bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A brief history of the development of satellite channels in Iran
Authors: Alikhah Fardin
Published: October 2017

It was around 1991 when satellite dishes were first observed on roofs in Tehran. After approximately 25 years, 100 Persian satellite channels launched outside Iran are now broadcasting various programmes for Iranians. This article will provide a short account of Iran’s media environment. The main objective of this article is to examine the developments in Persian satellite channels, which are divided into three periods. The primary features of each will be scrutinized. It will be argued that although these channels have been banned by the Iranian government, they have initiated media pluralism in Iran.
Buildings with environmental quality management, part 2: Integration of hydronic heating/cooling with thermal mass
Authors: Romanska-Zapala A , Bomberg M , Fedorczak-Cisak M , Furtak M , Yarbrough D , Dechnik M
Published: October 2017

The quest for a sustainable built environment brought dramatic changes to architectural design because of the integrated design process. The integrated design process is the modern way to realize “performance architecture,” that is, design with a view to field performance. Integrated design process permits merging of concepts from passive-house designs, solar engineering, and an integration of the building enclosure with mechanical services. In part 1 of this series, the emergence of many new multi-functional materials was discussed. Yet, current innovation is guided by lessons from history. Thermal mass in heavy masonry buildings allowed periodic heating. The authors postulate integration of a hydronic heating system with the walls and the use of smart temperature control of the heating system to modify and optimize the thermal mass contribution. To use the mass of a building, one must accept transient temperature conditions where the indoor temperature varies but is confined by comfort requirements for both summer and winter conditions. On the other side, resiliency requirements dictate that in the absence of electricity the air temperature does not fall below about 12°C over a period of several hours. This requirement implies that summer cooling will likely be separated from the heating systems and that operation of a low-energy building is heavily dependent on the design of smart control systems. Analysis of control systems provided in this article for earth-to-air heat exchangers and cooling of houses with lightweight walls lead us to the requirements of separation between heating and ventilation and needs for different sources of fresh air. Finally, a new concept emerges.
Load–velocity profiling in the military press exercise: Effects of gender and training
Authors: Balsalobre-Fernández Carlos , García-Ramos Amador , Jiménez-Reyes Pedro
Published: October 2017

This study aimed (1) to analyze the accuracy of mean propulsive velocity to predict the percentage of the 1-repetition maximum in the seated military press exercise and (2) to test the effect of gender and of a resistance training program on the load–velocity profile. The load–velocity relationships of 26 men and 13 women were evaluated by means of an incremental loading test up to the individual 1-repetition maximum. Additionally, the load–velocity relationships of 24 of those 26 men were measured again after a six-week resistance training program. Individual load–velocity relationships had very high coefficients of determination and low standard errors of the estimate (R2 = 0.987; standard error of the estimate = 0.04 m/s). Differences higher than 10% between the individual and the general load–velocity profiles as well as a high between-participants’ variability for the mean propulsive velocity attained at each 1-repetition maximum (coefficient of variation = 12.9–24.6%) were identified. The load–velocity profiles proved to be affected by both the gender (higher mean propulsive velocity at each %1-repetition maximum for men) and the resistance training program (lower mean propulsive velocity at each %1-repetition maximum after training). Taken together, these results speak in favor of creating individual profiles instead of using general equations when using the load–velocity relationship to estimate relative load.
Poly-de-prescribing to treat polypharmacy: efficacy and safety
Authors: Garfinkel Doron
Published: October 2017

Background:

The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of poly-de-prescribing (PDP) based on the Garfinkel method in older people with polypharmacy.

Methods:

A longitudinal, prospective, nonrandomized study in Israel was carried out between 2009 and 2016. Comprehensive geriatric assessments were performed at home in people age ⩾66 years consuming ⩾6 prescription drugs. Exclusion criteria were life expectancy <6 months and a seeming unwillingness to cooperate (poor compliance). PDP of ⩾3 prescription drugs was recommended. Follow up was at ⩾3 years. Between April 2015 and April 2016 Likert scale questionnaires were filled by all participants/families to evaluate overall satisfaction and clinical outcomes. The outcome measures were change in functional, mental and cognitive status, sleep quality, appetite, continence; major complication, hospitalizations, mortality, and family doctor’s cooperation.

Results:

Poly-de-prescribing of ⩾3 drugs was eventually achieved by 122 participants (PDP group); ⩽2 drugs stopped by 55 ‘nonresponders’ (NR group). The average age was 83.4 ± 5.3 in the PDP group, and 80.8 ± 6.3 in the NR group ( p = 0.0045). Follow up was 43.6 ± 14 months (PDP) and 39.5 ± 16.6 months (NR) ( p = 0.09). The prevalence of most diseases/symptoms was comparable except for a higher prevalence for dementia, incontinence and functional decline in the PDP group. The main barrier to de-prescribing was the family doctor’s unwillingness to adopt PDP recommendations ( p < 0.0001). The baseline median number of medications taken by both groups was 10 (IQR 8 to 12) ( p = 0.55). On the last follow up, the drug count was 11 (IQR 8 to 12) in the NR group and 4 (IQR 2 to 5) in the PDP group ( p =0.0001). The PDP group showed significantly less deterioration (sometimes improvement) in general satisfaction, functional, mental and cognitive status, sleep quality, appetite, sphincter control, and the number of major complications was significantly reduced ( p < 0.002 in all). The rate of hospitalizations and mortality was comparable. Health improvement occurred within 3 months after de-prescribing in 83%, and persisted for ⩾2 years in 68%.

