bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Pathological Complete Response in Women with Clinical Complete Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Resende Uanderson , Cabello César , Oliveira Botelho Ramalho Susana , Zeferino Luiz Carlos
Published: July 2018

Objective: There is insufficient information on predictors of pathologic complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast carcinoma that also presented clinical complete response (cCR) evaluated in breast, axilla and breast and axilla. Methods: This retrospective study included 310 women with breast carcinoma who received NAC from 1/1/13 to 12/31/15 with follow-up until 8/31/16. The factors analyzed to predict pCR and cCR were menopausal status, Ki67, estrogen receptor, histologic grade, molecular subtype, tumor size, axilla status, and stage. Results: The cCR/pCR rates were 53.2/16.5% (breast), 76.3/36.8% (axilla) and 50.6/13.9% (breast and axilla). Molecular subtype and HER2-positive were independent predictors to confirm pCR in women with cCR, mainly triple negative (TN) in breast (OR 22.81, 95% CI 7.13–72.96) and breast and axilla (OR 36.06, 95% CI 8.77–148.26), but not in axilla. Ki67 ≥50% expression was predictor of cCR in breast (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.31–3.06) and breast and axilla (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.10–1.45). Conclusion: TN subtype and HER2-positive were the main independent predictors of pCR in women who also had cCR to NAC in breast and breast and axilla, but none was predictor in axilla. The Ki67 ≥50% was the independent predictor of cCR in breast and breast and axilla.
Method Used for Tumor Bed Closure (Suture vs. Sealant), Ischemia Time and Duration of Surgery are Independent Predictors of Post-Nephron Sparing Surgery Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Nativ Omri , Bahouth Zaher , Sabo Edmond , Halachmi Sarel , Moskovitz Boaz , Hellou Elias G. , Abassi Zaid , Nativ Ofer
Published: July 2018

Introduction: The aim of our study was to examine the influence of tumor complexity and operative variables on the degree and rate of post-nephron sparing surgery (NSS) acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 477 patients who underwent NSS for enhancing renal masses in our institution. AKI was determined using the latest definition by AKIN and RIFLE criteria. Serum creatinine was assessed daily starting from day 1 post-surgery and until discharge (usually on postoperative day 3). Estimated glomerular filtration was determined using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. Results: Overall, 191 patients (40%) developed postoperative AKI, and most of them (88%) were grade 1. Multivariate analysis revealed that the most significant and independent variables associated with AKI were operation time (p = 0.02), ischemia time (p = 0.02), and the use of tissue adhesive for tumor bed closure (p = 0.02). Other important factors (by univariate analysis) were the need for blood transfusion (p = 0.003) and estimated blood loss (p = 0.007). Conclusions: Operative time, ischemia, and tumor bed closure method are independent predictors of post-NSS AKI. Efforts should be made to limit prolonged ischemia and to reduce viable parenchymal loss. Further studies concerning the functional impact of AKI in these patients will be required.
Midazolam Enhances Mutant Huntingtin Protein Accumulation via Impairment of Autophagic Degradation In Vitro
Authors: Zhang Jiqian , Dai Wei , Geng Pengcheng , Zhang Li , Tan Qilian , Cheng Dan , Wei Pengfei , Yang Zhilai , Zhang Lei , Gu Erwei , Xu Guanghong , Liang Chaozhao , Liu Xuesheng
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Autophagy is a well-known pathway to “clean” the misfolded mutant huntingtin protein (mHtt), which plays a considerable role in polyglutamine diseases. To date, there have been few studies of the choice of anesthetic during surgery in patients with polyglutamine diseases and evaluation of the effects and underlying mechanisms of anesthetics in these patients. Methods: GFP-Htt (Q74)-PC12 cells, which stably express green fluorescent protein-tagged Htt protein containing 74 glutamine repeating units, were used throughout this study. Cells were treated with 15 μM midazolam and 100 mM trehalose (positive control), and the induction of autophagy and autophagic degradation were assessed by detecting changes in autophagy-related proteins and substrates, and cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. Overexpression of cathepsin D by plasmid transfection was used to restore midazolam-impaired autophagic degradation. Results: Midazolam increased intracellular mHtt levels in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Additionally, enhancing or blocking autophagic flux by trehalose or chloroquine could decrease or increase midazolam-induced mHtt elevation, respectively. Midazolam induced autophagy in the mTOR-dependent signaling pathway, but autophagic degradation was impaired, with a continuous rise in p62 and LC3 II levels and decrease in cathepsin D. However, overexpression of cathepsin D reversed the effects of midazolam. Midazolam led to a 20% decrease in GFP-Htt (Q74)-PC12 cell viability, which could be abrogated by overexpression of cathepsin D. Conclusions: Midazolam increased mHtt levels and decreased Htt (Q74)-PC12 cell viability via impairment of autophagic degradation, which could be restored by overexpression of cathepsin D.
Involvement of Advanced Glycation End Products in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Xu Jing , Chen Lin-Jiang , Yu Jian , Wang Han-Jing , Zhang Fan , Liu Qiong , Wu Jing
Published: July 2018

