bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traditional Korean Medicine Treatment for Patients with Wilting Disorder: A Literature Review of In Vivo Studies
Authors: Kim Sung-Jin , Park Yeon-Cheol , Baek Yong-Hyeon , Seo Byung-Kwan
Published: November 2018

Wilting disorder is an abnormal condition characterized by weakness and paralysis of the upper and lower extremities. Pathogenesis and treatment target of the disorder are unclear; hence, allopathic treatment is generally used to relieve the symptoms. To investigate the treatment mechanism and effect of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) in patients with wilting disorder, we reviewed in vivo studies that focused on the effect of TKM on the main symptoms of wilting disorder and treatment of the diseases that can cause these symptoms. We electronically searched the PubMed, Cochrane, and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) databases using the following search terms: (weakness OR motor function disorder) (myasthenia gravis OR Guillain‐Barre syndrome OR amyotrophic lateral sclerosis OR paralysis OR polymyositis OR muscular dystrophy) AND (herbal medicine OR acupuncture OR bee‐venom OR pharmacoacupuncture OR electro‐acupuncture OR moxibustion). We selected 11 studies that demonstrated the effect of TKM treatment on the main symptoms of wilting disorder. In these studies, inducted models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Duchenne muscular atrophy, polymyositis, and Guillain‐Barre syndrome were used. With regard to treatment, herbal medicine was used in five studies, and acupuncture and bee‐venom pharmacoacupuncture were used in three studies each. Future research is needed to determine the effectiveness of TKM treatment in patients with diseases that can cause the main symptoms of wilting disorder.
Understanding Rockburst-Generating Behaviors and Associated Seismicity by Using a Spatial Calculation Methodology with an Energy Density Index
Authors: Wang Guifeng , Yuan Xiaoyuan , Gong Siyuan , Dou Linming , Cai Wu , Fan Chaojun
Published: November 2018

Rockbursts have become one of the most severe risks in underground coal mining. A proper understanding of the relationship between the spatial activities of mining-induced tremors and the occurrence of rockbursts can provide effective insight into the evaluation of rockburst hazard as well as revealing their causes. A methodology for spatially calculating the seismicity involving the use of an energy density index was developed to identify the evolution of mining-induced tremors over time. The results showed that numerous tremors occurred during the excavation and mining periods, and those tremors were distributed in a spatially complicated fashion, and it was difficult to identify their evolution trends over time and assess the rockburst hazard. However, energy density clouds had obvious distinguishable trends that presented nucleation characteristics and followed obvious extension around the nucleuses until strong tremors took place nearby. Velocity tomograms indicated that evolution of energy density clouds was the response to the rising stress concentration in some local areas before the rockburst. Then the rockburst-generating journey was inferred; that is, the jump of stress in local areas of coal-rock masses results in the clustering and nucleation of microfractures firstly, and then as the microfractures developed, macrofractures appeared, bringing strong tremors which triggered the rockburst.
Adiabatic Invariants for Generalized Fractional Birkhoffian Mechanics and Their Applications
Authors: Song C. J.
Published: November 2018

Perturbation to Noether symmetry and adiabatic invariants are investigated for the generalized fractional Birkhoffian system with the combined Riemann-Liouville fractional derivative and the combined Caputo fractional derivative, respectively. Firstly, differential equations of motion for the generalized fractional Birkhoffian system are established. Secondly, Noether symmetry and conserved quantity are studied. Thirdly, perturbation to Noether symmetry and adiabatic invariants are presented for the generalized fractional Birkhoffian mechanics. And finally, several applications are discussed to illustrate the results and methods.
Speed Behavior of Passenger Car on Helical Ramps and Helical Bridges in Mountain Riverside City
Authors: Xu Jin , Fu Jinghou , Liu Xiaoming , Shao Yiming
Published: November 2018

Helix alignment can allow for a rapid change in road elevation in size-constrained spaces, and it is becoming increasingly popular in interchange design throughout the world. However, driving patterns and vehicle operating characteristics have not been clearly defined on helical ramps. This work conducted field driving tests on four helical ramps located in Chongqing, China. The trajectory, speed, and acceleration of vehicles under normal driving conditions were collected. Thus speed characteristics and speed patterns on helical ramps, as well as their affecting factors, were obtained and analyzed. The findings in this study can provide basic data referencing for designers and engineers, to help them understand how a multilayered helical ramp works, thus to essentially improve the safety level of helix ramps. Moreover, our findings allow bridge designers to understand whether the actual vehicle operating conditions acted in accordance with their expected design requirements, i.e., whether the expected design requirements are achieved.
Back Analysis and Calculation of Dynamic Mechanical Parameters of Rock Mass with Measured Blasting Vibration Signals
Authors: Yang Zhaowei , Lu Wenbo , Gao Qidong , Yan Peng , Chen Ming , Hu Haoran
Published: November 2018

