bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frusemide aids diagnostic interpretation of 68Ga‐PSMA positron emission tomography/CT in men with prostate cancer
Authors: Fennessy Niall , Lee Jonathan , Shin Jane , Ho Bao , Ali Syed Aman , Paschkewitz Royce , Emmett Louise
Published: June 2017

Introduction

68Ga‐PSMA positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT) is useful for both staging and assessment of biochemical relapse in men with prostate cancer. Renal excretion of 68Ga‐PSMA can lead to difficulties in scan interpretation, particularly in the pelvis. We evaluated if intravenous Frusemide at the time of 68Ga‐PSMA injection reduces excreted activity artefact and improves diagnostic certainty.

Methods

Sixty‐two men with prostate cancer undergoing clinically indicated 68Ga‐PSMA PET/CT were prospectively included, 30 men receiving Frusemide at the time of radiotracer injection. Clinical information and reasons for the scan were documented. Intensity of excreted activity was assessed semi quantitatively for each patient (SUV max). PET/CT images were interpreted by two experienced readers for image quality, and presence/absence of PSMA‐positive disease.

Results

Twenty‐nine percent (18/62) were staging scans, and 71% (44/62) re‐staging. PSMA‐positive findings were identified in 95% (59/62). Staging scans had PSMA‐positive findings within the prostate in 100% (18/18) and re‐staging scans, 50% (22/44) in the prostate fossa, 64% (28/44) in lymph nodes and 21% (9/44) in viscera and bone. Administration of Frusemide had a significant impact on intensity of excreted activity in the ureters and bladder. Impaired image quality was noted in 33% (10/30) of men not given Frusemide, compared to only 3% (1/32) in men given Frusemide (P = 0.002). Reporter confidence on the presence/absence of PSMA avid disease in the prostate fossa improved from 63% (19/30) without Frusemide, to 91% (29/32) with Frusemide (P < 0.015).

Conclusion

Intravenous Frusemide given with 68Ga‐PSMA reduces excretion artefact, and improves diagnostic certainty. Frusemide should be considered for all 68Ga‐PSMA PET/CT imaging protocols.
Toxicity after post‐prostatectomy image‐guided intensity‐modulated radiotherapy using Australian guidelines
Authors: Chin Stephen , Aherne Noel J , Last Andrew , Assareh Hassan , Shakespeare Thomas P
Published: June 2017

Introduction

We evaluated single institution toxicity outcomes after post‐prostatectomy radiotherapy (PPRT) via image‐guided intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IG‐IMRT) with implanted fiducial markers following national eviQ guidelines, for which late toxicity outcomes have not been published.

Methods

Prospectively collected toxicity data were retrospectively reviewed for 293 men who underwent 64–66 Gy IG‐IMRT to the prostate bed between 2007 and 2015.

Results

Median follow‐up after PPRT was 39 months. Baseline grade ≥2 genitourinary (GU), gastrointestinal (GI) and sexual toxicities were 20.5%, 2.7% and 43.7%, respectively, reflecting ongoing toxicity after radical prostatectomy. Incidence of new (compared to baseline) acute grade ≥2 GU and GI toxicity was 5.8% and 10.6%, respectively. New late grade ≥2 GU, GI and sexual toxicity occurred in 19.1%, 4.7% and 20.2%, respectively. However, many patients also experienced improvements in toxicities. For this reason, prevalence of grade ≥2 GU, GI and sexual toxicities 4 years after PPRT was similar to or lower than baseline (21.7%, 2.6% and 17.4%, respectively). There were no grade ≥4 toxicities.

Conclusions

Post‐prostatectomy IG‐IMRT using Australian contouring guidelines appears to have tolerable acute and late toxicity. The 4‐year prevalence of grade ≥2 GU and GI toxicity was virtually unchanged compared to baseline, and sexual toxicity improved over baseline. This should reassure radiation oncologists following these guidelines. Late toxicity rates of surgery and PPRT are higher than following definitive IG‐IMRT, and this should be taken into account if patients are considering surgery and likely to require PPRT.
Deriving low‐risk gambling limits from longitudinal data collected in two independent Canadian studies
Authors: Currie Shawn R. , Hodgins David C. , Casey David M. , el‐Guebaly Nady , Smith Garry J. , Williams Robert J. , Schopflocher Don P.
Published: June 2017

Aims

To derive low‐risk gambling limits using the method developed by Currie et al. (2006) applied to longitudinal data.

Design

Secondary analysis of data from the Quinte Longitudinal Study (n = 3054) and Leisure, Lifestyle and Lifecycle Project (n = 809), two independently conducted cohort studies of the natural progression of gambling in Canadian adults.

Setting

Community‐dwelling adults in Southeastern Ontario and Alberta, Canada.

Participants

A total of 3863 adults (50% male; median age = 44) who reported gambling in the past year.

Measurements

Gambling behaviours (typical monthly frequency, total expenditure and percentage of income spent on gambling) and harm (experiencing two or more consequences of gambling in the past 12 months) were assessed with the Canadian Problem Gambling Index.

