bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Report from the SWOG Radiation Oncology Committee: Research Objectives Workshop 2017
Authors: Okunieff Paul , Casey-Sawicki Katherine , Lockney Natalie A. , Hoppe Bradford S. , Enderling Heiko , Pinnix Chelsea , Welsh James , Krishnan Sunil , Yothers Greg , Brown Martin , Knox Susan , Bristow Robert , Spellman Paul , Mitin Timur , Nabavizadeh Nima , Jaboin Jerry , Manning H. Charles , Feng Felix , Galbraith Susan , Solanki Abhishek A. , Harkenrider Matthew M. , Tuli Richard , Decker Roy H. , Finkelstein Steven E. , Hsu Charles C. , Ha Chul S. , Jagsi Reshma , Shumway Dean , Daly Megan , Wang Tony J.C. , Fitzgerald Thomas J. , Laurie Fran , Marshall David T. , Raben David , Constine Louis , Thomas Charles R. , Kachnic Lisa A.
Published: April 2018

The Radiation Therapy Committee of SWOG periodically evaluates its strategic plan in an effort to maintain a current and relevant scientific focus, and to provide a standard platform for future development of protocol concepts. Participants in the 2017 Strategic Planning Workshop included leaders in cancer basic sciences, molecular theragnostics, pharmaceutical and technology industries, clinical trial design, oncology practice, and statistical analysis. The committee discussed high-priority research areas, such as optimization of combined modality therapy, radiation oncology–specific drug design, identification of molecular profiles predictive of radiation-induced local or distant tumor responses, and methods for normal tissue-specific mitigation of radiation toxicity. The following concepts emerged as dominant questions ready for national testing: (i) what is the role of radiotherapy in the treatment of oligometastatic, oligorecurrent, and oligoprogressive disease? (ii) How can combined modality therapy be used to enhance systemic and local response? (iii) Can we validate and optimize liquid biopsy and other biomarkers (such as novel imaging) to supplement current response criteria to guide therapy and clinical trial design endpoints? (iv) How can we overcome deficiencies of randomized survival endpoint trials in an era of increasing molecular stratification factors? And (v) how can we mitigate treatment-related side effects and maximize quality of life in cancer survivors? The committee concluded that many aspects of these questions are ready for clinical evaluation and example protocol concepts are provided that could improve rates of cancer cure and quality of survival. Clin Cancer Res; 24(15); 3500–9. ©2018 AACR.
Accuracy, Safety, and Reliability of Novel Phase I Trial Designs
Authors: Zhou Heng , Yuan Ying , Nie Lei
Published: April 2018

A number of novel model-based and model-assisted designs have been proposed to find the MTD in phase I clinical trials, but their differences and relative pros and cons are not clear to many practitioners. We review three model-based designs, including the continual reassessment method (CRM), dose escalation with overdose control (EWOC), and Bayesian logistic regression model (BLRM), and three model-assisted designs, including the modified toxicity probability interval (mTPI), Bayesian optimal interval (BOIN), and keyboard (equivalently mTPI-2) designs. We conduct numerical studies to assess their accuracy, safety, and reliability and the practical implications of various empirical rules used in some designs, such as skipping a dose and imposing overdose control. Our results show that the CRM outperforms EWOC and BLRM with higher accuracy of identifying the MTD. For the CRM, skipping a dose is not recommended, as it substantially increases the chance of overdosing patients while providing limited gain for identifying the MTD. EWOC and BLRM appear excessively conservative. They are safe but have relatively poor accuracy of finding the MTD. The BOIN and keyboard (equivalently mTPI-2) designs have similar operating characteristics, outperforming the mTPI, but the BOIN is more intuitive and transparent. The BOIN yields competitive performance comparable with the CRM but is simpler to implement and free of the issue of irrational dose assignment caused by model misspecification, thereby providing an attractive approach for designing phase I trials. Clin Cancer Res; 24(18); 4357–64. ©2018 AACR.
Max Bense/Aloísio Magalhães (Germany, 1969): the transcultural and popular context of Der Weg eines Zeichens
Authors: Neubauer Susanne
Published: April 2018

If the Modernist impulse requires new approaches, then many argue that highlighting the networks of artistic exchange is one way of reactualizing the Modernist paradigm. In 1969, Brazilian artist and designer Aloísio Magalhães (1927-1982) exhibited a series of photographs at the study gallery at Studium Generale, University of Stuttgart, an exhibition space for interdisciplinary discourse founded by Max Bense (1910*1990) in 1958. In this study I want to discuss key aspects of this exhibition project, comparing it with the Brazilian concretist movement and Lina Bo Bardi’s exhibitionary visions, as well as to examine the different cultural approaches to Magalhães photographic project and its common grounds with formalism, concretism and sign theory.
Aesthetic and functional rehabilitation of anterior teeth after trauma: a case report
Authors: Scudine Kelly Guedes de Oliveira , Moreira Kelly Maria Silva , Cardoso Micaela , Araújo Stéphanie Marani Martins , Puppin-Rontani Regina Maria , Santos Eduardo César Almada
Published: April 2018

