bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of Powered Intracapsular Tonsillectomy in Pediatric Patients with Tonsil Problem, Including Recurrent Tonsillitis: A Single Surgeon’s Experience
Authors: Kim Heejin , Li Sung Won , Park Sung Min , Kim Sung Kyun , Hong Seok Jin , Hong Seok Min , Kim Young Bok , Park Il Seok
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Powered intracapsular tonsillectomy (PIT) is a technique that protects the tonsillar capsule by using a microdebrider, resulting in faster wound-healing and reduced suffering. Many studies have found PIT to be effective, particularly in pediatric patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, previous studies have not included patients with a history of recurrent tonsillitis. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of PIT in pediatric patients even with a history of recurrent tonsillitis, and therefore, we want to expand the indication for PIT and reveal its safety. Methods: A total of 886 pediatric patients underwent PIT between February 2013 and March 2016. All patients rated their postoperative pain using a visual analog scale (VAS) and completed the Korean obstructive sleep apnea (KOSA)-18 questionnaire for assessment of their quality of life (QOL). There were 539 males and 347 females. Their mean age was 6.2 years (range 2–14 years). The majority (77.7%) underwent the operation for OSA, and the rest (22.3%) had a history of recurrent tonsillitis. To compare the efficacy of PIT with traditional tonsillectomy, we selected 191 patients who underwent extracapsular tonsillectomy (ECT), a conventional technique, during the same time period. The median follow-up period was 16.7 months. During the follow-up period, instances of delayed bleeding and recurrent pharyngitis were monitored. Results: In comparison to the patients who underwent ECT, the PIT group showed significantly fewer cases of postoperative bleeding (p = 0.027). Thirteen patients in the PIT group (1.5%) visited the hospital during the follow-up period for pharyngitis, while 8 in the ECT group (4.2%) visited for pharyngitis. The mean postoperative pain score, as assessed by a VAS, was 4.6 ± 3.2, and pain improved within an average of 2.9 days after surgery in the PIT group. The mean KOSA-18 score for the QOL of the patients was 65.9 preoperatively and 35.6 postoperatively in the PIT group. Conclusions: Pediatric tonsillectomy using PIT is valid for reducing postoperative pain and improving the QOL of OSA patients. PIT is also effective and safe for patients with a history of recurrent tonsillitis.
Mammary Chain Irradiation in Left-Sided Breast Cancer: Can We Reduce the Risk of Secondary Cancer and Ischaemic Heart Disease with Modern Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Techniques?
Authors: Figlia Vanessa , Simonetto Cristoforo , Eidemüller Markus , Naccarato Stefania , Sicignano Gianluisa , De Simone Antonio , Ruggieri Ruggero , Mazzola Rosario , Matuschek Christiane , Bölke Edwin , Pazos Montserrat , Niyazi Maximilian , Belka Claus , Alongi Filippo , Corradini Stefanie
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to estimate the impact of the addition of internal mammary chain (IMC) irradiation in node-positive left-sided breast cancer (BC) patients undergoing regional nodal irradiation (RNI) and comparatively evaluate excess relative and absolute risks of radiation-induced lung cancer/BC and ischaemic heart disease for intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) versus 3D conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT). Methods: Four treatment plans were created (3D-CRT and IMRT –/+ IMC) for each of the 10 evaluated patients, and estimates of excess relative risk (ERR) and 10-year excess absolute risk (EAR) were calculated for radiation-induced lung cancer/BC and coronary events using linear, linear-exponential and plateau models. Results: The addition of IMC irradiation to RNI signiﬁcantly increased the dose exposure of the heart, lung and contralateral breast using both techniques, increasing ERR for secondary lung cancer (58 vs. 44%, p = 0.002), contralateral BC (49 vs. 31%, p = 0.002) and ischaemic heart disease (41 vs. 27%, p = 0.002, IMRT plans). IMRT signiﬁcantly reduced the mean cardiac dose and mean lung dose as compared to 3D-CRT, decreasing ERR for major coronary events (64% 3D-CRT vs. 41% IMRT, p = 0.002) and ERR for secondary lung cancer (75 vs. 58%, p = 0.004) in IMC irradiation, without a significant impact on secondary contralateral BC risks. Conclusion: Although IMC irradiation has been shown to increase survival rates in node-positive BC patients, it increased dose exposure of organs at risk in left-sided BC, resulting in significantly increased risks for secondary lung cancer/contralateral BC and ischaemic heart disease. In this setting, the adoption of IMRT seems advantageous when compared to 3D-CRT.
A Homozygous RAG1 Gene Mutation in a Case of Combined Immunodeficiency: Clinical, Molecular, and Computational Analysis
Authors: Essadssi Soukaina , Benhsaien Ibtihal , Bakhchane Amina , Charoute Hicham , Abdelghaffar Houria , Bousfiha Ahmed Aziz , Barakat Abdelhamid
Published: October 2020

Background: The recombination-activating gene 1 and 2 (RAG1/RAG2) proteins are essential to initiate the V(D)J recombination process, the result is a diverse repertoire of antigen receptor genes and the establishment of the adaptive immunity. RAG1 mutations can lead to multiple forms of combined immunodeficiency. Methods: In this report, whole exome sequencing was performed in a Moroccan child suffering from combined immunodeficiency, with T and B lymphopenia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Results: After filtering data and Sanger sequencing validation, one homozygous mutation c.2446G>A (p.Gly816Arg) was identified in the RAG1 gene. Conclusion: This finding expands the spectrum of immunological and genetic profiles linked to RAG1 mutation, it also illustrates the necessity to consider RAG1 immunodeficiency in the presence of autoimmune hemolytic anemia and CMV infection, even assuming the immunological phenotype appears more or less normal.
Dermoscopy of Juvenile Xanthogranuloma
Authors: Peruilh-Bagolini Leonardo , Silva-Astorga Mariana , Hernández San Martín María Jesús , Manoli Magdalini-Sofia , Papageorgiou Chryssoula , Apalla Zoe , Lallas Aimilios
Published: October 2020

