bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graphic IMC-PID tuning based on maximum sensitivity for uncertain systems
Authors: Chu Minghui , Xu Chi , Chu Jizheng
Published: October 2018

Obtaining all feasible parameters of the proportional-integral-differential (PID) controller is the key goal in uncertain systems. This paper proposes a graphical tuning method based on an internal model control (IMC) strategy for uncertain systems with time delay. Specifically, the Kharitonov theorem is introduced first to simplify the uncertain system into 32 polynomials. Then, for each polynomial, the IMC structure is applied to reduce the tuning parameters of the PID controller in order to rapidly determine the controller parameters. Finally, the maximum sensitivity (Ms) is used to further guarantee the controlled system with a certain robustness and dynamic performance, which can portray constant gain margin and phase margin boundaries, and can even determine the range of parameters of the proposed IMC filter. Three example results from simulations are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method.
Opening up the debate over ‘non-western’ international relations
Authors: Eun Yong-Soo
Published: October 2018

This opening article maps the terrain of the ongoing debate over various forms of ‘non-Western’ International Relations (IR) theory-building enterprise with the aim not only of providing contextual background for the Special Section, but also, and more importantly, of identifying what is missing in the overall debate. It is often pointed out that IR as a discipline is ‘too Western centric’, and that much of mainstream IR theory is ‘simply an abstraction of Western history’. In this respect, many IR scholars have called for ‘broadening’ the theoretical horizon of IR while problematising the Western parochialism of the discipline, and it is increasingly acknowledged that IR needs to embrace a wider range of histories, experiences, and theoretical perspectives, particularly those outside of the West. However, despite such a meaningful debate over non-Western IR theorisation and its recent contributions, several critical questions and issues still remain unclear and under-explored. I suggest that there are (at least) three sets of questions that require more careful attention in our discussion. First, does IR need to embrace theoretical pluralism? Second, to what extent has contemporary IR become pluralistic? Third, should IR pursue the promotion of dialogue and engagement across theoretical and spatial divides? Of course, each of these questions invites several subsequent questions. This discussion will serve as a useful point from which more substantial and exciting bearings may be taken in enriching the ongoing debate and moving IR towards becoming a more pluralistic discipline.
L'Uso Degli Inibitori Dell'Ureasi Batterica Nella Litiasi Da Infezione Studio Clinico Comparativo
Authors: Carmignani G. , Belgrano E. , Puppo P. , Repetto U.
Published: October 2018

Dall'accertamento, ad opera soprattutto di Griffith e coll.(1,5) di un preciso rapporto causa-effetto tra infezione da germi produttori di ureasi e sviluppo di una calcolosi struvitica, è nata l'esigenza di sperimentare i farmaci inibitori dell'ureasi batterica nella terapia e nella prevenzione della cosidetta litiasi da infezione.

Nel presente lavoro descriviamo la nostra esperienza clinica con l'uso sia dell'idrossiurea (HU),(6,7,8) che con l'acido acetoidrossamico (AHA)(8) su un gruppo di 45 pazienti con infezione da germi produttori di ureasi.
Radio-Nucleotidic Study of the Functional Aspect of the Bowels after Ileal Resection
Authors: Fandella A. , Mangano M. , Maccatrozzo L. , Merlo F. , Checchin P. , Faggiano L. , Tuccitto G. , Anselmo G.
Published: October 2018

SeHCAT (a taurine conjugate of a synthetic bile acid-homotaurocholate-containing the isotope selenium 75) has been used by the Authors to study the effects of extensive ileal resection on bowel function. 12 patients with ileal bladder were investigated 6–12 months following the operation; 4 of them also underwent the medical test prior to the operation, to ascertain integrity of the enterohepatic circle. 7 patients showed a failure of the enterohepatic circle, 3 patients were borderline, and the last 2 were normal. However none of them had clinical symptoms. On the basis of our data SeHCAT may be used for long-term study of patients with ileal bladder, and in the case of poor symptomatic situations the nutritional future of these patients can be monitored. The present method can be applied to selecting candidates for orthotopic bladder, since patients with intestinal malabsorption should be excluded from this type of ileal bladder diversion.
Phaeochromocytoma and Myopathy
Authors: Furino A. , Massagli C.
Published: October 2018

The author reports the case of a 67-year old woman with phaeochromocytoma, orthostatic hypotension, muscular exhaustion and weakness. After differential diagnosis with primary myopathy, MEN type IIb and Shy-Drager syndrome, the disease appears to be due to the combined action of the secretion of epinephrine and antihypertensive drugs, accentuated by the administration of alpha-adrenergic blocking drugs in the preoperative period.
Use of 99mTc-MAG3 for evaluation of renal function after ESWL
Authors: Osele L. , Bettini D. , Cabassa P.
Published: October 2018

The study focused on 25 patients. Functional analysis (scintigraphy, renogram, global and ipsilateral clearances) was made before treatment and 1 day and 30 days later. The clearance method was the most sensitive among the 3 methods used for functional research. It was followed by the renograph and scintigraphy. In fact, the number of unaltered functional findings was minimal in the clearance method (11%), followed by the renograph (22%) and scintigraphy (54%).
Anesthesia techniques
Authors: Cordella L , Bernasconi M. , Lucchin F. , Villa R. Dalla
Published: October 2018