Lesões dentárias traumáticas são problemas clínicos comuns durante a infância e podem ter etiologias complexas, causando deficiências físicas e fisiológicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar um caso de lesão dentária traumática grave em uma paciente de 8 anos de idade, vítima de um acidente de moto, que foi levada para uma clínica de odontopediatria três meses depois do acidente. Exames clínicos e radiológicos diagnosticaram a avulsão dos incisivos centrais superiores permanentes, do incisivo lateral esquerdo permanente e do canino esquerdo decíduo, com considerável interposição da língua, interferindo na fala e deglutição. A paciente apresentou baixo risco de cárie e bom comportamento durante as consultas. No entanto, ela demonstrou estar envergonhada para sorrir. Além do tratamento preventivo para a cárie, o plano de tratamento incluiu atendimento imediato e acompanhamento posterior do restabelecimento psicossocial da paciente. Para este efeito, uma prótese parcial acrílica foi feita para substituir os dentes anteriores que faltavam, mantendo as características da dentição mista e preservando sua estética e função. Consultas de acompanhamento foram realizadas em um, três e seis meses após a primeira visita, com o objetivo de monitorar a adaptação da prótese, bem como o crescimento e desenvolvimento da dentição da criança. Assim, a reabilitação estética e funcional foi alcançada considerando a satisfação da paciente, permitindo sua reinserção social imediata.
Magnetic resonance imaging changes in pediatric temporomandibular joint: literature review
Authors: Montesinos Gonzalo André , Agudo Rosa Cristina Peinado , Oliveira André Camilo de , James André Antonio , Oliveira Jefferson Xavier , Araujo Juliane Piragine
Published: April 2018

Magnetic resonance imaging is effective to diagnose some diseases that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of children. The images allow the detection of early stages of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, cases of joint ankylosis and is currently considered the most reliable exam for an objective and noninvasive assessment of intracapsular soft tissues. The objective of this literature review was to assess some of the temporomandibular joint changes in children using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The assessment of TMJs of children performed through MRI make the diagnosis more accurate and objective. Detecting alterations during the early stages of juvenile idiopathic arthritis using 3T MRI devices is possible utilizing contrast tools, which as a result, provides better prognosis and treatment.
Atrial Fibrillation Burden: Moving Beyond Atrial Fibrillation as a Binary Entity: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Chen Lin Y. , Chung Mina K. , Allen Larry A. , Ezekowitz Michael , Furie Karen L. , McCabe Pamela , Noseworthy Peter A. , Perez Marco V. , Turakhia Mintu P.
Published: April 2018

Our understanding of the risk factors and complications of atrial fibrillation (AF) is based mostly on studies that have evaluated AF in a binary fashion (present or absent) and have not investigated AF burden. This scientific statement discusses the published literature and knowledge gaps related to methods of defining and measuring AF burden, the relationship of AF burden to cardiovascular and neurological outcomes, and the effect of lifestyle and risk factor modification on AF burden. Many studies examine outcomes by AF burden classified by AF type (paroxysmal versus nonparoxysmal); however, quantitatively, AF burden can be defined by longest duration, number of AF episodes during a monitoring period, and the proportion of time an individual is in AF during a monitoring period (expressed as a percentage). Current guidelines make identical recommendations for anticoagulation regardless of AF pattern or burden; however, a review of recent evidence suggests that higher AF burden is associated with higher risk of stroke. It is unclear whether the risk increases continuously or whether a threshold exists; if a threshold exists, it has not been defined. Higher burden of AF is also associated with higher prevalence and incidence of heart failure and higher risk of mortality, but not necessarily lower quality of life. A structured and comprehensive risk factor management program targeting risk factors, weight loss, and maintenance of a healthy weight appears to be effective in reducing AF burden. Despite this growing understanding of AF burden, research is needed into validation of definitions and measures of AF burden, determination of the threshold of AF burden that results in an increased risk of stroke that warrants anticoagulation, and discovery of the mechanisms underlying the weak temporal correlations of AF and stroke. Moreover, developments in monitoring technologies will likely change the landscape of long-term AF monitoring and could allow better definition of the significance of changes in AF burden over time.
Machine Learning Analysis of Left Ventricular Function to Characterize Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Sanchez-Martinez Sergio , Duchateau Nicolas , Erdei Tamas , Kunszt Gabor , Aakhus Svend , Degiovanni Anna , Marino Paolo , Carluccio Erberto , Piella Gemma , Fraser Alan G. , Bijnens Bart H.
Published: April 2018

Background:

Current diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is suboptimal. We tested the hypothesis that comprehensive machine learning (ML) of left ventricular function at rest and exercise objectively captures differences between HFpEF and healthy subjects.

