bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Prototrochus species of sea cucumber from Australia (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea: Synaptida: Myriotrochidae)
Authors: O’LOUGHLIN P MARK , MACINTOSH HUGH
Published: August 2015

The case put by Alexey Smirnov in 2012 is accepted and the order name Synaptida Cuénot is adopted in place of Apodida Brandt. Two new Myriotrochidae Théel species from the continental slope of Australia are described: Prototrochus robbinsae sp. nov. and Prototrochus roniae sp. nov.  A key to the six Australasian species of Prototrochus Beljaev & Mironov and a distribution and depth map are provided.
A new species of Pycnogonum Brünnich, 1764 (Arthropoda, Pycnogonida) from Flemish Cap (Northwest Atlantic Ocean)
Authors: MUNILLA TOMÁS , MURILLO FRANCISCO JAVIER , SOLER-MEMBRIVES ANNA
Published: August 2015

A new pycnogonid species of the genus Pycnogonum is described from Flemish Cap (Northwest Atlantic Ocean) at 1453–1462 m depth. Pycnogonum bamberi sp. nov. is compared with its congeners, from which it can be distinguished by the combination of a glans-shaped proboscis, the low, transverse ridges that lie on the dorsodistal  surfaces of the first coxae and  femora of all legs and the distinctive conical tubercle on the mid-dorsal surface of the fourth segment of the trunk.
A re-description of Discoconchoecia elegans (Sars, 1865) (Ostracoda: Halocyprididae) from high latitudes in the North Atlantic
Authors: STĘPIEŃ ANNA , BŁACHOWIAK-SAMOŁYK KATARZYNA , ANGEL MARTIN V.
Published: August 2015

Discoconchoecia elegans (Sars, 1865) is one of the most frequently recorded species of halocyprid ostracods and specimens are collected in abundance from various latitudes throughout the world oceans. This species is often dominant or subdominant member of the mesopelagic assemblages. However, its body size varies substantially with latitude, posing the question as to whether D. elegans is either a single, highly variable species, or a complex of cryptic and sibling species. Evaluation of the hypothesis that D. elegans is a complex of species requires comparison between the type material and specimens collected from different latitudes. The inadequacy of the original description from the type locality, off the Lofoten Islands (NW Norway), combined with a lack of the type material is preventing critical rating.In this paper Discoconchoecia elegans is redescribed from specimens collected from an area close to Svalbard, using detailed drawings, morphometric measurements of all limbs, and SEM photographs, and it is compared with specimens collected from an area close to the species type locality. The individuals from those two localities show no significant differences, probably because the hydrographic conditions are similar between the two sites.
Horizontal Transition of Turbulent Cascade in the Near-Surface Layer of Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Tang Jie , Byrne David , Zhang Jun A. , Wang Yuan , Lei Xiao-tu , Wu Dan , Fang Ping-zhi , Zhao Bing-ke
Published: August 2015

Tropical cyclones (TC) consist of a large range of interacting scales from hundreds of kilometers to a few meters. The energy transportation among these different scales—that is, from smaller to larger scales (upscale) or vice versa (downscale)—may have profound impacts on TC energy dynamics as a result of the associated changes in available energy sources and sinks. From multilayer tower measurements in the low-level (<120 m) boundary layer of several landing TCs, the authors found there are two distinct regions where the energy flux changes from upscale to downscale as a function of distance to the storm center. The boundary between these two regions is approximately 1.5 times the radius of maximum wind. Two-dimensional turbulence (upscale cascade) occurs more typically at regions close to the inner-core region of TCs, while 3D turbulence (downscale cascade) mostly occurs at the outer-core region in the surface layer.
Rash, Abdominal Pain and Hyponatraemia
Authors: Raza M.N. , Tikkisetty B. , Lagattolla N. , Taylor J.E.
Published: August 2015

Hypertriglyceridaemia is a rare precipitant of acute pancreatitis. We present a patient with acute pancreatitis and hyponatraemia in association with severe hyperlipidaemia, predominantly hypertriglyceridaemia. The patient was successfully treated with plasma exchange therapy.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: The Need to Widen the Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Walsh E. T. , Bishop-Miller J. , Coles R.J.
Published: August 2015

We report the case of a 76 year old woman who presented with a clinical picture initially typical of a vascular dementia. The diagnosis was revised to Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease in the terminal stages. While Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease is rare, one must consider it in the differential diagnosis as it can mimic other dementias particularly in the chronic form which we describe here.
Word order and information structure in Czech 3- and 4-year-olds’ comprehension
Authors: Smolík Filip
Published: August 2015

This article reports on an experiment that examined the comprehension of transitive sentences in Czech children and its relationship to case marking, word order and information structure. A total of 107 Czech children aged 2;9–4;5 were tested for comprehension of noun-verb-noun sentences in which word order and given-new status of individual nouns were manipulated. The results confirmed that noncanonical, object-initial sentences are generally more difficult to comprehend than sentences with the standard word order, but that many children can interpret noncanonical sentences before 4 years of age. Information structure did not have any clear effect on sentence comprehension. Overall, the results indicate that children have some abstract knowledge of word order and case marking when they first show evidence of transitive sentence comprehension, but initially they cannot use this knowledge when word order and case marking signal conflicting interpretations. Information structure is not a major factor in early sentence comprehension.
Perception of Shame in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Training
Authors: McMains Kevin Christopher , Peel Jennifer , Weitzel Erik K. , Der‐Torossian Hirak , Couch Marion
Published: August 2015

Objective

This survey was developed to assess the prevalence and effects of the perception of shame in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery residency training in the United States.

