bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Serum Procalcitonin, Interleukin-6, and Fibrinogen Levels in Differential Diagnosis of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Infection
Authors: Korkmaz Pınar , Koçak Havva , Onbaşı Kevser , Biçici Polat , Özmen Ahmet , Uyar Cemile , Özatağ Duru Mıstanoğlu
Published: February 2018

Aims. We aimed to evaluate the roles of interleukin-6 (IL-6), PCT, and fibrinogen levels in the differential diagnosis of the patients with infected diabetic foot ulcer (IDFU) and noninfected diabetic foot ulcer (NIDFU) and to compare those with C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).Methods.Patients over 18 years with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and DFU who were followed up in our hospital between 1 January 2016 and 1 January 2017 were included in the study. In addition to this patient group, patients with diabetes but without DFU were determined as the control group.Results.Thirty-eight patients with IDFU, 38 patients with NIDFU, and 43 patients as the control group were included in the study. Fifty-six point three percent of the patients who participated in the study were males, and the mean age was 61.07 ± 11.04 years. WBC, ESR, CRP, IL-6, and fibrinogen levels of the cases with IDFU were determined to be significantly higher compared to the cases in NIDFU (p<0.01). The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) value was highest for CRP (0.998;p<0.001), and the best cut-off value for CRP was 28 m/L. The best cut-off values for fibrinogen, IL-6, ESR, and WBC were 480 mg/dL, 105.8 pg/mL, 31 mm/h, and 11.6 (103 μ/L), respectively.Conclusion.Serum PCT levels were not found to be effective in the discrimination of IDFU and NIDFU. Serum IL-6 and fibrinogen levels seem to be two promising inflammatory markers in the discrimination of IDFU.
Wahl des Zeitpunkts für die Rekonstruktion bei schweren mechanischen Augenverletzungen
Authors: Kuhn Ferenc
Published: February 2018

Schwere Traumata des Auges mit Beteiligung des posterioren Segments kommen häufig vor, und ihre ophthalmologische Versorgung stellt trotz der umfassenden technischen Fortschritte der letzten Jahre weiterhin eine erhebliche Herausforderung dar. Eine dieser Herausforderungen liegt darin, den optimalen Zeitpunkt für die endgültige Rekonstruktion einschließlich Vitrektomie zu bestimmen. Während recht klar auf der Hand liegt, dass der Nahtverschluss der Wunde bei einer offenen Bulbusverletzung schnellstmöglich durchzuführen ist, ist weniger klar, ob die Vitrektomie bei demselben Eingriff erfolgen sollte (primäre umfassende Rekonstruktion) oder zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt (mehrzeitiges Vorgehen) - und wenn, wie viel später. Im vorliegenden Bericht werden 4 Optionen für das mehrzeitige Vorgehen gezeigt: früh (Tag 2-4), verzögert (Tag 5-7), spät (Tag 8-14) und sehr spät (mehr als 2 Wochen). Je früher die Vitrektomie durchgeführt wird, desto höher ist das Risiko für intraoperative Komplikationen. Je später hingegen die Vitrektomie erfolgt, desto höher sind Inzidenz und Schwere von postoperativen Komplikationen, deren schwerwiegendste die proliferative Vitreoretinopathie ist. Übersetzung aus Ophthalmic Res 2014;51:67-72 (DOI:10.1159/000351635)
Elevated Faecal Calprotectin Levels are a Reliable Non-Invasive Screening Tool for Small Bowel Crohn’s Disease in Patients Undergoing Capsule Endoscopy
Authors: Yousuf Hamid , Aleem Umair , Egan Roisin , Maheshwari Pardeep , Mohamad Jafaar , McNamara Deidre
Published: February 2018

Background: Approximately 10% of Crohn’s disease (CD) patients have this disease affecting the small bowel (SB) beyond the reach of Ileo-colonoscopy. Capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is the recommended investigation for SB disease. An accurate and inexpensive biomarker would help identify at-risk patients. Aim: To examine the efficacy of faecal calprotectin (FC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as predictors of SBCE findings in suspected and known CD. Methods: A prospective observational study. Consecutive patients referred for SBCE gave FC and CRP samples. The diagnostic accuracy for SB CD based on SBCE result was calculated for both FC and CRP. Results: Of 100 invitees, FC and SBCE results were available in 64 cases. Correlation between FC >50 µg/g and SBCE result was poor К = 0.163; sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive values for ileitis were 60, 61, 32 and 83% respectively. PPV and specificity improved at FC >100 µg/g, 76 and 40%, correlation remained fair, К = 0.259. Receiver operating characteristic analysis had a sensitivity of 47% and specificity of 90% for FC >194 µg/g. CRP alone or in combination was an inaccurate predictor of ileitis. Conclusion: Our study suggests that FC level >194 µg/g may be a useful SBCE filter test, identifying patients at risk of SB CD.
Vitamin D and Its Role in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury
Authors: Stessman Lyndsey E. , Peeples Eric S.
Published: February 2018

