bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cohort profile: maternal lifestyle and diet in relation to pregnancy, postpartum and infant health outcomes in Vietnam: A multicentre prospective cohort study
Authors: Nguyen Cong Luat , Nguyen Phung Thi Hoang , Chu Tan Khac , Ha Anh Vo Van , Pham Ngoc Minh , Duong Dat Van , Do Dung Van , Tang Hong Kim , Binns Colin W , Lee Andy H
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To determine modifiable maternal risk factors for adverse pregnancy, postpartum maternal and child health outcomes in Vietnam.

Participants

This prospective cohort study included pregnant women seeking prenatal care at six hospitals in three large cities in Vietnam. After enrolment, eligible participants who gave their consent to participate in the study were interviewed at 24–28 weeks' gestation. Glucose testing was conducted and blood pressure was measured during this period. Each participant will be assessed prospectively during their postnatal visits at delivery, 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months, and will be followed up for 5 years.

Findings to date

Of 2248 eligible pregnant women, 2030 were recruited (participation rate 90.3%) between August 2015 and July 2016. All participants completed the baseline assessment. Their mean (SD) age was 27.6 (5.3) years. The mean pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) was 20.2 (SD 2.6) kg/m2, with nearly two-thirds of participants having a normal pre-pregnancy BMI (18.5 to <23.0 kg/m2) and one-quarter being underweight (pre-pregnancy BMI <18.5 kg/m2). Overweight or obese mothers (pre-pregnancy BMI ≥23.0 kg/m2) accounted for 12.8%. No pregnant women reported smoking during their pregnancy while 13.4% of them had continued drinking. 22.8% of participants had hyperglycaemia. Their mean systolic blood pressure was 105.6 (SD 8.2) mm Hg, and diastolic blood pressure was 67.4 (SD 7.5) mm Hg.

Future plans

The relationships of maternal lifestyle and nutritional status with the health outcomes of pregnancy, postpartum maternity and infants will be analysed. Meanwhile, participants will be closely tracked to minimise loss to follow-up.
Effects of complex interventions in ‘skin cancer prevention and treatment’: protocol for a mixed-method systematic review with qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Beifus Karolina , Breitbart Eckhard , Köberlein-Neu Juliane
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Occurring from ultraviolet radiation combined with impairing ozone levels, uncritical sun exposure and use of tanning beds an increasing number of people are affected by different types of skin cancer. But preventive interventions like skin cancer screening are still missing the evidence for effectiveness and therefore are criticised. Fundamental for an appropriate course of action is to approach the defined parameters as measures for effectiveness critically. A prerequisite should be the critical application of used parameter that are defined as measures for effectiveness. This research seeks to establish, through the available literature, the effects and conditions that prove the effectiveness of prevention strategies in skin cancer.

Method and analysis

A mixed-method approach is employed to combine quantitative to qualitative methods and answer what effects can display effectiveness considering time horizon, perspective and organisational level and what are essential and sufficient conditions to prove effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in skin cancer prevention strategies. A systematic review will be performed to spot studies from any design and assess the data quantitatively and qualitatively. Included studies from each key question will be summarised by characteristics like population, intervention, comparison, outcomes, study design, endpoints, effect estimator and so on. Beside statistical relevancies for a systematic review the qualitative method of qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) will be performed. The estimated outcomes from this review and QCA are the accomplishment and absence of effects that are appropriate for application in effectiveness assessments and further cost-effectiveness assessment.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethical approval is not required as primary data will not be collected.

Trial registration number

International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews number CRD42017053859.
HAP
Authors: Wei Wei , Jiang Dejun , Xiong Jin , Chen Mingyu
Published: September 2017

Data-center servers benefit from large-capacity memory systems to run multiple processes simultaneously. Hybrid DRAM-NVM memory is attractive for increasing memory capacity by exploiting the scalability of Non-Volatile Memory (NVM). However, current LLC policies are unaware of hybrid memory. Cache misses to NVM introduce high cost due to long NVM latency. Moreover, evicting dirty NVM data suffer from long write latency. We propose hybrid memory aware cache partitioning to dynamically adjust cache spaces and give NVM dirty data more chances to reside in LLC. Experimental results show Hybrid-memory-Aware Partition (HAP) improves performance by 46.7% and reduces energy consumption by 21.9% on average against LRU management. Moreover, HAP averagely improves performance by 9.3% and reduces energy consumption by 6.4% against a state-of-the-art cache mechanism.
Astrocytes at the Hub of the Stress Response: Potential Modulation of Neurogenesis by miRNAs in Astrocyte-Derived Exosomes
Authors: Luarte Alejandro , Cisternas Pablo , Caviedes Ariel , Batiz Luis Federico , Lafourcade Carlos , Wyneken Ursula , Henzi Roberto
Published: September 2017

