bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rho Kinase Inhibition by AT13148 Blocks Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Invasion and Tumor Growth
Authors: Rath Nicola , Munro June , Cutiongco Marie Francene , Jagiełło Alicja , Gadegaard Nikolaj , McGarry Lynn , Unbekandt Mathieu , Michalopoulou Evdokia , Kamphorst Jurre J. , Sumpton David , Mackay Gillian , Vennin Claire , Pajic Marina , Timpson Paul , Olson Michael F.
Published: April 2018

The high mortality of pancreatic cancer demands that new therapeutic avenues be developed. The orally available small-molecule inhibitor AT13148 potently inhibits ROCK1 and ROCK2 kinases that regulate the actomyosin cytoskeleton. We previously reported that ROCK kinase expression increases with human and mouse pancreatic cancer progression and that conditional ROCK activation accelerates mortality in a genetically modified LSL-KrasG12D; LSL-p53R172H; Pdx1-Cre; (KPC) mouse pancreatic cancer model. In this study, we show that treatment of KPC mouse and human TKCC5 patient-derived pancreatic tumor cells with AT13148, as well as the ROCK-selective inhibitors Y27632 and H1152, act comparably in blocking ROCK substrate phosphorylation. AT13148, Y27632, and H1152 induced morphologic changes and reduced cellular contractile force generation, motility on pliable discontinuous substrates, and three-dimensional collagen matrix invasion. AT13148 treatment reduced subcutaneous tumor growth and blocked invasion of healthy pancreatic tissue by KPC tumor cells in vivo without affecting proliferation, suggesting a role for local tissue invasion as a contributor to primary tumor growth. These results suggest that AT13148 has antitumor properties that may be beneficial in combination therapies or in the adjuvant setting to reduce pancreatic cancer cell invasion and slow primary tumor growth. AT13148 might also have the additional benefit of enabling tumor resection by maintaining separation between tumor and healthy tissue boundaries.

Significance: Preclinical evaluation of a small-molecule ROCK inhibitor reveals significant effects on PDAC invasion and tumor growth, further validating ROCK kinases as viable therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Res; 78(12); 3321–36. ©2018 AACR.
PPARγ Contributes to Immunity Induced by Cancer Cell Vaccines That Secrete GM-CSF
Authors: Goyal Girija , Wong Karrie , Nirschl Christopher J. , Souders Nicholas , Neuberg Donna , Anandasabapathy Niroshana , Dranoff Glenn
Published: April 2018

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) is a lipid-activated nuclear receptor that promotes immune tolerance through effects on macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Granulocyte–macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) induces PPARγ expression in multiple myeloid cell types. GM-CSF contributes to both immune tolerance and protection, but the role of PPARγ in these pathways is poorly understood. Here, we reveal an unexpected stimulatory role for PPARγ in the generation of antitumor immunity with irradiated, GM-CSF–secreting tumor-cell vaccines (GVAX). Mice harboring a deletion of pparg in lysozyme M (LysM)-expressing myeloid cells (KO) showed a decreased ratio of CD8+ T effectors to Tregs and impaired tumor rejection with GVAX. Diminished tumor protection was associated with altered DC responses and increased production of the Treg attracting chemokines CCL17 and CLL22. Correspondingly, the systemic administration of PPARγ agonists to vaccinated mice elevated the CD8+ T effector to Treg ratio through effects on myeloid cells and intensified the antitumor activity of GVAX combined with cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated antigen-4 antibody blockade. PPARγ agonists similarly attenuated Treg induction and decreased CCL17 and CCL22 levels in cultures of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with GM-CSF–secreting tumor cells. Together, these results highlight a key role for myeloid cell PPARγ in GM-CSF–stimulated antitumor immunity and suggest that PPARγ agonists might be useful in cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(6); 723–32. ©2018 AACR.
Oxygenation of the Immature Infant: A Commentary and Recommendations for Oxygen Saturation Targets and Alarm Limits
Authors: Saugstad Ola Didrik
Published: April 2018

Background: For 70 years, there has been a search for the optimal oxygenation of premature infants. In spite of the lack of evidence, guidelines have successively reduced oxygenation targets during these years. Objectives: (1) To present a summary of previously published meta-analyses of 5 randomized studies (NeOProM) which tested a low (85–89%) versus a high (91–95%) oxygen saturation target the first weeks after birth on outcome of immature newborn infants. (2) To present international recommendations for oxygenation the first weeks after birth. Methods: Data were retrieved from meta-analyses and reviews of these studies. Results: Mortality and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) are significantly higher in patients with a low saturation target (relative risk, RR 1.16 and 1.24, respectively), while severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is reduced (RR 0.74), fortunately without a change in the rate of blindness. Severe intraventricular hemorrhage, patent ductus arteriosus, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (defined physiologically) were not significantly affected by the oxygen targets in the range of these studies. Based on these data, it is recommended that SpO2 targets from birth to 36 weeks postconceptional age for infants < 28 weeks gestational age (GA) should be between 90 and 94% (with alarm limits of 89 and 95%), respectively. It is recommended to keep infants small for GA well oxygenated within the suggested targets avoiding fluctuations. Conclusions: The ideal oxygen saturation targets for infants < 28 weeks GA are not known. Mortality, ROP, and NEC seem to be particularly oxygen-sensitive outcome variables. The optimal oxygen saturation for premature infants > 28 weeks GA has not been carefully studied.
Management and Neonatal Outcomes of Pregnancies with Fetal/Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ronzoni Stefania , Keunen Johannes , Shah Prakeshkumar S. , Kelly Edmond N. , Windrim Rory , Seaward P. Gareth , Ryan Greg
Published: April 2018