Emerging evidence has demonstrated that vitamin D plays an important role in many adult neurologic disorders, but is also critical in neuronal development and pruning in the neonatal and pediatric populations. Neonates are at a particularly high risk of vitamin D deficiency, in part due to the high prevalence of maternal deficiency during pregnancy. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated that infants born to vitamin D-deficient mothers are at a high risk of developing neonatal brain injury, and recent clinical studies have shown that neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) tend to be vitamin D-deficient. There are limited data, however, on whether additional prenatal or postnatal supplementation may alter the prevalence or severity of neonatal HIE. This review examines the current data supporting the neuroprotective role of vitamin D, with a focus on how these findings may be translated to neonates with HIE.
Elbasvir/Grazoprevir, an Alternative in Antiviral Hepatitis C Therapy in Patients under Amiodarone Treatment
Authors: Weiss Lina , Wustmann Kerstin , Semmo Mariam , Schwerzmann Markus , Semmo Nasser
Published: February 2018

A sofosbuvir/ledipasvir combination is part of a first-line treatment of hepatitis C. However, in patients concurrently treated with amiodarone, cardiac side effects have been described, resulting in an official warning in 2015 by the American Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency when combining those substances. This deprived numerous hepatitis C patients with concurrent cardiovascular problems of receiving this highly effective treatment. Here we present a treatment alternative with an elbasvir/grazoprevir regimen, based on our successful treatment of a patient under concurrent amiodarone therapy. Our observations indicate that patients treated with amiodarone can finally benefit from effective antiviral therapy.
An Estimate of Attributable Cases of Alzheimer Disease and Vascular Dementia due to Modifiable Risk Factors: The Impact of Primary Prevention in Europe and in Italy
Authors: Mayer Flavia , Di Pucchio Alessandra , Lacorte Eleonora , Bacigalupo Ilaria , Marzolini Fabrizio , Ferrante Gianluigi , Minardi Valentina , Masocco Maria , Canevelli Marco , Di Fiandra Teresa , Vanacore Nicola
Published: February 2018

Background: Up to 53.7% of all cases of dementia are assumed to be due to Alzheimer disease (AD), while 15.8% are considered to be due to vascular dementia (VaD). In Europe, about 3 million cases of AD could be due to 7 potentially modifiable risk factors: diabetes, midlife hypertension and/or obesity, physical inactivity, depression, smoking, and low educational level. Aims: To estimate the number of VaD cases in Europe and the number of AD and VaD cases in Italy attributable to these 7 potentially modifiable risk factors. Methods: Assuming the nonindependence of the 7 risk factors, the adjusted combined population attributable risk (PAR) was estimated for AD and VaD. Results: In Europe, adjusted combined PAR was 31.4% for AD and 37.8% for VaD. The total number of attributable cases was 3,033,000 for AD and 873,000 for VaD. In Italy, assuming a 20% reduction of the prevalence of each risk factor, adjusted combined PAR decreased from 45.2 to 38.9% for AD and from 53.1 to 46.6% for VaD, implying a 6.4 and 6.5% reduction in the prevalence of AD and VaD, respectively. Conclusion: A relevant reduction of AD and VaD cases in Europe and Italy could be obtained through primary prevention.
Antithrombin Ⅲ is a Novel Predictor for Contrast Induced Nephropathy After Coronary Angiography
Authors: Wu Rui , Kong Yiwei , Yin Jianyong , Liang Rulian , Lu Zeyuan , Wang Niansong , Zhao Qing , Zhou Yang , Yan Chungen , Wang Feng , Liang Mingyu
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Antithrombin Ⅲ (AT Ⅲ) is an important endogenous anticoagulant and has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Low ATⅢ activity is considered to be a predictor of poor outcomes in several conditions, including acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery. However, the association between the ATⅢ level and the occurrence of contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) has not been elucidated. In this study, our aim was to identify the potential predictive value of ATⅢ for CIN. Methods: We enrolled a total of 460 patients who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) from January 2015 to December 2016 in coronary care units (CCU). ATⅢ activity in plasma collected before CAG was measured and <75% was considered low activity according to reference values. A cross-sectional study on CIN after CAG was conducted and the risk factors were analyzed. CIN was diagnosed according to the KDIGO guideline. Results: Of these 460 patients undergoing CAG, 125 (27.17%) progressed to CIN. The incidence of CIN was significantly higher in patients with low ATⅢ activity compared to patients with normal ATⅢ activity (Pearson’s chi-squared test P=0.002). As ATⅢ activity declined, the prevalence of CIN progressively increased, with the highest value (58.8%) in patients with an ATⅢ activity <60%. Moreover, the ATⅢ activity was significantly lower in CIN patients than in non-CIN patients (84.43±16.3% vs. 92.14±13.94%, P<0.001). After multivariable analysis, ATⅢ activity <75% remained a significant independent predictor of CIN (OR 2.207,95%CI [1.29-3.777]; P=0.004) as well as baseline serum creatinine (OR 1.009,95%CI [1.001-1.016]; P=0.026). Conclusions: Patients with low ATⅢ activity had a higher risk of developing CIN after CAG. The initial ATⅢ activity may be a novel independent predictor for CIN.
Lysophosphatidic Acid Induces Ligamentum Flavum Hypertrophy Through the LPAR1/Akt Pathway
Authors: Zhou Tangjun , Du Lin , Chen Chen , Han Chen , Li Xunlin , Qin An , Zhao Changqing , Zhang Kai , Zhao Jie
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Hypertrophic ligamentum flavum (LF) is a major cause of lumbar spinal stenosis. Our previous work showed that high levels of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) expression are positively correlated with LF hypertrophy. This study aimed to further unveil how LPA regulates LF hypertrophy Methods: We studied LPAR1 expression in human LF cells using PCR and western blotting. Cell viability cell cycle, apoptosis rate and molecular mechanisms were assayed in LPAR1 knockdown or overexpression LF cells. LF hypertrophy and the molecular mechanism was confirmed in human samples and in in vivo studies. Results: The expression of LPA and its receptor LPAR1 is significantly higher in tissues or cells harvested from hypertrophic LF compared to healthy controls. Moreover, LPA promoted LF cell proliferation by interacting with LPAR1. This conclusion is supported by the fact that depletion or overexpression of LPAR1 changed the effect of LPA on LF cell proliferation. LPA also inhibits apoptosis in LF cells through the receptor LPAR1. Importantly, we demonstrated that the LPA-LPAR1 interaction initiated Akt phosphorylation and determined cell proliferation and apoptosis. Our in vitro findings were supported by our in vivo evidence that lyophilized LPA significantly induced LF hypertrophy via the LPAR1-Akt signaling pathway. More importantly, targeted inhibition of LPAR1 by Ki16425 with a gel sponge implant effectively reduced LPA-associated LF hypertrophy. Taken together, these data indicate that LPA binds to the receptor LPAR1 to induce LF cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis by activating AKT signaling cascades. Targeting this signaling cascade with Ki16425 is a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing LF hypertrophy. Conclusion: LPA-LPAR1-Akt activation is positively correlated with the proliferation and survival of LF cells. LPAR1 could be a target for new drugs and the development of new therapeutic methods for treating LF hypertrophy.
Testing skin swabbing for DNA sampling in dendrobatid frogs
Authors: Ringler Eva
Published: February 2018