How to obtain dynamic parameters of rock masses quickly and precisely is a popular and difficult problem, which plays a very important part in engineering design or construction. Currently, the methods used to obtain these parameters are in situ testing method, empirical formula, and so on. However, these methods have some shortcomings, such as large investment and long construction period, which cannot obtain the dynamic parameters precisely and quickly in the engineering scale. In this study, a new method of estimating the rock parameters based on the measured field blasting vibration signals is proposed according to theory of elastic stress wave. In addition, an improved method for S-wave identification used in engineering scale was proposed and then the numerical simulation is given to verify the feasibility. Comparison of the numerical identification results and theoretical results clearly show that the improved method is available in S-wave identification with errors less than 2%. By identifying the arrival times of P and S waves, the propagation velocities of P and S waves are calculated and the parameters of rock mass can be obtained at last. Through analyzing the measured field blasting vibration signals in Fengning pumped-storage power station, the dynamic elastic modulus of rock mass inversed by vibration signals is about 2.2~2.9 times of its static elastic modulus, while the inversed dynamic Poisson's ratio is 0.9~0.975 times of the static.
Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Accelerates the Recovery of Gastrointestinal Function after Cesarean Section: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhou Dandan , Hu Bo , He Shan , Li Xiaogang , Gong Hui , Li Feng , Wang Qiang
Published: November 2018

Background. Gastrointestinal functional recovery is an important factor affecting postoperative outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on gastrointestinal function in women undergoing cesarean section. Methods. 150 pregnant women undergoing cesarean section were randomly allocated into TEAS, nonacupoint stimulation (sham group), and no stimulation (control group). The primary outcome was indications of gastrointestinal functional recovery and the secondary outcomes included time to first mobilization, postoperative hospital stay, daily living activities at one week after surgery, postoperative side‐effects, and serum levels of gastroenterological hormones. Results. The time to first flatus in TEAS group was significantly shorter compared to control (P=0.004) and sham groups (P=0.003). The time to first oral liquid and solid intake was significantly shorter than that in control (P<0.001; P=0.021) and sham group (P=0.019; P=0.037). Besides, postoperative hospital stay was shorter in TEAS group than in control group (P=0.031) and sham group (P<0.001). TEAS also promoted daily living activities (P=0.001 versus control group and P=0.015 versus sham group). Postoperative complications were similar among all the groups except for the incidence of abdominal distention 24 h after surgery (P=0.013; P=0.040). The motilin level was increased by TEAS (P=0.014 versus control group and P=0.020 versus sham group). Conclusion. TEAS accelerated gastrointestinal functional recovery after cesarean section, by reducing postoperative hospital length, and improved daily living activities after surgery. This effect was partially mediated by regulation of the gastroenterological hormones.
Determination of Anisotropic Mechanical Properties for Materials Processed by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Hovig Even W. , Azar Amin S. , Grytten Frode , Sørby Knut , Andreassen Erik
Published: November 2018

Improving the success rate in additive manufacturing and designing highly optimized structures require proper understanding of material behaviour. This study proposes a novel experimental method by which anisotropic mechanical properties of additively manufactured materials can be assessed. The procedure is based on tensile testing of flat specimens, manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) at different orientations relative to the build plate. In this study, the procedure was applied to the Inconel 718 alloy. Three identical specimen sets were built, each of which received complementary postprocessing treatments. The tensile tests were carried out on specimens with as‐built surface finish. Digital image correlation was used to record the strain field evolution on two perpendicular surfaces of the tensile specimens under loading. An optimization algorithm is also proposed for determining the anisotropic elastic constants using only a few tensile test results. It was observed that both build orientation and postprocessing have strong influence on the anisotropic mechanical properties of the material. The effect of microstructure was also investigated and characterised. Consequently, three transversely isotropic compliance matrices were constructed, representing the effect of the different processing conditions.
Dental Care for Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease and Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Costantinides Fulvia , Castronovo Gaetano , Vettori Erica , Frattini Costanza , Artero Mary Louise , Bevilacqua Lorenzo , Berton Federico , Nicolin Vanessa , Di Lenarda Roberto
Published: November 2018

Chronic renal failure is a progressive disease characterized by a gradual destruction of nephrons and a consequent reduction of kidney function. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) necessitates renal replacement therapy as peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, or transplantation. Patients affected by ESRD or in hemodialysis are at risk for developing a number of comorbidities including hypertension, anemia, risk of bleeding, susceptibility to infection, medication side effects, and oral manifestations associated with the disease itself and with hemodialysis treatment. In this context, oral diseases represent a potential and preventable cause of poor health outcomes in people with ESRD due to their relation to infection, inflammation, and malnutrition. The aim of this article was to review ESRD and hemodialysis-associated manifestations and to describe the dental operative protocols for patients awaiting kidney transplantation in light of the most recent literature.
Preventing Lck Activation in CAR T Cells Confers Treg Resistance but Requires 4-1BB Signaling for Them to Persist and Treat Solid Tumors in Nonlymphodepleted Hosts
Authors: Suryadevara Carter M. , Desai Rupen , Farber S. Harrison , Choi Bryan D. , Swartz Adam M. , Shen Steven H. , Gedeon Patrick C. , Snyder David J. , Herndon James E. , Healy Patrick , Reap Elizabeth A. , Archer Gary E. , Fecci Peter E. , Sampson John H. , Sanchez-Perez Luis
Published: November 2018

Purpose:

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have shown promise against solid tumors, but their efficacy has been limited, due in part, to immunosuppression by CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). Although lymphodepletion is commonly used to deplete Tregs, these regimens are nonspecific, toxic, and provide only a narrow window before Tregs repopulate hosts. Importantly, CARs have also been shown to inadvertently potentiate Tregs by providing a source of IL2 for Treg consumption. We explored whether disruption of the IL2 axis would confer efficacy against solid tumors without the need for lymphodepletion.

