bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Era for Rotational Atherectomy: An Australian Perspective
Authors: Bamford Paul , Parkinson Michael David , Gunalingam Brendan , David Michael , Lau George Tat-Ming
Published: June 2019

Background:

Rotational atherectomy (RA) has been used in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for 30 years. With advances in technology, this observational study looks at how rates of RA have changed over the past decade in Australia in relation to PCI and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) rates.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of RA, PCI, and CABG rates per Australian state from Australian Government Department of Human Services’ data on Medicare items from 2007 to 2017 was carried out.

Results:

There were 149 RA procedures in 2007, increasing to 452 in 2017. Rotational atherectomy accounted for 0.67% of PCI procedures in 2007, increasing to 1.48% in 2018 (+0.81%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.64%-0.91%]; P < .001). Most of this increase has come from procedures in New South Wales (441% increase). Australian PCI rate increased from 22 301 to 30 480. Rate of CABG decreased from 5418 to 5206.

Conclusions:

From 2007 to 2017, rates of RA trebled in Australia. This is despite stable rates of PCI and a fall in rates of CABG. There are several clinical explanations for this trend.
A new master of the cultural domain? Google’s role in the transactive memory systems of advertising copywriters and art directors
Authors: Barker Richie , Atkinson Paul
Published: June 2019

Creative practice in advertising is often lauded for its novelty, which is recognised in industry awards and other forms of peer evaluation. However, advertising is commonly required to address broad audiences, which means it needs to reflect popular and common cultural ideas. When developing ideas for a new project, advertising creatives usually undertake a research process that allows them to draw upon popular culture texts and previous advertisements. In the pre-digital era, this activity largely depended on the creative’s relationship to their social milieu, but following the arrival of the Internet and the search engine, the creative research process has expanded in scope and become much faster. However, the idea that search, and we refer particularly to Google search, neutrally supports creative practice requires greater scrutiny. In this article, we explore how Google connects advertising creatives to cultural references by considering research on practitioners’ everyday actions through the lens of transactive memory theory and models of creative process.
High-speed rail, tourists’ destination choice and length of stay: A survival model analysis
Authors: Gutiérrez Aaron , Miravet Daniel , Saladié Òscar , Clavé Salvador Anton
Published: June 2019

We analysed the determinants of the length of stay for tourists arriving in a Mediterranean coastal destination by means of high-speed rail (HSR) service. This study is based on data obtained from a survey completed by HSR passengers returning from holiday in Costa Daurada (Catalonia). The empirical analysis is based on estimations made using a survival model. The influence of the availability of HSR service on tourists’ destination choices together with the tourists’ profiles, party structure or accommodation characteristics was used as explanatory variables. Results revealed that the existence of HSR services played a minor role in tourists’ decision of whether to visit the Costa Daurada. Also, evidence suggests that the existence of the HSR station would only affect the length of stay of those tourists who stay overnight in second residences.
Battered and Brain Injured: Traumatic Brain Injury Among Women Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence—A Scoping Review
Authors: Haag Halina (Lin) , Jones Dayna , Joseph Tracey , Colantonio Angela
Published: June 2019

Objectives:

The objective of this scoping review is to examine the extent, range, and nature of literature targeting health-care professionals on the prevalence and outcome of intimate partner violence (IPV)-related traumatic brain injury (TBI). The purpose is to gain an understanding of prevalence, investigate screening tool use, generate IPV/TBI-specific support recommendations, and identify suggestions for future research.

Method:

The review was guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s five stages for conducting a scoping review. A comprehensive search of nine databases revealed 1,739 articles. In total, 42 published research papers that focused specifically on TBI secondary to IPV were included in the study.

Synthesis:

The literature reports inconsistencies in prevalence rates from IPV-related TBI. There are no current standardized screening practices in use, though the literature calls for a specialized tool. Frontline professionals would benefit from education on signs and symptoms of IPV-related TBI. Empirical studies are needed to generate reliable data on prevalence, experience, and needs of brain-injured survivors of TBI.

Conclusions:

Findings from this study demonstrate the need for the development of an IPV-sensitive screening tool, more accurate data on prevalence, an interprofessional approach to care, and raised awareness and education on the diffuse symptoms of IPV-related TBI.
Federalism, Government Liberalism, and Union Weakness in America
Authors: Darmofal David , Kelly Nathan J. , Witko Christopher , Young Sarah
Published: June 2019

Unlike most other countries, in the United States, subnational governments (states) have substantial authority over collective bargaining and union organization laws. Because states compete for business investment and union (dis)organization likely has spillover effects beyond state borders, weak unions in one state may affect union organization in other states. We examine how union decline in one state is associated with union decline in neighboring states, and whether the presence of prounion (left-leaning) governments may limit the spread of union decline. Examining a period of major union decline (1983-2014), we find that union weakness in one state is associated with union weakness in nearby states. We observe that Democratic power in Congress is associated with higher unionization rates, but that liberal state governments have been relatively powerless to stop union decline in this period. These findings have important implications for understanding the historical and contemporary weakness of American unions and for the future of union strength in the United States.
Fine Manual Dexterity Assessment After Autologous Neural Cell Ecosystem (ANCE) Transplantation in a Non-human Primate Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Borgognon Simon , Cottet Jérôme , Moret Véronique , Chatagny Pauline , Carrara Laura , Fregosi Michela , Bloch Jocelyne , Brunet Jean-François , Rouiller Eric M. , Badoud Simon
Published: June 2019