The population of elderly patients is steadily increasing and therefore the number of those who need surgical procedures is rising as well. These patients are often affected by diseases related to old age such as: respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders, so that general anesthesia represents an increased risk. We studied 131 patients with a mean age of 79.6 (+ /- 4.1) undergoing urologic elective surgery. Ninety-eight patients received epidural or spinal anesthesia, 10 received general anesthesia (NLA II) and 28 blended anesthesia. Acute respiratory failure and cardiovascular complications were found during general anesthesia, on the other hand the spinal and epidural anesthesia showed only hypotension. Therefore, we prefer locoregional anesthesia in urologic surgery because it achieves a safe and efficient anesthesia with a low metabolic load in elderly patients at high anesthesiologic risk.
Surgical treatment for utero-vaginal total prolapse
Authors: Gastaldi A. , Minini G.F. , Paganotti C.
Published: October 2018

— The surgical techniques for utero-vaginal total prolapse repair is reported. The aim of surgical operation is to obtain: 1) vaginal dome suspension; 2) cystourethrocele repair; 3) the repair or prevention of an enterocele and a rectocele. The surgical technique reported — adopted in 700 cases — gives positive results whether for the problems of the pelvic static or for functional, urinary or sexual problems.
Urinary stress incontinence: A comparison between transvaginal procedures
Authors: Graziotti P. , Guizzetti C. , Orlando R. , Lembo A.
Published: October 2018

— Transvaginal needle bladder neck suspension for stress urinary incontinence: personal experience. The Authors present their personal experience of 30 patients operated between 1988–1991 for stress urinary incontinence with transvaginal needle bladder neck suspension. 9 patients were treated with Gittes procedure, 14 with Raz and 7 with sling and minisling. Minimal post-operative complications, despite chronic urinary retentions, were observed. With a mean follow-up of 18 months (7–48) they report recurrence of incontinence respectively in 56%, 23% and 16% of the patients. With the significant rate of failure, even after repeated procedure, the Authors have drawn the conclusion that transvaginal needle-suspension should not be considered standard treatment of female S.U.I. They stress the need to carefully select patients. Females with major vaginal prolapse or significant rectocele are, from the authors' point of view, the best candidates for this kind of technique.
Urethro-vaginal fistulas: Our experience
Authors: Mantovani F. , Zanetti G. , Ceresoli A. , Colombo F. , Maggioni A. , Mastromarino G. , Vecchio D. , Canclini L. , Fenice O. , Austoni E.
Published: October 2018

— Urethro-vaginal fistulas are rare in western countries, but more frequent in under-developed countries. In the latter this pathology is usually due to obstetric causes, whereas in European countries it arises mainly from gynaecological operations (82%). Results differ according to the cause. Almost all authors report a recurrence rate between 3 and 28%. We have chosen transvaginal urethroplasty with overlapping flaps from among the other more complex repair procedures which involve completing the fistulorraphy with myo-lipomatoso-cutaneous flaps. Our case histories (1988–1991) include 19 simple and 6 complex fistulas with the following etiology: gynaecological operation (16), obstetric causes (4), traumas (4). “Simple” fistulas were first treated by urethroplasty with overlapping flaps. Of 24 patients at 8-months follow-up, 82% of those operated once only, and 100% of those operated several times, had fully recovered. There were 2 recurrences due to Infection in the suture and 2 from tissue fibrosis. For “complex” fistulas and re-operations, we modify the Falandry method. We have concluded that transvaginal urethroplasty with several overlapping flaps is a valid procedure for non-recurrent fistulas which are limited in size and with little loss of fluid from ischemic dystrophy, which would otherwise, in our opinion, require the interpositioning of a myo-lipomatoso-cutaneous flap.
Intraurethral spiral in cervical-prostatic obstructions
Authors: Manganelli A. , Strappaveccia F. , Nocentini S. , Fortunati B.
Published: October 2018

— After discussing the indications of the intraurethral spiral (Urospiral Porges) in cervical-prostatic obstructions the Authors report their experience on 22 patients. The recovery of micturition was observed in all cases with flows in the lower range of normality. Complications were hematuria (1 case), spiral encrustment (1 case) and urinary incontinence (3 cases).
Association of goserelin and flutamide in the treatment of advanced prostatic carcinoma
Authors: Minari R. , Salsi P. , Monica B.
Published: October 2018

From January 1987 to June 1990, 40 previously untreated patients, 60–85 years old (mean 76.7 years) with C and D stage (according to AUS) prostatic adenocarcinoma, were administered analogous LH-RH goserelin and the non-steroid antiandrogen flutamide. The patients were followed until June 1992. 9 patients died from the disease. The treatment was well tolerated in 68% of the cases (27 patients); in the other 13 patients, the administration of flutamide caused secondary effects (gastro-intestinal intolerance, alterations of hepatic function). The administration of goserelin did not cause any secondary effect. The local response (assessed by transrectal echography) was good and in 31 cases consisted of a regression of the initial area from 25 to 50%. The performance status improved in 16 patients. 12 patients had a remission of pain. In all the patients, from the third month of treatment, the testosteronemia remained under 0.8 ng/ml; the prostatic alkaline phosphatase and the prostatic specific antigen presented a good correlation with the clinical evolution of the disease.
Neurogenic urinary dysfunction in AIDS patients
Authors: Musci R. , Franchini V. , Meroni T. , De Cobelli O. , Frea B. , Bovo G. , Milella A.M. , Rossi E. , Franzetti F. , Pea U.
Published: October 2018

