bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trust, Identity, Skills, or Recruitment?: Assessing Four Explanations of the Relationship between Associational Involvement and the Political Participation of Migrants
Authors: Giugni Marco , Grasso Maria
Published: July 2019

This article investigates the nature of the relationship between associational involvement and migrant political participation. We explore the extent to which empirical evidence supports the mechanisms proposed by four popular theories in the political participation literature: social capital, group consciousness, civic voluntarism, and mobilization theory. To do so, we employ a mediation-effect approach with data from random samples of migrants in four European cities. Our results show that associational membership mainly operates through a direct effect stressing organizations’ role as agents of mobilization and that associational membership and the links that migrants forge in these associations are crucial for their political engagement. The evidence presented shows that the mobilizing role of voluntary associations — not their role in developing trust, furthering group identity, or providing skills — remains the key to understanding why such organizations spur migrant political participation.
The right to an audience at court: Realities, risks and challenges. A qualitative study from the perspective of practitioners working in a Community Rehabilitation Company
Authors: Woolford Rebecca , Salami Peter
Published: July 2019

A fundamental role of the probation service is to provide advice and information to courts assisting in determining the most appropriate sentencing decisions. Historically, all probation officers as part of their mandatory training had experience in a court setting. Under the government’s Transforming Rehabilitation (TR) reforms, probation services were divided into 21 new privately-owned Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) and a new public National Probation Service (NPS). This resulted in the NPS assuming the right to an audience at court by statute and the withdrawal of a right to an audience at court for CRCs. This qualitative study conducted during the summer of 2017 seeks to gain an insight into the views of CRC practitioners on contemporary court practice, specifically exploring their views on not having a professional role to provide advice and information on their caseload in court. The interviews identified four themes, reflecting both barriers to, and facilitators of, the withdrawal of the right to an audience at court by the CRC. These themes illustrated that the initial developments in the courts post-TR did not give the opportunity for active CRC involvement, resulting in increased scrutiny and criticism of their practice.
A novel approach to evaluate the pharmacodynamics of a selective dopamine D1/D5 receptor partial agonist (PF-06412562) in patients with stable schizophrenia
Authors: Arce Estibaliz , Balice-Gordon Rita , Duvvuri Sridhar , Naylor Melissa , Xie Zhiyong , Harel Brian , Kozak Rouba , Gray David L , DeMartinis Nicholas
Published: July 2019

Background:

PF-06412562 is an orally bioavailable, selective dopamine D1/D5 receptor partial agonist with a non-catechol structure under evaluation for treatment of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia.

Aims:

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, Phase 1b study examined the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of three doses of PF-06412562 (3 mg, 9 mg, and 45 mg twice daily) over 15 days in patients with schizophrenia receiving antipsychotics.

Methods:

Primary endpoints included adjunctive safety/tolerability and effects on MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery Working Memory domain and reward processing (Monetary Incentive Delay) tasks. Exploratory endpoints included other behavioral/neurophysiological tasks, including the N-back task.

Results:

Among 95 subjects (78% male; mean age 34.8 years), baseline characteristics were similar across groups. The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery Working Memory composite change from baseline on Day 13 improved in all groups, the smallest improvement was observed in the 45 mg group and was significantly smaller than that in the placebo group (two-sided p=0.038). For the Monetary Incentive Delay task (change from baseline in blood-oxygen-level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging activation in anterior ventral striatum for the contrast of cue gain>cue no gain on Day 15), no PF-06412562 dose was significantly different from placebo. No doses of PF-06412562 showed a significant difference on two-back task accuracy versus placebo.

Conclusions:

Adjunctive treatment with PF-06412562 was safe and well tolerated in patients with schizophrenia. PF-06412562 failed to show clinical benefit relative to placebo on assessments of cognition or reward processing in symptomatically stable patients over a 15-day treatment period. Numerous limitations due to the safety study design warrant further efficacy evaluation for this drug mechanism.
Apparent diffusion coefficient values and non-homogeneity of diffusion in brain tumors in diffusion-weighted MRI
Authors: Basirjafari Sedigheh , Poureisa Masoud , Shahhoseini Babak , Zarei Mohammad , Aghayari Sheikh Neshin Saeideh , Anvari Aria Sheida , Nouri-Vaskeh Masoud
Published: July 2019

Background

The values that have been received from apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) might play a vital role in evaluating tumors and their grading scale.

Purpose

To investigate the predictive role of this heterogeneity in brain tumor pathologies and its correlation with Ki-67.

Material and Methods

A total of 124 patients with brain tumors underwent brain MRI with gadolinium injection. ADC and standard deviation of each lesion have been obtained from manual localization of the region of interest on the ADC map. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted to determine the minimum cut-off values of the mean ADC and mean standard deviation of ADC maps having the highest sensitivity and specificity to differentiate high-grade and low-grade tumors.

