bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of an Infected Nonunion of an Opening-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy with 2-Stage Implantation of Rotating Hinge Knee Prosthesis
Authors: Mariaux Sandrine , Borens Olivier
Published: January 2018

Introduction. High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a frequent and effective treatment for unicompartmental gonarthritis. Only a few articles are focused on the treatment of infected nonunion. Patient and Method. A 50-year-old obese patient was operated on by medial opening-wedge HTO. She developed a painful nonunion treated by hardware removal, allograft, and plate fixation. However, the nonunion persisted. 2 years later, cellulitis appeared with an abscess adjacent to the HTO plate. Despite surgical debridement and antibiotics, septic knee arthritis occurred. In a situation of infected nonunion and septic arthritis with chondrolysis, she was scheduled for a 2-stage total knee replacement (TKR). The infected tibial articular block was first resected and replaced by a cement spacer. After a short interval, the TKR was implanted. After 2 years, the patient walked pain-free with good knee function. Discussion. In the literature, different efficient treatments exist for infected nonunion after HTO, but comprehensive studies are missing for a consensus treatment. Current data are mostly based on case reports, since this pathology is quite rare. Conclusion. In a difficult situation of infected nonunion with septic knee arthritis, we performed a 2-stage knee prosthesis implantation. This led to an early mobilization and fast recovery.
Elevated Serum IgG4 Levels in a Young Patient with Polyserositis and Necator americanus Infection
Authors: Sanna Giuseppe D. , Manetti Roberto , de Filippo Valentina , Babudieri Sergio
Published: January 2018

IgG4-related disease is a fibroinflammatory systemic condition characterized by tumefactive lesions, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate rich in IgG4-positive plasma cells, storiform fibrosis, and elevated serum IgG4 concentrations. It has been described in virtually every organ system. Autoimmunity and infectious agents are potential immunologic triggers in IgG4-related disease. Herein, we describe a peculiar case of effusive-constrictive pericarditis in an 18-year-old boy with polyserositis and concomitant Necator americanus infection.
Assessment of Occlusal Function in a Patient with an Angle Class I Spaced Dental Arch with Periodontal Disease Using a Brux Checker
Authors: Taira Ayako , Odawara Shiho , Sugihara Shuntaro , Sasaguri Kenichi
Published: January 2018

Comprehensive and appropriate occlusion reconstruction therapy is necessary for orthodontic treatment of adult patients with malocclusion with periodontal disease associated with occlusal trauma. We report the case of a patient with extensive moderate chronic periodontitis associated with occlusal trauma. The patient was diagnosed with extensive moderate chronic periodontitis associated with occlusal trauma and underwent thorough treatment for periodontal disease, oral management, and 20 months of orthodontic therapy. Moreover, reconstructed occlusion was performed to evaluate occlusal trauma for visualization using Brux Checker (BC) analysis before and after active orthodontic treatment. The patient acquired stable anterior guidance and a functional occlusal relationship. BC findings revealed weakening of the functional contact between the lateral occlusal force of the dentition and the front teeth and alveolar bone regeneration. The laminar dura became clearer, and the periodontal tissue improved. Our results suggest that assessment of occlusion function using BC analysis and periodontal examination was effective in enabling occlusal treatment goal clarification through orthodontic treatment in case of periodontal disease associated with occlusal trauma.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of S-Substituted Perhalo-2-nitrobuta-1,3-dienes as Novel Xanthine Oxidase, Tyrosinase, Elastase, and Neuraminidase Inhibitors
Authors: Onul Nihal , Ertik Onur , Mermer Neşe , Yanardag Refiye
Published: January 2018

S-substituted perhalo-2-nitrobuta-1,3-dienes 3a, b were synthesized by the reaction of polyhalo-2-nitrobuta-1,3-dienes 1a, b with allyl mercaptan. 1-(2,3-Dibromopropanethio)-4-bromo-1,3,4-trichloro-2-nitrobuta-1,3-diene 4 was obtained from the addition of bromine to S-substituted polyhalo-2-nitrobuta-1,3-diene 3b in carbon tetrachloride. Sulfoxides 5a, b, and 6 were obtained from the reaction of thiosubstituted polyhalonitrobutadienes 3a, b, and 4 with m-CPBA in CHCl3. The structures of the new compounds were determined by spectroscopic data (FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS). These compounds exhibited antixanthine oxidase, antityrosinase, antielastase, and antineuraminidase activities.
Biodiesel from “Morelos” Rice: Synthesis, Oxidative Stability, and Corrosivity
Authors: Zuñiga-Díaz J. , Reyes-Dorantes E. , Quinto-Hernandez A. , Porcayo-Calderon J. , Gonzalez-Rodriguez J. G. , Martinez-Gomez L.
Published: January 2018