Study Design

Survey.

Setting

US otolaryngology training programs.

Subjects

Faculty and trainees in US otolaryngology training programs.

Methods

A 14‐item survey to assess the prevalence of the experience of shame and the attitudes toward use of shame in otolaryngology residency training was sent to all otolaryngology–head and neck surgery program directors for distribution among their respective faculty and resident cohorts.

Results

A total of 267 responses were received (women, 24.7%; men, 75.3%): 42.7% of respondents were trainees; 7.0% of trainees thought that shame was a necessary/effective tool, compared with 11.4% of faculty; 50% of respondents felt that they had been personally shamed during residency; and 69.9% of respondents had witnessed another trainee being shamed during residency training. Trainees were most commonly shamed in the operating room (78.4%). Otolaryngology faculty members did the shaming 95.1% of the time. Although shaming prompted internal reflection/self‐improvement in 57.4% of trainees, it also caused loss of self‐confidence in 52.5%. Trainees who had been shamed were more likely to view shame as an appropriate educational tool (P <. 05).

Conclusion

Half of respondents have felt shamed during their residency training, and a majority has witnessed a colleague being shamed. Understanding the negative impact that shaming behaviors have on the learning environment and on the performance of the individual within it is an important first step in creating an environment maximally conducive to learning, professional development, and patient safety.
Geography and ethics I
Authors: Olson Elizabeth
Published: August 2015

Within the context of global capitalism and late liberalism, the social and political implications of waiting have attracted particular attention from geographers. States and other powerful institutions can now maintain control over potentially unruly populations through technocratic management that appears at first glance to be ethically neutral. Wait lists and waiting rooms can mask inequalities and justify the denial of rights, and new spaces of indefinite waiting like detention centers and clandestine prisons have emerged as important state-sanctioned technologies for managing surplus people. As marginalized and abandoned people are made to wait, large-scale future events are treated with the greatest urgency. In this report, I explore the ethical implications and work of waiting in modern moral reasoning, and consider the scalar bias that is revealed in our research on bodily urgency and emergency.
Serum levels of pentraxin-3 and other inflammatory biomarkers in migraine: Association with migraine characteristics
Authors: Ceylan Mustafa , Bayraktutan Omer Faruk , Becel Sinan , Atis Ömer , Yalcin Ahmet , Kotan Dilcan
Published: August 2015

Background

Several studies have been conducted on the inflammatory aspects of migraine. Pentraxins are a novel and important part of innate immunity as a superfamily of acute phase proteins. In our study, we aimed to demonstrate the relationship between migraine and the serum levels of pentraxin-3 (PTX-3), C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen and D-dimer.

Methods

We recruited 30 migraine patients (in both the attack and interictal period) and 30 healthy controls. Serum samples were obtained from all participants, and a brain MRI performed in the last six months was assessed regarding the presence of deep white matter lesions. Comparisons between the attack, interictal and control groups regarding the serum levels of PTX-3, CRP, fibrinogen and D-dimer were performed. The association between serum PTX-3 levels and migraine characteristics (disease duration, headache frequency, MRI findings, aura, family history, attack duration, and MIDAS score) was also assessed.

Results

We found higher serum levels of fibrinogen and PTX-3 in migraine attack patients compared with the interictal and control groups ( p = 0.03 and p < 0.001, respectively). Subgroup analysis also showed that patients with a disease duration of more than five years and with an attack duration of more than 12 hours have lower serum levels of PTX-3 than patients who have a relatively new diagnosis and have relatively short-lasting migraine attacks ( p = 0.042 and p = 0.038, respectively).

Conclusions

PTX-3 and fibrinogen exhibit different serum levels in patients undergoing a migraine attack compared with the interictal group and the controls. Participants with longer attacks and disease durations have lower serum levels of PTX-3, suggesting that inflammatory processes change along with disease progression.
Epidemiological and clinical features of migraine in the pediatric population of Northern Italy
Authors: Tarasco V , Grasso G , Versace A , Castagno E , Ricceri F , Urbino AF , Pagliero R
Published: August 2015

Aim

The aim of this article is to analyze the epidemiological and clinical features of migraine in a pediatric headache center.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed over six years. Hospital record databases were screened for the diagnosis of migraine with aura (MA) or without aura (MO), based on the ICHD-II criteria. Statistical analysis: Fisher’s test or Mann-Whitney U test, significance at p < 0.05.

