bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of a Person’s Digital Affinity on Unit Nonresponse and Attrition in an Online Panel
Authors: Herzing Jessica M. E. , Blom Annelies G.
Published: May 2018

Research has shown that the non-Internet population is hesitant to respond to online survey requests. However, also subgroups in the Internet population with low digital affinity may hesitate to respond to online surveys. This latter issue has not yet received much attention by scholars despite its potentially detrimental effects on the external validity of online survey data. In this article, we explore the extent to which a person’s digital affinity contributes to nonresponse bias in the German Internet Panel, a probability-based online panel of the general population. With a multidimensional classification of digital affinity, we predict response to the first online panel wave and participation across panel waves. We find that persons who belong to different classes of digital affinity have systematically different sociodemographic characteristics and show different voting behavior. In addition, we find that initial response propensities vary by classes of digital affinity, as do attrition patterns over time. Our results demonstrate the importance of digital affinity for the reduction in nonresponse bias during fieldwork and for postsurvey adjustments.
From Flanders to Pernambuco: Battleground Perceptions in the Portuguese Early Modern Atlantic World
Authors: Dantas da Cruz Miguel
Published: May 2018

This article addresses the way the Portuguese experience in the seventeenth-century battlefields of Flanders, during the Iberian Union (1580–1640), reshaped Portuguese military thought and culture. It argues that their traditional martial perceptions – almost exclusively based in imperial experiences, especially against the Muslims in North Africa and in India – were transformed by the direct exposure to Spanish military endeavours in Europe. It also argues that the experience in Flanders resurfaced in the South Atlantic, in all its religious and political dimensions, transforming the prestige of Brazil as a battlefield. Finally, the article revisits the way the Flanders experience poisoned Spanish–Portuguese relations.
Role of Electoral Competition in Explaining Political Violence in Bangladesh
Authors: Aziz Syeda Salina , Razzaque Farhana
Published: May 2018

This article deals with political violence in Bangladesh. Using a time series data for a period of five years, this article shows that the degree of political violence varies widely in districts and argue that this can be explained by difference in political competitiveness. This article uses election competition as a proxy of overall political competitiveness in a district and examines whether it can explain variation in political violence in districts. This article test the hypothesis using a multiple regression model and finds substantial support for the hypothesis. It is also found that allocation of development expenditure, population density and urban centricity along with location of regional headquarters are strong determinant of political violence.
Survey of North American Multidisciplinary Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Team Clinic Administration
Authors: Pfeifauf Kristin D. , Patel Kamlesh B. , Snyder-Warwick Alison , Skolnick Gary B. , Scheve Sibyl , Naidoo Sybill D.
Published: May 2018

Objective:

This study aims to provide an understanding of the ways cleft palate (CP) and craniofacial teams address billing, administration, communication of clinical recommendations, appointment scheduling, and diagnosis-specific protocols.

Design:

An online clinic administration survey was developed using data from an open-ended telephone questionnaire. The online survey was distributed by e-mail to the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA) nurse coordinator electronic mailing list, used regularly by the ACPA and its members to communicate with teams. The response was 34.1% (42/123). Two incomplete records were excluded, as were any inconsistent responses of 3 teams submitting duplicate records.

Results:

Six (15.8%) of 38 teams do not charge for clinic visits. For all other teams, some or all providers bill individually for services (68.4%) or a single lump sum applies (10.5%). Patients of 34 (89.5%) of 38 teams occasionally or often neglect to schedule or attend follow-up appointments. Twenty-six (66.7%) of 39 team directors were plastic surgeons. Phone is a common method of contacting families for scheduling (60.0%) and appointment reminders (82.5%). Most teams’ providers (90.0%) routinely communicate findings to each other during postclinical conference. Most teams saw patients with isolated cleft lip (43.6%), cleft lip and palate (64.1%), or isolated CP (59.0%) annually.

Conclusions:

The breadth of strategies team clinic administration strategies warrants further exploration of the variations and their effects on patient-centered outcomes including the quality of life, satisfaction, cost, and resource utilization.
Impact of Statin Use on Recurrence or Survival After Surgical Curative Resection of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Oh Tak Kyu , Kim Kwhanmien , Jheon Sanghoon , Lee Jaebong , Do Sang-Hwan , Hwang Jung-Won , Kim Hyo Jin , Song In-Ae
Published: May 2018

Statins are known for their anticancer effects, and many studies have shown the effectiveness of statins for cancer prevention and improvement of cancer-related long-term oncologic outcome. However, their effectiveness on recurrence or survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after curative resection remains unknown. This was a retrospective cohort study that assessed the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with NSCLC and treated with curative resection at a tertiary care hospital between August 2003 and July 2012. The primary outcome was the comparison of postoperative overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) between the statin group of patients, who were administered statins at least 1 month before the surgery and continued it after the surgery, and the nonstatin group of patients, who were not administered statins. Propensity score (PS) matching was used to balance the 2 groups, and the analysis was performed using a Cox proportional hazards model. In total, 994 patients with NSCLC were included in the final analysis: 135 patients in the statin group and 859 patients in the nonstatin group. After PS matching, there was no significant difference in postoperative recurrence ( P = .862) or death ( P = .074) between the statin group and the nonstatin group. Similarly, there was no significant difference in postoperative RFS ( P = .862) and OS ( P = .072) between the 2 groups after PS matching. This study demonstrated that statin administration had no significant association with recurrence or survival after NSCLC treatment.
A randomised trial comparing spatio-temporal gait parameters after total hip arthroplasty between the direct anterior and direct lateral surgical approaches
Authors: Zomar Bryn O , Bryant Dianne , Hunter Susan , Howard James L , Vasarhelyi Edward M , Lanting Brent A
Published: May 2018