Rice bran is a by-product of great production worldwide and its use for the synthesis of biodiesel does not affect the food chain and therefore it is an excellent alternative for the production of biofuels with low carbon footprint. In this work, the synthesis of biodiesel was carried out from the raw rice bran oil of a kernel variety called “Morelos rice.” The stability and corrosivity characteristics of biodiesel were determined. Biodiesel stability was determined both under storage conditions and under accelerated oxidation conditions, and its corrosivity was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy at 110°C under aerated conditions. The results showed that, due to the high instability of the rice bran, its raw oil had a high content of free fatty acids. The synthesized biodiesel showed excellent stability under storage conditions of up to five months, and its oxidative stability was much higher than that established in international standards. On the other hand, biodiesel showed low corrosivity and this was only significant once oxidative degradation began.
Intra-Articular Entrapment of the Medial Epicondyle following a Traumatic Fracture Dislocation of the Elbow in an Adult
Authors: Abdel Nour Hicham G. , El Rassi George S. , Daoud Jack C. , Hassan Youssef G. , Ayoubi Rami A. , Joukhadar Nabih I.
Published: January 2018

Medial epicondyle entrapment after an acute fracture dislocation of the elbow is a common finding in the pediatric population, but a rare finding in adults. We present a case of an adult patient diagnosed with a traumatic fracture dislocation of the elbow joint with intra-articular entrapment of the medial epicondyle. After initial evaluation, closed reduction was done. Stability testing after reduction showed an unstable joint; thus, open reduction and internal fixation was decided.
Effect of miR-29b on the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells by Targeting Mcl-1 and CCND2
Authors: Chen Juan , Li Yanping , Li Yun , Xie Lijian , Wang Jianyi , Zhang Yongwei , Xiao Tingting
Published: January 2018

The proliferation and apoptosis of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) are considered to be key steps in the progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). MicroRNAs (e.g., miR-29b) have been identified in various diseases to be critical modulators of cell growth and apoptosis by targeting Mcl-1 and CCND2. However, the role of miR-29b in PAH remains unknown. So we try to investigate the effect of miR-29b on Mcl-1 and CCND2 protein in PASMCs, analyze the effect of miR-29b on the proliferation of PASMCs, and explore the significance of miR-29b in the proliferation, apoptosis, and gene therapy of PAH. It was observed that gene chip analysis showed miR-29b expression in pulmonary artery tissue. The expression of miR-29b was significantly reduced in PAH model mice. MiR-29b inhibited the proliferation of PASMCs and promoted the apoptosis of PASMCs. Mechanically, miR-29b could inhibit the expression of Mcl-1 and CCND2 protein and silenced Mcl-1 and CCND2 could abolish the change of proliferation and apoptosis of PASMCs. These results demonstrate that miR-29b suppressed cellular proliferation and promoted apoptosis of PASMCs, possibly through the inhibition of Mcl-1 and CCND2. Therefore, miR-29b may serve as a useful therapeutic tool to treat PAH.
Ultrasound Presentation of a Disseminated Fetal and Neonatal Rhabdoid Tumor
Authors: Joueidi Yolaine , Rousselin Aline , Rozel Céline , Loget Philippe , Ranchere Vince Dominique , Odent Sylvie , Bourdeaut Franck , Lavoue Vincent , Le Lous Maela
Published: January 2018

This is a case report of a disseminated fetal rhabdoid tumor discovered at 32 weeks of gestation in a 29-year-old woman on immunosuppressive therapy. The mother consulted for a decrease in fetal movement. Fetal ultrasound showed signs of a disseminated tumor affecting the left armpit, liver, spleen, and limbs. A caesarian section was performed because of signs of fetal distress. Immunohistochemical analysis of a fetal biopsy showed deletion of the SMARCB1 gene. Pathological analysis of the placenta showed a rhabdoid tumor invading both fetal and maternal compartments. The mother underwent a whole-body MRI, and no metastasis was found. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a disseminated rhabdoid tumor invading both fetal and maternal compartments.
Magnetic Fluids’ Heating Power Exposed to a High‐Frequency Rotating Magnetic Field
Authors: Beković Miloš , Trbušić Mislav , Trlep Mladen , Jesenik Marko , Hamler Anton
Published: January 2018

Magnetic fluids are superparamagnetic materials that have recently been the subject of extensive research because of their unique properties. Among them is the heating effect when exposed to an alternating magnetic field, wherein the objective is to use this property in medicine as an alternative method for the treatment of tumors in the body. The heating effect characterization for the alternating magnetic field (AMF) has been studied widely, whilst for the rotational magnetic field (RMF), no systematic study has been done yet. In this article, we present the characterization of the heating power of magnetic fluids in a high‐frequency rotational magnetic field. The results show similar behavior of heating power or specific absorption rate characteristics as in AMF.
Autophagy Modulation in Cancer: Current Knowledge on Action and Therapy
Authors: Marinković Mija , Šprung Matilda , Buljubašić Maja , Novak Ivana
Published: January 2018

In the last two decades, accumulating evidence pointed to the importance of autophagy in various human diseases. As an essential evolutionary catabolic process of cytoplasmatic component digestion, it is generally believed that modulating autophagic activity, through targeting specific regulatory actors in the core autophagy machinery, may impact disease processes. Both autophagy upregulation and downregulation have been found in cancers, suggesting its dual oncogenic and tumor suppressor properties during malignant transformation. Identification of the key autophagy targets is essential for the development of new therapeutic agents. Despite this great potential, no therapies are currently available that specifically focus on autophagy modulation. Although drugs like rapamycin, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and others act as autophagy modulators, they were not originally developed for this purpose. Thus, autophagy may represent a new and promising pharmacologic target for future drug development and therapeutic applications in human diseases. Here, we summarize our current knowledge in regard to the interplay between autophagy and malignancy in the most significant tumor types: pancreatic, breast, hepatocellular, colorectal, and lung cancer, which have been studied in respect to autophagy manipulation as a promising therapeutic strategy. Finally, we present an overview of the most recent advances in therapeutic strategies involving autophagy modulators in cancer.
Survival after Cardiac Arrest Secondary to Massive Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Laher Abdullah E. , Moolla Muhammed , Motara Feroza , Paruk Fathima , Richards Guy
Published: January 2018

