bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eroto‐philology: Sex, language, and Yiddish history
Authors: Weiman‐Kelman Zohar
Published: September 2018

This essay offers an original tool, eroto‐philology, in order to explore the crucial role that linguistic particularities play in the study of sexuality, and the role sexuality plays in the study of language, focusing on the unique case of modern Yiddish. In the case of Yiddish, the sexual and the linguistic, the erotic and the philological, shared a similar positioning: where Jewish sexuality was considered deviant, so too the language itself was considered abnormal and deviant. This article will begin a larger project of reversing the dominant perspective, by exploring how Jews formulated their own notions of their language and bodies, writing philology and sexology in their own tongue. The focus of this article will be the role of sexuality in Yiddish linguistic projects spanning 1913–1990, and each of these projects will be treated as an incomplete archive, first because Yiddish was emerging and later because of its imminent decline. Taking into account the shifting historical realities of Yiddish and its speakers, eroto‐philology will serve as a methodological mediation between body and text, activating the materiality of reading each, and both, together.1
Pulmonary arterial hypertension in a multi‐ethnic Asian population: Characteristics, survival and mortality predictors from a 14‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Lim Yinghao , Low Ting‐Ting , Chan Siew‐Pang , Teo Ting Wei , Jang Jin‐Hao Justin , Yip Nicole , Kuntjoro Ivandito , Tay Edgar Lik‐Wui , Yip James Wei‐Luen
Published: September 2018

Background and objective

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare and fatal disease. Data from Asia are lacking compared with the West. We aim to describe disease characteristics in an ethnically diverse South‐East Asian population and assess predictors for survival.

Methods

We consecutively enrolled patients with PAH referred to our pulmonary hypertension specialty centre from January 2003 to December 2016. Baseline characteristics and survival were analysed. Based on a forward predictor selection procedure, a multi‐level structural equation model was applied to identify predictors associated with mortality.

Results

Out of 148 patients enrolled, 77% were females and mean age was 50.8 ± 15.9 years. Racial distribution was consistent with our population census. The most common aetiologies were congenital heart disease‐associated PAH (35.8%), idiopathic PAH (29.7%) and then connective tissue disease‐associated PAH (24.3%). Most patients presented in World Health Organization (WHO) Functional Class (FC) II (48.6%), followed by FC III (28.8%). Majority of patients (54.1%) were on phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor monotherapy. Survival rates were 85.8% at the end of the first year, 70.9% at 3 years, 66.9% at 5 years, 61.5% at 7 years and 55.4% at 10 years. The Registry to Evaluate Early And Long‐term PAH Disease Management (REVEAL) score (RS) was found to be the best predictor of mortality. A score > 6 was identified as a cut‐off. Other predictors include mean right atrial pressure, heart rate, aetiology, age and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide.

Conclusion

In this first registry study from a South‐East Asian population, our survival rates are comparable with other national registries. The RS is validated in our population to be a good predictor of mortality.
Investigation of a case of suspected transfusion‐transmitted malaria
Authors: Anand Anjoli , Mace Kimberly E. , Townsend Rebecca L. , Madison‐Antenucci Susan , Grimm Kacie E. , Espina Noel , Losco Paul , Lucchi Naomi W. , Rivera Hilda , Breen Kathleen , Tan Kathrine R. , Arguin Paul M. , White Jennifer L. , Stramer Susan L.
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Transfusion‐transmitted malaria (TTM) is a rare occurrence with serious consequences for the recipient. A case study is presented as an example of best practices for conducting a TTM investigation.

CASE REPORT

A 15‐year‐old male with a history of sickle cell disease developed fever after a blood transfusion. He was diagnosed with Plasmodium falciparum malaria and was successfully treated. The American Red Cross, New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigated the eight donors who provided components to the transfusion. The investigation to identify a malaria‐positive donor included trace back of donors, serologic methods to identify donor(s) with a history of malaria exposure, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, microsatellite analysis to identify the parasite in a donor and match its genotype to the parasite in the recipient, and reinterview of all donors to clarify malaria risk factors.

RESULTS

One donor had evidence of infection with P. falciparum by PCR, elevated antibody titers, and previously undisclosed malaria risk factors. Reinterview revealed that the donor immigrated to the United States from Togo just short of 3 years before the blood donation. The donor was treated for asymptomatic low parasitemia infection.

CONCLUSION

This investigation used standard procedures for investigating TTM but also demonstrated the importance of applying sensitive laboratory techniques to identify the infected donor, especially a donor with asymptomatic infection with low parasitemia. Repeat interview of all donors identified as having contributed to the transfused component provides complementary epidemiologic information to confirm the infected donor.
The impact of analytical variation of hemoglobin measurement on blood donors' hemoglobin and deferral rates
Authors: Castrén Johanna , Arvas Mikko , Valkeajärvi Anne , Korkalainen Piia , Syrjälä Martti
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Donors' hemoglobin (Hb) level must be tested before blood donation. Low Hb is the leading reason for donor deferral. Many donor‐related and external factors associated with low Hb are known, but no studies have been conducted concerning the effects of analytical variation on donor Hb measurements and deferrals.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The effects of donors' age, the seasonal and daily distribution of donations, and batch‐to‐batch variation in HemoCue Hb 201+ cuvettes on donors' capillary Hb (cHb) measurements and deferrals were analyzed for more than 1.7 million donor visits in 2010 to 2016 at a national blood establishment. Furthermore, approximately 3.1 million cHb measurements from the years 2000 to 2009 were included in analyses to correlate measured cHb value and Hb deferral rate.

