bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Temporal Aggregation Explain the Persistence of the S&P/Case‐Shiller Indices? Evidence from a Longitudinal Specification
Authors: Giannetti Antoine
Published: April 2017

Temporal aggregation is a repeat sale index construction methodology that consists of aggregating paired‐transactions in a moving‐average window. In particular, the methodology is used to calculate the popular S&P/Case‐Shiller home price indices. In this article, I focus the insights of the literature on measurement error to demonstrate that temporal aggregation produces idiosyncratic biases in predictive regression slopes. I further estimate a dynamic instrumental variable (IV) panel for the 20 S&P/Case‐Shiller metro areas. The main empirical finding is that temporal aggregation is a short‐lived statistical disturbance that does not explain the homogenous robust persistence of the indices.
Frequent Attenders of the Emergency Department: Patients’ Perspectives and Impact of a Multidisciplinary Case Management Intervention in Reducing Attendance
Authors: Ho Shu Fang , Lye Weng Kit , Pasupathi Yogeswary , Lian Sherman Wei Qiang , Ayoob Salimah Bte Mohd , Seng Gek Siang , Tan Lay Hong , Koh Chee Wai , Fook‐Chong Stephanie Man Chung , Chong Shu‐Ling , Ong Marcus Eng Hock
Published: April 2017

Background

Recent literature shows that multidisciplinary case management (MDCM) is the most cost‐effective intervention in reducing emergency department (ED) overutilization by frequent attenders (FAs). It is unclear whether we can extrapolate this finding to a Singapore‐based practice in light of the differences between healthcare systems and social structures.

Objectives

Our objectives were understand from the FA's perspective the reasons behind frequent ED visits and determine the clinical effectiveness of MDCM intervention in reducing ED visits by FAs at a tertiary hospital in Singapore.

Methods

We conducted a two‐stage pilot study that involved prospective recruitment of eligible patients for a qualitative study via face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews and subsequent random assignment of these patients into a dual‐arm randomized control trial with MDCM intervention.

Results

We recruited 40 patients (67.5% male, mean age = 58.25 years) between June 2014 and March 2015. Six main themes on why FAs chose to visit ED emerged: free/subsidized consultation, convenience, perceived better quality of care, perceived emergencies, third party's advice, and health services issues. Interim data analysis was conducted after 6 months’ follow‐up. The median percentage reduction of ED visits between control arm (50%, IQR = –80.00 to –5.00) and MDCM intervention arm (50%, IQR = –76.70 to 30.00) showed no significant difference (95% CI, p = 0.461).

Conclusion

While we discovered six major themes on patient's perspective of reasons behind frequent ED visits, the ability of MDCM intervention to reduce ED visits by FAs was not seen in the initial 6‐month interim analysis. Further research in FA subgroups is needed to develop more targeted interventions.
A systematic review of left unilateral electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Kellner C. H. , Farber K. G. , Chen X. R. , Mehrotra A. , Zipursky G. D. N.
Published: April 2017

Objective

To systematically review the published clinical trials, case series, and case reports on left unilateral (LUL) electrode placement for clinical electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Method

PubMed, Ovid Medline, and the Cochrane Library were searched for articles concerning LUL ECT. Number of patients, efficacy, and cognitive outcomes were extracted from the papers that met our inclusion criteria.

Results

A total of 52 articles were included in this review, consisting of 33 clinical trials, seven case series, and 12 case reports.

Conclusion

Overall, the efficacy of LUL electrode placement for the treatment of depression and psychosis is similar to that of right unilateral (RUL) and bilateral (BL) electrode placements. Patients receiving LUL ECT tend to experience more verbal memory impairment than patients receiving RUL ECT, but less verbal impairment than patients receiving BL ECT. In contrast, patients receiving LUL ECT tended to experience the least visual and nonverbal memory impairment, compared to patients receiving RUL or BL ECT.
Endothelium originated from colorectal cancer stem cells constitute cancer blood vessels
Authors: Shangguan Wenqi , Fan Chuanwen , Chen Xiaolong , Lu Ran , Liu Yuan , Li Yu , Shang Yanna , Yin Dongqin , Zhang Shengliang , Huang Qiaorong , Li Xue , Meng Wentong , Xu Hong , Zhou Zongguang , Hu Jiankun , Mo Xianming
Published: April 2017

Tumor growth depends on the formation of blood vessels that provide the supply of nutrients and oxygen. Previous data have shown that glioblastoma stem cells are able to give rise to vascular cells to constitute the functional vessels in tumor tissues. However, which kinds of vascular cells are generated from glioblastoma stem cells is largely debated. In addition, there is little evidence showing that the stem cells from other kinds of tumors can produce vascular cells to constitute the functional blood vessels in tumor tissues. Here we show that cancer stem cells of human colorectal carcinomas (CoCSC) can give rise to vascular endothelial cells and compose the vasculatures in cancer tissues. The human‐cell‐specific nuclear antigen NuMA+ vascular endothelial cells were detected in the blood vessels in xenografts derived from CoCSC. NuMA+ endothelial cells incorporated into functional blood vessels. Our data indicate that the cancer stem cells derived from human colorectal carcinomas have the capacity to generate functional blood vessels and provide a new mechanism for tumor vasculogenesis in carcinoma.
Primary lymphocytic hypophysitis: Clinical characteristics and treatment of 50 cases in a single centre in China over 18 years
Authors: Wang Shuchang , Wang Linjie , Yao Yong , Feng Feng , Yang Hongbo , Liang Zhiyong , Deng Kan , You Hui , Sun Jian , Xing Bing , Jin Zimeng , Wang Renzhi , Pan Hui , Zhu Huijuan
Published: April 2017

Objective

Primary lymphocytic hypophysitis (LYH) is rare, and it is often evaluated in a small case series. This study aimed to describe the diagnosis and treatment of primary LYH in a larger cohort.