Introduction. It is estimated that the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) is missed in as many as 84% of all cases of PE. Cardiac arrest following PE is generally associated with poor outcomes. Case Report. A 43-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department (ED) in cardiac arrest. Swelling of his right lower limb was noted on arrival. Point of care ultrasound was performed during ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and showed a thrombus in the right iliofemoral vein as well as dilatation of the right ventricle. Fibrinolytic therapy was initiated immediately and a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was achieved 30 minutes later. The diagnosis of PE was finally confirmed on computed tomography pulmonary angiography once haemodynamic stability was achieved. The patient was thereafter transferred to the intensive care unit for postresuscitation care and further management. Several days later, he was discharged home neurologically intact and fully recovered. Discussion. Since outcomes after cardiac arrest following PE are generally dismal, available and potentially life-saving interventions to restore pulmonary circulation should be rapidly implemented when PE is the likely cause of cardiac arrest.
Renal Tubular Acidosis an Adverse Effect of PD-1 Inhibitor Immunotherapy
Authors: El Bitar Sandy , Weerasinghe Chanudi , El-Charabaty Elie , Odaimi Marcel
Published: January 2018

Immune checkpoint blockade therapy is gaining popularity among oncologists for treatment of solid and hematologic malignancies. The widespread use of these agents resulted in increasing incidence of renal immune-related adverse events. Reported renal toxicity described so far includes acute interstitial nephritis, minimal change disease, and immune complex glomerulonephritis. We report the case of a 79-year-old female with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer on anti-PD-1 therapy nivolumab. After the 4th administration of nivolumab, the treatment course was complicated with normal anion gap metabolic acidosis. Urine and blood studies were in favor of distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA). Following a negative workup for an underlying etiology, immunotherapy-induced RTA was suspected. Withholding of the offending agent and initiation of steroid therapy resulted in adequate response. The present report provides the first presentation of RTA as a renal immune-related adverse event secondary to nivolumab. Nephrologists and oncologists should be familiar with potentially life-threatening renal side effects induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Does Oral Implant Design Affect Marginal Bone Loss? Results of a Parallel-Group Randomized Controlled Equivalence Trial
Authors: Spies Benedikt C. , Bateli Maria , Ben Rahal Ghada , Christmann Marin , Vach Kirstin , Kohal Ralf-Joachim
Published: January 2018

Objective. To test whether or not the modified design of the test implant (intended to increase primary stability) has an equivalent effect on MBL compared to the control. Methods. Forty patients were randomly assigned to receive test or control implants to be installed in identically dimensioned bony beds. Implants were radiographically monitored at installation, at prosthetic delivery, and after one year. Treatments were considered equivalent if the 90% confidence interval (CI) for the mean difference (MD) in MBL was in between −0.25 and 0.25 mm. Additionally, several soft tissue parameters and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were evaluated. Linear mixed models were fitted for each patient to assess time effects on response variables. Results. Thirty-three patients (21 males, 12 females; 58.2±15.2 years old) with 81 implants (47 test, 34 control) were available for analysis after a mean observation period of 13.9±4.5 months (3 dropouts, 3 missed appointments, and 1 missing file). The adjusted MD in MBL after one year was −0.13 mm (90% CI: −0.46–0.19; test group: −0.49; control group: −0.36; p=0.507). Conclusion. Both implant systems can be considered successful after one year of observation. Concerning MBL in the presented setup, equivalence of the treatments cannot be concluded. Registration. This trial is registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (ID: DRKS00007877).
Role and Possible Mechanisms of Sirt1 in Depression
Authors: Lu Guofang , Li Jianguo , Zhang Hongmei , Zhao Xin , Yan Liang-Jun , Yang Xiaorong
Published: January 2018

Depression is a common, devastating illness. Due to complicated causes and limited treatments, depression is still a major problem that plagues the world. Silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) is a deacetylase at the consumption of NAD+ and is involved in gene silencing, cell cycle, fat and glucose metabolism, cellular oxidative stress, and senescence. Sirt1 has now become a critical therapeutic target for a number of diseases. Recently, a genetic study has received considerable attention for depression and found that Sirt1 is a potential gene target. In this short review article, we attempt to present an up‐to‐date knowledge of depression and Sirt1 of the sirtuin family, describe the different effects of Sirt1 on depression, and further discuss possible mechanisms of Sirt1 including glial activation, neurogenesis, circadian control, and potential signaling molecules. Thus, it will open a new avenue for clinical treatment of depression.
Prolonged Survival of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with Intrathecal Treatments for Isolated Central Nervous System Relapse
Authors: Gorshein Elan , Kalathil Sheila , Gharibo Mecide
Published: January 2018