Conclusions:

This self-selected sample longitudinal research strongly suggests that the negative, usually invisible effects of polypharmacy are reversible. PDP is well tolerated and associated with improved clinical outcomes, in comparison with outcomes of older people who adhere to all clinical guidelines and take all medications conventionally. Future double-blind studies will probably prove beneficial economic outcomes as well.
Sex Hormone Status in Women With Chronic Kidney Disease: Survey of Nephrologists’ and Renal Allied Health Care Providers’ Perceptions
Authors: Ramesh Sharanya , James Matthew T. , Holroyd-Leduc Jayna M. , Wilton Stephen B. , Seely Ellen W. , Wheeler David C. , Ahmed Sofia B.
Published: October 2017

Background:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in reproductive-age women is accompanied by menstrual and fertility disorders and premature menopause.

Objective:

We sought to determine nephrologists’ and allied health care providers’ perceptions on management of sex hormone status in women with CKD.

Methods:

An anonymous, Internet-based survey was sent to nephrology society members from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, and the Canadian Association of Nephrology Nurses and Technologists (February-November 2015). We assessed reported perceptions and management of sex hormone status in women with CKD.

Results:

One hundred seventy-five nephrologists (21% response rate) and 121 allied health care providers (30%; 116 nurses, 5 pharmacists) responded. Sixty-eight percent of nephrologists and 46% of allied providers were between the ages of 30 and 50 years, and 38% of nephrologists and 89% of allied workers were female. Ninety-five percent of nephrologists agreed that kidney function impacts sex hormone status, although only a minority of nephrologists reported often discussing fertility (35%, female vs male nephrologists, P = .06) and menstrual irregularities with their patients (15%, female vs male nephrologists, P = .02). Transplant nephrologists reported discussing fertility more often than did nontransplant nephrologists (53% vs 30%, P = .03). Physicians were more likely to report discussing fertility (33% vs 7.5%, P < .001) and menstrual irregularities (15% vs 9%, P = .04) with patients than allied health care providers. Forty-three percent of physicians reported uncertainty about the role for postmenopausal hormone therapy in women with CKD.

Conclusion:

Nephrologists and allied health care providers recognize an impact of CKD on sex hormones in women but report not frequently discussing sex hormone–related issues with patients. Our international survey highlights an important knowledge gap in nephrology.
Persistent pit viper envenomation in a cat
Authors: Yankin Igor , Schaer Michael , Johnson Matthew , Meland Tessa , Londoño Leonel A
Published: October 2017

Case summary

A 4-year-old female spayed, indoor/outdoor domestic mediumhair cat presented with multiple bleeding puncture wounds and hemorrhagic shock. The cat was diagnosed with suspected pit viper envenomation based on the location and appearance of the bite wounds, as well as the presence of severe coagulopathy with prolonged activated coagulation time (762 s), which responded to antivenom administration. The clinical course of the cat was unique owing to the prolonged clinical signs of envenomation that appeared as intermittent coagulopathy and hemorrhage over a 2 week period. Five vials of antivenom were administered and three units of packed red blood cells were transfused over a 7 day period. The cat made a complete recovery with cessation of hemorrhage and normalization of clotting times.

Relevance and novel information

This is the first report of persistent pit viper venom-induced coagulopathy in the feline veterinary literature.
Needlestick and Sharps Injuries Among Nursing Students in Nanjing, China
Authors: Zhang Xujun , Chen Yu , Li Yang , Hu Jie , Zhang Cong , Li Zhen , Stallones Lorann , Xiang Henry
Published: October 2017

Needlestick and sharps injuries (NSIs) are a major cause of occupational injuries for health care workers worldwide. In this study, the authors report the prevalence of and risk factors for NSIs among Chinese nursing students. A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 442 nursing students; 393 completed questionnaires were submitted. A total of 237 (60.3%) nursing students reported NSIs, which were more commonly reported by female students, younger students, students who worked frequent night shifts, students without safety training, and students who did not use personal protective equipment. Among those injured, 59.9% were injured by syringe needles, 21.9% by glass items, and 3.4% by scissors. Of those needles and sharps causing injuries, 36.3% of devices had been used on patients, 41% were unused, and 22.7% were unknown. Opening ampoules or vials was the most common injury agent. A total of 86.9% of NSIs were not reported to hospital infection control. Nursing students are at high risk of NSIs in China. Occupational safety training should be developed and implemented to prevent NSIs among this vulnerable population.
Rumination and Psychopathology: Are Anger and Depressive Rumination Differentially Associated With Internalizing and Externalizing Psychopathology?
Authors: du Pont Alta , Rhee Soo Hyun , Corley Robin P. , Hewitt John K. , Friedman Naomi P.
Published: October 2017