Results

Migraine was diagnosed in 495 children (29.7% MA, 70.3% MO). The majority of diagnoses were made between ages 9 and 14 years. After stratification for age into five groups, we observed an increase of diagnoses in females, with a peak after the age of 15 years, and an increase of MA. In both groups, the attacks were usually severe, infrequent (<1–3/month) lasting <2 hours, and associated with nausea/vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia (more frequent in MO). Osmophobia was reported in 24.7% of the patients with MO. Dizziness was more frequent in patients with MA. Visual auras were the most common occurrence (87.1%). Confusional state was observed in 10.88% of the patients. A positive family history of headache was observed in >88% of the patients.

Conclusion

We describe the characteristics of pediatric migraine based on the ICHD-II criteria, showing a likely significant loss of diagnoses using the ICHD-III beta. The incidence of migraine increases with age. MO occurs more commonly and shows more frequent attacks and a higher prevalence of associated symptoms, in particular osmophobia. Although males are prevalent in the entire sample, the proportion of females is higher among patients with MA in all of the age groups. Phenotype and sexual prevalence of migraine acquire adult characteristics and become more frequent in females from the onset of puberty.
Select Injury-Related Variables Are Affected by Stride Length and Foot Strike Style During Running
Authors: Boyer Elizabeth R. , Derrick Timothy R.
Published: August 2015

Background:

Some frontal plane and transverse plane variables have been associated with running injury, but it is not known if they differ with foot strike style or as stride length is shortened.

Purpose:

To identify if step width, iliotibial band strain and strain rate, positive and negative free moment, pelvic drop, hip adduction, knee internal rotation, and rearfoot eversion differ between habitual rearfoot and habitual mid-/forefoot strikers when running with both a rearfoot strike (RFS) and a mid-/forefoot strike (FFS) at 3 stride lengths.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 42 healthy runners (21 habitual rearfoot, 21 habitual mid-/forefoot) ran overground at 3.35 m/s with both a RFS and a FFS at their preferred stride lengths and 5% and 10% shorter.

Results:

Variables did not differ between habitual groups. Step width was 1.5 cm narrower for FFS, widening to 0.8 cm as stride length shortened. Iliotibial band strain and strain rate did not differ between foot strikes but decreased as stride length shortened (0.3% and 1.8%/s, respectively). Pelvic drop was reduced 0.7° for FFS compared with RFS, and both pelvic drop and hip adduction decreased as stride length shortened (0.8° and 1.5°, respectively). Peak knee internal rotation was not affected by foot strike or stride length. Peak rearfoot eversion was not different between foot strikes but decreased 0.6° as stride length shortened. Peak positive free moment (normalized to body weight [BW] and height [h]) was not affected by foot strike or stride length. Peak negative free moment was −0.0038 BW·m/h greater for FFS and decreased −0.0004 BW·m/h as stride length shortened.

Conclusion:

The small decreases in most variables as stride length shortened were likely associated with the concomitant wider step width. RFS had slightly greater pelvic drop, while FFS had slightly narrower step width and greater negative free moment.

Clinical Relevance:

Shortening one’s stride length may decrease or at least not increase propensity for running injuries based on the variables that we measured. One foot strike style does not appear universally better than the other; rather, different foot strike styles may predispose runners to different types of injuries.
Highly Efficient Genome Editing via CRISPR/Cas9 to Create Clock Gene Knockout Cells
Authors: Korge Sandra , Grudziecki Astrid , Kramer Achim
Published: August 2015

Targeted genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 is a relatively new, revolutionary technology allowing for efficient and directed alterations of the genome. It has been widely used for loss-of-function studies in animals and cell lines but has not yet been used to study circadian rhythms. Here, we describe the application of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing for the generation of an F-box and leucine-rich repeat protein 3 ( Fbxl3) knockout in a human cell line. Genomic alterations at the Fbxl3 locus occurred with very high efficiency (70%-100%) and specificity at both alleles, resulting in insertions and deletions that led to premature stop codons and hence FBXL3 knockout. Fbxl3 knockout cells displayed low amplitude and long period oscillations of Bmal1-luciferase reporter activity as well as increased CRY1 protein stability in line with previously published phenotypes for Fbxl3 knockout in mice. Thus, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing should be highly valuable for studying circadian rhythms not only in human cells but also in classic model systems as well as nonmodel organisms.
Nigel Biggar’s Just War: Reflections on jus ad bellum
Authors: Fabre Cécile
Published: August 2015

This paper raises some questions about Biggar’s accounts of the just cause and proportionality criteria for a just war. With respect to just cause, it argues that Biggar is committed to a broader range of justifications for war than one might think. Regarding proportionality, it claims that his account thereof invites reflection on the morality of conscription, and, more important still, given the book’s main aim—to refute Christian pacifism—in fact should lead him to embrace pacifism.
In Defence of the Laws of War
Authors: Reed Esther D.
Published: August 2015