Experimental Design:

We developed second- (CD28z) and third- (CD28-4-1BBz) generation CARs targeting EGFRvIII. To eliminate secretion of IL2, 2 amino acid substitutions were introduced in the PYAP Lck–binding motif of the CD28 domain (ΔCD28). We evaluated CARs against B16 melanomas expressing EGFRvIII.

Results:

CD28z CARs failed to engraft in vivo. Although 4-1BB addition improved expansion, CD28-4-1BBz CARs required lymphodepletion to treat solid tumors. CARs deficient in Lck signaling, however, significantly retarded tumor growth without a need for lymphodepletion and this was dependent on inclusion of 4-1BB. To evaluate CAR vulnerability to Tregs, we lymphodepleted mice and transferred CARs alone or with purified Tregs. Cotransfer with Tregs abrogated the efficacy of CD28-4-1BBz CARs, whereas the efficacy of ΔCD28-4-1BBz CARs remained unperturbed.

Conclusions:

In the absence of lymphodepletion, CARs targeting solid tumors are hindered by Treg immunosuppression and poor persistence. Here, CARs were modified to circumvent Treg suppression and to simultaneously improve in vivo engraftment. Modified CARs treated solid tumors without a need for lymphodepletion.
The T197A Knock-in Model of Cdkn1b Gene to Study the Effects of p27 Restoration In Vivo
Authors: De Marco Carmela , Rinaldo Nicola , De Vita Fernanda , Forzati Floriana , Caira Elvira , Iovane Valentina , Paciello Orlando , Montanaro Donatella , D'Andrea Sara , Baldassarre Gustavo , Papparella Serenella , Malanga Donatella , Baldi Alfonso , Viglietto Giuseppe
Published: November 2018

The CDK inhibitor, p27kip1, encoded by the Cdkn1b gene can negatively modulate cell proliferation. The control of p27 activity during the cell cycle is regulated at multiple levels, including transcription, translation, and protein stability. The last residue of p27 (threonine 198 in human, threonine 197 in mouse) is involved in the control of protein stability. We have generated a murine knock-in model (Cdkn1bT197A) in which threonine 197 is replaced by alanine, which renders p27 protein highly unstable due to a high rate of proteasomal degradation. Expectedly, Cdkn1bT197A/T197A mice present with increased body size and weight, organomegaly, and multiple organ hyperplasia, similar to what is observed in Cdkn1bKO/KO mice. We investigated the effects exerted by the restoration of normal levels of p27 protein in the tissue of Cdkn1bT197A/T197A mice. We found that proteasome inhibition with bortezomib rescues the hyperplasia induced by the lack of p27 expression in Cdkn1bT197A/T197A but not in Cdkn1bKO/KO mice. However, BAY 11-7082, a proteasome inhibitor that stabilizes IκB but not p27, fails to rescue hyperplasia in Cdkn1bT197A/T197A mice. Bortezomib increases p27 half-life and reduces the proliferation in MEFs derived from Cdkn1bT197A/T197A but not from Cdkn1bWT/WT mice, whereas BAY 11-7082 had no effect on the protein levels of p27 and on the proliferation rate of Cdkn1bT197A/T197A MEFs.

The results presented here demonstrate that Cdkn1bT197A/T197A mice represent an attractive in vivo model to investigate whether the targeting of p27 degradation machinery might prove beneficial in the treatment of a variety of human proliferative disorders caused by increased turnover of p27 protein.
A Review: Mealtime Difficulties following Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration
Authors: Lewis Courtney , Walterfang Mark , Velakoulis Dennis , Vogel Adam P.
Published: November 2018

Background: Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) can result in a decline in behavior, language, and motor function. Mealtime disturbances are a common and significant outcome of FTLD. Disturbances during mealtimes can arise from dysphagia or may occur secondary to behavioral changes such as rapid eating, mealtime rigidity, and altered diet preferences. Summary: Few studies have comprehensively evaluated eating behavior or dysphagia in individuals presenting with FTLD pathology despite the potential impact on medical safety and individual quality of life. Dysphagia is reported in the late stages of frontotemporal dementia and early in the motor subtypes of FTLD. The identification of dysphagia can alert individuals and medical teams to disease progression and provide insight into the nature and spread of the underlying neuropathology. Improved understanding of eating behaviors can improve individual care and may enhance diagnostic accuracy. Key Message: Aberrant eating behavior and swallowing difficulties are reported in the conditions associated with FTLD neuropathology. The consequences of mealtime disturbances include health risks associated with an increased BMI and aspiration, reduction of an individual’s independence, and an increase in caregiver stress and burden. Here we review and summarize the literature on eating behavior and swallow impairments (dysphagia) in each of the syndromes caused by FTLD.
Gynecomastia - Conservative and Surgical Management
Authors: Baumann Kristin
Published: November 2018