Findings

The dose–response relationship was comparable in both studies for frequency of gambling (days per month), total expenditure and percentage of household income spent on gambling (area under the curve values ranged from 0.66 to 0.74). Based on the optimal sensitivity and specificity values, the low‐risk gambling cut‐offs were eight times per month, $75CAN total per month and 1.7% of income spent on gambling. Gamblers who exceeded any of these limits at time 1 were approximately four times more likely to report harm at time 2 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.9–6.6].

Conclusions

Longitudinal data in Canada suggest low‐risk gambling thresholds of eight times per month, $75CAN total per month and 1.7% of income spent on gambling, all of which are higher than previously derived limits from cross‐sectional data. Gamblers who exceed any of the three low‐risk limits are four times more likely to experience future harm than those who do not.
Associations between anhedonia and marijuana use escalation across mid‐adolescence
Authors: Leventhal Adam M. , Cho Junhan , Stone Matthew D. , Barrington‐Trimis Jessica L. , Chou Chih‐Ping , Sussman Steven Y. , Riggs Nathaniel R. , Unger Jennifer B. , Audrain‐McGovern Janet , Strong David R.
Published: June 2017

Background and aims

Anhedonia—a transdiagnostic psychopathological trait indicative of inability to experience pleasure—could lead to and result from adolescent marijuana use, yet this notion has not been tested. This study aimed to estimate the association of: (1) anhedonia at age 14 with rate of change in marijuana use over an 18‐month follow‐up, and (2) marijuana use at age 14 with rate of change in anhedonia over follow‐up. Secondary aims were to test whether gender, baseline marijuana use history and peer marijuana use moderated these associations.

Design

Observational longitudinal cohort repeated‐measures design, with baseline (age 14 years), 6‐month, 12‐month and 18‐month follow‐up assessments.

Settings

Ten public high schools in Los Angeles, CA, USA, 2013–15.

Participants

Students [n = 3394; 53.5% female, mean (standard deviation) age at baseline = 14.1 (0.42)].

Measurements

Self‐report level of anhedonia on the Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale and frequency of marijuana use in the past 30 days.

Findings

Parallel process latent growth curve models adjusting for confounders showed that baseline anhedonia level was associated positively with the rate of increase in marijuana use frequency across follow‐ups [β, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.115 (0.022, 0.252), P = 0.03]. Baseline marijuana use frequency was not related significantly to the rate of change in anhedonia across follow‐ups [β, 95% CI = −0.015 (−0.350, 0.321), P = 0.93]. The association of baseline anhedonia with faster marijuana use escalation was amplified among adolescents with (versus without) friends who used marijuana at baseline [β, 95% CI = 0.179 (0.043, 0.334) versus 0.064 (−0.071, 0.187), interaction P = 0.04], but did not differ by gender or baseline ever marijuana use.

Conclusions

In mid‐adolescence, anhedonia is associated with subsequent marijuana use escalation, but marijuana use escalation does not appear to be associated with subsequent anhedonia.
Changing predictions, stable recognition: Children's representations of downward incline motion
Authors: Hast Michael , Howe Christine
Published: June 2017

Various studies to‐date have demonstrated children hold ill‐conceived expressed beliefs about the physical world such as that one ball will fall faster than another because it is heavier. At the same time, they also demonstrate accurate recognition of dynamic events. How these representations relate is still unresolved. This study examined 5‐ to 11‐year‐olds’ (N = 130) predictions and recognition of motion down inclines. Predictions were typically in error, matching previous work, but children largely recognized correct events as correct and rejected incorrect ones. The results also demonstrate while predictions change with increasing age, recognition shows signs of stability. The findings provide further support for a hybrid model of object representations and argue in favour of stable core cognition existing alongside developmental changes.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Children's predictions of physical events show limitations in accuracy

Their recognition of such events suggests children may use different knowledge sources in their reasoning

What the present study adds?

Predictions fluctuate more strongly than recognition, suggesting stable core cognition

But recognition also shows some fluctuation, arguing for a hybrid model of knowledge representation
Authentic feminist? Authenticity and feminist identity in teenage feminists’ talk
Authors: Calder‐Dawe Octavia , Gavey Nicola
Published: June 2017