RESULTS

A significant correlation between the mean annual cHb and Hb deferral rate was observed in both women and men. The season of the donation was the strongest explanatory factor for the monthly variation of predonation cHb (explaining 25 and 31% of the variation in women and men, respectively). Batch‐to‐batch variation in HemoCue cuvettes explained 6.8% of monthly variation in women and 7.4% in men. Monthly changes in donors' age distribution explained 2.5% of monthly variation in women and 2.4% in men.

CONCLUSION

Small and, in most clinical settings, negligible analytical variation in Hb measurement methods can have significant consequences when used for Hb screening of blood donors. This should be minimized by using methods in which analytical variation is under control and kept as low as possible.
Use of potassium adsorption filter for the removal of ammonia and potassium from red blood cell solution for neonates
Authors: Fujita Hiroshi , Teratani Miyuki , Hazama Yuki , Nakahara Michiyo , Asaka Hiroyuki , Nishimura Shigeko
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Ammonia in the plasma usually does not pass through the blood–brain barrier (BBB). However, it can affect the brain as a neurotoxin in neonates with anemia of prematurity. Excess intake of ammonia should therefore be restricted in conditions involving BBB breakdown, such as in premature neonates. A potassium adsorption filter (PAF) can remove not only potassium, but also ammonia from red blood cell (RBC) solution. PAF for neonates (PAF‐n) has been recently introduced using small satellite packs. We evaluated the effects of PAF‐n on the removal of ammonia and potassium from RBC solution in small satellite packs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

RBC solutions were obtained from the Japanese Red Cross Society. Two units of RBC solution (280 mL) were divided into four satellite packs (70 mL/pack). The RBC solution was passed through PAF‐n (Kawasumi Laboratories Inc.) that was primed with saline (100 mL) before use. The concentrations of ammonia and potassium were measured in the solution before and after filtration (four samples of 10 mL each of filtered RBC solution) by Biomedical Laboratories.

RESULTS

Approximately 47 to 82 and 84% to 93% of ammonia and potassium were removed from the RBC solution, respectively, without dilution with saline.

CONCLUSION

PAF‐n can remove ammonia and potassium from RBC solution in small satellite packs. PAF‐n could therefore improve the clinical prognosis of neonates with poorly developed BBB by limiting the delivery of excess ammonia found in the RBC solution.
Visuospatial skills are better predictors than dexterity for basic ultrasonographic and fluoroscopic skills in veterinary students
Authors: Walker Meagan A. , MacCormick Mathew R.A , Kilkenny Jessica J. , Phillips John , Singh Ameet , zur Linden Alex
Published: September 2018

Radiological skills including ultrasonography and fluoroscopy, require a combination of manual dexterity and visuospatial skill to develop competency. The ability to detect veterinary students with an interest in radiology but who are deficient in these skills, may permit more individual adaptations to training programs, allowing for students training in radiology to achieve maximal potential. The objective of this cohort study was to investigate whether innate dexterity and visuospatial skill could be used to predict performance of basic ultrasound and fluoroscopic skills in veterinary students. Fifty veterinary students from the Ontario Veterinary College completed three tests of visuospatial ability, two tests of manual dexterity, a three‐dimensional mouse task, an ultrasound skill‐testing task, and a fluoroscopic skill‐testing task. Students who reported chopstick use completed the non‐dominant hand ultrasound task significantly faster than students who did not (P = 0.001). There was a significant positive association between scores on the Mental Rotations Test and time to complete the non‐dominant hand ultrasound task (P = 0.011) and fluoroscopy task (P = 0.029). No variables were associated with time to complete the dominant hand ultrasound task. The results of this study suggest that visuospatial skill, as assessed by the Mental Rotations Test, is a better predictor of baseline ultrasound and endovascular fluoroscopy skill than dexterity, with the exception of reported chopstick use, in veterinary students. Visuospatial skills can be developed and may be useful to include in the veterinary curriculum for students that are deficient, or students entering a field such as diagnostic imaging.
Arthroscopic placement of a toggle rod to correct coxofemoral luxation in a dog
Authors: Rocheleau P. J.
Published: September 2018

Objective

To describe a minimally invasive toggle repair technique under arthroscopic guidance to correct a coxofemoral luxation in a canine.

Study design

Case report

Animals

A 9‐year‐old, male (neutered) Alaskan husky.

Methods

Prior to surgery, the coxofemoral luxation was reduced in a closed fashion. With standard arthroscopic portals, the completely torn round ligament was removed with a motorized shaver. A bone tunnel was created between the femoral head and the acetabulum by using an intra‐articular drill guide, guide wires, and a cannulated drill bit. A toggle rod was inserted into the bone tunnel and tied to a 4‐hole button located over the third trochanter. The implant position was confirmed via fluoroscopy.

Results

Within 24 hours of surgery, the dog was weight bearing with mild lameness. Six weeks postoperatively, radiographic assessment revealed that the implant location was unchanged, with no lameness documented. At 6 months postoperatively, the dog had returned to normal function with no reported complications.

Conclusion

The toggle rod repair of a coxofemoral luxation under arthroscopic guidance was successful in the dog described in this case report.