Results

Mean ADC values in the region of interest were significantly lower for malignant tumors (grade IV and metastasis) than grade I brain tumors, while a higher mean standard deviation was observed. In a more detailed comparison of tumor groups, the mean standard deviation of the ADC for glioblastoma multiform was significantly higher than meningioma grade I ( P < 0.001) and metastasis was significantly higher than grade III and IV astrocytic tumors ( P = 0.004). The analysis of Ki-67 proliferation index and mean ADC values in gliomas showed a significant inverse correlation between the parameters (r = –0.0429, P < 0.001) and direct correlation between Ki-67 and mean standard deviation of the ADC (r = 0.551, P < 0.001). As an index for the ADC to differentiate high-grade and low-grade tumors, the cut-off values of 1.40*10−3 mm2/s for mean ADC and 45*10−3 mm2/s for mean standard deviation have the highest combination of sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve.

Conclusion

The mean value and standard deviation of the ADC could be considered for differentiating between low-grade and high-grade brain tumors, as two available non-invasive methods.
…oltre la malattia: Medicina narrativa per una terapia dell’anima
Authors: Ciaccia Luigi
Published: July 2019

…beyond the disease: narrative medicine for soul’s therapy

Purpose

A patient diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is forced to reorganise his/her entire lifestyle according to the rhythm of dialysis, a life-saving therapy that becomes a life-long sentence. Slowly, the clinic becomes a prison of pain and frustration, worsening the symptoms and affecting the medical staff as well. Thus, I decided to work on the doctor-patient relationship in order to guide those under therapy in finding a new perception of themselves “beyond the disease”.

Methods

In pursuing this goal, I adopted the methodology of narrative medicine, structured through three interviews: the first one on the disease; the second one on the past (i.e. emotions, fond memories, etc.); the third one on future projects. I also launched other weekly activities, such as sharing good news from the newspaper, watching movies, and organising outdoor activities.

Results

Throughout the project, I observed a significant improvement in the well-being of the patients, through a decrease in their stress levels and an increased response to therapy. Furthermore, I was able to establish a group dynamic among the patients as well as between them and the staff.

Conclusions

At the end of the first year, the project was renewed, and its scope widened. We collected some photos and thoughts of the patients during our outdoor activities and published them in a book, which was given to the patients for Christmas, as the symbol of both the end of the first year and the start of another… beyond the disease.
The fundamental rights challenges of algorithms
Authors: Gerards Janneke
Published: July 2019

Algorithms form an increasingly important part of our daily lives, even if we are often unaware of it. They are enormously useful in many different ways. They facilitate the sharing economy, help detect diseases, assist government agencies in crime control, and help us choose what series or film to watch. Yet, there is also a darker side to algorithms, and that is that they (and their applications) can easily interfere with our fundamental rights. This column explores some of the main fundamental rights challenges set by the pervasiveness of algorithms, and it presents a brief outlook for the future.
Nanoindentation on the bio-inspired high-performance nature composite by molecular dynamics method
Authors: Masir Amin Nouroozi , Darvizeh Abolfazl , Zajkani Asghar
Published: July 2019

The determination of mechanical properties at the nanoscale is of such importance today that researchers pay special attention to it. Discovering the mechanical properties of biological composite structures in the nanoscale is much interesting today. Top neck mollusk shells are among biomaterial nanocomposites that their layered structures are composed of organic and inorganic materials. Since the nanoindentation process is known as an efficient method to determine mechanical properties like elastic modulus and hardness in small scale, therefore, due to some limitations of considering all peripheral parameters, particular simulations of temperature effect in the atomic scale are considerable. The present article provides a molecular dynamics approach for modeling the nanoindentation mechanism with three types of pyramidal, cubic, and spherical indenters at different temperatures of 173, 273, 300, and 373°K. Based on load-indentation depth diagrams and Oliver–Pharr equations, research findings indicate that the temperature has weakened the power between the biological atoms; this leads to reduced mechanical properties. An increase in temperature causes a reduction in elastic modulus and hardness. There was correspondence between the results obtained from the spherical indenter and experimental data. This study can be regarded as a novel benchmark study for further research studies which tend to consider structural responses of the various bio-inspired nanocomposites.
Public Versus Private Investment in Determining Child Health Outcomes: Evidence from India
Authors: Balasubramaniam Divya , Chatterjee Santanu , Mustard David B.
Published: July 2019

This article examines the relationship among access to drinking water, sanitation facilities and health outcomes for children in India. We use the NFHS 2005–2006 household-level survey data to construct the nutritional distribution for two anthropometric health measures for children between ages 6 months and 2 years: the weight-for-height (‘wasting’) and height-for-age (‘stunting’) z-scores. Using a quantile regressions approach, we find that public goods such as piped water are not associated with improving child health outcomes. On the other hand, private investments within the home such as pit latrines and flush toilets do have a strong influence on health outcomes, with the magnitude of the effects being the largest in the middle of the respective nutritional distributions. Further, rural children at the lower end of the nutritional distribution benefit much more than their urban counterparts. Also, the educational attainment of the mother has a strong association with better health outcomes, both in the short run as well as in the long run. Overall, our results provide evidence against ‘one-size-fits-all’ policies, and point towards incentives for private investments in sanitation and mother’s education, especially in rural areas and for children in the middle of the conditional nutritional distribution.
Centralized or decentralized personalization? Measuring intra-party competition in open and flexible list PR systems
Authors: Dodeigne Jérémy , Pilet Jean-Benoit
Published: July 2019