This article explores how young people's feminist identities take shape in conjunction with a contemporary ideal of personal authenticity: to know and to express the ‘real me’. Drawing from interviews with 18 teenagers living in Auckland, New Zealand, we examine a novel convergence of authenticity and feminism in participants’ identity talk. For social psychologists interested in identity and politics, this convergence is intriguing: individualizing values such as authenticity are generally associated with disengagement with structural critique and with a repudiation of politicized and activist identities. Rather than seeking to categorize authentic feminism as an instance of either ‘good/collective’ or ‘bad/individualized’ feminist politics, we use discourse analysis to examine how the identity position of authentic feminist was constructed and to explore implications for feminist politics. On one hand, interviewees mobilized authentic feminism to affirm their commitment to normative liberal values of authenticity and self‐expression. At the same time, the position of authentic feminist appeared to authorize risky feminist identifications and to justify counter‐normative feelings, desires, and actions. To conclude, we explore how encountering others’ intolerance of authentic feminism exposed interviewees to the limits of authenticity discourse, propelling some towards new understandings of the social world and their space for action within it.
Roles ofST2,IL‐33 andBNPin predicting major adverse cardiovascular events in acute myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Wang Yan‐Peng , Wang Jian‐Hua , Wang Xiao‐Long , Liu Jun‐Yi , Jiang Fang‐Yun , Huang Xiao‐Li , Hang Jing‐Yu , Qin Wei , Ma Shi‐Xin , Zhang Jie , Yuan Min‐Jie , Li Jing‐Bo , Lu Zhi‐Gang , Wei Meng
Published: June 2017

This study investigated roles of serumST2,IL‐33 andBNPin predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Blood samples were collected from the includedAMIpatients (n = 180) who underwentPCI. All patients were divided into theMACEs andMACEs‐free groups. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was performed to measure serum levels ofST2,IL‐33 andBNP. Severity of coronary artery lesion was evaluated by Gensini score. Pearson correlation analysis was used. A receiver operating characteristics curve was drawn to evaluate the potential roles ofST2,IL‐33 andBNPin predictingMACEs, and Kaplan–Meier curve to analyse the 1‐year overall survival rate. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyse the independent risk factors forMACEs. Compared with theMACEs‐free group, the serum levels ofST2,IL‐33 andBNPwere significantly higher in theMACEs group. Serum levels ofST2,IL‐33 andBNPwere positively correlated with each other and positively correlated with Gensini score. The area under curves ofST2,IL‐33 andBNP, respectively, were 0.872, 0.675 and 0.902. The relative sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 76.27% and 85.92%, 69.49% and 58.68%, as well as, 96.61% and 77.69%. Serum levels ofST2,IL‐33 andBNPwere independent risk factors forMACEs. The 1‐year overall survival rate was higher inAMIpatients with lower serum levels ofST2,IL‐33 andBNP. In conclusion, serum levels ofST2,IL‐33 andBNPhave potential value in predictingMACEs inAMIpatients undergoingPCI.
5‐aminosalicylic acid agents for prevention of recurrent diverticulitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Urushidani Seigo , Kuriyama Akira , Matsumura Masami
Published: June 2017

Background and Aim

Prevalence of colonic diverticulosis is increasing worldwide with age, and up to 25% of patients who have colonic diverticulosis might experience diverticulitis. However, a definitive approach of preventing recurrent diverticulitis remains unknown. 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA) agents are anti‐inflammatory agents and have been used to prevent recurrent diverticulitis, and there have been some randomized clinical trials (RCTs). However, the efficacy results for secondary prevention in uncomplicated diverticulitis differed across studies. Our aim was to clarify the efficacy and safety of 5‐ASA agents in the prevention of recurrent diverticulitis.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library with no language restrictions. Two reviewers independently assessed and selected RCTs. The data were pooled using a random effect model and were presented in the pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Cochrane's Q and I‐squared statistics were used to assess heterogeneity. The protocol was registered at PROSPERO.

Results

Seven articles with eight RCTs from 329 potentially relevant articles were included. 5‐ASA agents were not superior to controls in preventing recurrent diverticulitis (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.17, I2 = 60%) and the incidence of adverse events was not different between 5‐ASA agents and controls (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.11, I2 = 45%). However, some included studies were few in number of participants and substantial risk of bias.

Conclusions

5‐aminosalicylic acid agents were not associated with prevention of recurrent diverticulitis.
Arabidopsis TOR signaling is essential for sugar‐regulated callus formation
Authors: Lee Kyounghee , Seo Pil Joon
Published: June 2017

Dedifferentiation is a remarkable process that produces pluripotent stem cells from differentiated somatic cells to ensure developmental plasticity. Plants have evolved the ability of cellular dedifferentiation, and signaling cascades related to auxin and cytokinin‐dependent callus formation have been extensively investigated. However, the molecular mechanism underlying sugar‐dependent callus formation remains unknown. Here, we show that sugar‐dependent callus formation is mainly regulated by the TOR‐E2Fa module in Arabidopsis. Sugar‐activated TOR kinase phosphorylates and stabilizes E2Fa proteins to transcriptionally activate S‐phase genes during callus formation. In parallel, E2Fa is transcriptionally regulated by the ARF‐LBD transcription cascade. Multi‐layered regulation of E2Fa by sugar and auxin is likely to shape balanced cellular dedifferentiation capability in Arabidopsis.
Ozone‐induced foliar damage and release of stress volatiles is highly dependent on stomatal openness and priming by low‐level ozone exposure in Phaseolus vulgaris
Authors: Li Shuai , Harley Peter C. , Niinemets Ülo
Published: June 2017