Clinical significance

Minimally invasive, arthroscopic guided toggle rod stabilization may be an alternative to the currently accepted open approach when addressing coxofemoral luxations.
Afrontamiento del estrés por aculturación: inmigrantes latinos en Chile
Authors: Urzúa Alfonso , Basabe Nekane , Pizarro José Joaquín , Ferrer Rodrigo
Published: September 2018

Las minorías migrantes afrontan el estrés aculturativo con respuestas conductuales y cognitivas. Las fuentes de estrés de aculturación incluyen la discriminación, las diferencias socioculturales, la añoranza del origen y la ruptura familiar. Se entrevistaron a 853 inmigrantes peruanos y colombianos en Chile (51% mujeres, y edad M = 33.19; DE = 9.54). Se aplicaron escalas de estrés de aculturación y formas de afrontamiento. La distancia y añoranza familiar fue la principal fuente de estrés siendo mayor entre los colombianos, quienes usan más la movilidad individual, la distracción y las comparaciones sociales, mientras los peruanos internalizan más el estigma del inmigrante. Las comparaciones intergrupales y temporales se relacionaron con menor estrés de aculturación. Se discute la importancia de las formas de afrontar el estrés en minorías migrantes.
Coping with stress by regulating tRNAs
Authors: Pechmann Sebastian
Published: September 2018

Codon usage regulates translation in response to stress conditions (Torrent
et al.
, in 4 September 2018 issue).
Glucocorticoids and PD-1
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: September 2018

Signaling by the glucocorticoid receptor in NK cells induces expression of the checkpoint inhibitor PD-1 to prevent immunopathology.
Medical students as agents of change: a qualitative exploratory study
Authors: Burnett Emma , Davey Peter , Gray Nicola , Tully Vicki , Breckenridge Jenna
Published: September 2018

Background

There is evidence that medical students have the potential to actively initiate, lead and bring about change through quality improvement within healthcare organisations. For effective change to occur, it is important that students are introduced to, and exposed to the value and necessity of quality improvement early in their careers. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives and experiences of medical students and their mentors after undertaking quality improvement projects within the healthcare setting, and if such practice-based experiences were an effective way of building improvement capacity and changing practice.

Methods

A qualitative interpretive description methodology, using focus groups with medical students and semi-structured interviews with academic and clinical mentors following completion of students’ 4-week quality improvement projects was adopted.

Results

The findings indicate that there are a range of facilitators and barriers to undertaking and completing quality improvement projects in the clinical setting, such as time-scales, differing perspectives, roles and responsibilities between students and multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.

Conclusions

This study has demonstrated that quality improvement experiential learning can develop knowledge and skills among medical students and transform attitudes towards quality improvement. Furthermore, it can also have a positive impact on clinical staff and healthcare organisations. Despite inherent challenges, undertaking quality improvement projects in clinical practice enhances knowledge, understanding and skills, and allows medical students to see themselves as important influencers of change as future doctors.
Metabolomics of World Trade Center-Lung Injury: a machine learning approach
Authors: Crowley George , Kwon Sophia , Haider Syed Hissam , Caraher Erin J , Lam Rachel , St-Jules David E , Liu Mengling , Prezant David J , Nolan Anna
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Biomarkers of metabolic syndrome expressed soon after World Trade Center (WTC) exposure predict development of WTC Lung Injury (WTC-LI). The metabolome remains an untapped resource with potential to comprehensively characterise many aspects of WTC-LI. This case–control study identified a clinically relevant, robust subset of metabolic contributors of WTC-LI through comprehensive high-dimensional metabolic profiling and integration of machine learning techniques.

Methods

Never-smoking, male, WTC-exposed firefighters with normal pre-9/11 lung function were segregated by post-9/11 lung function. Cases of WTC-LI (forced expiratory volume in 1s <lower limit of normal, n=15) and controls (n=15) were identified from previous cohorts. The metabolome of serum drawn within 6 months of 9/11 was quantified. Machine learning was used for dimension reduction to identify metabolites associated with WTC-LI.

Results

580 metabolites qualified for random forests (RF) analysis to identify a refined metabolite profile that yielded maximal class separation. RF of the refined profile correctly classified subjects with a 93.3% estimated success rate. 5 clusters of metabolites emerged within the refined profile. Prominent subpathways include known mediators of lung disease such as sphingolipids (elevated in cases of WTC-LI), and branched-chain amino acids (reduced in cases of WTC-LI). Principal component analysis of the refined profile explained 68.3% of variance in five components, demonstrating class separation.

Conclusion

Analysis of the metabolome of WTC-exposed 9/11 rescue workers has identified biologically plausible pathways associated with loss of lung function. Since metabolites are proximal markers of disease processes, metabolites could capture the complexity of past exposures and better inform treatment. These pathways warrant further mechanistic research.
Negative pressure temporary abdominal closure without continuous suction: a solution for damage control surgery in austere and far-forward settings
Authors: Faulconer Edwin Robert , Davidson A J , Bowley D , Galante J
Published: September 2018