Design

A retrospective study of the diagnosis and treatment of primary LYH was conducted at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1999 to 2016.

Patients

Fifty patients (28 histologically diagnosed and 22 clinically‐diagnosed) were eligible for inclusion.

Measurements

Clinical, endocrine, pathological and imaging findings; therapies and outcomes were assessed. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between the clinical parameters and outcomes (eg, improvements in pituitary function, regression of lesion size on MRI and disease recurrence).

Results

Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) (72.0%) was the most common endocrine dysfunction. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism was the most frequently observed (60.0%) manifestation of anterior pituitary dysfunction; adrenal insufficiency was the third most common (26.0%) manifestation; and IGF‐1 axis defects were the least frequent (22.0%). Thickening of the pituitary stalk was the most frequent (96.0%) imaging finding, and 78.0% of the patients exhibited both intrasellar and suprasellar expansion. Pharmacological dose of glucocorticoids was identified to be significantly associated with increased odds of anterior pituitary function improvement. No observed covariates were significantly associated with improvement of CDI and recurrence.

Conclusion

The sequence of anterior pituitary deficiencies in Chinese primary LYH patients was atypical (LH/FSH>TSH>ACTH>IGF‐1 axis deficiency). A pharmacological dose of glucocorticoids was significantly associated with the improved anterior pituitary insufficiency.
WNK1/HSN2 founder mutation in patients with hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy: A Japanese cohort study
Authors: Yuan J.‐H. , Hashiguchi A. , Yoshimura A. , Sakai N. , Takahashi M.P. , Ueda T. , Taniguchi A. , Okamoto S. , Kanazawa N. , Yamamoto Y. , Saigoh K. , Kusunoki S. , Ando M. , Hiramatsu Y. , Okamoto Y. , Takashima H.
Published: April 2017

The clinical and genetic spectrum of hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy (HSAN) is still unknown in Japan. We collected a broad cohort of 33 unrelated patients with predominant sensory and/or autonomic dysfunctions, who were referred to our genetic laboratory. A gene panel sequencing targeting 18 HSAN‐related genes was performed using a next‐generation sequencing system. A recurrent frame shift mutation in the WNK1/HSN2 gene, c.3237_3238insT (p.Asp1080*), was detected in 5 patients. This mutation was homozygous in 4 cases and of a compound heterozygous genotype in 1 case. Geographic and haplotype analysis of all 5 patients suggested a founder event. In addition, a novel heterozygous nonsense variant, c.2615C>G (p.Ser872*), was identified. All the 5 patients presented with severe sensory and autonomic dysfunctions at birth or during adolescence. In 2 patients, an uncommon phenotype of acute pathological pain presented at ~50 years of age. Here, we present the first founder mutation of WNK1/HSN2, in addition to French Canadian, which accounts for ~15.2% of Japanese patients with HSAN in our cohort. We have also reviewed all previously described mutations in WNK1/HSN2 and reconciled their nomenclature strategy on the basis of the current longest transcript.
Diabetic kidney transplant recipients: Impaired infection control and increased alloreactivity
Authors: Schachtner Thomas , Stein Maik , Reinke Petra
Published: April 2017

Background

Post‐transplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) has been associated with inferior patient and allograft outcomes. However, previous studies did not identify differences in infection control and alloreactivity.

Methods

We studied 449 kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) between 2005 and 2013. Fifty (11.1%) KTRs were diagnosed with PTDM and 60 (13.4%) KTRs with pre‐existing diabetes. Samples were collected pretransplantation, at +1, +2, +3 months post‐transplantation. CMV specific and alloreactive T cells were quantified by interferon‐γ Elispot assay. Lymphocyte subpopulations were quantified by flow cytometry.

Results

Upon multivariate analysis, age, obesity, and the use of tacrolimus increased the risk of PTDM (P<.05). KTRs with pre‐existing diabetes/PTDM showed higher rates of sepsis (P<.01). Total CD3+ and CD4+ T cell counts were significantly lower in KTRs with PTDM/pre‐existing diabetes post‐transplantation (P<.05). No differences were observed for CMV‐specific T cells between any group (P>.05). KTRs developing PTDM showed increased frequencies of alloreactive T‐cells post‐transplantation (P<.05).