Background: Dermoscopy is useful for the evaluation of juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG). The classical “setting sun” pattern is characteristic of JXG, but its sensibility appears to be limited. An extensive description of other dermoscopic findings is not available in the literature. Objectives: The aim of this study was to valuate and describe the clinical and dermoscopic characteristics of a series of JXG cases. Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study, including cases with histopathologic diagnosis of JXG, and the availability of clinical and dermoscopic images, assessed for the presence of dermoscopic features based on the available literature. Results: A total of 17 lesions were analyzed. 70.6% showed global symmetry, 35.3% presented the typical “setting sun” pattern. All lesions showed yellow-orange and/or pink-red structureless color. Other dermoscopic features were yellow globules (35.3%), shiny white streaks (23.5%), brown globules (17.6%), pale-brown network (11.8%), negative network (11.8%), erosion/ulceration (11.8%), rosettes (5.9%), and hemorrhage (5.9%). Scales were seen in 64.7% of patients. Vascular structures were observed in all the lesions, mostly in an irregular distribution (76.5%). The observed vessel types were dotted (52.9%), linear (52.9%), branching-arboriform (29.4%), comma-like (23.5%), hairpin-like (17.6%), globular (17.6%), coiled (11.8%), and milky-red globules (5.9%). Conclusions: Symmetry, yellow/orange-pink/red color, yellow globules, shiny white streaks, and irregularly distributed different types of vascular structures are the main dermoscopic features of JXG. This is the largest dermoscopic registry of JXG published to date.
Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Tramadol versus Intravenous Paracetamol for Relief of Acute Pain of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ghamry Nevein Kamal , Ali Ahmed Said , Shareef Mohammad Abrar , AlAmodi Abdulhadi A. , Hamza Mohamed , Abbas Ahmed M. , Fadlalmola Hammad Ali , Alalfy Mahmoud , Mahmoud Ahmed Omar , Islam Yomna
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Many pharmaceutical, surgical, and complementary medical interventions are used for primary dysmenorrhea treatment. However, no consensus has been reached about the most effective intervention. Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of IV tramadol versus IV paracetamol in relieving acute pain of primary dysmenorrhea. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital and included 100 patients between 18 and 35 years old diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea. Patients received either 1-g paracetamol or 100-mg tramadol in 100-mL normal saline as an IV infusion over 10 min. Pain intensity was measured by using a visual analog scale at 15, 30, 60 min, and 2 h. We recorded drug side effects and requirements for rescue analgesics. Results: Pain scores were significantly lower in the tramadol group compared with the paracetamol group at 15, 30, 60 min, and 2 h (p < 0.001). Fewer patients in the tramadol group needed rescue analgesics compared with the paracetamol group (p = 0.04). No significant differences were reported in side effects between both groups. Conclusions: IV tramadol is superior to IV paracetamol in relieving acute pain of primary dysmenorrhea with a comparable side effect profile.
Duodenal Histological Findings and Risk of Coeliac Disease in Subjects with Autoimmune Atrophic Gastritis: A Retrospective Evaluation
Authors: Zingone Fabiana , Marsilio Ilaria , Fassan Matteo , Pilotto Valentina , Maddalo Gemma , Lorenzon Greta , Savarino Edoardo Vincenzo , Farinati Fabio
Published: October 2020

Background and Aim: Autoimmune atrophic gastritis (AAG) is characterized by a variable spectrum of gastric and extra-gastric symptoms and has been associated with other autoimmune diseases. It is still unknown whether AAG patients have a higher risk of coeliac disease (CeD) or of any other particular duodenal histological damage. Our study aimed at evaluating the duodenal histological findings and the risk of CeD in patients with AAG, with and without other concurrent autoimmune diseases. Methods: We retrospectively collected all the histological findings of the adult patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with concurrent duodenal and gastric biopsies at our gastroenterology unit between 2015 and 2018 and who were regularly followed up at our centre. Date of endoscopy evaluation, endoscopy indication, data on previous CeD diagnosis and on other autoimmune-associated diseases, and a description of histological diagnosis were recorded. Results: Of the 2,423 evaluated endoscopies, 209 patients had an AAG diagnosis (8.6%). One hundred thirty-nine patients, aged 57.4 (standard deviation 13.2) years, were regularly followed up at our centre and were included. Of them, 4 subjects had a previous diagnosis of CeD and one had CeD diagnosis at index endoscopy. Additionally, 8 patients had an isolated increase of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs, 6%) and 2 villous atrophy with a normal IEL count. The risk of CeD in AAG was not modulated by the presence of other concurrent autoimmune diseases. Conclusions: We support the screening of all AAG patients with CeD autoantibodies. Findings of isolated IEL or villous atrophy are not exclusively related to CeD.
Dose-Response Effect of Fluoride Dentifrices on De-/Remineralization of Root Dentine in situ
Authors: Leal José , Ferreira Robson , Tabchoury Cinthia , Lingström Peter , Vale Glauber
Published: October 2020