Skin swabbing, a minimally invasive DNA sampling method recently proposed for adult amphibians, was tested on the dendrobatid frog Allobates femoralis. I compared DNA yield from skin swabs and toe clips by evaluating obtained DNA concentrations and purity of extracts, as well as amplification success using eleven polymorphic microsatellite loci. I also tested whether storing skin swabs for two months at −20°C affected the properties of the extract or microsatellite analysis. Results show that skin swabs of adult A. femoralis suffered from high contamination and yielded significantly lower DNA quality and quantity, resulting in insufficient genotyping success, than DNA obtained from toe clips. The relatively dry skin in dendrobatid frogs may have impeded the collection of sufficient viable cells, and the presence of skin alkaloids and microbiota in the frog mucus may lead to high contamination load of skin swabs.
Stoneflies of the genus Zwicknia Murányi, 2014 (Plecoptera: Capniidae) from western Switzerland
Authors: REDING JEAN-PAUL G.
Published: February 2018

Le genre Zwicknia Murányi, de la famille des Capniidae, a récemment été proposé pour inclure Capnia bifrons (Newman), ce qui a rendu nécessaire la révision du matériel collecté en Suisse occidentale et identifié précédemment comme correspondant à cette espèce. Cette révision, qui a depuis abouti à la description d’une espèce nouvelle pour la science, Zwicknia ledoarei Reding et al., est maintenant complétée, permettant de signaler la présence de deux espèces supplémentaires, Z. bifrons et Z. westermanni Boumans & Murányi, la dernière nouvelle pour la Suisse. Des informations sur la distribution, les préférences écologiques, la zoogéographie et le statut de conservation de ces espèces en Suisse occidentale sont également apportées. Finalement, une clé d’identification pour les larves et les adultes mâles des espèces précitées est proposée.
First records of Archiconnus and Obesoconnus in Costa Rica (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: February 2018

The occurrence of the glandulariinae genera Obesoconnus and Archiconnus in Costa Rica is reported for the first time. Obesoconnus was previously known from Mexico and French Guyana; Obesoconnus costaricanus sp. n. fills the gap in the hitherto known distribution of this remarkable genus. Archiconnus was known only from the northern part of Peru (east of the Andes); Archiconnus limonensis sp. n. broadens the known genus range ~ 2000 km to north-west.
Rumors, Encounters, Collaborations, and Survival: The Migrant Smuggling–Drug Trafficking Nexus in the U.S. Southwest
Authors: Sanchez Gabriella E. , Zhang Sheldon X.
Published: February 2018

