bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic ultrasound for assessing obstructions in the upper urinary tracts: Usefulness and reliability
Authors: Barbera M. , De Gregorio A. , Panarisi S. , Paola Q. , Cammarata C. , Solazzo G. , Curto F. , Curto G.
Published: July 2019

Renal ultrasound is not a functional type of examination, which means it cannot be used to determine the degree of obstruction of the upper urinary tract, for which more or less invasive exams such as Whitaker's test, renogram and/or urography must be perfomed. Dynamic ultrasound with furosemide test gives information on the morphology and also the degree of obstruction and is extremely useful in the pre and post-operative assessment of patients with upper urinary tract pathologies. A total of 72 renoureteral units in 39 patients were studied. Patients with a normal “dynamic” ultrasound picture were excluded, while the others were also studied with renogram and/or urography. Data analysis shows dynamics ultrasound reliability is on a par with that of the above-mentioned invasive methods (88–95%). Given the simplicity of use and its availability in all hospital structures, it is therefore considered that dynamic ultrasound should be used immediately in studying obstructions of the upper urinary tracts.
Urinary NMP22 in the management of superficial bladder tumours after transurethral resection
Authors: Serretta V. , Vasile P. , Falletta V. , Licata A. , Pomara S. , Esposito E. , Manzo F.
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of the NMP22 test after transurethral resection of superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. The test was performed in 28 patients with histologically confirmed bladder tumours and in 41 patients who already had two consecutive negative cytological and cystoscopic results at least 3 months after TUR. In the first group the mean NMP22 value was 62.5 u/ml with a false negative rate of 18%. The specificity of the NMP22 test in 41 patients with a previous history of TCCB was 49%. No difference was detected between patients treated or not with intravesical chemotherapy. Despite its good sensitivity, the NMP22 test cannot be adopted as a routine tool in post-TUR surveillance of patients with superficial bladder cancer, due to its low specificity.
Sarcomatoid bladder carcinoma
Authors: Solazzo G. , Paola Q. , Cammarata C. , Panarisi S. , Barbera M. , Curto F. , Curto G. , Cabibi D. , Rizzo A.
Published: July 2019

A case of sarcomatoid bladder carcinoma, which had infiltrated the posterior wall and the trigone in an 81-year-old patient is described. The histological results showed a double component (mesenchymal and epithelial) with transition areas between the two and a positivity for HCG, but no typical morphological pattern of choriocarcinoma. The patient underwent radical cystectomy with urinary diversion.
Symptomatic metabolic radiotherapy (with Sr-89) of bone metastases in prostatic cancer. Personal experience
Authors: Pirritano D. , Falvo F. , Ielapi V. , Sicuro O. , Martino L.F. , Apollini L. , Palermo S. , Scalfari A.
Published: July 2019

The authors report their experience with 20 patients subjected to metabolic radiotherapy with Sr-89 for palliation of bone metastases in advanced prostatic cancer. Sr-89 is an effective symptomatic treatment, generally well tolerated, with minimal adverse effects.
Color-Doppler sonography sensitivity of the spermatic cord in the diagnosis of acute testicular torsion
Authors: Rizzo M. , Di Girolamo A. , Caramia M. , Caldarera E. , Randazzo G. , Tripi M. , Lamartina M.
Published: July 2019

In the period between 1994–96, 16 patients with suspected testicular torsion confirmed during operation, underwent color-Doppler sonography of the spermatic cord after local objective examination. The sonography showed a reduced or absent arterial flow in 15 patients and an increase in flow in 1 patient. In our study, color-Doppler sonography proved to have a sensitivity of 93.7%.
Our experience in orthotopic bladder substitution
Authors: Del Boca C. , Colloi D. , Ferrari C. , Colecchia M.
Published: July 2019

Research in the field of orthotopic neobladders springs from the need to improve their morphofunctional aspects and to simplify surgical procedures. The authors report their experience on a new method of orthotopic neobladder in 20 patients subjected to radical cystectomy for advanced bladder neoplasia between March 1991 and February 1996. The surgical technique consisted of preparing a reservoir with a simil Carney 2 type procedure modified by the authors using 45 cm of ileus, 30 cm of which are detubularised and reshaped into a spherical/ovoidal form with Poligya 75 staplers. The remaining segment was left intact for the ureteroileal anastomosis performed with the Wallace 1 procedure. This technique offers the following advantages: staplers enable rapid preparation of the neobladder, thus reducing operating time; the technique is easy to learn for urologists familiar with ureteroileostomy according to Wallace; an isoperistaltic segment of ileus for ureteral anastomosis reduces ureteral mobilisation and possibilities of reflux; reconversion into ileal conduit is easy in the event of reservoir failure or neoplastic urethral recurrence. The criteria for patient selection are given and the diagnostic follow-up algorithm done with biochemical, echographic, radiological and pressure studies. Particular attention was paid to the quality of life in relation to diurnal/nocturnal continence and micturitional interval. The authors conclude that this technique is surgically simple and rapid giving satisfactory clinical and urodynamic results.
Queering the ground: A performative reading of Siniša Malešević’s Grounded Nationalisms
Authors: Ryan Kevin
Published: July 2019