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of fluoride (F) dentifrice with different F concentrations on root dentine de-/remineralization. Ten healthy volunteers took part in this randomized, double-blinded, cross-over, and split-mouth in situ experimental study. During 4 phases of 7 days, they wore a palatal appliance containing 4 bovine dentine blocks (2 sound and 2 with caries) of 4 × 4 × 2 mm. Treatments were performed with silica-based dentifrices containing 0, 700, 1,300, and 5,000 µg F/g (F as NaF). To provide a cariogenic challenge, a 20% sucrose solution was dripped 3 and 8 times daily on the carious-like and sound blocks, respectively. After each experimental phase, the percentage of surface hardness loss (%SHL) or recovery (%SHR) was calculated and the fluoride concentration in the biofilm was determined. The statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and the Tukey post hoc test with p at 5%. The relationship between variables was analyzed by linear regression. The results showed a lower %SHL when 5,000 µg F/g dentifrice was used but without a statistically significant difference from the conventional one (1,300 µg F/g). Regarding remineralization and F in biofilms, the high-fluoride dentifrice was expressively superior in mineral replacement on the surface and in the F concentration in the biofilms, respectively, compared to the other 3 products (p < 0.05). Also, a significant linear fit between mineral loss/gain, F in biofilms, and fluoride concentration in the dentifrices could be observed. In conclusion, a dose-response F effect was observed, and the high-fluoride dentifrice was effective in enhancing root dentine remineralization in this short-term in situ study.
Dysplasia Surveillance in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Cohort Study
Authors: Saraiva Sofia , Rosa Isadora , Moleiro Joana , Pereira da Silva João , Fonseca Ricardo , Dias Pereira António
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Patients with colonic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at an increased risk for colorectal cancer (CRC), whereby surveillance colonoscopy is recommended. Aim: To study the clinical and endoscopic variables associated with dysplasia in IBD patients. Methods: A cohort study was conducted on IBD patients who were part of a colonoscopy surveillance program between 2011 and 2016. Results: A total of 342 colonoscopies were performed on 162 patients (105 with ulcerative colitis [UC] and 57 with Crohn’s disease). Random biopsies were performed at least once on 81.5% of patients; 33.3% of the patients underwent chromoendoscopy (CE) at least once. Endoscopically resectable lesions were detected in 55 patients (34%), and visible lesions deemed unfit for endoscopic resection were found in 5 patients (3.1%). Overall, 62 dysplastic visible lesions (58 with low-grade dysplasia and 3 with high-grade dysplasia) and 1 adenocarcinoma were found in 34 patients. Dysplasia in random biopsies was present in 3 patients, the yield of random biopsies for dysplasia being 1.85%/patient (3/162), 1.75%/colonoscopy (6/342), and 0.25%/biopsy (9/3,637). Dysplasia detected in random biopsies was significantly associated with a personal history of visible dysplasia (p = 0.006). Upon univariate analysis, dysplasia was significantly associated with the type of IBD, the performance of random biopsies, and CE (p = 0.016/0.009/0.05, respectively). On multivariate analysis, dysplasia was associated with duration of disease. Conclusion: Our data confirm that patients with long-standing IBD, in particular UC, should be enrolled in dysplasia surveillance programs, and that performing CE and random biopsies seems to help in the detection of colonic neoplastic lesions.
Relationship between Sarcopenia and Swallowing Capacity in Community-Dwelling Older Women
Authors: Suzuki Mizue , Kimura Yosuke , Otobe Yuhei , Kikuchi Tomoe , Masuda Hiroaki , Taguchi Ryota , Tanaka Shu , Narita Yuya , Shino Shuhei , Kusumi Haruhiko , Yamada Minoru
Published: October 2020

Background: Swallowing disorders are a serious health concern among older adults. Previous studies reported that sarcopenia may affect swallowing disorders; however, whether sarcopenia is related to the capacity to swallow (measured according to swallowing speed) in community-dwelling older adults is unclear. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sarcopenia and swallowing capacity in community-dwelling older women. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted among community-dwelling older women in Japan. The inclusion criteria were as follows: women aged ≥65 years, with the ability to walk independently, and without dysphagia. The exclusion criterion was a history of stroke or Parkinson’s disease that directly caused dysphagia. The participants were divided into a sarcopenia and a healthy group based on the criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019. We measured swallowing speed (mL/s) as the swallowing capacity by conducting a 100-mL water-swallowing test. To assess the relationship between sarcopenia and swallowing capacity, we performed a multiple regression analysis. Results: Two-hundred and sixty participants were enrolled in the study. Their mean age was 82.3 ± 6.9 years, and 61 (23.5%) of them displayed sarcopenia. The mean swallowing speed was 11.5 ± 4.9 mL/s, and 17 women (6.5%) exhibited choking or a wet-hoarse voice. Multiple regression analysis revealed that sarcopenia was related to the swallowing capacity after adjusting for age, the Mini-Mental State Examination, and the number of comorbidities (β = –0.20, 95% CI –3.78 to –0.86, p = 0.002). Conclusions: We found that sarcopenia was related to the swallowing capacity in older women in this study. Future research should clarify whether a similar relationship exists in older men as well as the effect of sarcopenia on the swallowing capacity in older adults over a period of time.
Estratégias comerciais e operacionais das grandes companhias de saneamento
Authors: De Oliveira Alberto
Published: October 2020