Conclusions

Our results suggest higher rates of infection in KTRs with pre‐existing diabetes/PTDM that may be attributed to impaired overall immunity. Higher frequencies of alloreactive T cells contribute to inferior long‐term outcomes. As acute rejection, but not pre‐existing diabetes/PTDM, was associated with inferior allograft survival and function, maintaining adequate immunosuppression to prevent rejection seems important.
How should development co‐operation evolve? Views from developing countries
Authors: Davies Robin , Pickering Jonathan
Published: April 2017

This article provides evidence on what developing country governments expect to be their main challenges within five to 10 years, and how they want their relationships with development assistance providers to evolve in order to meet these challenges. The results, based on a survey commissioned by the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) of 40 partner country governments, indicate that demand for official development assistance (ODA) is likely to remain strong in the medium term, but that partner countries are actively diversifying providers in order to spread risk. Countries want ODA providers to shift to a more enabling role in the coming years, providing vital finance, but in support of government‐led sector programmes, delivering more and better technical and policy support, and leveraging more private finance.
Development of the headspace Family and Friends Satisfaction Scale: Findings from a pilot study
Authors: Nicholas Angela , Holloway Erin , Telford Nic , Rickwood Debra
Published: April 2017

Aims

The primary aim of this pilot study was to determine the psychometric properties of the 18‐item headspace Family and Friends Satisfaction Scale (hFAFSS).

Methods

During August 2015, staff from 22 headspace centres approached family members and friends of young people attending headspace to complete the hFAFSS. Principal components analysis with oblique Promin rotation and polychoric correlations were used to assess the factor structure of the hFAFSS.

Results

There were 277 usable responses. Satisfaction was high, resulting in little variance. Parallel analyses suggested that the scale items tapped a single factor (68% of variance).

Conclusions

This study is one of the first attempts to measure the satisfaction of family and friends with primary care‐based youth mental health services. Satisfaction of family members and friends was shown to be high, but limited variance restricts the usability of the hFAFSS as an evaluation measure, and revision and further testing is needed.
Relationship quality affects fission decisions in wild spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi)
Authors: Busia Laura , Schaffner Colleen M. , Aureli Filippo
Published: April 2017

Fission–fusion dynamics are thought to be mainly a response to differential availability of food resources. However, social factors may also play a role. Here, we examined whether the quality of social relationships between group members affects fission decisions. During 21 months, we collected data on social interactions and fission events of 22 spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) living in a community in the protected area of Otoch Ma'ax Yetel Kooh, Yucatan, Mexico. By entering seven indexes of social interactions into a principal component analysis, we obtained three components of relationship quality, which we labelled “compatibility,” “value” and “insecurity” given the relative loadings of the indexes. Our results showed that individuals were more likely to fission into the same subgroup with community members with whom they shared higher levels of compatibility and value and lower levels of insecurity. In addition, individuals preferred to fission into the same subgroup with same‐sex group members, as expected based on what is known for the species. Our findings highlight the role of social factors in fission decisions. Adjustments in subgroup size are based on multifaceted social preferences, incorporating previously unexamined aspects of relationship quality, which are independent from overall levels of affiliative interactions.
Combined activity of temozolomide and the mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus in metastatic melanoma involves DKK1
Authors: Niessner Heike , Kosnopfel Corinna , Sinnberg Tobias , Beck Daniela , Krieg Kathrin , Wanke Ines , Lasithiotakis Konstantinos , Bonin Michael , Garbe Claus , Meier Friedegund
Published: April 2017

The BRAFV600E inhibitor vemurafenib achieves remarkable clinical responses in patients with BRAF‐mutant melanoma, but its effects are limited by the onset of drug resistance. In the case of resistance, chemotherapy can still be applied as second line therapy. However, it yields low response rates and strategies are urgently needed to potentiate its effects. In a previous study, we showed that the inhibition of the PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR pathway significantly increases sensitivity of melanoma cells to chemotherapeutic drugs (J. Invest. Dermatol. 2009, 129, 1500). In this study, the combination of the mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus with the chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide significantly increases growth inhibition and apoptosis in melanoma cells compared to temsirolimus or temozolomide alone. The combination of temozolomide with temsirolimus is not only effective in established but also in newly isolated and vemurafenib‐resistant metastatic melanoma cell lines. These effects are associated with the downregulation of the anti‐apoptotic protein Mcl‐1 and the upregulation of the Wnt antagonist Dickkopf homologue 1 (DKK1). Knock‐down of DKK1 suppresses apoptosis induction by the combination of temsirolimus and temozolomide. These data suggest that the inhibition of the mTOR pathway increases sensitivity of melanoma cells towards temozolomide. Chemosensitisation is associated with enhanced expression of the Wnt antagonist DKK1.
Implications of piscine predator control on the federally listed fountain darter
Authors: Clark M. K. , Ostrand K. G. , Bonner T. H.
Published: April 2017

One strategy for protecting the federally listed fountain darter, Etheostoma fonticola (Jordan & Gilbert), during low flow conditions is the removal of piscine carnivores [in this case, largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides (Lacepède)]. However, headwater spring communities of the Comal and San Marcos rivers include another potential predator [red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii (Girard)]. Removal of piscine carnivores could produce cascading effects by increasing crayfish consumption of benthic fish. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if piscine carnivore removal will lessen predatory pressure or induce a trophic cascade with crayfish increasing and causing declines in fountain darter. The numbers of fountain darter consumed were quantified among three predator treatments (red swamp crayfish only, largemouth bass only and red swamp crayfish and largemouth bass combined) and vegetation treatments (vegetated and non‐vegetated) at three temperature regimes (18, 22, 27°C). Vegetation had no effect on fountain darter predation. Among temperature trials, largemouth bass only and red swamp crayfish and largemouth bass combined consumed similar numbers of fountain darter, and red swamp crayfish only consumed the least numbers of fountain darter, except at 22°C. Largemouth bass did not consume more red swamp crayfish than fountain darter. Therefore, largemouth bass removal appears to be a viable option for reducing fountain darter predation during periods of low flow.
The Dark Triad of Personality and Considering Cosmetic Surgery: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Chegeni Razieh , Atari Mohammad
Published: April 2017

