bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Hemolysis as a Severe Feature of Preeclampsia
Authors: Burwick Richard M. , Rincon Monica , Beeraka Sridivya S. , Gupta Megha , Feinberg Bruce B.
Published: June 2018

Hemolysis predisposes to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Yet, there are limited data on hemolysis in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy other than hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome. To evaluate the prevalence and impact of hemolysis in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, we performed a retrospective cohort study at a single center (October 2013–May 2017), among women screened for hemolysis using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. We compared LDH levels by hypertensive disorder (chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and preeclampsia with severe features) and evaluated impact on adverse pregnancy outcomes. Data were analyzed by χ
2
or
t
test, ANOVA, test of medians, and logistic regression. Among 8645 deliveries, 1188 (13.7%) had a hypertensive disorder. Of these, 812 (68.4%) had LDH measurement before delivery: chronic hypertension (n=152); gestational hypertension (n=209); preeclampsia (n=216); and preeclampsia with severe features (n=235). LDH ≥400 U/L (≥1.6× normal) was more common in preeclampsia with severe features compared with other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (9.8% versus 2.3%;
P
<0.001); adjusted odds ratio 4.52 (95% confidence interval, 2.2–9.2;
P
<0.001). LDH ≥400 U/L was associated with adverse maternal outcomes (41.7% versus 15.3%;
P
<0.001), adjusted odds ratio 3.05 (95% confidence interval, 1.4–6.7;
P
=0.006), and adverse neonatal outcomes (eg, preterm birth 59.4% versus 22.5%;
P
<0.001). We find that elevated LDH levels are associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in hypertension and preeclampsia, independent of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome. Therefore, elevated LDH levels (≥1.6× normal or ≥400 U/L) may be considered a severe feature of preeclampsia.
Tea Consumption and Longitudinal Change in High‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Concentration in Chinese Adults
Authors: Huang Shue , Li Junjuan , Wu Yuntao , Ranjbar Sareh , Xing Aijun , Zhao Haiyan , Wang Yanxiu , Shearer Gregory C. , Bao Le , Lichtenstein Alice H. , Wu Shouling , Gao Xiang
Published: June 2018

Background

The relation between tea consumption and age‐related changes in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (
HDL
‐C) concentrations remains unclear, and longitudinal human data are limited. The aim of current study was to examine the relation between tea intake and longitudinal change in
HDL
‐C concentrations.

Methods and Results

Baseline (2006) tea consumption was assessed via a questionnaire, and plasma
HDL
‐C concentrations were measured in 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2012 among 80 182 individuals (49±12 years of age) who did not have cardiovascular diseases or cancer, or did not use cholesterol‐lowering agents both at baseline (2006) and during the follow‐up period (2006–2012). The associations between baseline tea consumption and rate of change in
HDL
‐C concentrations were examined using generalized estimating equation models. Tea consumption was inversely associated with a decreased rate of
HDL
‐C concentrations (
P
‐trend <0.0001) in the fully adjusted model. The adjusted mean difference in the HDL‐C decreased rate was 0.010 (95% confidence interval, 0.008, 0.012) mmol/L per year for tea consumers versus nonconsumers (never or less than once/month group). Interactions between tea consumption and age, sex, lifestyle scores, and metabolic syndrome (all
P
‐interaction <0.0001) were identified. The associations between greater tea consumption and slower decrease in
HDL
‐C concentrations were more pronounced in men, individuals aged 60 or older, individuals with a lower lifestyle score, and individuals with metabolic syndrome (all
P
‐trend <0.0001).

Conclusions

Tea consumption was associated with slower age‐related decreases in
HDL
‐C concentrations during 6 years of follow‐up.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
www.chictr.org
. Unique identifier: Chi
CTR
‐
TNRC
‐11001489.
Human-Tiger (Re)Negotiations
Authors: Doubleday Kalli F.
Published: June 2018

This case study explores the reintroduction of tigers to Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, India, highlighting how the (re)negotiation between people and tigers is a struggle rooted in place and territory, with boundaries co-constructed by human and nonhuman actors. While the reintroduction came only three years after the official admission of complete species loss, tigers as a dominant force on the landscape were absent for more than a decade in some places. Accordingly, the people of Sariska see the reintroduced tigers as foreigners without place-knowledge and as disturbers of the interspecies boundaries created by the interactions of Sariska’s original tigers and many generations of local people. This study speaks to conservation sciences and animal geography to contribute to the scientific knowledge of the human dimensions of rewilding, still a nascent area of restoration ecology specifically in the case of apex predators in the global south.
Outlaws or Protected? DNA, Hybrids, and Biopolitics in a Finnish Wolf-Poaching Case
Authors: Peltola Taru , Heikkilä Jari
Published: June 2018