Background. Autologous neural cell ecosystem (ANCE) transplantation improves motor recovery in MPTP monkeys. These motor symptoms were assessed using semi-quantitative clinical rating scales, widely used in many studies. However, limitations in terms of sensitivity, combined with relatively subjective assessment of their different items, make inter-study comparisons difficult to achieve. Objective. The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of MPTP intoxication in macaque monkeys on manual dexterity and assess whether ANCE can contribute to functional recovery. Methods. Four animals were trained to perform 2 manual dexterity tasks. After reaching a motor performance plateau, the animals were subjected to an MPTP lesion. After the occurrence of a spontaneous functional recovery plateau, all 4 animals were subjected to ANCE transplantation. Results. Two of 4 animals underwent a full spontaneous recovery before the ANCE transplantation, whereas the 2 other animals (symptomatic) presented moderate to severe Parkinson’s disease (PD)-like symptoms affecting manual dexterity. The time to grasp small objects using the precision grip increased in these 2 animals. After ANCE transplantation, the 2 symptomatic animals underwent a significant functional recovery, reflected by a decrease in time to execute the different tasks, as compared with the post-lesion phase. Conclusions. Manual dexterity is affected in symptomatic MPTP monkeys. The 2 manual dexterity tasks reported here as pilot are pertinent to quantify PD symptoms and reliably assess a treatment in MPTP monkeys, such as the present ANCE transplantation, to be confirmed in a larger cohort of animals before future clinical applications.
Giving Voice to Black Men: Guidance for Increasing the Likelihood of Having a Usual Source of Care
Authors: Stewart Karyn A. , Ristvedt Stephen , Brown Katherine M. , Waters Erika A. , Trinkaus Kathryn , McCray Natasan , James Aimee S.
Published: June 2019

Black men suffer inequalities in health and health-care outcomes relative to other racial/ethnic groups, requiring well-informed efforts for health promotion. Fewer Black men have a usual source of health care, which may be a contributor to these disparities. Increasing access to and the likelihood of a usual source of care among Black men are important to address health and health-care disparities. In this focus group study, we sought to better understand how Black men think about primary care and usual sources of care. A total of six focus groups were conducted with N = 25 men. Groups were a mix of men with and without a usual source of care. Several themes were identified through analysis of the data regarding factors that contribute to Black men going to the doctor. Themes identified in the data analysis included Lack of Health Insurance as a Barrier to Establishing Usual Source of Care; Family Promoting Health Care Use; Relationship With Doctor, Trust, and Empowerment; Age and Maturity in Health Promotion; and Positive Tone of Messaging. Future research should explore if similar findings are obtained among men in different regions of the United States or between Black men of different backgrounds. Taking a step beyond this research, specifically, future research can also examine the impact of particular health messages/messaging on Black men’s health-care-seeking behaviors.
Silver nanowire coated knitted wool fabrics for wearable electronic applications
Authors: Gurarslan Alper , Özdemir Büşra , Bayat İbrahim Halil , Yelten Mustafa Berke , Karabulut Kurt Güneş
Published: June 2019

This study demonstrates a first example of silver nanowire coated wool fibers for wearable electronic applications. Silver nanowires were synthesized according to the polyol method and then drop casted on knitted wool fabrics. Electronic properties of the knitted samples were investigated under cyclic bending conditions. Conductive fabrics were isolated with a dielectric material and used as capacitance to measure respiration and finger motions. In addition, the same capacitor was employed as a pressure sensor and touch-based sensor for lighting up an LED. This study demonstrates that silver nanowire coated knitted wool fabrics can be used in electronic textiles not only as a flexible electrode but also as a capacitor for different applications.
Nav1.7 and Nav1.8: Role in the pathophysiology of pain
Authors: Hameed Shaila
Published: June 2019

Chronic pain is a significant unmet medical problem. Current research regarding sodium channel function in pathological pain is advancing with the hope that it will enable the development of isoform-specific sodium channel blockers, a promising treatment for chronic pain. Before advancements in the pharmacological field, an elucidation of the roles of Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 in the pathophysiology of pain states is required. Thus, the aim of this report is to present what is currently known about the contributions of these sodium channel subtypes in the pathophysiology of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. The electrophysiological properties and localisation of sodium channel isoforms is discussed. Research concerning the genetic links of Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 in acquired neuropathic and inflammatory pain states from the scientific literature in this field is reported. The role of Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 in the generation and maintenance of abnormal neuronal electrogenesis and hyperexcitability highlights the importance of these channels in the development of pathological pain. However, further research in this area is required to fully elucidate the roles of Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 in the pathophysiology of pain for the development of subtype-specific sodium channel blockers.
Lessons learned from a rapid implementation of a ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention bundle
Authors: Ladbrook Elyse , Bouchoucha Stéphane L. , Hutchinson Ana
Published: June 2019

Background:

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common avoidable healthcare associated infection in ventilated critical care patients that can have a detrimental impact on patient recovery. To increase uptake at a local level, care bundles should be designed and implemented in collaboration with the end-users who will implement the bundle into practice.