The violence afflicting the Mexican migration corridor has often been explained as resulting from the brutal takeover of migrant smuggling markets by organized crime, specifically Mexican drug trafficking organizations (DTOs). Through the testimonies of twenty-eight migrants who traveled with smuggling facilitators on their journeys into the United States and who interacted with drug traffickers during their transit, we argue that the metamorphosis taking place may be even more radical, involving the proliferation of actors with little or no criminal intent to operate along the migration trails. Far from market coalescence, the increasing flattening of criminal markets along the migration trail and the proliferation of individuals struggling to survive is the result of increasingly limited paths toward mobility and is not attributable to feared cartels or traficantes alone. The interactions among clandestine actors are not only likely to become more common but also to reflect flexibility and adaptation that hierarchical DTOs cannot explain.
Association of Preprocedural Hyperglycemia With Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury and Poor Outcomes After Emergency Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Lin Kai-Yang , Shang Xiu-Ling , Guo Yan-Song , Zhu Peng-Li , Wu Zhi-Yong , Jiang Hui , Ruan Jing-Ming , Zheng Wei-Ping , You Zhe-Bin , Lin Chun-Jin
Published: February 2018

We investigated whether preprocedural hyperglycemia was associated with contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) and long-term outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients (n = 558) with ACS who underwent emergency PCI were consecutively enrolled. Preprocedural hyperglycemia was defined as glucose levels >198 mg/dL (11 mmol/L). The primary outcome was CI-AKI (≥0.3 mg/dL absolute or ≥50% relative serum creatinine increase 48 hours after contrast medium exposure). Overall, 103 (18.5%) patients had preprocedural hyperglycemia and 89 (15.9%) patients developed CI-AKI. The incidence of CI-AKI was significantly higher in patients with hyperglycemia than without (28.2% vs 13.2%; P < .01). Multivariate analysis indicated that preprocedural hyperglycemia was an independent predictor of CI-AKI (odds ratio = 1.971, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.129-3.441; P < .05). In addition, preprocedural hyperglycemia was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality during the 2-year follow-up (hazard ratio = 2.440, 95% CI: 1.394-4.273; P = .002). Preprocedural hyperglycemia is a significant and independent predictor of CI-AKI and long-term outcomes.
Effects of Exposure to the Communities That Care Prevention System on Youth Problem Behaviors in a Community-Randomized Trial: Employing an Inverse Probability Weighting Approach
Authors: Rhew Isaac C. , Oesterle Sabrina , Coffman Donna , Hawkins J. David
Published: February 2018

Earlier intention-to-treat (ITT) findings from a community-randomized trial demonstrated effects of the Communities That Care (CTC) prevention system on reducing problem behaviors among youth. In ITT analyses, youth were analyzed according to their original study community’s randomized condition even if they moved away from the community over the course of follow-up and received little to no exposure to intervention activities. Using inverse probability weights (IPWs), this study estimated effects of CTC in the same randomized trial among youth who remained in their original study communities throughout follow-up. Data were from the Community Youth Development Study, a community-randomized trial of 24 small towns in the United States. A cohort of 4,407 youth was followed from fifth grade (prior to CTC implementation) to eighth grade. IPWs for one’s own moving status were calculated using fifth- and sixth-grade covariates. Results from inverse probability weighted multilevel models indicated larger effects for youth who remained in their study community for the first 2 years of CTC intervention implementation compared to ITT estimates. These effects included reduced likelihood of alcohol use, binge drinking, smokeless tobacco use, and delinquent behavior. These findings strengthen support for CTC as an efficacious system for preventing youth problem behaviors.
The Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Hurley Eoghan T. , Lim Fat Daren , Moran Cathal J. , Mullett Hannan
Published: February 2018

Background:

Basic science studies suggest that platelet-rich therapies have a positive effect on tendon repair. However, the clinical evidence is conflicted on whether this translates to increased tendon healing and improved functional outcomes.

Purpose:

To perform a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the literature to ascertain whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) improved patient outcomes in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Study Design:

Meta-analysis.

Methods:

Two independent reviewers performed the literature search based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, with a third author resolving any discrepancies. RCTs comparing PRP or PRF to a control in rotator cuff repair were included. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Jadad score. Clinical outcomes were compared using the risk ratio for dichotomous variables and the mean difference for continuous variables. A P value <.05 was deemed statistically significant.

Results:

Eighteen RCTs with 1147 patients were included in this review. PRP resulted in significantly decreased rates of incomplete tendon healing for all tears combined (17.2% vs 30.5%, respectively; P < .05), incomplete tendon healing in small-medium tears (22.4% vs 38.3%, respectively; P < .05), and incomplete tendon healing in medium-large tears (12.3% vs 30.5%, respectively; P < .05) compared to the control. There was a significant result in favor of PRP for the Constant score (85.6 vs 83.1, respectively; P < .05) and the visual analog scale score for pain at 30 days postoperatively (2.9 vs 4.3, respectively; P < .05) and at final follow-up (1.2 vs 1.4, respectively; P < .05) compared to the control. PRF did not result in a significantly decreased rate of incomplete tendon healing for all tears combined (23.0% vs 24.6%, respectively; P = .74) or an improved Constant score (80.8 vs 79.8, respectively; P = .27) compared to the control. PRF resulted in a significantly longer operation time (99.1 vs 83.3 minutes, respectively; P< .05) compared to the control.