Acute ozone exposure triggers major emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), but quantitatively, it is unclear how different ozone doses alter the start and the total amount of these emissions, and the induction rate of different stress volatiles. It is also unclear whether priming (i.e. pre‐exposure to lower O3 concentrations) can modify the magnitude and kinetics of volatile emissions. We investigated photosynthetic characteristics and VOC emissions in Phaseolus vulgaris following acute ozone exposure (600 nmol mol−1 for 30 min) under illumination and in darkness and after priming with 200 nmol mol−1 O3 for 30 min. Methanol and lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway product emissions were induced rapidly, followed by moderate emissions of methyl salicylate (MeSA). Stomatal conductance prior to acute exposure was lower in darkness and after low O3 priming than in light and without priming. After low O3 priming, no MeSA and lower LOX emissions were detected under acute exposure. Overall, maximum emission rates and the total amount of emitted LOX products and methanol were quantitatively correlated with total stomatal ozone uptake. These results indicate that different stress volatiles scale differently with ozone dose and highlight the key role of stomatal conductance in controlling ozone uptake, leaf injury and volatile release.
Level of acceptance of islet cell and kidney xenotransplants by personnel of hospitals with and without experience in clinical xenotransplantation
Authors: Abalovich Adrian , Matsumoto Shinichi , Wechsler Carlos J. , Carulla Mariana E. , Siciliano Martín E. , Sznaider Daniel , Denner Joachim , Elliott Robert B.
Published: June 2017

Background

Recently, significant progress in both safety and efficacy has been achieved in the field of xenotransplantation, as exemplified by results from the first clinical trials of porcine islet transplantation. It would be of interest to learn whether the attitude of the clinical staff involved in such trials changes as the trials are carried out in their own hospital.

Methods

One hundred and four clinical staff members from the Eva Peron Hospital of San Martin (Buenos Aires, Argentina) where clinical trials of islet xenotransplantation have been performed and 92 similar staff members from the Diego Thompson Hospital (Buenos Aires, Argentina) where no such xenotransplantation has been carried out participated in the study. Data were collected anonymously using questionnaires.

Results

Statistically significant differences between the acceptance of xenotransplantation by clinical personnel in a hospital that had carried out clinical xenotransplantation trials were observed when compared with the acceptance of a similar staff from the hospital that had not carried out such trials.

Conclusion

This study shows that involvement in clinical xenotransplantation trials significantly changes the attitude of the clinical staff towards this technology and suggests that better information given to the society may increase acceptance of the xenotransplantation.
Experiences of non-specialist nurses caring for patients and their significant others undergoing transitions during palliative end-of-life cancer care: a systematic review
Authors: Thorn Hrønn , Uhrenfeldt Lisbeth
Published: June 2017

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background

Non-specialist nurses, who are providing palliative end-of-life cancer care to patients and significant others undergoing psychosocial and existential transitions, may experience dissatisfaction, frustration and sorrow. On the other hand, they may also experience happiness, increased knowledge and personal growth.

Objective/question

What are non-specialist nurses’ experiences when providing palliative end-of-life cancer care that involves the psychosocial and existential transitions of their patients and significant others?

Inclusion criteria Types of participants

The current review considered studies that included a description of the experiences of non-specialist trained registered nurses (RNs) working in non-specialist wards.

Phenomena of interest

The current review considered studies that investigated experiences of RNs when providing palliative end-of-life cancer care that involves the psychosocial and existential transitions of their patients and significant others.

Context

The contact and care for patients and their significant others during palliative end-of-life cancer care.

Types of studies

The current review considered studies that focused on qualitative data including, but not limited to, designs such as phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, action research and feminist research.

Search strategy

The search aimed at finding both published and unpublished studies in English, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish and German, and was unrestricted by time. Eleven electronic databases and seven websites were searched.

Methodological quality

Methodological validity of the qualitative papers was assessed independently by two reviewers using the standardized critical appraisal instruments from the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI).

Data extraction

Data were extracted from papers included in the review using the standardized data extraction tool from the JBI-QARI.

Data synthesis

Qualitative research findings were synthesized using the JBI-QARI.

Results

A total of 81 findings were extracted from the three studies and allocated to five categories and merged into a meta-synthesis with the overarching synthesized finding related to the challenges that non-specialist nurses faced when providing palliative end-of-life cancer care. The summary of findings is illustrated below.

Conclusion

The studies in this review provided useful and credible statements from non-specialist nurses working in non-specialist wards about their challenges when providing palliative end-of-life cancer care to patients and their significant others undergoing psychosocial and existential transitions.
Effects of dexamethasone on sugammadex reversal times of rocuronium: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Held Cassie R. , Sullivan Mackenzie D.
Published: June 2017

Review question/objective:

The objective of the review is to identify the effect of dexamethasone on reversal times of rocuronium when utilizing sugammadex as the reversal agent. The incidence of the prolonged time to extubation in patients who have received concurrent dexamethasone and sugammadex therapies as opposed to those who have not received dexamethasone will also be examined.