Aim/objective:

The aim in this study was to evaluate critical care nurses’ perceptions of the usability of a respiratory care bundle as an effective approach to VAP prevention.

Methods:

An exploratory descriptive qualitative study was conducted. A respiratory care bundle consisting of five components was implemented over a 4-week period. Following implementation, a focus group and semi-structured interviews were conducted to obtain nurses’ feedback on the useability of the care bundle. Seven intensive care nurses caring for ventilated patients participated in the study.

Findings/results:

Participants confirmed that using a care bundle provided a structured approach to nursing care of a ventilated patient and that the use of checklist reminders at the bedside was useful in a busy practice environment. Barriers to uptake and implementation of the bundle were that the unit culture did not prioritise preventative care and the need for a structured interdisciplinary approach to sedation and weaning of mechanical ventilation.

Discussion:

To successfully imbed all elements of a respiratory care bundle into practice; an interdisciplinary approach is needed in which there is a strong emphasis on preventative care. These findings highlight the advantages of involving end-users in the development of strategies to decrease VAP.
Latin America: The East Wing of the New Silk Road
Authors: Valderrey Francisco Javier , Montoya Miguel A. , Sánchez Adriana
Published: June 2019

As the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), or the New Silk Road, as commonly known in Western countries, continues to grow in size and scope, some questions remain unanswered. Most skepticism arises about the primary purpose of the project, the contribution of members countries to the overall initiative, or the involvement of those territories that are neither touched by the land or the maritime side of the project. Latin America, for example, has significant interaction with China, but few countries may soon join the project. After taking a glance on the history of the Silk Road and the new project, we look at the current status of the BRI, and one of the main issues of concern which is the lack of homogenous contribution to the initiative. For that matter, we propose a much-needed adjustment to the BRI, using a new tool for evaluating the participation of member countries. Comparisons take into account the five collaboration variables established as the building blocks of the BRI: policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration, and people-to-people bond. To make a more detailed analysis, we include two measurement criteria per variable, which can be used either to test for suitability of new or existing members of the New Silk Road. A second issue under study is the feasibility analysis of the extension of the initiative into Latin America. We use the proposed mechanism comparing 10 active members of the BRI versus 10 countries in Latin America. Results show the adequacy of the region to join the initiative. Indeed, we demonstrate that Latin America is suitable to be the East Wind of the BRI.
Editor’s Choice- Pathophysiology and therapy of myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion syndrome
Authors: Rossello Xavier , Lobo-Gonzalez Manuel , Ibanez Borja
Published: June 2019

There is a need to find interventions able to reduce the extent of injury in reperfused ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) beyond timely reperfusion. In this review, we summarise the clinical impact of STEMI from epidemiological, clinical and biological perspectives. We also revise the pathophysiology underlying the ischaemia/reperfusion syndrome occurring in reperfused STEMI, including the several players involved in this syndrome, such as cardiomyocytes, microcirculation and circulating cells. Interventions aimed to reduce the resultant infarct size, known as cardioprotective therapies, are extensively discussed, putting the focus on both mechanical interventions (i.e. ischaemic conditioning) and promising pharmacological therapies, such as early intravenous metoprolol, exenatide and other glucose modulators, N-acetylcysteine as well as on some other classic therapies which have failed to be translated to the clinical arena. Novel targets for evolving therapeutic interventions to ameliorate ischaemia/reperfusion injury are also discussed. Finally, we highlight the necessity to improve the study design of future randomised clinical trials in the field, as well as to select patients better who can most likely benefit from cardioprotective interventions.
Bladder cancer in the elderly: A retrospective analysis of bladder cancer in individuals older than 85 years
Authors: Parsons SR , Hill GT , Warren KS , Burden HP
Published: June 2019

Introduction:

Current life expectancy in the United Kingdom is 79.2 years in men and 82.9 years in women. Average age at diagnosis of bladder cancer is 73 years, but incidence continues to rise with age. Elderly patients represent a unique cohort of patients; they often have multiple medical co-morbidities, and may have different wishes and treatment aims as opposed to younger patients. We describe our current bladder cancer practice in patients older than 85 years.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted of patients older than 85 years, first diagnosed with bladder cancer between December 2012 and June 2016.

Results:

A total of 102 patients were analysed from our database. Mean age at diagnosis was 88.34 years. Staging at diagnosis was: 75 non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) (17 low, 13 intermediate, 45 high risk), 23 muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), and four metastatic disease. Of patients with NMIBC, 29/75 patients had a recurrence, 4/75 were upstaged, and 9/75 progressed to MIBC. Twenty-nine of 75 of the NMIBC patients declined treatment or ongoing surveillance. Overall, 53% (53/102) have died of any cause, with a mean of 2.0 years since diagnosis, 31 of bladder cancer. In NMIBC patients, 38.7% (29/102) have died of any cause since diagnosis, at a mean interval of 1.8 years following diagnosis.