This article offers a comparative analysis of electoral intra-party competition in four countries – Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland and Luxembourg – based on an original data set of 79,621 candidates and 3150 party lists covering the last quarter century (1994–2017). We use two measures to describe the nature of intra-party competition over time, across countries and across party lists: a Gini coefficient and a measure of the effective number of candidates. First, in terms of change over time (personalization) – contra the presidentialization thesis – there is no concentration of intra-party competition around a few leaders over time. Second, in terms of the dynamics of concentration of votes (personalized politics), the results suggest a move beyond the clear-cut divide found in the literature between centralized and decentralized forms of personalized politics. Instead, personalized politics is best described by the concept of ‘elitization’, meaning the concentration of most votes on a medium-sized group of candidates (5–10 per lists). Finally, three sets of factors condition intra-party electoral competition: the electoral rules organizing preference votes, the level of elections (European, national and regional) and the presence on the party lists of incumbent politicians (party leaders, ministers and parliamentarians).
A study exploring the usability of an exergaming platform for senior fitness testing
Authors: Tsai Tsai-Hsuan , Tseng Kevin C , Wong Alice MK , Chang Hsien-Jui
Published: July 2019

This study proposes a structural usability model to identify the relationship between the user interface design and the usability of an exergame system that includes a software system and a separate hardware device. The model consisted of two dimensions: the interface design, which was evaluated using Nielsen’s heuristic evaluation method, and the usability, as defined by ISO 9241-11. An empirical study used the iFit exergame system to test the physical fitness of 101 seniors in order to evaluate the model’s validity. The results showed a strong correlation between the interface design and the usability of the exergame system. An improved interface enabled users to interact with the system better, and the usability of the whole system was enhanced, including the device and the system itself. The results show that the proposed usability model can be used to evaluate other exergame systems.
The relationship between burnout and suicidal ideations among Jamaican police officers
Authors: Wray Candice A. , Jarrett Sharlene Beckford
Published: July 2019

Jamaican police officers often encounter organizational and societal stressors through their work in high-crime and low-resource settings. Repeated exposure to stressors, with limited opportunities for support, can compromise emotional well-being and increase the risk of experiencing burnout and suicidal ideation. This cross-sectional study examines the relationship between burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment) and suicidal ideations among Jamaican police officers surveyed in 2017. Jamaican police officers ( N = 305) from five major urban divisions completed two self-report questionnaires. The results revealed significant relationships between emotional exhaustion and suicidal ideations ( r = .17, p < .01) and depersonalization and suicidal ideations ( r = .18, p < .01). However, there was no significant relationship between personal accomplishment and suicidal ideations ( p > .01). Implementing programmes that offer access to adaptive coping or stress management skills and social support systems may reduce burnout and decrease risk for suicidal ideation.
Building trust in cross-cultural integration: A study of Chinese mergers and acquisitions in Germany
Authors: Sachsenmaier Stefanie , Guo Yongsheng
Published: July 2019

The phenomenon of trust and trust building has been widely researched with regard to different contexts and subjects. Nevertheless, the factors that influence trust building in mergers and acquisitions (M&As) and the way in which trust affects the post-M&A process remain unclear. This study explores trust development in the cross-cultural integration process following emerging country firms’ acquisitions in an advanced economy. A grounded theory model was developed to link the contextual characteristics of Chinese M&As in Germany that require the development of trust and the way in which managers understand sources of trust building. The perceived future uncertainty, different levels of technology and management, previous public discourses, and differences in institutional and cultural norms require the development of trust. The data reveal that a range of factors can foster trust development, including economic factors as well as emotional factors, such as mutual understanding, reliability, familiarity, and emotional bonding. A three-stage cross-cultural trust development theory is proposed, asserting that trust can be established based on economic factors, improved through mutual understanding and reliability, and further developed based on familiarity and emotional bonding. Trust development influences the acquiring firm’s behavior with regard to the transparency in information policies, the integration in decision-making, the exercise of control over the acquired firm, and the granting of autonomy in the cross-cultural integration processes.
Evaluations of Prevention Programs for Sexual, Dating, and Intimate Partner Violence for Boys and Men: A Systematic Review
Authors: Graham Laurie M. , Embry Venita , Young Belinda-Rose , Macy Rebecca J. , Moracco Kathryn E. , Reyes Heather Luz McNaughton , Martin Sandra L.
Published: July 2019