The proposed PICO question is as follows: In patients undergoing reversal of aminosteroidal neuromuscular blockade with rocuronium, does dexamethasone administration affect sugammadex reversal times, as compared to patients who have not received dexamethasone?
Effectiveness of teaching strategies to improve critical thinking in nurses in clinical practice: a systematic review protocol
Authors: da Costa Carbogim Fábio , de Oliveira Larissa Bertacchini , de Campos Guilherme Gushiken , de Araújo Nunes Esther Alves , Alves Katiusse Rezende , de Araújo Püschel Vilanice Alves
Published: June 2017

Objectives

The aim of this review is to identify and synthesize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of teaching strategies aimed at improving critical thinking (CT) in registered nurses who provide direct patient care. Specifically, the research question is: What are the best teaching strategies to improve CT skills in registered nurses who provide direct patient care?
Absolute clinical skill decay in the medical, nursing and allied health professions: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Maehle Valerie , Cooper Kay , Kirkpatrick Pamela
Published: June 2017

Review questions/objectives:

The objective of this scoping review is to examine and map absolute clinical skill decay in the medical, nursing and allied health professions and to map the range of approaches used to address decay of clinical skills in these professions.

Specifically, the review questions are: which clinical skills, performed by which professional groups, are reported to be most susceptible to absolute clinical skill decay, and what approaches have been reported for addressing absolute clinical skill decay in the medical, nursing and allied health professions?

In addressing the review questions, the following sub-questions will also be addressed:

Which healthcare settings have been investigated in relation to addressing absolute clinical skill decay?

What are the characteristics of the approaches used to address absolute clinical skill decay in the medical, nursing and allied health professions?

Which outcomes have been utilized when investigating approaches to addressing absolute clinical skill decay?

It is anticipated that this scoping review will inform further systematic review/s on the topic of addressing clinical skill decay in the medical, nursing and allied health professions, as well as identify gaps in the research knowledge base that will inform further primary research.
Medication safety programs in primary care: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Khalil Hanan , Roughead Libby
Published: June 2017

Review objective/question:

The objective of this scoping review is to examine the characteristics of medication safety programs in the primary care setting and to map evidence on the outcome measures used to assess the effectiveness of medication safety programs in improving patient safety.

The current review will be guided by the following research questions:

What are the types of medication safety programs described in literature on primary care?

What are the outcome measures reported in studies addressing medication safety programs in primary care assessing patient safety?
Indicators to measure pre-hospital care quality: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Pap Robin , Lockwood Craig , Stephenson Matthew , Simpson Paul
Published: June 2017

Review question/objective:

: The current scoping review seeks to locate, examine and describe international literature on indicators used to measure pre-hospital care quality. Specifically, the review will:

Map attributes of definitions or descriptions of “quality” in the context of pre-hospital care provided by ambulance services.

Chart indicators that have been developed to measure pre-hospital care quality and detail their development processes as well as how the indicators fit into respective measurement frameworks/matrixes.
Efficacy of a respiratory physiotherapy intervention for intubated and mechanically ventilated adults with community acquired pneumonia: a systematic review protocol
Authors: van der Lee Lisa , Hill Anne-Marie , Patman Shane
Published: June 2017

Review objectives:

The objective of the review is to map evidence on the efficacy of a respiratory physiotherapy intervention for intubated and mechanically ventilated adults with community acquired pneumonia (CAP). Specifically, the review seeks to investigate if respiratory physiotherapy interventions can achieve the following for intubated and mechanically ventilated adults with CAP:

Improve airway clearance, respiratory mechanics and oxygenation.

Reduce mechanical ventilation time, time taken to stand up and/or walk, intensive care length of stay and hospital length of stay.

Improve quality of life.

Reduce mortality.
Patient-reported outcomes following neoadjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy treatment for esophageal cancer: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Trenerry Camilla , Peters Micah D. J. , Corsini Nadia , Damarell Raechel A. , Wilson Carlene , Flight Ingrid
Published: June 2017

Review objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to identify, describe and compare studies investigating patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in esophageal cancer patients following neoadjuvant (preoperative) chemotherapy (CT) and surgery or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and surgery.

After preliminary searching of the literature and consultation with experts in the fields of esophageal cancer surgery, behavioral science, information systems and scoping review methodology, the following research objectives were defined as follows:

To identify, describe and compare the characteristics and timing of PROs, specifically, psychological and somatic quality of life and symptoms, experienced by esophageal cancer patients during and/or following neoadjuvant CT or CRT.