Methods and Results:

One hundred fifty-six subjects aged >60 years (72 HFpEF+33 healthy for the initial analyses; 24 hypertensive+27 breathless for independent evaluation) underwent stress echocardiography, in the MEDIA study (Metabolic Road to Diastolic Heart Failure). Left ventricular long-axis myocardial velocity patterns were analyzed using an unsupervised ML algorithm that orders subjects according to their similarity, allowing exploration of the main trends in velocity patterns. ML identified a continuum from health to disease, including a transition zone associated to an uncertain diagnosis. Clinical validation was performed (1) to characterize the main trends in the patterns for each zone, which corresponded to known characteristics and new features of HFpEF; the ML-diagnostic zones differed for age, body mass index, 6-minute walk distance, B-type natriuretic peptide, and left ventricular mass index (
P
<0.05) and (2) to evaluate the consistency of the proposed groupings against diagnosis by current clinical criteria; correlation with diagnosis was good (κ, 72.6%; 95% confidence interval, 58.1–87.0); ML identified 6% of healthy controls as HFpEF. Blinded reinterpretation of imaging from subjects with discordant clinical and ML diagnoses revealed abnormalities not included in diagnostic criteria. The algorithm was applied independently to another 51 subjects, classifying 33% of hypertensive and 67% of breathless controls as mild-HFpEF.

Conclusions:

The analysis of left ventricular long-axis function on exercise by interpretable ML may improve the diagnosis and understanding of HFpEF.
Therapeutic Potential of a Novel Necrosis Inhibitor, 7-Amino-Indole, in Myocardial Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Hwang In-Chang , Kim Ju-Young , Kim Ji-Hyun , Lee Joo-Eun , Seo Ji-Yun , Lee Jae-Won , Park Jonghanne , Yang Han-Mo , Kim Soon-Ha , Cho Hyun-Jai , Kim Hyo-Soo
Published: April 2018

Opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore and Ca
2+
overload are main contributors to myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury, which paradoxically causes a wide variety of myocardial damage. We investigated the protective role of a novel necrosis inhibitor (NecroX-7; NecX) against myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury using in vitro and in vivo models. H9C2 rat cardiomyoblasts and neonatal cardiomyocytes were exposed to hypoxia–reoxygenation stress after pre-treatment with NecX, vitamin C, a combination of vitamin C and E, N-acetylcysteine, an apoptosis inhibitor (Z-VAD-fmk), or cyclosporine A. The main mechanism of cell death after hypoxia–reoxygenation stress was not apoptosis but necrosis, which was prevented by NecX. Protective effect of NecX was based on its potent reactive oxygen species scavenging activity, especially on mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. NecX preserved mitochondrial membrane potential through prevention of Ca
2+
influx and inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, which was more potent than that by cyclosporine A. Using Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to myocardial ischemia for 45 minutes followed by reperfusion, we compared therapeutic efficacies of NecX with cyclosporine A, vitamin C, a combination of vitamin C and E, and 5% dextrose, each administered 5 minutes before reperfusion. NecX markedly inhibited myocardial necrosis and reduced fibrotic area to a greater extent than did cyclosporine A and other treated groups. In addition, NecX preserved systolic function and prevented pathological dilatory remodeling of left ventricle. The novel necrosis inhibitor has a significant protective effect against myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury through inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, indicating that it is a promising candidate for cardioprotective adjunctive measure on top of reperfusion therapy.
Political Implications of Ancient Platonism in Rabelais’s Tiers Livre
Authors: Haglund Timothy
Published: April 2018

François Rabelais’s (1483-1553) Tiers Livre (1546) constitutes a turning point in the five books of Gargantua and Pantagruel, as war finally ends and peace reigns over the Utopian kingdom. Peace brings with it the question of whether Panurge, one of Rabelais’s main characters, should marry. Pantagruel, the prince of Utopia, calls a banquet of experts, each representing a strand of Western civilization, to decide this question. The arrangement of this banquet where each expert speaks in turn and at length, uninterrupted by the others, allows Rabelais to portray the arrayed opinions perspectivally or independently. Rondibilis, a medical expert who speaks at the banquet, presents a Platonism that focuses on ‘natural consequences’ and that appears less adulterated by Christianity and later forms of philosophy than the Neoplatonism of most of Rabelais’s contemporaries. Rondibilis’s advice of resignation to nature is reflected as well in the political rule of prince Pantagruel.
Beyond pests: Biodiversity in the urban environment International Congress of Entomology 25-30 September 2016Orlando, Florida, USA

Authors: HARTOP EMILY A. , BROWN BRIAN V.
Published: April 2018

Cover
Taiwanese species of the ant genus Technomyrmex (Formicidae: Dolichoderinae)
Authors: YAMANE SEIKI , LEONG CHI-MAN , LIN CHUNG-CHI
Published: April 2018

The Taiwanese species of the ant genus Technomyrmex are revised with recently collected material. Five species are recognised, three in the T. albipes species group and two in the T. bicolor species group, including one new species, T. formosensis sp. nov., and two newly recorded species. The occurrence of T. albipes, previous records of which were based on misidentifications, is confirmed for the first time in Taiwan. The structure of genitalia is compared between winged and wingless males of T. brunneus.
Three Echiniscidae species (Tardigrada: Heterotardigrada) new to the Polish fauna, with the description of a new gonochoristic Bryodelphax Thulin, 1928
Authors: GĄSIOREK PIOTR , DEGMA PETER
Published: April 2018