Background: There is no consensus regarding the optimal antenatal treatment of fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (F/NAIT). We aimed to review the fetal blood sampling (FBS)-related risk, fetal response to maternal intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and cesarean section (CS) rate in pregnancies with a history of F/NAIT. Methods: Maternal demographics, alloantibodies, pregnancy management, fetal and neonatal outcomes, and index case characteristics were collected. Responders (R) and non-responders (NR) were defined as women treated with IVIG in whom fetal platelets (PLTs) were normal or low (< 50 × 109/L). Results: An FBS-related risk occurred in 1.6% (2/119) of procedures. Maternal characteristics did not differ between responders (n = 21) and non-responders (n = 21). HPA-1a antibody was detected in all non-responders and in 72% of responders (p < 0.01). The index case had a significantly lower PLT count at birth in non-responders versus responders (median PLT count: R = 20 × 109/L [IQR 8–43] vs. NR = 9 × 109/L [IQR 4–18], p < 0.02). No differences were found in IVIG treatment duration or dosage. PLTs at birth were significantly lower in non-responders compared to responders. No intracranial hemorrhages occurred. CSs were performed for obstetric indications only in all but two cases. Conclusion: Maternal IVIG can elicit different fetal responses. The lack of prognostic factors to predict responders or non-responders suggests that there remains a role for FBS in F/NAIT in experienced hands.
The Maternal Ecology of Breastfeeding: A Life Course Developmental Perspective
Authors: Whipps Mackenzie D.M. , Yoshikawa Hirokazu , Godfrey Erin
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: For mothers in high-income country contexts, infant feeding represents one of the most fundamental and challenging aspects of the transition to parenthood. We present a specific theoretical model, based on life course theory principles, to explicate how the maternal ecology influences breastfeeding behaviors throughout the early parenting years. Methods: Core concepts and suppositions draw from a review of extant theories for the development of infant feeding behaviors, including intraindividual models of health behavior and bioecological models of human development. We highlight where the model has strong evidentiary support and where there are gaps in the literature. Results: This review shows how life course theory has been used to describe the consequences of infant feeding behaviors, but has yet to be fully applied to the causes of those behaviors. The natural extension of life course theory to include these constructs and relationships will extend the field of breastfeeding research. Breastfeeding intervention could also be strengthened with more recognition of the life course factors that represent understudied, and thus underutilized, levers for intervention. Conclusion: Given its focus on personal history in a larger historical and ecological context, life course theory is well suited to framing discussions around the causes and consequences of breastfeeding.
Combined Pancreatic Islet-Lung-Liver Transplantation in a Pediatric Patient with Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes
Authors: Klee Philippe , Dirlewanger Mirjam , Lavallard Vanessa , McLin Valerie A. , Mornand Anne , Pernin Nadine , Petit Laetitia-Marie , Soccal Paola M. , Wildhaber Barbara E. , Zumsteg Urs , Blouin Jean-Louis , Berney Thierry , Schwitzgebel Valerie M.
Published: April 2018

Background: Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) is the most frequent extrapulmonary complication of cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods: We report the first combined pancreatic islet-lung-liver transplantation in a 14-year-old adolescent. CFTR was analyzed by Sanger sequencing. Further genes were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing. Results: The patient was diagnosed with CF at the age of 14 months. Nine years later, after diagnosis of CFRD, the patient’s BMI and lung function began to decline. Bilateral lung transplantation with simultaneous liver transplantation was performed at the age of 14.5 years. The first islet transplantation (IT) was carried out 10 days later. Six months later, C-peptide secretion after arginine stimulation showed peak values of 371 pmol/L (vs. 569 pmol/L before IT) and insulin doses had slightly increased (1.40 vs. 1.11 units/kg/day before IT). A second IT was performed at the age of 15 years, a third at 16 years. Two years after the first IT, arginine-stimulated C-peptide secretion increased to 2,956 pmol/L and insulin doses could be reduced to 0.82 units/kg/day. HbA1c decreased from 7.3% (57.4 mmol/mol) to 5.9% (41.0 mmol/mol). Conclusion: IT following lung and liver transplantation, with injection of islets into a transplanted organ, is feasible. It improves C-peptide secretion, decreases insulin needs, and lowers HbA1c.
Search for a Novel Allergen in Hen’s Egg Allergy Using an IgE Immunoblotting Assay
Authors: Sogawa Kazuyuki , Takahashi Yuria , Shibata Yui , Satoh Mamoru , Kodera Yoshio , Nomura Fumio , Tanaka Toshio , Sato Hironori , Yamaide Fumiya , Nakano Taiji , Iwahashi Kazuhiko , Sugita-Konishi Yoshiko , Shimada Akinori , Shimojo Naoki
Published: April 2018