This comment uses Judith Butler’s theory of performativity to engage critically with Siniša Malešević's claim that nationalism is so deeply grounded in everyday social life that it has become ‘omnipotent’. The gist of the intervention is to drill deeper into the contingency of nationalism by looking at how authoritarian, racialized, mono-cultural, patriarchal and heteronormative nationalisms are vulnerable to subversive acts of improvisation that blur the boundary between aesthetics and politics.
“Closer to the Unfair Reality”: Magnitude and Spatial Analysis of Femicides in Ecuador
Authors: San Sebastián Miguel , Vives-Cases Carmen , Goicolea Isabel
Published: July 2019

During the last 5 years, Ecuador has published a series of progressive laws aiming to protect girls and women against any type of violence. While these efforts are of extreme importance, concerns were raised by national nongovernmental organizations that the official numbers might be biased due to the restricted definition of femicide applied. The main objective of this study was to assess the magnitude and spatial distribution of the femicide rate by province in Ecuador in 2017. Data on cases were collected by a national network of nongovernmental organizations. Age-specific population data were obtained from the National Institute of Statistics for the year 2017. Thematic maps of overall and age-specific femicide rates were also constructed. Moran’s index was used to identify clusters of provinces with similar risks for the occurrence of the outcome. The total number of femicides during 2017 was 155, but age could not be recorded in 9 of those cases. More than one-third of the cases (36.99%) occurred in young women aged 15 to 24 years. The total rate was 1.99/100,000 women. When the femicide definition was restricted to women 15 years and above, the total rate increased to 2.41 cases/100,000. The femicide rate in Orellana boosted to 10.21 cases/100,000 in the age group of 15 years and older, the highest in the country. No pattern of spatial autocorrelation was observed. Femicides in Ecuador is a big public health problem, particularly in certain Amazon provinces. The observed rate for women above the age of 15 years (2.41) places Ecuador among the countries in the Latin American and the Caribbean region with the highest femicide rates. While progressive policies have been implemented in the last years, more educational interventions are needed at all societal levels to eradicate this kind of violence.
Social Innovation, Value Penetration, and the Power of the Nonprofit Sector: Workers’ Co-Operative Societies in Hong Kong
Authors: Dai Haijing , Lau Yan , Lee Ka Ho
Published: July 2019

Using Care Store as a case study, this research examines the innovative development and value penetrations of workers’ co-operative societies in Hong Kong. Care Store operates through the practices of equality and mutual care, in the unfriendly neoliberalist social order of Hong Kong. The society penetrates the dominant models of labor organization and consumption process. But the penetration of structural inequalities is limited, because the female workers of the society remain low-income laborers, social boundary and exclusion still take place, and the workers internalize their cultural inferiority. In comparison with innovative organizations in other regions, workers’ co-operative societies in Hong Kong have little opportunity to rely on or collaborate with the public and private sectors, and they explore a more progressive path of penetration in development. Practices strengthening this path can not only sustain these young organizations but also enrich the understanding of the true potentials of the nonprofit sector.
Theoretical prediction of mechanical properties of 3D printed Kagome honeycombs and its experimental evaluation
Authors: Zhu Xuefeng , Xu Longkun , Liu Xiaochen , Xu Jinting , Hu Ping , Ma Zheng-Dong
Published: July 2019

Kagome honeycomb structure is proved to incorporate excellent mechanical and actuation performances due to its special configuration. However, until now, the mechanical properties of 3D printed Kagome honeycomb have not been investigated. Hence, the objective of this work is to explore some mechanical properties of 3D-printed Kagome honeycomb structures such as elastic properties, buckling, and so on. In this paper, the analytical formulas of some mechanical properties of Kagome honeycombs made of 3D-printed materials are given. Effective elastic moduli such as Young's modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson's ratio of orthotropic Kagome honeycombs under in-plane compression and shear are derived in analytical forms. By these formulas, we investigate the relationship of the elastic moduli, the relative density, and the shape anisotropy–ratio of 3D-printed Kagome honeycomb. By the uniaxial tensile testing, the effective Young's moduli of 3D printed materials in the lateral and longitudinal directions are obtained. Then, by the analytical formulas and the experimental results, we can predict the maximum Young's moduli and the maximum shear modulus of 3D-printed Kagome honeycombs. The isotropic behavior of 3D-printed Kagome honeycombs is investigated. We also derived the equations of the initial yield strength surfaces and the buckling surfaces. We found that the sizes of the buckling surfaces of 3D printed material are smaller than that of isotropic material. The efficiency of the presented analytical formulas is verified through the tensile testing of 3D printed Kagome honeycomb specimens.
Energy absorption capability of origami automobile bumper system
Authors: Yuan Lin , Ma Jiayao , You Zhong
Published: July 2019