During a faunistic survey in the Pieniny and Tatra Mountains three species of Echiniscidae new to Poland, including one new to science, were found. Bryodelphax instabilis sp. nov. is characterised by an instable number of ventral plates, deep faceting of the scapular plate, having dorsal plates covered either with pseudopores or pores, and striking sexual dimorphism. Two first records, namely Echiniscus militaris and E. spiniger, are rare taxa of upland-mountain character, which have already been reported from a few European countries since the original description at the beginning of the XXth century. The interspecific appendage length variability and development of pedal plates in the spinulosus group, to which E. spiniger belongs, and their taxonomic importance is discussed. Notes relating to sexual dimorphism within the newly recorded Pseudechiniscus facettalis, are also presented. Echiniscus testudo is reported from the Polish part of the Tatra Mountains for the first time. Succeeding findings confirm the high tardigrade α-diversity in the Polish mountain ranges. An amended key for Polish Heterotardigrada is provided.
Unnatural Selection
Authors: Gutierrez Cathy
Published: April 2018

The religious movement of Spiritualism embraced progress as the hallmark of all existence on earth and in heaven. With the publication of On the Origin of Species, this devotion to improvement fell on difficult moral ground. Many Spiritualists sought to hasten the march of humanity through the intervention of eugenics. Understood as an ethical imperative that would improve the lots of both women and children, the alliance between the eugenics platform and Spiritualists betrayed the unwitting consequences of the politics of progress.
The Hypostatic Union as Normative over the Relation of God’s Self-Revelation and Human Cognition in the Thought of T.F. Torrance
Authors: Irving Alexander J.D.
Published: April 2018

T.F. Torrance held the hypostatic union to be the normative instance of divine–human relationship. The structure of the relation between the divine nature and the human nature as delineated in the hypostatic union is the archetype to which all other theological loci must correspond. This essay argues that Torrance applied this Christocentric approach to formulate his own theological realism in which God’s self-revelation through the Son and by the Spirit both shapes and is cognized by the rational structure of human understanding, preserving the distinct integrity of human cognition and divine revelation in theological knowledge. This constitutes a conscious attempt on the part of Torrance to reverse the synthesis of rational structure and material content in Immanuel Kant’s transcendental idealism.
Investigation on the critical parameters affecting the working design dynamics of a torque motor employed in an electro-hydraulic servovalve
Authors: A S Sharan , Hiremath Somashekhar S , Venkatesha C S , Karunanidhi S
Published: April 2018

The torque motor is an intricate assembly in electro-hydraulic technology and plays a crucial role in converting the electrical signal into controlled mechanical output signal. It involves many precise components, such as the feedback spring, armature and its coil, permanent magnet, feed pipe, flexure shaft, jetpipe, and flexure support. The components are embedded together as a single operating component. Each component contributes to the effective dynamics of the system. The present paper proposes a novel approach to investigate the effect of critical parameters on the working design dynamics of the torque motor employed in the jetpipe electro-hydraulic servovalve. Based on the principles of mechatronics, a mathematical model is developed. The model-based design approach is employed to investigate the dynamics of the system. The required simulation parameters of the critical and precision components were obtained from solid and finite element (FE) models. The solid and FE models of the critical and precision components were first analyzed with suitable boundary and loading conditions to establish the stiffness. To validate the obtained FE results, experiments were carried out with a specially designed and fabricated test set-up. Based on the basic principle of electromagnetics, a nonlinear FE model of torque motor is analyzed for magnetic field distribution, the torque developed, and armature and jetpipe deflection for varied input current. From the results obtained, good agreement was observed between FE, simulated, and experimental values. The present novel approach enables one to improve the working design dynamics of the torque motor.
Modeling conflict in a social system using diffusion equations
Authors: Yurevich Petukhov Alexander , Olegovich Malkhanov Alexey , Mikhailovich Sandalov Vladimir , Vasilievich Petukhov Yuri
Published: April 2018

In this paper the problem of modeling social conflicts of various types with the help of diffusion equations is discussed. The main approaches to and methods of mathematical modeling in contemporary humanitarian sciences are outlined. The main concepts of social conflicts, means of their classification and interpretation – including ethnic-social, religious, and other conflicts – are considered. The notion of a conflict in a social system is defined in terms of mathematical modeling. A model based on the Langevin diffusion equation is introduced. The model is based on the idea that all individuals in a society interact by means of a communication field. This field is induced by each individual in the society and forms informational interaction between individuals.

An analytical solution of the system of equations is given in the first approximation for a diverging type of diffusion. It is shown that even for a simple case of the interaction of two groups of individuals the developed model makes it possible to discover characteristic laws of a conflict in a social system. It allows determining the effect of social distance in a society on the conditions of generation of such processes, with account of external effects or a random factor.

