bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innervation of the interphalangeal joint of the thumb: anatomical study
Authors: Zaidenberg Ezequiel E. , Palumbo Dante , Martinez Ezequiel , Pastrana Martin , Farias Cisneros Efrain , Zaidenberg Carlos R.
Published: April 2018

We dissected 30 cadaveric thumb interphalangeal joints to delineate the sensory nerve anatomy of its capsule. Four articular branches supplying the interphalangeal joint capsule of the thumb were found in all specimens. Ulnar and radial proper digital nerves provide one palmar capsular nerve branch on their respective sides. Of the two dorsal branches of the radial nerve at the dorsum of the thumb, we observed that each nerve provided one branch to the interphalangeal dorsal capsule. Our findings demonstrate a consistent pattern of innervation and may provide the anatomical basis to the treating surgeon for an effective and safe denervation of the interphalangeal joint of the thumb.
A guide to identification and selection of axial planes in magnetic resonance imaging of the brain
Authors: Otake Shoichiro , Taoka Toshiaki , Maeda Masayuki , Yuh William TC
Published: April 2018

For brain magnetic resonance (MR) examination, three-dimensional imaging is commonly performed. Radiologists need to know the appropriate imaging angle for viewing. We present six imaging angles for the axial images. Each angle is determined by the reference line. The landmarks on the midsagittal MR image to determine the angle of the reference lines are as follows: the supraorbito-meatal line (the center of the mammillary body and the fastigium of the fourth ventricle), the orbito-meatal (OM) line (the center of the mammillary body and the most posterior point of the cerebellar tentorium), the Talairach anterior commissure (AC)-posterior commissure (PC) line (the superior edge of the AC and the inferior edge of the PC), the Schaltenbrand AC-PC line (the center of the AC and the center of the PC), the subcallosal line (the inferior border of the genu and the inferior border of the splenium of the corpus callosum), Reid’s baseline (the center of the pituitary gland and the most posterior point of the cerebellar tentorium) and the brainstem vertical line (the line perpendicular to the posterior border of the brainstem).

The AC-PC line is most commonly used in MR examination. The OM line is most commonly used in computed tomography examination. The supraorbito-meatal line is recommended for avoiding irradiation to the orbit. In cases of multiple sclerosis, the subcallosal line is recommended in the guidelines. For lesions in the orbital cavity, paranasal cavity or skull base, Reid’s baseline is useful. For cases of brainstem lesions, the brainstem vertical line is useful.
Blur Unblurred—A Mini Tutorial
Authors: Strasburger Hans , Bach Michael , Heinrich Sven P.
Published: April 2018

Optical blur from defocus is quite frequently considered as equivalent to low-pass filtering. Yet that belief, although not entirely wrong, is inaccurate. Here, we wish to disentangle the concepts of dioptric blur, caused by myopia or mis-accommodation, from blur due to low-pass filtering when convolving with a Gaussian kernel. Perhaps surprisingly—if well known in optometry—the representation of a blur kernel (or point-spread function) for dioptric blur is, to a good approximation and disregarding diffraction, simply a cylinder. Its projection onto the retina is classically referred to as a blur circle, the diameter of which can easily be deduced from a light-ray model. We further give the derivation of the relationship between the blur-disk’s diameter and the extent of blur in diopters, as well as the diameter’s relation to the near or far point, and finally its relationship to visual acuity.
Colour for Behavioural Success
Authors: Dresp-Langley Birgitta , Reeves Adam
Published: April 2018

Colour information not only helps sustain the survival of animal species by guiding sexual selection and foraging behaviour but also is an important factor in the cultural and technological development of our own species. This is illustrated by examples from the visual arts and from state-of-the-art imaging technology, where the strategic use of colour has become a powerful tool for guiding the planning and execution of interventional procedures. The functional role of colour information in terms of its potential benefits to behavioural success across the species is addressed in the introduction here to clarify why colour perception may have evolved to generate behavioural success. It is argued that evolutionary and environmental pressures influence not only colour trait production in the different species but also their ability to process and exploit colour information for goal-specific purposes. We then leap straight to the human primate with insight from current research on the facilitating role of colour cues on performance training with precision technology for image-guided surgical planning and intervention. It is shown that local colour cues in two-dimensional images generated by a surgical fisheye camera help individuals become more precise rapidly across a limited number of trial sets in simulator training for specific manual gestures with a tool. This facilitating effect of a local colour cue on performance evolution in a video-controlled simulator (pick-and-place) task can be explained in terms of colour-based figure-ground segregation facilitating attention to local image parts when more than two layers of subjective surface depth are present, as in all natural and surgical images.
Association between physical fitness, cardiovascular risk factors, and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Müller Jan , Myers Jonathan
Published: April 2018

Objective

Exercise is a cornerstone of therapy for Parkinson's disease. This study addressed the association between physical fitness and the onset of Parkinson's disease and association with cardiovascular risk factors.

Patients and methods

Male veterans ( N = 7347, 59.0 ± 11.2 years) from the Veterans Exercise Testing Study cohort were evaluated. Physical fitness was measured objectively by maximal exercise testing. Onset of Parkinson's disease was abstracted from the Veterans Affairs computerized patient records system.