By analyzing a 2015 Finnish court case on wolf poaching, we discuss how wild animals are categorized, gain legal status based on their species identification, and affect the categorization of humans either as poachers or hunters concerned about the genetic purity of the species. The court had to evaluate the reliability, accuracy, and relevance of scientific knowledge to distinguish “pure” wolves from hybrids. Dealing with complicated questions of canid species identification, the court decision took a position in the debate on what to conserve in a world which escapes simple categorizations. Hence, we interpret the case as an example ofbiopolitics, addressing the challenges and tensions of governing life by differentiating between valued and less valued, killable and threatened lifeforms, and human responsibilities towards them.
On the Function of Dedications in Early Modern Scientific Books
Authors: Vermij Rienk
Published: June 2018

Historians of science have studied book dedications mostly as an expression of patronage relationships, but this was not their only reason of existence. In the first part of the article, the general functions of book dedications are analyzed. As a starting-point, the article uses one specific, fairly homogenous genre, the academic disputation. Dedicatees fall into three broad categories: parents and relatives, regents and nobles, and professors. The corresponding functions can be defined as: maintaining an existing relationship, asking for specific favors, and enhancing the author’s credibility. The same functions can be recognized in other genres, although with many exceptions and deviations. In the second part of the article, two concrete examples are analyzed in detail, Rheticus’ Narratio prima and Galileo’s Sidereus Nuncius. As it appears, rather than follow a consistent strategy, their authors had to navigate between conflicting demands and considerations.
Annotated checklist of Gonyleptoidea (Opiliones: Laniatores) associated with Brazilian caves
Authors: DE ÁZARA LUDSON NEVES , FERREIRA RODRIGO LOPES
Published: June 2018

In Brazil, the order Opiliones has been well studied, making this country the leader in research with the group, but few extensive works have been made on the distribution of harvestmen associated with caves. In this context, the present paper aims to list all records of the superfamily Gonyleptoidea associated with Brazilian caves, using records from the literature and unreported data from scientific collections. The compiled checklist contains the largest number of harvestmen species recorded for caves in one country, worldwide. A total of 155 species belonging to 7 families were recorded from 952 caves throughout 152 municipalities and 17 states of Brazil. A considerable number of 46 putative (undescribed) new species were recognized, including 9 troglomorphic species. Additionally, 161 new municipal records where found for 58 known species. The most diverse family was Gonyleptidae (104 spp.), with the subfamilies Pachylinae (55 spp.), followed by Goniosomatinae (18 spp.) and Mitobatinae (16 spp.). The number of described species analysed in the present work represents about 12% of the Brazilian opiliofauna of Gonyleptoidea, with many species widely distributed, being indicative of affinity of the group with the cave environments. Thus, the compilation of distribution data of such species (mainly the troglobitic and troglomorphic) can directly contribute to a higher valuation of their habitats, leading to better preservation policies, as well as being useful for future ecological and biogeographical studies.
Statistical Theory on the Functional Form of Cloud Particle Size Distributions
Authors: Wu Wei , McFarquhar Greg M.
Published: June 2018

Several functional forms of cloud particle size distributions (PSDs) have been used in numerical modeling and remote sensing retrieval studies of clouds and precipitation, including exponential, gamma, lognormal, and Weibull distributions. However, there is no satisfying theoretical explanation as to why certain distribution forms preferentially occur instead of others. Intuitively, the analytical form of a PSD can be derived by directly solving the general dynamic equation, but no analytical solutions have been found yet. Instead of a process-level approach, the use of the principle of maximum entropy (MaxEnt) for determining the theoretical form of PSDs from the perspective of system is examined here. MaxEnt theory states that the probability density function with the largest information entropy among a group satisfying the given properties of the variable should be chosen. Here, the issue of variability under coordinate transformations that arises using the Gibbs–Shannon definition of entropy is identified, and the use of the concept of relative entropy to avoid these problems is discussed. Focusing on cloud physics, the four-parameter generalized gamma distribution is proposed as the analytical form of a PSD using the principle of maximum (relative) entropy with assumptions on power-law relations among state variables, scale invariance, and a further constraint on the expectation of one state variable (e.g., bulk water mass). The four-parameter generalized gamma distribution is very flexible to accommodate various type of constraints that could be assumed for cloud PSDs.
Secondary Ice Formation during Freezing of Levitated Droplets
Authors: Lauber Annika , Kiselev Alexei , Pander Thomas , Handmann Patricia , Leisner Thomas
Published: June 2018