Background: Food allergy is a serious health issue affecting roughly 4% of children, with a substantial effect on quality of life. Chicken egg allergy is frequently observed in infants. Therefore, some of them have to exclude hen’s eggs from their daily diet to avoid allergenic symptoms. Hen’s egg is composed of 2 soluble parts; one is egg white, which has been characterized as the major source of allergenicity, while the other is egg yolk, which is estimated as a miner source. Only 2 allergens from egg yolk, α-livetin (Gal d 5) and YGP42 (Gal d 6), have been described to date. Methods: Sera from 53 patients allergic to hen’s eggs and 2 patients allergic to sesame were obtained from the Department of Pediatrics, Chiba University Hospital. The study was performed using SDS-PAGE, IgE immunoblotting, and dot blotting. Results: Seven bands of egg yolk were detected by IgE immunoblotting. Out of these bands, a possible new allergen was further characterized by LC-MS/MS. The 33-kDa band was identified as yolk glycoprotein (YGP40) by LC-MS/MS. A total of 21 of the 53 patients (47%) had YGP40 detected by dot blotting. Conclusions: We identified YGP40 as a new hen’s egg yolk allergen and detected 4 sites of YGP40 as linear epitopes.
Effect of miR-21 on Apoptosis in Lung Cancer Cell Through Inhibiting the PI3K/ Akt/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Zhou Bing , Wang Dimin , Sun Gaozhong , Mei Fuyang , Cui Yong , Xu Heyun
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Lung cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the world. Apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53 (ASPP2), a tumorigenesis related protein, plays a critical role in the initiation and development of various types of cancers. However, the effect of ASPP2 on lung cancer remains unknown. The purpose of this study aims to investigate the mechanism of ASPP2 regulated by miR-21 in lung cancer in vitro and in vivo. Methods: In the study, migration and invasion assays, apoptosis assay, caspase activity assay, TUNEL staining, real time PCR and western blot were used to investigate the mechanism of ASPP2 regulated by miR-21 in lung cancer in vitro and in vivo. Results: We demonstrated that the miR-21 inhibitor induced apoptosis through inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Moreover, ASPP2 was directly targeted by miR-21 in NSCLC cells. Down-regulation of miR-21 suppressed cell migration and invasion, as well as the EMT signaling pathway in NSCLC cells. Furthermore, the miR-21 inhibitor induced cell apoptosis via the caspase dependent pathway in NSCLC cells. The miR-21 inhibitor enhanced caspase-3, 8, 9 activity in NSCLC cells. In addition, the caspase inhibitor significantly reduced the apoptosis induced by the miR-21 inhibitor in NSCLC cells. Conclusions: Our results revealed that the miR-21 inhibitor could induce apoptosis through inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway in human NSCLC cells, and might serve as a therapeutic strategy to treat NSCLC.
LncRNA Expression Profile of Human Thoracic Aortic Dissection by High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Sun Jie , Chen Guojun , Jing Yuanwen , He Xiang , Dong Jianting , Zheng Junmeng , Zou Meisheng , Li Hairui , Wang Shifei , Sun Yili , Liao Wangjun , Liao Yulin , Feng Li , Bin Jianping
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: In this study, the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression profile in human thoracic aortic dissection (TAD), a highly lethal cardiovascular disease, was investigated. Methods: Human TAD (n=3) and normal aortic tissues (NA) (n=3) were examined by high-throughput sequencing. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to predict the roles of aberrantly expressed lncRNAs. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied to validate the results. Results: A total of 269 lncRNAs (159 up-regulated and 110 down-regulated) and 2, 255 mRNAs (1 294 up-regulated and 961 down-regulated) were aberrantly expressed in human TAD (fold-change> 1.5, P< 0.05). QRT-PCR results of five dysregulated genes were consistent with HTS data. A lncRNA-mRNA coexpression analysis showed positive correlations between the up-regulated lncRNA (ENSG00000269936) and its adjacent up-regulated mRNA (MAP2K6, R=0.940, P< 0.01), and between the down-regulated lncRNA_1421 and its down-regulated mRNAs (FBLN5, R=0.950, P< 0.01; ACTA2, R=0.96, P< 0.01; TIMP3, R=0.96, P< 0.05). The lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network indicated that the up-regulated lncRNA XIST and p21 had similar sequences targeted by has-miR-17-5p. The results of luciferase assay and fluorescence immuno-cytochemistry were consistent with that. And qRT-PCR results showed that lncRNA XIST and p21 were expressed at a higher level and has-miR-17-5p was expressed at a lower level in TAD than in NA. The predicted binding motifs of three up-regulated lncRNAs (ENSG00000248508, ENSG00000226530, and EG00000259719) were correlated with up-regulated RUNX1 (R=0.982, P< 0.001; R=0.967, P< 0.01; R=0.960, P< 0.01, respectively). Conclusions: Our study revealed a set of dysregulated lncRNAs and predicted their multiple potential functions in human TAD. These findings suggest that lncRNAs are novel potential therapeutic targets for human TAD.
NR4A1 is Involved in Fibrogenesis in Ovarian Endometriosis
Authors: Zeng Xinliu , Yue Zhang , Gao Ying  , Jiang Guosong , Zeng Fuqing , Shao Ying , Huang Jiayu , Yin Minuo , Li Yajie
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Excess fibrosis may lead to chronic pain, scarring, and infertility as endometriosis develops and progresses. The pathogenesis of endometriosis has been linked to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), the most potent promoter of fibrosis. Methods: Levels of NR4A1 and P-NR4A1 protein in human endometrial and endometriotic tissue were assessed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of fibrotic markers in stromal cells were evaluated by real-time PCR. The degree of fibrosis in mouse endometriotic lesions was detected by Masson trichrome and Sirius red staining. Results: The level of phosphorylated-NR4A1 was higher in ovarian endometriotic tissue than in normal endometrium, and long-term TGF-β1 stimulation phosphorylated NR4A1 in an AKT-dependent manner and then promoted the expression of fibrotic markers. Furthermore, inhibition of NR4A1 in stromal cells increased the TGF-β1-dependent elevated expression of fibrotic markers, and loss of NR4A1 stimulated fibrogenesis in mice with endometriosis. Additionally, Cytosporone B (Csn-B), an NR4A1 agonist, effectively decreased the TGF-β1-dependent elevated expression of fibrotic markers in vitro and significantly inhibited fibrogenesis in vivo. Conclusion: NR4A1 can regulate fibrosis in endometriosis and may serve as a new target for the treatment of endometriosis.
Can’t Complain
Authors: Norlock Kathryn J.
Published: April 2018