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common and devastating microvascular complication of diabetes and a major cause of acquired blindness in young adults. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulated under hyperglycemic conditions are thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of DR. AGEs can exert their deleterious effects by acting directly to induce aberrant crosslinking of extracellular matrix proteins, to increase vascular stiffness, altering vascular structure and function. Moreover, AGEs binding to the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) evokes intensive intracellular signaling cascades that leading to endothelial dysfunction, elaboration of key proinflammatory cytokines and proangiogenic factors, mediating pericyte apoptosis, vascular inflammation and angiogenesis, as well as breakdown of the inner blood-retinal barrier (BRB), the end result of all these events is damage to the neural and vascular components of the retina. Elucidation of AGE-induced mechanisms will help in the understanding of the complex cellular and molecular pathogenesis associated with DR. Novel anti-AGEs agents or AGE crosslink “breakers” are being investigated, it is hoped that in next few years, some of these promising therapies will be successfully applied in clinical context, aiming to reduce the major economical and medical burden caused by DR.
Circulating Tumor Cells Correlate with Clinicopathological Features and Outcomes in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Qiu Zhong-Ling , Wei Wei-Jun , Sun Zhen-Kui , Shen Chen-Tian , Song Hong-Jun , Zhang Xin-Yun , Zhang Guo-Qiang , Chen Xiao-Yue , Luo Quan-Yong 
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: As biomarkers, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from solid tumors can predict metastases and prognoses, and help monitor treatment efficacy. However, conventional CellSearch methods have low sensitivity to differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) CTCs. In this study, for the first time, we used negative enriching (NE) immunofluorescence–in situ hybridization (iFISH) of chromosome 8 to capture and identify CTCs in DTC patients; and investigated how CTCs correlate with clinicopathological factors and prognosis in DTC patients with distant metastases (DM). Methods: In this prospective study, we enrolled 72 patients with DTC before they underwent 131I treatment, and 30 healthy controls (HC). Their CTCs were measured in 7.5 ml peripheral blood using the NE–iFISH technique. CTC was defined by the aneuploidy. Results: We detected CTCs in 62 (86.1%) of the 72 subjects with DTC. The mean number of CTCs in patients with DTC with DM (DM+) was significantly higher than in the HC group (P< 0.001) and DTC patients without DM (DM-; P=0.0016). We found CTCs ≥ 5 was significantly associated with DM+ DTC (P=0.009; sensitivity: 64.3%; specificity: 83.8%); CTCs ≥ 7 was related to poor response to 131I treatment (sensitivity: 73.7 %; specificity: 69.6 %), and was also associated with worse prognosis in DM+ DTC (P< 0.001). Conclusion: We found CTCs ≥ 5 to be a potential predictive index for DM+ DTC; and CTCs ≥7 as a possible indicator of poor response to 131I treatment and worse prognosis in DM+ DTC.
Activation of Cyclooxygenase-2 by ATF4 During Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Regulates Kidney Podocyte Autophagy Induced by Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Jin Juan , Zhao Li , Zou Wenli , Shen Wei , Zhang Hongjuan , He Qiang 
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Autophagy plays an essential role in lupus nephritis (LN)-induced kidney injury, although the mechanism of action remains obscure. We investigated the role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the ATF4 endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway in LN-induced podocyte autophagy. Methods: We evaluated podocyte autophagy in a mouse model of LN. Protein levels of COX-2 and ATF4, and markers of autophagy, were evaluated by immunofluorescence and western blotting. To evaluate apoptosis, levels of PGE2 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: LN induced kidney damage and dysfunction, which was associated with podocyte autophagy. COX-2 and the ATF4 ER stress pathway were induced by LN in cultured podocytes. Inhibition of COX-2 inhibited LN-induced autophagy in podocytes. In addition, blocking ER stress with 4-phenylbutyrate or RNAi partially counteracted COX-2 overexpression and LN-induced autophagy, suggesting that ER stress is required for LN-induced kidney autophagy. Furthermore, LN activated ATF4 and induced its nuclear translocation. Knockdown of ATF4 inhibited LN-induced COX-2 overexpression. Conclusions: Our study suggests a novel molecular mechanism by which COX2 overexpression, induced by the ATF4 ER stress pathway, contributes to LN-induced kidney autophagy and injury. These data demonstrate that COX-2 may be a potential therapeutic target against LN-induced nephropathy.
Manual técnico de controle sanitário para peixes ornamentais: criação e implementação de programas de autocontrole com base no sistema APPCC
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Cardoso Pedro Henrique Magalhães , Balian Simone de Carvalho ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária
Published: July 2018