The formation of secondary ice in clouds, that is, ice particles that are created at temperatures above the limit for homogeneous freezing without the direct involvement of a heterogeneous ice nucleus, is one of the longest-standing puzzles in cloud physics. Here, we present comprehensive laboratory investigations on the formation of small ice particles upon the freezing of drizzle-sized cloud droplets levitated in an electrodynamic balance. Four different categories of secondary ice formation (bubble bursting, jetting, cracking, and breakup) could be detected, and their respective frequencies of occurrence as a function of temperature and droplet size are given. We find that bubble bursting occurs more often than droplet splitting. While we do not observe the shattering of droplets into many large fragments, we find that the average number of small secondary ice particles released during freezing is strongly dependent on droplet size and may well exceed unity for droplets larger than 300 μm in diameter. This leaves droplet fragmentation as an important secondary ice process effective at temperatures around −10°C in clouds where large drizzle droplets are present.
Combined Use of Satellite Observations and Global Hawk Unmanned Aircraft Dropwindsondes for Improved Tropical Cyclone Analyses and Forecasts
Authors: Christophersen Hui , Atlas Robert , Aksoy Altug , Dunion Jason
Published: June 2018

This study demonstrates that Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system dropwindsondes and Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) observations can be complementary in sampling a tropical cyclone (TC). The assimilation of both datasets in a regional ensemble data assimilation system shows that the cumulative impact of both datasets is greater than either one alone because of the presence of mutually independent information content. The experiment that assimilates both datasets has smaller position and intensity errors in the mean analysis than those with individual datasets. The improvements in track and intensity forecasts that result from combining both datasets also indicate synergistic benefits. Overall, superior track and intensity forecasts are evident. This study suggests that polar-orbiting satellite spatial coverage should be considered in operational reconnaissance mission planning in order to achieve further improvements in TC analyses and forecasts.
Linking science education and HIV using viral biology, epidemiology and science practices
Authors: Moreno Nancy P , Newell Alana D , Zientek Linda R , Nimon Kim , Vogt Gregory L
Published: June 2018

Objective:

To examine the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary, discovery-oriented teaching unit designed to provide science and health information about HIV from the perspective of viral biology, population statistics and epidemiology.

Design:

Single group pre- and post-curriculum pilot study.

Setting:

Fifteen middle and high school classrooms recruited from districts in and around a large, diverse, urban area in the mid-southern USA.

Method:

Science educators, clinicians, virologists and biologists collaborated to develop a set of five activities intended to increase content knowledge related to HIV, while developing students’ science-related skills in the context of an authentic, relevant example. The activities were piloted with six hundred and twenty-four 12- to 18-year-old students. Multiple-choice pre- and post-tests were used to assess changes in students’ knowledge, and teacher evaluations were used to gauge appropriateness of content, ease of activity implementation and teacher perceptions of student skill development, learning and engagement.

Results:

Student pre- and post-tests and teacher post-evaluations indicated that the curriculum was effective in increasing content knowledge for students across all age ranges, with 13- to 14-year-old, grade 8 students achieving the greatest knowledge gains. Teacher-reported information also suggested that students were able to apply relevant skills to their interpretation of authentic data related to the incidence and transmission of HIV infection around the world.

Conclusion:

The developed activities have the potential to provide timely, relevant information to students while strengthening science-related content knowledge and skills as well as health literacy.
An Anti-Money Laundering Timeline and the Relentless Regulatory Response
Authors: Turner Sue , Bainbridge Jonathan
Published: June 2018

The Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (‘MLR 2017’) came into force on 26 June 2017, further increasing anti-money laundering (AML) compliance obligations imposed upon financial institutions and others in the UK. Against this backdrop, this article will identify a growing trend of AML policy-making affecting the private sector; explore the correlation of legislative and regulatory measures taken in the UK with those in Europe and globally; and ask whether the measures represent a proportionate and effective response to the perceived threat of money laundering and terrorist financing to national security.
An acceleration-based hybrid learning-adaptive controller for robot manipulators
Authors: Evren Han Sanem , Unel Mustafa
Published: June 2018

The robust periodic trajectory tracking problem is tackled by employing acceleration feedback in a hybrid learning-adaptive controller for n-rigid link robotic manipulators subject to parameter uncertainties and unknown periodic dynamics with a known period. Learning and adaptive feedforward terms are designed to compensate for periodic and aperiodic disturbances. The acceleration feedback is incorporated into both learning and adaptive controllers to provide higher stiffness to the system against unknown periodic disturbances and robustness to parameter uncertainties. A cascaded high gain observer is used to obtain reliable position, velocity and acceleration signals from noisy encoder measurements. A closed-loop stability proof is provided where it is shown that all system signals remain bounded and the proposed hybrid controller achieves global asymptotic position tracking. Results obtained from a high fidelity simulation model demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the developed hybrid controller.
Unemployment, wellbeing and the power of the work ethic: Implications for social policy
Authors: Sage Daniel
Published: June 2018

Unemployment is associated with a range of health and social problems, such as poor physical health and wellbeing. Welfare state research has recently considered how social policies can ameliorate the harmful effects of unemployment. This article argues that such policy suggestions disregard the role of the work ethic in shaping the experience of unemployment. In societies that glorify employment as a signifier of identity and status, it is unsurprising that those without employment suffer. Previous research supports this view, showing how subscription to the work ethic is associated with wellbeing amongst unemployed people. Original analysis of the European Values Study confirms the importance of the work ethic, showing how unemployed people with weaker work ethics have significantly higher life satisfaction than those with stronger work ethics. The article concludes that the most effective way of dealing with the deleterious effects of unemployment is to challenge the centrality of employment in contemporary societies.
Potential industrial utilization of pre-treated municipal solid waste incineration fly ash
Authors: Yakubu Yahaya , Zhou Jun , Shu Zhu , Tan Yigen , Zhao Zhengliang , Mbululo Yassin
Published: June 2018