Philosophers generally prescribe against complaining, or endorse only complaints directed to rectification of the circumstances. Notably, Aristotle and Kant aver that the importuning of others with one’s pains is effeminate and should never be done. In this paper, I reject the prohibition of complaint. The gendered aspects of Aristotle’s and Kant’s criticisms of complaint include their deploring a self-indulgent “softness” with respect to pain, yielding to feelings at the expense of remembering one’s duties to others and one’s own self-respect. I argue that complaining may also take the form of mindful attention to shared suffering. A complainer may observe affective duties, such as commiseration and invitations to disclose pains. Against more contemporary views that justify only constructive complaints directed to change, I suggest that quotidian, unconstructive complaining sometimes fulfills important social functions, including the amelioration of loneliness and affective solidarity, for the sake of others as well as oneself.
Hybotidae (Diptera) from Turkey, with descriptions of seven new species
Authors: BARTÁK MIROSLAV , KUBÍK ŠTĚPÁN
Published: April 2018

The family Hybotidae is systematically studied from Turkey for the first time. Altogether 51 species are reported from Turkey, of which 36 species are first recorded from this country and seven species are described as new for science: Platypalpus academicus sp. nov., P. anomalus sp. nov., P. bohousi sp. nov., P. diminuticornis sp. nov., P. dursuni sp. nov., P. moceki sp. nov., and P. seticauda sp. nov. Seven additional probably undescribed species remain unnamed due to insufficient material. Tachypeza subnubila Raffone, 2002 is proposed as new subjective junior synonym of Tachypeza nubila (Meigen, 1804).
A new species and notes on unusual natural history of Cladochaeta Coquillett, 1900 (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
Authors: CARVALHO-FILHO FERNANDO DA SILVA , PIRANI GABRIELA , KLOSS THIAGO GECHEL
Published: April 2018

A new species of Cladochaeta Coquillett (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is described, C. caxiuana sp. nov. from the Brazilian Amazon, based on 10 male and 10 female specimens obtained from nymphs of Sphodroscarta trivirgata (Amyot & Serville, 1843) (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Aphrophoridae). The female of Cladochaeta atlantica Pirani & Amorim, 2016 is described based on specimens reared from spider egg sacs of the spider Cryptachaea migrans (Keyserling, 1884) (Araneae: Theridiidae) obtained in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. This is the first record of this fly genus attacking a spider egg sac. The species Cladochaeta sororia (Williston, 1896) is recorded for the first time from Brazil, based on specimens collected in an urban garden in the Amazon. In addition, an unidentified female specimen of Cladochaeta Coquillett, 1900 was obtained from the cocoon of a spider wasp of the genus Notocyphus Smith (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae).
Two new species of Tenuipalpus Donnadieu, 1875 (Acari: Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae) from Iran
Authors: SAFDARKHANI HAMID KHADEM , ASADI MAHDIEH , SEEMAN OWEN D.
Published: April 2018

Two new flat mite species (Acari: Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae), Tenuipalpus iranicus sp. nov. ex. Salix aegyptiaca (Salicaceae) and Tenuipalpus kermanicus sp. nov. ex. Tamarix aphylla (Tamaricaceae) from the Hormozgan and Kerman provinces of Iran, respectively, are described and illustrated. These species belong to the proteae species group. Tenuipalpus iranicus sp. nov. is placed in the xerocolus subgroup due to having two pairs each of setae 3a and 4a, and T. kermanicus sp. nov. is placed in the keiensis subgroup because it has one pair of setae 3a and two pairs of 4a.
Two new species of Leptogenys from southern Brazil (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: LÓPEZ-MUÑOZ ROMÁN A. , VILLARREAL ERICK , LATTKE JOHN E.
Published: April 2018

Two new species of ants belonging to the genus Leptogenys are described: L. academica n. sp., and L. carioca n. sp., both belonging to the crudelis group. The former species is known from the city of Curitiba while the other species occurs in montane forests of the Itatiaia Plateau. We provide descriptions based on the worker caste, images, as well as a modification of the key presently used for identifying the New World workers of Leptogenys.
Changes in Ocean Heat Content Caused by Wave-Induced Mixing in a High-Resolution Ocean Model
Authors: Stoney Lachlan , Walsh Kevin J. E. , Thomas Steven , Spence Paul , Babanin Alexander V.
Published: April 2018