This study is the first to directly investigate the relationship between the Dark Triad traits and considering cosmetic surgery. The sample consisted of 222 university students, aged between 18 and 37 (M = 24.59, SD = 4.17), from Tehran, Iran. Participants completed the Short Dark Triad scale and “consider” subscale of Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale. Descriptive statistics and evaluation of sex differences suggested that psychopathy was significantly higher in men and considering cosmetic surgery was significantly higher in women. Correlational analyses showed that psychopathy was associated with considering cosmetic surgery in men and women. Machiavellianism was associated with considering cosmetic surgery in women, but not men. Narcissism was not found to be related to considering cosmetic surgery. Findings of this study indicated that psychopathy is associated with considering cosmetic surgery. Moreover, sex moderated the relationship between Machiavellianism and considering cosmetic surgery. Implications of this exploratory study and future directions are discussed.
Pain management coaching: The missing link in the care of individuals living with chronic pain
Authors: Curtis Rebecca , O'Beso Joel
Published: April 2017

This article describes the preliminary findings on the efficacy of a Comprehensive Telephonic Pain Self‐Management Coaching Program (CTPSCP) in improving pain‐related outcomes for adults being treated for chronic pain. Analyses of pain‐related data collected by administering the Pain Outcomes Questionnaire‐For Civilians (POQ‐C) to participants in a CTPSCP at intake, at the 6‐month mid‐point (n = 51), and at the 12‐month completion of the program (n = 33). A paired‐sample t test was conducted to evaluate whether there was a reduction in scores on the POQ‐C. The results indicated that there was a significant reduction in the POQ‐C scores from intake to 6‐ and 12‐months follow‐up. The total scores on the POQ‐C dropped from the 50%–74% range of pain to the 10%–24% range. Separate score decreases in the six subscales were statistically significant as well. These findings support the implementation of a CTPSCP as an effective adjunctive intervention, potentiating the standard medical treatments. Future studies should focus on direct comparisons between telephonic coaching and face‐to‐face coaching, and between pain management coaching and cognitive‐behavioral therapy. What makes a good CTPSCP candidate and “optimal treatment dose” need to be elucidated. Finally, comparative cost‐effectiveness and reimbursement models from insurance carriers should be explored as well.
The qualitative f‐ratio method applied to electron channelling‐induced x‐ray imaging with an annular silicon drift detector in a scanning electron microscope in the transmission mode
Authors: BRODUSCH NICOLAS , GAUVIN RAYNALD
Published: April 2017

Electron channelling is known to affect the x‐ray production when an accelerated electron beam is applied to a crystalline material and is highly dependent on the local crystal orientation. This effect, unless very long counting time are used, is barely noticeable on x‐ray energy spectra recorded with conventional silicon drift detectors (SDD) located at a small elevation angle. However, the very high count rates provided by the new commercially available annular SDDs permit now to observe this effect routinely and may, in some circumstances, hide the true elemental x‐ray variations due to the local true specimen composition. To circumvent this issue, the recently developed f‐ratio method was applied to display qualitatively the true net intensity x‐ray variations in a thin specimen of a Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy in a scanning electron microscope in transmission mode. The diffraction contrast observed in the x‐ray images was successfully cancelled through the use of f‐ratios and the true composition variations at the grain boundaries could be observed in relation to the dislocation alignment prior to the β‐phase nucleation. The qualitative effectiveness in removing channelling effects demonstrated in this work makes the f‐ratio, in its quantitative form, a possible alternative to the ZAF method in channelling conditions.
Cholinergic/glutamatergic co‐transmission in striatal cholinergic interneurons: new mechanisms regulating striatal computation
Authors: Kljakic Ornela , Janickova Helena , Prado Vania F. , Prado Marco A. M.
Published: April 2017

It is well established that neurons secrete neuropeptides and ATP with classical neurotransmitters; however, certain neuronal populations are also capable of releasing two classical neurotransmitters by a process named co‐transmission. Although there has been progress in our understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying co‐transmission, the individual regulation of neurotransmitter secretion and the functional significance of this neuronal ‘bilingualism’ is still unknown. Striatal cholinergic interneurons (CINs) have been shown to secrete glutamate (Glu) in addition to acetylcholine (ACh) and are recognized for their role in the regulation of striatal circuits and behavior. Our review highlights the recent research into identifying mechanisms that regulate the secretion and function of Glu and ACh released by CINs and the roles these neurons play in regulating dopamine secretion and striatal activity. In particular, we focus on how the transporters for ACh (VAChT) and Glu (VGLUT3) influence the storage of neurotransmitters in CINs. We further discuss how these individual neurotransmitters regulate striatal computation and distinct aspects of behavior that are regulated by the striatum. We suggest that understanding the distinct and complementary functional roles of these two neurotransmitters may prove beneficial in the development of therapies for Parkinson's disease and addiction. Overall, understanding how Glu and ACh secreted by CINs impacts striatal activity may provide insight into how different populations of ‘bilingual’ neurons are able to develop sophisticated regulation of their targets by interacting with multiple receptors but also by regulating each other's vesicular storage.