This essay warns that Nigel Biggar’s permissive reading of the classic, theological just war tradition is problematic especially when combined with his highly contextual approach to the United Nations Charter and laws of war. Two points are made: (1) When compared to Augustine’s grappling with the disordered loves of the Roman empire—including ‘foreign iniquity’ as an excuse for military action, the animus dominandi, and wars of a kind that generate more war— In Defence of War lacks a political realism robust enough to defend against leaving the laws of war in the hands of the most powerful nations. (2) When compared to Augustine’s engagement with why and how secular law must constitute the conditions for peaceable and ordered co-existence, In Defence of War fails to incorporate into its just war reasoning a defence of the legal regime necessary for the protection of international peace and security.
From Dialectics to Theo-Logic: The Ethics of War from Paul Ramsey to Oliver O’Donovan
Authors: Feiler Therese
Published: August 2015

This article studies the fundamental shift between Paul Ramsey’s and Oliver O’Donovan’s ethics of war and so reintroduces Hegel into the debate on political ethics. The topic is approached through the notion of divine-human and political mediation, whereby Hegel’s early movement from Christology to dialectics provides the analytical framework. The article first studies the theo-logic of Paul Ramsey’s early agapist notions of war up to his transformist period. It then traces how O’Donovan fundamentally transforms Ramsey’s dialectical framework within that of narrated Christology. O’Donovan’s focus culminates in the unified reign of Christ and the overcoming of Hegel’s dialectics. But it is argued that the transition to Hegel’s and Ramsey’s perspectives is constantly required in order to prevent Christian ethics from becoming ossified. The article thus hopes to initiate a comprehensive, because logical-systematic discussion of contemporary wars and war machines, especially in critical conversation with philosophers and military practitioners.
Novel cardo poly(arylene ether nitrile sulfone) copolymers bearing xanthene moiety in the main chain
Authors: Guo Dong-Dong , Huang Zhen-Zhong , Sang Xiao-Yan , Sheng Shou-Ri
Published: August 2015

A series of cardo poly(arylene ether nitrile sulfone) (PENS) copolymers containing xanthene moiety were prepared by the nucleophilic substitution reaction of 9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)xanthene with 2,6-difluorobenzonitrile (DFBN) and 4,4′-dichlorodiphenylsulfone (DCDPS) by varying stoichiometric ratio of DFBN to DCDPS (90/10–40/60) using N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) as solvent in the presence of anhydrous potassium carbonate. The copolymers having number-average molecular weights of 17,100–18,300 g mol−1 with the polydispersity index from 1.79 to 2.11 were amorphous and were easily soluble in polar solvents such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and DMAc, and even in tetrahydrofuran and chloroform at room temperature. The resulting PENS copolymers showed glass transition temperature ( Tg) between 253.3°C and 260.4°C, and the Tg values were found to increase with increasing sulfone content in the copolymers. Thermogravimetric studies showed that all the polymers were stable up to 450°C, with 10% weight loss temperatures ranging from 500°C to 524°C and char yields of 56–63% at 700°C under nitrogen atmosphere. All new polymers could be cast into strong and flexible films with tensile strengths of 56.7–78.8 MPa, elongations at break of 7.8–9.1%, and tensile moduli of 2.1–3.2 GPa.
Exploring Health Beliefs and Practices of Caribbean Immigrants in Ontario to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Brathwaite Angela Cooper , Lemonde Manon
Published: August 2015

This qualitative study explored the beliefs held by adult Caribbean immigrants regarding type 2 diabetes (T2D) and their practices in preventing it. A purposive sample of 15 immigrants living in Ontario, Canada participated in the study. Semistructured interviews were used to collect data from participants. Four themes emerged from the data: beliefs that protect participants from developing T2D, cultural practices to stay healthy, preserving culture through preparation of meals, and cultural practices determine number of servings of fruit and vegetables per day. Findings indicate how beliefs and cultural practices influence prevention of T2D and the need to design culturally tailored interventions for ethnic groups. Future research should explore health beliefs and cultural practices of other high-risk groups and use their findings to design and evaluate culturally tailored interventions to prevent T2D.
A qualitative study of pain experiences in patients requiring hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Leov Jessica , Barrett Ella , Gallagher Steve , Swain Nicola
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study was to conduct an in-depth investigation of experiences with pain before knee and hip replacement surgery. A total of 20 patients were interviewed, and interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to identify themes. These were as follows: living with pain, pain conceptualised, pain treatments and healthcare system. Pre-surgical pain is very disabling and is viewed as biological. There was an associated loss of independence. Pharmaceutical management is used by all but not entirely effective, psychological therapies are underutilised. Patients were frustrated, angry, and confused about qualifying for surgery. Many areas of care could be improved to help these pre-surgical patients.
On a stepping-stone to cultural intelligence: Textual/discursive analyses of media reception in cultural studies
Authors: Glapka Ewa
Published: August 2015