Gynecomastia is defined as a unilateral or bilateral persistent benign mammary gland enlargement in men. Prevalence of asymptomatic gynecomastia is up to 65%. True gynecomastia must be distinguished from pseudogynecomastia. Typically, in true gynecomastia, a solid tissue mass is palpable below the nipple-areolar complex. Malignant changes such as male mammary carcinoma must always be ruled out. The causes of gynecomastia are diverse. An imbalance of female to male hormones triggers the onset of the disease. This imbalance can be caused by endogenous diseases like hyperthyroidism, chronic liver disease, primary or secondary gonadal failure, androgen resistance syndromes, medication, and drug abuse. A series of heart or hypertension medications can also trigger gynecomastia. A basic requirement of proper therapy planning is knowledge of the triggers and possible drug therapy options. Inquiring about the patient's lifestyle and medication history is essential. Drug therapy with tamoxifen may be considered at an early stage. For gynecomastia persisting over 12 months, surgical excision is the treatment of choice, and there are several surgical options available depending on the grade of the gynecomastia. A thoughtful approach to managing this condition can lead to high patient satisfaction.
Two new species of Lepanthes (Pleurothallidinae; Orchidaceae) from Andean forest remnants in Ibarra, Ecuador
Authors: TOBAR FRANCISCO , LÓPEZ MARÍA FERNANDA , MUÑOZ-UPEGUI DOLLY , RICHTER FRIEDERIKE
Published: November 2018

Forest remnants of La Carbonería are the last patches of natural vegetation near the city of Ibarra. These forest patches are now isolated and restricted to areas of rugged topography and sustain a scarcely explored, largely unknown flora. As an example of this, two new species of orchids were discovered in our first exploration: Lepanthes ibarrae and Lepanthes obandoi, which are described and illustrated in this article. Lepanthes ibarrae is similar to L. zapatae , but is distinguished by its arched stems, reduced petals with a small, rounded apicule, lip with lanceolate-oblong, papillose laminae, small, rounded appendix covered with white pubescence at apex and the triangular, long-attenuate, reflexed rostelum. Lepanthes obandoi is reminiscent of  L. muscula, L. guanacasensisr & R. Escobar and L. osiris, but can be distinguished by the much taller plant with distinct superposed stems, elongate appendix with orbicular, pubescent apex and a prominent tuft of white hairs at the base.
Helminth parasites of some freshwater fishes from Baja California Sur, Mexico
Authors: MÉNDEZ OSCAR , SALGADO-MALDONADO GUILLERMO , CASPETA-MANDUJANO JUAN MANUEL , CABAÑAS-CARRANZA GUILLERMINA
Published: November 2018

Nine freshwater fish species were sampled from 13 bodies of water in Baja California Sur state, on the Baja California peninsula, Mexico. Twenty-four helminth parasite species of 19 genera and from 13 families were recorded. All are new records for the region, but have been recorded previously in Mexico. No endemic helminth species were identified. Most helminths were larval forms of generalist Nearctic species transported by ichthyophagous birds, in addition to five anthropogenically introduced species. Poeciliid fish are the most widely distributed in the oases and other waters of Baja California Sur, and their helminths are the most common on the peninsula.
Chrysopetalids (Phyllodocida: Chrysopetalidae) from the southern Mexican Pacific, including a new species
Authors: CRUZ-GÓMEZ CHRISTOPHER , BASTIDA-ZAVALA J. ROLANDO
Published: November 2018

The family Chrysopetalidae has been poorly studied from the Pacific coast of Mexico compared to other families. Specifically from the southern Mexican Pacific, only two species of the family have been recorded in previous studies, Chrysopetalum occidentale and Paleanotus chrysolepis. In this study 311 specimens were revised, and nine species, belonging to six genera were found. Eight of these species are new records from the southern Mexican Pacific coast: Arichlidon watsonae n. sp., Bhawania cf. goodei, Chrysopetalum elegantoides, C. maculata, Hyalopale sp., Paleaequor psamathe, Paleanotus bellis and P. purpurea. A new species is also described, Arichlidon watsonae n. sp., which is characterized by the curved tips blades of the falcigers and their small and ovoid palps. Additionally, the genera Arichlidon and Hyalopale are recorded by first time from the Tropical Eastern Pacific.
Diversity of saproxylic dance flies and long-legged flies (Diptera: Empidoidea) in a temperate deciduous forest in Quebec, Canada
Authors: CUMMING JEFFREY M. , SINCLAIR BRADLEY J. , BROOKS SCOTT E. , Mlynarek JULIA , WHEELER TERRY A.
Published: November 2018

A large diversity of saproxylic Empidoidea from a temperate deciduous forest in southern Quebec is documented. Adults of 43 empidoid species representing 19 genera in 12 subfamilies and three families were collected from in situ sealed emergence traps placed over decayed logs of American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrhart) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marshall). The results of this technique give a clear indication of the saproxylic larval and pupal habitat of these species. The importance of Empidoidea as larval predators in decayed wood niches is noted.
Cognateosymtes serraticoxae, new genus, new species, a pleustid amphipod from the Sea of Japan (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Gammaridea: Pleustidae: Eosymtinae)
Authors: LABAY VJACHESLAV S.
Published: November 2018