This is an article for the special issue XVth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms.

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Functional identification of activity‐regulated, high‐affinity glutamine transport in hippocampal neurons inhibited by riluzole
Authors: Erickson Jeffrey D.
Published: April 2017

Glutamine (Gln) is considered the preferred precursor for the neurotransmitter pool of glutamate (Glu), the major excitatory transmitter in the mammalian CNS. Here, an activity‐regulated, high‐affinity Gln transport system is described in developing and mature neuron‐enriched hippocampal cultures that is potently inhibited by riluzole (IC50 1.3 ± 0.5 μM), an anti‐glutamatergic drug, and is blocked by low concentrations of 2‐(methylamino)isobutyrate (MeAIB), a system A transport inhibitor. K+‐stimulated MeAIB transport displays an affinity (Km) for MeAIB of 37 ± 1.2 μM, saturates at ~ 200 μM, is dependent on extracellular Ca2+, and is blocked by inhibition of voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels. Spontaneous MeAIB transport is also dependent on extracellullar Ca2+ and voltage‐gated calcium channels, but is also blocked by the Na+ channel blocker tetrodotoxin, by Glu receptor antagonists, and by GABA indicating its dependence on intact neural circuits driven by endogenous glutamatergic activity. The transport of MeAIB itself does not rely on Ca2+, but on Na+ ions, and is pH sensitive. Activity‐regulated, riluzole‐sensitive spontaneous and K+‐stimulated transport is minimal at 7–8 days in vitro, coordinately induced during the next 2 weeks and is maximally expressed by days in vitro > 20; the known period for maturation of the Glu/Gln cycle and regulated pre‐synaptic Glu release. Competition analyses with various amino acids indicate that Gln is the most likely physiological substrate. Activity‐regulated Gln/MeAIB transport is not observed in astrocytes. The functional identification of activity‐regulated, high‐affinity, riluzole‐sensitive Gln/MeAIB transport in hippocampal neurons may have important ramifications in the neurobiology of activity‐stimulated pre‐synaptic Glu release, the Glu/Gln cycle between astrocytes and neurons, and neuronal Glu‐induced excitotoxicity.

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Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.13805.
Late pubertal growth spurt in a girl with growth hormone deficiency: Is Kaufmann therapy effective in a girl with short stature who responds poorly to growth hormone therapy and estrogen‐replacement therapy?
Authors: Yasuda Katsuhiko
Published: April 2017

A Japanese senior high school girl aged 18 years and 5 months with growth hormone deficiency was referred for primary amenorrhea. Her height was 1.36 m, and her bodyweight was 23.5 kg. She had received daily growth hormone therapy from the age of 5 years. Growth hormone therapy was discontinued at the age of 16 years and 11 months, and estrogen‐replacement therapy (ERT) was started to stimulate secondary sexual characteristics. Although ERT was performed until the age of 18 years and 11 months, genital bleeding did not occur. ERT was changed to Kaufmann therapy, and the first genital bleeding occurred 1 year and 4 months later. Finally, regular medically induced menses occurred at the age of 21 years and 10 months. Her height increased by 9 cm in 1 year after the initiation of menstrual bleeding. Kaufmann therapy was associated not only with menstrual bleeding but also with growth spurt.
Novel technique for adhesion barrier insertion by using cut‐off surgical glove fingers in laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Nakagawa Hitomi , Yoshimura Kazuaki , Nishimura Kazuaki , Hachisuga Toru
Published: April 2017

Aim

Laparoscopic surgery causes fewer postoperative adhesions than laparotomy and adhesion barriers are used to lessen the chance of adhesion. Sodium hyaluronate and carboxymethylcellulose (SH‐CMC), a bioresorbable membrane, is effective in preventing adhesions. However, its properties make it difficult to insert the film into the abdominal cavity and to place it into the target area during laparoscopic surgeries. Here we report a novel technique for applying SH‐CMC during laparoscopic surgeries by using cut‐off surgical glove fingers.

Methods

In our dry‐box experiment, we found that SH‐CMC became more flexible after moisturizing for 30 s. Therefore, for this procedure, we moisturizing both sides of the SH‐CMC sheet (7.35 × 6.35 cm) on wet gauze (for 30 s). The film was rolled into cut‐off surgical glove fingers and inserted into the abdominal cavity through a 12‐mm trocar. The film was then removed from the glove finger and unrolled onto the target area (glove‐finger method).

Results

The dry‐box experiment revealed that moisturizing both sides of SH‐CMC for 30 s/side, 15 min after package removal, made the film more flexible. Ninety of 96 attempts with SH‐CMC were successful among the 24 patients who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy with our glove‐finger method.