Conclusion:

In our cohort of bladder cancer patients older than 85 years, there is a high all-cause mortality rate within a relatively short time period following diagnosis. These data should aid well-informed discussions with our elderly bladder cancer patients and their relatives when considering treatment and surveillance options. Level of evidence: Not applicable for this single centre audit.
Relational-based Christian practices of gratitude and prayer positively impact Christian university students' reported prosocial tendencies
Authors: Yonker Julie E , Pendery Adriene R , Klein Christopher , Witte John
Published: June 2019

As Christians, we are created to be in three important relationships: (i) with God, (ii) with people, and (iii) with creation. In this study, we investigated how pedagogy related to Christian practices of relationality impacted university students' prosocial tendencies. We exercised Christian practices of gratitude and intercessory prayer, together with pedagogical interventions, including class discussions, self-evaluation surveys, and reflection papers. Intervention classes were compared to control classes. Students who participated in Christian practices reported positive changes in prosocial tendencies. This study illustrates how Christian practices of gratitude and intercessory prayer can be used to honor God and promote relationality through greater prosocial tendencies in Christian university students.
Factors Influencing the Intention of University Students to Adopt and Use E-Government Services: An Empirical Evidence in China
Authors: Mensah Isaac Kofi
Published: June 2019

This research article examines the intention of university students to adopt and use e-government services in China. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) was used as the theoretical framework for this study. A total of 369 valid responses were collected from Chinese citizens (college students) and used for the data analysis. The data analysis was conducted with SPSS. The results of this study have demonstrated that facilitating conditions, perceived service quality, trust in the government, and social influence were significant predictors of the intention of university students to adopt and use e-government services. Interestingly, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and trust in the Internet were not significant determinants of the intention to use e-government services. Social influence was significant in determining the trust in the Internet but was not significant in predicting the trust in government. The implications of these findings for the implementation of e-government are discussed.
Teaching Operations Planning at the Undergraduate Level
Authors: Leseure Michel
Published: June 2019

It is often challenging to make decisions about how to teach planning within an undergraduate operations management module. This article defines and compares the two standard options available to instructors: (a) the traditional “technical” approach or (b) the “conceptual” or “conversational” approach. Through a reflective action research methodology, this article examines modules taught with both approaches. From a learning theory standpoint, the conclusion is that the technical approach does a good job of staging learning in manageable chunks, but students rarely end up with an insightful understanding of planning systems. The conceptual approach offers more opportunities for learning, but these opportunities can only be taken advantage of if students engage and have enough knowledge prerequisites. To overcome the limitations of these two approaches, this article describes a more robust active learning approach based on using substitute experiences.
Resistance of coated polyetheretherketone lumbar interbody fusion cages against abrasion under simulated impaction into the disc space
Authors: Kienle Annette , Krieger Alexander , Willems Karel , Wilke Hans-Joachim
Published: June 2019

In order to improve osseointegration, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) interbody fusion cages are frequently surface coated. The bonding strength of the coatings is mostly investigated under unrealistic loading conditions. To close this gap, in this study, uncoated and coated cages were loaded in a clinical setup in order to investigate their real resistance against abrasion.

Six uncoated, six calcium phosphate (CaP) nanocoated, and six titanium (Ti) nanocoated PEEK cages were tested in this study. The experimental setup was designed to mimic cage impaction into the intervertebral disc space using polyurethane (PU) foam blocks as vertebral body substitutes. The cage surface was inspected before and after impaction, and their weight was measured.

Impaction resulted in abrasion at the tip of the ridges on the implant surface. The mean weight loss was 0.39 mg for the uncoated cages, 0.57 mg for the CaP nanocoated cages, and 0.75 mg for the Ti nanocoated cages. These differences were statistically significant.

In conclusion, differences between the three cage types were found concerning the amount of abrasion. However, all three cages lost less weight than a comparative Ti plasma spray coated cage, which showed a mean weight loss of 2.02 mg. This may be because the plasma spray coating is significantly thicker than the two nanocoatings. If compared with the permitted amount of weight loss derived from an FDA guidance document, which is approximately 1.7 mg, the wear of the Ti plasma spray coated cage is above this limit, whereas the wear for all other cage types is below.
Development Disparities in India: An Inter-State and Intra-State Comparison
Authors: Nandy S. N.
Published: June 2019

Economic development reflects in the improvement of physical and social infrastructures which ease the quality of life in a society. But the pace and level of development are generally not uniform across the regions, and subsequently create regional disparities. The induced (man-made) disparities need to be quantified to analyse the cause and consequence of unequal development and the future course of action. This article is an attempt to present the socio-economic disparities among various states/regions/sectors in India. Region-wise, southern states are ahead in many indices followed by north-western states, while eastern and central parts of India are lagging behind the overall development. The north-east India still remains in isolation with some exemption of higher ranked (developed) districts of Sikkim and Tripura. Disparities also exist within the districts of a state and have been presented as intra-state disparities on some selected parameters. Districts have been ranked on the basis of development indices and mapped across the states/districts using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. The existing disparities are total (among states), sectoral and also between rural and urban inhabitants within each state. The aim of development is to equalise the disparities and make it equitable among states and also within a state, as only resource richness is not adequate to be a developed state.
The Role of Side Payments in the Formation of Asymmetric Alliances: Forging the US–Pakistan Alliance
Authors: Kabir Muhammad
Published: June 2019