The crashworthiness of an automobile bumper plays a vital role in overall vehicle safety. Energy absorption efficiency, as well as predictable and stable performance, are the most demanding features in the design of the bumper system. To this end, this paper presents a series of innovative bumper designs using built-in origami patterns. Also, we outline a numerical framework for evaluating the energy absorption performance of a bumper when subjected to an impact loading. Comparative analyses on full frontal and 40% offset frontal impact tests are conducted numerically for both low and high-speed scenarios. It is found that the designed failure modes are successfully triggered and followed during the collision process for the combined origami beam-origami crash box design. Most importantly, this optimal design could absorb 31.5% more energy than the conventional bumper.
Reviewing the 2018 OECD Jobs Strategy – anything new under the sun?
Authors: McBride Stephen , Watson James
Published: July 2019

This article analyses the documents released by the OECD at the end of May 2018 launching a revised Jobs Strategy. The analysis frames the new initiative in the context of the two previous Jobs Strategies of 1994 and 2006. We pose the general question of whether continuity or discontinuity is the prevailing theme, along with a specific question concerning the significance of new themes of job quality and inclusive growth, given the documents’ simultaneous endorsement of the older theme of flexibility-enhancing policies to ensure a labour market functioning without rigidities. Flexibility had been the central feature of previous Jobs Strategies, although there was also a nod in the direction of an alternative route to better employment performance in the 2006 revision. The 2018 documents assert that the new strategy represents a significant departure from the previous iterations. This article provides a critical evaluation of this claim.
Full STEAM Ahead With a Space-Age Sound Artist
Authors: May Brittany Nixon
Published: July 2019

The STEAM model emphasizes process-based learning that guides student inquiry, critical thinking, and creativity in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. The children’s picture book biography Esquível: A Space-Age Sound Artist, provides an ideal catalyst for STEAM activities in the general music classroom. General considerations for designing and implementing STEAM activities in the general music classroom are discussed and include specific examples of how to apply them in developing STEAM activities related to Esquível and his music.
Human Rights Abused? Terrorist Labeling and Individual Reactions to Call to Action
Authors: Bracic Ana , Murdie Amanda
Published: July 2019

What leads individuals to be motivated to act for human rights causes? Human rights organizations (HROs) often use personal and emotional stories of the abused in order to gain the attention of individuals reading newspapers or emails directly from the organization. McEntire, Leiby, and Krain show that personal frames are most successful at increasing knowledge about a specific human rights situation and motivating individuals to act. However, HROs are not operating in a political vacuum; repressive governments often try to spin information about abuses and the abused to their advantage. This study uses an experimental approach to address how the discursive interactions between states and HROs influence individual-level support of HRO efforts. When governments respond to HRO claims by labeling the abused as a terrorist, individuals are much less likely to be spurred into certain types of action, like signing a petition, and feel differently about the specific case. Interestingly, we do not find that trust in the information provided by an HRO is harmed by being associated with someone labeled a terrorist.
Routine Influences on Aquaculture News Selection: A Q Method Study With New England Journalists
Authors: Duffy Kevin P. , Rickard Laura N. , Grosswiler Paul
Published: July 2019

Environmental journalists, as gatekeepers, often become arbiters of risk and benefit information. This study explores how their routine news value judgments may influence reporting on marine aquaculture, a growing domestic industry with complex social and ecological impacts. We interviewed New England newspaper journalists using Q methodology, a qualitative dominant mixed-method approach to study shared subjectivity in small samples. Results revealed four distinct reporting perspectives—“state structuralist,” “neighborhood preservationist,” “industrial futurist,” and “local proceduralist”—stemming from the news value and objectivity routines journalists used in news selection. Findings suggest implications for public understanding of, and positionality toward, natural resource use and development.
Thrombin Generation in Chinese Pregnant Women and the Effect of Insulin Use on Thrombin Generation in Patients with GDM
Authors: Dong Feng , Wang Longhao , Wang Chengbin
Published: July 2019

Pregnancy is a hypercoagulable state associated with an increased risk of venous thrombosis. Calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT) is a test to monitor the thrombin generation (TG), a laboratory marker of thrombosis risk, and increases during normal pregnancy, but it is still unclear whether TG is related to the use of insulin in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We performed thrombin generation by CAT on 135 normal pregnant women, including 43 in first trimester, 32 in second trimester, 60 in third trimester, respectively; 68 pregnant women with GDM were also enrolled, 19 patients with GDM using insulin to control blood glucose and 49 patients control their blood glucose through diet and exercise with noninsulin treatment. The overall CAT parameters were calculated using descriptive statistics method with mean ± standard deviation. Mean endogenous thrombin potential, peak thrombin generation, and StartTail time increased significantly with the pregnancy. There was no significant difference in TG test parameters except StartTail time( P = .003) in insulin-treated GDM group when compared to those without insulin in the GDM group. The normal ranges for CAT parameters in pregnant women were determined. Thrombin generation increased significantly in first trimester and remains stable in second and third trimester. The use of insulin in patient with GDM did not affect thrombin generation test. Our study helps to establish the reference range of thrombin generation in Chinese normal pregnant population and provide more basis to predict the risk of thrombus complicating during pregnancy.
Antiemetic effect of oral maropitant treatment before the administration of brimonidine ophthalmic solution in healthy cats
Authors: Kanda Teppei , Toda Chisato , Morimoto Haruka , Shimizu Yuki , Itoi Takamasa , Furumoto Kayo , Okamura Yasuhiko , Iwata Eri
Published: July 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the antiemetic, behavioural and physiological effects of oral maropitant treatment before the administration of brimonidine ophthalmic solution in healthy cats.