The use of topical negative pressure dressings in temporary abdominal closure has been readily adopted worldwide; however, a method of continuous suction is typically required to provide a seal. We describe a method of temporary abdominal closure using readily available materials in the forward surgical environment which does not require continuous suction after application. This method of temporary abdominal closure provides the benefits of negative pressure temporary abdominal closure after damage control surgery without the need for continuous suction or specialised equipment. Its application in damage control surgery in austere or far-forward settings is suggested. The technique has potential applications for military surgeons as well as in humanitarian settings where the logistic supply chain may be fragile.
A Coordination Mechanism for a Scheduling Game with Uniform-Batching Machines
Authors: Fan Guoqiang , Nong Qingqin
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we consider a scheduling problem with [Formula: see text] uniform parallel-batching machines [Formula: see text] under game situation. There are [Formula: see text] jobs, each of which is associated with a load. Each machine [Formula: see text] has a speed [Formula: see text] and can handle up to [Formula: see text] jobs simultaneously as a batch. The load of a batch is the load of the longest job in the batch. All the jobs in a batch start and complete at the same time. Each job is owned by an agent and its individual cost is the completion time of the job. The social cost is the largest completion time over all jobs, i.e., the makespan. We design a coordination mechanism for the scheduling game problem. We discuss the existence of Nash Equilibrium and offer an upper bound on the price of anarchy (POA) of the coordination mechanism. We present a greedy algorithm and show that: (i) under the coordination mechanism, any instance of the scheduling game problem has a unique Nash Equilibrium and it is precisely the schedule returned by the greedy algorithm; (ii) the mechanism has a POA no more than [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] is a small positive number that tends to 0.
A New Interpretation of Quantum Physics Based On a New Definition of Consciousness
Authors: Sha Zhi Gang , Xiu Rulin
Published: September 2018

Although quantum physics has led to the most accurate predictions to date about the nature of matter and the universe, a metaphysical interpretation of its non-deterministic and subjective nature still remains an ongoing debate. In this work, we will review the nature of the debate and propose a new way to address the controversies about the non-deterministic and subjective nature of quantum physics. In our previous work, we have shown that everything is made of information, energy and matter. We propose to define spirit or soul as the content of information, spiritual heart as the receiver of information, and mind as the processor of information. In this paper, we show that the intrinsic uncertain and non-deterministic nature of quantum physics can be explained by the insights from these definitions. Information relates to the possibilities and potentialities of an object. Information is intrinsically uncertain and non-deterministic. Since quantum physics is the fundamental physics theory describing the information, energy and matter of everything, quantum physics has intrinsic an uncertain and non-deterministic nature. We further demonstrate that the process of quantum measurement can be interpreted as the role played by soul, spiritual heart and mind in the manifestation of physical phenomena. We conclude that our insight that everything is made of information, energy and matter and the definition of soul, spiritual heart and mind provides a simple metaphysical interpretation of quantum physics. They can help us understand and resolve the two controversies about quantum physics.
Report on NTCIR-13
Authors: LIU Yiqun , Kato Makoto P. , Clarke Charles L.A. , Kando Noriko , Sakai Tetsuya
Published: September 2018

This is a report on the NTCIR-13 conference held in December 2017, in Tokyo, Japan. NTCIR is a series of parallel and collective evaluation efforts designed to enhance research on diverse information access technologies, including, but not limited to, cross-language and multimedia information access, question-answering, text mining and summarization, with an emphasis on East Asian languages such as Chinese, Korean, and Japanese, as well as English. 105 different research groups from 20 countries/regions participated in one or more of the nine different tasks in NTCIR-13, to compete and collaborate on a common ground and thereby advance the state of the art. This report introduces the highlights of the conference, describes the scope and task designs of nine tasks organized at NTCIR-13, and provides a brief introduction to NTCIR-14, which started from January 2018 and will be closed in June 2019, which will be the 20th anniversary since the first NTCIR Conference in the summer of 1999.
Report on the CHIIR 2018 Workshop on Evaluation of Personalisation in Information Retrieval (WEPIR 2018)
Authors: Jones Gareth J. F. , Belkin Nicholas J. , Lawless Séamus , Pasi Gabriella
Published: September 2018

The Workshop on Evaluation of Personalisation in Information Retrieval (WEPIR 2018) was held in conjunction with the ACM SIGIR Conference on Human Information Interaction & Retrieval (CHIIR 2018) in New Brunswick, USA. The purpose of WEPIR 2018 was to bring together researchers from different backgrounds, interested in advancing the evaluation of personalisation in information retrieval. The workshop focused on developing a common understanding of the challenges, requirements and practical limitations of evaluation of personalisation in information retrieval.
Ologen Implantation versus Conjunctival Autograft Transplantation for Treatment of Pterygium
Authors: Chen Xiuping , Yuan Fei
Published: September 2018

Purpose. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Ologen implantation versus conjunctival autograft transplantation for primary pterygium. Methods. A retrospective case-series analysis. Thirty-one eyes of 29 patients were included in the Ologen group and 42 eyes of 35 patients in the autograft group. The patients were followed up for 1 year and evaluated for slit-lamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure, and adverse events. Recurrence rate, complications, and final appearance of the cases were evaluated prospectively. Result. At 1 year after operation, 2 eyes recurred (6.5%) in the Ologen group and 4 eyes recurred (9.52%) in the autograft group. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups (P=0.157, χ2 = 3.781). There was no occurrence of serious complications. Two eyes among the 31 eyes of the Ologen group were conjunctivitis; the incidence of complications was 6.45% (2 eyes). There was conjunctivitis in 3 eyes of the autograft group, 1 eye complicated with symblepharon, and 1 eye with conjunctival granuloma; the incidence of complications was 11.90% (5 eyes), and there was no statistically significant difference between both groups (P=0.094). The conjuntiva was less vascular and inflamed at 1 month postoperatively in the Ologen group than in the autograft group. Conclusions. Ologen transplantation was technically easier, provided short operative time compared with conjunctival autograft transplantation, and preserved healthy conjunctiva with less complication and less recurrence; it may be a new, safe, and effective alternative for improving the short-term success rate of primary surgery.
Differential Relationship between Intermuscular Adipose Depots with Indices of Cardiometabolic Health
Authors: Bergia Robert E. , Kim Jung Eun , Campbell Wayne W.
Published: September 2018