This study sought to establish the effectiveness of water washing pre-treatment on the quality of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash (FA) for reuse and solidification or stabilization (S/S). Initial analysis of the FA sample shows that it did not meet the USEPA-1311 toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) regulatory limits of 2011. As a result, a two-stage water washing process was carried out an attempt to improve the quality of the MSWI FA. After the washing pre-treatment, the heavy metals in the FA sample met the regulatory limits, thereby making it non-toxic for reuse or safe disposal. The leachate from the washing process also passed regulatory standards of China (GB 8978 – 1996) and the 2011 USEPA-1311. The washing process successfully removed more than 98% of each heavy metal under study. The process was excellent at removing cadmium (99.99%) and very good at removing the rest of the heavy metals. The 28-day compressive strength increased as the quantity of FA decreased. Also, all the heavy metals in the samples prepared with the pre-treated FA met the USEPA-1311 TCLP regulatory limit for reuse and safe disposal. The heavy metals leachability and compressive strength tests showed that the effect of cement-based S/S was largely influenced by its quantity in the samples. The highest compressive strength was attained by using 55% of the FA as replacement for cement. However, FA replacements of up 70% also yielded good results that met the 1989 USEPA standard of 0.34 MPa (50 psi).
The Unintended Consequences of Rape Disclosure: The Effects of Disclosure Content, Listener Gender, and Year in College on Listener’s Reactions
Authors: Iles Irina A. , Waks Leah , Atwell Seate Anita , Hundal Savreen , Irions Amanda
Published: June 2018

Rape is prevalent on American college campuses. Rape survivors often disclose their experience to their peers in hope of receiving support and obtaining justice (i.e., the intended consequences of disclosure). Yet, rape disclosures may also lead to unintended consequences, such as stigma. How peers react to survivors’ disclosures of rape greatly influences survivors’ recovery and their decision to press charges against their perpetrators. In this article, we explore gender differences in responses to rape disclosures. Using an experimental design ( N = 391), we investigate reactions to stigmatizing (versus nonstigmatizing) rape disclosures. We find that, when controlling for the experimental condition, college men stigmatize the rape survivor more than college women. However, in response to a stigmatizing (versus nonstigmatizing) rape disclosure, college women who have been in college longer, compared with college men, have more stigmatizing reactions toward the person disclosing that information. Their reactions then predict increased social distance between the recipient of the disclosure and rape survivors.
“Ask a Professional—Ask a Librarian”: Librarianship and the Chronic Struggle for Professional Status
Authors: Garcia Mattea A. , Barbour Joshua B.
Published: June 2018

Professionalizing occupations strive to convince the public, policy makers, and each other of their distinctiveness and legitimacy. Efforts to maintain professional status are a key facet of professional identity negotiation, which is complicated by technological, political, and economic threats. This study investigated librarians’ struggle to defend the legitimacy of their profession while facing threats to their status and values. Drawing on interviews ( N = 32) and observations of librarians from multiple work sites, this study provides evidence for conceptualizing professionalization as an ongoing, macrosocial, communicative process through which individuals attempt to define and defend the profession. The findings contribute to institutional and communication theory of professional identity negotiation, offering the insight that the discursive resources provided by the profession shape professionals’ efforts to resist stigma facing the profession, and yet, those same professional discursive resources can make their navigation of material and discursive threats to the profession more difficult.
Abdominal wall mass
Authors: Zhang Pei‐Yi , Lee Wei‐Jing
Published: June 2018

A 52‐year‐old man presented to the emergency department due to progressive periumbilical pain for 3 days. Point‐of‐care ultrasound was performed by using high‐frequency linear‐array transducer. Point‐of‐care ultrasound is a useful and non‐invasive tool that can be used to evaluate the characteristics of superficial abdominal mass whether it is a hernia, tumor mass, hematoma, abscess, or vascular lesion.
A systematic review of the impact of outpatient clinical pharmacy services on medication-related outcomes in patients receiving anticancer therapies
Authors: Maleki Sam , Alexander Marliese , Fua Tsien , Liu Chen , Rischin Danny , Lingaratnam Senthil
Published: June 2018

Background

Patients receiving anticancer therapies are frequently prescribed complex and high-risk medication regimens, which at times can result in medication misadventures. The objective of this review was to assess the effect of outpatient clinical pharmacy services on medication-related outcomes in patients receiving anticancer therapies, including patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Methods

A systematic review of original publications indexed in EMBASE, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library from June 2007 to June 2017. Eligible studies evaluated outpatient pharmacy clinic services for cancer patients and reported at least one medication-related quantitative outcome measure. Two authors independently reviewed full-text articles for inclusion, then extracted data and performed quality and risk of bias assessments.