To identify and describe the instruments used to measure PROs in esophageal cancer patients following neoadjuvant CT or CRT.
The impact of the Helping Babies Survive program on neonatal outcomes and health provider skills: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Dol Justine , Campbell-Yeo Marsha , Tomblin-Murphy Gail , Aston Megan , McMillan Douglas , Richardson Brianna
Published: June 2017

Review objective/question:

The objective of this review is to evaluate the impact of the Helping Babies Survive program on neonatal outcomes and healthcare provider knowledge and skills. This quantitative review will aim to answer the following question: What is the impact of the Helping Babies Survive modules (Helping Babies Breathe, Essential Care for Every Baby and Essential Care for Small Babies) on neonatal outcomes and health provider knowledge and skills?
Risk factors for readmission to hospital in adult patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Schjødt Inge , Larsen Palle , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Strömberg Anna , Løgstrup Brian Bridal
Published: June 2017

Review question/objective:

: The objective of this systematic review is to identify and synthesize the best available evidence on risk factors associated with hospital readmission at different time points within the first year after heart failure (HF) hospitalization in patients suffering from HF with reduced ejection fraction (EF).

More specifically, the question is: what are the risk factors for the prediction of hospital readmission within seven, 15, 30, 60, 90, 180 and 365 days of discharge in hospitalized patients with HF with reduced EF aged 18 years or older?
Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of Deflagration-to-Detonation Transition in a Full-Scale Konvoi-Type Pressurized Water Reactor
Authors: Hasslberger Josef , Katzy Peter , Boeck Lorenz R. , Sattelmayer Thomas
Published: June 2017

For the purpose of nuclear safety analysis, a reactive flow solver has been developed to determine the hazardous potential of large-scale hydrogen explosions. Without using empirical transition criteria, the whole combustion process including deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) is computed within a single solver framework. In this paper, we present massively parallelized three-dimensional explosion simulations in a full-scale pressurized water reactor (PWR) of the Konvoi type. Several generic DDT scenarios in globally lean hydrogen–air mixtures are examined to assess the importance of different input parameters. It is demonstrated that the explosion process is highly sensitive to mixture composition, ignition location, and thermodynamic initial conditions. Pressure loads on the confining structure show a profoundly dynamic behavior depending on the position in the containment. Computational cost can effectively be reduced through adaptive mesh refinement (AMR).
Enhancement to the Traditional Ellipse Law for More Accurate Modeling of a Turbine With a Finite Number of Stages
Authors: Fuls W. F.
Published: June 2017

This paper studies the origin and applicability of the traditional Stodola ellipse law and demonstrates its deficiencies when applied in certain conditions. It extends the equation by Cooke and Traupel through the definition of a semi-ellipse law. This new law produces more accurate results as compared to the ellipse law (EL), especially for turbines with a low number of stages. It does, however, require knowledge of the choking behavior of the turbine, as well as an appropriate pressure ratio exponent. Through numerical studies and careful application of nozzle flow equations, correlations were developed to predict the critical pressure ratio of a multistage turbine, taking nozzle and blade efficiency into account. Correlations are also presented to obtain an appropriate pressure ratio exponent to use in the semi-ellipse law. A methodology is proposed through which the necessary semi-ellipse law terms can be calculated using only design base conditions and estimates of efficiencies. This was successfully validated on a steam turbine. The semi-ellipse law is believed to be the most accurate way of modeling an axial-flow multistage steam or gas turbine from design base conditions, without requiring a stage-by-stage analysis.
Accelerated Solution of Discrete Ordinates Approximation to the Boltzmann Transport Equation for a Gray Absorbing–Emitting Medium Via Model Reduction
Authors: Tencer John , Carlberg Kevin , Larsen Marvin , Hogan Roy
Published: June 2017

This work applies a projection-based model-reduction approach to make high-order quadrature (HOQ) computationally feasible for the discrete ordinates approximation of the radiative transfer equation (RTE) for purely absorbing applications. In contrast to traditional discrete ordinates variants, the proposed method provides easily evaluated error estimates associated with the angular discretization as well as an efficient approach for reducing this error to an arbitrary level. In particular, the proposed approach constructs a reduced basis from (high-fidelity) solutions of the radiative intensity computed at a relatively small number of ordinate directions. Then, the method computes inexpensive approximations of the radiative intensity at the (remaining) quadrature points of a high-order quadrature using a reduced-order model (ROM) constructed from this reduced basis. This strategy results in a much more accurate solution than might have been achieved using only the ordinate directions used to construct the reduced basis. One- and three-dimensional test problems highlight the efficiency of the proposed method.
Application of a Nonadiabatic Flamelet/Progress-Variable Approach to Large-Eddy Simulation of H2/O2 Combustion Under a Pressurized Condition
Authors: Kishimoto Akihiro , Moriai Hideki , Takenaka Kenichiro , Nishiie Takayuki , Adachi Masaki , Ogawara Akira , Kurose Ryoichi
Published: June 2017