The new genus Cognateosymtes gen. nov. and new species C. serraticoxae sp. nov. are described from the shelf of western Sakhalin Island. The new genus has a set of features specific to the subfamily Eosymtinae: strongly ridged molar grinding surface of mandible and presence of a medial seta; inner plate of maxilla 1 with 2 strong apical plumose setae; inner plate of maxilla 2 with 2 strong submarginal setae, positioned subapically; pereopods 1 and 2 (gnathopods), propodal palmar margins lacking submedial tooth. Cognateosymtes differs from Eosymtes by the combination of character states: antenna 1, peduncular segment 1 with strong anterodistal processes; outer and inner plates of maxilla 2 with numerous apical setae; maxilliped, palp segment 2 linear, inner margin densely setose; coxae 1–3, posterodistal cusps multiple; dactylus of pereopods 3–7 the short. The key to the amphipod genera of the subfamily Eosymtinae Bousfield & Hendrycks, 1994 is given.
A new species of Ooencyrtus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), parasitoid on pupae of Xenasteia sp. (Diptera: Xenasteiidae) from Karnataka, India
Authors: HAYAT MOHAMMAD , GUPTA ANKITA , SELVARAJ KRISHNAN
Published: November 2018

A new species of Ooencyrtus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), O. xenasteiae Hayat & Gupta, sp. nov., is described. This species was reared from the pupae of a Xenasteia sp. (Diptera: Xenasteiidae), a sooty mould scavenger found associated with the recent invasive rugose spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) from coastal Karnataka, India.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in Asian Patients With Premature Coronary Artery Disease: Insight From the FOCUS Registry
Authors: Qu Ya’nan , Zhang Feng , Yang Ji’e , Dai Yuxiang , Li Chenguang , Yang Hongbo , Gao Yang , Yao Kang , Huang Dong , Lu Hao , Ma Jianying , Qian Juying , Ge Junbo
Published: November 2018

Objectives:

Premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) is increasingly common in Asian countries; however, less is known regarding its characteristics and clinical outcomes. This study aims to describe clinical characteristics and investigate clinical outcomes in real-world Asian patients with PCAD.

Methods:

A total of 4700 Asian patients undergoing drug-eluting stent implantation were included in our study and divided into PCAD group and mature CAD (MCAD) group according to their onset age. All patients were followed up for 3 years to observe their clinical outcomes.

Results:

Patients with PCAD were more likely to be associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS; P = .03) and acute occlusive lesion ( P < .001). Reference diameter ( P < .001) and lesion diameter stenosis ( P = .001) were significantly greater in PCAD group. Conversely, the MCAD group was more likely to be associated with left main disease, severe calcification lesion and small vessel involvement. The cumulative incidences of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE; P = .007), cardiovascular death ( P < .001), and all cause death ( P < .001) were significantly lower in PCAD group than those in MCAD group.

Conclusions:

Although more often manifested as ACS, PCAD is associated with lower risks of MACE and cardiovascular death than MCAD in real-world Asian population.
Ophthalmomyiasis externa due to sheep nasal botfly in rural Jamaica
Authors: Jordan Valence , Mowatt Lizette
Published: November 2018

We present the case of a young male patient who presented with pain, redness and foreign body sensation in his left eye. There was no associated decrease in vision. Three live larvae were removed from his left conjunctival sac and sent to the laboratory for identification. The patient was treated symptomatically and his symptoms were mostly resolved by the following day. The larvae were later identified as the first instar of the sheep nasal botfly. Poor sanitation and exposure to livestock were among the identified risk factors in this case. Physicians must have this as a differential diagnosis for conjunctivitis in patients with risk factors. This is the first reported case of ophthalmomyiasis from Jamaica.
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: Where Were the Unions?
Authors: Avendaño Ana
Published: November 2018

Unions have a mixed record when it comes to fighting sexual harassment, especially in cases that involve harassment by union members. Union responses to sexual harassment have been shaped by their position in labor markets that remain highly segmented by gender and race, with male-dominated unions playing a passive role vis-à-vis female targets of sexual harassment, and too often siding with male harassers. Those responses have also been shaped by a legacy of sexism within the labor movement, and exclusion of women from the formal labor market, and from unions, and by a distinctive form of feminism exercised by women inside the labor movement, which focuses on women’s economic situation rather than on other social factors that keep women down. In the wake of the #MeToo movement, some unions faced their own internal harassment scandals. Several unions have since adopted internal codes of conduct, and other approaches to better address harassment internally, and on the shop floor. While codes of conduct are an important element in changing the culture that permits harassment to persist, they are not enough. By authentically focusing on sexual harassment, unions would connect to the experiences of women in all workplaces. They would also increase their chances of growing. Unions remain the most powerful voice for working people in America, and the best vehicle to create a transparent, accessible system that empowers those who suffer harassment in the workplace to stand up collectively and individually against violators. The moment demands intentional, well-resourced, genuine efforts from unions to do better. This article offers modest suggestions that unions could easily adopt.
The moral economy of guanxi and the market of corruption: Networks, brokers and corruption in China’s courts
Authors: Li Ling
Published: November 2018