Conclusion

Our glove‐finger method can realize the smooth application of SH‐CMC to the target area during laparoscopic surgeries.
Risks of thromboembolism associated with hormone contraceptives in Japanese compared with Western women
Authors: Kobayashi Takao , Sugiura Kazuko , Ojima Toshiyuki
Published: April 2017

We extracted 581 thromboembolic events associated with combined oral contraceptives (COC) that occurred between 2004 and 2013 in Japan, from the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency database. The most common thromboembolic events associated with COC were deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and their combination. The reported thromboembolic events increased year by year, in association with an increase in the quantity of prescribed low‐dose estrogen progestin after approval for health insurance coverage for dysmenorrhea in 2008 in Japan. The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in Japanese COC users is estimated to be lower compared with their Western counterparts. In contrast, the frequency of all thromboembolic events peaked at 90 days from the start of COC, as in Western studies. The risk of VTE in the overweight group (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) was more than twofold higher than in the standard group, and age‐specific incidence rate rose sharply after the age of 40. There were different VTE risks according to progestin type in Japan as in Western countries, but a definite conclusion about risk according to progestin type was not able to be reached at present. As for the risk of arterial embolism and thrombosis, the difference by progestin type was small, but it became higher at ≥50 years of age. Last, mortality rate caused by thromboembolism is extremely low among COC users.
Successful vaginal delivery at term after vaginal reconstruction with labium minus flaps in a patient with vaginal atresia: A rare case report
Authors: Liu Yu , Wang Yi‐Feng
Published: April 2017

We report a case of successful vaginal delivery after vaginal reconstruction with labium minus flaps in a 23‐year‐old patient with congenital vaginal atresia. The patient primarily presented with amenorrhea and cyclic abdominal pain; transabdominal ultrasonography revealed an enlarged uterus due to hematometra and absence of the lower segment of the vagina. Eight years ago, she had undergone an unsuccessful attempt at canalization at a local hospital. Upon referral to our hospital, she underwent vaginal reconstruction with labium minus flaps. Four months after this procedure, she became pregnant and, subsequently, successfully and safely vaginally delivered a healthy female baby weighing 3250 g at 38+1 weeks' gestation. The delivery did not involve perineal laceration by lateral episiotomy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of successful vaginal delivery at term after vaginal reconstruction with labium minus flaps in a patient with vaginal atresia.
Efficacy of Tulathromycin for the Treatment of Foals with Mild to Moderate Bronchopneumonia
Authors: Rutenberg D. , Venner M. , Giguère S.
Published: April 2017

Background

There is conflicting data regarding the efficacy of tulathromycin for the treatment of foals with bronchopneumonia.

Hypotheses

Tulathromycin is effective for the treatment of bronchopneumonia in foals and noninferior to the combination of azithromycin and rifampin.

Animals

A total of 240 foals on a farm endemic for infections caused byRhodococcus equi.

Methods

In a controlled, randomized, and double‐blinded clinical trial, foals with ultrasonographic pulmonary lesions (abscess score 10–15 cm) were allocated to 3 groups: 1—tulathromycinIMq 7 days (n = 80); 2—azithromycin‐rifampin, orally q24h (n = 80); or 3—untreated controls (n = 80). Physical examination and thoracic ultrasonography were performed by individuals unaware of treatment group assignment. Foals that worsened were considered treatment failures and removed from the study.

Results

The proportion of foals that recovered was significantly higher for foals treated with tulathromycin (70 of 79) or azithromycin‐rifampin (76 of 80) compared to that of control foals (22 of 80). The difference in the percentage of efficacy of azithromycin‐rifampin versus tulathromycin was 6.4% (90%CI= −0.72–13.5%). Given that the confidence interval crossed the predetermined noninferiority limit of 10%, the null hypothesis that the response rate in the azithromycin‐rifampin group is superior to that of the tulathromycin group could not be rejected. Resolution of ultrasonographic lesions occurred faster in foals treated with azithromycin‐rifampin than in foals treated with tulathromycin.

Conclusion and clinical importance

Tulathromycin was effective for the treatment of bronchopneumonia in foals at this farm but not as effective as the combination of azithromycin‐rifampin.
Associations among relational values, support, health, and well‐being across the adult lifespan
Authors: CHOPIK WILLIAM J.
Published: April 2017

Is the link between close relationships and health and well‐being static across the lifespan, or are the benefits most evident in older adulthood, when concerns about physical health are greater? In Study 1, a cross‐sectional survey of 271,053 adults, valuing friendships was related to better functioning, particularly among older adults, whereas valuing familial relationships exerted a static influence on health and well‐being across the lifespan. In Study 2, a longitudinal study of 7,481 older adults, only strain from friendships predicted more chronic illnesses over a 6‐year period; support from spouses, children, and friends predicted higher subjective well‐being over an 8‐year period.
Utility of mitochondrial‐encoded cytochrome c oxidase I gene for phylogenetic analysis and species identification of the planktonic diatom genus Skeletonema
Authors: Yamada Machiko , Otsubo Mayuko , Tsutsumi Yuki , Mizota Chiaki , Nakamura Yuka , Takahashi Kazuya , Iwataki Mitsunori
Published: April 2017