The article builds on James Morrow’s theoretical formulation on asymmetric alliances, which contends that alliances are formed as a result of a security–autonomy trade-off between great powers and minor powers. It expands Morrow’s theory by showing that in the absence of a common threat or shared interests, the trade-off tends to leave a deficit in a weaker state’s net benefits from the alliance. I argue that side payments fill in the deficit in gains for weaker states. The article highlights the importance of domestic political constraints in shaping leaders’ alliance policies. I use the US–Pakistan alliance as a case study to probe the argument. The analysis presented here shows that the alliance, formed in 1954, was a result of a strategic trade-off between the United States and Pakistan. The case provides support to the argument that side payments played a crucial role in cementing the alliance.
Electromagnetic waves scattering from a sphere of complex conjugate medium
Authors: Illahi Ahsan , Bashir M. , Alkanhal Majeed A. S. , Khatoon Sadia , Ghaffar Abdul , Khan Y.
Published: June 2019

A boundary value problem involving the scattering of electromagnetic waves from a sphere of complex conjugate medium (CCM) is studied. The sphere is placed in free space. The source of excitation for the sphere in our case is a plane wave. Incident, scattered and transmitted fields are formulated. The unknown coefficients in the scattered and transmitted fields are found using boundary conditions. From these electromagnetic fields, the Mie efficiencies are determined. The technique used in studying the scattering of electromagnetic waves from CCM is analytical and a closed form solution is obtained. It is shown by numerical results that the scattering is enhanced in case of CCM sphere as a target. Results for the limiting cases are also derived to compare the validity of our formulation with the published work.
Female survivors of intimate partner violence and risk of depression, anxiety and serious mental illness
Authors: Chandan Joht Singh , Thomas Tom , Bradbury-Jones Caroline , Russell Rebecca , Bandyopadhyay Siddhartha , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Taylor Julie
Published: June 2019

Background

Internationally, intimate partner violence (IPV) cohorts have demonstrated associations with depression and anxiety. However, this association has not yet been described in a UK population, nor has the association with serious mental illness (SMI).

Aims

To explore the relationship between IPV exposure and mental illness in a UK population.

Method

We designed a retrospective cohort study whereby we matched 18 547 women exposed to IPV to 74 188 unexposed women. Outcomes of interest (anxiety, depression and SMI) were identified through clinical codes.

Results

At baseline, 9174 (49.5%) women in the exposed group had some form of mental illness compared with 17 768 (24.0%) in the unexposed group, described as an adjusted odds ratio of 2.62 (95% CI 2.52–2.72). Excluding those with mental illness at baseline, 1254 exposed women (incidence rate 46.62 per 1000 person-years) went on to present with any type of mental illness compared with 3119 unexposed women (incidence rate 14.93 per 1000 person-years), with an aIRR of 2.77 (95% CI 2.58–2.97). Anxiety (aIRR 1.99, 95% CI 1.80–2.20), depression (aIRR 3.05, 95% CI 2.81–3.31) and SMI (aIRR 3.08, 95% CI 2.19–4.32) were all associated with exposure to IPV.

Conclusions

IPV remains a significant public health issue in the UK. We have demonstrated the significant recorded mental health burden associated with IPV in primary care, at both baseline and following exposure. Clinicians must be aware of this association to reduce mental illness diagnostic delay and improve management of psychological outcomes in this group of patients.
Familial X-Linked Acrogigantism: Postnatal Outcomes and Tumor Pathology in a Prenatally Diagnosed Infant and His Mother
Authors: Wise-Oringer Brittany K , Zanazzi George J , Gordon Rebecca J , Wardlaw Sharon L , William Christopher , Anyane-Yeboa Kwame , Chung Wendy K , Kohn Brenda , Wisoff Jeffrey H , David Raphael , Oberfield Sharon E
Published: June 2019

Context

X-linked acrogigantism (X-LAG), a condition of infant-onset acrogigantism marked by elevated GH, IGF-1, and prolactin (PRL), is extremely rare. Thirty-three cases, including three kindreds, have been reported. These patients have pituitary adenomas that are thought to be mixed lactotrophs and somatotrophs.