Considerando a escassez de trabalhos científicos relacionados às medidas de biosseguridade na área de peixes ornamentais, o presente estudo utiliza o sistema de Análise de Perigos e Pontos Críticos de Controle - APPCC para delinear a criação e implementação de programas de autocontrole sanitário em estabelecimentos atacadistas de peixes ornamentais, orientar a adoção de medidas de boas práticas de manejo e higiene ​para esse tipo de comércio, listar os principais perigos biológicos aos quais esses peixes estão propensos, indicando medidas de prevenção e controle, e aplicar o Sistema APPCC, visando a um efetivo autocontrole sanitário de animais comercializados.
Somatic Editing of
Ldlr
With Adeno-Associated Viral-CRISPR Is an Efficient Tool for Atherosclerosis Research
Authors: Jarrett Kelsey E. , Lee Ciaran , De Giorgi Marco , Hurley Ayrea , Gillard Baiba K. , Doerfler Alexandria M. , Li Ang , Pownall Henry J. , Bao Gang , Lagor William R.
Published: July 2018

Objective—

Atherosclerosis studies in
Ldlr
knockout mice require breeding to homozygosity and congenic status on C57BL6/J background, a process that is both time and resource intensive. We aimed to develop a new method for generating atherosclerosis through somatic deletion of
Ldlr
in livers of adult mice.

Approach and Results—

Overexpression of PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) is currently used to study atherosclerosis, which promotes degradation of LDLR (low-density lipoprotein receptor) in the liver. We sought to determine whether CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated 9) could also be used to generate atherosclerosis through genetic disruption of
Ldlr
in adult mice. We engineered adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors expressing
Staphylococcus aureus
Cas9 and a guide RNA targeting the
Ldlr
gene (AAV-CRISPR). Both male and female mice received either (1) saline, (2) AAV-CRISPR, or (3) AAV-hPCSK9 (human PCSK9)-D374Y. A fourth group of germline
Ldlr-KO
mice was included for comparison. Mice were placed on a Western diet and followed for 20 weeks to assess plasma lipids, PCSK9 protein levels, atherosclerosis, and editing efficiency. Disruption of
Ldlr
with AAV-CRISPR was robust, resulting in severe hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta. AAV-hPCSK9 also produced hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis as expected. Notable sexual dimorphism was observed, wherein AAV-CRISPR was superior for
Ldlr
removal in male mice, while AAV-hPCSK9 was more effective in female mice.

Conclusions—

This all-in-one AAV-CRISPR vector targeting
Ldlr
is an effective and versatile tool to model atherosclerosis with a single injection and provides a useful alternative to the use of germline
Ldlr
-KO mice.
Interaction Between Pannexin 1 and Caveolin-1 in Smooth Muscle Can Regulate Blood Pressure
Authors: DeLalio Leon J. , Keller Alexander S. , Chen Jiwang , Boyce Andrew K.J. , Artamonov Mykhaylo V. , Askew-Page Henry R. , Keller T.C. Stevenson , Johnstone Scott R. , Weaver Rachel B. , Good Miranda E. , Murphy Sara A. , Best Angela K. , Mintz Ellen L. , Penuela Silvia , Greenwood Iain A. , Machado Roberto F. , Somlyo Avril V. , Swayne Leigh Anne , Minshall Richard D. , Isakson Brant E.
Published: July 2018

Objective—

Sympathetic nerve innervation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a major regulator of arteriolar vasoconstriction, vascular resistance, and blood pressure. Importantly, α–adrenergic receptor stimulation, which uniquely couples with Panx1 (pannexin 1) channel-mediated ATP release in resistance arteries, also requires localization to membrane caveolae. Here, we test whether localization of Panx1 to Cav1 (caveolin-1) promotes channel function (stimulus-dependent ATP release and adrenergic vasoconstriction) and is important for blood pressure homeostasis.

Approach and Results—

We use in vitro VSMC culture models, ex vivo resistance arteries, and a novel inducible VSMC-specific Cav1 knockout mouse to probe interactions between Panx1 and Cav1. We report that Panx1 and Cav1 colocalized on the VSMC plasma membrane of resistance arteries near sympathetic nerves in an adrenergic stimulus-dependent manner. Genetic deletion of Cav1 significantly blunts adrenergic-stimulated ATP release and vasoconstriction, with no direct influence on endothelium-dependent vasodilation or cardiac function. A significant reduction in mean arterial pressure (total=4 mm Hg; night=7 mm Hg) occurred in mice deficient for VSMC Cav1. These animals were resistant to further blood pressure lowering using a Panx1 peptide inhibitor Px1IL2P, which targets an intracellular loop region necessary for channel function.

Conclusions—

Translocalization of Panx1 to Cav1-enriched caveolae in VSMCs augments the release of purinergic stimuli necessary for proper adrenergic-mediated vasoconstriction and blood pressure homeostasis.
Inhibiting Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Reverses Obesity-Induced White Adipose Tissue Inflammation by Regulating Apoptosis Inhibitor of Macrophage/CD5L-Mediated Macrophage Migration
Authors: Wang Li , Wang Yuan , Zhang Chao , Li Jingjing , Meng Yuan , Dou Man , Noguchi Constance Tom , Di Lijun
Published: July 2018

Objective—

Obesity-induced inflammation in white adipose tissue, characterized by increased macrophage infiltration and associated with macrophage population shift from anti-inflammatory M2 to proinflammatory M1 macrophages, largely contributes to obesity-induced insulin resistance and influences type 2 diabetes mellitus pathogenesis. GSK3 (glycogen synthase kinase 3), a serine/threonine kinase, has been reported to participate in various cellular processes. We sought to examine the potential mechanism by which GSK3, a serine/threonine kinase implicated in various cellular processes, modulates obesity-induced visceral adipose tissue (VAT) inflammation.