Conclusion:

The current evidence indicates that the use of PRP in rotator cuff repair results in improved healing rates, pain levels, and functional outcomes. In contrast, PRF has been shown to have no benefit in improving tendon healing rates or functional outcomes.
Successfully treated necrotizing fasciitis using extracorporeal life support combined with hemoadsorption device and continuous renal replacement therapy
Authors: Eid Maroua , Fouquet Olivier , Darreau Cédric , Pierrot Marc , Kouatchet Achille , Mercat Alain , Baufreton Christophe
Published: February 2018

Introduction:

Necrotizing fasciitis represents a life-threatening infectious condition that causes spreading necrotisis of superficial fascia and subcutaneous cellular tissues. We describe the case of a patient diagnosed with septic and toxic shocks leading to multiple organ failure successfully treated with a combination of extracorporeal life support, continuous renal replacement therapy, and a hemoadsorption device.

Methods:

A 41-year-old patient presented with necrotizing fasciitis and multi-organ failure. Initial extracorporeal life support therapy was implanted, compensating for systolic failure. Due to acute renal failure that persisted in time, continuous renal replacement therapy was added. Despite these treatments and as a last attempt to control the septic condition, a CytoSorb® hemoadsorption device was installed in parallel to the extracorporeal life support circuit and two sessions were run.

Results:

During the days following CytoSorb® treatment, hemodynamic stabilization was observed, as well as normalization of lactic acidosis and blood parameters.

Conclusion:

This case describes the successful use of CytoSorb® with continuous renal replacement therapy and extracorporeal life support in a combined way to overcome a critical phase of septic shock in a young adult patient. This combination of treatments turned out to be efficient for this patient in the context of necrotizing fasciitis.
Evidence-Based Practices Provided in Teacher Education and In-Service Training Programs for Special Education Teachers of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Hsiao Yun-Ju , Sorensen Petersen Sara
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate to what extent the identified 25 evidence-based practices were provided in teacher education and in-service training programs for special education teachers of students with autism spectrum disorder. A total of 63 participants completed the online questionnaire. The number and percentage of responses in the type of training on each evidence-based practice and all 25 evidence-based practices (total) were reported. Overall, about 60% of the participants reported that the identified evidence-based practices were either taught through direct instruction or discussed in their teacher education programs and in-service professional development. Twenty percent of the identified evidence-based practices that were addressed (i.e., “mentioned and discussed” or “mentioned and taught through direct instruction”) or not addressed (i.e., “never mentioned and never taught” or “mentioned incidentally”) for participating teachers were the same in these two training programs. In total, these two training programs addressed only 40% of the identified practices.
Musical blending and creativity: An empirical evaluation of the CHAMELEON melodic harmonisation assistant
Authors: Zacharakis Asterios , Kaliakatsos-Papakostas Maximos , Tsougras Costas , Cambouropoulos Emilios
Published: February 2018

This article presents the CHAMELEON melodic harmonisation assistant that utilises the principles of conceptual blending theory as a means for the invention of hybrid or novel harmonic idioms and an empirical evaluation of a number of computer-generated melodic harmonisation blends. Melodies originating from various idioms were harmonised either according to the harmonic rules of the original idiom, according to the rules of a different idiom (melody–harmony blends), or by blending idioms, modes and transported versions of the same idiom (harmony–harmony blends). In two similar experimental set ups, the task of the listeners was to i) perform idiom, mode or type of chromaticism classification, ii) report their preference, and iii) rate the degree of expectancy characterising each harmonisation. The results show that harmonic blending (either melody–harmony or harmony–harmony) influences the identification of idiom, mode and type of chromaticism. This suggests that the harmonic blending system has indeed succeeded in producing perceivable blends under various conditions that were unexpected and also equally preferred compared to non-blends.
Not Mr. Mom: Navigating Discourses for Stay-at-Home Fathers
Authors: Snitker Aundrea
Published: February 2018

This study examines the ways men who identify as stay-at-home fathers in the United States ( N = 40) both resist and comply with traditional expectations of masculinities. Through the use of qualitative, in-depth interviews and analysis using grounded theory, participants discuss their desires to change gendered expectations around caregiving while continuing to partake in some of the power and privilege associated with masculinities. Associated contradictions are analyzed through participants’ discussions of the use of feminine terms such as “Mr. Mom” or babysitting, participating in mother-only spaces, and gendered expectations of caregiving. Actions of these stay-at-home fathers simultaneously challenge and affirm aspects of hegemonic masculinities. Although by staying home, in some ways, these stay-at-home fathers continue to challenge traditional gender expectations around caregiving, in many ways, they continue to benefit and affirm the power and privilege associated with masculinities.
Inflammatory Nodules Identify Steroid-Responsive Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Authors: Chen Jonathan H. , Deshpande Vikram
Published: February 2018