From May 1992 to December 1993 (17 months), 18 patients with AIDS, 15 male and 3 female, age range from 25 to 50, were found to have severe voiding disorders related to neurogenic bladder dysfunction. All patients underwent neurologic, urologic and immunologic evaluation and were staged as AIDS-IVB. The neurological evaluation demonstrated: cryptococcal abscess of the brain in 1 patient, progressive and diffuse leukoencephalopathy in 3 patients, AIDS Dementia Complex in 3 patients and no neurologic abnormalities in 11 patients. The urodynamic tests demonstrated: detrusor areflexia in 5 patients, detrusor hyperreflexia with external sphincter dyssynergia in 5 patients, detrusor hyperreflexia with external sphincter dyssynergia and vesico-ureferai reflux in 1 patient, detrusor hyperreflexia without dyssynergia in 7 patients.
Injectable, redox-polymerized carboxymethylcellulose hydrogels promote nucleus pulposus-like extracellular matrix elaboration by human MSCs in a cell density-dependent manner
Authors: Varma Devika M , DiNicolas Michelle S , Nicoll Steven B
Published: October 2018

Low back pain is a major cause for disability and is closely linked to intervertebral disc degeneration. Mechanical and biological dysfunction of the nucleus pulposus in the disc has been found to initiate intradiscal degenerative processes. Replacing or enriching the diseased nucleus pulposus with an injectable, stem cell-laden biomaterial that mimics its material properties can provide a minimally invasive strategy for biological and structural repair of the tissue. In this study, injectable, in situ-gelling carboxymethylcellulose hydrogels were developed for nucleus pulposus tissue engineering using encapsulated human marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). With the goal of obtaining robust extracellular matrix deposition and faster construct maturation, two cell-seeding densities, 20 × 106 cells/ml and 40 × 106 cells/ml, were examined. The constructs were fabricated using a redox initiation system to yield covalently crosslinked, cell-seeded hydrogels via radical polymerization. Chondrogenic culture of the hydrogels over 35 days exhibited high cell viability along with deposition of proteoglycan and collagen-rich extracellular matrix, and mechanical and swelling properties similar to native human nucleus pulposus. Further, the matrix production and distribution in the carboxymethylcellulose hydrogels was found to be strongly influenced by hMSC-seeding density, with the lower cell-seeding density yielding a more favorable nucleus pulposus-specific matrix phenotype, while the rate of construct maturation was less dependent on the cell-seeding density. These findings are the first to demonstrate the utility of redox-polymerized carboxymethylcellulose hydrogels as hMSC carriers for potential minimally invasive treatment strategies for nucleus pulposus replacement.
Exploring the Utility of Theory-Informed Methodological Approaches in Youth Harassment Research
Authors: Garnett Bernice Raveche , Brion-Meisels Gretchen
Published: October 2018

In comparison to research on youth bullying, less research has been dedicated to youth harassment experiences in school. This study seeks to illustrate youth harassment experiences in school through three theoretically informed methodological approaches to modeling youth victimization: binary, cumulative risk, and attributional approaches. Data come from the 2015 Vermont School Climate Pilot Survey ( N = 2,589 students). Students with complete harassment information ( N = 2,481) were included. Using theoretically informed methodological approaches, regression models examined the associations between experiencing harassment (binary, attributions, and cumulative) and school connection, safety, and equity. About 16% of the sample experienced some form of harassment during the current school year (2014-2015). The most prominent attributions of harassment include weight (40%), sex (27%), and race (22%). After controlling for sociodemographics, ever experiencing harassment was associated with lower school safety, –0.73 (β), p < .001, lower connection with school, –0.52 (β), p < .001, and lower perceived equity, –0.77 (β), p < .001. Experiencing harassment is negatively related to school climate. The results from these analyses underscore the negative relationship among harassment victimization and several important indicators of school climate including student connection, perceived safety at and to/from school, and perceived equity of school. Theoretically informed methodological approaches in youth harassment research should be advanced to comprehensively assess the relationship between harassment victimization and harassment attributes on the social, academic, and behavioral development of youth.
Flood events in Transylvania during the Medieval Warm Period and the Little Ice Age
Authors: Perșoiu Ioana , Perșoiu Aurel
Published: October 2018