O final do século XX testemunhou a ascensão de modelos de política pública baseados em soluções de mercado, o que estimulou a privatização e o surgimento de parcerias público-privadas no setor de saneamento básico. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar as estratégias comerciais e operacionais adotadas pela Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo (Sabesp), tendo em vista as transformações em curso no mercado internacional, a fim de juntar elementos que contribuam para o debate das políticas de saneamento no Brasil. A metodologia do trabalho buscou identificar convergências e divergências entre os interesses dos investidores e dos usuários, a partir da análise das informações econômicas e operacionais disponíveis nos relatórios dos acionistas, com destaque para os seguintes aspectos: recursos humanos, investimentos, tarifas, eficiência operacional e lucratividade. A investigação concluiu que a Sabesp vem seguindo estratégias semelhantes às observadas nas companhias que atuam no mercado internacional, embora tenha divergido em alguns aspectos, possivelmente em razão das características da infraestruturade saneamento presentes em São Paulo. Finalmente, em oposição à harmonia preconizada nos textos que defendem as soluções de mercado, esta pesquisa apontou nas estratégias da Sabesp os conflitos entre os interesses de investidores e usuários.
Association Between β-Blocker Use and Mortality/Morbidity in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced, Midrange, and Preserved Ejection Fraction and Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Fu Edouard L. , Uijl Alicia , Dekker Friedo W. , Lund Lars H. , Savarese Gianluigi , Carrero Juan J.
Published: October 2020

Background:

It is unknown if β-blockers reduce mortality/morbidity in patients with heart failure (HF) and advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), a population underrepresented in HF trials.

Methods:

Observational cohort of HF patients with advanced CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
) from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry between 2001 and 2016. We first explored associations between β-blocker use, 5-year death, and the composite of cardiovascular death/HF hospitalization among 3775 patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and advanced CKD. We compared observed hazards with those from a control cohort of 15 346 patients with HFrEF and moderate CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60–30 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
), for whom β-blocker trials demonstrate benefit. Second, we explored outcomes associated to β-blocker among advanced CKD participants with preserved (HFpEF; N=2009) and midrange ejection fraction (HFmrEF; N=1514).

Results:

During a median follow-up of 1.3 years, 2012 patients had a subsequent HF hospitalization, and 2849 died in the HFrEF cohort, of which 2016 died due to cardiovascular causes. Among patients with HFrEF, β-blocker use was associated with lower risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio 0.85 [95% CI, 0.75–0.96]) and cardiovascular mortality/HF hospitalization (0.87 [0.77–0.98]) compared with nonuse. The magnitude of the associations was similar to that observed for HFrEF patients with moderate CKD. Conversely, no significant association was observed for β-blocker users in advanced CKD with HFpEF (death: 0.88 [0.77–1.02], cardiovascular mortality/HF hospitalization: 1.05 [0.90–1.23]) or HFmrEF (death: 0.95 [0.79–1.14], cardiovascular mortality/HF hospitalization: 1.09 [0.90–1.31]).

Conclusions:

In HFrEF patients with advanced CKD, the use of β-blockers was associated with lower morbidity and mortality. Although inconclusive due to limited power, these benefits were not observed in similar patients with HFpEF or HFmrEF.
Pathway Design for Acute Stroke Care in the Era of Endovascular Thrombectomy
Authors: Maas Willemijn J. , Lahr Maarten M.H. , Buskens Erik , van der Zee Durk-Jouke , Uyttenboogaart Maarten ,   on behalf of the CONTRAST Investigators
Published: October 2020

The efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke is highly time dependent. Optimal organization of acute stroke care is therefore important to reduce treatment delays but has become more complex after the introduction of EVT as regular treatment for large vessel occlusions. There is no singular optimal organizational model that can be generalized to different geographic regions worldwide. Current dominant organizational models for EVT include the drip-and-ship- and mothership model. Guidelines recommend routing of suspected patients with stroke to the nearest intravenous thrombolysis capable facility; however, the choice of routing to a certain model should depend on regional stroke service organization and individual patient characteristics. In general, design approaches for organizing stroke care are required, in which 2 key strategies could be considered. The first entails the identification of interventions within existing organizational models for optimizing timely delivery of intravenous thrombolysis and/or EVT. This includes adaptive patient routing toward a comprehensive stroke center, which focuses particularly on prehospital triage tools; bringing intravenous thrombolysis or EVT to the location of the patient; and expediting services and processes along the stroke pathway. The second strategy is to develop analytical or simulation model-based approaches enabling the design and evaluation of organizational models before their implementation. Organizational models for acute stroke care need to take regional and patient characteristics into account and can most efficiently be assessed and optimized through the application of model-based approaches.
KİŞİSELLEŞTİRİLMİŞ HABER UYGULAMALARI BAĞLAMINDA KULLANICILARIN HABER OKUMA TERCİHLERİ: BUNDLE UYGULAMASI ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: TOPSAKAL Taybe
Published: October 2020