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a cholangiopathy—usually associated with inflammatory bowel disease—that leads to cirrhosis and liver failure. Based on a multitude of clinical trials, there is general consensus that PSC progression is unchanged by current therapies, including steroids. However, there are scattered reports in the literature of PSC patients responsive to steroids. Recently, several steroid-responsive PSC mimics have been described, most notably immunoglobulin G4–related sclerosing cholangitis. Following these discoveries, many assume that cases in the literature previously reported as steroid-responsive PSC would now be classified as one of these mimics. We reviewed liver biopsies and the medical histories of patients diagnosed with PSC with documented response to steroids. We identified 3 cases of steroid-responsive PSC in patients with inflammatory bowel disease that do not fit criteria of known PSC mimics. All 3 were adults (age range = 18-44 years) with inflammatory bowel disease, and included 2 males and 1 female. All 3 patients had abnormal liver function tests that normalized on prednisone. Histologically, these 3 cases share a common feature, hepatic fibroinflammatory nodules in a collagen-rich background. They lacked clinical, serologic, and histologic features of immunoglobulin G4–related sclerosing cholangitis. These cases suggest that fibroinflammatory nodules may identify a unique subset of PSC patients who are responsive to steroids.
Differences Between Sleep Logs and Actigraphy Combined With Electroencephalography in Adults With Sleep Disturbances
Authors: Chang En-Ting , Huang Chiung-Yu , Lai Hui-Ling
Published: February 2018

Background:

Actigraphy plus single-channel electroencephalography (EEG) has a high agreement with polysomnography and is considered a simple method for monitoring sleep at home. No studies, however, have evaluated its agreement with sleep logs.

Purpose:

A sleep log was compared to a single-channel EEG in adults with sleep disturbances. The determinants of the agreement between the two recording methods were explored.

Method:

This prospective comparison substudy included 71 participants aged 22–67 years sampled from a previous study of nonpharmacological therapy for sleep disturbances. The participants concurrently used a sleep log and a single-channel EEG machine for 6 days to measure their sleep at home. Total sleep time (TST) and sleep onset latency (SOL) were compared.

Results:

Correlations between measurements were .43 for TST ( p < .001) and .30 ( p < .01) for SOL. Bland–Altman analysis revealed that the mean bias between methods was 81.54 min (standard deviation [ SD] = 66.72 min) for TST and 5.58 min ( SD = 25.38 min) for SOL. SDs for both TST and SOL were higher for the sleep log than for EEG. A multivariate linear regression model demonstrated that age (standardized coefficient β = .42, p = .001) was a significant predictor of the mean difference in SOL measurements, accounting for 13.7% of the total variance in the mean difference.

Conclusion:

Sleep log and single-channel EEG sleep measures are distinct from one another, and age predicts the mean level of disagreement between the two measures in adults with sleep disturbances.
Primer in Genetics and Genomics, Article 6: Basics of Epigenetic Control
Authors: Fessele Kristen L. , Wright Fay
Published: February 2018

The epigenome is a collection of chemical compounds that attach to and overlay the DNA sequence to direct gene expression. Epigenetic marks do not alter DNA sequence but instead allow or silence gene activity and the subsequent production of proteins that guide the growth and development of an organism, direct and maintain cell identity, and allow for the production of primordial germ cells (PGCs; ova and spermatozoa). The three main epigenetic marks are (1) histone modification, (2) DNA methylation, and (3) noncoding RNA, and each works in a different way to regulate gene expression. This article reviews these concepts and discusses their role in normal functions such as X-chromosome inactivation, epigenetic reprogramming during embryonic development and PGC production, and the clinical example of the imprinting disorders Angelman and Prader–Willi syndromes.
An Exploration of the Determinants of Gestational Weight Gain in African American Women: Genetic Factors and Energy Expenditure
Authors: Meng Ying , Groth Susan W. , Stewart Patricia , Smith Joyce A.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) has a long-term impact on women’s body weight and contributes to the development of obesity in the mother and her child. Many risk factors for GWG have been identified, but to date, only 6–33.8% of the variance in GWG has been explained. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the overall variance of GWG that can be explained by including weight-adjusted resting metabolic rate (aRMR) and a genetic risk score constructed on obesity-related genes in addition to sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.

Methods:

In this observational study involving 55 African American women, data collected/measured during pregnancy included sociodemographic factors, medical information, lifestyle factors, aRMR, and seven obesity-related genes. Multivariable linear regression was performed to evaluate the variance in GWG explained by the potential risk factors listed above.

Results:

The mean GWG was 15 kg (±7.5 kg), and 63.6% of women gained more than the Institute of Medicine’s GWG recommendations. The final regression model explained 53.3% of the variance in GWG. Higher genetic risk score, lower aRMR, and higher dietary intake of total energy and percentage of fat were significantly associated with increased GWG ( p < .05). These factors explained 18% additional variance in GWG over that explained by significant sociodemographic and lifestyle factors in the analysis (i.e., maternal age, prepregnancy body mass index, parity, illegal drug use, and education).