Repetitive stress negatively affects several brain functions and neuronal networks. Moreover, adult neurogenesis is consistently impaired in chronic stress models and in associated human diseases such as unipolar depression and bipolar disorder, while it is restored by effective antidepressant treatments. The adult neurogenic niche contains neural progenitor cells in addition to amplifying progenitors, neuroblasts, immature and mature neurons, pericytes, astrocytes, and microglial cells. Because of their particular and crucial position, with their end feet enwrapping endothelial cells and their close communication with the cells of the niche, astrocytes might constitute a nodal point to bridge or transduce systemic stress signals from peripheral blood, such as glucocorticoids, to the cells involved in the neurogenic process. It has been proposed that communication between astrocytes and niche cells depends on direct cell-cell contacts and soluble mediators. In addition, new evidence suggests that this communication might be mediated by extracellular vesicles such as exosomes, and in particular, by their miRNA cargo. Here, we address some of the latest findings regarding the impact of stress in the biology of the neurogenic niche, and postulate how astrocytic exosomes (and miRNAs) may play a fundamental role in such phenomenon.
Restriction of Toeplitz Operators on Their Reducing Subspaces
Authors: Xu Anjian , Zou Yang
Published: September 2017

We study the restrictions of analytic Toeplitz operator on its minimal reducing subspaces for the unit disc and construct their models on slit domains. Furthermore, it is shown that Tzn is similar to the sum of n copies of the Bergman shift.
A Clustering Method for Isomorphic Evolution of Web Services
Authors: Hu Qiang , Zhao Zhen , Du JunWei
Published: September 2017

Since the basic binding unit of current service request and response schema is an atomic Web service, it needs to costly find a substitute service or reconstruct the service process in the original service space once a fine granular evolution requirement occurs. To reduce the complexity of fine granular service evolution, an isomorphic evolution mechanism based on service clusters is proposed. Searching space can be reduced and responding flexibility will also be improved by adopting service cluster as the unit of service response. Simple evolution and merging evolution were put forward to handle the evolution of atomic Web services. Meanwhile, a formal model and the quality computing method for service processes built by service clusters were presented based on the logic Petri nets. Two types of evolution patterns including dot isomorphic evolution and chain isomorphic evolution were proposed to evolve service processes. The algorithms for different isomorphic evolution patterns of atomic service and service processes were designed in the paper. Simulation experiments were conducted on 10000 Web services with different process patterns. Compared with the traditional service request and response schema, the efficiencies of service discovery and isomorphic evolution are improved greatly in our proposed method.
Repeat Colonoscopy within 6 Months after Initial Outpatient Colonoscopy in Ontario: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Paszat Lawrence , Sutradhar Rinku , Baxter Nancy N. , Tinmouth Jill , Rabeneck Linda
Published: September 2017

Background. The goal of this study is to examine utilization of early repeat colonoscopy ≤ 6 months after an index procedure. Methods. We identified persons having repeat colonoscopy ≤ 6 months following outpatient colonoscopy without prior colonoscopy ≤ 5 years or prior diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). We modeled repeat colonoscopy using a generalized estimating equation with an exchangeable correlation structure to account for clustering of patients by endoscopist. Results. The population included 334,663 persons, 7,892 (2.36%) of whom had an early repeat colonoscopy within 6 months. Overall, endoscopist prior year colonoscopy volume was inversely related to repeat ≤ 6 months. Repeat colonoscopy ≤ 6 months varied by the clinical setting of the index colonoscopy (adjusted OR = 1.41 (95% CI 1.29–1.55)) at nonhospital facilities compared to teaching or community hospitals. Among those who had polypectomy or biopsy, the adjusted OR for early repeat ≤ 6 months was elevated among those whose index colonoscopy was at a nonhospital facility (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.30–1.60), compared to those at a teaching hospital or community hospital. Conclusions. Repeat colonoscopy ≤ 6 months after an index procedure is associated with the clinical setting of the index colonoscopy.
Vaccinomics Approach for Designing Potential Peptide Vaccine by TargetingShigellaspp. Serine Protease Autotransporter Subfamily Protein SigA
Authors: Oany Arafat Rahman , Pervin Tahmina , Mia Mamun , Hossain Motaher , Shahnaij Mohammad , Mahmud Shahin , Kibria K. M. Kaderi
Published: September 2017

Shigellosis, a bacillary dysentery, is closely associated with diarrhoea in human and causes infection of 165 million people worldwide per year. Casein-degrading serine protease autotransporter of enterobacteriaceae (SPATE) subfamily protein SigA, an outer membrane protein, exerts both cytopathic and enterotoxic effects especially cytopathic to human epithelial cell type-2 (HEp-2) and is shown to be highly immunogenic. In the present study, we have tried to impose the vaccinomics approach for designing a common peptide vaccine candidate against the immunogenic SigA ofShigellaspp. At first, 44 SigA proteins from different variants ofS. flexneri,S. dysenteriae,S. boydii, andS. sonneiwere assessed to find the most antigenic protein. We retrieved 12 peptides based on the highest score for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) supertypes analysed by NetCTL. Initially, these peptides were assessed for the affinity with MHC class I and class II alleles, and four potential core epitopes VTARAGLGY, FHTVTVNTL, HTTWTLTGY, and IELAGTLTL were selected. From these, FHTVTVNTL and IELAGTLTL peptides were shown to have 100% conservancy. Finally, IELAGTLTL was shown to have the highest population coverage (83.86%) among the whole world population. In vivo study of the proposed epitope might contribute to the development of functional and unique widespread vaccine, which might be an operative alleyway to thwart dysentery from the world.
Effect of Modified Shaker Exercise on the Amplitude and Duration of Swallowing Sounds: Evidence from Cervical Auscultation
Authors: Babu Sonia , Balasubramaniam Radish Kumar , Varghese Ancy
Published: September 2017