Results

Of 908 identified publications, 13 met predefined eligibility criteria; 1 randomised control trial, 2 controlled cohort studies and 10 uncontrolled before–after studies. Many excluded studies described outpatient pharmacy services but lacked medication-related outcomes. All included studies had informative practice model designs, with interventions for drug-related problems including drug dose optimisation ( n = 8), reduced drug interaction ( n = 6) and adverse drug reaction reporting ( n = 3). Most studies ( n = 11) reported on symptom improvement, commonly nausea ( n = 7) and pain ( n = 5). Of four studies in radiotherapy cohorts, pharmacist involvement was associated with improved symptoms, satisfaction and wellbeing scores.

Conclusion

Few studies have objectively assessed outpatient pharmacy cancer services, even fewer in the radiotherapy settings. Although the results support these services, significant heterogeneity and bias in the study designs prohibit robust conclusions and further controlled trials are required.
Peripherally inserted central catheter with intracavitary electrocardiogram guidance: Malposition risk factors and indications for post-procedural control
Authors: Monard Céline , Lefèvre Mathilde , Subtil Fabien , Piriou Vincent , David Jean-Stephane
Published: June 2018

Objectives:

To confirm the feasibility of intracavitary electrocardiogram guidance to verify tip’s position during insertion of peripherally inserted central catheter and to identify clinical factors or intracavitary electrocardiogram patterns associated with aberrant tip’s position.

Methods:

A prospective study was conducted in our university hospital after authorization of the ethics committee. All patients addressed for peripherally inserted central catheter insertion were included and received the insertion using intracavitary electrocardiogram and electromagnetic guidance. Side of insertion and three electrocardiogram factors were collected: visualization of P-wave at baseline (sinusal rhythm), acquisition of the maximal P-wave and the negative deflection. All patients had a systematic post-procedural chest X-ray. One of the investigators assessed all chest X-ray, blinded to the results of intracavitary electrocardiogram, and confirmed whether the tip’s position on chest X-ray matched with the intracavitary electrocardiogram information or if the tip was malpositioned on chest X-ray (mismatch with intracavitary electrocardiogram or aberrant position). Factors associated with malposition were described.

Results:

From January 2015 to April 2015, 330 patients were eligible, 5 had an uninterpretable chest X-ray, and 14 were non-sinusal at baseline. Our main analysis population included 311 patients. We observed a mismatch between intracavitary electrocardiogram and chest X-ray estimate of the tip’s position in 3 cases (1%) and an aberrant tip’s position occurred in 3 cases (1%). Incidence of malposition was higher in the group of patients with non-sinusal rhythm (14%) and when the catheter was inserted on the left side (7%).

Conclusion:

This study confirmed the feasibility of intracavitary electrocardiogram for peripherally inserted central catheter positioning and the limits of chest X-ray. Insertion on left side may represent risk factor for aberrant position but our study lacked power to establish a statistical link.
Experiences, Emotions, and Adjustments of HIV-Infected Men in HIV-Concordant Marital Relationship in Cambodia
Authors: Thapa Roshna , Yang Youngran
Published: June 2018

Although it has been well documented that the HIV infection experience can be problematic for those affected, the experiences and perceptions of living with HIV among married males in Cambodia have not yet been examined until now. This study’s purpose was to describe the revelations, emotions, reactions, and adjustments to HIV diagnosis among infected Cambodian males in seroconcordant heterosexual relationship. Fifteen qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 HIV-positive males using unstructured, open-ended questions and in the local Khmer language. Conventional content analysis method was employed for analyzing data. After analysis, four main categories were developed: knowledge of HIV-positive status; realization of self-deeds; discouraging news for both partners; and comparative improvement of life. Participants reported the appearance of physical symptoms as the only reason for pursuing HIV testing. Feelings ranged from sadness and guilt to acceptance of HIV infection in their lives. The participants’ wives expressed anger and worry about being infected by their husbands. However, sufficient inspiration from medical personnel and peer groups, as well as a shared concern for their children, helped couples adjust to their dyadic relationship. The study results highlight the link between individual and couple experiences and emotions post-infection, with implications for designing and implementing coping interventions for this population. The findings of this study have public health implications in the design of couple-based intervention and counseling programs for HIV prevention and treatment with the input of the HIV-positive individuals’ voices.
Manufacturing consent? The role of the international news on the Korean Peninsula
Authors: Moon Miri
Published: June 2018

This article attempts to investigate the applicability of the Propaganda Model (PM) elaborated by Herman and Chomsky within the context of the conflict between South and North Korea. Coupled with the identification of dominant news frames, this study draws on in-depth interviews with foreign correspondents in Seoul to explore journalistic practices in covering conflicts in the Korean Peninsula. The findings show that a conflict frame and a human interest frame were prominent in national and international news, respectively. This article further discusses the role of the international news media in reporting on international conflicts from sociological and geopolitical perspectives.
Cytotoxic effects of Benzodioxane, Naphthalene diimide, Porphyrin and Acetamol derivatives on HeLa cells
Authors: Jeyamogan Shareni , Khan Naveed Ahmed , Anwar Ayaz , Shah Muhammad Raza , Siddiqui Ruqaiyyah
Published: June 2018

Objectives:

To synthesize novel compounds belonging to Benzodioxane, Naphthalene diimide, Aminophenol derivatives and Porphyrin classes and test their potential anticancer properties.