Among violence prevention educators and researchers, there is growing interest in sexual, dating, and intimate partner violence (SV/DV/IPV) prevention programs for males because of evidence showing that boys and men are more likely than girls and women to perpetrate SV as well as more severe forms of DV/IPV. To date, comprehensive guidance on the content, structure, delivery, and effectiveness of such programs is limited. We reviewed randomized controlled studies that evaluated SV/DV/IPV perpetration prevention programs for boys and men. Searches yielded 5,249 potential documents for review of which 10 met inclusion criteria—representing 9 unique studies of 7 distinct programs. Two reviewers independently reviewed and abstracted data from these studies regarding program setting and target audience; type of violence addressed; number and length of program sessions; program duration, topics, activities, and delivery mode; and implementer details. Study characteristics were also examined (sample size, participant characteristics, recruitment, randomization, comparison/control condition, data collection protocols, attrition, measures of violence perpetration, and perpetration findings). The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used to assess study design quality. Results show considerable heterogeneity among program content and delivery strategies, study designs, and outcome measurement. Study sample size ranged widely, and most used cluster-randomized designs, recruited undergraduate college students, and evaluated a multisession program delivered via group sessions. Only one program reduced men’s self-reported SV perpetration. Accordingly, critical gaps exist around “what works” for SV/DV/IPV perpetration prevention programs for boys and men.
LCZ696, an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor, ameliorates diabetic cardiomyopathy by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis
Authors: Ge Qing , Zhao Li , Ren Xiao-Min , Ye Peng , Hu Zuo-Ying
Published: July 2019

Diabetic cardiomyopathy, which refers to the destruction of the structure and function of the heart, is the primary cause of heart failure due to diabetes. LCZ696 is the first angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNi) to be used clinically. Our study investigated the role played by LCZ696 during diabetic cardiomyopathy and explored the potential mechanisms underlying these effects. Diabetes was induced by injecting streptozotocin intraperitoneally into mice, and the mice were then divided randomly into two groups: one group was treated with LCZ696 (60 mg/kg/d) for 16 weeks, and the other received no treatment. The H9C2 cardiomyoblast cell line was treated with LCZ696 under high-glucose (HG) conditions. The levels of apoptotic (Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase-3) and pro-inflammatory factors [nuclear factor (NF)-κB, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK)] were assessed in heart tissues from diabetic and normal mice and in H9C2 cells. The heart tissue structures and cardiac functions of diabetic mice were compared with those of normal mice, using histological and echocardiographic analyses. The results showed that LCZ696 inhibits the nuclear transfer of NF-κB and JNK/p38MAPK phosphorylation, and mitigates inflammation and apoptosis in diabetic mice and H9C2 cardiomyocytes under HG conditions. The histological and echocardiographic data showed that compared with untreated diabetic mice, diabetic mice treated with LCZ696 exhibited improved ventricular remodeling and cardiac function. LCZ696 also ameliorated oxidative stress in both vivo and vitro. In conclusion, LCZ696 improved diabetic cardiomyopathy by reducing cardiac inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

Impact statement

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an important cause of heart failure in patients with diabetes, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. LCZ696, which was studied here, is a novel drug for the treatment of heart failure. The latest research reports that LCZ696 is more effective for preventing heart failure than valsartan alone. However, little research has been performed examining the effects of LCZ696 on DCM. This study was designed to examine the role played by LCZ696 during DCM and the potential mechanisms underlying these effects, which may provide the basis for a new therapeutic strategy for DCM.
Phytosterol enhances oral nifedipine treatment in pregnancy-induced preeclampsia: A placebo-controlled, double-blinded, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Zhang Mei , Feng Huanrong
Published: July 2019

Preeclampsia is a severe complication which influences pregnant women all around the world, the symptom of which is serious maternal hypertension. Phytosterol is a type of natural compound commonly found in plant products, and has been incorporated into various food vectors and natural drugs. In the paper, the curative effect on preeclampsia by combination of oral nifedipine and phytosterol was assessed. Random grouping was carried out, with 253 preeclampsia patients being registered and taking orally nifedipine+phytosterol or nifedipine+placebo. The time for controlling the blood pressure and the time needed for the occurrence of another hypertensive crisis were defined as primary endpoints. The dosage required for controlling blood pressure, and the adverse effects from infants and mothers were defined as secondary endpoints. The nifedipine+phytosterol group required a remarkably shorter time for controlling blood pressure than the nifedipine+placebo group, an obviously delayed time for the occurrence of new hypertensive crisis, and an obvious lower dosage for controlling blood pressure. There was no difference between the two groups regarding the adverse effects from infants and mothers. Findings in the study suggest that phytosterol is an effective and safe adjuvant of the oral nifedipine and can alleviate the hypertension symptoms in preeclampsia patients.