Background. Globally, accumulation of intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) is positively associated with insulin resistance. Whether this association is observed consistently in different skeletal muscles and encompasses other markers of cardiometabolic health is not well known. Objectives. The purpose of this secondary analysis study was to investigate associations among thigh or calf IMAT stores and indices of cardiometabolic health in adults who are overweight and obese participating in dietary interventions. A subset of calf data was analyzed to assess relations between IMAT in the gastrocnemius (type II fiber predominance) and soleus (type I fiber predominance) with markers of cardiometabolic health. Materials and Methods. Thigh and calf compositions were assessed via magnetic resonance imaging in 113 subjects (mean ± SD, age: 50 ± 16 y (range: 21–77 y), BMI: 31 ± 3 kg/m2), 103 of which completed dietary interventions with or without energy restriction-induced weight loss. A subset of data (n=37) was analyzed for relations between muscle compartments (gastrocnemius and soleus) and cardiometabolic health. IMAT was regressed separately against fasting serum glucose concentrations, insulin, homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and lipids and lipoproteins. Results. In general, total thigh IMAT was predictive of markers of glucose control, while total calf IMAT was not. Specifically, baseline thigh IMAT was positively associated with fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR. IMAT content changes in any depot did not predict improvement in cardiometabolic health. Conclusions. The strength of the relationship between IMAT and glucose control-related indices of cardiometabolic health is dependent on IMAT location. Specifically, greater IMAT in the thigh is a better predictor of cardiometabolic risk than greater IMAT in the calf in adults who are overweight and obese.
Investigating Effects of Nano/SBR Polymer on Rutting Performance of Binder and Asphalt Mixture
Authors: Ameri Mahmoud , Vamegh Mostafa , Rooholamini Hamed , Haddadi Farshad
Published: September 2018

Rutting is one of the most common distresses in flexible pavements and can affect vehicle controlling features. Although asphalt binder constitutes a small percentage of the asphalt mixture, its properties play a crucial role in pavement performance and its rutting resistance. One way of improving binder properties and rutting resistance is to use additives. In this research, nanoclay and SBR polymer have been simultaneously used to modify 60–70 penetration binder to study rutting resistance of binder and asphalt mixture. To this end, the storage stability, rotational viscosity, DSR, and RCR tests on binder and marshal stability were performed, and dynamic creep and wheel track tests on asphalt mix were performed to assess rutting performance. The test and statistical analysis results indicated that nanoclay has considerably positive impact on rutting and elastic deformation of neat and SBR‐modified asphalt binder and mixture.
Cinobufacini Injection Improves the Efficacy of Chemotherapy on Advanced Stage Gastric Cancer: A Systemic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhang Xing , Yuan Yuan , Xi Yupeng , Xu Xinyao , Guo Qiujun , Zheng Honggang , Hua Baojin
Published: September 2018

Gastric cancer has a high morbidity and mortality. Chemotherapy regimens are routine advanced stage gastric cancer (AGC) treatment protocols, but most of these drugs have side‐effects such as myelosuppression and gastrointestinal disorders. Cinobufacini, an extractive from TCM, could suppress cell proliferation and inhibit gastric cancer. In this study, we comprehensively reviewed the literature on the efficacy comparison between Cinobufacini injection combined with chemotherapy and chemotherapy solely used in AGC treatment. We extracted data for from six electronic databases to evaluate the efficacy of Cinobufacini injection on AGC patients. Twelve studies with a total of 853 patients were finally included in our study. The results indicated that Cinobufacini injection could increase response rate and disease control rate of chemotherapy on AGC, improve the life quality of AGC patients, increase leukocytes, improve anemia, improve hand‐foot syndrome induced by chemotherapy, and relieve cancer pain. This study has its own limitations that prevented us from drawing a definite conclusion and more well‐designed clinical trials of TCM are needed.
Biliary Obstruction due to a Pancreatic Plasmacytoma
Authors: Cho Min Ho , Mandaliya Rohan , Tran Jennifer , Lee Wen , Patel Mitesh
Published: September 2018

Obstructive jaundice, weight loss, and anorexia often raise a concern for pancreatic malignancy. Although pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common form of pancreatic cancer, not all pancreatic malignancies are exocrine in origin. With advancement in endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle aspiration, it has become easier to make correct diagnosis. Plasmacytoma of pancreas is a solitary tumor of plasma cells and it can also lead to the same clinical presentations. Immunohistochemistry is required to make the diagnosis of plasmacytoma. However, when there are other systemic manifestations, such as hypercalcemia, renal injury, and anemia, a diagnosis of multiple myeloma should be suspected and confirmed by cytology or biopsy. It is very important to differentiate plasmacytoma from multiple myeloma as the management for each is different. Herein, we describe a case of multiple myeloma presenting as a pancreatic plasmacytoma causing obstructive jaundice.
Giant Intra-Abdominal Desmoid Tumor in a Young Male without History of Surgery, Trauma, or Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
Authors: Mizuta Noritoshi , Tsunemi Kozo
Published: September 2018