Objective. Anecdotal evidence shows that the Shaker exercise and its modifications improve pharyngeal muscle contraction. However, there is no experimental evidence for the same. Thus, the present study examined the effect of modified Shaker exercise on the amplitude and duration of pharyngeal muscle contraction using cervical auscultation.Design. The study follows a cross-sectional study design, where 50 healthy individuals (23 males and 27 females) performed modified Shaker exercise and noneffortful swallow during 10 ml water swallowing. Swallow sound characteristics were analyzed with and without modified Shaker exercise using cervical auscultation.Results. The results of mixed ANOVA revealed significant differences for the amplitude of swallow sound with modified Shaker exercise (mean = 47.24, SD = 20.64) when compared to noneffortful swallow (mean = 28.19, SD = 10.26) atp<0.05. However, no significant difference was obtained for the swallow sound duration with (mean = 0.19, SD = 0.07) and without (mean = 0.18, SD = 0.07) modified Shaker exercise atp>0.05. No significant difference across the genders was also noted atp>0.05.Conclusion. The outcomes of the study suggest that modified Shaker exercise improves the amplitude of pharyngeal muscle contraction. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding using gold standard tools like videofluoroscopy.
On Fekete-Szegö Problems for Certain Subclasses Defined byq-Derivative
Authors: Aldweby Huda , Darus Maslina
Published: September 2017

We derive the Fekete-Szegö theorem for new subclasses of analytic functions which areq-analogue of well-known classes introduced before.
Contraceptive Methods Accessed in Volta Region, Ghana, 2009–2014
Authors: Wilson Himiede W. , Ameme Donne K. , Ilesanmi Olayinka Stephen
Published: September 2017

Introduction. In 2016, Volta Region was one of the two regions in Ghana that recorded a high prevalence of teenage pregnancy, accounting for 15.5% of all adolescent pregnancies in the country. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of contraceptive methods accessed by person, place, and time in Volta Region, Ghana, 2009–2014. Method. We carried out a secondary analysis of contraceptive use data derived from the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS) 2 for Volta Region, between 2009 and 2014. We calculated proportions and described trends. Results. Over the five-year period, there were 673,409 (75.0%) acceptors of family planning out of a total 897, 645 males and females of reproductive age. The proportion of family planning acceptors increased gradually from 18% in 2009 to 23% in 2014. Contraceptive methods were most commonly accessed by male and female between 20 and 29 years. The most common methods of contraceptives accessed were injectables among females accounting for about 70% and condoms accounting for over 90% among males. Conclusion. All the districts in Volta Region did not access contraceptives adequately. The Volta Regional Health Directorate should encourage and support research to ascertain factors influencing uptake of contraceptive methods in all the districts.
Static Progressive Orthoses for Elbow Contracture: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chen Bin , Lin Jianhua , Liu Lifen , Niu Wenxin
Published: September 2017

Background. As one of the most common musculoskeletal complications following trauma, elbow contracture is a frequent source of disabled daily activities. Conventional interventions are inadequate to provide favorable outcome. The static progressive orthoses are getting popular in the treatment of this problem.Objective. The purpose of this review was to assess the effectiveness of static progressive orthoses for elbow contracture.Methods. Literatures when written in English published during 1 January 1997 and 31 January 2017 were searched in the following databases: Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and EBSCOhost. Articles are quality-assessed by two assessors, each article was summarized in evidence tables, and a narrative synthesis was also performed.Results. Ten clinical trials were included. The study design and outcome measures used varied. Significant immediate improvement in the range of motion was reported by all studies, and those effects were still significant at follow-up. No significant difference was shown between static progressive and dynamic orthoses for elbow contracture in one randomized control trial.Conclusions. Current low-quality evidence suggested that static progressive orthoses provided assistance for elbow contracture through improving range of motion. Further research is recommended using high-quality randomized controlled trials.
The Size Stability of Alginate Beads by Different Ionic Crosslinkers
Authors: Huang Shu-Ling , Lin Yung-Sheng
Published: September 2017

Few studies have discussed the stability of gelled alginate bead size. Therefore, the present study investigated the dynamic shrinkage of gelled alginate beads affected by two common ionic crosslinkers at different concentrations and temperatures. The results indicate that the gelled alginate beads gradually shrank with longer gelling times. The beads incubated in a Ca2+ solution shrank more dramatically than those incubated in a Ba2+ solution. Those incubated at room temperature exhibited greater shrinkage than those incubated at a low temperature. A 25% size reduction occurred in the 1% Ca2+ solution at room temperature after 300 minutes of gelling time. The alginate beads gelled took at least 120 minutes to become stable after the ionic gelation process.
Alcohol, Physical Activity, Smoking, and Breast Cancer Subtypes in a Large, Nested Case–Control Study from the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program
Authors: Ellingjord-Dale Merete , Vos Linda , Hjerkind Kirsti Vik , Hjartåker Anette , Russnes Hege G. , Tretli Steinar , Hofvind Solveig , dos-Santos-Silva Isabel , Ursin Giske
Published: September 2017

Background: To what extent alcohol, smoking, and physical activity are associated with the various subtypes of breast cancer is not clear. We took advantage of a large population-based screening cohort to determine whether these risk factors also increase the risk of the poor prognosis subtypes.