Results

After a mean follow-up of 12.5 ± 6.3 years, a total of 94 (1.3%) developed Parkinson's disease. Incidence was 86 cases per 100,000 person-years. The strongest multivariate factors associated with incidence of Parkinson's disease were higher age (hazard ratio: 1.067, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.043–1.093, p < .001), current smoking (hazard ratio: 0.511, 95% CI: 0.274–0.953, p = .035) and physical fitness (high vs. low: hazard ratio: 0.239, 95% CI: 0.079–0.725, p = .011). Compared with patients with no or only one of these risk factors, patients with two risk factors had a 3.7-fold ( p < .001) increased risk for incidence of Parkinson's disease; those with all three risk factors had a 7.8-fold ( p < .001) higher risk.

Conclusions

High physical fitness, current smoking and younger age were associated with a lower incidence of Parkinson's disease. These findings parallel those of several epidemiological studies focusing on physical activity and the onset of Parkinson's disease. Together, these observations provide strong support for recommending physical activity to diminish risk of Parkinson's disease.
Sharing data: Some examples
Authors: Hauser Robert M
Published: April 2018

Shared methods, procedures, documentation, and data are essential features of science. This observation is illustrated by autobiographical examples and, far more important, by the history of astronomy, geography, meteorology, and the social sciences. Unfortunately, though sometimes for understandable reasons, data sharing has been less common in psychological and medical research. The China Family Panel Study is an exemplar of contemporary research that has been designed from the outset to create a well-documented body of shared social-scientific data.
Private tutoring, students’ cognitive ability and school engagement, and the formal schooling context: Evidence from middle school students in China
Authors: Zhang Yueyun
Published: April 2018

This study examines the effects of participation in private tutoring on Chinese students’ cognitive ability and school engagement, and further investigates the role of the formal schooling context in moderating these effects. Utilizing a nationally representative data set of Chinese middle school students and the method of propensity score matching, I find that participation in private tutoring significantly boosts students’ cognitive ability and school engagement. Moreover, multilevel models are employed to demonstrate that the observed positive effects of receiving private tutoring vary across schools. Specifically, these effects are more significant for students in low-quality schools and tend to decrease for students in higher-quality schools. This study thus calls for a systematic examination of the private tutoring effects on various dimensions of student development as well as the contextual influence of formal schools while discussing the implications of private tutoring for educational inequality in contemporary China.
Effect of Low and Negative Interest Rates: Evidence from Indian and Sri Lankan Economies
Authors: Ahmad Moid U. , Premaratne Hetti Arachchige Gamini
Published: April 2018

Interest rates are critical to any economy. Usually the central bank of a country supervises and tries to control the interest rates but there is always an element of uncontrollable effects: local or international. A central bank adopts a monetary strategy to affect various macroeconomic parameters such as inflation, exchange rate (ER), economic growth and many others. A country may decide to adopt Ultra-low Interest Rate Policy (ULIRP) or Negative Interest Rate Policy (NIRP) or a policy with moderate/high rate of interest. In today’s global business scenario, economies are connected and influence one another. The US and UK economies have seen a very low and negative interest rates historically, at least in recent past. Indian and Sri Lankan economies are integrated with the US and UK economies and thus are affected by their prevailing interest rates. The effect of low and zero interest rate policy of a country (USA and UK) on interest rates and economy of co-integrated economies (India and Sri Lanka) have been studied in this research. The objective of this study is to understand the implications of ULIRPs and NIRPs in the context of Indian and Sri Lankan economies. Two significant conclusions of the research are that Indian and Sri Lankan economies are affected by the US and UK policies and that they are affected at a lag of eight years.
Finance and Growth: Evidence from South Asia
Authors: Patra Sudip , Dastidar Sayantan Ghosh
Published: April 2018

The article examines the empirical relationship between financial development and economic growth for five South Asian countries over the time period 1990–2015, using both panel model approach and time series analysis. We employ multiple proxies for financial development, namely, foreign direct investment, total debt service, gross domestic savings, domestic credit to private sector by banks, and domestic credit provided by financial sector to test the relationship. The panel model approach results indicate that there is an overall positive association between finance and growth for South Asia through the FDI and savings channels. The country-specific analyses suggest that the growth effects of financial channels are most pronounced in Sri Lanka, whereas, on the other hand, financial development plays no role in the Indian growth process in the short run. Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan lie somewhere in between this spectrum with every country exhibiting unique growth paths which highlights the heterogeneity of the region.
Is Tobacco Use Associated with Neurocognitive Dysfunction in Individuals with HIV?
Authors: Tsima Billy , Ratcliffe Sarah Jane , Schnoll Robert , Frank Ian , Kolson Dennis Larry , Gross Robert
Published: April 2018

Introduction:

The prevalence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders continues to rise despite the widespread use of antiretroviral therapy. We aimed to define the risk of neurocognitive dysfunction among smokers relative to nonsmokers.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study including HIV-infected adults ages 21 to 65 years. The Mental Alternation Test (MAT) was the primary outcome. The odds of cognitive impairment were compared using random-effects logistic regression to adjust for potential confounders.