Kullanıcıların ilgi alanları doğrultusunda haber ve içerik seçimi yapabildikleri uygulamalar artmaktadır. Kullanıcılar ilgilendikleri haber ve içeriklere kişiselleştirilmiş uygulama ve platformlarla ulaşabilmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı kullanıcıların kişiselleştirilmiş haber uygulamalarını kullanarak hangi tür haberleri okuduklarını ortaya koymaktır. Kişiselleştirilmiş haber platformu olan Bundle uygulaması, kullanıcıların seçtikleri haber ve içerikleri tek bir platformda sunmaktadır. Kullanıcılar okumak istedikleri haber kaynaklarını kendileri seçerek kişisel ilgi ve tercihlerine göre haber ve içerik okuyabilmektedir. Bundle uygulamasının öne çıkanlar sayfasında kullanıcıların en çok okudukları, beğendikleri, paylaştıkları haber ve içerikler görüntülenmektedir. Bundle uygulamasının öne çıkanlar sayfasında, 18-24 Ocak 2020 tarihleri arasında görüntülenen 138 haber Kullanımlar ve Doyumlar Yaklaşımı çerçevesinde doküman incelemesi yöntemiyle incelenmiştir. Ortaya çıkan bulgular kullanıcıların ciddi ve gündem haberlerinden daha çok yaşam tarzı ve eğlence unsurlarını içeren renkli haberleri okumayı tercih ettikleri sonucunu ortaya çıkarmaktadır. Kullanıcılar ana akım medyadan ziyade yeni nesil dijital bilgi ve haber platformlarını tercih etmektedir. Kullanıcılar renkli ve ilginç haberleri okumaktadır.
MATERYALİZMİN TÜKETİM ALIŞKANLIKLARI ÜZERİNE ETKİSİ
Authors: TÜRKMEN İbrahim , ERTEN Şerafettin
Published: October 2020

Günümüzde materyalist eğilimler artmaktadır. Yapılan eleştirilerin ise genellikle tüketim kültürü etrafında yoğunlaştığı görülmektedir. Bu araştırmada materyalizmin farklı tüketim alışkanlıkları üzerindeki etkisi tespit edilmeye çalışılmıştır. Araştırmada nicel araştırma yöntemi kullanılmış olup, anket uygulaması yapılmıştır. Araştırmanın evrenini Uşak ilinde yaşayan, kendi gelirini elde eden ve 18 yaşını geçmiş bireyler oluşturmaktadır. Verilerin toplanmasında, Materyalizm, Statü Tüketimi, Hedonik Tüketim ve Faydacı Tüketim ölçeklerinden oluşan anket formu kullanılmıştır. Kolayda örnekleme yöntemi kullanılmış ve araştırmaya gönüllü olarak destek vermek isteyen bireyler katılmıştır. 412 katılımcıdan elde edilen verilerin analizinde SPSS 22.0 programı kullanılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda, materyalizmin statü ve hedonik tüketimi pozitif yönde, anlamlı bir şekilde etkilediği, faydacı tüketime ise anlamlı bir etkisinin olmadığı tespit edilmiştir. Bu sonuçlar, materyalizmin statü ve hedonik tüketimi artıran ve günümüz tüketim kültürünün gelişmesine neden olan önemli unsurlardan birisi olduğunu göstermektedir.
Network Connections and the Emergence of the Hub-and-Spokes Alliance System in East Asia
Authors: Izumikawa Yasuhiro
Published: October 2020

Why did the so-called hub-and-spokes alliance system emerge in East Asia after World War II instead of a multilateral alliance? Realists and constructivists offer various explanations, pointing to such factors as the United States' preference for bilateral alliances, the absence of a collective identity, and historical memories of Japanese imperialism. None of these explanations is satisfactory, however. Indeed, the historical record reveals that the United States sought a multilateral alliance in East Asia until the early 1960s. A theoretical model based on a social exchange network approach explains how a specific form of network can develop among potential allies. In East Asia, three U.S. allies—Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan—contributed to the emergence and shape of the hub-and-spokes system, which came into being as an unintended consequence of their interactions. The preferences and behavior of these allies proved at least as consequential as those of the United States in shaping this system. The implications of this finding could be significant for alliance politics in contemporary East Asia.
Death Dust: The Little-Known Story of U.S. and Soviet Pursuit of Radiological Weapons
Authors: Meyer Samuel , Bidgood Sarah , Potter William C.
Published: October 2020

Since September 11, 2001, most expert commentary on radiological weapons has focused on nonstate actors, to the neglect of state-level programs. In fact, numerous countries in the past have expressed interest in radiological weapons; a number have actively pursued them; and three tested them on multiple occasions before ultimately deciding not to deploy the weapons. Why is so little known about these false starts, especially outside the United States? Are such weapons more difficult to manufacture than depicted by science-fiction authors and military pundits? Are radiological weapons a thing of the past, or do they remain an attractive option for some countries? A comparative analysis of the previously underexplored cases of radiological weapons programs in the United States and the Soviet Union illuminates the drivers and limitations of weapons innovation in one specific nuclear sector. An examination of the rise and demise of radiological weapons programs in both countries also points to circumstances in the future that might prompt renewed interest on the part of some states in radiological weapons and proposes steps that might be undertaken to reduce the possibility of their production, deployment, and use.
The Stopping Power of Norms: Saturation Bombing, Civilian Immunity, and U.S. Attitudes toward the Laws of War
Authors: Carpenter Charli , Montgomery Alexander H.
Published: October 2020

In “Hiroshima in Iran: What Americans Really Think about Using Nuclear Weapons and Killing Noncombatants,” a pathbreaking survey of attitudes toward the laws of war published in the summer 2017 issue of International Security, Scott Sagan and Benjamin Valentino found that Americans are relatively insensitive to the targeting of civilian populations and to international norms and taboos against the use of nuclear weapons. We replicated a key question of this study, where respondents were asked if they would support saturation bombing an Iranian city to end a war. We also introduced some variations into the experiment to directly measure any potential influence of international norms and laws. Overall, our quantitative and qualitative findings are more optimistic than those of Sagan and Valentino's study: Americans do strongly believe it is wrong to target civilians. And in a real-life scenario such as this, a majority would likely oppose such a bombing. These findings suggest, however, that much depends on how survey questions are structured in measuring those preferences and whether legal or ethical considerations are part of any national conversation about war policy.
Clematis hainanensis (Ranunculaceae), described from Hainan in southern China, is merged with C. leschenaultiana