Methods: We conducted a matched case–control study nested within the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program during 2006–2014. A total of 4,402 breast cancer cases with risk factor and receptor data were identified. Five controls were matched to each case on year of birth and year of screening. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate ORs of breast cancer subtypes adjusted for potential confounders.

Results: There were 2,761 luminal A–like, 709 luminal B–like HER2-negative, 367 luminal B–like HER2-positive, 204 HER2-positive, and 361 triple-negative cancers. Current alcohol consumption was associated with breast cancer risk overall [OR 1.26; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09–1.45] comparing 6+ glasses a week to never drinkers. However, this risk increase was found only for luminal A–like breast cancer. Smoking 20+ cigarettes a day was associated with an OR of 1.41 (95% CI, 1.06–1.89) overall, with significant trends for luminal A–like and luminal B–like HER2-negative cancer. Current physical activity (4+ hours/week compared with none) was associated with 15% decreased risk of luminal A–like cancer, but not clearly with other subtypes.

Conclusions: In this large study, alcohol, smoking, and physical activity were predominantly associated with luminal A–like breast cancer.

Impact: Alcohol, smoking, and physical activity were associated with luminal A–like breast cancer subtype. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(12); 1736–44. ©2017 AACR.
Long-Term Outcomes of Two Different Initial Dosing Regimens of Intravitreal Ranibizumab Used to Treat Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization
Authors: Calvo-González Cristina , Reche-Frutos Juan , Fernández-Vigo José Ignacio , Sáenz-Francés Federico , Fernández-Pérez Cristina , García-Feijóo Julian
Published: September 2017

Purpose: To compare two different initial dosing regimens of intravitreal ranibizumab used to treat myopic choroidal neovascularization. Methods: A total of 61 eyes of 56 patients were treated: 26 eyes received a single injection followed by treatment pro re nata (1+ PRN), while 35 eyes first received 3 consecutive monthly injections (3+ PRN). Results: The mean follow-up was 53 ± 16 months. The visual acuities were 51.9 ± 16.2 letters with 3+ PRN and 53 ± 22.4 letters with 1+ PRN at baseline (p = 0.824); 69.5 ± 12.3 and 69 ± 15.1 letters, respectively, at 12 months; and 67.1 ± 16.2 and 66.4 ± 19.7 letters, respectively, at the end of follow-up (p = 0.877). Mean survival until first retreatment after the loading dose was 36.9 ± 6.1 months with 3+ PRN and 19.2 ± 5.4 months with 1+ PRN (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Both dosing regimens led to similar visual outcomes. For eyes given a single injection in the first quarter, retreatment was needed appreciably earlier.
Impact of Serum TSH and Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibody Levels on Lymph Node Fine-Needle Aspiration Thyroglobulin Measurements in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Patients
Authors: Duval Marta Amaro da Silveira , Zanella André Borsatto , Cristo Ana Patrícia , Faccin Carlo Sasso , Graudenz Marcia Silva , Maia Ana Luiza
Published: September 2017

Background: Thyroglobulin measurements in the washout of fine needle aspiration (FNA-Tg) are an excellent tool to detect lymph node (LN) metastases of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Nevertheless, how to define the best cutoffs and the influence of potential confounders are still being discussed. Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of FNA-Tg measurement to detect DTC metastases and the influence of thyroid status and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb). Methods: One hundred thirty-eight patients with DTC and suspicious cervical LN were included. Patients underwent ultrasound (US)-guided FNA for cytological examination and FNA-Tg measurements. Final diagnoses were confirmed by histological examination or clinical and US follow-up for at least 1 year. Results: Data from 119 subjects with suspicious LN were evaluated. The median value of FNA-Tg in patients with metastatic LN (n = 65) was 3,263.0 ng/mL (838.55–12,507.5), while patients without LN metastasis (n = 54) showed levels of 0.2 ng/mL (0.2–0.2). According to the ROC curve analysis, the best cutoff value to predict metastasis was 4.41 ng/mL for FNA-Tg, with a sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 96%. There were no differences in the median of FNA-Tg measurements between those on (TSH 0.16 mUI/mL) and those off levothyroxine (TSH 99.41 mUI/mL) therapy (47.94 vs. 581.15 ng/mL, respectively; p = 0.79). Interestingly, the values of FNA-Tg in patients with LN metastasis (n = 65) did not differ between patients with positive and those with negative TgAb (88.8 vs. 3,263.0 ng/mL, respectively; p = 0.57). Conclusion: US-guided FNA-Tg proved to be a useful examination in the follow-up of patients with DTC, independently of TSH status and the presence of TgAb.
A Novel de novo FZD2 Mutation in a Patient with Autosomal Dominant Omodysplasia
Authors: Türkmen Seval , Spielmann Malte , Güneş Nilay , Knaus Alexej , Flöttmann Ricarda , Mundlos Stefan , Tüysüz Beyhan
Published: September 2017