Approach and Results—

Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet for 10 weeks while being treated with vehicle control or GSK3 inhibitors SB216763 or CHIR99021. RNA-sequencing results using VAT demonstrated that GSK3 inhibitor treatment reversed obesity-specific expression of genes associated with inflammation. Consistently, GSK3 inhibition reduced obesity-induced VAT inflammation as characterized by decreased proinflammatory M1 macrophages but increased anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages in the VAT and reduced circulatory inflammatory monocytes. These anti-inflammatory effects of GSK3 inhibition were found to be driven, at least in part, by inhibiting production of apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage in macrophages via inactivating STAT3 to reduce free fatty acid and chemokine level produced from VAT to suppress the migration/chemotaxis of macrophages and monocytes.

Conclusions—

Our findings suggest that GSK3 may act as an important regulator of obesity-induced inflammation and characterize the novel role of GSK3 in shifting macrophage polarization and reinforce its therapeutic potential for obesity-induced inflammation and its associated diabetes mellitus.
Dispute Settlement in the Law of the Sea: Survey for 2017
Authors: Churchill Robin
Published: July 2018

This is the latest in a series of annual surveys in this Journal reviewing dispute settlement in the law of the sea, both under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and outside the framework of the Convention. It covers developments in 2017. The most significant developments during the year were the judgment of the Special Chamber of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in the Ghana/Côte d’Ivoire maritime boundary case and the final award of the tribunal in the Croatia/Slovenia arbitration. There were also a number of less significant developments.
A record of Notostraca on Socotra Island and the importance of local conservation of the habitat
Authors: VAN DAMME KAY
Published: July 2018

The first record of Triops Schrank, 1803 (Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Notostraca: Triopsidae) from Socotra Island is presented herein. Besides Madagascar and the current note, the genus is unknown from Indian Ocean islands. A brief morphological exploration indicates that the Socotran Triops cf. granarius (Lucas, 1864) (trachyaspis form) belongs to an African clade within this widespread Old World species complex and not to T. granarius s.str. from East Asia. Detailed morphological and molecular revision of the poorly studied Middle Eastern and Northern African populations in comparison to East Asian populations are needed to understand this group and the phylogenetic position and status of the Socotran tadpole shrimp. Found in a single locality (the archeological site Eriosh) in the rapidly changing coastal plains on Socotra, together with other large branchiopods (endemic Anostraca and unidentified Spinicaudata), the insular Triops population and the regionally neglected temporary lake habitat deserve a special protection status from a biodiversity conservation perspective. Triops cf. granarius is hereby suggested as a local flagship species for the conservation of temporary pool habitats on the island.
Reintensification and Eyewall Formation in Strong Shear: A Case Study of Typhoon Noul (2015)
Authors: Shimada Udai , Horinouchi Takeshi
Published: July 2018

Strong vertical wind shear produces asymmetries in the eyewall structure of a tropical cyclone (TC) and is generally a hostile environment for TC intensification. Typhoon Noul (2015), however, reintensified and formed a closed eyewall despite 200–850-hPa vertical shear in excess of 11 m s−1. Noul’s reintensification and eyewall formation in strong shear were examined by using Doppler radar and surface observations. The evolution of the azimuthal-mean structure showed that the tangential wind at 2-km altitude increased from 30 to 45 m s−1 in only 5 h. During the first half of the reintensification, the azimuthal-mean inflow penetrated into the ~40-km radius, well inside the radius of maximum wind (RMW), at least below 4-km altitude, and reflectivity inside the RMW increased. As for the asymmetric evolution, vigorous convection, dominated by an azimuthal wavenumber-1 asymmetry, occurred in the downshear-left quadrant when shear started to increase and then moved upshear. A mesovortex formed inside the convective asymmetry on the upshear side. The direction of vortex tilt between the 1- and 5-km altitudes rotated cyclonically from the downshear-left to the upshear-right quadrant as the vortex was vertically aligned. In conjunction with the alignment, the amplitude of the wavenumber-1 convective asymmetry decreased and a closed eyewall formed. These features are consistent with the theory that a vortex can be vertically aligned through upshear precession. The analysis results suggest that the vortex tilt, vigorous convection, and subsequent intensification were triggered by the increase in shear in a convectively favorable environment.
Life events and depressive symptoms among pregnant women in India: Moderating role of resilience and social support
Authors: Kishore M Thomas , Satyanarayana Veena , Ananthanpillai Supraja Thirumalai , Desai Geetha , Bhaskarapillai Binukumar , Thippeswamy Harish , Chandra Prabha S
Published: July 2018

Background:

Recent life events may be significant risk factors for depression during pregnancy. However, its association with the individual’s resilience and social support is not clear.

Aims:

To understand the association between life events and depression during pregnancy and whether the association is moderated by resilience and social support.