Existing literature on rumination has predominately focused on depressive rumination; thus, there is little research directly comparing different forms of rumination as correlates of psychopathological outcomes. In the present study the authors investigated anger and depressive rumination as correlates of internalizing and externalizing psychopathology. Cross-sectional confirmatory factor analyses on data from 764 young adults from the Colorado Longitudinal Twin Study indicated that anger and depressive rumination were separable at the latent variable level and were both associated with lifetime symptoms of internalizing and externalizing psychopathology. However, depressive rumination was more strongly associated with psychopathology than was anger rumination. Further analysis indicated that depressive rumination was independently associated with internalizing psychopathology, whereas associations between anger rumination and psychopathology were predominately due to shared variance with depressive rumination. Anger rumination was independently associated with externalizing psychopathology in women and was inversely associated with internalizing psychopathology in men. This result supports the clinical relevance of ruminative thought processes and the potential differential utility of anger and depressive content for understanding internalizing and externalizing psychopathology.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: lessons from clinical trials over the past 25 years
Authors: Raghu Ganesh
Published: October 2017

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and ultimately fatal disease. A major breakthrough in treatment came when, after decades of clinical trials which failed to identify an efficacious treatment regimen, two therapies were successful in Phase-III trials. The advent of these therapies, nintedanib and pirfenidone, meant that for the first time IPF patients had two treatment options that could reduce disease progression. This review summarises the key lessons to be obtained from the clinical trials that led to the current international clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of IPF and provides insights for the design of future clinical trials that are needed if we are to improve outcomes that are clinically meaningful to IPF patients.
Traffic-related air pollution exposure over a 5-year period is associated with increased risk of asthma and poor lung function in middle age
Authors: Bowatte Gayan , Erbas Bircan , Lodge Caroline J. , Knibbs Luke D. , Gurrin Lyle C. , Marks Guy B. , Thomas Paul S. , Johns David P. , Giles Graham G. , Hui Jennie , Dennekamp Martine , Perret Jennifer L. , Abramson Michael J. , Walters E. Haydn , Matheson Melanie C. , Dharmage Shyamali C.
Published: October 2017

Current evidence concerning the impact of exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) on adult respiratory morbidity mainly comes from cross-sectional studies. We sought to establish more robust measures of this association and potential gene–environment interactions using longitudinal data from an established cohort study.

Associations between measures of TRAP (nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and distance to major roads) and wheeze, asthma prevalence and lung function were investigated in participants of the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study at 45- and 50-year follow-ups. Generalised estimating equations were used to quantify associations and the potential modifying effect of glutathioneS-transferase gene variants.

Living <200 m from a major road was associated with increased prevalence of current asthma and wheeze, and lower lung function. The association between living <200 m from a major road and current asthma and wheeze was more marked for carriers of theGSTT1null andGSTP1 val/valorile/valgenotypes. Over the 5-year period, higher NO2exposures were associated with increased current asthma prevalence. Higher NO2exposure was associated with lower forced vital capacity for carriers of theGSTT1null genotype.

TRAP exposures were associated with increased risk of asthma, wheeze and lower lung function in middle-aged adults. The interaction with theGSTT1genotype suggests that deficient antioxidant mechanisms may play a role in these adverse health effects.
Proteomics in asthma: the clinicians were right after all, were not they?
Authors: Sinha Anirban , Sterk Peter J.
Published: October 2017

Clinical disease phenotypes with underlying information of molecular and biological signatures for the same, is a prerequisite for improving medical care and developing more effective, stratified management strategies. This commentary reviews the research carried out by Cao et al. to unravel biological networks associated with different clinical categories of asthma. It finally comments on the utility of using data from multiple platforms aided by integrated systems approaches to effectively find out the obvious underlying physiological disease signatures related to clinical disease sub‐types.
Pressure Waveform Analysis
Authors: Jozwiak Mathieu , Monnet Xavier , Teboul Jean-Louis
Published: October 2017

Monitoring cardiac output is of special interest for detecting early hemodynamic impairment and for guiding its treatment. Among the techniques that are available to monitor cardiac output, pressure waveform analysis estimates cardiac output from the shape of the arterial pressure curve. It is based on the general principle that the amplitude of the systolic part of the arterial curve is proportional to cardiac output and arterial compliance. Such an estimation of cardiac output has the advantage of being continuous and in real time. With “calibrated” devices, the initial estimation of cardiac output by pressure waveform analysis is calibrated by measurements of cardiac output made by transpulmonary thermal or lithium dilution. Later, at each time transpulmonary dilution is performed, the estimation by pressure waveform analysis, which may drift over time, is calibrated again. By contrast, uncalibrated devices do not use any independent measurement of cardiac output. Unlike calibrated devices, they can be plugged to any arterial catheter. Nevertheless, uncalibrated devices are not reliable in cases of significant short-term changes in arterial resistance, as for instance in patients undergoing liver surgery or those with vasodilatory shock receiving vasopressors. Perioperative hemodynamic monitoring is recommended for high-risk surgical patients since it reduces the number of complications in these patients. The pressure waveform analysis monitoring, especially with uncalibrated devices, is suitable for this purpose. In the intensive care setting, hemodynamic monitoring is recommended for patients with acute circulatory failure, who do not respond to initial therapy. Since these patients often experience large changes in arterial resistance, either spontaneously or due to vasoactive drugs, calibrated devices are more suitable in this context. Not only are they more reliable than uncalibrated devices but also they provide a comprehensive hemodynamic assessment through measurements of a variety of transpulmonary thermodilution-related variables. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of the monitoring devices using the pressure waveform analysis and discuss the appropriate use of different devices in the perioperative and intensive care unit settings.
A Prospective International Multicentre Cohort Study of Intraoperative Heart Rate and Systolic Blood Pressure and Myocardial Injury After Noncardiac Surgery: Results of the VISION Study
Authors: Abbott Tom E. F. , Pearse Rupert M. , Archbold R. Andrew , Ahmad Tahania , Niebrzegowska Edyta , Wragg Andrew , Rodseth Reitze N. , Devereaux Philip J. , Ackland Gareth L.
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND:

The association between intraoperative cardiovascular changes and perioperative myocardial injury has chiefly focused on hypotension during noncardiac surgery. However, the relative influence of blood pressure and heart rate (HR) remains unclear. We investigated both individual and codependent relationships among intraoperative HR, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS).