Results:

Of 3033, 1486 (49%) were smokers. The odds ratio for the association between smoking and cognitive impairment was 1.12 (95% confidence interval: 0.85-1.49). Nonsmokers had a higher median MAT score relative to smokers ( P = .01).

Conclusion:

There was no evidence that HIV-infected smokers had greater neurocognitive dysfunction relative to HIV-infected nonsmokers. While tobacco use remains an important health risk issue to address in the HIV population, it may not represent a risk factor for neurocognitive impairment.
Comparison of Lower Extremity Recovery After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Transphyseal Hamstring Versus Extraphyseal Iliotibial Band Techniques in Skeletally Immature Athletes
Authors: Sugimoto Dai , Heyworth Benton E. , Collins Sara E. , Fallon Ryan T. , Kocher Mininder S. , Micheli Lyle J.
Published: April 2018

Background:

The influence of graft type on recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has not been adequately studied in pediatric patients.

Purpose:

To describe lower extremity functional recovery parameters at the 6-month mark after ACLR across 3 distinct groups of skeletally immature patients: pediatric male patients with transphyseal hamstring grafts (PM-HS), pediatric female patients with transphyseal hamstring grafts (PF-HS), and pediatric male patients with extraphyseal iliotibial band grafts (PM-ITB).

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Thigh circumference, knee range of motion, lower extremity strength, dynamic balance, and hop test performance were assessed in all patients 6 months postoperatively. All participants were ≤15 years of age with open physes. The limb symmetry index was used to compare deficits between the operated and uninvolved limbs for all 3 groups (PM-HS, PF-HS, and PM-ITB). Analysis of variance with post hoc correction was employed.

Results:

A total of 93 pediatric patients who underwent ACLR (PM-HS: n = 21 [mean age, 13.6 ± 1.0 years]; PF-HS: n = 33 [mean age, 13.4 ± 0.7 years]; PM-ITB: n = 39 [mean age, 12.5 ± 1.3 years]) were examined. There was no statistically significant difference in thigh circumference, range of motion, dynamic balance, or hop test performance between the groups. Of the various additional comparisons analyzed, there were statistical differences in hamstring strength deficits among the 3 groups ( P = .004). The PM-HS group showed a greater hamstring strength deficit (–32.2% relative to healthy limb) than the PM-ITB group (–5.4% relative to healthy limb) ( P = .012). The hamstring strength deficit of the PF-HS group (–18.7% relative to healthy limb) was less than that of the PM-HS group and greater than that of the PM-ITB group but not statistically significant in either case.

Conclusion:

Significant hamstring strength deficits were detected in the PM-HS group compared with the PM-ITB group at 6 months following ACLR. Such findings may influence decisions regarding graft selection, timing of return to sports, and postoperative rehabilitation regimens.
Impact of Language Barriers on Quality of Care and Patient Safety for Official Language Minority Francophones in Canada
Authors: de Moissac Danielle , Bowen Sarah
Published: April 2018

Introduction:

The risks to patient safety and quality of care faced by members of linguistic minority groups have been well-documented. However, little research has focused on the experience of official language minorities in Canada.

Methods:

This multiple method study (online and paper-based surveys combined with semi-structured individual interviews with patients and interpreters-health navigators) explored the experience of minority Francophones living in 4 Canadian provinces.

Results:

Patients and interpreters-navigators described experiences where language barriers contributed to poorer patient assessment, misdiagnosis and/or delayed treatment, incomplete understanding of patient condition and prescribed treatment, and impaired confidence in services received. Reliance on Google Translate and ad hoc, untrained interpreters are commonly reported, in spite of evidence highlighting the risks associated with such practice.

Conclusion:

Increased awareness that the risks of language barriers apply to official language minorities is essential.
Identifying unmet needs in long-term stroke care using in-depth assessment and the Post-Stroke Checklist – The Managing Aftercare for Stroke (MAS-I) study
Authors: Hotter Benjamin , Padberg Inken , Liebenau Andrea , Knispel Petra , Heel Sabine , Steube Diethard , Wissel Jörg , Wellwood Ian , Meisel Andreas
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Detailed data on the long-term consequences and treatment of stroke are scarce. We aimed to assess the needs and disease burden of community-dwelling stroke patients and their carers and to compare their treatment to evidence-based guidelines by a stroke neurologist.

Methods

We invited long-term stroke patients from two previous acute clinical studies ( n = 516) in Berlin, Germany to participate in an observational, cross-sectional study. Participants underwent a comprehensive interview and examination using the Post-Stroke Checklist and validated standard measures of: self-reported needs, quality of life, overall outcome, spasticity, pain, aphasia, cognition, depression, secondary prevention, social needs and caregiver burden.