Methods

Five cats received oral maropitant 8 mg or no treatment (control) 18 h before the administration of one drop of brimonidine solution in both eyes. Each cat was administered each of the two treatments, with a washout period of 1 week. The incidence of emesis, retching, sialorrhoea and lip-licking after brimonidine administration was recorded, while behavioural and physiological parameters, including heart rate, mean blood pressure, respiratory frequency and rectal temperature, were recorded before and 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 and 240 mins after brimonidine administration.

Results

Emesis and retching were not observed when maropitant was administered. However, 4/5 cats exhibited vomiting and retching in the absence of maropitant pretreatment. The incidence of emesis and retching after brimonidine administration was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group. Sialorrhoea occurred in one cat in the control group, while all cats showed lip-licking after brimonidine administration. There were no significant differences in the incidence of sialorrhoea and lip-licking between the two groups. Although behaviour scores were comparable between the two groups, those obtained during heart rate, mean blood pressure and respiratory frequency measurements were significantly lower than the baseline scores; this indicated a sedative effect after brimonidine administration. The heart rate and mean blood pressure significantly decreased after brimonidine administration in both groups, while there were no intergroup differences in the heart rate, mean blood pressure, respiratory frequency and rectal temperature.

Conclusions and relevance

Oral maropitant treatment before the administration of brimonidine ophthalmic solution in cats can alleviate emesis and retching without affecting the sedative effects of brimonidine and important physiological parameters.
Proteomics and Docking Study Targeting Penicillin-Binding Protein and Penicillin-Binding Protein2a of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strain SO-1977 Isolated from Sudan
Authors: Mohamed Sofia B , Adlan Talal A , Khalafalla Nagla A , Abdalla Nusiba I , Ali Zainab SA , Munir KA Abdella , Hassan Mohamed M , Elnour Mohammed-Ahmed B
Published: July 2019

Whole genome sequencing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain isolated from Sudan has led to a great deal of information, which allows the identification and characterization of some pivotal proteins. The objective of this study was to investigate the penicillin-binding proteins, PBP and PBP2a, of SO-1977 strain to have insights about their physicochemical properties and to assess and describe the interaction of some phytochemicals against them in silico. PBP and PBP2a from MRSA’s Sudan strain were found to be of great resemblance with some other strains. G246E single-nucleotide polymorphism was reported and identified in the allosteric binding site positioned in the non-penicillin-binding domain. The docked compounds demonstrated good binding energies and hydrogen bond interactions with residue Ser404 which plays crucial roles in β-lactam activity. This finding would contribute significantly to designing effective β-lactam drugs, to combat and treat β-lactam–resistant bacteria in the future.
Mental health treatment to assist in heart disease improved outcomes
Authors: Pompeo-Fargnoli Alyson , Fargnoli Anthony S
Published: July 2019

In this commentary, we highlight key scientific advancements in the area of depression and heart disease dual diagnosis, to explore how new approaches can be integrated from a mental health counseling perspective. The incorporation of mental health counseling is suggested as an aid in the treatment of patients with a cardiac disease diagnosis. However, there is no structured awareness or training program for mental health counselors to associate depression with heart disease since this involves both a high level of interdisciplinary research and collaboration with existing healthcare providers. Alongside rampant calls for changes in our modern healthcare system, new holistic practices may emerge, placing mental health services at the forefront to assist in improving cardiac disease patient outcomes.
‘Zoella hasn’t really written a book, she’s written a cheque’: Mainstream media representations of YouTube celebrities
Authors: Deller Ruth A , Murphy Kathryn
Published: July 2019

In this article, we present a thematic analysis of broadcast and print media representations of YouTube celebrity. Youth-oriented media have capitalised on the phenomenon, placing vloggers alongside actors and pop stars. However, in much adult-oriented mainstream media, YouTubers are presented as fraudulent, inauthentic, opportunist and talentless, making money from doing nothing. Key themes recur in coverage, including YouTubers’ presumed lack of talent and expertise, the alleged dangers they present and the argument that they are not ‘really famous’. YouTubers’ claims to fame are thus simultaneously legitimised by giving them coverage and delegitimised within said coverage, echoing media treatment of other ‘amateur’ celebrities such as reality stars and citizen journalists. We argue that the response to YouTubers in more traditional media outlets demonstrates recognition of their visibility and appeal to a younger audience, while also signifying apprehension towards a phenomenon that potentially threatens both the existence of traditional media forms, and the influence of traditional media professionals.
Nonlinear vibration characteristics of the rotor bearing system with bolted flange joints
Authors: Zhou Yifu , Luo Zhong , Bian Zifang , Wang Fei
Published: July 2019