Methods:

Several compounds were synthesized and their molecular identity was confirmed using nuclear magnetic resonance. Potential anticancer properties were determined using cytopathogenicity assays and growth inhibition assays using cervical cancer cells (HeLa). Cells were incubated with different concentrations of compounds belonging to Benzodioxane, Naphthalene diimide, Aminophenol derivatives and Porphyrins and effects were determined. HeLa cells cytopathogenicity was determined by measuring lactate dehydrogenase release using cytotoxicity detection assay. Growth inhibition assays were performed by incubating 50% semi-confluent HeLa cells with Benzodioxane, Naphthalene diimide, Aminophenol derivatives and Porphyrin compounds and HeLa cell proliferation was observed. Growth inhibition and host cell death were compared in the presence and absence of drugs.

Results:

Cytopathogenicity assays showed that the selected compounds were cytotoxic against HeLa cells, killing up to 90% of cells. Growth inhibition assays exhibited 100% growth inhibition. These effects are likely via oxidative stress, production of reactive oxygen species, changes in cytosolic and intracellular calcium/adenine nucleotide homeostasis, inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase/cyclooxygenase and/or glutathione depletion.

Conclusions:

Benzodioxane, Naphthalene diimide, Aminophenol derivatives and Porphyrins exhibited potent anticancer properties. These findings are promising and should pave the way in the rationale development of anticancer drugs. Using different cancer cell lines, future studies will determine their potential as anti-tumour agents as well as their precise molecular mode of action.
Extraocular muscle sampled volume in Graves’ orbitopathy using 3-T fast spin-echo MRI with iterative decomposition of water and fat sequences
Authors: Garau Ludovico M , Guerrieri Daniele , De Cristofaro Flaminia , Bruscolini Alice , Panzironi Giuseppe
Published: June 2018

Background

Current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques for measuring extraocular muscle (EOM) volume enlargement are not ideally suited for routine follow-up of Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) because the difficulty of segmenting the muscles at the tendon insertion complicates and lengthens the study protocol.

Purpose

To measure the EOM sampled volume (SV) and assess its correlation with proptosis.

Material and Methods

A total of 37 patients with newly diagnosed GO underwent 3-T MRI scanning with iterative decomposition of water and fat (IDEAL) sequences with and without contrast enhancement. In each patient, the three largest contiguous coronal cross-sectional areas (CSA) on the EOM slices were segmented using a polygon selection tool and then summed to compute the EOM-SV. Proptosis was evaluated with the Hertel index (HI). The relationships between the HI value and EOM-SV and between HI and EOM-CSA were compared and assessed with Pearson’s correlation coefficient and the univariate regression coefficient. Inter-observer and intra-observer variability were calculated.

Results

HI showed a stronger correlation with EOM-SV ( P < 0.001; r = 0.712, r2 = 0.507) than with EOM-CSA ( P < 0.001; r = 0.645 and r2 = 0.329). The intraclass correlation coefficient indicated that the inter-observer agreement was high (0.998). The standard deviation between repeated measurements was 1.9–5.3%.

Conclusion

IDEAL sequences allow for the measurement EOM-SV both on non-contrast and contrast-enhanced scans. EOM-SV predicts proptosis more accurately than does EOM-CSA. The measurement of EOM-SV is practical and reproducible. EOM-SV changes of 3.5–8.3% can be assumed to reflect true volume changes.
Determining the Antibacterial Activity of Chlorhexidine Mouthwashes with and without Alcohol against Common Oral Pathogens
Authors: Bahlouli Sepideh , Aghazadeh Zahra , Aghazadeh Marzieh , Shojani Sevda , Kafil Hossein Samadi
Published: June 2018

Aims and Objectives

Mouthwashes with antibacterial activity inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth and teeth. Chlorhexidine is one of the most widely used mouthwashes that inhibits dental plaque and prevents tooth surface decay. Recently, concerns have been raised that alcohol-containing mouthwashes may have carcinogenic properties and may be harmful to children and pregnant and lactating women. The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial effects of chlorhexidine mouthwashes with and without alcohol on common oral bacteria.