We described a heterozygous de novo mutation (G434V) in the frizzled class receptor 2 (FZD2) gene in a patient with distinct facial features including hypertelorism, bilateral cleft lip/palate, short nose with a broad nasal bridge, microretrognathia, and bilateral shortness of the upper limbs, first metacarpal bones, and middle phalanges of the 5th digits. The findings of our patient were compared to an autosomal dominant omodysplasia (OMOD2) family with FZD2 mutation reported in the literature. OMOD2 is a rare skeletal dysplasia and characterized by facial dysmorphism and shortness of the upper extremities and first metacarpal bones. This is the second report which supports the findings of the first family described and points out that heterozygous FZD2 mutations may be disease-causing for OMOD2.
Comparing Modified with Conventional Parotidectomy for Benign Parotid Tumors
Authors: Gao Ling , Ren Wenhao , Li Shaoming , Yan Xiaojing , Li Fan , Yuan Rongtao , Shang Wei , Zhi Keqian
Published: September 2017

Purpose: We conducted a study to compare the functional outcomes and surgical complications of patients with benign parotid tumors treated with conventional parotidectomy and modified parotidectomy. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 99 patients who had benign parotid lesions and underwent parotidectomy using either conventional or modified parotidectomy. The operation time, cosmetic outcome, great auricular nerve anesthesia, incidence of Frey syndrome, and secretory function with the two techniques were compared. Results: The mean operation time was shorter and the total complication rate was obviously lower in the modified surgery group (p < 0.001). In the modified surgery group, the incision was more cosmetic (p < 0.001), the sensory deficit rate was low (p < 0.001), and the sensory recovery rate was high, and transient facial paralysis and Frey syndrome were rare. Furthermore, glandular function was preserved in patients with a conserved Stensen duct. There was no tumor recurrence in the two groups during a mean follow-up of 29.8 months. Conclusion: Modified surgical techniques for benign parotid neoplasms significantly reduced the surgery time and improved the surgery outcomes compared with the conventional approach. This adds to the evidence to support the effectiveness of modified parotidectomy in selected patients with benign parotid tumors.
Different Response to Nivolumab in a Patient with Synchronous Double Primary Carcinomas of Hypopharyngeal Cancer and Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Yamaguchi Teppei , Sakurai Kazuo , Kuroda Makoto , Imaizumi Kazuyoshi , Hida Toyoaki
Published: September 2017

Nivolumab is a humanized IgG4 and programmed death 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody that has demonstrated antitumor efficacy in clinical trials of various malignant tumors including non-small-cell lung cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, patients with multiple primary malignancies were excluded in clinical trials. Thus, the efficacy of nivolumab in such patients has not been revealed yet. The programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression level is currently the main predictive biomarker of PD-1 inhibitors in various types of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Here we describe a patient with synchronous double primary carcinomas of hypopharyngeal SCC and lung adenocarcinoma who exhibited different responses to nivolumab. After nivolumab treatment, hypopharyngeal SCC with moderate PD-L1 positivity by immunohistochemical staining showed a remarkable response; conversely, nivolumab was not effective against lung adenocarcinoma, which was negative for PD-L1. This suggests that tumors with different PD-L1 expressions may exhibit different responses to PD-1 inhibitors when multiple primary malignancies are present within one patient.
Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction from Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: McGrath Clare , Tsang Adrian , Nithianandan Harrish  , Nguyen Eric , Bauer Patrick , Dennis Kristopher
Published: September 2017

Patients with advanced-stage pancreatic cancer are typically burdened by many symptoms that impair functioning and worsen quality of life. We report an exceptional case of a 73-year-old woman with T4N1M0 adenocarcinoma of the uncinate process of the pancreas who developed significant gastric outlet obstruction – an uncommon yet potentially life-threatening complication of disease progression. She developed progressive abdominal pain and emesis, and profound dilatation of her stomach was detected on a radiation therapy simulation CT scan that required urgent decompression. Malignant gastric outlet obstruction must be included in the differential diagnosis when patients with known advanced disease of the pancreas present with obstructive upper gastrointestinal symptoms.
Clinical Significance of Area of Psoas Major Muscle on Computed Tomography after Gastrectomy in Gastric Cancer Patients
Authors: Yaguchi Yoshihisa , Kumata Yoshimasa , Horikawa Masahiro , Kiyokawa Takashi , Iinuma Hisae , Inaba Tsuyoshi , Fukushima Ryoji
Published: September 2017