Introduction:

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a successful procedure for relieving symptoms of severe osteoarthritis. Surgical approach is a key factor in early recovery and although controversial, little has been written about the direct anterior (DA) approach using objective early measures.

Methods:

78 participants were prospectively enrolled to undergo a THA through either a DA or direct lateral (DL) surgical approach. Outcome measures were collected preoperatively and at discharge from the hospital, and 2-, 6- and 12-weeks. Outcome measures included the GAITRite® system to measure gait velocity, stride length, single-limb support and single-limb support symmetry. At each time point participants also completed the Timed Up and Go (TUG), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), 12-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-12), Harris Hip Score, and pain visual analog scale (VAS).

Results:

We found statistically significant differences in gait velocity at discharge, 2-weeks and 6-weeks in favour of the DA group (all p < 0.01). We also found significant differences in favour of the DA group for single-limb support symmetry at 6-weeks ( p < 0.01) and 12-weeks ( p < 0.01). The time to complete the TUG test was also significantly shorter in the DA group at 2-weeks ( p < 0.01) and 6-weeks ( p < 0.01) compared to the DL group. However, there were no statistically significant differences in any of the patient-reported outcomes.

Conclusion:

The DA surgical approach was found to offer significant early advantages in function compared to the DL group, with no differences in quality of life or pain.
Predictive accuracy of RSA migration thresholds for cemented total hip arthroplasty stem designs
Authors: Teeter Matthew G , McCalden Richard W , Yuan Xunhua , MacDonald Steven J , Naudie Douglas D
Published: May 2018

Introduction:

Radiostereometric analysis (RSA) migration thresholds for cemented total hip stems have been established beyond which an unacceptably high risk of revision is likely to occur. These thresholds are subsidence >0.23 mm or >1.2 mm after 2 years. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively examine after long-term follow-up the predictive accuracy of the two thresholds.

Methods:

Data from two previous prospective RSA trials with 2 year follow-up for which minimum 10 year survivorship data was available were used. Thirty-six patients received a Spectron stem, 17 patients received an Exeter stem, and 17 patients received a CPCS stem. Subsidence after 2 years was compared to the migration thresholds, and long-term survivorship and clinical outcome scores were obtained.

Results:

At 2 years, the Spectron stem subsided 0.046 ± 0.160 mm, the Exeter stem subsided 1.218 ± 0.320 mm, and the CPCS stem subsided 0.681 ± 0.246 mm ( p < 0.0001). The Spectron stem passed both thresholds, the Exeter stem failed both thresholds, and the CPCS stem passed 1 and failed 1 threshold. At 10 years, survivorship exceeded 90% for all stems.

Conclusion:

All stems demonstrated strong 10 year survivorship and equivalent clinical outcome scores, but this success would not have been equally predicted across RSA migration thresholds. Although RSA is a useful predictive tool, care should be taken in applying migration thresholds only to those stem designs they are indicated for, with the threshold of 1.2 mm of subsidence at 2 years being most broadly applicable.
Is computerised 3D templating more accurate than 2D templating to predict size of components in primary total hip arthroplasty?
Authors: Schiffner Erik , Latz David , Jungbluth Pascal , Grassmann Jan P , Tanner Stephan , Karbowski Alfred , Windolf Joachim , Schneppendahl Johannes
Published: May 2018

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of preoperative templating in total hip arthroplasty (THA) using conventional 2-dimensional (2D) and computed tomography (CT)-based 3-dimensional (3D) measures.

Methods:

One hundred and sixteen consecutive primary THAs were analysed. The preoperative diagnosis was primary osteoarthritis in all cases. The 2D templating and the 3D templating were performed by two different residents. All templating results were available for the orthopaedic surgeon performing the procedure. Accuracies with regard to the predicted and actual implant sizes were determined for each procedure. Implantation of the size as planned was defined as “exact”, whereas the use of components within one size larger or smaller (±1) as planned were defined as “accurate.”

Results:

The 3D templating was significantly more accurate in predicting implant sizing compared to 2D templating for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). The difference was statistically significant for the cup templating (‘‘exact’’ p = 0.02; ‘‘accurate’’ p = 0.01) and for the stem templating (‘‘exact’’ p = 0.04; ‘‘accurate’’ p = 0.01).