A new nonadiabatic procedure of the flamelet/progress-variable approach (NA-FPV approach) is proposed, and the validity is assessed by performing a large eddy simulation (LES) employing the NA-FPV approach for an H2/O2 combustion field in a single element coaxial combustor under a pressurized condition. The results show that the LES employing the NA-FPV approach can successfully predict the heat flux and capture the effects of heat loss through the cooled walls on the combustion characteristics. This procedure is quite useful especially for the numerical simulations of combustion fields with high temperatures, where there remain reactive radicals (e.g., OH, CH) with high concentrations, such as pressurized combustion, supercritical combustion, and oxygen combustion.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, bulb carotid intima-media thickness and obesity phenotypes: results of a prospective observational study
Authors: Farcas Anca Daniela , Vonica Camelia Larisa , Golea Adela
Published: June 2017

Aims: The objective of this prospective study was to assess the correlation between carotid intima-media thickness at the common carotid (CIMTc) and carotid bifurcation (CIMTb) level, hepatic fat accumulation, and obesity phenotypes.Material and methods: Two hundred obese adults, in which CIMTc and CIMTb thickness was determined, were included. According to body mass index (BMI) and presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), patients were classified as metabolically healthy obese (MHO, obesity without MetS) and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUHO, obesity with MetS). MHO patients were further classified as MHO1 (obese with increased waist circumference) and MHO2 (obese with increased waist circumference plusone of the 4 criteria for MetS). Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) presence was assessed by fatty liver index (FLI). Results: CIMTc and CIMTb increased with obesity phenotypes from 0.74 mm and 1.04 mm in MHO1 to 0.84 mm and 1.23 mm in MHO2 and 0.88 mm and 1.74 mm in MUHO. Obesity phenotypes were significantly correlated with CIMTb. NAFLD frequency increased from 66.0% in the MHO1 to 73.0% in the MHO2 and 84.2% in the MUHO (p<0.05). Independent of age, BMI, total cholesterol, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR, the CIMTc was significantly associated with FLI in all obesity phenotypesand CIMTb only in MHO2 and MUHO.Conclusions: Our results suggest that subclinical atherosclerosis varies according to obesity phenotypes and is correlated with the hepatic fat accumulation.
Twinkle, twinkle little stone: an artifact improves the ultrasound performance!
Authors: Gliga Mirela Liana , Chirila Cristian Nicolae , Podeanu Daniela Maria , Imola Torok , Voicu Sanda Lucia , Gliga Mihail Gheorghe , Gliga Paula Maria
Published: June 2017

Aims: Ultrasound is a noninvasive method used for the diagnosis of urinary lithiasis. When the length of the stone is less than 5 mm, its detection may be difficult. The twinkling artifact (TwA) is an intense alternating color signal behind calcifications and stones in different organs. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the importance of the TwA in detecting kidney stones less than 5 mm in length. Material and methods: We examined 230 patients with lumbar pain or a history of kidney stones. We excluded patients with stones larger than 5 mm. 174 patients corresponded to the inclusion criteria. We performed color Doppler ultrasound and we noticed the presence of the twinkling artifact. The gold standard for the diagnosis was either computed tomography (CT) scan, intravenous urography (IVU) or the spontaneous elimination of the stones.Results: We found renal stones in 123 patients. The twinkling artifact was present in 113 cases and absent in the rest of 10 patients. In two patients the artifact was present but the stones were not confirmed by CT. The twinkling artifact had sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 99.12%, 90.91%, 99.12%, and 90.91% respectively.Conclusions: The twinkling artifact is a very useful color Doppler ultrasound tool for the detection of small urinary stones. We suggest the routine use of color Doppler in all suspicious cases in order to avoid unnecessary irradiating and expensive radiological methods.
The Small Protein HemP Is a Transcriptional Activator for the Hemin Uptake Operon in Burkholderia multivorans ATCC 17616
Authors: Sato Takuya , Nonoyama Shouta , Kimura Akane , Nagata Yuji , Ohtsubo Yoshiyuki , Tsuda Masataka
Published: June 2017

Iron and heme play very important roles in various metabolic functions in bacteria, and their intracellular homeostasis is maintained because high concentrations of free forms of these molecules greatly facilitate the Fenton reaction-mediated production of large amounts of reactive oxygen species that severely damage various biomolecules. The ferric uptake regulator (Fur) from
Burkholderia
multivorans
ATCC 17616 is an iron-responsive global transcriptional regulator, and its
fur
deletant exhibits pleiotropic phenotypes. In this study, we found that the phenotypes of the
fur
deletant were suppressed by an additional mutation in
hemP
. The transcription of
hemP
was negatively regulated by Fur under iron-replete conditions and was constitutive in the
fur
deletant. Growth of a
hemP
deletant was severely impaired in a medium containing hemin as the sole iron source, demonstrating the important role of HemP in hemin utilization. HemP was required as a transcriptional activator that specifically binds the promoter-containing region upstream of a Fur-repressive
hmuRSTUV
operon, which encodes the proteins for hemin uptake. A
hmuR
deletant was still able to grow using hemin as the sole iron source, albeit at a rate clearly lower than that of the wild-type strain. These results strongly suggested (i) the involvement of HmuR in hemin uptake and (ii) the presence in ATCC 17616 of at least part of other unknown hemin uptake systems whose expression depends on the HemP function. Our
in vitro
analysis also indicated high-affinity binding of HemP to hemin, and such a property might modulate transcriptional activation of the
hmu
operon.