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is commonly cured when diagnosed in the pediatric population. It portends a poorer prognosis if present in adult patients. Although adults frequently achieve complete remission, relapse rates are substantial, particularly among the elderly and high-risk populations. In the absence of prophylactic intrathecal chemotherapy, more than half of patients may develop CNS involvement or relapse, which is associated with significant risk for systemic illness. This report describes a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia with repeated isolated CNS relapses. This case should remind clinicians that isolated CNS disease in the absence of systemic recurrence could successfully respond to intrathecal therapy and offer patients a favorable quality of life.
Demystifying MR Neurography of the Lumbosacral Plexus: From Protocols to Pathologies
Authors: Muniz Neto Francisco J. , Kihara Filho Eduardo N. , Miranda Frederico C. , Rosemberg Laercio A. , Santos Durval C. B. , Taneja Atul K.
Published: January 2018

Magnetic resonance neurography is a high-resolution imaging technique that allows evaluating different neurological pathologies in correlation to clinical and the electrophysiological data. The aim of this article is to present a review on the anatomy of the lumbosacral plexus nerves, along with imaging protocols, interpretation pitfalls, and most common pathologies that should be recognized by the radiologist: traumatic, iatrogenic, entrapment, tumoral, infectious, and inflammatory conditions. An extensive series of clinical and imaging cases is presented to illustrate key-points throughout the article.
A Combination of SAHA and Quinacrine Is Effective in Inducing Cancer Cell Death in Upper Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Zhu Shoumin , Chen Zheng , Wang Lihong , Peng Dunfa , Belkhiri Abbes , Lockhart A. Craig , El-Rifai Wael
Published: January 2018

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of single agent and the combination of quinacrine and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) in wt- and mut-p53 upper gastrointestinal cancer (UGC) cell models.

Experimental Design: ATP-Glo, clonogenic cell survival, Annexin V, comet, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), qPCR, and Western blot analysis assays were utilized.

Results: Using clonogenic cell survival, ATP-Glo cell viability, Annexin V, and sub-G0 population analysis, we demonstrated that a combination of quinacrine and SAHA significantly decreased colony formation and increased cancer cell death (range, 4–20 fold) in six UGC cell models, as compared with single-agent treatments, irrespective of the p53 status (P < 0.01). The combination of quinacrine and SAHA induced high levels of DSB DNA damage (>20-fold, P < 0.01). Western blot analysis showed activation of caspases-3, 9, and γ-H2AX in all cell models. Of note, although quinacrine treatment induced expression of wt-p53 protein, the combination of quinacrine and SAHA substantially decreased the levels of both wt-P53 and mut-P53. Furthermore, cell models that were resistant to cisplatin (CDDP) or gefitinib treatments were sensitive to this combination. Tumor xenograft data confirmed that a combination of quinacrine and SAHA is more effective than a single-agent treatment in abrogating tumor growth in vivo (P < 0.01).

Conclusions: Our novel findings show that the combination of quinacrine and SAHA promotes DNA damage and is effective in inducing cancer cell death, irrespective of p53 status and resistance to CDDP or gefitinib in UGC models. Clin Cancer Res; 24(8); 1905–16. ©2018 AACR.
Methadone Dose Adjustments, Plasma R-Methadone Levels and Therapeutic Outcome of Heroin Users: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Mannaioni Guido , Lanzi Cecilia , Lotti Michela , Galli Valentina , Totti Arianna , Pacileo Ilaria , Sili Maria , Pracucci Chiara , Dilaghi Arianna , Bertieri Lara , Quaranta Mariarita , Orsini Francesco , Occupati Brunella , Michahelles Assia , Ciuti Riccardo , Bianchini Elisa , Fabbro Giancarlo , Biggeri Annibale , Masini Emanuela , Moroni Flavio
Published: January 2018

Aims: We aimed to improve the retention in treatment and therapeutic outcome of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients by adjusting the oral methadone dose in order to reach a “target” plasma R-methadone level (80–250 ng/mL). Methods: A multicenter randomized controlled trial was organized. Results: The intention-to-treat statistical analysis showed that repeated dose adjustments performed in order to obtain therapeutic plasma R-methadone levels did not improve retention in treatment of heroin-dependent patients. However, patients having plasma methadone levels in the “target range” at the beginning of the study had a better retention in treatment than controls. Furthermore, patients succeeding in keeping plasma R-methadone target levels (per protocol analysis) remained in treatment and improved their social scores better than controls. ­Conclusion: Although the primary endpoint of this study was not demonstrated, a post hoc and a per protocol analysis suggested that patients in MMT with plasma R-methadone concentrations in the target range have a better therapeutic outcome than controls.
Vonoprazan, a Novel Potassium-Competitive Acid Blocker, Should Be Used for the Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapy as First Choice: A Large Sample Study of Vonoprazan in Real World Compared with Our Randomized Control Trial Using Second-Generation Proton Pump Inhibitors for Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapy
Authors: Ozaki Haruhiko , Harada Satoshi , Takeuchi Toshihisa , Kawaguchi Shinpei , Takahashi Yoshiaki , Kojima Yuichi  , Ota Kazuhiro , Hongo Yasushi , Ashida Kiyoshi , Sakaguchi Masahiro , Tokioka Satoshi , Sakamoto Hiroki , Furuta Takahisa , Tominaga Kazunari , Higuchi Kazuhide
Published: January 2018