Impact statement

There was no difference between the two groups regarding the adverse effects from infants and mothers. Findings in the study suggest that phytosterol is an effective and safe adjuvant of the oral nifedipine and can alleviate the hypertension symptoms in preeclampsia patients.
A digital image encryption algorithm based on chaotic mapping
Authors: Deng Zhijuan , Zhong Shaojun
Published: July 2019

In this article, we introduced a digital image encryption algorithm based on the chaotic mapping designed by Xiong et al. In their paper, the authors theoretically analyzed the algorithm and pointed out that the algorithm did not need to have the prior knowledge of the orbital distribution and one can select any chaotic model. In this way, the algorithm greatly expanded the cryptographic space and greatly reduced the number of iterations of the mapping. Since the algorithm has many characteristics, for instance, it is sensitive to the secret key, its key space is big, the pixel is well distributed after being encrypted, etc., the security of the encrypted images can be assured effectively. However, since the algorithm applied the image scrambling for encryption, and did not take the chosen-plaintext attacks into consideration, the algorithm is relatively weak in resisting the chosen-plaintext attacks. Therefore, we put forward a kind of image replacement method based on chaos, which can resist the chosen-plaintext attacks. And the experimental simulation proves that this algorithm not only has many characteristics, for instance, it is sensitive to the secret key, its key space is big, the pixel is well distributed after being encrypted, etc., but also can resist the chosen-plaintext attacks effectively. In the meanwhile, the algorithm is very sensitive to the small changes of the plaintexts, and its encrypted images will completely lose the features of the original ones.
Dietary Indigenous Cinnamon (Cinnamomum osmophloeum) Leaf Powder Reduces Plasma Lipid in Hypercholesterolemia Hamsters
Authors: Senthil Kumar K. J. , Hsieh Yu-Hsin , Lin Ting-Yu , Chien Shih-Chang , Liao Jiunn-Wang , Chu Fang-Hua , Chang Shang-Tzen , Wang Sheng-Yang
Published: July 2019

Indigenous cinnamon ( Cinnamomum osmophloeum Kaneh) is a native tree species in Taiwan and has been reported to have various bioactivities including insecticidal, larvicidal, and antimicrobial effects. The chemical finger print of C. osmophloeum is similar to that of commercial cinnamon species with lower coumarin content. The present study was aimed to investigate the antidyslipidemia effects of indigenous cinnamon ( Cinnamomum osmophloeum Kaneh) leaf powder (CoLP) on hypercholesterolemia hamsters. Hyperlipidemia was induced by high-cholesterol (HChol) diet for 4 weeks. Two percent and 5% CoLP, and gemfibrozil (positive control; 0.25%) were administered for 10 weeks following HChol diet. Control groups were fed with normal diet (ND) or ND+5% CoLP. Behavioral, physiological, and serum biochemical parameters were determined. We found that oral administration of CoLP for 10 weeks significantly reduced the HChol-induced increase of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein levels in plasma of hamsters. In addition, HChol-induced elevation of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase levels was significantly reversed by CoLP in a dose-dependent manner, whereas blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were unaffected. Further standard diagnostic tests support that consumption of CoLP did not show any behavioral and morphological changes in hamsters. Furthermore, chemical composition analysis revealed that two new flavanol glycosides, kaempferol-3- O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-l-arabinofuranosyl-7- O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (4) and kaempferol-3- O-β -d-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-α-l-arabinofuranoside (5) along with 4 known flavonoid glycosides were identified in leaves of C. osmophloeum. Taken together, these results concluded that CoLP possessed strong antidyslipidemic effects. Therefore, C. osmophloeum leaves could be a safe food supplement for treating hypercholesterolemia.
Beta-sarcoglycan-deficient muscular dystrophy presenting as chronic bronchopneumonia in a young cat
Authors: Bouillon Juliette , Taylor Suzanne M , Vargo Cheryl , Lange Michelle , Zwicker Lesley A , Sukut Sally L , Guo Ling T , Shelton G Diane
Published: July 2019

Case summary

A 5-month-old cat was evaluated for a 3 week history of cough, nasal discharge, decreased appetite and weight loss. Musculoskeletal examination was normal and serum creatine kinase (CK) activity was within the reference interval. The cat was treated during the next 10 months for chronic, persistent pneumonia. Weakness then became apparent, the cat developed dysphagia and was euthanized. Post-mortem evaluation revealed chronic aspiration pneumonia and muscular dystrophy associated with beta (β)-sarcoglycan deficiency.

Relevance and novel information

This is the first report of a cat with muscular dystrophy presenting for chronic pneumonia without obvious megaesophagus, dysphagia or prominent neuromuscular signs until late in the course of the disease. The absence of gait abnormalities, marked muscle atrophy or hypertrophy and normal serum CK activity delayed the diagnosis in this cat with β-sarcoglycan deficiency.
Neoadjuvant and adjuvant doxorubicin chemotherapy in a case of feline soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Torrigiani Filippo , Romanelli Giorgio , Roccabianca Paola , Treggiari Elisabetta
Published: July 2019

Case summary

A 7-year old male neutered domestic shorthair cat was presented with a 2 month history of a slow-growing mass on the right zygomatic area. A CT scan revealed a soft tissue mass in the right zygomatic region with no alterations of the underlying bone and features of local invasiveness. Cytology was suggestive of a mesenchymal tumour and histopathology from an incisional biopsy was consistent with a soft tissue sarcoma (STS). The cat was treated with neoadjuvant intravenous doxorubicin chemotherapy at a dose of 25 mg/m2, every two weeks. The patient experienced a partial response and underwent surgical excision of the tumour. Doxorubicin was continued as an adjuvant treatment for three further chemotherapy sessions, at a dose of 25 mg/m2 every 21 days. Local tumour recurrence was detected on clinical examination and cytologically confirmed 259 days following surgery.