As sophisticated mechanical equipment, the rotor system of aero-engine is assembled by various parts; bolted flange joints are one of the essential ways of joints. Aiming at the analysis of the nonlinear vibration characteristics of the rotor-bearing system with bolted flange joints, in this paper, a finite element modeling method for a rotor-bearing system with bolted flange joints is proposed, and an incremental harmonic balance method combined with arc length continuation is proposed to solve the dynamic solution of the rotor system. In order to solve the rotor system with rolling bearing nonlinearity, the alternating frequency/time-domain process of the rolling bearing element is deduced. Compared with the conventional harmonic balance method and the time-domain method, this method has the characteristics of fast convergence and high computational efficiency; solving the rotor system with nonlinear bearing force; overcome the shortcoming that the frequency–response curve of the system is too sharp to continue solving. By using this method, the influence of bearing clearance and stiffness on vibration characteristics of the rotor system with bolted flange joints is studied. The evolution law of the state of the rotor system with bolt flange is investigated through numerical simulation and experimental data. The results indicated that the modeling and solving method proposed in this paper could accurately solve the rotor-bearing system with bolted flange joints and analyze its vibration characteristics.
Failure prediction in self-sensing nanocomposites via genetic algorithm-enabled piezoresistive inversion
Authors: Hassan Hashim , Tallman Tyler N
Published: July 2019

Conductive nanocomposites have been explored extensively for structural health monitoring (SHM) due to their self-sensing nature via the piezoresistive effect. Combined with a non-invasive conductivity imaging modality such as electrical impedance tomography (EIT), piezoresistivity is a powerful tool for SHM. To date, however, the combination of the piezoresistive effect and EIT has been limited to just damage detection. From a SHM perspective, it may be more beneficial to pre-emptively predict failure before it occurs. To that end, we propose a novel methodology for failure prediction in nanocomposites using piezoresistive inversion. Our approach makes use of a genetic algorithm (GA) to determine the mechanical state of the structure using conductivity changes observed via EIT. First, a rectangular nanocomposite specimen with a central hole is manufactured. Second, the specimen is loaded in tension to induce stress concentrations near the hole. Third, EIT is used to image the resulting stress concentration-induced conductivity changes near the hole. Fourth, GA-enabled piezoresistive inversion is implemented to determine the underlying displacements from the observed conductivity changes. The strains are then determined from kinematic relations and the stresses from constitutive relations. Lastly, a failure criterion is used to predict failure. By validating our results with finite element analysis and digital image correlation, we demonstrate that the proposed approach can accurately predict the onset of failure and therefore enable unprecedented SHM capabilities in piezoresistive nanocomposites.
Theoretical investigations on charge transport properties of tetrabenzo[a,d,j,m]coronene derivatives using different density functional theory functionals (B3LYP, M06-2X, and wB97XD)
Authors: Chen Ziran , Li Yuan , He Zhanrong , Xu Youhui , Yu Wenhao
Published: July 2019

Charge transport rate is one of the key parameters determining the performance of organic electronic devices. Based on density functional theory, exchange-correlation functionals which adequately account for non-covalent interactions, such as M06-2X and wB97XD, should significantly improve the accuracy of charge transport rate calculations for large systems with non-covalent interactions. In this work, the B3LYP hybrid functional, the variant hybrid functional M06-2X, and the long-range-corrected wB97XD functional were used to perform geometry optimizations and charge transport rate calculations on 11 variants of tetrabenzo[ a,d,j,m]coronene, including tetrabenzo[ a,d,j,m]coronene itself and its tetra-substituted and octa-substituted derivatives. Our results indicate that the molecular geometries of these benzocoronene semiconductors are large quasi-planar conjugated π systems, and the incorporation of different substituents significantly affects their frontier molecular orbitals. The hole carrier mobility ( µ+) and electron carrier mobility ( µ−) of the methoxy-substituted derivatives (TBC(OCH3)4 and TBC(OCH3)8) were relatively low. The results of the tetrabenzo[ a,d,j,m]coronene molecules studied were consistent with using the aforementioned M06-2X, wB97XD, and B3LYP methods. We found that the octa-substituted derivatives (TBCF8, TBCCl8, TBC(CH3)8, and TBC(CN)8) could be used as p-type organic semiconductor materials.
Induction of Antioxidative Activity and Antioxidant Molecules in the Halotolerant Cyanobacterium Halothece sp. PCC7418 by Temperature Shift
Authors: Patipong Tanutcha , Hibino Takashi , Waditee-Sirisattha Rungaroon , Kageyama Hakuto
Published: July 2019