Desmoid tumors are rare, monoclonal myofibroblastic neoplasms that occur in the extremities, the trunk, and the abdominal cavity. We present a case that is significant for its rarity and for consideration of its treatment plan. A 17-year-old male reported swelling of his abdomen and abdominal pain. He was referred to our hospital with no history of surgery, trauma, or familial adenomatous polyposis. A large tumor in the abdominal cavity was detected by computed tomography, and surgical resection was performed. The tumor was thought to have developed from the anterior lobe of the transverse colon mesentery. It weighed 5.9 kg. Tumor cells with collagen fibers were observed in histopathological examination, but heteromorphism and the nuclear fission image were not apparent. Immunostaining revealed beta-catenin expression in the tumor cell nucleus. Diagnosis was an intra-abdominal desmoid tumor. Currently, there are no signs of recurrence. In this case, preoperative diagnosis was difficult, but surgery was the optimal treatment according to the symptoms. Desmoid tumors have invasive development and common local recurrence, so sufficient range of resection including normal tissue and strict follow-up are necessary.
No Sugar Added: A New Strategy to Inhibit Glioblastoma Receptor Tyrosine Kinases
Authors: Wahl Daniel R. , Lawrence Theodore S.
Published: September 2018

A novel inhibitor of N-linked glycosylation (NGI-1) inhibits the glycosylation and phosphorylation of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases in glioblastoma (GBM). NGI-1 sensitizes multiple models of GBM to chemotherapy and radiation in vitro and in vivo and may be especially effective in GBMs that retain active PTEN.

See related article by Baro et al., p. 784
Overcoming Acquired PD-1/PD-L1 Resistance with CD38 Blockade
Authors: Mittal Deepak , Vijayan Dipti , Smyth Mark J.
Published: September 2018

Summary: Overexpression of CD38 after PD-1/PD-L1 blockade increases extracellular adenosine levels and may contribute to acquired resistance to anti–PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. Cancer Discov; 8(9); 1066–8. ©2018 AACR.

See related article by Chen et al., p. 1156.
Psychometric Properties and Factor Analysis of the Engagement and Independence in Dementia Questionnaire (EID-Q)
Authors: Stoner Charlotte R. , Orrell Martin , Spector Aimee
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: Independence and social engagement are important outcomes for people with dementia. The aim of this study was to conduct an in-depth psychometric assessment of the Engagement and Independence in Dementia Questionnaire (EID-Q), a measure of social independence. Methods: This was an observational study at five NHS sites across England. Participants completed the EID-Q alongside additional measures. Psychometric analysis included internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and factor analyses. Results: A total of 225 people living with dementia completed the study. Internal consistency was excellent (α = 0.921) and the measure remained moderately stable over a 1-week period (ICC = 0.768). Significant correlations were observed between quality of life (r = 0.682) and depression (r = –0.741; both p < 0.001), indicating the importance of these concepts for wellbeing in dementia. Factor analysis indicated the presence of five factors which loaded onto a second order two-factor solution. These latent factors were named “sense of independence” and “social engagement.” Conclusions: The EID-Q demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties and the factor solution had an adequate model fit. The strong correlations suggest that social independence is strongly related to depression and quality of life. Future work will entail an analysis of responsiveness to intervention and further large-scale work.
Convenient Method of Measuring Baseline Impedance for Distinguishing Patients with Functional Heartburn from those with Proton Pump Inhibitor-Resistant Endoscopic Negative Reflux Disease
Authors: Yoshimine Takashi , Funaki Yasushi , Kawamura Yurika , Tamura Yasuhiro , Izawa Shinya , Ebi Masahide , Ogasawara Naotaka , Murotani Kenta , Sasaki Makoto , Kasugai Kunio
Published: September 2018

Background: Combined 24-h intraesophageal pH-multichannel intraluminal impedance (24MII-pH) used for assessing gastroesophageal reflux disease by measuring baseline impedance (BI) requires a 24-h measuring period. In the present study, we developed a quick method of measuring BI and evaluated its usefulness in classifying patients with proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-refractory non-erosive reflux diseases (NERD) as having functional heartburn (FH) or endoscopic-negative reflux disease (ENRD). Methods: Ninety-one NERD patients without esophageal motility disorder underwent 24MII-pH monitoring while on a PPI. The measurements of the mean nocturnal BI (MNBI) and short MNBI were assessed at 3 times (at about 1: 00, 2: 00, and 3: 00 am) for 10 min and 30 s respectively. The measurement of the simple mean BI (MBI) was performed once 30 s at about 11: 00 am. Results: Ninety-one patients were divided into 2 groups: 59 with ENRD and 32 with FH. The cutoff, specificity, and sensitivity for distinguishing patients with FH were as follows: MNBI, 2,874.1 Ω, 72%, and 72%; short MNBI, 2,857.6 Ω, 74%, and 84%; and simple MBI, 2,874.1 Ω, 86%, and 78% respectively. Conclusion: Measuring the simple MBI is a quick method and is useful for distinguishing patients with FH from those in a cohort with PPI-refractory NERD.
Prognostic Factors Related to Recurrence-Free Survival for Primary Carcinoma in situ of the Bladder after Bacillus Calmette-Guérin: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Kim Sung Jin , Nam Wook , You Dalsan , Jeong In Gab , Song Cheryn , Hong Bumsik , Kim Choung-Soo , Ahn Hanjong , Hong Jun Hyuk
Published: September 2018