Based on the analysis of the phase portraits for the given system, it has been concluded that there exists a stability region within which the social system is stable and non-conflicting.
Apocalypse as Perpetual Advent: The Apocalyptic Sermons of Rudolf Bultmann
Authors: Congdon David W.
Published: April 2018

The apocalyptic interpretation of the New Testament was developed in the mid-twentieth century in explicit opposition to the work of Rudolf Bultmann, and this conflict has persisted despite the changes that have taken place within the field of apocalyptic theology. This article interrogates the relation between Bultmann and apocalyptic in two ways. First, it takes a second look at the history of twentieth-century theology and shows that the work of Ernst Käsemann, who was instrumental in retrieving apocalyptic as normative for Christian thought, contained two distinct definitions of apocalyptic, only one of which Bultmann rejected. The other definition became the dominant position in later apocalyptic scholarship. Second, the article gives a fresh hearing to Bultmann’s theology by exploring his often overlooked Advent and Christmas sermons. Whereas current work in apocalyptic theology focuses on Paul’s theology of the cross, Bultmann develops a distinctively existential apocalyptic on the basis of John’s theology of advent.
Collective Teacher Efficacy and Culturally Responsive Teaching Efficacy of Inservice Special Education Teachers in the United States
Authors: Chu Szu-Yin , Garcia Shernaz B.
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this study was to obtain an understanding of inservice special education teachers’ collective teacher efficacy (CTE), culturally responsive teaching (CRT) self-efficacy, and outcome expectancy beliefs, as well as to examine the relationship among these efficacy beliefs. By using the validity and reliability of a self-made instrument, 344 teachers from three urban school districts completed responses. Participants showed somewhat less confidence in their schools’ efficacy for serving exceptional learners from diverse backgrounds. There were also significant relationships among CTE, CRT self-efficacy, and outcome expectancy, though the correlations were weak. Further discussion and implications will be provided.
What Is the Epistemic Function of Highly Idealized Agent-Based Models of Scientific Inquiry?
Authors: Frey Daniel , Šešelja Dunja
Published: April 2018

In this paper we examine the epistemic value of highly idealized agent-based models (ABMs) of social aspects of scientific inquiry. On the one hand, we argue that taking the results of such simulations as informative of actual scientific inquiry is unwarranted, at least for the class of models proposed in recent literature. Moreover, we argue that a weaker approach, which takes these models as providing only “how-possibly” explanations, does not help to improve their epistemic value. On the other hand, we suggest that if ABMs of science underwent two types of robustness analysis, they could indeed have a clear epistemic function, namely by providing evidence for philosophical and historical hypotheses. In this sense, ABMs can obtain evidential and explanatory properties and thus be a useful tool for integrated history and philosophy of science. We illustrate our point with an example of a model—building on the work by Kevin Zollman—which we apply to a concrete historical case study.
Social Science Perspectives in Early Christian Studies in a Nordic Context
Authors: Moxnes Halvor
Published: April 2018

This homage to Bruce Malina describes his visit to Norway in 1986, and reviews Nordic scholarship using social science criticism in New Testament and Early Christian studies in the last 40 years. Based on a common history and collaboration in academic politics, the Nordic countries make up a unity that has made it possible to establish Nordic studies in Early Christianity as a central player in international scholarship. Nordic scholars have especially been active in the second phase of social science criticism with its focus on social identities and ritual. Their most significant contribution has been in the exploration of socio-cognitive perspectives, where Helsinki University has had a leading role. A major discussion has been the relation between social-science criticism emphasizing the difference between antiquity and the modern world, and cognitive studies that focus on similarity. However, instead of absolute contrasts they may be regarded as supplementary approaches in historical studies of Early Christianity.
A General Unfolding IRT Model for Multiple Response Styles
Authors: Liu Chen-Wei , Wang Wen-Chung
Published: April 2018

It is commonly known that respondents exhibit different response styles when responding to Likert-type items. For example, some respondents tend to select the extreme categories (e.g., strongly disagree and strongly agree), whereas some tend to select the middle categories (e.g., disagree, neutral, and agree). Furthermore, some respondents tend to disagree with every item (e.g., strongly disagree and disagree), whereas others tend to agree with every item (e.g., agree and strongly agree). In such cases, fitting standard unfolding item response theory (IRT) models that assume no response style will yield a poor fit and biased parameter estimates. Although there have been attempts to develop dominance IRT models to accommodate the various response styles, such models are usually restricted to a specific response style and cannot be used for unfolding data. In this study, a general unfolding IRT model is proposed that can be combined with a softmax function to accommodate various response styles via scoring functions. The parameters of the new model can be estimated using Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms. An empirical data set is used for demonstration purposes, followed by simulation studies to assess the parameter recovery of the new model, as well as the consequences of ignoring the impact of response styles on parameter estimators by fitting standard unfolding IRT models. The results suggest the new model to exhibit good parameter recovery and seriously biased estimates when the response styles are ignored.
Homophily in delinquent behavior: The rise and fall of friend similarity across adolescence
Authors: Richmond Ashley D. , Laursen Brett , Stattin Håkan
Published: April 2018