We present here the first record of past flooding activity from the Carpathian Mountains, Eastern Europe, based on documentary evidence and sedimentary records along one of the main rivers draining this region (Someșul Mic River). Three periods of increased flood activity have occurred in Transylvania during the last millennium: the first at the beginning of the 10th century (the end of the Dark Ages Cold Period and beginning of the Medieval Warm Period (MWP)); the second at the end of the 16th and beginning of 17th century, during the cold Little Ice Age (LIA) and the third at the end of the 19th century. During the early MWP, generally wet summers resulted in a high incidence of floods and/or high discharges, while the cluster of floods at the end of 16th and beginning of the 17th centuries occurred mostly at flash floods generated during heavy summer thunderstorms. Increasing winter temperatures and spring precipitations probably caused the high incidence of floods at the end of the 19th century. The predominantly wet conditions during the MWP are likely to have resulted from northward penetration of Mediterranean cyclones during a (mostly) positive phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), while wet conditions during the LIA arose as a combination of increases in local storminess and moisture transport from the North Atlantic along more southerly positioned westerlies associated with a negative phase of the NAO.
Characteristics of Green Schools: Observations of Award-winning Green Preschools in Bali, Berkeley and Hong Kong
Authors: Iwan Ailin , Rao Nirmala , Poon Kenneth K. Y.
Published: October 2018

Award-winning Green Preschools in Bali, Berkeley and Hong Kong were selected to explore the characteristics of Green Schools using measures developed by educators (Environmental Rating Scale for Sustainable Development in Early Childhood (ERS-SDEC)) and architects (simplified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) development). Classrooms for 4- to 5-year-olds were systematically assessed over a 10-month period. A 35 years’ timeline of the Green School movement was produced. The Bronfenbrenner Ecological Theory has been used to frame and analyse this cross-national study. Results indicated striking similarities from both scales that the Green Preschool in Bali received the highest rating followed by Green Preschool in Berkeley and Hong Kong. Three distinct Green School characteristics were found to be: (a) holistic, (b) building and (c) curriculum. The schools’ green characteristics appeared to be influenced by cultures, city regulations and the external institutions that established the green awards.
‘Whole Earth?’ Using an Exhibition to Raise Sustainability Awareness at a UK University
Authors: Scoffham Stephen , Consorte-McCrea Adriana
Published: October 2018

Despite mounting evidence of global environmental stress, many educationalists appear to be discounting warnings of ecological collapse from scientists, futurists and community leaders. One way of promoting sustainability awareness may be to combine cognitive reasoning with emotional awareness. This article considers the complex dynamics relating to attitudinal and behavioural institutional change by exploring the impact of a large-scale exhibition called ‘Whole Earth?’ on the staff and students at a UK university over a 15-month period. The exhibition contained a wide range of powerful visual images and drew on a famous protest song to frame its wider message. Although there were a variety of responses, the exhibition had the overall effect of raising the profile of sustainability across the university. Could initiatives of this kind, which are open-ended in character and which harness the arts to engender an emotional response, offer a model which could be used more widely?
Cells of War: A Serious Game for Familiarizing Players With the Immune System
Authors: Konstantara Konstantina , Xinogalos Stelios
Published: October 2018

Background. Health constitutes a major field in serious games because of the wide range of applications and the significant contribution to humans and society. The spectrum of games for health meets the needs for education, training, treatment, rehabilitation, research, well-being, prevention, motivation and others.

Aim. Cells of War is a serious card game, aiming to familiarize the players with the complex functionalities of the immune system, inform on diseases coming from viruses, bacteria, parasites or fungi and explain how some daily habits may affect health.

Method. This article analyzes all the design steps followed in order to integrate the learning content into the game mechanics and game-play. The offline card game was developed in the game engine Unity, making it possible to build executables for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X and distribute them to the users for the first pilot evaluation. The results of the pilot evaluation are presented along with useful feedback for the game.

Results. Cells of War was evaluated by a wide range of people on different age groups, interests, gaming background, knowledge background and among them a few health specialists and educators. Overall the game achieved to transfer some knowledge, while the feedback will contribute to the improvement of the game.

Conclusions. The pilot evaluation of Cells of War showed that the game is fun, well-designed and achieves to educate the players, although the participants suggested a few issues for improvement. Cells of War has to be used and evaluated by students and teachers in order to assess the game as an instructional tool in schools and evaluate its impact on learning the functionalities of the immune system.
Baseline Attitudes and Impacts of Informal Science Education Lectures on Content Knowledge and Value of Science Among Incarcerated Populations
Authors: Nadkarni Nalini M. , Morris Jeremy S.
Published: October 2018

Many public audiences lack access to traditional science education. We examined baseline perceptions and the impacts of science lectures on incarcerated adults in two correctional institutions. Although incarcerated populations are often characterized as having poor educational backgrounds, being disinterested in learning, and having few tools to seek science education, our incarcerated audiences were interested in, capable of, and desirous of science education. We found positive baseline attitudes about science and a significant positive effect of science lectures on content knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions related to science, suggesting that informal science lectures may be an appropriate portal to science education for this population.
Writing With Wearables? Young Children’s Intra-Active Authoring and the Sounds of Emplaced Invention
Authors: Wargo Jon M.
Published: October 2018