Introduction: Primary carcinoma in situ (P-CIS) of the bladder is rare and its clinical behavior and predictive features have not been well described. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of various factors including angiotensin-2 converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ACEIs/ARBs) on recurrence-free survival (RFS)-related prognosis in patients with P-CIS. Materials and Methods: In our medical center, 5,945 patients were diagnosed with bladder cancer from January 1999 to January 2014. Of these, 64 patients were diagnosed with CIS and were treated with at least 6 cycles of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). We accessed variables including patient age, sex, initial presenting symptoms, smoking history, P-CIS descriptions, urine cytology, and medication history related to hypertension. Results and Conclusions: We evaluated the use of anti-hypertensive medications (ACEIs/ARBs, p = 0.028), the symptom of non-gross hematuria (p = 0.028), and older age (p = 0.015) as significant factors related to RFS. Older age was also a significant factor for influencing the RFS rate. We found that the use of anti-hypertensive medications (ACEIs/ARBs) improves RFS in patients with P-CIS after BCG therapy. The prognosis was poor when there was no gross hematuria and if patients were at older ages at the time of diagnosis of P-CIS.
Next-Generation Sequencing Identifies Different Genetic Defects in 2 Patients with Primary Adrenal Insufficiency and Gonadotropin-Independent Precocious Puberty
Authors: Guzzetti Chiara , Bizzarri Carla , Pisaneschi Elisa , Mucciolo Mafalda , Bellacchio Emanuele , Ibba Anastasia , Casula Letizia , Novelli Antonio , Loche Sandro , Cappa Marco
Published: September 2018

Background: The development of gonadotropin-independent (peripheral) precocious puberty in male children with primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is consistent with a defect in the genes encoding for the enzymes involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis. Methods: Two young boys presented with peripheral precocious puberty followed by PAI. In both patients, the analysis of CYP21A2 gene encoding 21-hydroxylase was normal. As a second step, a targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed in both patients using a customized panel of congenital endocrine disor ders. Results: Case 1 had a new homozygous variant in the CYP11B1 gene (c.1121+5G>A). Mutations of this gene cause congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 11β-hydroxylase deficiency, an essential enzyme in the cortisol biosynthesis pathway. Case 2 showed a new hemizygous mutation in the NR0B1 gene (c.1091T>G), which encodes for DAX1 (dosage-sensitive sex reversal, adrenal hypoplasia congenita [AHC] and critical region on the X chromosome gene 1). NR0B1 mutations cause X-linked AHC and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Pathogenicity prediction software defined both mutations as probably damaging. Conclusions: Peripheral precocious puberty was the atypical presentation of 2 rare genetic diseases. The use of NGS made the characterization of these 2 cases with similar clinical phenotypes caused by 2 different genetic defects possible.
ВИКОРИСТАННЯ БІОРЕЗОНАНСНИХ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ В УМОВАХ РАЙОННОЇ ПОЛІКЛІНІКИ
Authors: Mainosh B. S.
Published: September 2018

Мета – зробити короткий огляд розвитку і трансформації рефлексотерапії в біорезонансну діагностику і терапію в умовах районної поліклініки. На конкретному прикладі показати окремі діагностичні і терапевтичні можливості вегетативного резонансного тесту (ВРТ), використовуючи оптимальний алгоритм діагностики і методику підбору частотних характеристик інформаційних копій гомеопатичних препаратів.Матеріал і методи. Діагностику і терапію проводили на апаратно-програмному комплексі «ИМЕДИС-ЭКСПЕРТ». Використовували програмне забезпечення Імедіс-Експерт, версія 6.30, апарат «МИНИ-ЭКСПЕРТ ДТ», апарат «МИНИ-ЭКСПЕРТ Д+», електронний медикаментозний селектор (версія 25 і вище) , апарат для адаптивної біорезонансної терапії «ИМЕДИС-БРТ», матеріали конференцій і з’їздів.Для пошуку ефективних резонансних препаратів для лікування була використана ідея С. Ганемана про міазми, яка характеризує основні закономірності розвитку і перебігу хронічних захворювань. З сучасних позицій міазм можна уявити як чітко детерміновану програму, за якою прогресивно набуває розвитку патологічний процес, незалежно від етіологічного фактора. Вся багатоманітність цієї програми проявляється в конкретних конституційних типах, закладених в патогенез гомеопатичних препаратів. Всі патологічні коливання, виявлені у конкретного хворого, відповідають неоптимальному рівню тієї чи іншої системи органів, тканин, міжкапілярної і міжклітинної рідин, крові, лімфи, клітини, видів обміну, біохімічних показників та інших процесів. Ця неоптимальність характеризує і неоптимальні міазми в даний конкретний відрізок часу. Використовуючи такий підхід через неоптимальні міазми можна підібрати максимально ефективний препарат для конкретного міазму, поступово нівелюючи всі виявлені неоптимальні параметри, і тим самим повернути організм до фізіологічної норми.Результати. Позитивний результат лікування конкретного пацієнта на основі діагностичних даних, отриманих методом ВРТ, а також результати лікування хворих з іншою патологією підтверджують необхідність ширшого використання методу в клінічній практиці.Висновки. Метод біорезонансної діагностики і терапії заслуговує на більш широке використання лікарями різних спеціальностей як експрес-метод діагностики. Терапія інформаційними копіями гомеопатичних препаратів дає прогнозовані позитивні результати при вмілому користуванні.
АКТУАЛЬНІ ПИТАННЯ ДІАГНОСТИКИ ГАСТРОЕЗОФАГЕАЛЬНОЇ РЕФЛЮКСНОЇ ХВОРОБИ З КОМОРБІДНИМ ПЕРЕБІГОМ У ЗАГАЛЬНОЛІКАРСЬКІЙ ПРАКТИЦІ
Authors: Chernobroviy V. M. , Melaschenko S. G. , Kenshyn O. O. , Chernobrova O. I.
Published: September 2018