This study examined age-related changes in friend similarity on delinquency to determine whether deviant behavior homophily peaks during mid-adolescence. A community sample of 1,663 male and 1,826 female Swedish youth from Grade 5 ( M = 11.21 years) to Grade 10 ( M = 16.25 years) provided self-reports of delinquency. Friendships were identified from nominations. Intraclass correlations revealed age group differences in friend delinquency similarity, independent of normative age-related changes in deviant behavior. Cross-sectional results indicated that similarity was greatest in the seventh grade ( M = 13.21 years). Longitudinal results from a subsample of participants revealed an increase in friend similarity from ages 11 to 13 (Grades 5 to 7) and a decline in friend similarity from ages 14 to 16 (Grades 8 to 10). The findings demonstrate that similarity between friends in delinquent behavior peaks in mid-adolescence, independent of normative age-related changes in participation in deviant acts.
‘The Spirit Alone’: Writing the Oral Theology of a Kenyan Independent Church
Authors: Padwick T. John
Published: April 2018

There are few accounts of the theologies of African Independent Churches (AICs), or of how such texts might be developed from what is an essentially oral phenomenon. In consequence, AIC students encounter difficulties in obtaining theological training appropriate for their churches. This article is an interim report on the process of recording such a theology – that of the Holy Spirit Church of East Africa. Based on insights from recent scholars in the fields of African Pentecostal theology, and contextual and local theologies, together with the work of practitioners in the network of the Organization of African Independent Churches, the article proposes a methodology for recording the faith of a predominantly oral church. It then describes a workshop held by the church in 2016, with attention to the ways in which this methodology was worked out in practice. The article explores some of the issues raised by academic engagement with an oral community of faith, and suggests one means by which the lack of dialogue between AIC oral theologies and theologies of the western academic traditions might be addressed.
Procalcitonin and albumin as prognostic biomarkers in elderly patients with a risk of bacterial infection
Authors: Higashikawa Toshihiro , Okuro Masashi , Ishigami Keiichirou , Mae Kunihiro , Sangen Ryusho , Mizuno Takurou , Usuda Daisuke , Saito Atushi , Kasamaki Yuji , Fukuda Akihiro , Saito Hitoshi , Morimoto Shigeto , Kanda Tsugiyasu
Published: April 2018

Aim

This study was performed to investigate serum procalcitonin (PCT) and albumin (Alb) as prognostic biomarkers in elderly patients at risk of bacterial infection.

Methods

Serum PCT was measured in 270 hospitalized patients (mean age, 77.4 years) with suspected bacterial infection. The PCT-negative (<0.5 ng/mL) and PCT-positive (≥0.5 ng/mL) groups comprised 155 and 115 patients, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was performed with various clinical laboratory test values as independent variables and PCT positivity/negativity as the dependent variable.

Results

C-reactive protein (CRP) was the only independent variable significantly associated with PCT positivity/negativity. In the survival analysis, the 30-day in-hospital death rate was significantly higher in the PCT-positive than -negative group. Within the Alb-positive group (>2.5 g/dL), no significant difference in survival was observed between the PCT-positive and -negative groups. However, within the Alb-negative group (≤2.5 g/dL), the survival rate was significantly lower in the PCT-positive than -negative group. PCT was strongly associated with CRP and Alb, and having both PCT positivity and Alb negativity was a prognostic factor for elderly people at risk of bacterial infection.

Conclusions

Combined measurement of PCT with Alb is expected to be a valuable tool to assess prognosis in elderly people at risk of bacterial infection.
Comparison of endoscopic-assisted and temporary keratoprosthesis-assisted vitrectomy in combat ocular trauma: experience at a tertiary eye center in Turkey
Authors: Ayyildiz Onder , Hakan Durukan Ali
Published: April 2018

Objective

This study was performed to compare the functional and anatomical results of endoscopic-assisted and temporary keratoprosthesis (TKP)-assisted vitrectomy in patients with combat ocular trauma (COT).

Methods

The medical records of 14 severely injured eyes of 12 patients who underwent endoscopy or TKP implantation in combination with vitreoretinal surgery from 2007 to 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients’ ocular history and functional and anatomic anterior and posterior segment results were analyzed.

Results

Eight eyes (57%) underwent TKP-assisted vitrectomy and six eyes (43%) underwent endoscopic vitrectomy. The most common cause of COT was detonation of improvised explosive devices (72%), and the most common type of injury was an intraocular foreign body (50%). The median time from trauma to surgery and the median surgical time were significantly shorter in the endoscopy than TKP group. The postoperative functional and anatomical results were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

TKP-assisted vitrectomy should be performed in eyes requiring extensive bimanual surgery. In such cases, a corneal graft must be preserved for the TKP at the end of the surgery. Endoscopy shortens the surgical time and can reduce the complication rate.
Validation of the Modified Tnm-Izumi Classification for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Staudacher Carlo , Chiappa Antonio , Biella Francesca , Audisio Riccardo A. , Bertani Emilio , Zbar Andrew P.
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

The clinical value of the UICC TNM classification and the Izumi TNM modification regarding prognosis after hepatic resection was evaluated.