Extremophiles are a rich source of novel secondary metabolites and valuable antioxidative compounds. Here, we examined the antioxidative capacities of aqueous extracts derived from the halotolerant cyanobacterium Halothece sp. PCC7418. The antioxidative activities of extracts derived from Halothece sp. PCC7418 cells exposed to temperature shock were significantly enhanced. Quantification of antioxidant molecules (phenolic compounds and phycobiliproteins) in the aqueous extracts revealed that the amounts of these molecules were modulated by temperature shock. In addition, the intracellular accumulation of mycosporine-2-glycine, a potential antioxidative molecule, was strongly enhanced by cold shock. Our results show that the treatment of Halothece sp. PCC7418 cells with temperature shock may allow for the robust production of antioxidants.
Organ trafficking and human trafficking for the purpose of organ removal, two international legal frameworks against illicit organ removal
Authors: Gawronska Sylwia
Published: July 2019

Although illicit organ removal is not a new crime, globalisation and economic inequality, underpinned by shortages of organs, have amplified this problem to such an extent that governments are now urged to take comprehensive punitive measures. Some manifestations of illicit organ removal are already considered criminal offences under domestic transplant legislations and under the framework of human trafficking. At the same time, illicit organ removal has also been categorised as a form of organ trafficking by the Council of Europe Convention against Trafficking in Human Organs, which calls upon governments to establish as a criminal offence a broad range of illicit organ- and transplant-related activities. As the crime of illicit organ removal lies at the centre of both human trafficking and organ trafficking, questions arise as to the exact differences between the two frameworks, their overlaps and their legal consequences. This article aims to provide answers to those questions by conducting a comparative analysis of both legal frameworks in terms of their development, scope, criminal law provisions and implementation. This analysis is followed by an examination of their overlaps and the consequences of prosecuting under either framework. A set of recommendations is presented aimed at implementing both legal frameworks in a way that guarantees effective prosecution while maximising the protection of victims.
Development of a pharmacovigilance system in a resource-limited country: the experience of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Nzolo Didier , Kuemmerle Andrea , Lula Yves , Ntamabyaliro Nsengi , Engo Aline , Mvete Bibiche , Liwono Jerry , Lusakibanza Mariano , Mesia Gauthier , Burri Christian , Mampunza Samuel , Tona Gaston
Published: July 2019

Implementation of pharmacovigilance (PV) systems in resource-limited countries is a real endeavor. Despite country- and continent-specific challenges, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been able to develop one of the most active PV systems in the sub-Saharan Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) regional Office identified the DRC experience to set up a PV system for antimalarial drugs safety monitoring as a ‘best practice’ that needed to be documented in order to help DRC improve its PV system and to be scaled up in other African countries. In response to the WHO request, a best practices and bottlenecks analysis was conducted in 2015. This analysis was updated in 2018 in the light of the minimum requirements of the WHO to set up a PV system taking into account other guidance for PV systems. The following themes were retained for analysis: (1) creation of the national PV center; (2) implementation of PV in the health system; (3) data collection and analysis; (4) collaboration with public health programs; (5) collaboration with the National Regulatory Authority. Lessons learnt from the DRC experience show that it is possible to implement PV systems in order to promote patients’ safety in resource limited sub-Saharan African countries with no guaranteed funding. The ability of national PV centers to collaborate with Public health stakeholders, including public health authorities at all levels as well as public health programs, and to use existing health information systems are considered the main key to success and may substantially reduce the cost of PV activities.
What is responsible and sustainable data science?
Authors: Taylor Linnet , Purtova Nadezhda
Published: July 2019

In the expansion of health ecosystems, issues of responsibility and sustainability of the data science involved are central. The idea that these values should be central to the practice of data science is increasingly gaining traction, yet there is no agreement on what exactly makes data science responsible or sustainable because these concepts prove slippery when applied to a global field involving commercial, academic and governmental actors. This lack of clarity is causing problems in setting goals and boundaries for data scientific practice, and risks fundamental disagreement on governance principles for this emerging field. We will argue in this commentary for a commons analytical framework as one approach to this problem, since it offers useful signposts for how to establish governance principles for shared resources.
Recalibration in counting and accounting practices: Dealing with algorithmic output in public and private
Authors: Dudhwala Farzana , Larsen Lotta Björklund
Published: July 2019

Algorithms are increasingly affecting us in our daily lives. They seem to be everywhere, yet they are seldom seen by the humans dealing with the consequences that result from them. Yet, in recent theorisations, there is a risk that the algorithm is being given too much prominence. This article addresses the interaction between algorithmic outputs and the humans engaging with them by drawing on studies of two distinct empirical fields – self-quantification and audit controls of taxpayers. We explore recalibration as a way to understand the practices and processes involved when, on the one hand, decisions are made based on results from algorithmic calculations in counting and accounting software, and on the other hand, when decisions are made based on human experience/knowledge. In particular, we are concerned with moments when an algorithmic output differs from expectations of ‘normalcy’ and ‘normativity’ in any given situation. This could be a ‘normal’ relation between sales and VAT deductions for a business, or a ‘normal’ number of steps one takes in a day, or ‘normative’ as it is according to the book, following guidelines and recommendations from other sources. In these moments, we argue that a process of recalibration occurs – an effortful moment where, rather than treat the algorithmic output as given, individuals’ tacit knowledge, experiences and intuition are brought into play to address the deviation from the normal and normative.
A Review and Clinical Perspective of the Impact of Osteoporosis on the Spine
Authors: Carlson Bayard C. , Robinson William A. , Wanderman Nathan R. , Sebastian Arjun S. , Nassr Ahmad , Freedman Brett A. , Anderson Paul A.
Published: July 2019

Introduction:

Osteopenia and osteoporosis are common conditions in the United States. The health consequences of low bone density can be dire, from poor surgical outcomes to increased mortality rates following a fracture.