IMPORTANCE
Although the
hmuRSTUV
genes for the utilization of hemin as a sole iron source have been identified in a few
Burkholderia
strains, the regulatory expression of these genes has remained unknown. Our analysis in this study using
B. multivorans
ATCC 17616 showed that its HemP protein is required for expression of the
hmuRSTUV
operon, and the role of HemP in betaproteobacterial species was elucidated for the first time, to our knowledge, in this study. The HemP protein was also found to have two additional properties that have not been reported for functional homologues in other species; one is that HemP is able to bind to the promoter-containing region of the
hmu
operon to directly activate its transcription, and the other is that HemP is also required for the expression of an unknown hemin uptake system.
Survival of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Virus in Tissues Derived from Experimentally Infected Chickens
Authors: Yamamoto Yu , Nakamura Kikuyasu , Mase Masaji
Published: June 2017

Eurasian lineage highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus has been a severe threat to the poultry industry since its emergence in 1996. The carcass or tissues derived from infected birds may present the risk of the virus spreading to humans, animals, and the surrounding environment. In this study, we investigated the survival of the virus in feather, muscle, and liver tissues collected from six chickens (
Gallus gallus
) experimentally infected with HPAI H5N1 virus. The tissues were stored at +4°C or +20°C, and viral isolation was performed at different times for 360 days. The maximum periods for viral survival were observed in samples stored at +4°C in all tissue types and were 240 days in feather tissues, 160 days in muscle, and 20 days in liver. The viral infectivity at +20°C was maintained for a maximum of 30 days in the feather tissues, 20 days in muscle, and 3 days in liver. The viral inactivation rates partly overlapped in the feather and muscle tissues at the two temperatures. The virus was inactivated rapidly in the liver. Our experimental results indicate that the tissue type and temperature can greatly influence the survival of HPAI H5N1 virus in the tissues of infected chickens.

IMPORTANCE
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus of the H5N1 subtype can cause massive losses of poultry, and people need to handle a large number of chicken carcasses contaminated with the virus at outbreak sites. This study evaluated how long the virus can keep its infectivity in the three types of tissues derived from chickens infected with the virus. Our experimental results indicate that the virus can survive in tissues for a specific period of time depending on the tissue type and temperature. Our results are valuable for better understanding of viral ecology in the environment and for reducing the risk of the virus spreading via bird tissues contaminated with the virus.
Stress Survival Islet 2, Predominantly Present in Listeria monocytogenes Strains of Sequence Type 121, Is Involved in the Alkaline and Oxidative Stress Responses
Authors: Harter Eva , Wagner Eva Maria , Zaiser Andreas , Halecker Sabrina , Wagner Martin , Rychli Kathrin
Published: June 2017

The foodborne pathogen
Listeria monocytogenes
is able to survive a variety of stress conditions leading to the colonization of different niches like the food processing environment. This study focuses on the hypervariable genetic hot spot
lmo0443
to
lmo0449
haboring three inserts: the stress survival islet 1 (SSI-1), the single-gene insert
LMOf2365_0481
, and two homologous genes of the nonpathogenic species
Listeria innocua
:
lin0464
, coding for a putative transcriptional regulator, and
lin0465
, encoding an intracellular PfpI protease. Our prevalence study revealed a different distribution of the inserts between human and food-associated isolates. The
lin0464-lin0465
insert was predominantly found in food-associated strains of sequence type 121 (ST121). Functional characterization of this insert showed that the putative PfpI protease Lin0465 is involved in alkaline and oxidative stress responses but not in acidic, gastric, heat, cold, osmotic, and antibiotic stresses. In parallel, deletion of
lin0464
decreased survival under alkaline and oxidative stresses. The expression of both genes increased significantly under oxidative stress conditions independently of the alternative sigma factor σ
B
. Furthermore, we showed that the expression of the protease gene
lin0465
is regulated by the transcription factor
lin0464
under stress conditions, suggesting that
lin0464
and
lin0465
form a functional unit. In conclusion, we identified a novel stress survival islet 2 (SSI-2), predominantly present in
L. monocytogenes
ST121 strains, beneficial for survival under alkaline and oxidative stresses, potentially supporting adaptation and persistence of
L. monocytogenes
in food processing environments.

IMPORTANCE
Listeria monocytogenes
strains of ST121 are known to persist for months and even years in food processing environments, thereby increasing the risk of food contamination and listeriosis. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this remarkable niche-specific adaptation is still unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the genomic islet SSI-2, predominantly present in
L. monocytogenes
ST121 strains, is beneficial for survival under alkaline and oxidative stress conditions, which are routinely encountered in food processing environments. Our findings suggest that SSI-2 is part of a diverse set of molecular determinants contributing to niche-specific adaptation and persistence of
L. monocytogenes
ST121 strains in food processing environments.