A parameterization of turbulent mixing from unbroken surface waves is included in a 16-yr simulation within a high-resolution ocean circulation model (MOM5). This “surface wave mixing” (SWM) derives from the wave orbital motion and is parameterized as an additional term in a k-epsilon model. We show that SWM leads to significant changes in sea surface temperatures but smaller changes in ocean heat content, and show the extent to which these changes can reduce pre-existing model biases with respect to observed data. Specifically, SWM leads to a widespread improvement in sea surface temperature in both hemispheres in summer and winter, while for ocean heat content the improvements are less clear. In addition, we show that introducing SWM can lead to an accumulation of wave-induced ocean heat content between years. While it has been well established that secular positive trends exist in global wave heights, we find that such trends are relatively unimportant in driving the accumulation of wave-induced ocean heat content. Rather, in response to the new source of mixing, the simulated ocean climate evolves toward a new equilibrium with greater total ocean heat content.
Evaluation of a Multidisciplinary Pain, Agitation, and Delirium Guideline in Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Adults
Authors: Heim Melissa , Draheim Ryan , Krupp Anna , Breihan Paula , O’Rourke Ann , Wells Jeffrey , Fish Jeffrey
Published: April 2018

Background: A multidisciplinary team updated an institution-specific pain, agitation, and delirium (PAD) guideline based on the recommendations from the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) PAD guidelines. This institution-specific guideline emphasized protocolized sedation with increased as needed boluses, and nonbenzodiazepine infusions, daily sedation interruption, and pairing of spontaneous awakening (SAT) and breathing trials (SBT). Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of implementation of a PAD guideline on clinical outcomes and medication utilization in an academic medical center intensive care unit (ICU). It was hypothesized that implementation of an updated guideline would improve clinical outcomes and decrease usage of benzodiazepine infusions. Methods: Pre-post retrospective chart review of 2417 (1147 pre, 1270 post) critically ill, mechanically ventilated adults in a medical/surgical ICU over a 2-year period (1 year pre and post guideline implementation). Results: After guideline implementation, average ventilation days was reduced (3.98 vs 3.43 days, P = .0021), as well as ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS) (4.79 vs 4.34 days, P = .048 and 13.96 vs 12.97 days, P = .045, respectively). Hospital mortality (19 vs 19%, P = .96) and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) IV scores (77.28 vs 78.75, P = .27) were similar. After guideline implementation, the percentage of patients receiving midazolam infusions decreased (422/1147 [37%] vs 363/1270 patients [29%], P = .0001). The percentage of patients receiving continuous infusion propofol (679/1147 [59%] vs 896/1270 [70%], P = .0001) and dexmedetomidine (78/1147 [7%] vs 147/1270 [12%], P = .0001) increased. Conclusions: Implementing a multidisciplinary PAD guideline utilizing protocolized sedation and daily sedation interruption decreased ventilation days and ICU and hospital LOS while decreasing midazolam drip usage.
Effects of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) and a B Complex Preparation on Dreaming and Sleep
Authors: Adventure-Heart Denholm J. , Madden Natasha A. , Delfabbro Paul
Published: April 2018

Anecdotal evidence indicates that supplementation with vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) before bed can enhance dream vividness and recall. In a single pilot study, Ebben, Lequerica, and Spielman (2002) found that vitamin B6 had a dose-dependent effect of increasing scores on a composite measure of dream vividness, bizarreness, emotionality, and color. The present research replicated this study using a larger and more diverse sample of 100 participants from across Australia. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects on dreaming and sleep of ingesting 240 mg vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride) before bed for five consecutive days. We also included an exploratory condition involving a B complex preparation containing a range of B vitamins. We found that vitamin B6 significantly increased the amount of dream content participants recalled but did not significantly affect dream vividness, bizarreness, or color, nor did it significantly affect other sleep-related variables. In contrast, participants in the B complex group showed significantly lower self-rated sleep quality and significantly higher tiredness on waking. We discuss the potential for using vitamin B6 in research on lucid dreaming.

Editor's Note

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health (as promulgated by PubMed), very high doses of vitamin B6 of 1000 mg/day have been associated with neuropathy, and there have been occasional reports of toxicity at 100-300 mg/day. B6 dosages obtained naturally through foods are needed and beneficial, and this study's use of a pyridoxine hydrochloride dose of 240 mg translates to a typical B6 dose of less than 200 mg/ day and was limited to five days. Use of a B6 supplement at any higher level or on a more prolonged basis is not recommended outside of an approved research study or without close physician oversight.
Development of shape memory alloy hybrid yarns for adaptive fiber-reinforced plastics
Authors: Ashir Moniruddoza , Nocke Andreas , Cherif Chokri
Published: April 2018