Drawing upon conceptual approaches in sound studies, posthuman literacies, and new materialisms, this article highlights how writing for young learners is always already an emplaced invention of withness. Zeroing in on a diffractive experiment of young children reauthoring Showers’s picture book, The Listening Walk, this study charts how the withness of writing is a communicative project that is all at once elliptical, relational, and coexistent. Reading the literacy desirings and material←→discursive intra-actions of 12 young children writing with wearables, the article illuminates how more-than-human ecologies of literacy amplify composition not as a practice of being, but of becoming. Thinking with Henriques’s conception of rhythmic elements (periodic pulses, reciprocal resonances, and oscillating overtures), findings are presented as strategic sketches. Attuning to writing as a more-than-human assemblage, this article pedagogically amplifies new be(com)ings of writing and literacy-in-action while theoretically resituating research as a process that thinks with.
Cutting the subconjunctival fragment of the XEN gel implant during needling procedure
Authors: Bustros Youssef , Chaudhary Ankita , Salinas Lauriane , Mansouri Kaweh
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

To describe the case and the follow-up of an inadvertently damaged XEN gel implant during needling procedure.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 60-year-old African American patient underwent an uncomplicated combined phacoemulsification with the insertion of a XEN gel implant. Two months postoperatively, a needling procedure was required. During the needling procedure, a fragment of the XEN gel implant was inadvertently damaged. One month postoperatively, the intraocular pressure was still controlled and the bleb was functioning well.

Conclusion:

This case report reveals a previously unreported complication concerning XEN gel implant. It is important for the surgeon to pay attention during needling procedure, especially if there is a subconjunctival hemorrhage impairing the view, to defer the procedure until good visibility exists.
Media performance in the ‘age of austerity’: British newspaper coverage of the 2008 financial crisis and its aftermath, 2008–2010
Authors: Mullen Andrew
Published: October 2018

This article explores how British newspapers framed the 2008 financial crisis and the Great Recession and austerity that followed. Analyzing a sample of 1586 articles published between 2008 and 2010, it focused on identifying the primary sources, main issues and key discourses. In common with other empirical studies of British media coverage of these events, this article reveals that the political and economic elite were dominant in terms of sourcing and that the main issues and key discourses featured in these articles reflected the elite perspective. Many politicians and corporate executives welcomed the brief Keynesian revival – in the form of the 2008 bailout of the financial system and the 2008 and 2009 economic stimulus – in order to prevent economic calamity. Newspapers reported these events in a factual manner and did not question them. By contrast, in 2010, as the elite attempted to redirect blame for the crisis away from bankers towards the state, much of the newspaper coverage presented public spending cuts as ‘necessary’ and ‘unavoidable’, while revenue-raising alternatives to austerity were ignored or marginalized. Unlike other empirical studies, this article attempted to explain such coverage and it employed the Herman-Chomsky Propaganda Model of mass media performance to do so.
Effect of reinforced, targeted in-person education using the Jessa Atrial fibrillation Knowledge Questionnaire in patients with atrial fibrillation: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Desteghe Lien , Engelhard Lara , Vijgen Johan , Koopman Pieter , Dilling-Boer Dagmara , Schurmans Joris , Delesie Michiel , Dendale Paul , Heidbuchel Hein
Published: October 2018

Background:

The knowledge level of atrial fibrillation patients about their arrhythmia, its consequences and treatment is poor. The best strategy to provide education is unknown.

Aim:

To investigate the effect of reinforced targeted in-person education using the Jessa Atrial fibrillation Knowledge Questionnaire (JAKQ).

Methods:

Sixty-seven atrial fibrillation patients were randomized to standard care (including brochures) or targeted education. Follow-up visits were scheduled after one, three, six and 12 months. Targeted education during each visit focused on the knowledge gaps revealed by the JAKQ. Patients completed two questionnaires to assess their quality of life and symptom profile. Adherence to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants was measured using electronic monitoring.

Results:

Sixty-two patients (31 education; 31 standard care) completed follow-up. Median baseline score on the JAKQ was similar in education (62.5%) and standard care group (56.3%; p=0.815). The intervention group scored significantly better over time (one month: 75.0%, 12 months: 87.5%; p<0.001) whereas there was no significant improvement in the control group (one month: 62.5%, 12 months: 62.5%; p=0.085). Providing targeted education after completion of the JAKQ required on average 6.9±4.6 min. Some improvements in quality of life, symptom burden and adherence were shown, without significant differences between the two groups ( p-values between 0.282 and 0.677).

Conclusion:

The JAKQ is an effective tool for providing individualized education. A first targeted educational session significantly improved patients’ knowledge level. Additional educational sessions maintained and strengthened this effect. A larger scale study is warranted to evaluate the impact on adherence and outcome measures.
Image Quality and Dose Reduction by Dual Source Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography: Protocol Comparison
Authors: Forte Ernesto , Monti Serena , Parente Chiara Anna , Beyer Lukas , De Rosa Roberto , Infante Teresa , Cavaliere Carlo , Cademartiri Filippo , Salvatore Marco , Stroszczynski Christian , Tedeschi Carlo
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

To compare image quality and radiation dose among different protocols in patients who underwent a 128-slice dual source computed tomography coronary angiography (DSCT-CTCA).