Case Description

The patient’s mother, diagnosed with acrogigantism at 21 months, underwent pituitary tumor excision at 24 months. For more than 30 years, stable PRL, GH, and IGF-1 concentrations and serial imaging studies indicated no tumor recurrence. During preconception planning, X-LAG was diagnosed: single-nucleotide polymorphism microarray showed chromosome Xq26.3 microduplication. After conception, single-nucleotide polymorphism microarray on a chorionic villus sample showed the same microduplication in the fetus, confirming familial X-LAG. The infant grew rapidly with rising PRL, GH, and IGF-1 concentrations and an enlarging suprasellar pituitary mass, despite treatment with bromocriptine. At 15 months, he underwent tumor resection. The pituitary adenoma resembled the mother’s pituitary adenoma, with tumor cells arranged in trabeculae and glandular structures. In both cases, many tumor cells expressed PRL, GH, and pituitary-specific transcription factor-1. Furthermore, the tumor expressed other lineage-specific transcription factors, as well as SOX2 and octamer-binding transcription factor 4, demonstrating the multipotentiality of X-LAG tumors. Both showed an elevated Ki-67 proliferation index, 5.6% in the mother and 8.5% in the infant, the highest reported in X-LAG.

Conclusions

This is a prenatally diagnosed case of X-LAG. Clinical follow-up and biochemical evaluation have provided insight into the natural history of this disease. Expression of stem cell markers and several cell lineage-specific transcription factors suggests that these tumors are multipotential.
Translational Medicine: Exercise Physiology Applied to Metabolic Myopathies
Authors: GRASSI BRUNO , PORCELLI SIMONE , MARZORATI MAURO
Published: June 2019

The relevance of translational medicine (bringing basic science methods “to the bed of patients”) is universally recognized. Too often, however, the tools to be applied translationally are thought to derive only from the “-omics” (genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, etc.) world. The failures of this “reductionist” approach are widely recognized. In the review, we discuss studies demonstrating that scientifically sound mechanistic insights into diseases, relevant both in terms of basic science and clinically, and very well suited to be utilized within a translational medicine approach, can be obtained from the established field of exercise physiology. Methods originally aimed toward basic physiological mechanisms, and applied for the functional evaluation of athletes and sport performance, can have a valuable translational application in patients with metabolic myopathies; such as myophosphorylase deficiency (McArdle disease) or mitochondrial myopathies, diseases which share the common denominator of an impaired skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism. Several variables can yield pathophysiological insights, can identify and quantify the metabolic impairment and the effects on exercise tolerance (one of the main determinants of the patients’ clinical picture and quality of life), and can offer diagnostic clues: the impaired capacity of O2 extraction by skeletal muscle, evaluated by near-infrared spectroscopy; the “exaggerated” cardiovascular response to exercise; the slower speed of adjustment of oxidative metabolism during metabolic transitions; the “slow component” of pulmonary O2 uptake kinetics and the associated reduced efficiency and fatigue; the impaired intramuscular matching between O2 delivery and O2 utilization. The proposed methods are noninvasive, and therefore facilitate repeated or serial evaluations. They provide support for a simple message: physiology and physiological research remain the essential link between genes, molecules, and clinical care.
Renal arteriovenous malformation mimicking hydronephrosis—hidden danger
Authors: Chean Chung Shen , Kuah Jia Ying , Stopa Martin , Asquith John , Golash Anurag , George Cherian
Published: June 2019

Renal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare, with an incidence of approximately 0.04%. Diagnosis is often challenging due to mimics of AVMs. We report a case of renal AVM mimicking hydronephrosis on ultrasound and unenhanced computed tomography (CT). A 24-year-old female with background of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) presented to the Accident and Emergency department with 1 day history of bilateral flank pain, dysuria, rigors and pyrexia. Urine dipstick showed microscopic haematuria and blood tests showed mild neutrophilia. Dilated right renal pelvis was seen on ultrasound. Unenhanced CT of the urinary tract demonstrated right hydronephrosis with no evidence of calculi. Subsequent Uro-radiology meeting discussion concluded that renal pelvis might be pus-filled and recommended an urgent nephrostomy. However, ultrasound Doppler scan performed at the time of the planned nephrostomy demonstrated colour flow within dilated renal pelvis suggestive of an AVM. Nephrostomy was abandoned and subsequent CT angiogram confirmed a large congenital AVM. The patient was referred for embolization.Colour flow ultrasound imaging is a simple and quick technique to diagnose AVMs. However, as in our case, when colour flow Doppler imaging was not used at the initial ultrasound, the opportunity to obtain an accurate diagnosis was missed. If the subsequently planned nephrostomy had taken place, this may have led to potentially serious outcomes. We suggest that colour flow imaging should be used prior to nephrostomy insertion to differentiate hydronephrosis from vascular abnormalities.
The InterMine Android app: Cross-organism genomic data in your pocket
Authors: Komkova Daria , Lyne Rachel , Sullivan Julie , Yehudi Yo , Micklem Gos
Published: June 2019

InterMine is a data integration and analysis software system that has been used to create both inter-connected and stand-alone biological databases for the analysis of large and complex biological data sets. Together, the InterMine databases provide access to extensive data across multiple organisms. To provide more convenient access to these data from Android mobile devices, we have developed the InterMine app, an application that can be run on any Android mobile phone or tablet. The InterMine app provides a single interface for data access, search and exploration of the InterMine databases. It can be used to retrieve information on genes and gene lists, and their relatives across species. Simple searches can be used to access a range of data about a specific gene, while links to the InterMine databases provide access to more detailed report pages and gene list analysis tools. The InterMine app thus facilitates rapid exploration of genes across multiple organisms and kinds of data.
2019 ISCB Innovator Award recognizes William Stafford Noble
Authors: Kovats Diane , Shamir Ron , Fogg Christiana
Published: June 2019