Background/Aims: Phase III study demonstrated that vonoprazan-based Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy achieved higher eradication rate compared with lansoprazole. However, there is no study that evaluated the efficacy of vonoprazan in a large sample in real world. We investigated the eradication rate and safety of vonoprazan-based eradication therapy compared with our randomized control trial using second-generation proton pump inhibitor (PPIs). Methods: (First study) A total of 147 patients who have H. pylori infection were randomly assigned to receive either, esomeprazole (EPZ) group and rabeprazole (RPZ) group. (Second study) 1,688 patients who have H. pylori infection underwent primary eradication with triple therapy involving vonoprazan. In both studies, triple therapy with amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and PPI or vonoprazan was performed, and eradication effect was assessed by an urea breath test. Results: (First study) Eradication rate was 77.5% in the EPZ group and 68.4% in the RPZ group; no significant difference was observed between the 2 groups. (Second study) The successful primary eradication rate was 90.8%. There was no severe adverse effect. Conclusions: The eradication rate of vonoprazan-based triple therapy was remarkably higher compared with second-generation PPIs-based triple therapy in real world. Vonoprazan is very likely to become the first option for future eradication therapy.
Del-1 Expression as a Potential Biomarker in Triple-Negative Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Lee Soo Jung , Lee Jeeyeon , Kim Wan Wook , Jung Jin Hyang , Park Ho Yong , Park Ji-Young , Chae Yee Soo
Published: January 2018

Objective: A differential diagnostic role for plasma Del-1 was proposed for early breast cancer (EBC) in our previous study. We examined tumoral Del-1 expression and analyzed its prognostic impact among patients with EBC. Methods: Del-1 mRNA expression was assessed in breast epithelial and cancer cells. Meanwhile, the tumoral expression of Del-1 was determined based on tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry results from 440 patients. Results: While a high Del-1 mRNA expression was found in all the breast cancer cell lines, the expression was significantly higher in MDA-MB-231. Tumoral expression of Del-1 was also significantly associated with a negative expression of estrogen receptor or progesterone receptor, and low expression of Ki-67, particularly in the case of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) (p < 0.036). Furthermore, a correlation was found between Del-1 expression and an aggressive histological grade, nuclear mitosis, and polymorphism, suggesting a possible role in tumor progression. In the survival analysis, a worse distant disease-free survival trend was noted for the group overexpressing Del-1. Conclusion: While all the investigated breast cancer cell lines exhibited Del-1 expression, the expression rate and intensity were specifically prominent in TNBC. In addition, based on its relationship to an unfavorable histology and worse survival trend, Del-1 could act as a molecular target in TNBC patients.
Microbiological Changes and Caries-Preventive Effect of an Innovative Varnish Containing Chlorhexidine in Orthodontic Patients
Authors: Lipták Lídia , Szabó Krisztina , Nagy Gábor , Márton Sándor , Madléna Melinda
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Cervitec Plus® on the level of mutans streptococcus (SM) and lactobacillus (LB) colonies and the development of white spot lesions (WSLs) in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. Informed consent was obtained from 32 volunteers (age 16.5 ± 2.75 years). At baseline, levels of the bacterial colonies were determined in saliva and plaque using a chairside test (CRT Bacteria, Ivoclar-Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein), and the number of WSLs was registered. After placing the fixed appliance, Cervitec Plus® or placebo varnishes (Ivoclar-Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) were applied monthly around the brackets and tubes, randomly in the right or left (test and placebo) quadrants of the same dental arch. SM and LB colonies in saliva and the SM colonies in plaque were determined on 11–21, 13–23, 15–25, and 16–26 teeth monthly over a 6-month period. At the sixth month, the number of new WSLs was determined. By the end of the study, compared with baseline, the ratio of saliva samples belonging to the low-risk category was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.01) from the 2nd month regarding the SM (76 vs. 52%) and LB (69 vs. 52%); reduction of SM in plaque was significantly greater on the test than placebo sides (6.69 ± 1.71 and 4.45 ± 1.60, respectively; p ≤ 0.01). The mean number of new WSLs was significantly lower in the test (0.06 ± 1.60) than in the placebo quadrants (1.13 ± 1.50, p ≤ 0.01). Conclusion: Monthly use of Cervitec Plus® could result in a significant improvement in oral health of orthodontic patients.
Impact of Early Anatomical and Functional Responses to Bevacizumab in Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Noh Donghyoun , Ryu Gahyung , Lee Junyeop , Sagong Min
Published: January 2018