Methods:

This study is part of a prospective cohort study on perinatal mental health in an urban antenatal clinic, which included 589 women recruited in the first and early second trimester. Participants were administered the Life Events Checklist adapted from the Social Readjustment Rating Scale by the authors to assess life events; Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale-10 to assess depression and resilience, respectively. The relationship between life events (12 months prior to the time of assessment) and antenatal depression and the moderating role of resilience and social support was analysed.

Results:

Thirty-eight women (6.5%) who had depression (EPDS score ⩾ 11) had significantly higher number of life events (i.e. on average three; U = 3,826; p < .01), lower resilience scores ( U = 4,053; p < .01) and lower perceived social support ( U = 2,423; p < .01) as compared to those who were negative for depression on EPDS. Life events predicted depression during pregnancy; however, the relationship was moderated by social support but not by resilience.

Conclusion:

The pregnant women who experienced life events may experience depression during the first trimester of pregnancy, but the effect could possibly be reduced by enhancing the social support.
Massification and the public financing of higher education in Haiti: issues and challenges
Authors: Jacob Sergot
Published: July 2018

Haitian higher education is changing, but is little studied. This article examines the conditions under which massification recently occurred, on the one hand, and the extent of the inadequacy of public funding since the 1980s, on the other. It highlights that despite faster mass supply to address a social demand that is also rising sharply, the meagre public funding (on average, 0.33% of gross domestic product, and 1.17% of the state budget) devoted to the financing of public universities over the last 30 years has hindered their development. In fact, despite the modest increase in the budget of public universities compared to the state budget, massification ultimately resulted in a reduction in expenditure per student, which does not help to create the conditions for an acceptable level of quality education, and deprives the sector of its ability to play an effective role in the socio-economic development process of the country by first putting itself in a position to reflect on the problems of society and on its evolution.

Points for practitioners

The system of virtually free studies, funded by the taxpayer, has reached its limits, while institutional mechanisms for regulating massification are essential to protect the consumer and counter the decline in the quality of education. To carve out a better position for the country on the world stage and benefit from the positive externalities of higher education, more public resources must be invested in it. The stake is therefore triple as means must be found, which must be differentiated, not only to fund the universities and the studies themselves, but also to diversify this funding given the limited resources of the state.
Sin Cities: From History to Sociology to Urban History, an Interdisciplinary Journey
Authors: Rosenthal Anton
Published: July 2018

An account of an intellectual journey across disciplinary borders combined with a foray into new teaching methodologies that resulted in the construction of a popular course in urban history at a flagship public university that made a significant contribution to a transforming curriculum. The article discusses various obstacles to success as well as the unanticipated rewards of this experiment.
Improving the Focus of English Learner Professional Development for In-Service Teachers
Authors: Hiatt Janet E. , Fairbairn Shelley B.
Published: July 2018

To improve the focus of English Learner (EL), professional development for in-service teachers who may have experienced gaps in prior preparation for serving ELs, this two-part study begins with detailed survey-based data collection and analysis of teachers’ perceived preparedness to serve ELs. The data highlights specific priorities for EL-focused professional development grounded in the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages ( TESOL) P-12 Professional Teaching Standards in the domains of language, culture, instruction, assessment, and professionalism. Based on those survey findings, the article shares recommendations for specific content to be included in EL-focused professional development for teachers who reported feeling underprepared to serve ELs. Finally, this study provides specific recommendations for school leaders in relationship to the study.
Positive humor in couples as interpersonal emotion regulation: A dyadic study in everyday life on the mediating role of psychological intimacy
Authors: Horn Andrea B. , Samson Andrea C. , Debrot Anik , Perrez Meinrad
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate daily positive humor in couples as an interpersonal emotion regulation strategy. Associated changes in psychological intimacy were tested as a possible socio-affective pathway of emotion regulation that mediates the effects of couple humor on changes in individual momentary affect. Within a dyadic ambulatory assessment framework, 102 couples reported on their production of positive humor as an attempt to regulate their partner’s mood, psychological intimacy, and momentary affect four times a day for 1 week. An actor–partner interdependence mediation model revealed actor and partner effects of humor on changes in daily affect. Furthermore, the indirect effect of own humor via changes in the partner’s feelings of psychological intimacy (socio-affective pathway) on the partner’s affect was significant. Results support the assumption that daily positive humor experienced with one’s romantic partner serves as an interpersonal emotion regulation strategy in daily life as reflected in direct effects on one’s own and one’s partner’s momentary affect. The partner’s changes in affect were partially mediated by changes in their feelings of psychological intimacy. This speaks in favor of an indirect socio-affective mechanism of interpersonal emotion regulation associated with positive humor expressed toward the partner.
Protracted aortic valve closure during peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal life support: is intra-aortic balloon pump an effective solution?
Authors: Meani Paolo , Delnoij Thijs , Raffa Giuseppe M. , Morici Nuccia , Viola Giovanna , Sacco Alice , Oliva Fabrizio , Heuts Sam , Sels Jan-Willem , Driessen Rob , Roekaerts Paul , Gilbers Martijn , Bidar Elham , Schreurs Rick , Natour Ehsan , Veenstra Leo , Kats Suzanne , Maessen Jos , Lorusso Roberto
Published: July 2018

Background:

Left ventricular (LV) afterload increase with protracted aortic valve (AV) closure may represent a complication of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO). The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) to overcome such a hemodynamic shortcoming in patients submitted to peripheral V-A ECMO.