METHODS:

Secondary analysis of the Vascular Events in Noncardiac Surgery Cohort Evaluation (VISION) study, a prospective international cohort study of noncardiac surgical patients. Multivariable logistic regression analysis tested for associations between intraoperative HR and/or SBP and MINS, defined by an elevated serum troponin T adjudicated as due to an ischemic etiology, within 30 days after surgery. Predefined thresholds for intraoperative HR and SBP were: maximum HR >100 beats or minimum HR <55 beats per minute (bpm); maximum SBP >160 mm Hg or minimum SBP <100 mm Hg. Secondary outcomes were myocardial infarction and mortality within 30 days after surgery.

RESULTS:

After excluding missing data, 1197 of 15,109 patients (7.9%) sustained MINS, 454 of 16,031 (2.8%) sustained myocardial infarction, and 315 of 16,061 patients (2.0%) died within 30 days after surgery. Maximum intraoperative HR >100 bpm was associated with MINS (odds ratio [OR], 1.27 [1.07–1.50]; P < .01), myocardial infarction (OR, 1.34 [1.05–1.70]; P = .02), and mortality (OR, 2.65 [2.06–3.41]; P < .01). Minimum SBP <100 mm Hg was associated with MINS (OR, 1.21 [1.05–1.39]; P = .01) and mortality (OR, 1.81 [1.39–2.37]; P < .01), but not myocardial infarction (OR, 1.21 [0.98–1.49]; P = .07). Maximum SBP >160 mm Hg was associated with MINS (OR, 1.16 [1.01–1.34]; P = .04) and myocardial infarction (OR, 1.34 [1.09–1.64]; P = .01) but, paradoxically, reduced mortality (OR, 0.76 [0.58–0.99]; P = .04). Minimum HR <55 bpm was associated with reduced MINS (OR, 0.70 [0.59–0.82]; P < .01), myocardial infarction (OR, 0.75 [0.58–0.97]; P = .03), and mortality (OR, 0.58 [0.41–0.81]; P < .01). Minimum SBP <100 mm Hg with maximum HR >100 bpm was more strongly associated with MINS (OR, 1.42 [1.15–1.76]; P < .01) compared with minimum SBP <100 mm Hg alone (OR, 1.20 [1.03–1.40]; P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS:

Intraoperative tachycardia and hypotension are associated with MINS. Further interventional research targeting HR/blood pressure is needed to define the optimum strategy to reduce MINS.
Impact of Anesthetic Regimen on Remote Ischemic Preconditioning in the Rat Heart In Vivo
Authors: Behmenburg Friederike , van Caster Patrick , Bunte Sebastian , Brandenburger Timo , Heinen André , Hollmann Markus W. , Huhn Ragnar
Published: October 2017

Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) seems to be a promising cardioprotective strategy with contradictive clinical data suggesting the anesthetic regimen influencing the favorable impact of RIPC. This study aimed to investigate whether cardio protection by RIPC is abolished by anesthetic regimens. Male Wistar rats were randomized to 6 groups. Anesthesia was either maintained by pentobarbital (Pento) alone or a combination of sevoflurane (Sevo) and remifentanil or propofol (Prop) and remifentanil in combination with and without RIPC. RIPC reduced infarct size in Pento- and Sevo-anesthetized rats (Pento-RIPC: 30% ± 9% versus Pento-control [Con]: 65% ± 6%, P < .001; Sevo-RIPC: 31% ± 6% versus Sevo-Con: 61% ± 8%, P < .001), but RIPC did not initiate cardio protection in Prop-anesthetized animals (Prop-RIPC: 59% ± 6% versus Prop-Con: 59% ± 8%, P = 1.000). Cardio protection by RIPC is abolished by Prop.
Ultrasound Pulsed-Wave Doppler Detects an Intrathecal Location of an Epidural Catheter Tip: A Case Report
Authors: Elsharkawy Hesham , Saasouh Wael , Patel Bimal , Babazade Rovnat
Published: October 2017

Currently, no gold standard method exists for localization of an epidural catheter after placement. The technique described in this report uses pulsed-wave Doppler (PWD) ultrasound to identify intrathecal location of an epidural catheter. A thoracic epidural catheter was inserted after multiple trials with inconclusive aspiration and test dose. Ultrasound PWD confirmed no flow in the epidural space and positive flow in the intrathecal space. A fluid aspirate was positive for glucose, reconfirming intrathecal placement. PWD is a potential tool that can be used to locate the tip of an epidural catheter.
Kratom, an Emerging Drug of Abuse: A Case Report of Overdose and Management of Withdrawal
Authors: Diep Jack , Chin David Tian , Gupta Somdatta , Syed Faraz , Xiong Ming , Cheng Jianguo
Published: October 2017