Conclusion:

Our results support the superiority of 3D templating over 2D templating in predicting implant size.
Revenue management and price optimization techniques in the hotel sector
Authors: Vives Aldric , Jacob Marta , Payeras Marga
Published: May 2018

Pricing and revenue management (RM) techniques have become a popular field of research in hotel management literature. The sector’s background framework and evolution and the widespread use of new technologies have allowed a customer-oriented approach to be taken to pricing and the development of RM tools, while also contributing to better processes in hotel management performance at individual hotel level. Thus, price optimization (PO) methods that seek to maximize hotel revenue are based on inventory scarcity, customer segmentation and pricing. In the hotel sector, as in the airline industry, different pricing policies have a greater impact than competition measurement effects. This is mainly as differentiation strategies and specific policies at hotels can reduce the pressure of a competitive environment. The main contributions of the article are the presentation, description and classification of the principal RM and PO techniques in hotel sector literature.
Communication Between Spanish-Speaking Mothers and Their Children With Hearing Loss Who Use ASL
Authors: Alfano Alliete R.
Published: May 2018

Only 15% of children with hearing loss who could receive a cochlear implant receive one leaving American Sign Language (ASL) as their access to communication. Spanish-speaking families face even greater challenges including learning different languages/cultures and lack of trained Hispanic professionals. This study identifies how Hispanic mothers communicate with their children with hearing loss who use ASL as their primary language. Data for this qualitative study were collected using in-depth, open-ended ethnographic interviews and limited participant observations and analyzed using grounded theory. Results indicated that many mothers did not learn ASL or learned it some years after the diagnosis of hearing loss in their child; therefore, many children had no or limited language early on and were excluded from conversations and activities. Often mothers learned ASL in Spanish resulting in communication that varied in grammar. Language confusion can result in children’s lower overall language skills and poor academic achievement.
Management of colonic diverticular disease in the third millennium: Highlights from a symposium held during the United European Gastroenterology Week 2017
Authors: Scarpignato Carmelo , Barbara Giovanni , Lanas Angel , Strate Lisa L.
Published: May 2018

Diverticulosis is a common anatomical condition, which appears to be age-dependent. Individuals who develop chronic gastrointestinal symptoms or complications are referred to as having diverticular disease. Although the diagnosis of this condition can be relatively straightforward, randomized controlled trials are scarce and management often follows tradition rather than principles of evidence-based medicine. This report deals with the topics discussed during a symposium held during the United European Gastroenterology Week (Barcelona, October 2017). During the meeting, the role of dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of diverticular disease and its treatment were thoroughly discussed, by examining the efficacy and mechanisms of action of the currently used drugs. Recent studies have shown the presence of dysbiosis in patients with diverticular disease and suggest an imbalance in favor of bacteria with pro-inflammatory and pathogenetic potential. These microbiota changes correlate with mucosal immune activation, mirrored by a marked increase of macrophages in colonic mucosa, both in the diverticular region and at distant sites. The low-grade inflammation, driven by bacteria-induced immune activation, could be involved in the pathophysiology of symptoms. As a consequence, pharmacological approaches targeting enteric bacteria (with poorly absorbed antibiotics, like rifaximin, or probiotics) or intestinal inflammation (with 5-ASA derivatives or rifaximin) have shown capability of controlling symptoms and also preventing complications, albeit more research is needed to establish the optimal regimen (daily dose and duration) of therapy. Well-designed randomized-controlled trials (RCTs), including homogeneous populations of patients, are therefore needed. The future of management of many GI diseases, including symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease, will rely on the so-called ‘microbiota-directed therapies’.
Drilling and Blasting to Learn Scenario Construction: Experimenting with Causal Layered Analysis as a Disruption of Scenario Work
Authors: Minkkinen Matti , Heinonen Sirkka , Parkkinen Marjukka
Published: May 2018

Scenario thinking is one of the key elements of futures studies, and therefore, “Scenario Thinking” is one of the first compulsory courses in the Master’s Degree Programme in Futures Studies at the University of Turku. Scenario methods are continuously evolving, and our educational practices must reflect recent developments while giving a clear outline of the big picture. Furthermore, increasing interest is being taken in hybrid methods, and such hybridity can also be introduced to teaching scenario thinking. This article discusses an experiment of using causal layered analysis (CLA) to complement and deepen scenarios made by student groups for a Finnish company during an introductory course on scenario thinking. During a first-year master’s degree course, a two-hour CLA session was conducted, and student groups were instructed to include the results into their scenario reports. From a methodological point of view, we discuss using CLA as a disruption in the middle of the scenario process to increase reflexivity. From a pedagogical point of view, we discuss how a relatively complex method combination (CLA and scenarios) can be made accessible to first-year master’s students conducting their first scenario study. As material, we use our own firsthand experiences from the scenario course and the CLA session as well as a subsequent survey with students. The intention of the paper is to quickly distribute educational practices for assessment by the futures education community and, thus, contribute to improving the state of futures studies and foresight education.
Is Intra-Articular Injection of Synvisc Associated with a Delay to Knee Arthroplasty in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis?
Authors: Ong Kevin L. , Runa Maria , Lau Edmund , Altman Roy
Published: May 2018

Objective

There is debate about the effectiveness of intra-articular (IA) hyaluronic acid (HA) injections. We asked the following questions: (1) What is the epidemiology of IA HA use in knee arthroplasty (KA) patients? (2) Is Synvisc associated with a delay to KA? (3) Is there a difference in the delay to KA with the number of HA courses?