Methods:

Among 184 adult patients who were treated with peripheral V-A ECMO support at Medical University Center Maastricht Hospital between 2007 and 2018, patients submitted to IABP implant for protracted AV closure after V-A ECMO implant were retrospectively identified. All clinical and hemodynamic data, including echocardiographic monitoring, were collected and analyzed.

Results:

During the study period, 10 subjects (mean age 60 years old, 80% males) underwent IABP implant after peripheral V-A ECMO positioning due to the diagnosis of protracted AV closure and inefficient LV unloading as assessed by echocardiography and an absence of pulsation in the arterial pressure wave. Recovery of blood pressure pulsatility and enhanced LV unloading were observed in 8 patients after IABP placement, with no significant differences in the main hemodynamic parameters, inotropic therapy or in the ECMO flow (p=0.48). The weaning rate in this patient subgroup (mean ECMO duration 8 days), however, was only 10%, with another patient finally transplanted, leading to a 20% survival-to-hospital discharge.

Conclusion:

IABP placement was an effective solution in order to reverse the protracted AV closure and impaired LV unloading observed during peripheral V-A ECMO support. However, the impact on the weaning rate and survival needs further investigations.
Peripheral neuroblastic tumor of the kidney: case report and review of literature
Authors: Moscheo Carla , Campari Alessandro , Podda Marta Giorgia , Riccipetitoni Giovanna , Collini Paola , Renne Salvatore Lorenzo , Vella Claudio , Napolitano Marcello , Luksch Roberto
Published: July 2018

Introduction:

Peripheral neuroblastic tumors (PNTs) account for 8%–10% of all pediatric tumors. Adrenal glands and sympathetic ganglia are the commonest site of tumor growth. In the clinicopathologic spectrum of PNTs, neuroblastoma and ganglioneuroma are the most primitive and the most mature tumor form, while ganglioneuroblastoma represents an intermediate state of maturation. Surgical resection is the therapy of choice in localized disease, but can lead to serious complications when performed in the presence of certain imaging-defined risk factors.

Case presentation:

We present a rare case of primary intrarenal ganglioneuroblastoma diagnosed in a teenager who underwent conservative surgery and, despite this, developed upper pole renal ischemia without loss of parenchymal function.

Conclusion:

We underline the complex management of these extremely rare cases of neuroblastic tumors, which require a dedicated multidisciplinary team.
Comparative environmental assessment of alternative waste management strategies in developing regions: A case study in Kazakhstan
Authors: Noya I , Inglezakis V , González-García S , Katsou E , Feijoo G , Moreira MT
Published: July 2018

The management of municipal solid waste in the Republic of Kazakhstan is still in its infancy. This situation poses a potential threat to the environment and public health and, therefore, it is necessary to introduce improved management schemes in the country. In this study, the life cycle assessment methodology was followed to evaluate the potential environmental benefits of implementing alternative management schemes based on low-waste generation and renewable energy production. The current situation of the capital city Astana was considered as the base case. Environmental results showed that air emissions in terms of landfill gases are the major contributor to climate change impacts, while landfill disposal of the non-recovered fraction of recyclable materials was responsible for the highest impacts in the other categories (especially land use). However, the reuse of recycled materials largely offsets the related environmental burdens, along with energy generation. In comparative terms, it was demonstrated that the proposed waste management scenarios are more environmentally friendly than current practices (S0), mainly owing to the credits associated with the valorisation of renewable energy (S2) and recovered materials (S3). Consequently, the evaluation showed that greater efforts should be made to exploit the energy potential of organic fraction, together with higher recycling rates, to move towards lower environmental impacts associated with municipal solid waste management.
The story of humanity and the challenge of posthumanity
Authors: Simon Zoltán Boldizsár
Published: July 2018

Today’s technological-scientific prospect of posthumanity simultaneously evokes and defies historical understanding. On the one hand, it implies a historical claim of an epochal transformation concerning posthumanity as a new era. On the other, by postulating the birth of a novel, better-than-human subject for this new era, it eliminates the human subject of modern Western historical understanding. In this article, I attempt to understand posthumanity as measured against the story of humanity as the story of history itself. I examine the fate of humanity as the central subject of history in three consecutive steps: first, by exploring how classical philosophies of history achieved the integrity of the greatest historical narrative of history itself through the very invention of humanity as its subject; second, by recounting how this central subject came under heavy criticism by postcolonial and gender studies in the last half-century, targeting the universalism of the story of humanity as the greatest historical narrative of history; and third, by conceptualizing the challenge of posthumanity against both the story of humanity and its criticism. Whereas criticism fragmented history but retained the possibility of smaller-scale narratives, posthumanity does not doubt the feasibility of the story of humanity. Instead, it necessarily invokes humanity, if only in order to be able to claim its supersession by a better-than-human subject. In that, it represents a fundamental challenge to the modern Western historical condition and the very possibility of historical narratives – small-scale or large-scale, fragmented or universal.
Joint modelling for organ transplantation outcomes for patients with diabetes and the end-stage renal disease
Authors: Dong Jianghu(James) , Wang Shijia , Wang Liangliang , Gill Jagbir , Cao Jiguo
Published: July 2018