The article discusses the potential contribution of (critical) discourse analysis to cultural studies. The textual/discursive approach to media reception is advanced as a way of investigating the semiotic and sociological concerns underpinning cultural studies. The article demonstrates the expediency of exploring the socio-cultural implications of media consumption by embracing its complexity. Understood as related to the textual/discursive, affective, cognitive, ideological and embodied aspects of identity, the complexity of individuals’ engagements with media is examined by means of discursive psychology. The advantages of this approach over other methods of investigating media reception are illustrated and discussed in relation to the concept of ‘cultural intelligence’. Relatedly, the importance of the proper understanding of the media consumer’s reflexivity is stressed, as well as an accurate operationalization of this concept in critical research.
Sugar and spice … and a badge and a gun revisited
Authors: Gibbs Jennifer C , Ruiz James , Klapper-Lehman Sarah Anne
Published: August 2015

Women’s involvement in policing has been an area of study in the United States, but research in other countries has been sporadic. Comparative research, in particular, is scant in the literature on women’s involvement in policing. To address this gap in knowledge, this study examines factors influencing the proportion of police who are women in 36 countries. Earlier work qualitatively comparing the countries with the highest and lowest proportions of women police suggested several common predictors, which were tested quantitatively using Tobit regression. Similar to the United States, where war created opportunities for women, countries involved in war with other countries have a higher proportion of women police. Interestingly, countries involved in civil war had a lower proportion of women police, as did more populous countries. Additionally, presence of the death penalty led to a greater proportion of women police, although this predictor only approached significance ( p < .10). Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Norwegian police students’ attitudes towards armament
Authors: Fekjær Silje Bringsrud , Strype Jon
Published: August 2015

Whether the police should routinely carry firearms is an ongoing debate in Norway. Although the police can carry weapons under special circumstances and currently are temporarily armed, the normal situation for the police in Norway is to store firearms in sealed cases in their police cars until armament orders are given by the police chief. In this study, we examine attitudes towards routine police armament among Norwegian police students. First, we investigate the distribution of these attitudes among the students, and then we study possible factors influencing their views on the matter. Specifically, we ask how gender, educational background, career plans and perceptions of police work influence their attitudes about armament. Our study is based on survey data from the research project Recruitment, Education and Careers in the Police (RECPOL). Our sample included one cohort of students from the Norwegian Police University College graduating in 2013 ( N = 513). Students were divided on the armament question, with roughly one third in favour of armament, one third against and one third undecided. The results of multinomial logistic regression analyses show that men are more likely than women to be in favour of armament, rather than being against. However, the gender difference is largely explained by differences in career plans and perceptions of the police role. Students who foresee a police career in patrol work and have an autonomous, non-legalistic perception of the police role are more likely to prefer armament.
“I can think, I can wait, I can fast”: Teaching food literature and experiential learning
Authors: Anantharam Anita
Published: August 2015

The idea of self-sufficiency resonates with feminist activists because the political thrust of the various movements for women’s rights—beginning with Mary Wollstonecraft’s plea for women’s access to education in her famous Vindication—hinged on finding sustainable solutions to the stranglehold that social, political, and economic institutions have on women’s lives. If the pivotal movement of feminism, in other words, is about increasing women’s sovereignty in a patriarchal world, the emerging “local/global” food movements provide a dynamic opportunity to understand how the personal can be refashioned into political action. The point of this essay is thus twofold: first, to show that food literature is an excellent medium to teach transnational feminist theories and practices; and second, to offer some of our strategies for feminist civic engagement through reclaiming the idea of “the personal is political.”
Forming a Stress Management and Health Promotion Program for Women Undergoing Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Authors: Pelekasis Panagiotis , Zisi Georgia , Koumarianou Anna , Marioli Androniki , Chrousos George , Syrigos Konstantinos , Darviri Christina
Published: August 2015

Objective. To assess the effects of an 8-week stress management and health promotion program on women undergoing breast cancer chemotherapy treatment. Patients and methods. A total of 61 patients were recruited in 2 cancer centers and were randomly assigned to the intervention program (n = 30) or control group (n = 31). The intervention program consisted of different stress management techniques, which were combined with instructions for lifestyle modification. Assessments were carried out through questionnaires and measurement of body mass index (BMI) at baseline and at the end of the 8-week program. Results. In all, 25 participants completed the intervention program, whereas 28 participants completed the observational control program. The intervention program resulted in a small effect size on internal dimension of Health Locus of Control (HLC) and a medium effect size on stress, depression, anxiety, night sleep duration, and chance dimension of HLC. A strong effect size was recorded for BMI and sleep onset latency. Self-rated health, spiritual well-being, and powerful others dimension of HLC were not significantly affected. Additionally, some of the participants reported a reduction in the side effects caused by chemotherapy. Conclusions. The intervention resulted in several benefits for the general health status of patients. Therefore, it should be considered as feasible and potentially beneficial for women undergoing breast cancer chemotherapy. However, it is necessary for this intervention to be tested through a randomized controlled trial in a larger sample of patients before adopting this program in standard cancer care.
A Gelatin–Thrombin Matrix Topical Hemostatic Agent (Floseal) in Combination With Harmonic Scalpel Is Effective in Patients Undergoing Total Thyroidectomy
Authors: Docimo Giovanni , Tolone Salvatore , Conzo Giovanni , Limongelli Paolo , Del Genio Gianmattia , Parmeggiani Domenico , De Palma Maurizio , Lupone Gennaro , Avenia Nicola , Lucchini Roberta , Monacelli Massimo , Gulotta Gaspare , Scerrino Gregorio , Pasquali Daniela , Bellastella Giuseppe , Esposito Katherine , De Bellis Annamaria , Pezzolla Angela , Ruggiero Roberto , Docimo Ludovico
Published: August 2015