Methods:

Ninety patients were retrospectively grouped according to heart rate (HR): 26 patients (group A) with stable HR ≤60 bpm were acquired using high pitch spiral mode (FLASH); 48 patients (group B) with irregular HR ≤60 bpm or stable HR between 60 and 70 bpm using step and shoot mode; and 16 patients (group C) with irregular HR >60 bpm or stable HR ≥70 bpm by retrospective electrocardiogram pulsing acquisition. Signal to noise ratio (SNR) and contrast to noise ratio (CNR) were measured for the main vascular structures. Moreover, the dose-length product and the effective dose were assessed.

Results:

Both SNR and CNR were higher in group A compared to group C (18.27 ± 0.32 vs 11.22 ± 0.50 and 16.75 ± 0.32 vs 10.17 ± 0.50; P = .001). The effective dose was lower in groups A and B (2.09 ± 1.27 mSv and 4.60 ± 2.78 mSv, respectively) compared to group C (9.61 ± 5.95 mSv) P < .0001.

Conclusion:

The correct selection of a low-dose, HR-matched CTCA scan protocol with a DSCT scanner provides substantial reduction of radiation exposure and better SNR and CNR.
Implementing the Proclamation of Stroke and Potentially Preventable Dementias
Authors: Hachinski Vladimir , Ganten Detlev , Lackland Daniel , Kreutz Reinhold , Tsioufis Konstantinos , Hacke Werner
Published: October 2018

Brain health plays a central role in wellbeing and in the management of chronic diseases. Stroke and dementia pose the two greatest threats to brain health, but recent developments suggest the possibility that preventing stroke may also prevent some dementias: 1. A large population study showed a 32% decrease in the incidence of stroke and a concomitant 7% reduction in the incidence of dementia; 2. Treatment of atrial fibrillation resulted not only in stroke reduction, but a 48% decrease in dementia; 3. A hypothesis free analyses has shown that the first phase of Alzheimer disease involves vascular dysregulation, opening the door to new therapeutic approaches; 4. Cognitive impairment, often treatable and reversible, accompanies heart and kidney failure. These developments, combined with the knowledge that stroke, dementia and heart disease share the same major treatable risk factors, particularly hypertension, offers an opportunity for their joint prevention.

This aspiration is expressed by a Proclamation of the World Stroke Organization on Stroke and Potentially Preventable Dementias and endorsed by the World Heart Federation, the World Hypertension League, Alzheimer Disease International and 18 other international, regional and national organizations as a call for action.
Construction and finite element analysis of a coupled finite element model of foot and barefoot running footwear
Authors: Li Yuhua , Leong KF , Gu Yaodong
Published: October 2018

Running in barefoot running footwear has gained popularity among both amateur and professional runners in recent times. To date, few studies have been performed using coupled finite element model of foot and barefoot running footwear. The objective of this study was to investigate the differences in peak plantar pressure during landing in the weight-bearing period between the finite element model of a barefoot and coupled finite element model of foot and barefoot running footwear. The stress distributions and concentrations in the forefoot region for simulations of different loadings to the foot and shoe were also investigated in the coupled model through different applied loadings. The finite element analysis showed that the coupled model had better pressure distribution and less peak plantar pressure than the barefoot model. The materials and thickness of the midsole were important factors in optimizing the outcome to reduce the plantar pressure and improve pressure distribution. The results presented in this study have the potential to be used as beneficial guidelines to improve the design of barefoot running footwear, while reducing the need for laborious experimental biomechanical investigations.
Between the medium and the minimum options to regulate mutual recognition of confiscation orders
Authors: Ochnio Ariadna H.
Published: October 2018

The proposal for a regulation on the mutual recognition of freezing and confiscation orders is aimed at solving the problems of criminal asset recovery in cross-border cases. The policy option adopted is in fact an alternative to a deeper harmonization of national confiscation systems, accordingly the Member States may view it as an attempt to impact their internal legal systems by the so-called side door, with the mutual recognition principle and the idea of combatting terrorism being, respectively, the key and password to unlock It. If this strategy is successful, it can be anticipated that it will become in the future a model for regulation of non-confiscation issues at the European Union level for which deeper harmonization has proved too difficult. Among the four regulatory options discussed in the legislative process, there are good reasons in support of an evolutionary approach, which is reflected in the option referred to as the ‘minimum’, based on the use of the legal form of a directive.
Revisiting a dominant party: Normative dynamics of the Indian National Congress
Authors: Soikham Piyanat
Published: October 2018

Previous scholarship has established that the Indian National Congress (INC) is widely regarded as India’s dominant party due to its consecutive victories in winning the majority of the vote share in elections, its ability to manage and embrace internal conflict through strong organizational structures and the dominant capacity to set the public agenda and political order. To deepen understanding of this party, this article adopts a norm-based framework to define norms, a social understanding of social groups, which determines and shapes actions and behaviour. Building upon this framework, despite the electoral setbacks and even decline in electoral fortunes of Congress after Indira Gandhi since 1977, the INC has been able to maintain a significant presence in Indian party politics due to certain key norms, allowing it to adapt to a changing context. This article concludes that the INC’s set of norms on self-autonomy, social and national inclusivity, nationwide organization, social justice and peaceful and democratic resolution has over time shaped the Congress’s aspirations and achievements to become a dominant party. Regardless of the relative decline of electoral performance, these norms continue to set the INC as India’s dominant party, with a strong organizational structure and the ability to frame India’s political order.
Downregulation of transcription factor EB inhibits the growth and metastasis of colorectal carcinomas
Authors: Chang Jin-Zhe , Chen Shu-Dong , Zheng Hui , Zhang Hua-Ping
Published: October 2018