Authors: YUAN QIONG , YANG QIN-ER
Published: October 2020

Based on critical examination of herbarium specimens (including type material), we demonstrate that Clematis hainanensis (Ranunculaceae), described from Hainan in southern China, is not essentially different from C. leschenaultiana, a species widely distributed in China (Chongqing, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Sichuan, Taiwan, Yunnan), and also in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. We therefore place C. hainanensis in synonymy with C. leschenaultiana herein. Lectotypification is proposed for C. leschenaultiana var. denticulata, which was described also from Hainan and treated as a synonym of C. leschenaultiana. The placement of the name C. splendens is briefly discussed.
Notes on the lectotype of Tetrapogon roxburghianus (Poaceae: Chloridoideae: Cynodonteae)

Authors: DAS SHRABASTI , KARTHIGEYAN KALIYAMURTHY
Published: October 2020

Tetrapogon Desfontaines (1799: 388) comprises 10 species distributed in warmer parts of Africa, Middle East, India, Pakistan, Mexico and Cuba (Mabberley 2018, Soreng et al. 2017). The genus is represented in India by three species namely Tetrapogon roxburghianus (Schultes) P.M.Peterson in Peterson et al. (2015: 460), T. tenellus (J. Koenig ex Roxburgh 1814: 82) Chiovenda (1908: 352) and T. villosus Desfontaines (1799: 389).
Stephania kaweesakii (Menispermaceae), a new tuberous species from Thailand

Authors: JENJITTIKUL THAYA , RUCHISANSAKUN SAROJ
Published: October 2020

Stephania kaweesakii (Menispermaceae), a new tuberous species from Thailand, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to S. pierrei but can be distinguished by having thick-scaled (vs. smooth and papery) tuber bark, male flowers with 3 or 4 petals (vs. absence of petals).
Forecasting Remote Atmospheric Responses to Decadal Kuroshio Stability Transitions
Authors: Siqueira L. , Kirtman B. P. , Laurindo L. C.
Published: October 2020

Based on observational estimates and global ocean eddy-resolving coupled retrospective initialized predictions, we show that Kuroshio Extension variability affects rainfall variability along the west coast of North America. We show that the teleconnection between the current undulations and downstream rainfall can lead to improved subseasonal to seasonal predictions of precipitation over California, and we demonstrate that capturing these teleconnections requires coupled systems with sufficient ocean resolution (i.e., eddy-resolving), especially over time scales longer than one season. The improved forecast skill is diagnosed in terms of 35 years of retrospective initialized ensemble forecasts with an ocean eddy-resolving and an ocean eddy-parameterized coupled model. Not only does the ocean eddy-resolving model show sensitivity to Kuroshio Extension variability in terms of western North America precipitation, but the ocean eddy-resolving forecasts also show improved forecast skill compared to the ocean eddy-parameterized model. The ocean eddy-parameterized coupled model shows no sensitivity to Kuroshio Extension variability. We also find near-decadal variability associated with a progression of a lower-tropospheric height dipole around the North Pacific and how these height anomalies lead to wind-driven Rossby waves that affect the eddy activity in the Kuroshio Extension with a time lag on the order of four years. This decadal-scale variability (~10 years) opens the possibility of multiyear predictability of western North American rainfall.
MipTec Proceedings: High-Throughput Flow Injection Analysis Mass Spectroscopy with Networked Delivery of Colour Rendered Results
Authors: Görlach Ekkehard , Richmond Ramsay
Published: October 2020

An automated high-throughput flow injection analysis electrospray mass spectroscopy system was developed in-house for the purity estimation of tens of thousands of multiple parallel synthesis samples from the Novartis Pharma Combinatorial Chemistry programme. A Visual Basic application called Rack Viewer enables the sample submitting chemists to inspect their spectroscopic results in a fast, direct and easy way. Within RackViewer, a novel 3-D display of an entire 96-well rack's mass spectral ion current highlights systematic patterns in the combinatorial chemistry synthesis. In addition the system was adapted to allow the seamless incorporation of 96-well racks containing liquid chromatography fractions into the high-throughput analysis queues.
Bewertung des Interviews (Einstellungsgesprächs) als eignungsdiagnostisches Instrument der Personalauswahl
Authors: Weuster Arnulf
Published: October 2020

Das Interview (Einstellungsgespräch, Bewerbungsgespräch, Vorstellungsgespräch) wird von allen Bewertungs- und Auswahlinstrumenten bei der Personalauswahl mit großem Abstand am häufigsten genutzt.) Man kann von einem nahezu 100%igen Einsatz ausgehen. Angesichts dieser Dominanz erscheint eine kritische Auseinandersetzung mit den Vor- und Nachteilen dieses Instruments und die Verbesserung seiner eignungsdiagnostischen Qualität zweckmäßig. Im ersten Teil werden die Ergebnisse der Interviewforschung, differenziert nach Interviewer, Interviewten und Interview, dargestellt. Im zweiten Teil erfolgt eine Kritik der Methoden der Interviewforschung. Im dritten Teil wird das Interview anhand der Kriterien Objektivität, Reliabilität und Validität evaluiert. Abschließend werden die Eignung der Interviewmethode für die Personalauswahl (Teil 4) diskutiert und Empfehlungen zur Verbesserung der praktischen Interviewtechnik gegeben (Teil 5).
Der handlungstheoretische Ablaufplan – eine Strukturierungshilfe für Fragen der betrieblichen Bildungsbedarfsanalyse
Authors: Gluminski Iris , Stangel-Meseke Martina
Published: October 2020