Kratom is an herb indigenous to Southeast Asia with psychoactive opioid compounds, often used as a treatment for chronic pain or opiate withdrawal symptoms. It is legally and readily available via Internet sales and has been identified as an emerging drug of abuse in the United States. Kratom use has been associated with psychosis, seizures, and even death. At lower doses, kratom acts as a stimulant, while at higher doses, it produces analgesia and euphoria. Here, we describe the successful management of kratom overdose and withdrawal in a young man with negative toxicology screens.
Radioactive seed localization compared with wire-guided localization of non-palpable breast carcinoma in breast conservation surgery— the first experience in the United Kingdom
Authors: Milligan Robert , Pieri Andrew , Critchley Adam , Peace Richard , Lennard Tom , O'Donoghue J.M. , Howitt Rachel , Nicholson Stewart , Cain Henry , Petrides George , Sibal Nidhi
Published: October 2017

Objective:

In the UK, guidewires have traditionally been used for localization of non-palpable breast lesions in patients undergoing breast conservation surgery (BCS). Radioactive seed localization (RSL) using Iodine-125 seeds is an alternative localization method and involves inserting a titanium capsule, containing radioactive Iodine-125, into the breast lesion. We aim to demonstrate feasibility of RSL compared with guidewire-localization (GWL) for BCS in the UK.

Methods:

Data were collected on 100 patients with non-palpable unifocal invasive carcinoma of the breast undergoing GWL WLE prior to the introduction of RSL and the first 100 patients treated with RSL WLE. Statistical comparisons were made using Χ2-squared analysis or unpaired two-sample t-test. Significance was determined to be at p ≤ 0.05.

Results:

Mean total tumour size was 19.44 mm (range: 5–55) in the GWL group and 18.61 mm (range: 3.8–59) in the RSL group (p = 0.548), while mean total specimen excision weight was significantly lower in the RSL group; 31.55 g (range: 4.5–112) vs 37.42 g (range: 7.8–157.1) (p = 0.018). Although 15 patients had inadequate surgical resection margins in the GWL group compared the 13 in the RSL group (15 vs 13%, respectively, p = 0.684), 10 of the patients in the GWL group had invasive carcinoma present resulting in at least one positive margin compared with only 3 patients in the RSL group (10 vs 3%, respectively, p = 0.045).

Conclusion:

In this study, RSL is shown to be non-inferior to the use of GWL for non-palpable carcinoma in patients undergoing BCS and we suggest that it could be introduced successfully in other breast units.

Advances in knowledge:

Here we have demonstrated the use of RSL localization results in significant lower weight resection specimens of breast carcinoma when compared with a matched group using GWL, without any significant differences in oncological outcome between the groups.
Cost-effectiveness of magnetic resonance carotid plaque imaging for primary stroke prevention in Canada
Authors: E Lechtman , I Balki , K Thomas , K Chen , AR Moody , PN Tyrrell
Published: October 2017

Objective:

Magnetic resonance of the carotid arteries provides important insight into plaque composition and vulnerability in addition to the traditional measure of stenosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of MR imaging as a first-line modality to assess carotid disease and guide management for high-risk patients with <50% stenosis.

Methods:

Using TreeAge Pro, a cost-effectiveness simulation was conducted comparing two strategies: (a) standard of care first-line carotid duplex ultrasound (DUS) with regular follow-up, v  s (b) first-line MR assessment of stenosis and intraplaque haemorrhage (MRIPH) in which patients with IPH received annual DUS surveillance and immediate carotid endarterectomy in case of plaque progression.

Results:

For patients aged 70 years old, using a first-line MRIPH strategy resulted in a 16.8% relative risk reduction in strokes compared to DUS (0.080 vs 0.097 strokes per patient per lifetime), and an increased quality-adjusted-life years (12.23 vs 12.20) at an increased cost of $897.33 over a patient’s lifetime ($5784.53 vs $4887.20 average total cost per patient per lifetime). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $29,744 per quality-adjusted-life years. MRIPH remained cost-effective below a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000 for 91.8% of sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion:

MRIPH was found to be a cost-effective first-line tool to identify asymptomatic patients at high risk for stroke requiring annual surveillance and prompt management.

Advances in Knowledge:

Using MR imaging as a fist-line method to detect the presence of IPH provides clinically useful and cost-effective information that allows for enhanced risk evaluation and primary stroke prevention.
Leaders in collective migration: are front cells really endowed with a particular set of skills?
Authors: Theveneau Eric , Linker Claudia
Published: October 2017