Design

The Optum Clinformatics data set (2006–June 2016) was used to identify patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Patients who did not receive IA HA were identified, along with those who received Synvisc or non-Synvisc HA. The median duration from knee OA to KA was compared using quantile regression modeling with propensity score weighting. The trend in time to KA with each HA course was evaluated.

Results

Of 4,027,848 knee OA patients, 141,305 patients underwent KA. Overall median time from knee OA diagnosis to KA was 1.2 years (average: 1.9 ± 1.9 years; interquartile range of 0.4-2.8 years). HA patients had significantly longer adjusted median time to KA by at least 7 months ( P < 0.001). After adjusting for the time to HA and number of injections, Synvisc patients had 1.7 months longer time to KA than non-Synvisc HA patients ( P < 0.001). There was a trend toward longer time to KA with more HA courses.

Conclusions

Most KA patients did not use HA (73.7%) and when received, it was associated with a longer median time to KA by at least 7 months, though the cause and effect could not be examined. The delay to KA increased with more HA courses.
The optimization of iloprost inhalation under moderate flow of oxygen therapy in severe pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Nakayama Kazuhiko , Emoto Noriaki , Tamada Naoki , Okano Mitsumasa , Shinkura Yuto , Yanaka Kenichi , Onishi Hiroyuki , Hiraishi Mana , Yamada Shinichiro , Tanaka Hidekazu , Shinke Toshiro , Hirata Ken‐ichi
Published: May 2018

Inhaled iloprost efficiently improves pulmonary hemodynamics, exercise capacity, and quality of life in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the process of inhalation is laborious for patients suffering from resting dyspnea. We describe a 75‐year‐old man with idiopathic PAH and a low gas transfer. Investigations excluded significant parenchymal lung disease and airflow obstruction (presuming FEV1/FVC ration > 70%). The patient struggled to complete iloprost inhalation due to severe dyspnea and hypoxemia. As such, we optimized the methods of oxygen supply from the nasal cannula to the trans‐inhalator during the inhalation. We successfully shortened the inhalation duration that effectively reduced the laborious efforts required of patients. We also recorded pulmonary hemodynamics during inhalation of nebulized iloprost. This revealed significant hemodynamic improvement immediately following inhalation but hemodynamics returned to baseline within 2 hours. We hope that this optimization will enable patients with severe PAH to undergo iloprost inhalation.
Initial medical management in acute type A aortic dissection patients with a thrombosed false lumen in the ascending aorta combining intramural hematoma and retrograde dissection from the descending to the ascending aorta
Authors: Sadamatsu Kenji , Takase Susumu , Sagara Shuichiro , Ohe Kensuke , Nishi Jun-ichiro , Tashiro Hideki , Kosuga Tomokazu , Yasunaga Hiroshi
Published: May 2018

Background:

The feasibility of medical management for select patients with acute type A aortic dissection has been reported from a few institutions. In this study, we retrospectively investigated the safety and feasibility of our conservative approach for patients with type A aortic dissection in daily practice.

Methods:

From January 2013 to December 2017, 131 consecutive patients were admitted to our institution for acute aortic dissection, including 58 patients of type A. Initial medical management was attempted in select patients who were clinically stable and had a thrombosed false lumen of the ascending aorta without ulcer-like projections in the ascending aorta.

Results:

Except for nine patients contraindicated for surgery, urgent surgery was performed in 26 patients (SRG group), while 23 patients (MED group) were treated with the initial medical management. The maximum diameter of the ascending aorta was significantly larger in the SRG group than in the MED group. In the MED group, the heart rate and blood pressures were well-controlled at admission to the intensive-care unit, and the systolic blood pressure was further reduced at 24 h after. The in-hospital mortality rates of the MED and SRG groups were 0% and 15%, respectively. During the follow-up period, the survival rate was significantly higher in the MED group than in the SRG group, and the aortic event-free survival at one year was 80%.

Conclusions:

The initial medical management for select patients with a thrombosed false lumen in the ascending aorta was a safe and feasible strategy in real-world practice.
The Challenge of Reducing the Incidence of Building Collapse in Ghana: Analyzing the Perspectives of Building Inspectors in Kumasi
Authors: Asante Lewis Abedi , Sasu Alexander
Published: May 2018

A study of the dynamics of building collapse in Ghana is lacking, notwithstanding the fact that several buildings have collapsed in recent times. This study analyzes the supervisory role and challenges of building inspectors in Kumasi to assess Ghana’s progress toward minimal or zero incidence of building collapse. It adopts the stratified random sampling technique to select 27 out of 35 building inspectors of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), and a semistructured interview guide to gather data from same. Data gathered were presented and analyzed through tables and direct quotations. Findings revealed that, despite the legal requirement of notification by the developer, building inspectors are compelled to visit building sites to check on developers who may have begun development without notifying them. Many developers violate the legal provisions because of ignorance, delays in acquiring building permits, and the burden of transporting building inspectors at all stages of construction. Notably, building inspectors in Kumasi have not been able to control the rate of building collapse because of constraints such as inadequate logistics and manpower, and excessive political interference. In the current climate, the built environment will continue to pose a threat to human life and property investment. Although unpleasant to contemplate, the study concludes that Ghana may witness more building collapses in the near future, if the aforesaid challenges are not addressed. To avert this, it is recommended that building inspectors in Kumasi and Ghana be equipped and empowered by the state.
Dynamic Interaction of Bank Risk Exposures: An Empirical Study for the Indian Banking Industry
Authors: Agrawal Tarunika Jain , Sehgal Sanjay
Published: May 2018