Significance:

This article highlights the impact low bone density has on spine health in terms of vertebral fragility fractures and its adverse effects on elective spine surgery. It also reviews the clinical importance of bone health assessment and optimization.

Results:

Vertebral fractures are the most common fragility fractures with significant consequences related to patient morbidity and mortality. Additionally, a vertebral fracture is the best predictor of a subsequent fracture. These fractures constitute sentinel events in osteoporosis that require further evaluation and treatment of the patient’s underlying bone disease. In addition to fractures, osteopenia and osteoporosis have deleterious effects on elective spine surgery from screw pullout to fusion rates. Adequate evaluation and treatment of a patient’s underlying bone disease in these situations have been shown to improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion:

With an increased understanding of the prevalence of low bone mass and its consequences as well an understanding of how to identify these patients and appropriately intervene, spine surgeons can effectively decrease the rates of adverse health outcomes related to low bone mass.
The Use of Social Media on Political Participation Among University Students: An Analysis of Survey Results From Rural Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Taufiq , Alvi Aima , Ittefaq Muhammad
Published: July 2019

Over the last decade, extensive literature has been published regarding social media effects on real-life political participation. Many argue that social media stimulates online and offline political participation. This study investigates how online political activities impact political efficacy and real-life political participation among university students in rural Pakistan. In addition, this study also sheds light on the relationship between political activities and political awareness. We conducted an online survey of ( N = 200) male and female undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Narowal, Pakistan. We used Qualtrics software to distribute our survey among students for data-collection purposes. The results reveal that the majority of the students use social media for political awareness and information. Political efficacy is significantly based on online political participation. In addition to that, social media is a vital platform for netizens to participate in real-life political activities. In conclusion, the findings of the study suggest that online political activities strongly correlate to political awareness and offline political participation. In rural areas of Pakistan, the younger generations are very active on social media to participate in online and offline political happenings.
Analyzing Upward Deviation of Actual vs Predicted Drug Sales in Japan for a Reasonable Drug-Pricing Policy
Authors: Shibata Shoyo , Fukumoto Daigo , Suzuki Takeshi , Ozaki Koken
Published: July 2019

Background:

Predictions of drug sales play an important role in setting drug prices in Japan, where drug prices are highly regulated. One of 2 primary Japanese drug-pricing methodologies—the cost calculation method— refers extensively to the prediction of drug sales in establishing drug prices. Deviations from predicted sales can induce disproportionate drug prices and unexpected pharmaceutical expenditures. This study aimed to estimate the upward deviation of actual sales from predicted sales and to explore the predictors of such upward deviation.

Methods:

Estimates of upward deviation in 2015 were produced for new molecular entities (NMEs) approved in 2006-2015. To identify the predictors associated with upward deviation through binary logistic regression analyses, sales within 3 years of launch and in the predicted year in which peak sales would be reached were used.

Results:

Estimated upward deviation was more than 1220 billion yen in 2015 for the targeted drugs. Drugs priced by the cost calculation method or by obtaining additional indications were significantly more likely to show an upward deviation from predicted peak sales.

Conclusion:

There is substantial upward deviation between actual and predicted drug sales in Japan. So long as drug sales predictions are used in drug price calculations, a flexible repricing system is needed to buffer unexpected pharmaceutical expenditures.
Posterior wall acetabular fracture fixation: A mechanical analysis of fixation methods
Authors: Pease F , Ward AJ , Stevenson AJ , Cunningham JL , Sabri O , Acharya M , Chesser TJS
Published: July 2019