Collective cell migration is the coordinated movement emerging from the interaction of at least two cells. In multicellular organisms, collective cell migration is ubiquitous. During development, embryonic cells often travel in numbers, whereas in adults, epithelial cells close wounds collectively. There is often a division of labour and two categories of cells have been proposed: leaders and followers. These two terms imply that followers are subordinated to leaders whose proposed broad range of actions significantly biases the direction of the group of cells towards a specific target. These two terms are also tied to topology. Leaders are at the front while followers are located behind them. Here, we review recent work on some of the main experimental models for collective cell migration, concluding that leader-follower terminology may not be the most appropriate. It appears that not all collectively migrating groups are driven by cells located at the front. Moreover, the qualities that define leaders (pathfinding, traction forces and matrix remodelling) are not specific to front cells. These observations indicate that the terms leaders and followers are not suited to every case. We think that it would be more accurate to dissociate the function of a cell from its position in the group. The position of cells can be precisely defined with respect to the direction of movement by purely topological terms such as “front” or “rear” cells. In addition, we propose the more ample and strictly functional definition of “steering cells” which are able to determine the directionality of movement for the entire group. In this context, a leader cell represents only a specific case in which a steering cell is positioned at the front of the group.
Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis patients show increases in serum C-reactive protein levels, correlating with skin disease activity
Authors: Vekaria Anjali S. , Brunner Patrick M. , Aleisa Ahmad I. , Bonomo Lauren , Lebwohl Mark G. , Israel Ariel , Guttman-Yassky Emma
Published: October 2017

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD), the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease, is evolving as a systemic disease, and associated systemic inflammation is possibly linked to increases in cardiovascular disease.

Methods: We assessed levels of the inflammatory marker CRP in 59 patients with moderate-to-severe AD compared to matched healthy controls, and to determine correlation with skin disease severity. Clinical severity was measured using SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) and body surface area (BSA). Control subjects (n=118), matched by age, gender, smoking status and ethnicity, were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES).

Results: AD patients had significantly increased serum CRP levels compared to controls (0.7±1.0 vs. 0.4±0.7mg/dl; p=0.001), and 52.5% of them showed CRP levels >0.3mg/dl, predicting high cardiovascular risk. CRP levels were significantly correlated with both SCORAD (r=0.427, p=0.0008) and BSA (r=0.407, p=0.0015).  IgE levels in AD were highly elevated (median 2903U/ml, IQR [234,10655]), but only weakly correlated with SCORAD (r=0.282, p=0.0427) and BSA (r=0.382, p=0.0052), but not with CRP levels. AD patients also showed increased LDH levels, but without significant correlations with disease severity (SCORAD, BSA) or CRP.

Conclusions: Our study strongly supports CRP as a marker for disease severity in moderate-to-severe AD patients, further demonstrating its chronic systemic nature.
Prenatal maternal plasma DNA screening for cystic fibrosis: A computer modelling study of screening performance
Authors: Old Robert W. , Bestwick Jonathan P. , Wald Nicholas J.
Published: October 2017

Background: Prenatal cystic fibrosis (CF) screening is currently based on determining the carrier status of both parents. We propose a new method based only on the analysis of DNA in maternal plasma.

Methods: The method relies on the quantitative amplification of the CF gene to determine the percentage of DNA fragments in maternal plasma at targeted CF mutation sites that carry a CF mutation. Computer modelling was carried out to estimate the distributions of these percentages in pregnancies with and without a fetus affected with CF. This was done according to the number of DNA fragments counted and fetal fraction, using the 23 CF mutations recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics for parental carrier testing.

Results: The estimated detection rate (sensitivity) is 70% (100% of those detected using the 23 mutations), the false-positive rate 0.002%, and the odds of being affected given a positive screening result 14:1, compared with 70%, 0.12%, and 1:3, respectively, with current prenatal screening based on parental carrier testing.

Conclusions: Compared with current screening practice based on parental carrier testing, the proposed method would substantially reduce the number of invasive diagnostic procedures (amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling) without reducing the CF detection rate. The expected advantages of the proposed method justify carrying out the necessary test development for use in a clinical validation study.
Predictive value of early postoperative IOP and bleb morphology in Mitomycin-C augmented trabeculectomy
Authors: Esfandiari Hamed , Pakravan Mohammad , Loewen Nils A. , Yaseri Mehdi
Published: October 2017

Background: Our aim was to determine the predictive value of postoperative bleb morphological features and intraocular pressure (IOP) on the success rate of trabeculectomy.

Methods: In this prospective interventional case series, we analyzed for one year 80 consecutive primary open angle glaucoma patients who underwent mitomycin-augmented trabeculectomy. Bleb morphology was scored using the Indiana bleb appearance grading scale (IBAGS). Success was defined as IOP ≤15 mmHg with or without medications at 12 months. We tested for IOP and bleb morphological differences between groups, applied a multivariable regression analysis and determined the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results: Age and gender were equally distributed (62.3±13.1 years, P=0.911). IOP of patients with a successful outcome did not differ from unsuccessful ones on day 1, 7 and 30 (all P≥0.2). The AUC of IOP at day 1, day 7 and 30 for predicting a successful outcome was 0.355, 0.452, and 0.80, respectively. The AUC for bleb morphology parameters, bleb height, extension, and vascularization, on day 14 were 0.368, 0.408, and 0.549, respectively. Values for day 30 were 0.428, 0.563, and 0.654. IOP change from day 1 to day 30 was a good predictor of failure (AUC=0.838, 95% CI: 0.704 to 0.971) with a change of more than 3 mmHg predicting failure with a sensitivity of 82.5% (95% CI: 68 to 91%) and a specificity of 87.5% (95% CI: 53 to 98%).

