so as to illustrate its applicability. In addition, some practical implications from a detailed sensitivity analysis are elaborated.
Why Are Schadenfreude and Gluckschmerz Not Happiness or Anger? Or Are They?
Authors: Hess Ursula
Published: October 2018

This comment on Smith and van Dijk’s discussion of the antecedents and consequences of schadenfreude and gluckschmerz considers these emotions in an appraisal framework and discusses the usefulness of naming emotions that do not come with ready-made labels in many languages.
Problems of prematurity
Authors: Mills Jonathan , Elgizoli Belqies , Herath HM Durga
Published: October 2018

The neonatal mortality rate has fallen significantly over the last 50 years; due in part to increasing improvements in obstetric care, although prematurity complications remain the leading cause of death in children under age 5 years. Almost 10% of neonates born in the UK require special medical care. Although the immediate care of a newborn requiring medical care is often delivered in secondary or even tertiary centres, GPs have a role in providing care following discharge. Awareness of the complications and morbidity that arise from prematurity is essential for GPs at all stages of training and beyond.
Fluid Management With Peritoneal Dialysis After Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Barhight Matthew F. , Soranno Danielle , Faubel Sarah , Gist Katja M.
Published: October 2018

Children who undergo cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass are a unique population at high risk for postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) and fluid overload. Fluid management is important in the postoperative care of these children as fluid overload is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Peritoneal dialysis catheters are an important tool in the armamentarium of a cardiac intensivist and are used for passive drainage for fluid removal or dialysis for electrolyte and uremia control in AKI. Prophylactic placement of a peritoneal catheter is a safe method of fluid removal that is associated with few major complications. Early initiation of peritoneal dialysis has been associated with improved clinical markers and outcomes such as early achievement of a negative fluid balance, lower vasoactive medication needs, shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, and decreased mortality. In this review, we discuss the safety and potential benefits of peritoneal catheters for dialysis or passive drainage in children following cardiopulmonary bypass.
Does Posterior Cervical Decompression Conducted by Junior Surgeons Affect Clinical Outcomes in the Treatment of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy? Results From a Multicenter Study
Authors: Nagoshi Narihito , Iwanami Akio , Isogai Norihiro , Ishikawa Masayuki , Nojiri Kenya , Tsuji Takashi , Daimon Kenshi , Takeuchi Ayano , Tsuji Osahiko , Okada Eijiro , Fujita Nobuyuki , Yagi Mitsuru , Watanabe Kota , Nakamura Masaya , Matsumoto Morio , Ishii Ken , Yamane Junichi
Published: October 2018

Study Design:

Retrospective multicenter study.

Objectives:

To evaluate the outcomes of posterior cervical decompression for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) when performed by board-certified spine (BCS) or non-BCS (NBCS) surgeons.

Methods:

We reviewed outcomes for 675 patients who underwent surgery for CSM, were followed at least 1 year after surgery, and were assessed preoperatively and at final follow-up by Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores and by the visual analog scale (VAS) for the neck. Cervical alignment was assessed on radiographs by C2-C7 angles, and range of motion (ROM) by extension minus flexion C2-C7 angles. We compared outcomes for BCS surgeons, who must meet several requirements, including experience in more than 300 spinal surgeries, and for NBCS surgeons.

Results:

BCS surgeons performed 432 of 675 laminoplasties. NBCS surgeons were primary in 243 surgeries, of which 187 were directly supervised by a BCS surgeon. BCS surgeons required significantly less time in surgery (98.0 ± 39.5 vs 108.1 ± 49.7 min; P < .01). BCS and NBCS surgeons had comparable perioperative complications rates, and preoperative-to-postoperative changes in JOA scores (2.9 ± 2.1 vs 3.1 ± 2.3; P = .40) and VAS (−1.5 ± 2.9 vs −1.4 ± 2.5; P = .96). Lordotic cervical alignment and ROM were maintained after operations by both groups.

Conclusions:

Surgical outcomes such as functional recovery, complication rates, and cervical dynamics were comparable between the BCS and NBCS groups. Thus, posterior cervical decompression for CSM is safe and effective when performed by junior surgeons who have been trained and supervised by experienced spine surgeons.
Helmet Treatment of Infants With Deformational Brachycephaly
Authors: Kelly Kevin M. , Joganic Edward F. , Beals Stephen P. , Riggs Jeff A. , McGuire Mary Kay , Littlefield Timothy R.
Published: October 2018