Banks are exposed to different types of risks in the process of financial intermediation and maturity transformation. The experience of the extant global financial crisis provided ample evidence of interaction among bank risks and perils of ignoring interactions in the changing economic, technological and regulatory environment. In this study, we assess the dynamic interaction among bank risks for the entire banking sector and bank groups based on various bank-specific characteristics in a vector autoregression framework, including variance decomposition and impulse response function analysis. We estimate the market measures of different risks using a multivariate GARCH (1, 1) in mean model. The study uses weekly bank level data from 23 October 2004 to 1 August 2014 for 40 listed Indian banks. The findings suggest that there is a positive interaction between equity risk and all other risks. Credit risk and exchange rate risk have a reciprocal relationship. It has also been observed that equity risk impacts credit risk positively. Interest rate risk seems to be affected by its lagged values and does not appear to be affected by other risks. The study highlights the role of liquidity in reducing bank risk exposures and supports new liquidity standards introduced in Basel III. The results improve the understanding of the interaction among risk exposures, which may enhance the supervisory process in the Basel framework. The risk interactions must be kept in mind for making capital provisioning, and an integrated approach to risk management by banks is more desirable.
Markeyite, a new calcium uranyl carbonate mineral from the Markey mine, San Juan County, Utah, USA
Authors: Kampf Anthony R. , Plášil Jakub , Kasatkin Anatoly V. , Marty Joe , Čejka Jiří
Published: May 2018

The new mineral markeyite (IMA2016-090), Ca9(UO2)4(CO3)13·28H2O, was found in the Markey mine, San Juan County, Utah, USA, where it occurs as a secondary phase on asphaltum in association with calcite, gypsum and natrozippeite. The mineral is pale yellowish-green with white streak and fluoresces bright bluish white under a 405 nm laser. Crystals are transparent and have vitreous to pearly lustre. It is brittle, with Mohs hardness 1½ to 2, irregular fracture and three cleavages: perfect on {001}; good on {100} and {010}. The measured density is 2.68 g cm–3. Crystals are blades, flattened on {001} and elongate on [010], exhibiting the forms {100}, {010}, {001}, {110}, {101}, {011} and {111}. Markeyite is optically biaxial (–) with α = 1.538(2), β = 1.542(2) and γ = 1.545(2) (white light); the measured 2V is 81(2)°; the dispersion isrY≈Z). Electron microprobe analyses (energy-dispersive spectroscopy mode) yielded CaO 18.60, UO342.90, CO221.30 (calc.) and H2O 18.78 (calc.), total 101.58 wt.% and the empirical formula Ca8.91(U1.01O2)4(CO3)13·28H2O. The six strongest powder X-ray diffraction lines are [dobsÅ(I)(hkl)]: 10.12(69)(001), 6.41(91)(220,121), 5.43(100)(221), 5.07(33)(301,002,131), 4.104(37)(401,141) and 3.984(34)(222). Markeyite is orthorhombic,Pmmn,a= 17.9688(13),b= 18.4705(6),c= 10.1136(4) Å,V= 3356.6(3) Å3andZ= 2. The structure of markeyite (R1= 0.0435 for 3427Fo> 4σF) contains uranyl tricarbonate clusters (UTC) that are linked by Ca–O polyhedra forming thick corrugated heteropolyhedral layers. Included within the layers is an additional disordered CO3group linking the Ca–O polyhedra. The layers are linked to one another and to interlayer H2O groups only via hydrogen bonds. The structure bears some similarities to that of liebigite.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor–induced defects in DNA repair sensitize FLT3(ITD)-positive leukemia cells to PARP1 inhibitors
Authors: Maifrede Silvia , Nieborowska-Skorska Margaret , Sullivan-Reed Katherine , Dasgupta Yashodhara , Podszywalow-Bartnicka Paulina , Le Bac Viet , Solecka Martyna , Lian Zhaorui , Belyaeva Elizaveta A. , Nersesyan Alina , Machnicki Marcin M. , Toma Monika , Chatain Nicolas , Rydzanicz Malgorzata , Zhao Huaqing , Jelinek Jaroslav , Piwocka Katarzyna , Sliwinski Tomasz , Stoklosa Tomasz , Ploski Rafal , Fischer Thomas , Sykes Stephen M. , Koschmieder Steffen , Bullinger Lars , Valent Peter , Wasik Mariusz A. , Huang Jian , Skorski Tomasz
Published: May 2018