Relevance and novel information

Treatment with neoadjuvant doxorubicin can be considered in cases of inoperable STSs in order to cytoreduce the tumour and improve the chances of achieving complete surgical margins. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy in this setting remains unclear.
Hyperplastic and fibrosing gastropathy resembling Ménétrier disease in a cat
Authors: Barker Emi N , Holdsworth Andrew S , Hibbert Angie , Brown Peter J , Hayward Nicolette J
Published: July 2019

Case summary

A 3.5-year-old domestic shorthair cat presented with a 6 month history of weight loss and polyphagia. Clinical examination revealed a markedly reduced body condition score (2/9) and a quiet demeanour. Laboratory abnormalities comprised a mild non-regenerative anaemia, stress leukogram, hypoproteinaemia due to hypoalbuminaemia, azotaemia, hypokalaemia, total hypocalcaemia and sub-maximally concentrated urine (specific gravity 1.020). Abdominal ultrasonography revealed marked thickening of the gastric mucosa within the fundus, body and pylorus; the most dorsal portion of the fundus was spared. The thickened mucosa contained multiple small, anechoic cyst-like structures. The gastric submucosa, muscularis and serosa appeared normal. Histopathology, performed on a full-thickness gastric biopsy, revealed mucosal hypertrophy and markedly dilated gastric glands in areas; not all gastric glands were affected, with some appearing normal or atrophic. Focal interstitial fibrosis was present in some areas. The findings of hypoproteinaemia, gastric ultrasonographic changes and histopathology results share several similarities to those reported with Ménétrier disease.

Relevance and novel information

Ménétrier disease is a rare condition of the stomach in humans. A similar condition, giant hypertrophic gastritis (or Ménétrier-like disease), has also been described rarely in dogs. To our knowledge, Ménétrier-like disease has not been previously described cats. This case shares features of Ménétrier-like disease, raising the suspicion of a similar aetiopathogenesis.
Surgical Treatment of Distal Femur Fractures in Geriatric Patients
Authors: Loosen Antonia , Fritz Yannick , Dietrich Michael
Published: July 2019

Introduction:

The treatment of distal femur fractures in geriatric patients is challenging and has a high perioperative morbidity and mortality. Treatments have evolved significantly in the past decades. The aim of our study was to analyze local and systemic morbidity and mortality, as well as functional results in this frail cohort treated with distal femur locking plates.

Materials and methods:

In this single-institution case series, we retrospectively analyzed the data of patients aged 65 years and older with fractures of the distal femur between March 2013 and March 2018. All patients were operated with distal femur locking plates. Points of interest included perioperative morbidity, mortality, weight-bearing status, and care-dependency after hospital discharge.

Results:

We assessed 49 patients (median age: 86.5 years) with 52 distal femur fractures (AO type A 77%, type C 15%, type B 8%). A total of 30 (58%) periprosthetic fractures with 4 (8%) interimplant femur fractures were documented. The perioperative morbidity was 64%, and the 3-month and 1-year mortality rates were 29% and 35%, respectively. The local complication rate was 6% with no documented implant failure. Of the patients who were living at home before the surgery, 62% required long-term accommodation in residential or nursing homes after dicharge from the hospital or short-term rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

Geriatric patients with distal femur fractures face a high perioperative mortality. Osteosynthesis with distal femur locking plates is a reliable technique that can be used in various fracture patterns including periprosthetic and interimplant fractures.
First-in-human trial of rhIL-15 and haploidentical natural killer cell therapy for advanced acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Cooley Sarah , He Fiona , Bachanova Veronika , Vercellotti Gregory M. , DeFor Todd E. , Curtsinger Julie M. , Robertson Paul , Grzywacz Bartosz , Conlon Kevin C. , Waldmann Thomas A. , McKenna David H. , Blazar Bruce R. , Weisdorf Daniel J. , Miller Jeffrey S.
Published: July 2019