Deformation of the cranium in infancy represents a spectrum of deformity, ranging from severe asymmetric yet proportional distortion of the skull in plagiocephaly, to nearly symmetric yet disproportional distortion in brachycephaly. As such, the condition is best described as deformational plagiocephaly-brachycephaly with isolated plagiocephaly and/or isolated brachycephaly being at either ends of the spectrum. Due to its symmetric appearance, deformational brachycephaly is often incorrectly dismissed as being less concerning, and it has sometimes erroneously been reported that brachycephaly cannot be treated successfully with a cranial orthosis. We prospectively report on 4205 infants with isolated deformational brachycephaly treated with a cranial orthosis from 2013 to 2017. These results demonstrate that the orthosis is successful in the treatment of deformational brachycephaly with an 81.4% improvement toward normal (95.0 to 89.4) in cephalic index. We furthermore demonstrate that entrance age influences treatment results, with younger infants demonstrating both improved outcomes and shorter treatment times.
Prefabricated foot orthoses compared to a placebo intervention for the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sadler Sean , Spink Martin , Cassidy Samuel , Chuter Vivienne
Published: October 2018

Background

Prefabricated foot orthoses are used to treat chronic nonspecific low back pain, however their effectiveness and potential mechanism of action is unclear. The primary aims of the study are to investigate the effectiveness of prefabricated foot orthotic devices for reducing pain and improving function in people with chronic nonspecific low back pain over 52 weeks.

Methods

This study is a participant and assessor blinded, parallel‐group, superiority randomised (1:1) controlled trial. The study will recruit 60 participants aged 18 to 65 years with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Participants will undergo randomisation to a control group (The Back Book) or an intervention group (prefabricated foot orthoses and The Back Book). The primary outcome measures will be change in pain and function from baseline to 12 (primary time point), 26, and 52 weeks. Secondary outcome measures include: gluteus medius muscle activity and transversus abdominis muscle thickness from baseline to 12 weeks, physical activity over 12, 26, and 52 weeks, and correlation between foot type and change in measures of pain and function. Number of hours per day and week that the prefabricated orthoses are worn, as well as, adverse events will be self‐reported by participants. Data will be analysed using the intention‐to‐treat principle.

Discussion

This trial will primarily evaluate the effectiveness of prefabricated foot orthotic devices for reducing pain and improving function in people with chronic nonspecific low back pain over 52 weeks. It is expected that this study will provide clinicians and researchers with an understanding of the role that prefabricated foot orthoses may have in the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain and a potential mechanism of action, and whether foot type influences the outcome.

Trial registration

ACTRN12618001298202.
Distances from the deep plantar arch to the lesser metatarsals at risk during osteotomy: a fresh cadaveric study
Authors: Tonogai Ichiro , Hayashi Fumio , Tsuruo Yoshihiro , Sairyo Koichi
Published: October 2018

Background

The deep plantar arch is formed by anastomosis of the lateral and deep plantar arteries. Osteotomy of the lesser metatarsals is often used to treat metatarsalgia and forefoot deformity. Although it is known that some blood vessels supplying the lesser metatarsals are prone to damage during osteotomy, there is little information on the distances between the deep plantar arch and the three lesser metatarsals. The aims of this study were to identify the distances between the deep plantar arch and the lesser metatarsals and to determine how osteotomy could damage the arch.

Methods

Enhanced computed tomography scans of 20 fresh cadaveric feet (male, n = 10; female, n = 10; mean age 78.6 years at the time of death) were assessed. The specimens were injected with barium via the external iliac artery, and the distance from the deep plantar arch to each lesser metatarsal was measured on axial and sagittal images.

Results

The shortest distances from the deep plantar arch to the second, third, and fourth metatarsals in the axial plane were 0.5, 2.2, and 2.8 mm, respectively. The shortest distances from the distal epiphysis to a line passing through the deep plantar arch perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lesser metatarsal in the sagittal plane were 47.0, 45.7, and 46.4 mm, respectively, and those from the tarsometatarsal joint were 23.0, 21.0, and 18.6 mm. The deep plantar arch ran at the level of the middle third, within the proximal portion of this third in 11/20 (55.0%), 7/20 (35.0%), and 5/16 (31.2%) specimens, respectively, and at the level of the proximal third in 9/20 (45.0%), 13/20 (65.0%), and 11/16 (68.8%).

Conclusions

Overpenetration into the medial and plantar aspect of the second metatarsal or the proximal and plantar aspect of the fourth metatarsal during shaft or proximal osteotomy could easily damage the deep plantar arch. Shaft or proximal osteotomy approximately 45–47 mm proximal to the distal epiphysis or 18–23 mm distal to the tarsometatarsal joint on the plantar aspect could interrupt blood flow in the deep plantar arch.
Chromosomal instability causes sensitivity to protein folding stress and ATP depletion
Authors: Khan Mahwish , Shaukat Zeeshan , Saint Robert , Gregory Stephen L.
Published: October 2018