Purpose: To evaluate whether early anatomical and visual acuity (VA) responses to intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) in macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) are associated with 1-year follow-up outcomes. Methods: Ninety-nine treatment-naïve patients (99 eyes) with macular edema after BRVO treated with IVB were analyzed retrospectively. All patients received single injection and were followed up with pro re nata regimen for at least 12 months. The relationship between early (1 month) and late (12 months) anatomical (presence/absence of fluid) and functional response (an improvement of <1, 1 to <3, or ≥3 logMAR lines from baseline in best corrected VA, BCVA) was explored. Results: Fifty-eight eyes (58.6%) had absence of fluid at 1 month after the first injection, but 41 eyes (41.4%) did not. Those with absence of fluid at 1 month were more likely to be fluid-free at 12 months (p = 0.010). Thirty-seven (37.4%), 24 (24.2%), and 38 (38.4%) eyes showed an improvement of <1, 1 to <3, and ≥3 lines, respectively, at 1 month after the first injection. Intercohort differences across three response categories in BCVA change from baseline were statistically significant throughout the follow-up. Each group maintained stable VA changes within 1 line during the follow-up after 1 month. Conclusion: The early anatomical and functional response was associated with anatomical and functional improvement at 12 months.
A Climatology of Southwest Indian Ocean Tropical Systems: Their Number, Tracks, Impacts, Sizes, Empirical Maximum Potential Intensity, and Intensity Changes
Authors: Leroux Marie-Dominique , Meister Julien , Mekies Dominique , Dorla Annie-Laure , Caroff Philippe
Published: January 2018

A 17-yr “climatology” of tropical-system activity, track, size, and 24-h intensity change in the southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) is developed and analyzed in comparison with other intensively studied basins such as the North Atlantic Ocean. A first formulation of the empirical maximum potential intensity of SWIO tropical systems is also proposed, along with the climatology of sea surface temperatures from September to June. Systems with a 34-kt (1 kt = 0.514 m s−1) wind radius that does not exceed 46 km are considered to be very small or midget systems, on the basis of the 5th percentile of storm size distribution. Using the 95th percentile of overwater intensity changes, rapid intensification (RI) is statistically defined by a minimum increase of 15.4 m s−1 day−1 in the maximum 10-min mean surface wind speed (VMAX). This value is similar to the 30-kt threshold commonly used in the North Atlantic basin for 1-min sustained wind speeds. Rapid decay (RD) can be statistically defined by a minimum weakening of 13.9 m s−1 day−1, although the spread in the 5th percentile of intensity changes among the different intensity classes indicates that it is not as appropriate to use a unique RD threshold for all systems. It is shown that 43% of all tropical systems and all very intense tropical cyclones (VMAX ≥ 59.6 m s−1) underwent RI at least once during their lifetimes. It is highlighted that systems have a greater propensity to intensify rapidly for an initial intensity between 65 and 75 kt. Statistics indicate that operational intensity forecast errors are significantly greater at short range for RI cases while track errors are reduced.
Gustatory Function in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Wolf Axel , Renner Bertold , Tomazic Peter V. , Mueller Christian A.
Published: January 2018

Objectives:

Recent research has shown that taste receptors in airway epithelial cells are involved in defending against upper respiratory tract infection. The aim of the present study was to investigate gustatory function in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Methods:

Taste function was assessed using the extended “taste strip” test in 37 patients with CRS (20 males, 17 females; mean age = 32.1 years; range, 20-82 years) and 135 healthy controls (70 males, 65 females; mean age = 29.5 years; range, 18-84 years).

Results:

The mean (±SD) total extended taste score was 12.8 (±3.5) in patients and 14.5 (±3.2) in controls. Analysis of variance indicated an interaction of sinusitis and gender ( P < .05) with significantly lower total scores and significantly poorer results for the bitter taste among male patients compared to controls ( P < .01). In addition, CRS patients exhibited a trend toward decreased sweet taste perception compared to controls, but this did not reach significance ( P = .051).

Conclusions:

Patients with CRS exhibited decreased gustatory function compared to healthy controls. The effect was most pronounced for bitter taste. Thus, the assessment of gustatory function seems to be useful for detecting potential risk factors for recurrent upper respiratory tract infection.
Helmet Clasp Cracks Larynx? A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Ostby Erin T. , Crawley Brianna K.
Published: January 2018

Introduction:

Helmet use is well known to greatly reduce the risk of head injury in both bicycle and motorcycle riding. However, helmet buckle position may increase the risk of injury to the neck cartilages. We present a series of cases in which thyroid cartilage fracture is presumed to arise from the position of the helmet buckle during a crash. Our objective with this case series is to outline an unusual series of cases and review the literature regarding laryngeal injuries secondary to helmet impact.

Design:

Single institution case series.

Materials and Methods:

We present 3 adult patients with laryngeal fractures following bicycle and motorcycle accidents. Medical records were reviewed for history.

Results:

All patients in this series presented with voice or swallowing complaints and were found to have thyroid cartilage fractures. It was determined that the buckle of the helmet was positioned overlying the larynx during these accidents, so the impact and flexion of the head and neck may have produced sufficient force against it to fracture the cartilage. A literature search yielded works supporting helmet use for head and brain protection but only a single report of laryngeal injuries secondary to helmet use.