This article is motivated by jointly modelling longitudinal and time-to-event clinical data of patients with diabetes and end-stage renal disease. All patients are on the waiting list for the pancreas transplant after kidney transplant, and some of them have a pancreas transplant before kidney transplant failure or death. Scant literature has studied the dynamical joint relationship of the estimated glomerular filtration rates trajectory, the effect of pancreas transplant, and time-to-event outcomes, although it remains an important clinical question. In an attempt to describe the association in the multiple outcomes, we propose a new joint model with a longitudinal submodel and an accelerated failure time submodel, which are linked by some latent variables. The accelerated failure time submodel is used to determine the relationship of the time-to-event outcome with all predictors. In addition, the piecewise linear function in the survival submodel is used to calculate the dynamic hazard ratio curve of a time-dependent side event, because the effect of the side event on the time-to-event outcome is non-proportional. The model parameters are estimated with a Monte Carlo EM algorithm. The finite sample performance of the proposed method is investigated in simulation studies. Our method is demonstrated by fitting the joint model for the clinical data of 13,635 patients with diabetes and the end-stage renal disease.
Entrepreneurship as a Calling: A Pilot Study with Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Authors: Da Palma Patricia Jardim , Lopes Miguel Pereira , Alves Telmo Ferreira
Published: July 2018

Previous research in work and organisational studies has found that individuals may experience their work as a job, a career or a calling. That experience, in turn, has a significant influence on their performance. In the present study, we apply this framework to the field of entrepreneurship and examine if the experience of aspiring entrepreneurs as a job, a career or a calling impacts their ability to attract resources for a new venture by considering two different resource attraction strategies presented in the literature: network positioning and proactive search. The results show that seeing entrepreneurship as a job has a negative impact on both network positioning and proactive search strategies. Experiencing entrepreneurship as a calling, however, has a positive impact on proactive search strategy. Perceiving entrepreneurship as a career is not related to resource attraction strategies. These findings illustrate that the way aspiring entrepreneurs experience their role as entrepreneurs affects their efforts as well as others’ confidence in terms of attracting resources for their new ventures. Theoretical and practical implications are addressed at the end of this work.
When good is not good enough
Authors: Wendland Hendrik M
Published: July 2018

Proportionality review has long been a tool of the ECJ to scrutinize national measures that impede the realization of the Internal Market. More recently, the ECJ has required those measures to be ‘consistent and systematic’. This paper shows the historical development of the ECJ’s jurisprudence and contrasts it with the approach taken by US Courts reviewing similar issues. Under consideration of the comparative findings, different framings for arguments of underinclusiveness and coherence under a general concept of proportionality review are derived: the arguments can determine not only the efficacy or suitability of a measure, but also play a role when analyzing proportionality stricto sensu. On the other hand, it is argued that the sub-test of necessity is the wrong location for asserting those considerations. Most importantly, the ECJ – limited by its institutional design – uses the principle of coherence as a factor when interpreting the national law for its proper purpose.
Adam Smith and the Buddha
Authors: Wintrobe Ronald
Published: July 2018

Economics is a powerful way of thinking. While there may occasionally be major errors in its application, at its core the principles of economics remain the strongest paradigm in the social sciences. Buddhism is also a powerful way of thinking. The central question in Buddhist philosophy is the same as that in economics: what is the key to human happiness? How can human suffering be reduced? But the answer to this question in the Buddhist way of thinking is exactly the opposite of that given by economics. Can Adam Smith learn from the Buddha? Can Buddhism learn from economics? This essay explores these topics. I first present an interpretation of what I take to be the core of Buddhist thinking in economic terms, and then show how that could be incorporated into economic thinking, and how economics would change as a result. I then try to do the reverse, and show how the economic way of thinking can clarify Buddhist thinking. I apply simple economic theory to develop a model of rational Zen Buddhism.
Immortal Time Bias in Observational Studies of Time-to-Event Outcomes
Authors: Agarwal Parul , Moshier Erin , Ru Meng , Ohri Nisha , Ennis Ronald , Rosenzweig Kenneth , Mazumdar Madhu
Published: July 2018

The objectives of this study are to illustrate the effects of immortal time bias (ITB) using an oncology outcomes database and quantify through simulations the magnitude and direction of ITB when different analytical techniques are used. A cohort of 11 626 women who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and underwent mastectomy with pathologically positive lymph nodes were accrued from the National Cancer Database (2004-2008). Standard Cox regression, time-dependent (TD), and landmark models were used to compare overall survival in patients who did or did not receive postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT). Simulation studies showing ways to reduce the effect of ITB indicate that TD exposures should be included as variables in hazard-based analyses. Standard Cox regression models comparing overall survival in patients who did and did not receive PMRT showed a significant treatment effect (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88-0.99). Time-dependent and landmark methods estimated no treatment effect with HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.92 to 1.03 and HR: 0.98, 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.04, respectively. In our simulation studies, the standard Cox regression model significantly overestimated treatment effects when no effect was present. Estimates of TD models were closest to the true treatment effect. Landmark model results were highly dependent on landmark timing. Appropriate statistical approaches that account for ITB are critical to minimize bias when examining relationships between receipt of PMRT and survival.
Evaluating Regulatory Impact Assessments in Education Policy
Authors: Belfield Clive R. , Bowden A. Brooks , Rodriguez Viviana
Published: July 2018