Conclusions: The postoperative IOP on day 30 had a fair to good accuracy while the bleb features failed to predict a successful outcome. An IOP increase by as little as more than 3 mmHg during the first 30 days was a good predictor of failure.
Human resource management: theory and practice
Authors: Лифшиц Аркадий , Lifshits Arkadiy
Published: October 2017

Describes the theoretical and methodological foundations of human resource management in modern industrial organizations and enterprises. The system summarizes the experience of domestic and foreign industrial enterprises and organizations in the field of human resource management. A distinctive feature of this textbook is the use of programmed learning. It involves a combination of security questions and closed questions in the form of tests, return the student to the undigested portions of the training material with additional explanations. For students enrolled in the bachelor's in Management.
Reconstruction of Bremsstrahlung Spectrum of Medical Electron Linear Accelerators from Deep Dose Distributions in Water Phantom
Authors: Климанов В. , Klimanov V. , Галяутдинова Ж. , Galyautdinova Zh. , Могиленец Н. , Mogilenec N. , Смирнов В. , Smirnov V.
Published: October 2017

Purpose: Development of the bremsstrahlung spectrum reconstruction method of medical electron linear accelerators (ELA) with different field sizes on the base of the deep dose distributions in a water phantom and determination of photon spectra for Varian Trilogy accelerator 6 MV.

Material and methods: The proposed methodology is based on the use of dose kernels algorithm of point monoenergetic monodirectional source (pencil beam (PB)) for the deep dose distribution calculation, created different cross-section beams of in a water phantom, and experimental measurements of these distributions. For solving the inverse problem is applied Toolbox routines 'ptimtool knowing mathematical package MATLAB to solve.

Results: Bremsstrahlung energy spectrum generated medical accelerator Varian Triology with different sizes of square fields from 3×3 up to 40×40 cm and average energy photons, depending on the size of the fields were received. Dose kernels for a set of defined energies PB were calculated. Depth dose distribution in a water phantom, calculated using the obtained spectra and dose kernels agree well with measurement dose distributions.

Conclusion: The proposed technique reconstruction of bremsstrahlung spectrum of electron linear accelerator is adequate. Average energy spectra of bremsstrahlung photons for Varian Trilogy Accelerator in regime 6 MV varies from 1.71 to 1.43 MeV depending on the field size.
OLYMPIAD IN TECHNICAL DRAWING AS A FORM OF VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE OF PUPILS IN SPECIALNOSTI ENGINEERING PROFILE
Authors: Сергеев Геннадий , Sergeev Gennady , Берестова Оксана , Berestova Oksana
Published: October 2017

In the post-Soviet period of General crisis phenomena in the economy occurred and the decline in the prestige of professions in engineering and technical profile, and, as a consequence, the decline of motivation to study exact Sciences, including the discipline «drawing». Today, however, the developing industry poses new challenges for the training of skilled workers, able to work in high-tech industries, as well as on early a reasoned career choice. Based on many years of practical experience, the authors suggest conducting Olympiads like the form of the revitalization of the secondary school in question learning the basics of technical drawing.
COPYRIGHT PRINCIPLES OF CONSTRUCTION THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM OF THE GROUP
Authors: Тюрина Светлана , Tyurina Svetlana
Published: October 2017

The article deals with copyright principles of construction the educational system of the group. Large and responsible tasks in the field of education are also faced by teachers of technical disciplines. In modern conditions, it is absolutely necessary that the teaching skills allow them to solve the most difficult tasks.

In this article are proposed copyright principles of construction the educational system of the group, which are implemented during the development of the program of training of mid-level professionals with a degree 15.02.08 mechanical engineering. And for today they give positive results.
Automated Earnings Forecasts: Beat Analysts or Combine and Conquer?
Authors: Ball Ryan T. , Ghysels Eric
Published: October 2017

Prior studies attribute analysts’ forecast superiority over time-series forecasting models to their access to a large set of firm, industry, and macroeconomic information (an information advantage), which they use to update their forecasts on a daily, weekly or monthly basis (a timing advantage). This study leverages recently developed mixed data sampling (MIDAS) regression methods to synthesize a broad spectrum of high frequency data to construct forecasts of firm-level earnings. We compare the accuracy of these forecasts to those of analysts at short horizons of one quarter or less. We find that our MIDAS forecasts are more accurate and have forecast errors that are smaller than analysts’ when forecast dispersion is high and when the firm size is smaller. In addition, we find that combining our MIDAS forecasts with analysts’ forecasts systematically outperforms analysts alone, which indicates that our MIDAS models provide information orthogonal to analysts. Our results provide preliminary support for the potential to automate the process of forecasting firm-level earnings, or other accounting performance measures, on a high-frequency basis.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2017.2864 .

This paper was accepted by Mary Barth, accounting.
CCR7 Is Important for Mesangial Cell Physiology and Repair
Authors: Wurm Simone , Steege Andreas , Rom-Jurek Eva-Maria , van Roeyen Claudia R. , Kurtz Armin , Banas Bernhard , Banas Miriam C.
Published: October 2017