Background: The measurement of a single abdominal image on computed tomography (CT) can provide an estimate of the total body skeletal muscle. We evaluate the change of the area of the psoas major muscle (PMMA) in a CT which was performed routinely after gastrectomy in gastric cancer. Methods: A total of 119 gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy were enrolled for the study. A CT image at the top of the iliac crest level was obtained at the following times: 3 postoperative months (POM), 6 POM, 1 postoperative year (POY), 2 POY, 3 POY, and 5 POY. We analyzed the change rate of PMMA after gastrectomy and before or after recurrence. Results: PMMA change after gastrectomy was approximately between -8 and -10% over the 5-year observation period. PMMA in the R2 (macroscopic residual tumor)/recurrence group was lower than that in the no recurrence group, and a significant difference was observed at 2 POY (-21.7 ± 3.6% vs. -7.9 ± 2.3%, p < 0.01). PMMA after freshly diagnosed recurrence had decreased significantly by 14.1 ± 1.8% (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Evaluation of PMMA change by CT after gastrectomy could assist in the diagnosis of the progression of cancer state in gastric cancer patients.
E.E. Green’s collection of scale insects (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Coccomorpha) in The Natural History Museum, London, U.K.
Authors: WILLIAMS D.J.
Published: September 2017

In 1940, E.E. Green’s collection of scale insects, consisting of 6505 microscope slides and 2172 boxes of dry material, was donated to the The Natural History Museum, London, U.K. (then the British Museum (Natural History)). Green was a tea and coffee planter in Sri Lanka, and later became Government Agricultural Entomologist there before retiring to England in 1913. He continued to work on scale insects and became one of the foremost scale insect specialists at the time. His collection includes most of the species he described as new, but is also important because it contains authentic material sent to Green by other contemporary workers on scale insects.                         The collection is listed as it was when originally donated, firstly giving the names of species that Green recognised at the time, followed by the number of microscope slides, followed by numbers of developmental stages in the material; lastly is provided the current name of each species. The list is divided into the 31 extant families represented in Green’s collection.
One new Pseudopoda species group (Araneae: Sparassidae) from Yunnan Province, China, with description of three new species
Authors: ZHANG HE , JÄGER PETER , LIU JIE
Published: September 2017

One new species group of the genus Pseudopoda Jäger, 2000 is described from Yunnan Province, China. The Pseudopoda daliensis-group includes two known species, Pseudopoda daliensis Jäger & Vedel, 2007 (♂♀), Pseudopoda kunmingensis Sun & Zhang, 2012 (♂♀), and three new species, Pseudopoda anguilliformis sp. nov. (♂♀), Pseudopoda sicyoidea sp. nov. (♂♀), Pseudopoda peronata sp. nov. (♀).
Review of the species of Strophedra Herrich-Schäffer, 1853 from China (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae: Grapholitini)
Authors: LU SIHAN , LI HOUHUN
Published: September 2017

The seven species of the genus Strophedra Herrich-Schäffer, 1853 recorded from China are reviewed. Four species, S. paraspinifera, sp. nov., S. nigrifusca, sp. nov., S. laticolla, sp. nov., and S. tricornuta, sp. nov., are described as new; S. quercivora (Meyrick, 1920) is newly recorded from China. Photos of adults and genitalia are provided, and a key to the Chinese species is included.
Predictors of Neonatal Tetanus Mortality in Katsina State, Northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Nass Shafique Sani , Danawi Hadi , Cain Loretta , Sharma Manoj
Published: September 2017

Background:

The mortality rate of neonatal tetanus (NNT) remains high in Nigeria. The study was guided by Mosley and Chen’s model for the elements of child survival in developing countries. The goal of the study was to assess the associations between selected NNT risk factors, number of maternal tetanus toxoid injections, frequency of antenatal visits, place of delivery, and cord care with neonatal mortality as the outcome variable.

Methods:

The study is a retrospective record review using data from 332 NNT records and analyzed using a logistic regression model.

Findings:

Neonates whose mothers had 1 dose of tetanus toxoid vaccine were found to be 4% less prone to NNT mortality compared to neonates whose mothers did not have any dose of tetanus toxoid vaccine during pregnancy ( P < .05, odds ratio = 4.12, 95% confidence interval = 1.04-16.29. Frequency of antenatal visits, place of delivery, and cord care were all not significant predictors of NNT mortality.

Conclusion:

The study shows that there is association between NNT risk factors and neonatal mortality, hence the need to further strengthen the NNT surveillance system for early detection of potential risk factors. This would help develop specific public health interventions aimed at improving the outcome of NNT.