Methods

Between January 1993 and December 1998, survival and disease-free survival were analyzed in 53 cirrhotic patients (40 males, 13 females; mean age, 65 years; range, 43-81) who underwent hepatic resection for HCC.

Results

The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survivals were: 89%, 54%, and 50%, with disease-free survivals of 70%, 38%, and 28%, respectively. The difference between stages 1 and 2 or stages 3 and 4A using the UICC TNM classification was not significant with respect to survival or disease-free survival. Conversely, the Izumi TNM modification showed a significant difference between each stage with respect to survival and disease-free survival. In a multivariate analysis the lack of micro/macro vascular invasion was predictive of long-term outcome.

Conclusions

Our results show that the UICC TNM classification for hepatocellular carcinoma is inadequate. The Izumi modified TNM staging system is superior in assessing prognosis for surgical HCC patients.
Prognostic Significance of Anemia and Role of Erythropoietin in Radiation Therapy
Authors: Smaniotto Daniela , Luzi Stefano , Morganti Alessio G. , Cellini Numa
Published: April 2018

Anemia represents a common finding in cancer patients, especially at an advanced stage. Anemia has an impact on the quality of life and at the same time seems to markedly limit the disease control that can be achieved with radiotherapy. The results of a series of clinical studies published in the last decade allow some general observations:

1. the administration of erythropoietin, especially if associated to ferrous sulfate is able to increase hemoglobulin levels in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy (combined with concomitant chemotherapy);

2. erythropoietin stimulation of hemoglobin in anemia decreases the need for blood transfusion in cancer patients;

3. tumor response to radiation therapy appears to be enhanced by erythropoietin-induced hemoglobulin increase. Further clinical studies are required for assessment of indications, identification of optimal administration modalities, cost-analysis of this promising therapy for patients undergoing radiation therapy.
Hormonal Profiles and Estrogen Receptors in Egyptian Female Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Abu-Bedair Farid Ahmed , El-Gamal Basiouny Ahmed , Ibrahim Nagi Ali , El-Aaser Abdelbaset Anwer
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

Hormones are considered to be an important factor in the etiology of breast cancer. Serum hormonal profiles of premenopausal and postmenopausal breast cancer patients as well as estrogen receptor (ER) concentrations in breast cancer tissues were examined in an attempt to establish a possible association between hormones and breast cancer risk and to elucidate the biological features of the disease among Egyptian female patients.

Methods

Levels of estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), progesterone (P), LH, FSH, prolactin, T3, T4 and TSH were measured by highly specific radioimmunoassays in the sera of women with breast cancer and compared to those of control subjects. ER concentrations in breast tumor tissues were measured using 125I-radioreceptor assay.

Results

Levels of T and prolactin showed a significant increase in both premenopausal and postmenopausal patients. E2 and P levels were significantly increased in follicular premenopausal and postmenopausal patients. Luteal E2 showed non-significant changes, whereas the luteal P level was significantly decreased. No significant alterations were found in the levels of serum LH, FSH, T3, T4 and TSH either in premenopausal or postmenopausal patients. Higher levels of ER were found in the tumors of postmenopausal than in those of premenopausal patients. A positive correlation was found between levels of ER and age of the patients (r = 0.35), whereas a negative correlation was observed between ER and serum E2 (r = −0.26).

Conclusions

This study provides evidence of an association between high levels of serum E2 and T and increased risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Abnormalities in serum P and prolactin are probably associated with a breast cancer risk and ER may be considered as a biochemical marker for breast cancer development.
Mutual Predictive Value of c-erbB-2 Overexpression and Various Prognostic Factors in Ductal Invasive Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Jakić-Razumović Jasminka , Petrovečki Mladen , Užarević Branka , Gamulin Stjepan
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

Breast carcinoma is a heterogeneous disease, the prognosis of which correlates with various prognostic factors. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic significance of c-erbB-2 overexpression in breast carcinoma patients in association with other known prognostic factors.

Methods & study design

The relationship between immunohistochemical expression of the c-erbB-2 oncoprotein and various established prognostic factors such as tumor size, axillary node status, estrogen and progesterone receptor status, DNA ploidy, proliferation index, cathepsin D expression and histological grade in invasive ductal breast carcinoma is presented in this study.

Results

Of the 93 ductal invasive carcinomas 22 (23.7%) were grade I, 51 (54.8%) grade II, and 20 (21.5%) grade III, and the majority (78: 83.9%) were 2-5 cm in diameter. Tumor metastases were identified in one or more lymph nodes in 55 (59.1%) patients, the remaining 38 (40.9%) patients being lymph node negative. According to the DNA histograms 40 (43.0%) tumors were aneuploid and 53 (57.0%) were diploid, and the majority of tumors had more than 4% of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle (83.9%). Expression of c-erbB-2 as shown by immunohistochemical intense membrane staining was present in 49 (52.7%) tumors. Cathepsin D-positive cytoplasmic granular staining and cathepsin D-positive stromal macrophages were found in 60 (64.5%) and 72 (77.4%) tumors, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that overall survival correlated significantly with axillary lymph node involvement and with estrogen and progesterone receptor status for each of the receptors separately and for their coexpression, and only marginally with c-erbB-2 overexpression. In mulitivariate analysis only axillary lymph node metastases and coexpression of estrogen and progesterone receptors were found to be independent and significant prognostic factors.