Conclusions:

Though wearing a helmet is protective against head injuries, it may create serious risk to the neck cartilages when the buckle is positioned adjacent to the larynx. Rare but serious, neck cartilage fracture should be considered in helmeted cycling accidents. It may be reasonable to advance a helmet design that positions the buckle and other nonpliable components laterally, away from neck cartilages.
Locate Your Nearest Exit: Mass Layoffs and Local Labor Market Response
Authors: Foote Andrew , Grosz Michel , Stevens Ann
Published: January 2018

Large shocks to local labor markets can cause long-lasting changes to employment, unemployment, and the local labor force. This study examines the relationship between mass layoffs and the long-run size of the local labor force. The authors consider four main channels through which the local labor force may adjust: in-migration, out-migration, retirement, and disability insurance enrollment. These channels, primarily out-migration, account for more than half of the labor force reduction over the past two decades. Findings show, however, that during and after the Great Recession, instead of out-migration, non-participation in the labor force grew to account for most of the local labor force exits following a mass layoff.
The build-up of coercive capacities
Authors: Pamp Oliver , Rudolph Lukas , Thurner Paul W , Mehltretter Andreas , Primus Simon
Published: January 2018

Do governments’ military build-ups foster the outbreak of intrastate violence? This article investigates the impact of governments’ arms imports on the onset of intrastate conflicts. There is scant empirical research on the role of the external acquisition of coercive technologies, and even fewer studies explore the respective causal mechanisms of their consequences. We argue that the existing literature has not adequately considered the potential simultaneity between conflict initiation and arms purchases. In contrast, our study explicitly takes into account that weapon inflows may not only causally induce conflicts but may themselves be caused by conflict anticipation. Following a review of applicable theoretical models to derive our empirical expectations, we offer two innovative approaches to surmount this serious endogeneity problem. First, we employ a simultaneous equations model that allows us to estimate the concurrent effects of both arms imports on conflict onsets and conflict onsets on imports. Second, we are the first to use an instrumental variable approach that uses the import of weapon types not suitable for intrastate conflict as instruments for weapon imports that are relevant for fighting in civil wars. Relying on arms transfer data provided by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute for the period 1949-2013, we provide estimates for the effect of imports on civil war onset. Our empirical results clearly show that while arms imports are not a genuine cause of intrastate conflicts, they significantly increase the probability of an onset in countries where conditions are notoriously conducive to conflict. In such situations, arms are not an effective deterrent but rather spark conflict escalation.
Interstate rivalry, genocide, and politicide
Authors: Uzonyi Gary
Published: January 2018

Interstate rivalry not only influences a country’s international behavior, but also its domestic conduct. Here, I focus on the connection between interstate rivalry and domestic government mass killing, specifically genocide and politicide. I argue that interstate rivalry has both direct and indirect influences on a government’s decision to use mass violence against its civilian population. Directly, countries engaged in rivalry experience a heightened state of military tension, which increases the likelihood that the country will resort to political mass killing when handling domestic dissent. Indirectly, rivalry increases the likelihood of both inter- and intrastate conflict, which also increases the likelihood of genocide and politicide. Statistical analysis of all country-years from 1955 to 2011 reveals that interstate rivals are more likely to engage in genocide and politicide than are other states. This research illustrates the way in which interstate rivalry influences a state’s domestic politics and shapes the interactions between government and population. It also highlights the importance of how the international threat environment affects a state’s willingness to engage in domestic political mass murder. These findings indicate that rivals do not only engage in the most violent interstate behavior, but also some of the deadliest domestic politics, as well.
Encounters with the centaur state: Advanced urban marginality and the practices and ethics of welfare sanctions regimes
Authors: Flint John
Published: January 2018

This article examines the relationships between advanced urban marginality and new forms of state craft to regulate marginalised populations, specifically Wacquant’s concept of the centaur state and the use of conditionality mechanisms in the British welfare state. The article empirically explores the experiences and perspectives of welfare practitioners and subjects. It finds some evidence of an inculcation of elite narratives and understandings of urban marginality and incidences of antagonism. However, the orientations and ethical frameworks of those deploying or subject to processes of sanctioning within reconfigured welfare regimes are more differentiated and ambiguous than both governmental discourse and critical urban studies often suggest.
Optimizing Count Responses in Surveys: A Machine-learning Approach
Authors: Fu Qiang , Guo Xin , Land Kenneth C.
Published: January 2018

Count responses with grouping and right censoring have long been used in surveys to study a variety of behaviors, status, and attitudes. Yet grouping or right-censoring decisions of count responses still rely on arbitrary choices made by researchers. We develop a new method for evaluating grouping and right-censoring decisions of count responses from a (semisupervised) machine-learning perspective. This article uses Poisson multinomial mixture models to conceptualize the data-generating process of count responses with grouping and right censoring and demonstrates the link between grouping-scheme choices and asymptotic distributions of the Poisson mixture. To search for the optimal grouping scheme maximizing objective functions of the Fisher information (matrix), an innovative three-step M algorithm is then proposed to process infinitely many grouping schemes based on Bayesian A-, D-, and E-optimalities. A new R package is developed to implement this algorithm and evaluate grouping schemes of count responses. Results show that an optimal grouping scheme not only leads to a more efficient sampling design but also outperforms a nonoptimal one even if the latter has more groups.
Selective vulnerability in very advanced L2 grammars: Evidence from VPE constraints
Authors: Al-Thubaiti Kholoud A
Published: January 2018