Implications:

The identification and analysis of NNT mortality risk factors and promoting tetanus toxoid vaccination among pregnant women are effective strategies toward attaining NNT elimination goals in Nigeria.
Retheorizing the Social
Authors: Laikwan Pang
Published: September 2017

To understand the political meanings of Hong Kong’s Umbrella Movement as a spontaneous movement beyond its immediate political achievements and as part of a larger global movement that used occupation as a tactic, this article explores related activities happening in social media and investigates how this social space is filled with both political messages and private emotions. By engaging with Hannah Arendt’s differentiation among the public, the social, and the private, this article takes the social seriously and draws our attention to the social as a realm of both discrimination and mediation. In such spaces where the political and the private meet and negotiate, we find the complex flows of emotion of the protestors, who struggled between confiding in the open political world and indulging in their private emotions. Housing such intense mingling of the private and the public, social media both perpetuates biases and cultivates freedom, also reflecting the social nature of recent occupied movements.
The Drugs and Natural Antioxidants as the Components of Anti-radiation Countermeasures during Cosmic Flights
Authors: Ушаков И. , Ushakov I. , Васин М. , Vasin M.
Published: September 2017

Radiation situation for cosmonauts over long-term cosmic flights is caused by low-rate radiation of galactic cosmic rays and solar cosmic rays consisting of high-energy proton as well as heavy particles (Z>10) within 1-2 % that is exclusively a threat of stochastic radiation effects (small increase of cancer risk and decrease of mean life span) for men. During interplanetary expedition periods the small probability of raised solar activity there is a threat of exposure to astronauts at doses that cause deterministic radiation effects leading to the development of the disease as a clinical manifestation of radiation injuries,. In a similar scenario it is necessary to have available to cosmic ship anti-radiation countermeasures for cosmonaut protection. Among radioprotective equipment can be provided with radiation protective agents and partial shielding of body separate section providing the best condition for post-radiation repair of radiosensitive body tissues. Preparation B-190 (indralin) is the most perspective from a small numbers of other radioprotectors permitting for men administration. Besides high radioprotective efficacy and large broadness of protective action B-190 is well tolerated including the impact of extrem flight factors. Antiemetic agent latran (ondansetron) is most interesting among preparation for prophylaxis and reduction of prodromal radiation reaction. To accelerate post-radiation hematopoietic recovery after raised solar activity an administration of radiomitigators (riboxin et al.) is substantiated. Neupomax (neupogen) is recommended as a preparation for pathogenesis therapy of acute radiation syndrome. Possible consequences of long-term cosmic voyages for oxidative stress development are taken into consideration. On their basis of nNatural antioxidants, preparations and nutrients radiomodulators, fully qualitative nutrition including vegetable food enriched flavonoids, vitamins C, E and carotene potentially prevent a shorten of cosmonaut biological age induced by solar cosmic rays and galactic cosmic rays and stress factors of long-term cosmic voyages. Radiomodulators are low and non-toxic and have not side effects in recommended doses. Their radioprotective effect is directly induced by adaption reaction on cellular and organismic levels through gene expression modulation and in that way the increase of non-specific body tolerance. The implementation of radiomodulator action is possible through hormesis mechanism.
Predictive validity of the Braden scale for assessing risk of developing pressure ulcers and dependence-related lesions
Authors: Roca-Biosca A. , Rubio-Rico L. , Fernández M.I. de Molina , Grau N. García , Garijo G. Tuset , Fernández F.P. García
Published: September 2017

Objective:

In 2014, a new theoretical model explained the mechanism of the development of pressure ulcers (PUs) and that of seven types of lesions known as dependence-related lesions (DRL). The aim of this study was to calculate the incidence of DRL that have been classified as PUs and to check the predictive validity of the Braden scale for assessing DRL in accordance with the new theoretical model in an intensive care unit (ICU).

Method

This longitudinal, prospective study was conducted in a Spanish ICU. The patients were monitored for 14 days in the ICU until they developed DRL, died, or were discharged. The patients' risk of developing DRL was assessed each day using the Braden scale. The following parameters were taken as reference for validating the scale: sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively), relative risk (RR) and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results:

Of the 295 patients included in the study, 27.5% developed DRL, which 50.6% were categorised as PUs, 17.3% caused by moisture, and 13.6% caused by friction. The rest were categorised as caused by a combination of factors. Risk according to the Braden scale was greater in the group of patients with DRL than in the group of patients without. The highest risk score provided the best predictive validity parameters for the DRL (Se 0.90, Sp 0.26, PPV 0.31, NPV 0.78 and RR 3.15 [confidence interval (CI) 95%: 1.42–6.96]). These vaules show the individuals at risk are well detected, although it is at the expense of generating a number of false positive cases.

Conclusions:

The Braden scale has demonstrated a moderate capacity for predicting PUs and DRL caused by moisture, but no capacity for predicting DRL caused by friction.
‘No, there is no room for you’: Audience reception and televised interculturality in Spain
Authors: Pineda Antonio , García-Jiménez Leonarda , Rodrigo-Alsina Miquel
Published: September 2017

In Spain, a country characterized by multiculturalism and high television consumption, the way television represents interculturality becomes a relevant object of study. This article analyses how Spanish audiences (divided into two age groups, 20 to 30 year olds and 40 to 60 years olds) decode the way interculturality is represented on television. The most significant finding is that audiences decode mediated intercultural relationships in a polarized way, with critical positions coexisting with interpretations in line with hegemonic readings. Audiences consider TV news to be irrelevant and perceive that cultures are treated differently by the media. Paradoxically, dominant readings coexist with a tendency to scepticism, with news stories regarded as banal and biased. The study sheds light on the idea that audiences interpret and evaluate televised information differently, and that the way this information is decoded depends on factors such as the experience of the viewer.
SATU DEKADE PEMBANGUNAN SUMBER DAYA MANUSIA DI WILAYAH PESISIR: CAPAIAN DAN TANTANGAN (KASUS PULAU MAPUR, KABUPATEN BINTAN)
Authors: Widayatun NFN
Published: September 2017