In this article, I offer an economic analysis of the characteristics that are associated with corruption when it is facilitated through social exchange or guanxi as it is called in China. To that end, I challenge the framework applied in classic social exchange theories and contend that social exchange can be better distinguished from market exchange based on whether the intention to exchange is concealed and not based on the exchanging parties’ subjective reflections on the nature and outlook of their exchange relationship. I also identify that corruption participants rely on a self-executable operating mechanism to facilitate negotiation and enforcement of exchange terms instead of the informal reputational system that is used in ordinary social exchange. In addition, I explain how the involvement of professional brokers democratizes guanxi-based corruption and extends the otherwise privileged exchange opportunities to those beyond the guanxi networks with lowered cost.
Informal networks and judicial decisions: Insights from the Supreme Court of the Philippines, 1986–2015
Authors: Dressel Björn , Inoue Tomoo
Published: November 2018

To what extent do informal networks shape the decisions of the Supreme Court of the Philippines? Though often raised in the Philippines, this question has never been studied empirically. To answer it, we constructed a set of social network variables to assess how informal ties, based on university connections and work affiliations, may have influenced the court’s decisions between 1986 and 2015 in 47 politically high-profile cases. Providing statistically significant evidence for the effects of political influence (presidential appointments) and hierarchical pressure (the vote of the Chief Justice) on related networks, our analysis suggests a continuing tension on the Supreme Court bench between professionalism and informality. Because the findings advance both theoretical and empirical understanding of larger issues at the intersection of courts and society throughout the region, we recommend more attention to the role of judicial networks, external to the courts as well as within them.
Associations between Community‐Acquired Pneumonia and Proton Pump Inhibitors in the Laryngeal/Voice‐Disordered Population
Authors: Cohen Seth M. , Lee Hui‐Jie , Leiman David A. , Roy Nelson , Misono Stephanie
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To examine the relationship between community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment among patients with laryngeal/voice disorders.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort analysis.

Setting

Large national administrative US claims database.

Subjects and Methods

Patients were included if they were ≥18 years old; had outpatient treatment for a laryngeal/voice disorder from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2014 (per International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes); had 12 months of continuous enrollment prior to the index date (ie, first diagnosis of laryngeal/voice disorder); had no preindex diagnosis of CAP; and had prescription claims captured from 1 year preindex to end of follow‐up. Patient demographics, comorbid conditions, index laryngeal diagnosis, number of unique preindex patient encounters, and CAP diagnoses during the postindex 3 years were collected. Two models—a time‐dependent Cox regression model and a propensity score–based approach with a marginal structural model—were separately performed for patients with and without pre–index date PPI prescriptions.

Results

A total of 392,355 unique patients met inclusion criteria; 188,128 (47.9%) had a PPI prescription. The 3‐year absolute risk for CAP was 4.0% and 5.3% among patients without and with preindex PPI use, respectively. For patients without and with pre–index date PPI use, the CAP occurrence for a person who had already received a PPI is 30% to 50% higher, respectively, than for a person who had not yet had a PPI but may receive one later.

Conclusions

Patients without and with pre–index date PPI use experienced a roughly 30% to 50% increased likelihood of CAP, respectively, as compared with patients who had not had PPI prescriptions.
Group farming in France: Why do some regions have more cooperative ventures than others?
Authors: Agarwal Bina , Dorin Bruno
Published: November 2018

The global debate on food security and the kinds of farming systems that could prove economically and ecologically sustainable has focused overwhelmingly on small family farms versus large commercial farms, with little attention being given to alternative models based on farmer cooperation. France offers a significant but under-researched and internationally little-recognized model of group farming – the GAEC ( Groupement Agricole d’Exploitation en Commun) – based on farmers pooling land, labour and capital. This model is of considerable contemporary interest for both France and other countries. Catalysed by a 1962 law, GAECs accounted for 7.6% of farms and 15% of agricultural adult work units in 2010, but their incidence varied greatly across regions. Using data from the French agricultural census and other sources, this paper identifies the factors – economic, ecological, social and demographic – underlying this regionally uneven development of GAECs (and comparatively of EARLs – Exploitations Agricoles à Responsabilité Limitée – another type of group farm introduced in 1985). Regions with a higher incidence of group farms are found to be those that were historically dominated by middle-sized farms, had a local ecology favouring labour-intensive animal breeding, especially pastures, a higher proportion of agricultural graduates, greater economic equality and social institutions that promote community cohesion, among other factors. These results illuminate not only the conditions favourable to the emergence of group farming in France, but also the conditions under which such farmer cooperation could take root in other (including developing) countries, subject to context-specific modifications of the French model.
Transnational labour migration and the offshoring of knowledge-intensive business services within global production networks: The case of a German automotive company in Turkey
Authors: Müller Philip , Franz Martin
Published: November 2018