Conclusion:

Overall, our results indicate that the genetic risk score, aRMR, and dietary intake have a substantial impact on GWG in African American women.
Pilot Study of Metabolomics and Psychoneurological Symptoms in Women With Early Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Lyon Debra E. , Starkweather Angela , Yao Yingwei , Garrett Timothy , Kelly Debra Lynch , Menzies Victoria , Dereziński Paweł , Datta Susmita , Kumar Sreelakshmy , Jackson-Cook Colleen
Published: February 2018

Many women with breast cancer experience symptoms of pain, fatigue, and depression, collectively known as psychoneurologic (PN) symptoms, during and after chemotherapy treatment. Evidence that inflammatory dysfunction related to cancer and its treatments contributes to the development and persistence of PN symptoms through several interrelated pathways is accumulating. However, a major limiting factor in more precisely identifying the biological mechanisms underlying these symptoms is the lack of biological measures that represent a holistic spectrum of biological responses. Metabolomics allows for examination of multiple, co-occurring metabolic pathways and provides a systems-level perspective on biological mechanisms that may contribute to PN symptoms.

Methods:

In this pilot study, we performed serum metabolome analysis using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry of global and targeted metabolomics from the tryptophan pathway from archived samples from 19 women with early-stage breast cancer. We used paired t tests to compare metabolite concentrations and Pearson’s correlation coefficients to examine concomitant changes in metabolite concentrations and PN symptoms before and after chemotherapy.

Results:

Levels of pain, fatigue, and depression increased after chemotherapy. Compared with pre-chemotherapy, global metabolites post-chemotherapy were characterized by higher concentrations of acetyl-l-alanine and indoxyl sulfate and lower levels of 5-oxo-l-proline. Targeted analysis indicated significantly higher kynurenine levels and kynurenine/tryptophan ratios post-chemotherapy. Symptoms of pain and fatigue had strong associations with multiple global and several targeted metabolites.

Conclusion:

Results demonstrated that metabolomics may be useful for elucidating biological mechanisms associated with the development and severity of PN symptoms, specifically pain and fatigue, in women with early-stage breast cancer.
Is It the Age at Disease Onset or the Disease Radiological Severity That Affects Cervical Spine Involvement in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Authors: Abozaid Hanan Sayed M , El-din Hassan Reham Alaa , Elmadany Waleed A , Ismail Mohamed Aly , Elgendy Dalia S , Elsayed Sahar A , Gamal Rania M , Daifallah Osama S , Abu Alfadl Esam M
Published: February 2018

Background:

Cervical spine involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can cause pain and disability, with a variety of neurologic signs and symptoms.

Objectives:

To investigate the relationship between structural cervical spine involvement in patients with RA with the age at disease onset and the degree of radiologic severity of RA measured by Larsen scoring.

Patients and methods:

This cross-sectional study included 50 adult patients with RA. Patients who complained or not complained from symptoms of cervical spine involvement in RA were included; we did X-ray of the cervical spine, hands, and feet; Larsen scoring method; disease activity score (DAS28); and Neck Disability Index.

Results:

The results revealed that patients with cervical involvement tend to be younger at their disease onset than those with no cervical involvement, as detected by cervical X-ray. The relation was significant P < .05 regarding all cervical involvements except for basilar invagination. Disease radiological severity (measured by Larsen score) significantly increases the risk for subaxial subluxation, P = .040. All other cervical complications of RA tend to have nonsignificant relation with disease severity. Using univariate binary regression analysis for risk factors for cervical involvement showed that the only probable risk factor for cervical involvement (detected by X-ray) in patients with RA is age at disease onset.

Conclusions:

The early age at disease onset tends to affect cervical spine involvement in patients with RA more than the disease radiological severity.
The Scandinavian far-right and the new politicisation of heritage
Authors: Niklasson Elisabeth , Hølleland Herdis
Published: February 2018

The past 30 years have witnessed a radical shift in European politics, as new far-right wing parties have entered national parliaments. Driven by discontent, fear and the notion of cultural struggle, they have gradually come to twist the political conversation around their core issues. For many far-right parties, cultural heritage is one such issue. While this ought to put them on the radar of scholars studying heritage politics, the topic of far-right heritage policy remains largely unexplored. This article seeks to ignite this field of enquiry by taking a closer look at what far-right heritage policies actually look like. Focus is set on three Scandinavian far-right parties with seats in national parliaments: the Danish People’s Party, the Progress Party in Norway and the Sweden Democrats. By examining the notion of heritage put forth in their party manifestos and the heritage priorities expressed in their parliamentary budget proposals, we consider the weight of their rhetoric.
Insulin resistance in an animal model of polycystic ovary disease is aggravated by vitamin D deficiency: Vascular consequences
Authors: Hadjadj Leila , Várbíró Szabolcs , Horváth Eszter Mária , Monori-Kiss Anna , Pál Éva , Karvaly Gellért Balázs , Heinzlmann Andrea , Magyar Attila , Szabó István , Sziva Réka Eszter , Benyó Zoltán , Buday Mariann , Nádasy György László
Published: February 2018