Key Points

FLT3 inhibitor AC220 caused DNA repair defects and sensitized FLT3(ITD)-positive AML stem and progenitor cells to PARP1 inhibitors. Quiescent and proliferating FLT3(ITD)-positive AML cells were eliminated by the combination of FLT3 and PARP1 inhibitors.
The presence of large focal lesions is a strong independent prognostic factor in multiple myeloma
Authors: Rasche Leo , Angtuaco Edgardo J. , Alpe Terri L. , Gershner Grant H. , McDonald James E. , Samant Rohan S. , Kumar Manoj , Van Hemert Rudy , Epstein Joshua , Deshpande Shayu , Tytarenko Ruslana , Yaccoby Shmuel , Hillengass Jens , Thanendrarajan Sharmilan , Schinke Carolina , van Rhee Frits , Zangari Maurizio , Walker Brian A. , Barlogie Bart , Morgan Gareth J. , Davies Faith E. , Weinhold Niels
Published: May 2018

Key Points

The presence of ≥3 large focal lesions is associated with poor outcome in newly diagnosed myeloma patients. The prognostic impact of multiple large focal lesions is independent of R-ISS, GEP70, and extramedullary disease.
User-centered design of a depth data based obstacle detection and avoidance system for the visually impaired
Authors: Jafri Rabia , Khan Marwa Mahmoud
Published: May 2018

The development of a novel depth-data based real-time obstacle detection and avoidance application for visually impaired (VI) individuals to assist them in navigating independently in indoors environments is presented in this paper. The application utilizes a mainstream, computationally efficient mobile device as the development platform in order to create a solution which not only is aesthetically appealing, cost-effective, lightweight and portable but also provides real-time performance and freedom from network connectivity constraints. To alleviate usability problems, a user-centered design approach has been adopted wherein semi-structured interviews with VI individuals in the local context were conducted to understand their micro-navigation practices, challenges and needs. The invaluable insights gained from these interviews have not only informed the design of our system but would also benefit other researchers developing similar applications. The resulting system design along with a detailed description of its obstacle detection and unique multimodal feedback generation modules has been provided. We plan to iteratively develop and test the initial prototype of the system with the end users to resolve any usability issues and better adapt it to their needs.
Epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infections after renal transplantation from donation after cardiac death in a Chinese hospital: a case series analysis
Authors: Wang Yuxi , Lei Hong , Zhang Yuxiang , Yang Qiwen , Wang Yu , Wang Jiaxing , Xu Cheng , Yu Jinggang , Zhou Lili , Kang Xiaoni , Cui Lei
Published: May 2018

Background

Although the high mortality rates have been extensively reported worldwide, few studies have investigated the epidemiology of CRKP-BSIs in the early stage after kidney transplantation (KTx) from donation after cardiac death (DCD). We sought to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of cases of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infections (CRKP-BSIs) in kidney transplantation recipients (KTRs) from DCD in our hospital.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of clinical data of CRKP-BSIs in KTRs admitted to a Chinese hospital in Beijing, China, between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2016 was performed. The annual percentage of patients with CRKP, the annual number of total KTRs and KTRs from DCD were determined. The genetic relatedness of the strains was determined by polymerase chain reaction and pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).

Results

During the study period, there were total 947 KTRs in our hospital, including 275 KTRs from DCD. Five incidences of CRKP-BSIs in KTRs were identified, and two of them (Case 1,3) from the same foreign hospital. The incidence of CRKP-BSIs in the early stage (within 3 months) following kidney transplantation (KTx) from DCD was about 1.1% (3/275). In Case 1–3 and 5, the rupture of renal transplant artery was presented on the 40th, 16th, 43th and 74th day after KTx, and in Case 4, the thrombus of renal transplant artery was presented on the 13th day after KTx. Three cases (Case 1,2,5) occurring pneumothorax on the 45th, 51th and 32th day after KTx. Four cases (Case 1–4) received the excision of the transplanted kidney for the treatment. Polymerase chain reaction showed the bands for case 2 were distinctive from other cases. Pulse field gel electrophoresis showed mainly three clusters of the bands for all the isolates.

Conclusions

During the study period, we observed an increase in the occurrence of CRKP-BSIs among KTRs from DCD in our hospital. We demonstrated that rupture/thrombus of the renal transplant artery was associated with CRKP-BSI in the early stage after KTx from DCD. Albeit the low incidence of CRKP-BSI (1.1%) after KTx from DCD, the high mortality (4/5) had been observed from the prognosis of the patients. Thorough surveillance of DCD donors, early identification of CRKP-BSI, necessary preventative measurements and use of appropriate treatments should be the strategy for CRKP-BSI in the early stage after KTx from DCD.
A retrospective cohort study: Do patients with graves’ disease need to be euthyroid prior to surgery?
Authors: Al Jassim Abrar , Wallace Tim , Bouhabel Sarah , Majdan Agnieszka , Hier Michael , Forest Veronique-Isabelle , Payne Richard
Published: May 2018

Background

The 2016 American Thyroid Association guidelines indicate that patients with Graves’ disease who undergo a thyroidectomy should be rendered euthyroid through the use of antithyroid drugs (ATD) prior to surgery to avoid complications such as a thyroid storm. At times, the use of ATDs can have limited efficacy and therefore some patients will inevitably remain biochemically hyperthyroid at the time of surgery. The aim of this study is to assess if hyperthyroid patients undergoing a thyroidectomy are at an increased risk of developing a thyroid storm in comparison to euthyroid patients. Furthermore, this study seeks to establish a correlation between thyroid storm identified by the levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at two Canadian centers, one in Montreal and the other in Nova Scotia. Sixty-seven patients undergoing thyroidectomy for Graves’ disease from January 2006 to December 2016 were evaluated.