Ключовим фактором ризику ГЕРХ на сьогодні вважають ожиріння. Його визнано фактором ризику і есенціальної артеріальної гіпертензії (АГ), і цукрового діабету (ЦД), і первинного остеоартрозу, і ХОЗЛ.Матеріал і методи. У клініко-діагностичній гастроентерологічній лабораторії ВНМУ імені М. І. Пирогова проводили обстеження хворих на ожиріння та ГЕРХ з гіперлептинемією. За допомогою методики експрес-гастро-рН-індикації вивчали показники рН у двох групах: у хворих на ожиріння та ГЕРХ та у хворих на ГЕРХ з нормальною масою тіла. Спостерігали сталу тенденцію до більшої секреції HCl у хворих на ожиріння та ГЕРХ.У дослідженні, проведеному у хворих на ГЕРХ в поєднанні з АГ, ми намагались з’ясувати особливості порушень моторики нижнього стравохідного сфінктера при цих двох захворюваннях. Для цього проводили 3-годинний 3-канальний езофаго-гастро-рН-моніторинг. У хворих на ГЕРХ з АГ та без неї була однакова кількість кислотних та усіх рефлюксів, проте у хворих з супутньою АГ спостерігали більш тривалі найдовші рефлюкси, та загалом кислотна експозиція мала тенденцію до подовження (p>0,05).За даними дослідження, яке ми проводили на базі закладів ПМСД м. Вінниці і області у вигляді опортуністичного скринінгу анкет на першому етапі (1431 доросла особа) з подальшим інструментально-лабораторним дообстеженням, було з’ясовано, що 69,72 % хворих на ГЕРХ (343 особи) мали симптоми шлункової диспепсії. Проведення нелінійного регресійного аналізу впливу факторів ризику показало, що потужним чинником, який налаштовує на патологічний гастроезофагеальний рефлюкс, є ожиріння.Висновки. Поєднання ГЕРХ з шлунковими диспепсіями (в т.ч. ФД), гіпертензією, надлишковою масою тіла є поширеним і виявляється у 47,3 %, 45,45 % і 63,86 % обстежених відповідно. У випадку поєднання цих недуг мова йде про очевидну коморбідність. Надмірна маса тіла є основним фактором коморбідності ГЕРХ з артеріальною гіпертензією, спричиняючи більш інтенсивний рефлюкс, що відображається на збільшенні кислотної експозиції та схильності до тривалих рефлюксів. Додатковий вплив може мати схильність хворих на артеріальну гіпертензію до шлункової гіперацидності.
СТРУКТУРНІ ЗМІНИ СЛИЗОВОЇ ОБОЛОНКИ ШЛУНКА ПРИ ХРОНІЧНОМУ ГАСТРИТІ У ДІТЕЙ НА ФОНІ ПОЄДНАННЯ ПАРАЗИТАРНОЇ ТА H. PYLORI ІНФЕКЦІЇ
Authors: Glushko K. T. , Zagrychuk Yu. G. , Smachуlo A. I. , Mykolenko A. Z. , Smachуlo І. І.
Published: September 2018

Останніми роками зростає увага дослідників до впливу паразитозів на перебіг захворювань травної системи у дітей, оскільки кишкові паразити є одними з найчастіших патогенів шлунково-кишкового тракту.Мета – проведення порівняльного аналізу структурних змін слизової оболонки шлунка у дітей, хворих на хронічний гастрит, залежно від поєднання інфікування H. pylori та інвазування Giardia intestinalis.Матеріал і методи. Проведено клініко-лабораторне та інструментальне обстеження дітей з хронічним гастритом віком від 7 до 17 років, з наступною біопсією, та досліджено морфологічні й морфометричні особливості слизової оболонки шлунка.Результати. Найменш виражені патогістологічні та морфометричні зміни слизової оболонки шлунка спостерігали у дітей з хронічним гастритом при моноінвазії Giardia intestinalis, тоді як поєднання інфікування H. pylori та лямбліозу при хронічному гастриті призводить до дистрофічно-некротичних змін епітелію, порушення регенерації, розвитку кишкової метаплазії та розладів кровообігу. Це підтверджується максимальним зниженням ядерно-цитоплазматичного індексу (0,0584±0,0047), підвищенням клітинної щільності інфільтрату на 9,84 % та зменшенням відносного об’єму капілярів та капілярно-епітеліоцитарного відношення, порівняно з моноінвазією Giardia intestinalis.Висновки. Найбільш виражені патогістологічні та морфометричні зміни виявлено у досліджуваній групі пацієнтів з хронічним гастритом, асоційованим з H. pylori, у поєднанні з лямбліозом.