The International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) Innovator Award honors an ISCB scientist who is within two decades of having completed his or her graduate degree and has made outstanding contributions to the field of computational biology. The 2019 winner is Dr. William Stafford Noble, Professor in the Department of Genome Science, University of Washington. Noble will receive his award and deliver a keynote presentation at the 2019 Joint International Conference on Intelligent Systems for Molecular Biology/European Conference on Computational Biology in Basel, Switzerland being held on July 21-25, 2019.
Financial statement analysis
Authors: Вахрушина Мария , Vakhrushina Mariya , Антонова Ольга , Antonova Ol'ga , Друцкая Марина , Druckaya Marina , Ситникова Валентина , Sitnikova Valentina , Горбачева Виктория , Gorbacheva Viktoriya , Чугаева Тамара , Chugaeva Tamara , Малиновская Наталья , Malinovskaya Natalya , Назаров Дмитрий , Nazarov Dmitriy , Остроухов Алексей , Ostrouhov Aleksey
Published: June 2019

The textbook presents the basic theoretical, methodological and practical provisions of the discipline "Analysis of financial statements" in accordance with the state educational standard of higher education for the preparation of students in the direction of "Accounting, analysis and audit". The issues of analysis and evaluation of the financial situation and performance of the organization using practical data of individual and consolidated financial statements, statistical and tax reporting. The algorithms and practical calculations of analytical indicators are based on the principle of "through example".
The textbook takes into account changes in the legal framework - the development of Federal accounting standards (FSBU). Federal law No. 160-FZ of 18 July 2017 clarifies the status of accounting regulations (PBU). PBU approved by the Ministry of Finance of Russia in the period from October 1, 1998 to January 1, 2013 are recognized as Federal accounting standards. At the same time a number of PBU changes. The textbook reflects the impact of legislative changes on the preparation and analysis of financial statements.
The influence of international approaches to the disclosure of public information on the Russian practice of its presentation continues to grow. The textbook describes the changes in International financial reporting standards, taking into account their impact on the presentation and analysis of financial statements.
The influence of international approaches to the disclosure of public information on the Russian practice of its presentation continues to grow. The textbook describes the changes in International financial reporting standards, taking into account their impact on the presentation and analysis of financial statements.
Taking into account the strengthening of the position of integrated reporting in ensuring sustainable development of economic entities radically revised section of the textbook on the practice of its analysis.
For students, postgraduates, teachers of economic specialties, students of the system of training and advanced training of accountants, auditors, specialists of financial and economic services.
Convergence Rate Analysis of a Stochastic Trust-Region Method via Supermartingales
Authors: Blanchet Jose , Cartis Coralia , Menickelly Matt , Scheinberg Katya
Published: June 2019

We propose a novel framework for analyzing convergence rates of stochastic optimization algorithms with adaptive step sizes. This framework is based on analyzing properties of an underlying generic stochastic process; in particular, we derive a bound on the expected stopping time of this process. We utilize this framework to analyze the expected global convergence rates of a stochastic variant of a traditional trust-region method. Although traditional trust-region methods rely on exact computations of the gradient, Hessian, and values of the objective function, this method assumes that these values are available only up to some dynamically adjusted accuracy. Moreover, this accuracy is assumed to hold only with some sufficiently large—but fixed—probability without any additional restrictions on the variance of the errors. This setting applies, for example, to standard stochastic optimization and machine learning formulations. Improving upon prior analysis, we show that the stochastic process defined by the trust-region method satisfies the assumptions of our proposed general framework. The stopping time in this setting is defined by an iterate satisfying a first-order accuracy condition. We demonstrate the first global complexity bound for a stochastic trust-region method under the assumption of sufficiently accurate stochastic gradients. Finally, we apply the same framework to derive second-order complexity bounds under additional assumptions.
SERES HUMANOS E NÃO HUMANOS: PERSONAGENS MARAVILHOSO/EXTRAORDINÁRIOS
Authors: Correia Heloisa Helena Siqueira
Published: June 2019

RESUMO: O texto objetiva acompanhar o processo textual/cultural que se afasta do território do mito preservando os seres não humanos (e míticos) em suas culturas próprias, ao passo que, respeitadas as fronteiras (que não se fundem) promove a criação de personagens ficcionais extraordinários/maravilhosos. Os personagens em foco são, ambos, habitantes da obra de Jorge Luis Borges. O minotauro de La casa de Asterión (1994, p. 569-570), cuja característica antiga é o hibridismo (corpo de homem e cabeça de touro) sobrevive no mito grego, enquanto a literatura cria um personagem ambíguo, maravilhoso, melancólico e solitário; e o jaguar de La escritura del Dios (1994, p. 596-599), animal natural e sagrado que vive na cultura de variadas etnias sul americanas, enquanto a literatura cria um personagem extraordinário, excepcional, depositário dos signos divinos. A direção de leitura, portanto, demonstra que a cultura universal do escritor não interfere na cultura nativa, e para isso retoma momentos diversos dos contos. O texto defende, ainda, que literatura e mito não se fundem, antes a literatura trabalha para o mito, nos obrigando a ir em busca da memória da cultura de origem, no caso a grega e a sul-americana. Dialoga-se com autores como Rosalba Campra (2016), Maria João Simões (2018), Leonardo Padura (1989), Sérgio Medeiros (2007) e Federico Naraverrete (2006), entre outros.
UM CONVITE ÀS MONSTRUOSIDADES EM VIALE MOUTINHO
Authors: Silva Luciana Morais da
Published: June 2019