Results

The study comprised 67 participants with a mean age of 46 years (range16–78 years). A total of 78% of patients were on methimazole, 34% on beta-blockers, 27% on potassium iodine solution, 10% on propylthiouracil and 7% on steroids. At the time of surgery 21% were in an overt hyperthyroid state and 33% were in a subclinical hyperthyroid state. The average TSH level of 0.03 mIUL/L (range 0.01–0.23 mIUL/L). Sixteen percent of patients had a TSH level less than 0.01 mIUL/L. The average free T4 level was 29.58 pmol/L (range 11.5–95.2 pmol/L). The average total T3 level was 11.52 nmol/L (range 4.5–29.1 nmol/L) and free T3 level was 6.35 pmol/L (range 6.1–6.6 pmol/L). No patient developed thyroid storm.

Conclusions

In our study, biochemically hyperthyroid patients undergoing thyroidectomy did not develop thyroid storm. Additional studies with larger sample sizes are needed to better understand the risk of thyroid storm in hyperthyroid patients.
Lipid metabolism reprogramming and its potential targets in cancer
Authors: Cheng Chunming , Geng Feng , Cheng Xiang , Guo Deliang
Published: May 2018

Reprogramming of lipid metabolism is a newly recognized hallmark of malignancy. Increased lipid uptake, storage and lipogenesis occur in a variety of cancers and contribute to rapid tumor growth. Lipids constitute the basic structure of membranes and also function as signaling molecules and energy sources. Sterol regulatory element‐binding proteins (SREBPs), a family of membrane‐bound transcription factors in the endoplasmic reticulum, play a central role in the regulation of lipid metabolism. Recent studies have revealed that SREBPs are highly up‐regulated in various cancers and promote tumor growth. SREBP cleavage‐activating protein is a key transporter in the trafficking and activation of SREBPs as well as a critical glucose sensor, thus linking glucose metabolism and de novo lipid synthesis. Targeting altered lipid metabolic pathways has become a promising anti‐cancer strategy. This review summarizes recent progress in our understanding of lipid metabolism regulation in malignancy, and highlights potential molecular targets and their inhibitors for cancer treatment.
Synthesis of graphene oxide-quaternary ammonium nanocomposite with synergistic antibacterial activity to promote infected wound healing
Authors: Liu Tengfei , Liu Yuqing , Liu Menglong , Wang Ying , He Weifeng , Shi Gaoqiang , Hu Xiaohong , Zhan Rixing , Luo Gaoxing , Xing Malcolm , Wu Jun
Published: May 2018

Background

Bacterial infection is one of the most common complications in burn, trauma, and chronic refractory wounds and is an impediment to healing. The frequent occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria due to irrational application of antibiotics increases treatment cost and mortality. Graphene oxide (GO) has been generally reported to possess high antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria in vitro. In this study, a graphene oxide-quaternary ammonium salt (GO-QAS) nanocomposite was synthesized and thoroughly investigated for synergistic antibacterial activity, underlying antibacterial mechanisms and biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

The GO-QAS nanocomposite was synthesized through amidation reactions of carboxylic group end-capped QAS polymers with primary amine-decorated GO to achieve high QAS loading ratios on nanosheets. Next, we investigated the antibacterial activity and biocompatibility of GO-QAS in vitro and in vivo.

Results

GO-QAS exhibited synergistic antibacterial activity against bacteria through not only mechanical membrane perturbation, including wrapping, bacterial membrane insertion, and bacterial membrane perforation, but also oxidative stress induction. In addition, it was found that GO-QAS could eradicate multidrug-resistant bacteria more effectively than conventional antibiotics. The in vitro and in vivo toxicity tests indicated that GO-QAS did not exhibit obvious toxicity towards mammalian cells or organs at low concentrations. Notably, GO-QAS topically applied on infected wounds maintained highly efficient antibacterial activity and promoted infected wound healing in vivo.