Small subunit (SSU) and large subunit (LSU) rDNA sequences have been commonly used to delineate the taxonomy and biogeography of the planktonic diatom genus Skeletonema, but the genes occur as multiple copies and are therefore not suitable for barcoding purposes. Here, we analyzed phylogenetic relationships of Skeletonema using the mitochondrial‐encoded cytochrome c oxidase I gene (cox1), as well as partial LSU rDNA (D1–D3) and SSU rDNA, to identify the factors that define species and to evaluate the utility of these three markers for this taxon. Twelve Skeletonema species were divided into six clades, I–VI, each of which comprised the same species by the three markers: clades I (S. japonicum, S. grethae, S. pseudocostatum, and S. tropicum), II (S. menzelii), III (S. dohrnii and S. marinoi), IV (S. costatum, S. potamos, and S. subsalsum), V (S. grevillei), and VI (S. ardens). However, the branching order among these clades was incongruent among the markers. In clade III, six S. marinoi strains had identical cox1 sequences. These S. marinoi strains branched along with S. dohrnii, except for strains from the Gulf of Naples, with high support in cox1. Species delimitation between S. dohrnii and S. marinoi was therefore not supported. In clade IV, S. costatum and S. subsalsum were robustly clustered, with S. potamos as a sister clade in the cox1 tree, not in the LSU and SSU trees. In clade II, cox1 also confirmed that S. menzelii includes three subclades potentially distinguishable from each other by morphological features. Cox1 proved to be the most useful marker for the identification of Skeletonema species because it gave a tree with highly supported clades, has sufficient variation within and among species, encodes a protein in a single copy, and requires relatively few primers.
Misfortune may be a blessing in disguise: Fairness perception and emotion modulate decision making
Authors: Liu Hong‐Hsiang , Hwang Yin‐Dir , Hsieh Ming H. , Hsu Yung‐Fong , Lai Wen‐Sung
Published: April 2017

Fairness perception and equality during social interactions frequently elicit affective arousal and affect decision making. By integrating the dictator game and a probabilistic gambling task, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a negative experience induced by perceived unfairness on decision making using behavioral, model fitting, and electrophysiological approaches. Participants were randomly assigned to the neutral, harsh, or kind groups, which consisted of various asset allocation scenarios to induce different levels of perceived unfairness. The monetary gain was subsequently considered the initial asset in a negatively rewarded, probabilistic gambling task in which the participants were instructed to maintain as much asset as possible. Our behavioral results indicated that the participants in the harsh group exhibited increased levels of negative emotions but retained greater total game scores than the participants in the other two groups. Parameter estimation of a reinforcement learning model using a Bayesian approach indicated that these participants were more loss aversive and consistent in decision making. Data from simultaneous ERP recordings further demonstrated that these participants exhibited larger feedback‐related negativity to unexpected outcomes in the gambling task, which suggests enhanced reward sensitivity and signaling of reward prediction error. Collectively, our study suggests that a negative experience may be an advantage in the modulation of reward‐based decision making.
Does limb partitioning and positioning affect acute cardiorespiratory responses during strength exercises in patients with COPD?
Authors: Robles Priscila , Araujo Tamara , Brooks Dina , Zabjek Karl , Janaudis‐Ferreira Tania , Marzolini Susan , Goldstein Roger , Mathur Sunita
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

Cardiorespiratory responses and symptoms in response to endurance exercise in patients with COPD vary with the number and position of involved limbs. Responses to such variations have never been quantified for strength exercises. We therefore assessed acute cardiorespiratory responses during brief bouts of weight lifting exercises.

Methods

We compared double‐ versus single‐limb leg extensions and arm elevations, as well as arm elevation done above or below shoulder level in patients with moderate to severe COPD (n = 10, 6 males, 66 (8.1 years), forced expiratory volume on 1 s (FEV1
) % predicted = 34% (14%)). Minute ventilation, oxygen uptake, oxygen saturation, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and recovery time were collected during single sets of each exercise (10 repetitions at 80% of one repetition maximum).

Results

Ventilatory and gas exchange responses were not affected by the number of exercising limbs. Changes in HR, BP and RPE scores during arm elevation above shoulder level were greater after double‐ compared with single‐arm elevation (P ≤ 0.001) and greater when exercising above compared with below shoulder level (P ≤ 0.01). Double‐arm elevation above shoulder level required 1.5 min longer HR recovery time (P ≤ 0.041) compared with other exercises.

Conclusion

Double‐arm elevation above shoulder level appears to be more challenging than other strength exercise variations. Partitioning exercises and limb position may reduce perceived exertion during training.
Alethic Pluralism and the Role of Reference in the Metaphysics of Truth
Authors: Ball Brian
Published: April 2017

In this paper, I outline and defend a novel approach to alethic pluralism, the thesis that truth has more than one metaphysical nature: where truth is, in part, explained by reference, it is (relevantly) relational in character and can be regarded as consisting in correspondence; but where instead truth does not depend upon reference it is not (relevantly) relational and involves only coherence. In the process, I articulate a clear sense in which truth may or may not depend upon reference: this involves distinguishing semantic denotation from pragmatic speaker reference and claiming that there may or may not exist a metasemantic connection between these two notions. Finally, I argue that reference is not in general inscrutable—that this metasemantic connection does exist in the case of our ordinary discourse about present macroscopic concrete objects—but that it is in pure mathematics, where reference cannot be secured, and which therefore plays no role in accounting for truth. In this manner, alethic pluralism is upheld.
A Model of Plausible, Severe and Useful Stress Scenarios for VIX Shocks
Authors: Guo Zi-Yi
Published: April 2017