Even though labour has been an important research topic in the field of economic geography for many years, up to now little has been known about transnational labour migration of highly skilled employees in global production networks. This article examines the role and the impact of highly skilled (re-)migrants of Turkish origin who studied and/or worked in Germany for several years in knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) offshoring. To do so we analyse the empirical case of a German automotive company that operates as a lead firm within a global automotive production network. The company has insourced enterprise resource planning (ERP) software services from their suppliers in Germany and offshored those to a captive offshore service centre in Istanbul (Turkey). Based on our empirical material, we found that highly skilled (re-)migrants of Turkish origin are used as boundary spanners to efficiently and effectively manage the knowledge transfers from the onshore organizations to the service centre in Istanbul. Thereby, highly skilled (re-)migrants of Turkish origin help to mitigate resistance and facilitate the dis- and re-embedding of knowledge within the offshoring process. The exploration of highly skilled labour migration from a transnational perspective contributes to the discussion about the role of labour in global production networks.
Health Workers’ and Villagers’ Perceptions of Young Child Health, Growth Monitoring, and the Role of the Health System in Remote Thailand
Authors: Roesler Anna , Smithers Lisa G. , Winichagoon Pattanee , Wangpakapattanawong Prasit , Moore Vivienne
Published: November 2018

Background:

In Thailand, despite widespread improvements in child nutrition, stunting is still highly prevalent among northern hill tribe children.

Objective:

To understand how villagers and health workers (volunteers and officials) gauge health of children younger than 5 years, whether growth monitoring is salient, and the relationships of villagers with the health system in this remote location.

Methods:

Qualitative research was undertaken with 8 hill tribe villages. A workshop on infant and young child health and nutrition was held with 8 village health volunteers, 2 per village, selected by a public health officer. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 villagers and 2 volunteers who had children 0 to 5 years. Eight other health workers were also interviewed. All dialogue was conducted in Thai through bilingual facilitators and recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Transcripts were coded and analyzed thematically within and across participant groups.

Results:

Overall, villagers considered strength and independence of children to be hallmarks of health; the size of children featured rarely. Volunteers did not perceive local benefits of growth monitoring, and the extent of child malnutrition was unclear to them. Nutrition counseling was seldom mentioned by villagers or health workers. Across all accounts, and considering silences, relationships of villagers with the health system seemed fragile.

Conclusion:

Villagers understand child health in terms of functional abilities rather than size. Volunteer health workers in this remote location have limited resources and support. Together this helps explain why, against a background of poverty and food insecurity, growth monitoring does not translate to improvements in child nutrition.
Cistectomia Totale Allargata: Primi Risultati di uno Studio di Valutazione del Contenuto di DNA in Citometria a Flusso
Authors: Maltoni G. , Zenico T. , Zoli W. , Flamigni A. , Fabbri F. , Fiori M. , Gunelli R. , Bajorko P. , Landi A. , Magni E.
Published: November 2018

Ploidy was evaluated through cytometric analysis on samples from 20 patients who underwent extended total cystectomy. Neoplastic samples showed aneuploidy except in cases of villous bladder (diploid profile). Samples from healthy tissue were diploid. These preliminary results show that bladder mapping associated with flow cytometry could be an important parameter for choosing between conservative or radical surgery.
Enterocistoplastica. Is it safe? Rischio a lungo termine di carcinogenesi sulla mucosa intestinale
Authors: Fandella A. , Checchin P. , Merlo F. , Maccatrozzo L. , Faggiano L. , Tuccitto G. , Mangano M. , Cicerello E. , Anselmo G.
Published: November 2018

The fact that adenocarcinoma occurs in patients with ureterosigmoidostomy is well-documented in literature and the increased risk of carcinoma has been estimated to be 200 to 550 times that of the general population. No case of adenocarcinoma in ileal orthotopic or ileal continent reservoirs has been reported, due to the long latency period for carcinogenesis (20-25 years). We report 2 cases of bladder neoplasms of intestinal origin in patients who underwent, in 1956 and 1963, bladder augmentations for bladder tuberculosis. Our cases suggest that a long-term surveillance of continent urinary diversions is mandatory, as well as a close check on urinary cytology.
Dosaggio dell'interleuchina urinaria nel monitoraggio della terapia con BCG endocavitario nel carcinoma superficiale della vescica
Authors: Benvenuti S. , Gastaldi E. , Iacoviello M. , Caputo M. , Traverso G.B.
Published: November 2018

To study the local immunological effects of BCG therapy in superficial bladder cancer patients, the Authors have investigated the production of interleukin-2 in the urine. Urine specimens were collected before and halfway through the six-week BCG instillation cycle. The Authors have analysed the correlation between the presence of IL-2 in the urine and the clinical response to BCG therapy.
Chemioterapia M-VAC intensificata nelle neoplasie uroteliali avanzate
Authors: Milani A. , Costanzo P. , Pizzocaro G.
Published: November 2018

From 1990 to 1992, 15 patients with advanced transitional cell cancer, previously untreated with chemotherapy, were treated with intensified M-VAC: methotrexate 30 mg/m2 day 1 and 15, vinblastine 3 mg/m2 day 2 and 15, adriamycin 30 mg/m2 and cisplatin 100 mg/m2 days 2→5 for a maximum of 4 cycles. Non-responders to the first 2 cycles of therapy were excluded; the partial-responder patients underwent surgical treatment of the residual disease, whenever possible. Three complete responses (20%) and 11 partial responses (73%) were observed. This regimen showed apparent benefit over classic M-VAC.
Trattamento con laser Nd-Yag della schistosomiasi vescicale
Authors: Monica B. , Minari R. , Salsi P. , Peracchia G. , Macaluso G.
Published: November 2018