Background. Hemostasis during thyroidectomy is essential; however, the safest, most efficient, and most cost-effective way to achieve this is unclear. This randomized, multicenter, single-blind, prospective study evaluated the efficacy and safety of using different hemostatic approaches in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy. Methods. Patients aged ≥18 to 70 years were randomized to Floseal + a harmonic scalpel (HS), Floseal alone, HS alone, or standard total thyroidectomy. Primary endpoint was 24-hour drain output. Secondary endpoints included surgery duration and complications. Results. Two hundred and six patients were randomized to Floseal + HS (n = 52), Floseal alone (n = 54), HS alone (n = 50), and standard total thyroidectomy (n = 50). The 24-hour drain output was lower in the Floseal + HS group compared with standard thyroidectomy. Floseal + HS also had a shorter surgery time ( P < .0001) versus the other 3 treatments. Conclusion. Floseal + HS can be effective at reducing postsurgical drain output and provides a complementary hemostatic approach in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy.
Manufacturing Conflict? How Journalists Intervene in the Conflict Frame Building Process
Authors: Bartholomé Guus , Lecheler Sophie , de Vreese Claes
Published: August 2015

A considerable amount of research is devoted to the presence and effects of conflict frames in the news. However, it is unknown if journalists actively manufacture and inflate conflict in their coverage of politics, or if they merely respond to contentious politics as it happens. This study focuses on the extent to which journalists take an interventionist stance in the conflict frame building process. We conducted expert interviews ( N = 16) among Dutch political journalists. Results show that journalists indeed take an active stance in conflict frame building. They contribute to the emergence of conflict frames by using exaggerating language, by orchestrating, and by amplifying possible consequences of political conflict. However, intervention in conflict framing is not merely a result of individual agency of journalists. Rather, some role conceptions seem to counter an interventionist stance. Media routines that are embedded in organizational practices were found to facilitate this active role in conflict framing. Finally, journalists are mainly found to be active when politicians or parties with political power are involved.
Rashes in School
Authors: Jakubowski Tami L. , Perron Tracy J. , Teixeira Elizabeth
Published: August 2015

School-aged children frequently present to the school nurse office due to a rash. School nurses need to be familiar with common childhood rashes and evidence-based treatment recommendations. Most importantly, school nurses must possess knowledge of whether rashes are contagious and whether the child should remain in school or at home until resolution of the rash. It is essential that school nurses are aware of interventions to reduce the risk of spreading a contagious skin infection throughout their school.
Rare complication of anterior communicating artery aneurysm coiling: Transient retrograde amnesia
Authors: Kamble Ravindra B , Sheshadri Veena , Jayaraman Anand , Chandramouli BA
Published: August 2015

Amnesia is an unusual and rare complication following endovascular coiling of intracranial aneurysms. We present a case of anterior communicating artery (ACOM) aneurysm in which the patient developed retrograde amnesia following endovascular coiling of the aneurysm. On imaging there was infarct involving bilateral fornices. The patient showed significant clinical improvement on follow up.
The clinical characteristics and treatment of cerebral AVM in pregnancy
Authors: Lv Xianli , Liu Peng , Li Youxiang
Published: August 2015

Cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in pregnancy is a complex situation and there is no agreement on its hemorrhage risk and treatment. Although studies on bleeding risk of cerebral AVMs in pregnancy are very few, and they provide different results, pregnancy will increase the hemorrhagic risk of AVM and ruptured cerebral AVM in pregnancy should be actively treated. After intracranial hemorrhage, cerebral angiography should be performed for pregnant women shielded correctly. Cerebral angiography could clearly demonstrate the characteristics of cerebral AVM. Results from the literature show that the radiation dose of endovascular and stereotactic radiotherapy for cerebral AVM in pregnancy was below the safety value and was safe. For an unruptured AVM in pregnancy, if there are no bleeding factors, e.g. no coexisting aneurysm, smooth venous drainage, no venous ectasia, or high risk of treatment, then it should be observed conservatively.
Combined use of stent angioplasty and mechanical thrombectomy for acute tandem internal carotid and middle cerebral artery occlusion
Authors: Gao Feng , Joyce Lo WaiTing , Sun Xuan , Xu XiaoTong , Miao ZhongRong
Published: August 2015

Purpose

Tandem internal carotid and middle cerebral artery occlusion carries a grave prognosis, with intravenous and intra-arterial thrombolytics having low efficacy. Currently, endovascular therapy is a promising means for treatment in which the proximal carotid lesion can be treated with angioplasty and stenting, whilst mechanical thrombectomy can be used for the treatment of the distal occlusion. Two approaches can be used – the antegrade (proximal-to-distal) approach or the retrograde (distal-to-proximal) approach, although there has not yet been any consensus on which is the better approach.