To determine the roles of transcription factor EB (TFEB) in colorectal cancer (CRC), we collected samples of tumor tissues and normal tissues from 40 patients with CRC. The expression of TFEB in these samples was analyzed by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Furthermore, we explored the expression of TFEB mRNA in CCD-18Co normal cells and HT-29, HCT-8, C2BBe1 cancer cells. HT-29, HCT-8, and C2BBe1 cancer cells were transfected with a TFEB-specific small interference RNA (siRNA) and scrambled siRNA, then the TFEB expression was confirmed by Western blot. The migration and invasion abilities of cells transfected with TFEB-siRNA were examined by transwell method and wound-healing assay. The subsequent effect of TFEB silencing on the tumor growth was also detected in mice xenograft model in vivo. Our study found that TFEB expression was significantly increased ( P < 0.05) in colorectal tumor tissues compared with normal tissues. Consistent with TFEB expression in tissues, compared with the normal CCD-18Co cells, TFEB mRNA expression was also significantly augmented in CRC cells. TFEB protein expression was markedly reduced in HT-29, HCT-8, and C2BBe1 cells after TFEB-siRNA transfection. In addition, inhibition of TFEB expression resulted in decrease of cells migration and invasion abilities. In vivo study, compared with the negative control group, the tumor weight, and volume were also reduced after inhibiting the TFEB expression. Our research suggested that TFEB expression is related to the occurrence and development of colorectal adenocarcinoma. The migration and invasion abilities of cancer cells, the weight and volume of tumor were all decreased when inhibiting TFEB expression. Thus, TFEB serves as an important factor in the development of CRC by modulating cancer cell migration and invasion, showing the potential therapeutic target of CRC in clinical.
Efficacy of oral rifampicin in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Venkatesh Ramesh , Agarwal Manisha , Kantha Meha
Published: October 2018

Objective:

To evaluate the role of oral rifampicin in the management of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (duration >3 months) and treated with oral rifampicin 600 mg daily for a maximum period of 3 months was carried out. Baseline visual acuity, fundus fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography were recorded and the patients were followed up. Resolution of subretinal fluid and improvement in visual acuity were the main outcome measures. Recurrence of subretinal fluid was noted. Any adverse reaction to the drug was monitored.

Results:

Nine eyes of eight patients were included in the study. The average age of the patients was 41.90 years (range 32–52 years). Mean duration of symptoms was 16 months (range 3–60 months). Mean duration of follow-up was 10.11 months (range 3–33 months). Fluorescein angiography showed four eyes with subfoveal leaks and five eyes with diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy. Complete resolution of subretinal fluid was achieved in four of the nine eyes – two patients at the end of 1 month, one patient each at the end of 2 and 3 months, respectively. Visual acuity improvement was noted in four of the nine eyes. Three patients had one-line improvement and one patient had a two-line visual improvement. None of the patients had severe adverse events for which the drug had to be discontinued. None of the patients had recurrence of subretinal fluid after the discontinuation of the drug.

Conclusion:

Oral rifampicin could provide a useful, effective, and cost-effective alternative for treatment of patients with chronic central serous choroidopathy and evidence of healthier retinal pigment epithelium, those with focal leakage. It was not effective in eyes with diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy.
Extending the Discussion: Making the Grade: What Makes a Piece Difficult for Less Experienced Ensembles?
Authors: Millican Si
Published: October 2018

Rawlings recommended that music teachers should select pieces for large-ensemble adjudicated events that not only challenge student musicians but also help ensure student success and promote a positive experience preparing for and participating in the event. Ideally, the selections should balance the strengths of the ensemble with the challenges of the selections—a task that can be difficult for directors with less experienced ensembles. Aspects of instrumentation and scoring, such as range, number of parts, exposure, and the use of specialized equipment or instruments, can make a piece more or less challenging for young performers. Technical demands such as executive skills, rhythms, harmonies, tonalities, and structural issues can challenge these students as well.
Development and validation of a survival staging system incorporating BNP in patients with light chain amyloidosis
Authors: Lilleness Brian , Ruberg Frederick L. , Mussinelli Roberta , Doros Gheorghe , Sanchorawala Vaishali
Published: October 2018

Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL amyloidosis) is caused by misfolded light chains that form soluble toxic aggregates that deposit in tissues and organs, leading to organ dysfunction. The leading determinant of survival is cardiac involvement. Current staging systems use N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and cardiac troponins T and I (TnT and TnI) for prognostication, but many centers do not offer NT-proBNP. We sought to derive a new staging system using brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) that would correlate with the Mayo 2004 staging system and be predictive for survival in AL amyloidosis. Two cohorts of patients were created: a derivation cohort of 249 consecutive patients who had BNP, NT-proBNP, and TnI drawn simultaneously to create the staging system and a complementary cohort of 592 patients with 10 years of follow-up to determine survival. In the derivation cohort, we found that a BNP threshold of more than 81 pg/mL best associated with Mayo 2004 stage and also best identified cardiac involvement. Three stages were developed based on a BNP higher than 81 pg/mL and a TnI higher than 0.1 ng/mL and compared with Mayo 2004 with high concordance (κ = 0.854). In the complementary cohort, 25% of patients had stage I, 44% had stage II, 15% had stage III, and 16% had stage IIIb disease with a median survival not reached in stage I, 9.4 years in stage II, 4.3 years in stage III, and 1 year in stage IIIb. This new Boston University biomarker scoring system will allow centers without access to NT-proBNP the ability to appropriately stage patients with AL amyloidosis. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00898235.
Weight changes and patterns of weight measurements in hospitalized burn patients: a contemporary analysis
Authors: Mendez-Romero Denisse , Clark Audra T , Christie Alana , Wolf Steven E
Published: October 2018

Background

Severe burn is associated with significant changes in body weight due to resuscitation volumes, fluid shifts, a hypermetabolic state, prolonged bed rest, and caloric intake. Our goal was to quantify and describe trends in weight change in patients with burns of all severities under modern treatment conditions and to identify the time points at which these changes occur.

Methods

An institutional review board-approved chart review was conducted of acute burn patients treated at an American Burn Association-verified regional burn center from February 2016 to November 2016. Patients were then divided into three groups based on percent of total burn surface area (%TBSA) burn: 1–19%, 20–39%, and ≥ 40%. Weight was expressed as percent change of weight from baseline. Regression analysis was conducted on percent weight changes for each TBSA group.

Results

We identified 197 burn patients with a length of stay (LOS) of ≥ 7 days. Of the study cohort, 149 had TBSA burn of 1–19%, 27 had TBSA burn of 20–39%, and 21 had TBSA burn of ≥ 40%. All groups had a majority of White male, non-Hispanic patients with mean ages between 40 and 42 years. Burn patients with > 20% TBSA burn had a median increase in weight above baseline of approximately 5 to 8% likely due to resuscitation fluids within the first week of hospitalization. Weight loss below baseline often did not exceed 10% and was more pronounced as LOS increased, mostly in patients with > 20% TBSA burn. Whereas patients with 1–19% TBSA burn on average returned to baseline weight at last measurement, patients with 20–39% TBSA and ≥ 40% TBSA burn continued a decline in weight at 4 weeks (r2 = 0.57 and 0.55, respectively) on the same trajectory.

Conclusions

Burn patients with > 20% TBSA burn had an increase in weight above baseline of up to 8%, likely due to resuscitation fluids within the first week of hospitalization. Weight loss below baseline often did not exceed 10% and was more pronounced as LOS increased, mostly in patients with > 20% TBSA burn. Therefore, our patients on average, lost body weight to a lesser extent than the maximum mean loss of 22% of pre-burn weight reported prior to modern treatment conditions.
Protein Metabolism in Active Youth: Not Just Little Adults
Authors: Moore Daniel R.
Published: October 2018

Understanding how exercise and dietary protein alter the turnover and synthesis of body proteins in youth can provide guidelines for the optimal development of lean mass. This review hypothesizes that active youth obtain similar anabolic benefits from exercise and dietary protein as adults, but the requirement for amino acids to support growth renders them more sensitive to these nutrients.
Statistical Considerations for Exercise Protocols Aimed at Measuring Trainability
Authors: Voisin Sarah , Jacques Macsue , Lucia Alejandro , Bishop David J. , Eynon Nir
Published: October 2018

The individual response to exercise training is of great interest with methods that have been proposed to measure this response reviewed in this paper. However, individual training response estimates may be biased by various sources of variability present in exercise studies, and in particular by within-subject variability. We propose the use of protocols that can separate trainability from within-subject variability.
Publishing peer review materials
Authors: Beck Jeffrey , Funk Kathryn , Harrison Melissa , McEntyre Jo , Breen Josie , Collings Andy , Donohoe Paul , Evans Michael , Flintoft Louisa , Hamelers Audrey , Hurst Phil , Lemberger Thomas , Lin Jennifer , O'Connor Niamh , Parkin Michael , Parker Sam , Rodgers Peter , Skipper Magdalena , Stoner Michael
Published: October 2018

Publishing peer review materials alongside research articles promises to make the peer review process more transparent as well as making it easier to recognise these contributions and give credit to peer reviewers. Traditionally, the peer review reports, editors letters and author responses are only shared between the small number of people in those roles prior to publication, but there is a growing interest in making some or all of these materials available. A small number of journals have been publishing peer review materials for some time, others have begun this practice more recently, and significantly more are now considering how they might begin. This article outlines the outcomes from a recent workshop among journals with experience in publishing peer review materials, in which the specific operation of these workflows, and the challenges, were discussed. Here, we provide a draft as to how to represent these materials in the JATS and Crossref data models to facilitate the coordination and discoverability of peer review materials, and seek feedback on these initial recommendations.