Die Bildungsbedarfsanalyse soll die Bildungsarbeit in pädagogischer und ökonomischer Sicht zum Erfolg führen. Die Hauptaufgabe liegt darin, in einem wirtschaftlich vertretbaren Rahmen erforderliche Mitarbeiterqualifikationen zur Verfügung zu stellen. Um dieser Forderung gerecht zu werden, muß die Bildungsbedarfsanalyse systematisch geplant werden. Hierzu wird im folgenden Beitrag ein (idealtypischer) handlungstheoretischer Ablaufplan vorgestellt, der sowohl prospektiv als auch retrospektiv auf Fragen der Bildungsbedarfsanalyse angewandt werden kann. In zwei empirischen Beispielen wird die retrospektive Applikation auf dem Hintergrund ausgewählter Beurteilungskriterien dargestellt. Im Ausblick wird der Nutzen beider Anwendungsformen für die betriebliche Praxis erörtert.
Die Sozialisation von Menschen und Dingen, zum Beispiel im Büro
Authors: Hemmati-Weber Minu
Published: October 2020

Der Beitrag erläutert eine theoretische Konzeption der Beziehungen von Menschen und Dingen, i.e. Gebäuden, Räumen, Möbeln, Arbeitsmitteln usw., und bezieht sich v.a. auf die Situation in Büros.

Aus verschiedenen theoretischen Perspektiven werde ich herausarbeiten, daß und wie die Dinge, von denen wir umgeben sind, uns beeinflussen. Dieser Einfluß ist sowohl sozialisatorisch als auch aktuell verhaltenssteuernd. Und: Die Einflüsse der Dingwelt sind ebenso wichtig wie soziale Einflüsse – obwohl die Bedeutung dinglicher Ambiente gemeinhin unterschätzt wird.

Ausgehend von einer Definition der Personen als Sujet-Subjekte (Meyer-Drawe 1990) beschreibe ich die Dinge als Kultur-Objekte, die auf mehrfache Weise beeinflussende Funktionen haben, auch am Arbeitsplatz. Die Beziehungen von Menschen und Dingen definiere ich als transaktionale Relationen; dieses Relationskonzept erlaubt die begriffliche Fassung der wechselseitigen Bedingtheit und Verschränkung von Menschen und Dingen. Die Erläuterung der Abhängigkeit unserer Selbst- und Weltkonzepte von der dinglichen Umgebung verweist noch einmal auf die große Bedeutung der Dinge.

Die genannten theoretischen Zugänge legen es jeweils nahe, den Einfluß der Dingwelt als fundamental und als letztlich nicht aufhebbar zu begreifen: Wir können diesen Einfluß ent-decken, nicht aber abstreifen.

Der Beitrag schließt mit einigen Überlegungen zu der Frage, ob und wie Personen sich von organisationalen Zwängen, wie sie auch dinglich vermittelt werden, emanzipieren können – am Beispiel der Mitbestimmung bei der Gestaltung von Büroräumen. Die theoretischen Darstellungen werden anhand eines idealtypischen Fallbeispiels jeweils illustriert.
Neue Technologien erfordern neue Qualifikationen der Mitarbeiter – oder auch nicht
Authors: Heller Waltraud
Published: October 2020

Der Beitrag zeigt auf, was unter den Begriffen neue Technologien und neue Qualifikationen verstanden wird, wie ihr Zusammenhang vor dem Hintergrund verschiedener Interpretationsmöglichkeiten gesehen werden kann und wie dies die Konzeption von Personalentwicklungsmaßnahmen inspiriert hat.
Gene expression profile predicts response to the combination of tosedostat and low-dose cytarabine in elderly AML
Authors: Visani Giuseppe , Loscocco Federica , Dennis Mike , Zuffa Eliana , Candoni Anna , Sensi Alberto , Giannini Barbara , Musuraca Gerardo , Mianulli Anna Maria , Clavio Marino , Rocchi Marco , Gibellini Davide , Navari Mohsen , Gilkes Amanda , Piccaluga Pier Paolo , Isidori Alessandro
Published: October 2020

Tosedostat is an orally administered metalloenzyme inhibitor with antiproliferative and antiangiogenic activity against hematological and solid human cancers. Clinical activity has been demonstrated in relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Thirty-three elderly patients with AML (median age, 75 years) received 120 mg tosedostat orally once daily combined with subcutaneous low-dose cytarabine (20 mg twice per day for 10 days, up to 8 cycles), until disease progression. Induction mortality was 12%. According to an intention-to-treat analysis, the complete remission (CR) rate was 48.5%, and thus the primary end point of the study was reached (expected CR, 25%). The partial remission rate was 6.1%, with an overall response rate of 54.5%. Furthermore, 4 of 33 patients had stable disease (median: 286 days). The median progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) were 203 days and 222 days, respectively. Responding patients had a longer median OS than nonresponding patients (P = .001). A microarray analysis performed in 29 of 33 patients identified 188 genes associated with clinical response (CR vs no CR). Three of them (CD93, GORASP1, CXCL16) were validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, which correctly classified 83% of the patients. Specifically, CR achievement was efficiently predicted by the gene expression patterns, with an overall accuracy exceeding 90%. Finally, a negative predictive value of 100% was validated in an independent series, thus representing the first molecular predictor for clinical response to a specific combination drug treatment for AML. This trial has been registered at the European Medicines Agency and on the European Clinical Trials Database (https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu) as #2012-000334-19.
Impaired natural killer cell counts and cytolytic activity in patients with severe COVID-19
Authors: Osman Mohammed , Faridi Rehan M. , Sligl Wendy , Shabani-Rad Meer-Taher , Dharmani-Khan Poonam , Parker Arabesque , Kalra Amit , Tripathi Minal Borkar , Storek Jan , Cohen Tervaert Jan Willem , Khan Faisal M.
Published: October 2020