In vivo expansion of haploidentical natural killer (NK) cell infusions with interleukin-2 (IL-2) can induce remission of refractory acute myeloid leukemia, but efficacy may be hampered by concurrent stimulation of host regulatory T cells. To overcome this limitation, we substituted the NK homeostatic factor IL-15 in 2 phase 1/2 trials. Forty-two patients received either intravenous (IV) (NCT01385423) or subcutaneous (SC) (NCT02395822) recombinant human IL-15 (rhIL-15) after lymphodepleting chemotherapy and haploidentical NK cells. Escalating doses of rhIL-15 (0.3-1.0 μg/kg) were given on 12 consecutive days in a phase 1 trial. Of 26 patients, 36% had robust in vivo NK-cell expansion at day 14, and 32% achieved complete remission. Hypothesizing that SC dosing of rhIL-15 would be safer and better tolerated, 16 patients received 10 once per day doses of SC rhIL-15 at 2.0 μg/kg on a phase 2 trial. NK-cell expansion at day 14 was seen in 27% of the patients, and 40% achieved remission. rhIL-15 induced better rates of in vivo NK-cell expansion and remission compared with previous trials with IL-2, but it was associated with previously unreported cytokine release syndrome (CRS) after SC but not IV dosing. CRS was observed in 56% of patients given SC rhIL-15 (with concurrent neurologic toxicity in 5 of 9 patients) and was responsive to steroids and tocilizumab. SC administration was associated with slower pharmacokinetic clearance and higher levels of IL-6 than IV dosing. These novel trials testing the use of IL-15 to potentiate cell therapy suggest that dosing schedules based on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics will preserve the therapeutic benefits of IL-15 and minimize CRS. These trials were registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01385423 and #NCT02395822.
Psychogenic antecedents and apparel customization: moderating effects of gender
Authors: Seo Su-kyung , Lang Chunmin
Published: July 2019

The impact of gender is critical in consumer behavior; however, gender differences have been overlooked in consumer studies. The purpose of this study is to examine how behavior-inducing psychogenic needs (i.e., need for uniqueness, self-promotion, and social identity) influence the way individuals perceive apparel customization, leading to buying intention of customized apparel products. Further, to identify whether gender plays a moderating role in the relationships between those psychogenic needs and the perception of apparel customization. The conceptual model was tested by conducting an online survey of 338 samples from college students in the United States. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized for hypotheses testing. The structural multi-group model was conducted and path coefficient comparisons were made to test the moderating effects of gender. The results indicated that need for uniqueness and social identity are strong determinant factors in eliciting positive perceptions of customization, ultimately resulting in buying intention of customized apparel products; however, the effects of self-promotion was not significant. The results also illustrated that differences exist in antecedents toward customization perception between genders. Both genders are commonly motivated by need for uniqueness. However, males are more driven by social identity and need for uniqueness, whereas females are more inspired by self-promotion. The results offer managerial implications by providing retailers with consumers’ behavior toward fashion customization based on gender differences.
Diel cycling hypoxia enhances hypoxia-tolerance in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): evidence of physiological and metabolic plasticity
Authors: Williams Kenneth J. , Cassidy Alicia A. , Verhille Christine E. , Lamarre Simon G. , MacCormack Tyson J.
Published: July 2019

Many fish naturally encounter a daily cycle of hypoxia but it is unclear whether this exposure hardens hypoxia-intolerant fish to future hypoxia or leads to accumulated stress and death. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a putatively hypoxia-sensitive species found in rivers and estuaries that may routinely experience hypoxic events. Trout were exposed to 1 of 4 135h treatments in a swim-tunnel respirometer: 1) air-saturated control (20.7 kPa PO2); 2) diel cycling O2 (20.7-4.2 kPa over 24h); 3) acute hypoxia (130h at 20.7 kPa PO2 followed by 5h at 4.2 kPa PO2); 4) the mean oxygen tension (12.4 kPa PO2) experienced by the diel cycled fish. Some responses were similar in diel O2 cycled and mean PO2-treated fish but overall exposure to ecologically-representative diel hypoxia cycles improved hypoxia tolerance. Diel hypoxia-induced protective responses included increased inducible HSP70 concentration and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, as well as reduced plasma cortisol. Acclimation to diel hypoxia allowed metabolic rates to decline during hypoxia, reduced oxygen debt following subsequent exposures, and allowed fish to return to an anabolic phenotype. The data demonstrate that acute diel cycling hypoxia improves hypoxia tolerance in previously intolerant fish through the activation of cellular protective mechanisms and a reduction in metabolic O2 requirements.
Suspected pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis relapse after lung transplantation: a case report and literature review
Authors: Rasciti Edoardo , Cancellieri Alessandra , Romagnoli Micaela , Dell'Amore Andrea , Zompatori Maurizio
Published: July 2019

Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is a very rare lung disease characterized by dense fibrous thickening of the visceral pleura and intraalveolar fibrosis containing prominent elastosis, with typical upper lobe predominance. PPFE usually shows progressive restrictive ventilatory impairment refractory to medical treatment; bilateral lung transplantation currently remains the only available therapeutic option. In this report, we describe a case of suspected PPFE relapse after lung transplantation that, to our knowledge, has never been described in the medical literature.