Results

Fifty-seven participants (median initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 10 interquartile range 4–12.75) consented to assessment (median 41 months (interquartile range 36–50) after stroke. Modified Rankin Scale was 2 (median; interquartile range 1–3), EuroQoL index value was 0.81 (median; interquartile range 0.70–1.00). The frequencies for disabilities in the major domains were: spasticity 35%; cognition 61%; depression 20%; medication non-compliance 14%. Spasticity ( p = 0.008) and social needs ( p < 0.001) had the strongest impact on quality of life. The corresponding items in the Post-Stroke Checklist were predictive for low mood ( p < 0.001), impaired cognition ( p = 0.015), social needs ( p = 0.005) and caregiver burden ( p = 0.031). In the comprehensive interview, we identified the following needs: medical review (30%), optimization of pharmacotherapy (18%), outpatient therapy (47%) and social work input (33%).

Conclusion

These results suggest significant unmet needs and gaps in health and social care in long-term stroke patients. Further research to develop a comprehensive model for managing stroke aftercare is warranted. Clinical Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov NCT02320994.
New Technique for Tibiotalar Arthrodesis Using a New Intramedullary Nail Device
Authors: Dabash Sherif , Eisenstein Emmanuel , Abdelgawad Amr
Published: April 2018

Category:

Ankle, Basic Sciences/Biologics

Introduction/Purpose:

Ankle arthrodesis is performed in a variety of methods.We propose a new technique for tibiotalar arthrodesis using a newly designed intramedullary nail

Methods:

We proposed the development of an intramedullary device for ankle arthrodesis which spared the subtalar joint using a sinus tarsi approach. Standard saw bones models and computer-assisted modeling and stress analysis were used to develop different nail design geometries and determine the feasibility of insertion. After the final design was constructed, the device was tested on three cadaveric specimens.

Results:

Four basic nail geometries were developed. The optimal design was composed of two relatively straight segments, each with a different radius of curvature for their respective tibial and talar component. We successfully implemented this design into three cadaveric specimens

Conclusion:

Our newly designed tibiotalar nail provides a new technique for isolated tibiotalar fusion. It utilizes the advantages of a tibiotalar calcaneal nail and spares the subtalar joint. This design serves as the foundation for future research to include compression options across the tibiotalar joint and eventual transition to clinical practice.
Microvasculature of the Plantar Plate Using Nano-Computed Tomography
Authors: Finney Fred , Scott Jaron , Jepsen Karl , Holmes James , Talusan Paul
Published: April 2018

Category:

Basic Sciences/Biologics, Lesser Toes, Midfoot/Forefoot

Introduction/Purpose:

Lesser toe plantar plate attenuation or disruption is being increasingly implicated in a variety of very common clinical complaints including metatarsalgia, metatarsal-phalangeal (MTP) joint subluxation and dislocation, hammertoe, crossover toe, etc. A multitude of surgical techniques and devices have been recently developed to facilitate surgical repair of the plantar plate. However, the microvascular anatomy, and therefore the healing potential in large part, has not been addressed. We sought to answer this question by employing a novel technique involving microvascular perfusion and nano-computed tomography (Nano-CT) imaging.

Methods:

12 human adult cadaveric lower extremities were amputated distal to the knee. The anterior and posterior tibial arteries were dissected and cannulated proximal to the ankle joint and were perfused with a barium solution. The soft tissues of each foot were then counterstained with phosphomolybdic acid (PMA). The 2nd through 4th toe MTP joints of 12 feet were imaged with Nano-CT at 14-micron resolution. Images were then reconstructed for three-dimensional analysis of the plantar plate microvasculature and calculation of the vascular density along the length of the plantar plate.

Results:

A microvascular network extends from the surrounding soft tissues at the attachments of the plantar plate on both the metatarsal and proximal phalanx. The mid-substance of the plantar plate appears to be relatively hypovascular. Analysis of the vascular density along the length of the plantar plate demonstrated a consistent trend with increased vascular density at approximately the proximal 30% and distal 20% of the plantar plate (Figure 1).

Conclusion:

There is a vascular network extending from the surrounding soft tissues into approximately the proximal 30% and the distal 20% of the plantar plate. The hypovascular mid-portion of the plantar plate may play an important role in the underlying patho-anatomy and pathophysiology of this area. We believe our findings likely have significant clinical implications for the reparative potential of this region, and therefore the surgical procedures currently described to accomplish anatomic plantar plate repair.
Prevalence of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Low Risk Patients After Elective Foot and Ankle Surgery
Authors: Sullivan Martin , Kreulen Christopher , Eusebio Ilian Dominiq , Hang Jacqueline , Omari Abdul
Published: April 2018

Category:

Surgical complications

Introduction/Purpose:

For patients undergoing elective foot or ankle surgery deep vein thrombosis is a recognised risk with morbidity.The literature is often based on a retrospective review of the clinical notes which can be misleading. Surveillance has not been done in the past .Our concern was that the true incidence of DVT may have been underreported and silent DVTs are possible . The study prospectively determines the prevalence of DVT in low risk patients who are non weight bearing for 6 weeks post operatively by having patients undergo clinical detection as well as high resolution ultrasound to determine the presence and extent of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the patients operated leg at 2 weeks and 6 weeks after surgery.