Recebido em 18 jan 2019Aprovado em 28 jan 2019
O cotidiano da intersetorialidade e as relações entre as equipes
Authors: Romagnoli Roberta Carvalho , Silva Bruna Coutinho
Published: June 2019

Este artigo coloca em discussão as relações no cotidiano de trabalho da prática intersetorial do Núcleo Intersetorial Regional Técnico (NIR-T) de uma das regionais de Belo Horizonte, tendo como objetivo discutir conjuntamente os casos de violação social. Esse estudo tem a pesquisa-intervenção como metodologia e as ideias de Deleuze e Guattari como marco teórico. A partir das assembleias, das entrevistas semiestruturadas e das restituições realizadas com as equipes, analisamos as linhas que compõe a prática intersetorial no NIR-T que se fazem na troca entre os setores e os profissionais, nos efeitos dos abalos subjetivos na lida com a vulnerabilidade, nas dificuldades de encaminhamentos e seguimento dos casos, nos limites das próprias políticas públicas e na importância da sustentação do coletivo. Concluímos que a intersetorialidade, mesmo sendo necessária, ainda apresenta muitos desafios.
Sofrimento e violência que a lógica proibicionista gera na vida de usuários de drogas ilícitas
Authors: Silva Bárbara Santos Bernardino da , Pessoa Paulo José Barroso de Aguiar
Published: June 2019

A proibição do uso de drogas é um fenômeno essencialmente moderno, pautada numa postura intolerante e repressiva, um discurso de terror e punição que acaba por gerar violência e sofrimento para os usuários de substâncias ilícitas. Mostramos por meio de alguns teóricos o quanto os discursos e práticas ideologizados colocam as pessoas que utilizam drogas ilícitas como inimigos sociais sem considerar as contradições e riscos a que são submetidos cotidianamente, além de ir em direção oposta à tendência à atualização e ao potencial do indivíduo. O presente estudo se caracteriza por ser uma pesquisa bibliográfica, de cunho qualitativo. A literatura consultada sugere que o fenômeno das drogas é complexo e se configura como pertencente à condição humana, bem como o único meio de contribuir com a ampliação de sentidos existências é por meio da política de Redução de Danos.
O apego desenvolvido na infância e o relacionamento conjugal e parental: Uma revisão da literatura
Authors: Becker Ana Paula Sesti , Crepaldi Maria Aparecida
Published: June 2019

As relações afetivas na infância repercutem no estilo de apego do indivíduo no decorrer do seu ciclo vital. Assim, o objetivo deste artigo é analisar o perfil de estudos nacionais e internacionais acerca da relação entre o apego dos membros do casal desenvolvido na infância e o relacionamento conjugal e parental. Para tanto, foi realizada uma revisão de literatura integrativa nas bases de dados PsycInfo, Scielo e CAPES, por meio de descritores preestabelecidos, em português, inglês e espanhol, entre 2013 a 2017. Foram selecionados 32 artigos completos indexados, os quais foram submetidos a análises metodológicas e semânticas, derivando-se três categorias temáticas. Identificou-se a predominância de estudos longitudinais e quantitativos, cujas publicações concentram-se, em grande parte, na América do Norte. Constatou-se também, que pessoas com características de apego inseguro apresentam maior tendência de desenvolver conflito conjugal e baixa qualidade do relacionamento amoroso.  Não foi encontrada nenhuma pesquisa que integrasse em um único estudo, a relação estabelecida entre o apego dos membros do casal na infância e suas repercussões sobre os vínculos conjugal e parental. Verifica-se a lacuna de estudos que discutam a teoria do apego em uma perspectiva transgeracional e seus efeitos sobre a vida adulta.
Psicologia na Escola: Construção de um horizonte libertador para o desenvolvimento de crianças e jovens
Authors: Guzzo Raquel Souza Lobo , Ribeiro Flávia De Mendonça
Published: June 2019

Esse artigo pretende apresentar um breve ensaio sobre a relação entre Psicologia e Educação, a partir de Martín-Baró e Paulo Freire, no Brasil, como uma referência de rompimento com o modelo tradicional predominante para a área, ao mesmo tempo que pretende discutir a importância da formação crítica em Psicologia, em especial no campo educativo e as demandas e desafios a serem enfrentados no plano técnico e político na inserção de psicólogos na rede educacional pública.