Case report

We present two patients with tandem occlusions, one treated using the antegrade and one using the retrograde approach, with different revascularization outcomes, despite having similar functional outcome on follow-up.

Conclusion

The combined use of stent angioplasty and mechanical thrombectomy can be used to treat tandem occlusions, and with procedural modifications, the antegrade approach may more easily achieve technical success.
MR spectroscopy of intracranial tuberculomas: A singlet peak at 3.8 ppm as potential marker to differentiate them from malignant tumors
Authors: Morales Humberto , Alfaro David , Martinot Carlos , Fayed Nicolas , Gaskill-Shipley Mary
Published: August 2015

Purpose

The diagnosis of intracranial tuberculomas is often challenging. Our purpose is to describe the most common metabolic patterns of tuberculomas by MR spectroscopy (MRS) with emphasis on potential specific markers.

Methods

Single-voxel MRS short echo time was performed in 13 cases of tuberculomas proven by histology and/or response to anti-mycobacterial therapy. For comparison MRS was also performed in 19 biopsy-proven malignant tumors (13 high-grade gliomas and six metastasis). Presence of metabolic peaks was assessed visually and categorical variables between groups were compared using chi-square. Metabolite ratios were compared using Mann-Whitney test and diagnostic accuracy of the metabolite ratios was compared using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis.

Results

Spectroscopic peaks representing lipids and glutamate/glutamine (Glx) as well as a peak at ∼3.8 ppm were well defined in 77% (10/13), 77% (10/13) and 69% (nine of 13) of tuberculomas, respectively. Lipid and Glx peaks were also present in most of the malignant lesions, 79% (15/19) and 74% (14/19) respectively. However, a peak at ∼3.8 ppm was present in only 10% (two of 19) of the tumor cases ( p < 0.001). Higher Cho/Cr and mI/Cr ratios helped discriminate malignant lesions with an area under the ROC curve of 0.86 (SE: 0.078, p < 0.002, CI: 0.7–1) and 0.8 (SE: 0.1, p < 0.009, CI: 0.6–1), respectively. Threshold values between 1.7–1.9 for Cho/Cr and 0.8–0.9 for mI/Cr provided high specificity (91% for both metabolites) and adequate sensitivity (75% and 80%, respectively) for discrimination of malignant lesions.

Conclusion

A singlet peak at ∼3.8 ppm is present in the majority of tuberculomas and absent in most malignant tumors, potentially a marker to differentiate these lesions. The assignment of the peak is difficult from our analysis; however, guanidinoacetate (Gua) is a possibility. Higher Cho/Cr and mI/Cr ratios should favor malignant lesions over tuberculomas. The presence of lipids and Glx is non-specific.
Delayed cerebral ischemia associated with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction in a patient with Moyamoya disease with intraventricular hemorrhage: Case report
Authors: Matsuoka Go , Kubota Yuichi , Okada Yoshikazu
Published: August 2015

We describe a case of cerebral infarctions caused by transient vasoconstrictions in the posterior circulation 2 weeks after intraventricular hemorrhage without subarachnoid hemorrhage in a 35-year-old patient with Moyamoya disease. To our knowledge, this is the first case report where diffuse segmental vasoconstrictions of the basilar and posterior cerebral arteries were recognized after intraventricular hemorrhage in Moyamoya disease. The patient complained of severe and acute-onset headache 14 days after the intraventricular hemorrhage, which had a different character and severity from the one she complained of at the onset of intraventricular hemorrhage. Finally, headache disappeared within 1 month and vasoconstriction resolved in 2 months. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome was under consideration for the etiology of her condition because of the “thunderclap” characteristics of the headache and the delayed timing of occurrence of the vasoconstriction. This case report informs and alerts neurologists, neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists who observe and treat patients with Moyamoya disease that vasoconstriction in the posterior circulation may occur after intraventricular hemorrhage in these patients.
Acute presentation of brachial plexus schwannoma secondary to infarction
Authors: Sidani Charif , Saraf-Lavi Efrat , Lyapichev Kirill A , Nadji Mehrdad , Levi Allan D
Published: August 2015

Schwannomas of the brachial plexus are rare and typically present as slowly growing masses. We describe a case of a 37-year-old female who presented with acute onset of severe left upper extremity pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 2.3 × 2.1 cm peripherally enhancing centrally cystic lesion in the left axilla, along the cords of the left brachial plexus, with significant surrounding edema and enhancement. The mass was surgically removed. Pathology was consistent with a schwannoma with infarction. The pain completely resolved immediately after surgery.
Flipping the Audience Script
Authors: Lam Chris , Hannah Mark A.
Published: August 2015