Stable, anatomical fixation of acetabular fractures gives the best chance of successful outcome, while penetration of the acetabular articular surface with screws is associated with poor outcomes. Spring plates are an alternative to interfragmentary lag screws when penetration is a concern. A mechanical study comparing fracture stability and construct stiffness of three fixation methods for posterior wall acetabular fractures with transverse comminutions was performed. The three fixation methods tested were a posterior wall rim plate, a posterior wall buttress plate with separate lag screws and a posterior wall plate with two spring plates. Nine samples were tested, three for each fixation method. Two-dimensional motion analysis was used to measure fracture fragment displacement and construct stiffness. After two 6000 cycle-loading protocols, to a maximum 1.5 kN, the mean fracture displacement was 0.154 mm for the rim plate model, 0.326 mm for the buttress plate and 0.254 mm for the spring plate model. Mean maximum displacement was significantly less for the rim plate fixation than the buttress plate ( p = 0.015) and spring plate fixation ( p = 0.02). The rim plate was the stiffest construct 10,962 N/mm, followed by the spring plate model 5637 N/mm and the buttress plate model 4882 N/mm. Based on data obtained in this study, where possible a rim plate with interfragmentary lag screws should be used for isolated posterior wall fractures as this is the stiffest and most stable construct. When this method is not possible, spring plate fixation is a safe and a superior alternative to a posterior buttress plate method.
TNF-α–driven inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction define the platelet hyperreactivity of aging
Authors: Davizon-Castillo Pavel , McMahon Brandon , Aguila Sonia , Bark David , Ashworth Katrina , Allawzi Ayed , Campbell Robert A. , Montenont Emilie , Nemkov Travis , D’Alessandro Angelo , Clendenen Nathan , Shih Lauren , Sanders Natalie A. , Higa Kelly , Cox Allaura , Padilla-Romo Zavelia , Hernandez Giovanni , Wartchow Eric , Trahan George D. , Nozik-Grayck Eva , Jones Kenneth , Pietras Eric M. , DeGregori James , Rondina Matthew T. , Di Paola Jorge
Published: July 2019

Aging and chronic inflammation are independent risk factors for the development of atherothrombosis and cardiovascular disease. We hypothesized that aging-associated inflammation promotes the development of platelet hyperreactivity and increases thrombotic risk during aging. Functional platelet studies in aged-frail adults and old mice demonstrated that their platelets are hyperreactive and form larger thrombi. We identified tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) as the key aging-associated proinflammatory cytokine responsible for platelet hyperreactivity. We further showed that platelet hyperreactivity is neutralized by abrogating signaling through TNF-α receptors in vivo in a mouse model of aging. Analysis of the bone marrow compartments showed significant platelet-biased hematopoiesis in old mice reflected by increased megakaryocyte-committed progenitor cells, megakaryocyte ploidy status, and thrombocytosis. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis of native mouse megakaryocytes showed significant reprogramming of inflammatory, metabolic, and mitochondrial gene pathways in old mice that appeared to play a significant role in determining platelet hyperreactivity. Platelets from old mice (where TNF-α was endogenously increased) and from young mice exposed to exogenous TNF-α exhibited significant mitochondrial changes characterized by elevated mitochondrial mass and increased oxygen consumption during activation. These mitochondrial changes were mitigated upon TNF-α blockade. Similar increases in platelet mitochondrial mass were seen in platelets from patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms, where TNF-α levels are also increased. Furthermore, metabolomics studies of platelets from young and old mice demonstrated age-dependent metabolic profiles that may differentially poise platelets for activation. Altogether, we present previously unrecognized evidence that TNF-α critically regulates megakaryocytes resident in the bone marrow niche and aging-associated platelet hyperreactivity and thrombosis.
Preparation and properties of a coniferin enantiomer
Authors: Maeda Haruka , Tsuyama Taku , Takabe Keiji , Kamitakahara Hiroshi , Takano Toshiyuki
Published: July 2019

l-Coniferin (1L), which is an enantiomer of natural coniferin (d-coniferin (1D)), was prepared from l-glucose according to the conventional method for compound 1D. The reactivity of l-glucose and its derivatives was found to be almost same as that of the corresponding d-glucose and its derivatives during the preparation for compound 1L. Compound 1L showed resistance toward enzymatic hydrolysis by commercial β-glucosidase from Almond. However, unlike compound 1D, compound 1L was not transported across the membrane obtained from differentiating xylem of a hybrid poplar in the present assay. The result suggested for the first time that the d-/l-configuration of the glucose moiety of coniferin is an important factor affecting coniferin transport across the membrane.
Performance and working mechanism of tension–compression composite anchorage system for earthen heritage sites
Authors: Wang Donghua , Cui Kai , Wu Guopeng , Feng Fei , Yu Xiangpeng
Published: July 2019

Although the fully grouted tension anchorage system (T-anchorage system) has been widely used in the field of anchoring of earthen heritage sites, it has always suffered from the failure of the bolt–slurry interface debonding and the strong attenuation of the shear stress of the bolt–slurry interface along the embedment length. In this article, a new type of fully grouted tension–compression composite anchorage system (TC-anchorage system) is proposed, which is made up of a pressure bearing system with the same diameter of the anchor hole at the end of the tension bolt. The in situ anchorage, pull-out test and interfacial stress–strain monitoring were carried out for the T-anchorage systems and the TC-anchorage systems. This was based on the preliminary analysis and comparison of the structure and working mechanism of the two anchorage systems. The test results show that: the average ultimate load of the TC-anchorage system is about 40% higher than that of the T-anchorage system. TC-anchorage systems have the characteristics of small elastic deformation and large plastic deformation. The strain at the bolt–slurry interface varies progressively along the embedded length with the increase of load in a positive skewness–bimodal–negative skewness curve. The working mechanism of TC-anchorage systems includes three progressive stages: bolt–slurry interface debonding, conical slurry formation and slurry extrusion. The research conclusion provides a reference for the application of TC-anchorage systems in the protection and reinforcement of earthen heritage sites.