The coastal areas of Indonesia are rich of natural resources. However, the resources have not been utilized optimally due to several factors, including the low quality of human resources. People who live in coastal areas generally live with low economic conditions as indicated by high incidence of poverty in this region. The economic activity of population who lives in coastal areas, particularly fishermen, depends on the utilization of the natural resources with low technology and limitation of capital. To improve the quality of human resources and reduce poverty in coastal areas, various community empowerment programs have been conducted. This article aims to examine the achievement of community empowerment programs and its challenge to achieve the program goals in Mapur Island, one of coastal area in Bintan Regency. The data used for this study are baseline studies of socio-economic aspects of coral reefs in Mapur Village conducted by PPK-LIPI in 2005 and 2015. The results shows that after a decade of community development programs implemented in the island of Mapur, the economic conditions of the population has improved as indicated by the increase of household income. Sources of income for the population also become more varying since economic opportunities open up more in the field of trade, services and transportation as a result of the development programs in coastal areas. However, the condition of human resources as indicated by educational level has not achieved the expected results. The education level of the population does not show significant changes over a decade. School dropout rates are quite high and the majority of the population only completed elementary school.
WIDENING ACCESS IS THE END OF STORY? ENSURING EQUAL ACCESS AND IMPROVING CONTINUATION RATIO OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN INDONESIA
Authors: Zein Rizqy Amelia
Published: September 2017

In the last two decades, Indonesian higher education system has expanded rapidly in regards to the number of new established institutions and the number of students enrolled in higher education. However, the participation rate within university level is stated as low. In 2016, it only reached 31 percent. It means, although massification has been implemented within higher education system, it is not in line in ensuring equal access to pupils from disadvantaged social groups such as women, lower socio-economic statuses, and students from outer or periphery areas. Rather, it has been evident as a daunting task. Widening participation is not the end of story, since Indonesia should be dealing with another problem which is non-continuation. By performing secondary analysis on several datasets released by World Bank, Indonesian Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education, and Indonesian Statistics Bureau, this paper explores several major findings on accessibility and retention problem of Indonesian higher education.
KEBIJAKAN TRANSMIGRASI DALAM KERANGKA OTONOMI KHUSUS DI PAPUA: MASALAH DAN HARAPAN
Authors: Yuminarti Umi
Published: September 2017

Transmigration in Papua is perceived as an important approach to improve welfare, to achieve equity in regional development, and to bond the nation. However, this policy has also been a subject of criticism. Thus, the implementation of transmigration policy in Papua needs to be adjusted along with the enforcement of Special Autonomy Law in this province. The transmigration program is expected to be pro-indigenous (affirmative action). This article discusses the role of transmigration in the development of Papua with some related issues which potentially threaten the existence of the local community. Data and information sources in this study are the result of desk reviews from research reports, articles, books, and supporting documents. The result shows transmigration has a significant role in the development process of Papua. Still, it should consider the fundamental rights of the indigenous to avoid conflict in the community. Besides that, the implementation of transmigration program should follow democratic principles to foster the participation of communities in the development process.
MIGRASI BERULANG TENAGA KERJA MIGRAN INTERNASIONAL: KASUS PEKERJA MIGRAN ASAL DESA SUKOREJO WETAN, KABUPATEN TULUNGAGUNG
Authors: Noveria Mita
Published: September 2017

Working overseas is an attempt to earn higher income and to accumulate financial capitals to run small enterprise in migrants’ place of origins. In fact, many Indonesia returned migrants decided to re-migrate, either to previous countries or to new destination countries. This paper aims to assess factors that cause remigration of the returned labor migrants. This study used quantitative and qualitative data, based on research in one of major international labor migrants sending village in Indonesia, namely Sukorejo Wetan in Tulungagung District. Quantitative data was collected through survey on selected households, while qualitative data was gathered by in-depth interview, focus group discussion (FGD), and observation. The analysis shows four dominant factors that caused returned migrants to re-migrate, namely: (1) the remittances only sufficed consumption needs; (2) the returned migrants faced difficulties in adapting to labor force conditions at place of origins (i.e., job scarceness and low wage); (3) limited ability in entrepreneurship; and (4) availability of social network that facilitates remigration.
Don't hold my data hostage
Authors: Raasveldt Mark , Mühleisen Hannes
Published: September 2017

Transferring a large amount of data from a database to a client program is a surprisingly expensive operation. The time this requires can easily dominate the query execution time for large result sets. This represents a significant hurdle for external data analysis, for example when using statistical software. In this paper, we explore and analyse the result set serialization design space. We present experimental results from a large chunk of the database market and show the inefficiencies of current approaches. We then propose a columnar serialization method that improves transmission performance by an order of magnitude.