The application of shape memory alloys (SMAs) for the development of adaptive fiber-reinforced plastics has been expanding steadily in recent years. In order to prevent matrix damage and optimize the actuating potential of SMAs during the process of thermally induced activation, a barrier layer between SMAs and the matrix of fiber-reinforced plastics is required. This article approaches the textile technological development of SMA hybrid yarns as a core–sheath structure using friction spinning technology, whereby the SMA serves as the core. Four types of hybrid yarns are produced by varying the number of process stages from one to three, as well as the core and sheath materials. The decoupling of the SMA from fiber-reinforced plastics is crucial for optimizing the actuating potential of SMA, thus it is tested by means of the pull-out test. Although the material loss coefficient increases by raising the number of process stages, the three-stage processing of SMA hybrid yarn with an additional glass roving is found to be the most suitable variation for decoupling SMA from the matrix of fiber-reinforced plastics.
The influence of natural functional clothing on some biophysical parameters of the skin
Authors: Zimniewska Malgorzata , Pawlaczyk Mariola , Krucinska Izabella , Frydrych Iwona , Mikolajczak Przemysław , Schmidt-Przewozna Katarzyna , Komisarczyk Agnieszka , Herczynska Lucyna , Romanowska Barbara
Published: April 2018

The objectives of the study were to develop functional natural fiber clothing with microcapsules containing active herbal extracts with properties enhancing the treatment of dermatoses and to confirm the efficiency of the clothing's activity by testing its effect on the biophysical parameters of human skin.

As a result of the work, clothing enriched with green tea and Viola tricolor extracts enclosed in ethyl cellulose microcapsules was produced. The microcapsules were applied on the inner surface of linen knitted fabric, which ensured direct contact of the active substances with the patients' affected skin.

The efficiency of the clothing was tested according to our own methodology, which included wearing tests, microbiological tests of the skin and tests of skin moisture, transepidermal water loss and itching intensity. Also, the effect of the active substances present on the fabrics on the in vitro culture of human keratinocytes was evaluated.

The test results confirmed that linen clothing enriched with medicinal plant extracts enclosed in microcapsules had an effect on the reduction of itching intensity, an increase in skin moisture, reduction of transepidermal water loss and a reduction of pathogenic bacterial colonies residing on the patients' skin. They confirmed that the new method of administering herbal substances to the skin of dermatological patients via the wearing of functional clothing is effective and leads to symptom relief. The studies allowed for the filing of a patent submission, number P 411869, titled “The clothing acting as a dressing supplement in the therapy of dermatological diseases.”
The civic support paradox: Fighting unequal participation in deprived neighbourhoods
Authors: Tonkens Evelien , Verhoeven Imrat
Published: April 2018

In urban neighbourhoods, there is an enduring problem with inequality in participation. Middle-aged, higher educated, white men are often overrepresented. Research indicates that front-line workers can play an important role to reach and activate underrepresented groups, but there is little evidence on how they manage (or fail) to do so. In this article, we focus on front-line workers’ strategies to combat inequality in citizens’ initiatives in the deprived neighbourhoods of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. To analyse these strategies, we construct the ACLR-framework. We find that front-line workers manage to activate a more diverse group of citizens by paying special attention to those who are not already active, by supporting citizens in developing and exercising civic skills, by connecting them with others, and by making sure that citizens experience the system as responsive. However, this professional support is often not recognised because of what we call the civic support paradox: the better that front-line workers do their work, the more invisible it is, and the more difficult it is to pinpoint the factors that make it effective.
People and plans in urbanising China: Challenging the top-down orthodoxy
Authors: Logan John R
Published: April 2018

Urban development in China is strongly influenced by state policy in a context where even the emerging market actors are closely tied to government. The state role is reinforced by the absence of formal mechanisms for community participation in urban decision making and the limited citizenship rights of the large minority of urban residents who migrated from rural areas. Increasingly, however, scholars are becoming aware of the complexities of a political system that involves many vertical layers of governance, competition between localities and an ever-changing balance between centralisation and decentralisation. In addition, scholars are looking more closely at how urban residents adapt to the constraints and opportunities of a situation that is imposed on them, and how they develop strategies for their own advancement within it. In these ways, research on urban China offers a reconceptualisation of state-centred theories of urbanism and urbanisation in the global South.
H∞/H− Simultaneous fault detection and control for continuous-time linear switched delay systems under asynchronous switching
Authors: Shokouhi-Nejad Hossein , Ghiasi Amir Rikhtehgar , Badamchizadeh Mohammad Ali , Pezeshki Saeed
Published: April 2018

In this paper, the problem of simultaneous fault detection and control for continuous-time switched state-delay systems under asynchronous switching is investigated. The aim is to design a detector/controller unit where the detector is an observer and the controller is an observer-based controller. Based on the average dwell time approach, a new method is proposed where both stability and fault detection are considered, simultaneously, through certain performance indexes. This problem is formulated as a mixed H∞/ H− problem and its solution leads to new sufficient conditions in the form of linear matrix inequality feasibility conditions. The effectiveness of the design technique is illustrated via an example.
Effects of indoor water sounds on intrusive noise perception and speech recognition in rooms
Authors: Yang Wonyoung , Moon Hyeun Jun
Published: April 2018

While water sounds have been used for soundscape improvement, little is known about their applicability in indoor environments. In order to investigate the effects of indoor water sounds on noise perception, a simple indoor water fountain system was used to produce water sounds over three different types of indoor intrusive noise (traffic noise, higher frequency dominated noise of a chair scraping the floor above, lower frequency dominated impact noise of a man running on the floor above) and speech in a test laboratory. Intrusive noise perception (annoyance and pleasantness) and speech recognition (KS-MWL-A) were assessed with three water sound levels (40, 50, 60 dBA) at two exposure times (immediate and 50 min) of water sounds by 54 participants. Short-term exposure to indoor water sounds improved the pleasantness of intrusive noise without increasing annoyance except lower frequency dominated impact noise. The increase in exposure time to indoor water sounds did not affect intrusive noise perception and speech recognition. The water to noise ratio significantly affected annoyance and pleasantness of traffic noise only; however, the level of water sounds did not significantly affect intrusive noise perception. Indoor water sounds can be used to improve intrusive noise perception except lower frequency dominated floor impact noise with no adverse effects on speech recognition dependent upon the speech to water sound ratio.