Conclusions

The GO-QAS nanocomposite exhibits excellent synergistic antibacterial activity and good biocompatibility both in vitro and in vivo. The antibacterial mechanisms involve both mechanical membrane perturbation and oxidative stress induction. In addition, GO-QAS accelerated the healing process of infected wounds by promoting re-epithelialization and granulation tissue formation. Overall, the results indicated that the GO-QAS nanocomposite could be applied as a promising antimicrobial agent for infected wound management and antibacterial wound dressing synthesis.
Ground Motion Prediction Model for the Peak Inelastic Displacement of Single-Degree-of-Freedom Bilinear Systems
Authors: Heresi Pablo , Dávalos Héctor , Miranda Eduardo
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a ground motion prediction model (GMPM) for estimating medians and standard deviations of the random horizontal component of the peak inelastic displacement of 5% damped single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) systems, with bilinear hysteretic behavior and 3% postelastic stiffness ratio, directly as a function of the earthquake magnitude and the distance to the source. The equations were developed using a mixed effects model, with 1,662 recorded ground motions from 63 seismic events. In the proposed model, the median is computed as a function of the vibration period and the normalized strength of the system, as well as the event magnitude and the Joyner-Boore distance to the source. The standard deviation of the model is computed as a function of the vibration period and the normalized strength of the system. The proposed model has the advantage of not requiring an auxiliary elastic GMPM to predict the median and dispersion of peak inelastic displacement.
Practical Assessment and Management of Vulnerabilities in Older Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: ASCO Guideline for Geriatric Oncology
Authors: Mohile Supriya G. , Dale William , Somerfield Mark R. , Schonberg Mara A. , Boyd Cynthia M. , Burhenn Peggy S. , Canin Beverly , Cohen Harvey Jay , Holmes Holly M. , Hopkins Judith O. , Janelsins Michelle C. , Khorana Alok A. , Klepin Heidi D. , Lichtman Stuart M. , Mustian Karen M. , Tew William P. , Hurria Arti
Published: May 2018

Purpose

To provide guidance regarding the practical assessment and management of vulnerabilities in older patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods

An Expert Panel was convened to develop clinical practice guideline recommendations based on a systematic review of the medical literature.

Results

A total of 68 studies met eligibility criteria and form the evidentiary basis for the recommendations.

Recommendations

In patients ≥ 65 years receiving chemotherapy, geriatric assessment (GA) should be used to identify vulnerabilities that are not routinely captured in oncology assessments. Evidence supports, at a minimum, assessment of function, comorbidity, falls, depression, cognition, and nutrition. The Panel recommends instrumental activities of daily living to assess for function, a thorough history or validated tool to assess comorbidity, a single question for falls, the Geriatric Depression Scale to screen for depression, the Mini-Cog or the Blessed Orientation-Memory-Concentration test to screen for cognitive impairment, and an assessment of unintentional weight loss to evaluate nutrition. Either the CARG (Cancer and Aging Research Group) or CRASH (Chemotherapy Risk Assessment Scale for High-Age Patients) tools are recommended to obtain estimates of chemotherapy toxicity risk; the Geriatric-8 or Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 can help to predict mortality. Clinicians should use a validated tool listed at ePrognosis to estimate noncancer-based life expectancy ≥ 4 years. GA results should be applied to develop an integrated and individualized plan that informs cancer management and to identify nononcologic problems amenable to intervention. Collaborating with caregivers is essential to implementing GA-guided interventions. The Panel suggests that clinicians take into account GA results when recommending chemotherapy and that the information be provided to patients and caregivers to guide treatment decision making. Clinicians should implement targeted, GA-guided interventions to manage nononcologic problems. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/supportive-care-guidelines .
Formation of the sacrum requires down-regulation of sonic hedgehog signaling in the sacral intervertebral discs
Authors: Bonavita Raffaella , Vincent Kathleen , Pinelli Robert , Dahia Chitra Lekha
Published: May 2018

In humans, the sacrum forms an important component of the pelvic arch, and it transfers the weight of the body to the lower limbs. The sacrum is formed by collapse of the intervertebral discs (IVDs) between the five sacral vertebrae during childhood, and their fusion to form a single bone. We show that collapse of the sacral discs in the mouse is associated with the down-regulation of sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling in the nucleus pulposus (NP) of the disc, and many aspects of this phenotype can be reversed by experimental postnatal activation of HH signaling. We have previously shown that SHH signaling is essential for the normal postnatal growth and differentiation of intervertebral discs elsewhere in the spine, and that loss of SHH signaling leads to pathological disc degeneration, a very common disorder of aging. Thus, loss of SHH is pathological in one region of the spine but part of normal development in another.
A non-autonomous function of the core PCP protein VANGL2 directs peripheral axon turning in the developing cochlea
Authors: Ghimire Satish R. , Ratzan Evan M. , Deans Michael R.
Published: May 2018

The cochlea is innervated by neurons that relay sound information from hair cells to central auditory targets. A subset of these are the TypeΙΙ spiral ganglion neurons which have nociceptive features and contribute to feedback circuits providing neuroprotection in extreme noise. TypeΙΙ neurons make a distinctive 90 degree turn towards the cochlear base to synapse with 10-15 outer hair cells. We demonstrate that this axon turning event requires Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) signaling, is disrupted in Vangl2 and Celsr1 knockout mice, and that VANGL2 acts non-autonomously from the cochlea to direct turning. Moreover, VANGL2 is asymmetrically distributed at intercellular junctions between cochlear supporting cells, and in a pattern that could allow it to act directly as an axon guidance cue. Together these data reveal a non-autonomous function for PCP signaling during axon guidance occurring in the tissue that is innervated rather than the navigating growth cone.