Aneuploidy ­– having an unbalanced genome – is poorly tolerated at the cellular and organismal level. It gives rise to proteotoxic stress as well as a stereotypical oxidative shift which makes these cells sensitive to internal and environmental stresses. Using Drosophila as a model, we found that protein folding stress is exacerbated by redox stress that occurs in response to ongoing changes to ploidy (chromosomal instability, CIN). We also found that if de novo nucleotide synthesis is blocked, CIN cells are dependent on a high level of lysosome function to survive. Depletion of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) synthesis enzymes led to DNA damage in CIN cells, which showed elevated activity of the DNA repair enzyme activated poly(ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP). PARP activation causes depletion of its substrate, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and subsequent loss of Adenosine Tri-Phosphate (ATP), and we found that adding ATP or nicotinamide (a precursor in the synthesis of NAD+) could rescue the observed phenotypes. These findings provide ways to interpret, target and exploit aneuploidy, which has the potential to offer tumour-specific therapies.
ROSA26 reporter mouse lines and image analyses reveal the distinct region-specific cell behaviors in the visceral endoderm
Authors: Abe Takaya , Kutsuna Natsumaro , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Furuta Yasuhide , Fujimori Toshihiko
Published: October 2018

The early post-implantation mouse embryo changes dramatically in both size and shape. These morphological changes are based on characteristic cellular behaviors, including cell growth and allocation. To perform clonal analysis, we established a Cre/loxP-based reporter mouse line, R26R-ManGeKyou, that enables clonal labeling with multiple colors. We also developed a novel ImageJ plugin, LP-Clonal, for quantitative measurement of the tilt angle of clonal cluster shape, enabling identification of the direction of cluster expansion. We carried out long-term and short-term lineage tracking. We also performed time-lapse imaging to characterize cellular behaviors using R26-PHA7-EGFP and R26R-EGFP. These images were subjected to quantitative image analyses. We found that the proximal visceral endoderm overlying the extra-embryonic ectoderm shows coherent cell growth in a proximal–anterior to distal–posterior direction. We also observed that directional cell migration is coupled with cell elongation in the anterior region. Our observations suggest that the behaviors of visceral endoderm cells vary between regions during peri-implantation stages.
A fruit fly model for studying paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy and hyperalgesia
Authors: Hamoudi Zina , Khuong Thang Manh , Cole Tiffany , Neely G. Gregory
Published: October 2018

Background: Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy is a common and limiting side effect of an approved and effective chemotherapeutic agent. The cause of this nociception is still unknown.

Methods: To uncover the mechanism involved in paclitaxel-induced pain, we developed a Drosophila thermal nociceptive model to show the effects of paclitaxel exposure on third instar larvae.

Results: We found that paclitaxel increases heat nociception in a dose-dependent manner, and at the highest doses also obstructs dendritic repulsion cues.

Conclusions: Our simple system can be applied to identify regulators of chemotherapy-induced pain and may help to eliminate pain-related side-effects of chemotherapy.
Cholesterol metabolism in innate and adaptive response
Authors: Reboldi Andrea , Dang Eric
Published: October 2018

It has been long recognized that cholesterol is a critical molecule in mammalian cell biology, primarily for its contribution to the plasma membrane’s composition and its role in assuring proper transmembrane receptor signaling as part of lipid rafts. Efforts have also been made to characterize the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, cholesterol homeostasis, and cholesterol-derived metabolites in order to gain insights into their dysregulation during metabolic diseases. Despite the central role cholesterol metabolism plays in shaping human health, its regulation during immune activation, such as immune response to pathogens or autoimmune/autoinflammatory diseases, is poorly understood.

The immune system is composed of several type of cells with distinct developmental origin, life span, molecular requirements, and gene expressions. It is unclear whether the same array of cholesterol metabolism regulators are equally employed by different immune cells and whether distinct cholesterol metabolites have similar biological consequences in different immune cells.

In this review, we will describe how cholesterol metabolism is controlled during the adaptive and the innate immune response and the role for intracellular and extracellular receptors for cholesterol and its derivatives.
Association between intensity of STI screening and development of antimicrobial resistance in N. gonorrhoeae in 12 cities in the USA: An ecological study
Authors: Kenyon Chris R.
Published: October 2018

In this study, we assessed if there was a city-level association between sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening intensity in men who have sex with men and antimicrobial sensitivity inNeisseria gonorrhoeaein the United States, 2007 to 2013.  We found positive associations between STI screening intensity and increases in minimum inhibitory concentrations for cefixime and azithromycin, but not ceftriaxone when using change in city geometric meanN. gonorrhoeaeMIC between 2005 and 2013.
Comparative study of commercially available and homemade anti-VAMP7 antibodies using CRISPR/Cas9-depleted HeLa cells and VAMP7 knockout mice
Authors: Verraes Agathe , Cholley Beatrice , Galli Thierry , Nola Sebastien
Published: October 2018

VAMP7 (vesicle-associated membrane protein) belongs to the intracellular membrane fusion SNARE (Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors) protein family. In this study, we used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology to generate VAMP7 knockout (KO) human HeLa cells and mouse KO brain extracts in order to test the specificity and the background of a set of commercially available and homemade anti-VAMP7 antibodies. We propose a simple profiling method to analyze western blotting and immunocytochemistry staining profiles and determine the extent of the antibodies’ specificity. Using this method, we were able to rank the performance of a set of available antibodies and further showed an optimized procedure for VAMP7 immunoprecipitation, which we validated using wild-type and KO mouse brain extracts.