A 48-year-old male with idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis underwent a bilateral lung transplant in our department. 8 months later, he presented with progressively worsening clinical condition, his respiratory state gradually deteriorated. High-resolution CT again showed bilateral diffused parenchymal consolidations, with prevalence in the upper lobes and subpleural regions. A PPFE relapse was therefore suspected, so he was listed for lung retransplantation, which was performed ten months after the first transplant. Histopathological analysis of the second explanted lung again confirmed the diagnosis of PPFE. The case highlights the possibility of PPFE relapse after lung transplantation, that may add to the increasing evidence of an underlying auto-immune mechanism contributing to its pathogenesis.
The grant is dead, long live the data - migration as a pragmatic exit strategy for research data preservation
Authors: Zielinski Tomasz , Hay Johnny , Millar Andrew J.
Published: July 2019

Open research, data sharing and data re-use have become a priority for publicly- and charity-funded research. Efficient data management naturally requires computational resources that assist in data description, preservation and discovery. While it is possible to fund development of data management systems, currently it is more difficult to sustain data resources beyond the original grants. That puts the safety of the data at risk and undermines the very purpose of data gathering.

PlaSMo stands for ‘Plant Systems-biology Modelling’ and the PlaSMo model repository was envisioned by the plant systems biology community in 2005 with the initial funding lasting till 2010. We addressed the sustainability of the PlaSMo repository and assured preservation of these data by implementing an exit strategy. For our exit strategy we migrated data to an alternative public repository of secured funding. We describe details of our decision process and aspects of the implementation. Our experience may serve as an example for other projects in similar situation.

We share our reflections on sustainability of biological data management and the future outcomes of its funding. We expect it to be a useful input for funding bodies.
A project with multiple benefits
Authors: Chorley Alyson
Published: July 2019

A new project for maternity services, led by the Twins and Multiple Births Association (Tamba), aims to improve care for women expecting two or more babies. Alyson Chorley explains
Smoking and pregnancy
Authors: Winter George F
Published: July 2019

Although the evidence shows the benefits of smoking cessation, there are still barriers to successful interventions. George Winter examines the challenges
We've explored… construction
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: July 2019

How nursery and Reception children at one setting have been thinking – and making – big. By Annette Rawstrone
New experiences Moving home
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: July 2019

How to prepare children for moving home, and how they might react to the change. By Annette Rawstrone
In silence
Authors: Russell Meredith Jones
Published: July 2019

What is sepsis and how can practitioners and parents spot the early warning signs? Meredith Jones Russell reports
Yum and yuck!
Authors: O'Connor Anne , Dickinson Kath
Published: July 2019

Taste and smell's development in young children, and advice on supporting those with sensory problems. By Anne O'Connor and Dr Kath Dickinson in the final part in this series
Natural curiosity
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: July 2019

Why environmental issues are best introduced in the early years – and how practitioners can do so. By Annette Rawstrone
Super structures
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: July 2019

Some nurseries are wearing their green credentials on their sleeve by using eco-friendly buildings. Annette Rawstrone reports
Waste not…
Authors: Morton Katy
Published: July 2019

Scrap stores are helping settings kill two birds with one stone by providing art and play resources that are cheap as well as sustainable and diverse. By Katy Morton
Non-sparse Companion Matrices
Authors: Deaett Louis , Fischer Jonathan , Garnett Colin , Vander Meulen Kevin
Published: July 2019

Given a polynomial $p(z)$, a companion matrix can be thought of as a simple template for placing the coefficients of $p(z)$ in a matrix such that the characteristic polynomial is $p(z)$. The Frobenius companion and the more recently-discovered Fiedler companion matrices are examples. Both the Frobenius and Fiedler companion matrices have the maximum possible number of zero entries, and in that sense are sparse. In this paper, companion matrices are explored that are not sparse. Some constructions of non-sparse companion matrices are provided, and properties that all companion matrices must exhibit are given. For example, it is shown that every companion matrix realization is non-derogatory. Bounds on the minimum number of zeros that must appear in a companion matrix, are also given.
Lisfranc fracture-dislocations: current management
Authors: Moracia-Ochagavía Inmaculada , Rodríguez-Merchán E. Carlos
Published: July 2019

It is essential to know and understand the anatomy of the tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint (Lisfranc joint) to achieve a correct diagnosis and proper treatment of the injuries that occur at that level. Up to 20% of Lisfranc fracture-dislocations go unnoticed or are diagnosed late, especially low-energy injuries or purely ligamentous injuries. Severe sequelae such as post-traumatic osteoarthritis and foot deformities can create serious disability. We must be attentive to the clinical and radiological signs of an injury to the Lisfranc joint and expand the study with weight-bearing radiographs or computed tomography (CT) scans. Only in stable lesions and in those without displacement is conservative treatment indicated, along with immobilisation and initial avoidance of weight-bearing. Through surgical treatment we seek to achieve two objectives: optimal anatomical reduction, a factor that directly influences the results; and the stability of the first, second and third cuneiform-metatarsal joints. There are three main controversies regarding the surgical treatment of Lisfranc injuries: osteosynthesis versus primary arthrodesis; transarticular screws versus dorsal plates; and the most appropriate surgical approach. The surgical treatment we prefer is open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with transarticular screws or with dorsal plates in cases of comminution of metatarsals or cuneiform bones.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4:430-444. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.180076