Conclusions

When patients were stratified according, to c-erbB-2 expression it was shown that those with c-erbB-2 overexpression and grade II tumors, tumor size greater than 2 cm, high content of aneuploid cells and cathepsin D-positive stromal macrophages had a shorter long-term survival than c-erbB-2 negative patients.
Continuous Infusion Fluorouracil in the Management of Advanced Breast Cancer: A Phase II Study
Authors: Crivellari Diana , Magri Maria Donatella , Buonadonna Angela , Lombardi Davide , Paolello Concetta , De Cicco Marcello , Fantin Dario , Veronesi Andrea
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

The evaluation of unconventional schedules of well-known drugs represents a promising avenue in the search for new regimens with a better therapeutic index in metastatic breast cancer. In particular, protracted continuous infusion (PCI) of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has yielded interesting results in gastrointestinal malignancies and in breast cancer.

Methods

From March 1996 30 consecutive patients with heavily pretreated breast cancer were treated with PCI 5-FU at a daily dose of 250 mg/m2 by means of disposable elastomeric pumps until progression or toxicity. The median age was 54 years (range, 28-71) and median performance status was 1 (range, 0-3). All patients but four were pretreated with anthracycline-containing regimens or taxanes; the median number of chemotherapy lines was 3 (range, 2-4). Metastatic sites were predominantly visceral in 60% of the patient population.

Results

All 30 patients were evaluable for response and toxicity. The median duration of PCI was 20 weeks (range, 2-36 weeks). Two complete responses (7%) and eight partial remissions (26%) were observed, giving an overall response rate of 33%. The median duration of response was six months (range, 4-9 months). Stabilization was observed in seven patients (23%) with a median duration of seven months (range, 3-9 months). The main toxic effects were grade I-II mucositis and hematologic toxicity, while grade 3 hand-foot syndrome was observed in eight patients (27%).

Conclusions

This study confirms the efficacy and safety of 5-FU at this dosage and schedule in heavily pretreated women with advanced breast cancer. In order to improve on these results further studies are needed in a less advanced stage of the disease and together with other active drugs.
Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma of the Sacrum: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Biagini Roberto , Orsini Umberto , Demitri Silvio , Ruggieri Pietro , Ferrari Stefano , Bertoni Franco
Published: April 2018

The authors present a case of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma located in the sacrum of a 23-year-old patient treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. A review of the literature on the topic is also reported.
General Practitioners and Mammographic Screening Uptake: Influence of Different Modalities of General Practitioner Participation
Authors: Giorgi Daniela , Giordano Livia , Senore Carlo , Merlino Giuseppe , Negri Rossella , Cancian Maurizio , Lerda Manuela , Segnan Nereo , Del Turco Marco Rosselli ,   the Working Group, Arnone M. , Giarratano E. , Firenze Morgana I. , Morrone D. , Pattarino E. , Modena Cariddi A. , Gallo E. , Codifava A. , Torino De Girolamo G. , Carbonatto P. , Cuccorese C.
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

To compare the impact of different modalities of general practitioner (GP) involvement, including the introduction of target payments, on the attendance rate of organized population-based screening programs for breast cancer in Italy.

Study design

The study was conducted between 1994 and 1996 in four Italian cities where mammographic screening programs are active: Caltanissetta (CL), Firenze (Fl), Modena (MO) and Torino (TO). The impact on attendance rate of different invitation strategies based on active GP involvement was tested in each center. The additional effect of economic incentives was also assessed. The incentives were proportional to the level of compliance attained by each GP and weighted by the size of his eligible patients’ list.

Results

In the Firenze project, an invitation signed by the GP and the project co-ordinator attained a statistically significant higher participation (difference: 4.2%, χ2 = 7.42, P = 0.006). In Caltanissetta and Torino there was a significant increase of about 7% in the response rate to the postal reminder in the groups contacted by the GPs. No difference was observed in the Modena project between the two groups.

Conclusions

The main contributions of GP involvement can be: “cleaning up'’ the invitation lists, especially when computerized archives with the mammographic history of the target population are not available; increasing the women's participation by signing the invitation letter, by counseling and active participation in the invitation phase; co-operating in the reminder phase by recalling women non responders at first invitation. The offer of target payment had a certain impact on the screening uptake, but not easily distinguishable from GP signature of the invitation letter; further studies of appropriate design should be planned. Organizational factors, such as availability of a list of non-responders, might be crucial in order to enhance the effect of the GPs’ action.