The implied volatility is a key component in determining option prices, and consequently a model of VIX shocks in stress testing plays a crucial role in quantifying market risk of derivative portfolios. Based on hypothetical moves of SPX spot price, we first apply the “sticky strike” rule to the existing SPX volatility surface and shock the implied volatility level by an additional relative amount, which would be determined by the analysis of historical VIX fluctuations. Then, we calculate the after-shock VIX index level according to the CBOE VIX White paper, and finally determine the daily VIX shocks. Our backtesting results show that the model could generate realistic VIX shocks in mimicking historical financial crises. A simple application of our model generates stress testing scenarios of VIX shocks comparable with the scenarios from a leading financial institution in the United States. Our model has practical implications for the Basel stress testing.
Soccer Match Play as an Important Component of the Power-Training Stimulus in Premier League Players
Authors: Morgans Ryland , Di Michele Rocco , Drust Barry
Published: April 2017

Purpose: Competitive match play is a dominant component of the physical load completed by soccer players in a training microcycle. Characterizing the temporal disruption in homeostasis that follows exercise may provide some insight on the potential for match play to elicit an adaptive response. Methods: Countermovement-jump (CMJ) performance was characterized 3 d postmatch for 15 outfield players from an English Premier League soccer team (age 25.8 ± 4.1 y, stature 1.78 ± 0.08 m, body mass: 71.7 ± 9.1 kg) across a season. These players were classified as either starters (n = 9) or nonstarters (n = 6), according to their average individual playing time (more or less than 60 min/match). Linear mixed models were used to investigate the influence of indicators of match activity (total distance covered [TD] and high-intensity running distance [HI]) on CMJ height and peak power (PP). Results: Starting players covered much greater TD (ES = 1.5) and HI (ES = 1.4) than nonstarters. Furthermore, there was a possible positive effect of HI on CMJ height and PP. This relationship suggests that an additional 0.6 km of HI would increase CMJ height and PP by slightly more than the smallest-worthwhile-change values of 0.6 cm and 1.0 W/kg, respectively. This small yet practically relevant increase in performance may suggest that match play, more specifically the intense activities that are associated with the match, provides a physiological stimulus for neuromuscular adaptation. Conclusions: These data may have implications for the preparation of soccer squads, especially the training requirements of starting and nonstarting players.
Altering the Speed Profiles of Wheelchair Rugby Players With Game-Simulation Drill Design
Authors: Rhodes James M. , Mason Barry S. , Paulson Thomas A.W. , Goosey-Tolfrey Victoria L.
Published: April 2017

Purpose:To examine the speed profiles of elite wheelchair rugby (WCR) players during game-simulation training drills of differing player number and shot-clock regulations. A secondary aim was to determine whether the profiles were further influenced by player classification.Methods:Eight elite WCR players (low-point n = 3, high-point n = 5) were monitored using a radio-frequency-based indoor tracking system during training sessions over a 5-mo period. Speed profiles were collected for 3 modified game-simulation drills—3-versus-3 drills (n = 8 observations), 30-s shot clock (n = 24 observations), and 15-s shot clock (n = 16 observations)—and were compared with regular game-simulation drills (4 vs 4, 40-s shot clock; n = 16 observations). Measures included mean and peak speed; exercise-intensity ratios, defined as the ratio of time spent performing at high and low speeds; and the number of high-speed activities performed.Results:Compared with regular game-simulation drills, 3-versus-3 drills elicited a moderate increase in mean speed (6.3%; effect size [ES] = 0.7) and the number of high-speed activities performed (44.1%; ES = 1.1). Minimal changes in speed profiles were observed during the 30-s shot clock, although moderate to large increases in all measures were observed during the 15-s shot-clock drills. Classification-specific differences were further identified, with increased activity observed for high-point players during the 3-versus-3 drill and for low-point players during the 15-s shot clock.Conclusion:By reducing the number of players on court and the shot clock to 15 s, coaches can significantly increase elite WCR players’ speed profiles during game-simulation drills.
Biomechanical Determinants of the Reactive Strength Index During Drop Jumps
Authors: Kipp Kristof , Kiely Michael T. , Giordanelli Matthew D. , Malloy Philip J. , Geiser Christopher F.
Published: April 2017

The Reactive Strength Index (RSI) is often used to quantify drop-jump (DJ) performance; however, not much is known about its biomechanical determinants. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlations between the RSI and several biomechanical variables calculated from DJ performed with different initial drop heights. Twelve male NCAA Division I basketball players performed DJs from drop heights of 30, 45, and 60 cm. Force plates were used to calculate DJ performance parameters (ie, DJ height, contact time, and RSI) and DJ biomechanical variables (ie, vertical stiffness and eccentric/concentric energetics). Regression analyses were used to assess the correlations between variables at each drop height, and ANOVAs were used to assess the differences of all variables across drop heights. Follow-up analyses used 2 neural networks to determine if DJ performance and biomechanical data could accurately classify DJ trials by drop-height condition. Vertical-stiffness values were significantly correlated with RSI at each height but did not change across drop heights. Surprisingly, the RSI and other DJ parameters also did not vary across drop height, which resulted in the inability of these variables to accurately classify DJ trials. Given that vertical stiffness did not change across drop height and was highly correlated with RSI at each height, the RSI appears to reflect biomechanical behavior related to vertical stiffness during DJ. However, the inability of the RSI to accurately classify drop-height condition questions the use of RSI profiles established from DJs from different heights.