Practical application: This simple indoor water fountain can be directly applied to small offices or rooms to improve intrusive noise perception. When the simple fountain produces water sounds in a room, pleasantness of traffic noise throughout window openings or higher frequency dominated noise such as chair scraping noise can be improved without increment of annoyance and decrement of speech recognition. Short-term exposure to indoor water sounds is effective to increase pleasantness of the intrusive noises.
Detection Rates of the M2 Test for Nonzero Lower Asymptotes Under Normal and Nonnormal Ability Distributions in the Applications of IRT
Authors: Paek Insu , Xu Jie , Lin Zhongtian
Published: April 2018

When considering the two-parameter or the three-parameter logistic model for item responses from a multiple-choice test, one may want to assess the need for the lower asymptote parameters in the item response function and make sure the use of the three-parameter item response model. This study reports the degree of sensitivity of an overall model test M2 to detecting the presence of nonzero asymptotes in the item response function under normal and nonnormal ability distribution conditions.
Habermas’s discourse ethics and Hegel’s critique of Kant
Authors: Martínez David
Published: April 2018

In this article I follow James Gordon Finlayson who claims that a Hegelian criticism applies both to Kant and also to Habermas, namely, the criticism of the will as a tester of maxims. The issue is that Kant cannot connect the will of morality and the will of the particular agent and this leaves the empirical will unaffected. According to Finlayson, Habermas can be charged with this criticism, insofar as he draws a distinction between agent-neutral and agent-relative reasons. The upshot is that in Discourse Ethics the empirical will seems to be left also unaffected by the moral will. In light of an analysis of ideal role taking, and rational discourse, I claim that Habermas can rebut the Hegelian criticism. Nonetheless, I show that these concepts are incompatible with the distinction between agent-relative and agent-neutral reasons. Hence, either the concepts or the distinction have to be removed. Habermas can only afford to discard the distinction, and indeed this modification answers the criticism. The final issue that arises is why does Habermas maintain the distinction? And what would be the consequences for his moral theory if he discards it? At the end of the article I sketch some of the implications and challenges that this alternative could have for Habermas’s Discourse Ethics.
Outcomes of emergency thoracotomy for trauma in a general hospital in Singapore
Authors: Yoong Isabelle Rui Wen , Heng Gregory , Mathur Sachin , Lim Woan Wui , Goo Tiong Thye
Published: April 2018

Background

An emergency thoracotomy can be performed either immediately at the site of trauma or in the emergency department or operating room for resuscitation of patients in extremis or life-saving treatment for patients with thoracic injury. It remains a procedure associated with high mortality rates, and there is a paucity of data from Asia. This study analyzed our six-year experience of emergency trauma thoracotomy in an acute general hospital in Singapore.

Methods

This retrospective analysis was based on experience in a single institution with all emergency trauma thoracotomies performed by general surgeons. All patients who underwent an emergency trauma thoracotomy in Khoo Teck Puat Hospital between January 2011 and December 2016 were studied. Data collected included patient demographics, mechanism of injury, Injury Severity Scores, surgical approach, and postoperative outcomes.

Results

Twenty-three patients underwent an emergency thoracotomy, 8 in the emergency department and 15 in the operating room. The mechanism of injury was blunt in 20 (87%) patients and penetrating in 3 (13%), with road traffic accidents the most common cause (70%). Six (40%) patients who underwent an emergency thoracotomy in the operating room survived beyond 24 h, and 4 (27%) survivors were eventually discharged from the hospital with no neurological deficit. No patient who underwent a thoracotomy in the emergency department survived beyond 24 h.

Conclusions

Emergency thoracotomy is associated with high mortality rates, especially when required in the emergency department or for blunt trauma. Nevertheless, it is a potentially life-saving procedure that offers a chance of survival in selected patients.
Myocardial protection following del Nido cardioplegia in pediatric cardiac surgery
Authors: Panigrahi Debasish , Roychowdhury Saibal , Guhabiswas Rahul , Rupert Emmanuel , Das Mrinalendu , Narayan Pradeep
Published: April 2018

Background

This study was designed to compare myocardial protection with del Nido cardioplegia and conventional blood cardioplegia in children undergoing cardiac surgery in Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery categories 1 and 2.

Methods

Sixty patients were randomized into 2 groups receiving del Nido cardioplegia solution or conventional blood cardioplegia. Myocardial injury was assessed using biochemical markers (troponin I and creatine kinase-MB). Vasoactive-inotropic scores were calculated to compare inotropic requirements.