Methods:

197 patients undergoing elective (i.e. not trauma or achilles ruptures) foot or ankle surgery requiring a period of 6 weeks non weight bearing post operatively were selected for the study over a 2 year period. 83 patients were excluded as being high risk for DVT based on recognised criteria. The remaining 114 patients were included in the study as they were low risk for DVT. All 114 patients were assessed clinically at 2 weeks and 6 weeks post op for the possibility of DVT and this was recorded.The patients were then sent for high resolution U/S scans on the affected leg at 2 and 6 weeks after the surgery . A middle frequency (4-9 MHz) transducer was used for the study, and a lower frequency transducer for obese or swollen legs. The scans were performed at the Vascular Lab at our Institution which performs over 10000 scans annually.

Results:

114 patients were in the study. 71 Females and 43 males with average age 52 years . The incidence of DVT was 24.56% (28/114). Of the 28 positive scans, 22 (79%) had no clinical symptoms or signs of DVT. 20/28 (71%) DVTs were diagnosed at the 2 week scan and 15 of these had no symptoms or signs of DVT. 8/28 (29%) patients had clear scans at 2 weeks and positive scans at 6 weeks.In this late onset group 7/8 had no symptoms or signs of a DVT. Only 5% (6/114) patients had symptoms or signs of DVT. The incidence of DVT in the first 2 weeks after surgery was 17.5%. Of the remaining 94 patients, 8.5% developed a DVT after 2 weeks.

Conclusion:

In low risk patients who are non weight bearing for 6 weeks after elective foot or ankle surgery the prevalence of DVT (25%) is significantly higher than the literature suggests and the majority of patients 79% (22/28) had no symptoms or signs of DVT to assist in the diagnosis. The majority of DVT’s occurred in the first 2 weeks after surgery however 29% of the total number of DVTs occurred between week 3 and week 6 non weight bearing.
Association of polygenic risk score with the risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis
Authors: Kleinstern Geffen , Camp Nicola J. , Goldin Lynn R. , Vachon Celine M. , Vajdic Claire M. , de Sanjose Silvia , Weinberg J. Brice , Benavente Yolanda , Casabonne Delphine , Liebow Mark , Nieters Alexandra , Hjalgrim Henrik , Melbye Mads , Glimelius Bengt , Adami Hans-Olov , Boffetta Paolo , Brennan Paul , Maynadie Marc , McKay James , Cocco Pier Luigi , Shanafelt Tait D. , Call Timothy G. , Norman Aaron D. , Hanson Curtis , Robinson Dennis , Chaffee Kari G. , Brooks-Wilson Angela R. , Monnereau Alain , Clavel Jacqueline , Glenn Martha , Curtin Karen , Conde Lucia , Bracci Paige M. , Morton Lindsay M. , Cozen Wendy , Severson Richard K. , Chanock Stephen J. , Spinelli John J. , Johnston James B. , Rothman Nathaniel , Skibola Christine F. , Leis Jose F. , Kay Neil E. , Smedby Karin E. , Berndt Sonja I. , Cerhan James R. , Caporaso Neil , Slager Susan L.
Published: April 2018

Key Points

PRS, based on the known CLL loci, predicts CLL risk with high discrimination. This PRS predicts risk of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis, a precursor to CLL and a condition that has clinical impact beyond risk for CLL.
Student perceptions of the education environment in a Spanish medical podiatry school
Authors: Palomo‐López Patricia , Becerro‐de‐Bengoa‐Vallejo Ricardo , Calvo‐Lobo César , Tovaruela‐Carrión Natalia , Rodríguez‐Sanz David , Elena Losa‐Iglesias Marta , López‐López Daniel
Published: April 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to explore students' perceptions of the educational environment (EE) in a Spanish school of podiatry. Various aspects of EE were compared by academic year in the program.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study using a questionnaire to collect perceptions using data from a 2015 survey. Podiatric medical students from Extremadura University participated in this study. EE was assessed with the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) tool.

The DREEM questionnaire covers five domains of student perceptions, including learning, teachers, academic self‐perceptions, atmosphere, and social self‐perceptions.

Results

Two hundred thirty‐five students participated, resulting in a 90.73% response rate. Participants included similar numbers of students from different years in the program, and most were women. The global EE score was 2.58 out of 4, indicating that students' perceptions were more positive than negative. Although some weaknesses were detected in this school, students viewed the EE positively in all five DREEM domains. Academic year in the program were generally not related to perceptions of EE.

Conclusions

Podiatric medical students declared, in general, that the EE was more positive than negative in our school, according to the DREEM questionnaire. However, although the results are on the whole good, some areas need to be revised to make improvements.
Effectiveness of gliclazide MR 60 mg in the management of type 2 diabetes: analyses from the EASYDia trial
Authors: Leiter Lawrence A. , Shestakova Marina V. , Satman Ilhan
Published: April 2018

Background

Although the number of antihyperglycemic agents has expanded significantly, sulfonylureas (in particular gliclazide) remain an important option because of a variety of patient and health system factors. The large, real world, observational, and international EASYDia trial evaluated the effectiveness of gliclazide modified release (MR) 60 mg in individuals with type 2 diabetes with a broad range of diabetes history, body mass index (BMI) and background antihyperglycemic treatment.