Material and Methods

In this in vitro study, bacterial species were purchased from a research center and were cultured separately in proprietary environments in test tubes. Thereafter, mouthwashes with alcohol, without alcohol, and with salt water (saline) were added to test tubes containing the bacteria grown. The samples were then analyzed using a spectrophotometer to determine viability, growth rate, and bacteria waste. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS version 17 through analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey statistical tests.

Results

The obtained results showed that the saline group had the highest antibacterial activity and that the average antibacterial activity of the alcohol and alcohol-free groups did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Post hoc test results showed that the antibacterial activity of the saline group was significantly different statistically from that of the other two groups.

Conclusion

On the basis of the results, it can be concluded that both alcohol-free chlorhexidine and alcohol-containing chlorhexidine are effective in removing oral microbes. Moreover, by using alcohol-free chlorhexidine, the harmful effects of alcohol can be prevented.
Student Perceptions of a Revise and Resubmit Policy for Writing Assignments
Authors: Garner Benjamin , Shank Nathan
Published: June 2018

Effective writing is a soft skill that is highly in demand in today’s workforce. This qualitative study examines student perceptions of a revise and resubmit policy aimed at increasing student engagement with an instructor’s writing feedback and ultimately improving students’ writing skills. Students across three business communication courses were offered bonus points if they made revisions and documented those revisions. The findings suggest that students were willing to complete a revision even if given only a small grade incentive. While some expressed negativity toward the extensive feedback, others viewed the revision option as a rare but valuable opportunity.
161533 TriKE stimulates NK-cell function to overcome myeloid-derived suppressor cells in MDS
Authors: Sarhan Dhifaf , Brandt Ludwig , Felices Martin , Guldevall Karolin , Lenvik Todd , Hinderlie Peter , Curtsinger Julie , Warlick Erica , Spellman Stephen R. , Blazar Bruce R. , Weisdorf Daniel J. , Cooley Sarah , Vallera Daniel A. , Önfelt Björn , Miller Jeffrey S.
Published: June 2018

Key Points

161533 TriKE–treated MDS NK cells proliferate and become activated to overcome tumor-induced NK cell dysfunction. IL-15 induces the inhibitory checkpoint TIGIT on NK cells, but not when IL-15 is presented in the context of 161533 TriKE.
The research on 3D printing fingerboard and the initial application on cerebral stroke patient’s hand spasm
Authors: Wang Kai , Shi Yiting , He Wen , Yuan Jing , Li Yuan , Pan Xiaolin , Zhao Cuilian
Published: June 2018

Purpose

To research the possibility of designing customized 3D printing fingerboard to apply to the limb rehabilitation of cerebral stroke patients as well as the prevention and treatment of finger spasm, through 3D printing technology.

Methods

Taking 18 hospitalized cerebral stroke patients for example, through scanning, molding and printing, to make and wear 3D printing fingerboard for them, and then observe the compliance, main complaint, muscular tension of affected hand and changes on range of motion after they wear the fingerboard for 3 weeks and 3 months.

Results

Have acquired completed data from 13 patients. The time of them wearing the fingerboard every day varied from 1 to 8 h, and most of them reflected that they felt comfortable and there was no feeling of worsened pain or finger skin allergy. In addition, the patients’ grip strength, hand function and range of motion improved by varying degrees while their muscular tensions declined by varying degrees. The tension and bending resistance of the fingerboard all met the patients’ treatment requirements.

Conclusions

With the advantages of being accurate and customized, 3D printing fingerboard can benefit patients fixing and orthopedic treatment, and even prevent and treat cerebral stroke patient’s finger spasm.

Trial registration The research topic has been registered in Chinese Clinic Trial Registry. Registration time: January 15, 2016. Registration topic: The Use of 3D Printing Technology in the Orthotic of Extremity Rehabilitation of Stroke Patient. Registration Number: ChiCTR-INR-16007774
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Antimicrobial misuse in pediatric urinary tract infections: recurrences and renal scarring
Authors: Jayaweera Jayaweera Arachchige Asela Sampath , Reyes Mohommed
Published: June 2018

Background

In children, urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of a common bacterial infection. This study was conducted to detect the uropathogen, antimicrobial susceptibility, pathogen associated with recurrences and renal scarring in children initially taken care from general practitioners and later presented to tertiary care.

Methods

Every inward UTI episode, culture and antimicrobial susceptibility was done while on past 6-month, history of infections and use of antimicrobials was collected using clinical records and demonstration of antimicrobials. Children with recurrent pyelonephritis was followed and in vitro bio film formation was assessed.