Results

Demographic characteristics, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and aortic crossclamp time were comparable in the 2 groups. Time-related changes in troponin I and creatine kinase-MB were similar in both groups. Statistically significant differences were seen in total cardioplegia volume requirement ( p < 0.0001), number of cardioplegia doses given ( p < 0.0001), packed red cell volume usage during cardiopulmonary bypass ( p < 0.02), and time taken to restore spontaneous regular rhythm ( p < 0.0001). Vasoactive-inotropic scores on transfer to the intensive care unit ( p < 0.040) and at 24 h ( p < 0.030) were significantly lower in the del Nido group. Duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, and hospital stay were comparable in the 2 groups.

Conclusions

Our results show that del Nido cardioplegia solution is as safe as conventional blood cardioplegia. Moreover, it provides the benefits of reduced dose requirement, lower consumption of allogenic blood on cardiopulmonary bypass, quicker resumption of spontaneous regular cardiac rhythm, and less inotropic support requirement on transfer to the intensive care unit and at 24 h, compared to conventional blood cardioplegia.
Posterior mitral leaflet plication for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
Authors: Varma Praveen Kerala , Krishna Neethu , Ahamed Hisham , Madassery Sujatha
Published: April 2018

Anomalies of the mitral valve apparatus in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are an important cause of systolic anterior motion. Patients with significant residual obstruction due to systolic anterior motion after myectomy and anterior mitral leaflet plication may end up having mitral valve replacement. We describe the case of a 52-year-old man who underwent posterior mitral leaflet plication to correct residual systolic anterior motion after anterior mitral leaflet plication.
Comparative assessment and suitability of iron and the nutritional composition of fortified foods for young children
Authors: AbuKhader Majed M
Published: April 2018

Aim:

To assess the suitability of iron content and the nutritional benefits of selected fortified food products marketed for 4–8 year old children in Oman.

Methods:

Forty-five fortified foods, which are available in Omani markets, were classified into four groups based on food type and composition: ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast cereals (two groups), malted milk drinks and milk powder formulas. The nutrition panel displayed on the products’ outer package was used as a source of content values for iron and other nutrients.

Results:

Among the selected products, malted milk drinks contain a significant ( p < 0.001) amount of iron that is 6.2±3.1 mg per 30 g serving (recommended daily intake for children 4–8 years old is 10 mg). The way selected products are served, with milk or water, could have a significant impact on the iron absorption and bioavailability, which is influenced by the presence of calcium and vitamin C. The values recorded from malted milk drinks and milk powder formulas were shown to have vitamin C to iron ratios of 3:1 and 8:1, respectively. Such ratios are reportedly effective in reversing the negative effect of calcium on iron absorption. Iron-fortified foods contain low to moderate amount of iron per serving and are considered more nutritious when compared to iron supplements.

Conclusion:

Iron-fortified foods can be conditionally useful to prevent or restore iron deficiency but not be relied on as an only source of iron. Hence these products must be consumed as a part of a healthy diet plan.
Seeing the smart city on Twitter: Colour and the affective territories of becoming smart
Authors: Rose Gillian , Willis Alistair
Published: April 2018

This paper pays attention to the immense and febrile field of digital image files which picture the smart city as they circulate on the social media platform Twitter. The paper considers tweeted images as an affective field in which flow and colour are especially generative. This luminescent field is territorialised into different, emergent forms of becoming ‘smart’. The paper identifies these territorialisations in two ways: firstly, by using the data visualisation software ImagePlot to create a visualisation of 9030 tweeted images related to smart cities; and secondly, by responding to the affective pushes of the image files thus visualised. It identifies two colours and three ways of affectively becoming smart: participating in smart, learning about smart, and anticipating smart, which are enacted with different distributions of mostly orange and blue images. The paper thus argues that debates about the power relations embedded in the smart city should consider the particular affective enactment of being smart that happens via social media. More generally, the paper concludes that geographers must pay more attention to the diverse and productive vitalities of social media platforms in urban life and that this will require experiment with methods that are responsive to specific digital qualities.
The ability of ADC measurements in the assessment of patients with stage I endometrial carcinoma based on three risk categories
Authors: Liu Jia , Yuan Feng , Wang Shijia , Chen Xiaojun , Ma Fenghua , Zhang Guofu , Tian Xiaomei
Published: April 2018

Background

Better selection of patients with intermediate and high-risk stage I endometrial carcinoma (EC) for lymphadenectomy has an important effect on the prognosis.

Purpose

To investigate the role of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements in the assessment of stage I EC patients based on three risk categories.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively studied 80 patients with EC and 28 cervical cancer patients with normal endometrium. 1.5-T conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) (b = 0, 1000 s/mm2) were performed, and ADC values were calculated. Sixty-eight stage I EC patients were divided into three groups: low-risk EC (group 1); intermediate-risk EC (group 2); and high-risk EC (group 3). The remaining 12 EC patients were in stages II and III. Intraclass coefficient, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and receiver operating characteristics were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The mean ADC values ( × 10–3 mm2 /s) were 0.851 ± 0.131, 0.734 ± 0.108, and 0.710 ± 0.108 for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Significant statistical differences were achieved for the three groups ( P = 0.0005). The mean ADC values of group 1 were significantly lower than those in group 2 + 3 (0.725 ± 0.106; P = 0.0001). For the prediction of groups 2 + 3, the area under the curve of 0.786 and the cut-off value of ≤ 0.742 were identified, with a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 66.67%, 84.09%, and 73.53%, respectively.

Conclusion

ADC measurements may have the potential to select intermediate-risk and high-risk stage I EC patients for lymphadenectomy.