This study examines whether the second language acquisition (L2A) of syntactic properties at the interfaces is problematic for L2 learners. English verb phrase ellipsis (VPE) was tested as an interface property which involves feature interpretability. Two subtle contrasts of VPE at different grammar-internal interfaces were examined: (a) copula be and lexical verb ellipsis at the syntax–lexicon interface (*John is here, and Mary will too vs. John slept, and Mary will too), and (b) progressive be and perfective have stranding at the syntax–semantics interface (*John slept, and Mary was too vs. Peter saw your parents last week, but he hasn’t since). Unlike (a), the contrast in (b) requires identifying (un)interpretable features on -ing and -en to recover the semantics of the elided material. Since Saudi Arabic does not license VPE, (very-)advanced English L2 speakers whose first language (L1) is Saudi Arabic were tested. The results from a bimodal timed acceptability judgment task showed they were more target-like on the contrast at the syntax–lexicon interface than they were on the syntax–semantics interface. They particularly deviated from target-like judgments on have stranding which requires recognizing the perfective uninterpretable feature on - en. These results suggest selective vulnerability at grammar-internal interfaces whenever uninterpretable features are involved.
Reference-free error estimation for multiple measurement methods
Authors: Madan Hennadii , Pernuš Franjo , Špiclin Žiga
Published: January 2018

We present a computational framework to select the most accurate and precise method of measurement of a certain quantity, when there is no access to the true value of the measurand. A typical use case is when several image analysis methods are applied to measure the value of a particular quantitative imaging biomarker from the same images. The accuracy of each measurement method is characterized by systematic error (bias), which is modeled as a polynomial in true values of measurand, and the precision as random error modeled with a Gaussian random variable. In contrast to previous works, the random errors are modeled jointly across all methods, thereby enabling the framework to analyze measurement methods based on similar principles, which may have correlated random errors. Furthermore, the posterior distribution of the error model parameters is estimated from samples obtained by Markov chain Monte-Carlo and analyzed to estimate the parameter values and the unknown true values of the measurand. The framework was validated on six synthetic and one clinical dataset containing measurements of total lesion load, a biomarker of neurodegenerative diseases, which was obtained with four automatic methods by analyzing brain magnetic resonance images. The estimates of bias and random error were in a good agreement with the corresponding least squares regression estimates against a reference.
Northern Cyprus as an ‘inner neighbour’: A critical analysis of European Union enlargement in Cyprus
Authors: Casaglia Anna
Published: January 2018

This article analyses the impact of Cyprus’s accession to the European Union (EU) on the northern part of the island, and tackles the political actorness of the EU with regard to the enduring Cypriot conflict. Much literature has critically analysed the EU enlargement process, underlining its imperialistic features and its problematic nature. At the same time, scholars have highlighted the EU’s difficulties in acting as a political actor and its impact on situations of ethno-national conflict. This article brings together these critical aspects by analysing them in the peculiar context of Cyprus. It retraces the negotiation process and the Turkish Cypriots’ in/visibility throughout it, and presents research conducted following Cyprus’s accession in three different periods between 2008 and 2015. We propose an interpretation of Northern Cyprus as an ‘inner neighbour’ of the EU, because of its anomalous and liminal status, the suspended application of the acquis communautaire, the unresolved conflict and the ambiguity of the border management of the Green Line, the line of partition between north and south. All these problematic features of Northern Cyprus’s situation are examined in detail to identify the unique position of this entity within the EU. In addition to this, and supporting the importance of a bottom-up understanding of the EU’s normative and symbolic projection, the article presents the opinions of Turkish Cypriot citizens about their expectations before and after 2004, and how their ideas and imaginaries related to the EU have evolved and interacted with the process of Europeanisation.
Community Conversation as a Method of Gathering and Analyzing Qualitative Data
Authors: Trainor Audrey A.
Published: January 2018

Community conversation, a method of increasing inclusive, community-based employment by harnessing the expertise and motivation of key stakeholders, surfaces important information that can also be used as a method of inquiry. This article examines the commonalities between community conversation as method of practice and method of research. Opportunities to hone this approach for the purpose of increasing its contribution to research are also identified.
Motivational processes in Sport Education programs among high school students
Authors: Chu Tsz Lun (Alan) , Zhang Tao
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this study was to conduct a literature review on the motivational processes in a Sport Education curriculum model among high school-aged students using self-determination theory and achievement goal theory as theoretical frameworks. Literature for analysis was searched through electronic databases including Academic Research Complete, ERIC, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science by entering ‘Sport Education’, ‘physical education’, and ‘high school’ or ‘secondary school’ as keywords. Articles for review were then selected using the following criteria: (a) written in English; (b) published in a peer-reviewed journal; (c) a Sport Education curriculum model implemented in high school settings with three season phases; (d) providing empirical findings; and (e) investigating motivational variables as main outcomes. A total of 18 articles were identified of moderate and high quality based on a quality assessment. A systematic review of the articles resulted in three main findings: (a) self-determination theory and achievement goal theory strongly support the positive motivational influence of Sport Education; (b) Sport Education is relatively consistent in promoting motivational outcomes across genders, grade levels, sports, and motivational profiles; and (c) more research with long-term follow-up data and teacher participants in diverse school settings is needed to examine potential differences in the motivational impact of Sport Education programs.