Methods

A total of 7170 participants from eight countries, age ≥ 35 years with HbA1c ≥ 7.5% and not treated with insulin, were prescribed 30–120 mg of gliclazide MR 60 mg once daily. HbA1c goals were individualized and dosing uptitrated, as required, over the 6-month long study. In this post hoc subanalysis, efficacy endpoints were analyzed according to stratified baseline HbA1c levels, weight and glucose-lowering regimens. Episodes of hypoglycemia requiring assistance were documented.

Results

At baseline, mean age was 58.9 years, HbA1c 8.8%, BMI 30.1 kg/m2, and diabetes duration 5.1 years. At study end, clinically significant HbA1c improvements (mean change − 1.78%) were noted across all baseline HbA1c strata (> 7.0 to ≤ 8.0%, > 8.0 to ≤ 9.0%, > 9.0 to ≤ 10.0%, and > 10.0%), BMI classifications (18.5 to < 25.0, 25.0 to < 30.0, and ≥ 30.0 kg/m2), and regardless of the original diabetes treatment regimen (P < 0.001 in all cases). In contrast to the subgroups with BMI 25.0–30.0 and ≥ 30.0 kg/m2 that registered weight losses of 0.9 and 2.2 kg, respectively (P < 0.001 vs. baseline weight); the BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2 subgroup gained a mean 0.5 kg (P < 0.02 vs. baseline weight). Severe hypoglycemic events were rare (0.06%).

Conclusions

Progressive gliclazide MR 60 mg uptitration was well tolerated and lowered HbA1c across a broad range of HbA1c, BMI and background glucose-lowering therapy. Weight loss was noted when BMI was ≥ 25.0 kg/m2. Individuals with the highest baseline HbA1c and BMI experienced the greatest HbA1c and weight improvements.

Trial registration ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN00943368 on 1st July 2011
Neurodevelopmental assessment of HIV-exposed uninfected and early-treated HIV-infected children: study protocol
Authors: Strehlau Renate , van Aswegen Tamryn , Potterton Joanne
Published: April 2018

Objective

Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest prevalence of children at risk of not achieving their developmental potential, attributable largely to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic coupled with negative environmental factors. Childhood developmental stimulation programmes can mitigate adverse outcomes.

Methods

Neonates testing HIV positive at birth will be initiated on antiretroviral treatment (ART) and receive an age-appropriate stimulation program, updated at 3 monthly intervals through the first year of life. Neurodevelopment at 12 months of age will be assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (BSID-III). Outcomes will be compared with HIV-infected and HIV-exposed uninfected children (HEU) not having received the stimulatory intervention. Associations between neurodevelopmental outcomes, environmental factors, and parental stress will be investigated. The study will take place at a single site in Johannesburg, South Africa. This non-randomised controlled intervention study, with a single non-blinded comparative intervention group, aims to investigate whether an early childhood stimulation programme used in conjunction with ART initiated at birth can positively impact neurodevelopmental outcomes at 1 year of age in children infected with HIV.

Trial registration 15 January 2018, Pan African Clinical Trial Registry PACTR201801002967587
Induction of chondrogenesis of human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells via heparin-grafted human fibroblast derived matrix
Authors: Noh Yong Kwan , Du Ping , Dos Santos Da Costa Avelino , Park Kwideok
Published: April 2018

Background

Formation of mature and functional articular cartilage is still challenging in cartilage tissue engineering. This study investigates the potential of using heparin-grafted decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) as a novel growth factor delivery platform towards human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs) chondrogenic differentiation. Human fibroblast-derived extracellular matrix (hFDM) is naturally obtained from in vitro-cultured human lung fibroblasts via a mild decellularization process. hFDM was then conjugated with heparin via N-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) chemistry and subject to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 immobilization. Once heparin grafted-hFDM (hFDM-hep) and hPMSCs were co-embedded into collagen gel, they were examined for in vitro and in vivo chondrogenesis of hPMSCs for 4 weeks.

Results

We identified heparin moieties on hFDM via toluidine blue O assay and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. We found out that collagen spheroids containing hFDM-hep and TGF-β1 exhibited a sustained release of growth factor for 28 days in vitro. Chondrogenesis of hPMSCs in vitro was supported by accumulated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content and upregulated chondrogenic specific markers (collagen II, aggrecan, Sox9). Meanwhile, PKH26 - labeled hPMSCs incorporated collagen with either hFDM or hFDM-hep was pre-conditioned in a chondrogenic media for 3 days and subcutaneously implanted in the back of nude mice for 4 weeks. The implanted collagen spheroids containing both hPMSCs and hFDM-hep retained more viable hPMSCs and showed higher level of chondrogenic differentiation, based on immunostaining of collagen type II over collagen alone or Col/hFDM group. In addition, histological examination showed more positive signals of GAG via Safranin-O staining.