Results

Frequency of UTI was significantly high among infants (p = 0.03). Last 6-month, all (220) were exposed to antimicrobials. Cefixime was the commonly prescribed antimicrobial (p = 0.02). In current UTI episode, 64.5% (142/220) of children with UTI were consulted GPs’ prior to seek treatment from tertiary care pediatric unit (p = 0.02). While on follow up child who developed UTI, found urine culture isolates were significantly shifted fromE. coliandK. pneumoniaeto extended spectrum of beta-lactamase (ESBL)E. coliandK. pneumoniae.Out of 208 participants, 36 of them had re-current pyelonephritis (R-PN). Renal scarring (RS) was detected in 22 out of 70 patients with pyelonephritis following dimercaptosuccinic acid scan. Following each episodes of recurrent pyelonephritis 11% of new scar formation was detected (p = 0.02). Bio film formingE. coliandK. pneumoniaewas significantly associated in patients with R-PN (p = 0.04).

Discussion

Medical care providers often prescribe antimicrobials without having an etiological diagnosis. While continuing exposure of third generation cephalosporin and carbapenem leads to development of ESBL and CRE microbes in great. The empiric uses of antimicrobials need to be stream lined with local epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. R-PN in childhood leads to RS. In great, bio film formation act as the focus for such recurrences.
The Huánuco Pampa acoustical field survey: an efficient, comparative archaeoacoustical method for studying sonic communication dynamics
Authors: Kolar Miriam A. , Covey R. Alan , Cruzado Coronel José Luis
Published: June 2018

The 2015 acoustical field survey on and around the central plaza platform (“ushnu”) at the Inca administrative complex of Huánuco Pampa advances understanding of Inca communication dynamics and innovates archaeoacoustical methodologies. We detail here a new archaeoacoustics method that cross-compares a sequence of human-performed sound sources along with a standard electronic acoustical test signal across survey points. This efficient and rigorous archaeological experiment produced extensible data and observations regarding Inca-designed site sonics and multi-directional communication dynamics. Our experiment design combines ecologically valid acoustical measurements with subjective researcher-observer data to chart sound transmission and reception of different classes of sound-producers, enabling the identification of environmental contingencies, and the estimation of site acoustical features. Calibrated, multiply repeated sonic test signals were measured from a strategically chosen set of geo-located and photo-documented source and receiver locations in absolute, relative, and subjective terms, simultaneously for each source-receiver pair. This method offers a systematic and comprehensive understanding of site-specific sonic dynamics via in-field observations and data recording, frequency-range comparison across test signals, attention to acoustical metrics and psychoacoustical precedents, and emphasis on practical repeatability for a range of archaeologically relevant sound sources. Our study posits the central platform at Huánuco Pampa as a strategic point for Inca elites to both observe and influence activities across the site, a finding extensible to other such platforms. The prominent architectural platform would serve as a tool for multi-directional communication, as well as to facilitate messaging about elite presence and imperial identity through the projection of sonic-visual displays. Beyond producing data about Huánuco Pampa and Inca architecture, our case-study implementation of this new method demonstrates an efficient and systematic approach to tracing the acoustical contingencies of architectural materials in archaeological contexts.
An evaluation of sleep disturbance on in-patient psychiatric units in the UK
Authors: Horne Sam , Hay Katherine , Watson Stuart , Anderson Kirstie N.
Published: June 2018

Aims and method

Sleep disturbance is common on in-patient psychiatry wards. This study explored subjective and objective patterns of sleep disturbance and contributory environmental factors. Participants were recruited from mental health acute admission wards and had a range of subjective and objective assessments of sleep. Light intensity and noise levels were measured to characterise potential environmental causes for poor sleep.

Results

We recruited 20 patients; 15% were high risk for obstructive sleep apnoea. Nineteen participants reported poor sleep quality on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and 90% had significant sleep fragmentation with objective measures. Inside light levels were low (day <200 lux and night <10 lux). Night sound levels were 40–90 db.

Clinical implications

Sleep disturbance was highly prevalent. Increased awareness of sleep disorders is needed. Modifiable environmental factors on the ward were implicated, therefore increased awareness and a change of approach to sleep disturbance in in-patient psychiatry is recommended.

Declaration of interest

None.
Predictors of disengagement from Early Intervention in Psychosis services
Authors: Solmi Francesca , Mohammadi Abdolali , Perez Jesus A. , Hameed Yasir , Jones Peter B. , Kirkbride James B.
Published: June 2018

Background

The effectiveness of Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) services for individuals with a first episode of psychosis (FEP) could be thwarted by high rates of early disengagement.

Aims

To investigate which factors predict disengagement with EIP services.

Method

Using data from a naturalistic cohort of 786 EIP clients in East Anglia (UK), we investigated the association between sociodemographic and clinical predictors and disengagement using univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Over half (54.3%) of our sample were discharged before receiving 3 years of EIP care, with 92 (11.7%) participants discharged due to disengagement. Milder negative symptoms, more severe hallucinations, not receiving an FEP diagnosis, polysubstance use and being employed were associated with greater disengagement.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight heterogeneous reasons for disengagement with EIP services. For some patients, early disengagement may hinder efforts to sustain positive long-term EIP outcomes. Efforts to identify true FEP cases and target patients with substance use problems and more severe positive symptoms may increase engagement.

Declaration of interest

None.