This article describes a flipped classroom activity that requires students to integrate research and audience analysis. The activity uses Twitter as a data source. In the activity, students identify a sample, collect customer tweets, and analyze the language of the tweets in an effort to construct knowledge about an audience’s values, needs, and attitudes. The article first presents an overview of audience analysis frameworks. It then presents a step-by-step tutorial for integrating the activity. The authors also provide business communication instructors with resources for implementing the activity including video lectures, handouts, and instructional guides.
Novel severe plastic deformation technique—accumulated extrusion (AccumEx)
Authors: Muralidharan G. K. , Verlinden B.
Published: August 2015

Accumulated extrusion, a novel severe plastic deformation technique based on conventional extrusion process, is proposed and has been validated on commercial pure aluminium sheets. Four sheets were extruded together at 75 reduction, and this product was recut into four pieces and reextruded up to eight passes to a strain of 13.2. The tensile strength increased up to 200 MPa after six passes. The elongation to failure was 21 after one pass and 6 after six passes. Ultrafine grains with average grain size of 600 nm were observed after eight passes. The refinement process was monitored along all three directions. Texture evolution played an influential role on the misorientation profile and high angle grain boundary fraction.
Peripheral blood derived mononuclear cells enhance osteoarthritic human chondrocyte migration
Authors: Hopper Niina , Henson Frances , Brooks Roger , Ali Erden , Rushton Neil , Wardale John
Published: August 2015

Introduction

A major problem in cartilage repair is the lack of chondrogenic cells migrating from healthy tissue into defects. Cartilage is essentially avascular and therefore its healing is not considered to involve mononuclear cells. Peripheral blood derived mononuclear cells (PBMC) offer a readily available autologous cell source for clinical use and therefore this study was designed to evaluate the effects of PBMCs on chondrocytes and cartilage.

Methods

Human primary chondrocytes and cartilage tissue explants were taken from patients undergoing total knee replacement (n = 17). Peripheral blood samples were obtained from healthy volunteers (n = 12) and mononuclear cells were isolated by density-gradient centrifugation. Cell migration and chemokinetic potential were measured using a scratch assay, xCELLigence and CyQuant assay. PCR array and quantitative PCR was used to evaluate mRNA expression of 87 cell motility and/or chondrogenic genes.

Results

The chondrocyte migration rate was 2.6 times higher at 3 hour time point (p < 0.0001) and total number of migrating chondrocytes was 9.7 times higher (p < 0.0001) after three day indirect PBMC stimulus and 8.2 times higher (p < 0.0001) after three day direct co-culture with PBMCs. A cartilage explant model confirmed that PBMCs also exert a chemokinetic role on ex vivo tissue. PBMC stimulation was found to significantly upregulate the mRNA levels of 2 chondrogenic genes; collagen type II (COL2A1 600–fold, p < 0.0001) and SRY box 9 (SOX9 30–fold, p < 0.0001) and the mRNA levels of 7 genes central in cell motility and migration were differentially regulated by 24h PBMC stimulation.

Conclusion

The results support the concept that PBMC treatment enhances chondrocyte migration without suppressing the chondrogenic phenotype possibly via mechanistic pathways involving MMP9 and IGF1. In the future, peripheral blood mononuclear cells could be used as an autologous point-ofcare treatment to attract native chondrocytes from the diseased tissue to aid in cartilage repair.
IL-17 sequestration via salivary gland gene therapy in a mouse model of Sjogren’s syndrome suppresses disease-associated expression of the putative autoantigen Klk1b22
Authors: Wu Changgong , Wang Zhimin , Zourelias Lee , Thakker Hiteshi , Passineau Michael J.
Published: August 2015

Introduction

IL-17 has a putative role in the pathophysiology of Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) and has been shown to be upregulated in the salivary glands of affected individuals. Sequestration of IL-17 with Adenoviral-mediated gene therapy has previously shown a benefit upon the SS-like phenotype in the Aec1/Aec2 mouse model. We sought to understand the proteomic consequences of IL-17 sequestration in the salivary gland of this mouse model as a means of illuminating the role of IL-17 in SS-like disease.

Methods

Ultrasound-assisted gene transfer (UAGT) was utilized to express a fusion protein composed of the extracellular portion of the IL-17 receptor fused to fragment of crystallization (Fc) in the submandibular glands of Aec1/Aec2 mice at 8 weeks of age. After confirming expression of the fusion protein and local and systemic sequestration of IL-17, proteomic profiling was performed on submandibular glands of a treated cohort of Aec1/Aec2 animals relative to the background strain and sham-treated animals.

Results

The most notable proteomic signatures of IL-17 sequestration on SS-like disease-related proteins were Kallikrein-related peptidases, including the putative autoantigen Klk1b22. IL-17 sequestration also notably led to an isoelectric shift, but not a molecular weight shift, of Kallikrein-1, attributed to phosphorylation.

Conclusion

Non-viral IL-17 sequestration gene therapy in the salivary gland is feasible and downregulates expression of a putative SS autoantigen in the Aec1/Aec2 mouse.