Conclusion

TGF-β1-immobilized hFDM-hep can provide an appropriate microenvironment for chondrogenic differentiation of hPMSCs in 3D collagen spheroid.
Recent trends in bioinks for 3D printing
Authors: Gopinathan Janarthanan , Noh Insup
Published: April 2018

Background

The worldwide demand for the organ replacement or tissue regeneration is increasing steadily. The advancements in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have made it possible to regenerate such damaged organs or tissues into functional organ or tissue with the help of 3D bioprinting. The main component of the 3D bioprinting is the bioink, which is crucial for the development of functional organs or tissue structures. The bioinks used in 3D printing technology require so many properties which are vital and need to be considered during the selection. Combination of different methods and enhancements in properties are required to develop more successful bioinks for the 3D printing of organs or tissue structures.

Main body

This review consists of the recent state-of-art of polymer-based bioinks used in 3D printing for applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The subsection projects the basic requirements for the selection of successful bioinks for 3D printing and developing 3D tissues or organ structures using combinations of bioinks such as cells, biomedical polymers and biosignals. Different bioink materials and their properties related to the biocompatibility, printability, mechanical properties, which are recently reported for 3D printing are discussed in detail.

Conclusion

Many bioinks formulations have been reported from cell-biomaterials based bioinks to cell-based bioinks such as cell aggregates and tissue spheroids for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. Interestingly, more tunable bioinks, which are biocompatible for live cells, printable and mechanically stable after printing are emerging with the help of functional polymeric biomaterials, their modifications and blending of cells and hydrogels. These approaches show the immense potential of these bioinks to produce more complex tissue/organ structures using 3D bioprinting in the future.
Mental health information systems in resource-challenged countries: experiences from India
Authors: Ahuja Shalini , Shidhaye Rahul , Semrau Maya , Thornicroft Graham , Jordans Mark
Published: April 2018

Mental health information systems are increasingly being used to measure the effectiveness of mental health interventions. Little or no data is available for mental health service availability and service uptake in low- and middle-income countries. Through a narrative review, this paper illustrates the importance of routine monitoring data and suggests methods for developing, implementing and evaluating mental health indicators in low- and middle-income countries with a primary focus on India.
ERBB3-Activating Mutations in Small Bowel Adenocarcinomas
Authors: Cabel Luc , Aparicio Thomas , Bieche Ivan , Svrcek Magali , Zaanan Aziz , Afchain Pauline , Di Fiore Frédéric , Gornet Jean-Marc , Le Corre Delphine , Vacher Sophie , Callens Celine , Bernard Virginie , Laurent-Puig Pierre , Bidard François-Clément
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Functional studies have demonstrated that some mutations of ERBB3, which encodes for human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) 3, are oncogenic via activation of the ErbB family signaling pathway. Significant clinical activity of anti-HER2 therapies (trastuzumab plus lapatinib combination or afatinib) has been reported in patients with ERBB3-mutated cancers. This study was designed to report the rate of activating ERBB3 mutations in small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA), a rare tumor type in which we previously reported a high rate (12%) of ERBB2-activating mutations.

Materials and Methods

DNA from 74 SBAs, previously characterized for ERBB2 mutations and mismatch repair status, was submitted for sequencing of ERBB3 exons 3, 6, 7, 8, and 23. Orthogonal validation by targeted next-generation sequencing was performed.

Results

Four of 74 SBAs (5.4%) displayed ERBB3-activating mutations, including three p.V104M mutations (c.310 G>A) in exon 3 and one p.E928G mutation (c.2783 A>G) in exon 23. No mutations were detected in exons 6, 7, and 8. ERBB3-activating mutations were associated with microsatellite instability ( P = .002) and the presence of ERBB2-activating mutations ( P = .002). Two SBAs with co-occurrence of ERBB2 and ERBB3 mutations were further analyzed by targeted next-generation sequencing. Mutant allelic frequencies suggested that both mutations were shared by the same clone rather than being harbored by mutually exclusive tumor subclones.

Conclusion

SBAs display a high rate of ERBB3-activating mutations, which have been shown to be targetable by anti-HER2 therapies. Strikingly, ERBB3 was frequently comutated with ERBB2, suggesting a strong oncogenic addiction of these SBAs to the HER2 pathway.
A peek into cancer-associated fibroblasts: origins, functions and translational impact
Authors: LeBleu Valerie S. , Kalluri Raghu
Published: April 2018

In malignant tumors, cancer cells adapt to grow within their host tissue. As a cancer progresses, an accompanying host stromal response evolves within and around the nascent tumor. Among the host stromal constituents associated with the tumor are cancer-associated fibroblasts, a highly abundant and heterogeneous population of cells of mesenchymal lineage. Although it is known that fibroblasts are present from the tumor's inception to the end-stage metastatic spread, their precise functional role in cancer is not fully understood. It has been suggested that cancer-associated fibroblasts play a key role in modulating the behavior of cancer cells, in part by promoting tumor growth, but evolving data also argue for their antitumor actions. Taken together, this suggests a putative bimodal function for cancer-associated fibroblasts in oncogenesis. As illustrated in this Review and its accompanying poster, cancer-associated fibroblasts are a dynamic component of the tumor microenvironment that orchestrates the interplay between the cancer cells and the host stromal response. Understanding the complexity of the relationship between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts could offer insights into the regulation of tumor progression and control of cancer.
Słów kilka o kolokwializacji w oryginale i przekładzie
Authors: Białek Ewa
Published: April 2018