The global pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)–driven coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused unprecedented human death and has seriously threatened the global economy. Early data suggest a surge in proinflammatory cytokines in patients with severe COVID-19, which has been associated with poor outcomes. We recently postulated that the inflammatory response in patients with severe COVID-19 disease is not inhibited by natural killer (NK) cells, resulting in a “cytokine storm.” Here, we assessed the NK-cell functional activity and the associated cytokines and soluble mediators in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Significantly impaired NK-cell counts and cytolytic activity were observed in COVID-19 patients when compared with healthy controls. Also, cytokines like interleukin 12 (IL12), IL15, and IL21 that are important for NK-cell activity were not detected systematically. Serum concentrations of soluble CD25 (sCD25)/soluble IL2 receptor α (sIL2-Rα) were significantly elevated and were inversely correlated with the percentage of NK cells. Impaired NK-cell cytolytic activity together with other laboratory trends including elevated sCD25 were consistent with a hyperinflammatory state in keeping with macrophage-activation syndrome. Our findings suggest that impaired counts and cytolytic activity of NK cells are important characteristics of severe COVID-19 and can potentially facilitate strategies for immunomodulatory therapies.
Nasal high-flow oxygenversusnoninvasive ventilation in acute exacerbation of COPD: protocol for a randomised noninferiority clinical trial
Authors: Papalampidou Athanasia , Bibaki Eleni , Boutlas Stylianos , Pantazopoulos Ioannis , Athanasiou Nikolaos , Moylan Melanie , Vlachakos Vasileios , Grigoropoulos Vasileios , Eleftheriou Konstantinos , Daniil Zoe , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos , Kalomenidis Ioannis , Zakynthinos Spyros , Ischaki Eleni
Published: October 2020

Background

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is considered as the first-line treatment for acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) complicated by respiratory acidosis. Recent studies demonstrate a role of nasal high-flow oxygen (NHF) in AECOPD as an alternative treatment in patients intolerant to NIV or with contraindications to it.

Aim

The study aimed to evaluate whether NHF respiratory support is noninferior compared to NIV in respect to treatment failure, defined as need for intubation or change to alternative treatment group, in patients with AECOPD and mild-to-moderate acute or acute-on-chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure.

Methods

We designed a multicentre, prospective, randomised trial on patients with AECOPD, who have pH<7.35 but >7.25 andPaCO2 >45 mmHg, in whom NIV is indicated as a first-line treatment. According to power analysis, 498 participants will be required for establishing noninferiority of NHF compared to NIV. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive NIV or NHF. Treatment will be adjusted to maintainSpO2between 88%–92% for both groups. Arterial blood gases, respiratory variables, comfort, dyspnoea score and any pulmonary or extrapulmonary complications will be assessed at baseline, before treatment initiation, and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48 h, then once daily from day 3 to patient discharge, intubation or death.

Conclusion

Given the increasing number of studies demonstrating the physiological effects of NHF in COPD patients, we hypothesise that NHF respiratory support will be noninferior to NIV in patients with AECOPD and mild-to-moderate acute or acute on chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure.
Rhinovirus-16 increases ATP release in A549 cells without concomitant increase in production
Authors: Atkinson Samantha K. , Morice Alyn H. , Sadofsky Laura R.
Published: October 2020

Human rhinovirus (RV) is the most common cause of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and chronic airway disease exacerbation. Cough is present in 50–80% of URTI cases, accompanied by heightened airway hypersensitivity, yet no effective treatment currently exists for this infectious cough. The mechanism by which RV causes cough and airway hypersensitivity in URTI is still unknown despite recent advances in potential therapies for chronic cough.

The effect of RV-16 infection (MOI 1) on intracellular ATP stores and ATP release in A549 alveolar epithelial cells was measured.

RV-16 infection was found to significantly increase (by 50% from basal at 24 h) followed by decrease (by 50% from basal at 48 and 72 h) intracellular ATP concentrations, while increasing ATP release (from 72 h) independently of secondary stimulation. This effect was mimicked by intercellular adhesion molecule 1 receptor binding alone through ultraviolet-inactivated sham control. In addition, RV-16-infected cells became more sensitive to secondary stimulation with both hypotonic and isotonic solutions, suggestive of a hypersensitive response. These responses were not mediatedviaincreased TRPV4 or pannexin-1 whole-cell expression as determined by Western blotting. Interestingly, the increased ATP release seen was not a result of increased mitochondrial ATP production.

Thus, this is the first report demonstrating that RV-16 infection of airway epithelial cells causes hypersensitivity by increasing ATP release. These finding provide a novel insight into the process by which viruses may cause cough and identify a potential target for treatment of viral and post-viral cough.