Benefit–cost analysis is an important part of regulatory decision-making, yet there are questions as to how often and how well it is performed. Here we examine 28 Regulatory Impact Assessments performed by the federal government on education regulations since 2006. We find many Regulatory Impact Assessments estimated costs, albeit using informal methods, but most failed to adequately report benefits. Also, most studies did not estimate net present value or clearly report methodological assumptions. In reviewing the relatively high quality studies we identified a number of discrepancies from best practice. Most importantly, few Regulatory Impact Assessments attempted a social benefit–cost analysis: Most examined “administrative burdens” from compliance with legislation. This alternative focus on administrative burdens has significant implications for economic evaluation in practice.
“They aren’t all like that”: Perceptions of clinical services, as told by self-harm online communities
Authors: Williams A Jess , Nielsen Emma , Coulson Neil S
Published: July 2018

Self-harm is a critical public health issue, with strikingly low rates of attendance to clinical services. By offering support, anonymity, and open discussions, online communities hold useful insights into the factors which influence help-seeking behavior. We explore the perceptions of clinical services in three self-harm online communities to understand which services are being used and why. Message threads from each community were extracted randomly until saturation, providing 513 messages across 60 threads. A thematic analysis was performed resulting in four key themes: access to appropriate services during an episode of self-harm, service preference, fears surrounding disclosure, and support.
How do parents perceive and utilize knowledge of their infant’s mental health? A systematic review
Authors: Peters Jane , Skirton H , Morgan J , Clark M
Published: July 2018

Infant mental health (IMH) is a growing area of practice for health, education and social care practitioners, as links are increasingly made between experiences in the early years and subsequent child development, mental health and well-being. It is unclear how parents perceive IMH and use knowledge relating to IMH with their children. We conducted a systematic review, the aim of which was to determine parents’ perceptions of IMH and how they utilize this knowledge with their infants. We undertook a search of relevant databases and journals and from an initial list of 4147 potential papers, identified 16 for the review. Original data were extracted and presented in a table, and the content of all papers was analysed thematically and presented in narrative form. Three main themes emerged from the available research: knowledge and understanding of child development, influences of society and culture, and interpretation of emotions and expressions. Our results indicate that research is limited in terms of parental perspectives of IMH and how they obtain and use this knowledge. Further research is needed to investigate this topic to maximize mental well-being in infancy and later life.
Quality of life evaluation in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis using PedsQL
Authors: Matos Marcos Almeida , Ferri-de-Barros Fábio , Guarniero Roberto
Published: July 2018

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) is a rare and neglected disorder. Only a few studies to date have focused on humanistic impacts of the disease, particularly health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The objective of our research is to (1) evaluate HRQOL in Brazilian patients with MPS and (2) assess the validity of the PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales (PedsQL) in this specific disease. We performed an analytical cross-sectional study using the Brazilian Portuguese version of the PedsQL in 22 patients with MPS between the ages of 8 and 21. With regard to assessing the validity of the PedsQL for MPS, we evaluated internal consistency using Cronbach’s α coefficient and reliability using the Spearman–Brown estimate of agreement. The mean HRQOL score in our sample was 63.6 points. The worst score was obtained in the Psychosocial domain (61.9) on account of interference with school (56.1), while the Physical Health domain had the highest score (67.6). The total PedsQL internal consistency was .764 points. The Physical Health domain obtained the highest internal consistency (.914), whereas the Psychosocial Health domain obtained the lowest one (.754). MPS was demonstrated to decrease HRQOL, and PedsQL seems to be a valid instrument to perform this kind of analysis.
Addressing gender inequality: Stumbling blocks and roads ahead
Authors: Morgenroth Thekla , Ryan Michelle K.
Published: July 2018

Despite many positive changes in terms of gender equality in recent decades, women remain underrepresented in positions of power and prestige, and continue to shoulder disproportionate amounts of unpaid domestic labor. This special issue brings together an examination of the different ways in which gender inequality can be addressed, the efficacy of such approaches, and the consequences these approaches can have. In this introduction to the special issue, we discuss the focus of past and present gender research and outline issues which have received less attention. We further give an overview of the papers in this special issue, which focus on a diverse range of ways in which gender inequality can be addressed, such as collective action, workplace diversity initiatives and parental leave policies, gender-fair language, and government policies. Taken together, these papers illustrate (a) the importance of ensuring that initiatives are evidence-based, (b) the ways in which we can maximize the effectiveness of interventions, and (c) the need to understand when these initiatives may inadvertently backfire.