Hyperandrogenic state in females is accompanied with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and vascular pathologies. A total of 67%–85% of hyperandrogenic women suffer also from vitamin D deficiency. We aimed to check a potential interplay between hyperandrogenism and vitamin D deficiency in producing insulin resistance and effects on coronary resistance arteries. Adolescent female rats were divided into four groups, 11–12 animals in each. Transdermal testosterone-treated and vehicle-treated animals were kept either on vitamin D-deficient or on vitamin D-supplemented diet for 8 weeks. Plasma sexual steroid, insulin, leptin and vitamin D plasma levels were measured, and oral glucose tolerance test was performed. In coronary arterioles, insulin receptor and vitamin D receptor expressions were tested by immunohistochemistry, and insulin-induced relaxation was measured in vitro on isolated coronary resistance artery segments. Testosterone impaired glucose tolerance, and it diminished insulin relaxation but did not affect the expression of insulin and vitamin D receptors in vascular tissue. Vitamin D deficiency elevated postprandial insulin levels and homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance. It also diminished insulin-induced coronary arteriole relaxation, while it raised the expression of vitamin D and insulin receptors in the endothelial and medial layers. Our conclusion is that both hyperandrogenism and vitamin D deficiency reduce sensitivity of coronary vascular tissue to insulin, but they do it with different mechanisms.
Psychological Safety Climate as a Human Resource Development Target: Effects on Workers Functioning Through Need Satisfaction and Thwarting
Authors: Huyghebaert Tiphaine , Gillet Nicolas , Lahiani Fadi-Joseph , Dubois-Fleury Amandine , Fouquereau Evelyne
Published: February 2018

The Problem

This article seeks to identify a new lever to act on employee burnout, work–family conflict (WFC), affective commitment to the organization (ACO), and work engagement. It examines whether psychosocial safety climate (PSC) can affect these outcomes. Furthermore, this empirical article addresses the psychological mechanisms that could explain such effects, and explores the mediating role of need satisfaction and need thwarting in these relationships.

The Solution

We conducted a study to examine whether need satisfaction and thwarting mediated the effects of PSC on burnout, WFC, ACO, and work engagement. Results from structural equation modeling revealed that the effects of PSC on employee adaptive and maladaptive functioning were partially mediated by psychological need satisfaction and thwarting, respectively.

The Stakeholders

Implications for human resource development (HRD) are offered, including recommendations to promote PSC and foster need satisfaction, while preventing experiences conducive to need thwarting.
Ultrasound Diagnosis of a Temporal Artery Aneurysm
Authors: Shutze Ryan , Hund Twyla , Shutze William
Published: February 2018

Superficial temporal artery aneurysms (STAA) are rare, almost always post traumatic, and their diagnosis can be challenging. When a middle aged man presented with a gradually enlarging non-pulsatile left fronto-temporal artery mass we were able to make a diagnosis of STAA using ultrasonography as well as confirm its resolution later following spontaneous thrombosis of the aneurysm.
Dynamic response for shock loadings and stress analysis of a trajectory correcting fuse based on fuse–projectile–barrel coupling
Authors: Hui Jianghai , Gao Min , Li Xinpeng
Published: February 2018

This paper creates a fuse–projectile–barrel coupling model and conducts an implicit–explicit sequential finite element dynamic simulation to analyze the response of the components in ammunition to shock loadings during the whole launch process accurately. The engraving process continues at 3.05 ms and leads to the acceleration fluctuation of the fuse bearings. The deflection of the gun barrel due to gravity at 52 degrees quadrant elevation (QE) is acquired. Then the displacement and velocity of the projectile are obtained to verify the gun tube deflection. The bearing axial and radial acceleration in the fuse are depicted. The results indicate that the axial acceleration imposed on the bearings during launch is a major loading, and base pressure and pressure dissipation result in shock loadings on the bearings. The accelerated spin and collision of the projectile with the barrel produce centrifugal inertia force and gyroscopic coupling, which influence the radial acceleration. In addition to this, a calculation method is proposed to work out the maximal contact stress of the bearing’s components. The method is combined with the bearings’ components maximal acceleration from simulation. The results of the research prove that the calculation method is correct and credible. The research conclusions provide some reference for the structural design of a trajectory correcting fuse.
Comparative Study of Internal Fixation of the Ulna and Distal Ulna Resection in Patients Older Than 70 Years With Distal Radius and Distal Metaphyseal Ulna Fractures
Authors: Boretto Jorge G. , Zaidenberg Ezequiel E. , Gallucci Gerardo L. , Sarme Alejandro , De Carli Pablo
Published: February 2018

Background: Acute management of fractures of the distal ulna that are associated with fractures of the distal radius remains difficult, particularly in the elderly. Methods: In this study, we investigated whether internal fixation of the distal ulna is associated with a higher rate of complications than resection of the distal ulna in patients older than 70 years. Twenty-four consecutive patients were included in this study, 12 of whom had undergone open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the distal ulna, and 12 who had undergone distal ulna resection. Patients were retrospectively assessed for range of motion, grip strength, pain, and radiographic appearance. The functional outcome was evaluated by the Mayo Wrist Score. Complications were classified according to the Classification of Surgical Complications. Results: There were no differences in patient demographics between the 2 groups, except patient age. Clinical evaluation showed no difference at follow-up; however, there were significantly more complications associated with ORIF compared with resection. Conclusions: The results from our study show that women older than 70 years with fracture of the distal radius and distal ulna have a higher rate of complications if ORIF of the distal ulna is performed. Patients should be warned, by surgeons, of this in cases where ORIF of the distal ulna is suggested.