We present the case of a young man from Ghana, who complained of dysuria and gross haematuria: he had bladder schistosomiasis. We associated Nd-Yag-laser photocoagulation of residual polipoid lesions with standard pharmacotherapy to obtain a linear cicatrization, without spreading infectious pathological material and with better riepithelialization, to reduce belated obstructive complications, common in this disease. A larger casuistry and longer follow-up are necessary to define the efficacy of this technique.
Trattamento percutaneo delle ostruzioni del giunto pielo-ureterale
Authors: Daniele C. , Carluccio G. , Romano A. , Simone M. , Ughi G.
Published: November 2018

The Authors report one case of uretero-pelvic junction obstruction in which the endopyelotomy was preceded by intrapelvic invagination of the proximal ureter. After a standard percutaneous access a guide wire is passed down into the ureter through the nephroscope to let a 6 Fr. dilatation balloon catheter be slid just below the junction; a slight traction is exerted on the catheter, so that the proximal ureter is invaginated and drawn toward the pelvis. Both ureter and pelvis receive longitudinal and simultaneous incision. Finally, a double-J ureteral stent is inserted, to be left indwelling for 4 weeks.
Lo studio dell'impotenza nel paziente diabetico
Authors: Luciano M. , Dina E. , Bondavalli C. , Pegoraro C. , Schiavon L. , Dall'Oglio B. , Parma A.
Published: November 2018

In our Andrologic Unit a diagnostic trial for studying impotence in diabetic men has been assessed in co-operation with the Metabolic Diseases Center and Neurologic Division of this Hospital. By metabolic, hormonal, vascular and peripherical neurological examinations it has been possible to find in a short time diseases where impotence was only the first sign.
Difficoltà interpretative alla TAC e alla RMN nella diagnostica differenziale della fibrosi retroperitoneale dal linfoma
Authors: Arena F. , Peracchia G. , Di Stefano C. , Cortellini P.
Published: November 2018

Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RF) often presents with characteristic clinical and urographic findings that may hide lymphoma. A case of RF with bioptic confirmation is reported. On CT examination the variations in enhancement were not useful in distinguishing RF from lymphoma. Although on sagittal and coronal images MR accurately depicted the extent of the abnormal retroperitoneal mass as found at surgery, it was not able to correlate heterogeneous low intensity T2-weighted signals with definitive histological features.
Voluminose metastasi inguinali e iliache bilaterali da carcinoma spinocellulare del prepuzio. Descrizione di un caso
Authors: Medica M. , Repetto U. , Oneto F. , Schenone M. , Zaninetta G. , Traverso P. , Giuliani L.
Published: November 2018

Penile carcinoma constitutes less than 1% of all malignancies among the male population. It is more common during the 6th and 7th decades of life, but in one large series of patients, 22% were younger than 40 years of age. Carcinoma of the penis has also been reported in children. Survival in patients with positive iliac nodes can be improved by lymphadenectomy, although at 3 years the rate is poor. In this work we would like to report our case of a 29-year-old male with a large bilateral inguinal and iliac lymphoadenomegaly (3-4 cm.), treated with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy.
Nostra esperienza nell'utilizzo dell'associazione PgE1 e Ketanserina in farmacoprotesi
Authors: Raimoldi A. , Berti G.L. , Giola V. , Leidi G.L. , Maccaroni A. , Bacchioni A.M.
Published: November 2018

The authors assessed the effectiveness of an association of prostaglandins (PgE1) and Ketanserine (K) in pharmacoprosthesis on 24 patients with erectile deficiency of various etiology. The association of 20 mcgr of PgE1 with K (from 2 to 6 mg) was more effective in inducing erection than only PgE1 at 40 mcgr dosage; in 3 patients the effectiveness was relatively equivalent. No relevant side effect was found except for a transitory hypotensive episode in a patient when the K maximum dosage was reached, which was resolved without the help of pharmacological therapy. Consequently, K can certainly be considered capable of strengthening the action of the PgE1 in inducing erection and, therefore, can be usefully associated with the latter whenever either a satisfactory erection hasn't taken place or the PgE1 dosage is to be reduced in order to lower costs.
L'uso del fenolo nel trattamento ambulatoriale dell'idrocele: Esperienza clinica su 50 pazienti
Authors: Cappellano F. , Catanzaro F. , Baruffi M. , Torelli F. , Pizzoccaro M. , Pozzoli G.
Published: November 2018

Although surgery is considered the ultimate treatment for hydrocele, sclerotherapy can be a valuable alternative, avoiding postoperative complications such as bleeding, hematoma, wound infections and anesthesia related problems mostly in the elderly. It's also a cost-saving procedure when used in out-patients practice. We treated 50 patients using a 2.5% phenol solution for sclerotherapy. The treatment was successful in 96% of patients, with a mean follow-up of 15.5 months. Only minor complications such as scrotal pain and 1 hematocele occurred. Phenol sclerotherapy nowadays seems to be the best choice for out-patient management of hydrocele in selected cases.