Remarks on colloquialisation in the original and translated text

A studied literary work is novel „Похороните меня за плинтусом” [Bury me under the floor] (P. Sanajew, 2010) and its Polish translation „Pochowajcie mnie pod podłogą” (I. Korybut‑Dashkievich, 2009). The author investigates the mazy family relations which are reflected in the language and primarily found in everyday dialogues. The elaborate pejorative nominations as nouns, adjective‑noun collocations, including vulgarity and, to a lesser extent, positively‑marked lexis are conspicuous. The translator selects different counterparts to achieve the same wording of the original text, depending on the recipient and the context of expression. She uses a variety of synonymous means of the target language. To translate expressive forms of address and other nominations denoting humans can be a real challenge as bilingual dictionaries hardly reflect colloquial and vulgar vocabulary so bilingual parallel corpora can be useful then.
Translation of poetry is still translation
Authors: Kodeniec Katarzyna
Published: April 2018

Przekład poezji to jednak przekładW wielu rozważaniach, które można zaliczyć do teorii przekładu, poezja traktowana jest inaczej niż pozostałe gatunki lub typy tekstów. Podkreśla się nierozerwalność jej „formy” i „treści”, ponieważ formalna organizacja elementów językowych sama w sobie stanowi dodatkowy element znaczenia wiersza. Niniejszy artykuł stanowi próbę ukazania poezji jako obiektu przekładu podlegającego podobnym zasadom jak inne teksty, m.in. poprzez omówienie opinii kilku badaczy i wierszy różnych typów. Jako czynnik, który może prowadzić do wielości teorii tłumaczenia, rozumiane jest tu raczej ogólne podejście tłumaczy i badaczy wywodzące się z ich filozoficznych poglądów na język i naturę przekładu niż wielość rodzajów tekstów.
Przypisy tłumacza w świetle teorii literatury hipertekstowej
Authors: Sztorc Weronika
Published: April 2018

Translator’s footnotes in the light of hypertext literature theory

The article draws attention to such translator’s footnotes that can be connected with associative thinking, typical of the Internet and of hypertext literature. First, the footnote as a specific translation technique was discussed, along with various views on it. Then, the notion of associative thinking was introduced. Next, emblematic features and examples of hypertext and proto‑hypertext literature were presented, wherein the status of footnotes is raised and new light is shed on the figure of the author. Finally, such translators’ footnotes were shown wherein translators become visible and demand that their work be noticed and appreciated. It may be in a form of a game with the reader, a dialogue with the author or a manifestation of their presence (and power over the text). They compete with the authors for the attention of the reader, who moves between fragments of the text, just like in hypertext novels.
Egzamin na tłumacza przysięgłego a normy przekładowe
Authors: Solová Regina
Published: April 2018

Sworn Translator Exam and Translation Norms: Example of the Specialized Terminology and Phraseology Benchmarks Applied to the Translations of Economic Texts from Polish to French
This study deals with prescriptive norms applied to the national accreditation exams for sworn translator candidates in Poland. The study has been limited to norms for specialized terminology and phraseology in the Polish to French translations of economic texts. As these prescriptive norms have not been formulated explicitly, the study relies on the benchmarks which are used to evaluate the examination papers. The purpose of this article is to check the assumption that the examiners evaluate the papers without any clear benchmarks, and that the candidates attend the exam without knowing precisely on what basis they will be evaluated. This hypothesis is confirmed by an analysis of authentic examination papers which concentrates on the way the examiners apply the benchmark of the “terminology and phraseology of the specialized sublanguage”.
Audio Description in Puppet Theatre for Children – a Case Study
Authors: Kiser Natalia
Published: April 2018

The aim of this paper is to review existing guidelines and strategies for AD in children’s theatre and to prepare an accessible visit for visuallyimpaired children to a puppet theatre. Taking under consideration the complexity of Plastusiowy pamiętnik (Plastuś’ Diary) the performance chosen to be audio described, we decided to create an audio introduction, AD script and a touch-tour prior to the spectacle. We believed that in such a way children could enjoy the play to the same extent as the sighted audience do. Our intention was to find out how to describe the convention of puppet theatre as well as to reach the balance between the abundance of stimuli in the play and information that should be delivered in the AD script, without breaking the suspension of disbelief.
„…A czy tłumaczyć Kraków?” Nazwy własne w dydaktyce przekładu
Authors: Wołek-San Sebastian Katarzyna
Published: April 2018

Proper Names in Teaching TranslationThe article concerns a significant issue in educating translators, namely, proper names in teaching translation. Fundamental differences in the approach to proper names are presented in the paper in the context of the practice of teaching pragmatic and artistic translation, as well as written and oral translation. Observations of problems and suggestions for practical exercises were based on long-term experience in the so-called “translation path in Croatian Studies”. Hence, they will find application mainly (yet not only), in the translation of closely related languages.