The homeostatic chemokine receptor CCR7 serves as key molecule in lymphocyte homing into secondary lymphoid tissues. Previous experiments from our group identified CCR7 also to be expressed by human mesangial cells. Exposing cultured human mesangial cells to the receptor ligand CCL21 revealed a positive effect on these cells regarding proliferation, migration, and survival. In the present study, we localized CCR7 and CCL21 during murine nephrogenesis. Analyzing wild-type and CCR7 deficient (CCR7–/–) mice, we observed a retarded glomerulogenesis during renal development and a significantly decreased mesangial cellularity in adult CCR7–/– mice, as a consequence of less mesangial cell proliferation between embryonic day E17.5 and week 5 postpartum. Cell proliferation assays and cell-wounding experiments confirmed reduced proliferative and migratory properties of mesangial cells cultured from CCR7–/– kidneys. To further emphasize the role of CCR7 as important factor for mesangial biology, we examined the chemokine receptor expression in rats after induction of a mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis. Here, we demonstrated for the first time that extra- and intraglomerular mesangial cells that were CCR7-negative in control rats exhibited a strong CCR7 expression during the phase of mesangial repopulation and proliferation.
Evaluation of biocompatibility of an experimental membrane for glucose sensors: the results of a prospective experimental controlled preclinical study involving laboratory animals
Authors: Stanishevskiy Yaroslav M. , Sachivkina Nadezhda P. , Tarasov Yuriy V. , Philippov Yury I. , Sokolov Sergey A. , Shestakova Marina V.
Published: October 2017

An increase in the accuracy of monitoring of glucose concentration indicators and an increase in the running time of glucose sensors are promising directions in the field of diabetology. One of the ways to extend the lifetime of a sensor is its complete implantation excluding direct communication with the skin surface. For effective long-term functioning in the patient’s body, the surface of an implantable sensor should be highly biocompatibile: it should not induce allergic and inflammatory reactions as well as the demarcation reaction (formation of a dense connective tissue capsule). Earlier, a group of authors developed a glucose-permeable membrane and a biocompatible coating comprising a complex of nadroparin with transesterified polyethylene glycol and γ-aminopropyl triethoxysilane, which formed a protein repellent hydrogel on the membrane surface.
Aims. To evaluate the biocompatibility of the experimental coated membrane implanted into laboratory animals.
Methods. The experimental prospective controlled study involved 60 laboratory animals (Wistar albino rats). The animals were divided into 3 groups of 20 animals each. Animals of each group were implanted with the standard, or experimental, or experimental coated membrane. After implantation, the skin condition in the implantation area was visually assessed for 90 days. After 90 days, the tissue condition around the implant was evaluated histologically.
Results. No serious allergic or inflammatory reactions in the implantation area were detected in all three groups of animals within 90 days of the follow-up period. In the case of the experimental coated membrane, a significantly low score was graded based on visual assessment of the skin reactions. In the histological analysis, the tissue condition in the implantation area of the coated membranes was characterized by significantly lower density of a connective tissue capsule and the presence of vascularization areas at the contact between of the membrane surface and the surrounding tissue.
Conclusion. In experimental animals, the tested coating significantly inhibits formation of a connective tissue capsule around the implant and reduces the intensity of skin reactions after implantation. Further clinical studies of coated membranes in humans are required to verify their biocompatibility.
Estimando os impactos do aumento do ICMS na economia gaúcha: uma análise de insumo-produto
Authors: Morrone Henrique
Published: October 2017

crise financeira do Rio Grande do Sul impõe grandes desafios ao governo a fim de mitigar tal situação. Corte de gastos e aumento de impostos em geral estão na agenda do governo sem mensurar adequadamente o impacto dessas medidas na economia. O objetivo do artigo é justamente preencher essa lacuna, verificando a estrutura básica da economia gaúcha em 2008, bem como estimando o impacto do aumento dos impostos sobre circulação de mercadorias e serviços (ICMS) na demanda final e na atividade econômica gaúcha. Para tal, este artigo emprega a Matriz de Insumo-Produto de 2008 com o objetivo de verificar o impacto do aumento dos impostos na economia. Os resultados mostram um impacto negativo do aumento dos impostos na economia gaúcha, restringindo as possibilidades de desenvolvimento regional.
Setores-chave da economia de Minas Gerais em 2008
Authors: De Souza Carla Cristina Aguilar , Gonçalves Caio César Soares , Franco Marco Paulo Vianna
Published: October 2017

Este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar setores-chave da economia mineira para o ano de 2008 e analisar o impacto dos diversos setores via cálculo de multiplicadores, contribuindo com ferramentas úteis à elaboração de políticas públicas. A partir da matriz de insumo-produto de 2008 e dos modelos aberto e fechado de Leontief, foi possível apontar setores-chave com base em três metodologias diferentes: índices de interligação de Rasmussen-Hirschman, campos de influência e índices puros de ligação. Em relação aos multiplicadores, foram abordados os impactos sobre a renda do trabalho, emprego, valor adicionado e impostos (ICMS e IPI).
Análise da conduta das revendedoras de gasolina comum nas capitais da região Nordeste
Authors: Fernandes Rosangela A. S. , Jacob Kamila Gabriela
Published: October 2017

O objetivo do artigo é a verificação de indícios econômicos de carteis na revenda de gasolina comum nas capitais da região Nordeste, de janeiro de 2010 a dezembro de 2015. Os resultados dos índices concorrenciais de preços indicaram que não houve concorrência entre as revendedoras. A maioria das margens de comercialização apresentaram suave tendência ascendente. As correlações entre as margens e o coeficiente de variação mostraram que, em Salvador, Fortaleza, São Luís e João Pessoa, as elevações nas margens podem estar associadas a menor variância dos preços, sugerindo que os postos estariam adotando conduta uniforme nessas capitais.