bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Long-Term Survival of a Patient With Stage IV Renal Cell Carcinoma Following an Integrative Treatment Approach Including the Intravenous α-Lipoic Acid/Low-Dose Naltrexone Protocol
Authors: Berkson Burton M. , Calvo Riera Francisco
Published: December 2017

In this case report, we describe the treatment of a 64-year-old male patient diagnosed with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in June of 2008. In spite of a left nephrectomy and the standard oncological protocols, the patient developed a solitary left lung metastasis that continued to grow. He was informed that given his diagnosis and poor response to conventional therapy, any further treatment would, at best, be palliative. The patient arrived at the Integrative Medical Center of New Mexico in August of 2010. He was in very poor health, weak, and cachectic. An integrative program—developed by one of the authors using intravenous (IV) α-lipoic acid, IV vitamin C, low-dose naltrexone, and hydroxycitrate, and a healthy life style program—was initiated. From August 2010 to August 2015, the patient’s RCC with left lung metastasis was followed closely using computed tomography and positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging. His most recent positron emission tomography scan demonstrated no residual increased glucose uptake in his left lung. After only a few treatments of IV α-lipoic acid and IV vitamin C, his symptoms began to improve, and the patient regained his baseline weight. His energy and outlook improved, and he returned to work. The patient had stable disease with disappearance of the signs and symptoms of stage IV RCC, a full 9 years following diagnosis, with a gentle integrative program, which is essentially free of side effects. As of November 2017 the patient feels well and is working at his full-time job.
Comparative Study of NOTES Versus Endoscopic Ultrasound Gastrojejunostomy in Pigs: A Prospective Study
Authors: Ungureanu Bogdan Silviu , Pătrașcu Ștefan , Drăgoescu Alice , Nicolau Carmen , Copăescu Cătălin , Șurlin Valeriu , Săftoiu Adrian
Published: December 2017

Background. Surgical gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJJ) is considered the standard palliative option for gastric outlet obstruction. The use of endoscopic GJJ has generated a lot of attention and has enlarged the horizon for patients with open surgery contraindications. Our study aimed to assess and compare 2 purely endoscopic GJJ approaches using a lumen-apposing hot tip double-flanged metal stent, with focus on technical and clinical success rates on experimental animals. Methods. Two endoscopic GJJ techniques using a double-flanged self-expandable metal stent were compared on 8 pigs. Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) was used on 4 pigs, while the other group was subjected to an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) balloon-guided approach. Results. On a 21-day follow-up, both EUS and NOTES-GJJ were technically successful in all experimental animals, and necropsy confirmed full integrity of the anastomosis. Adhesions were confirmed only on 2 pigs after NOTES procedure. The mean time for GJJ-NOTES completion was 31.375 ± 2.03, whereas EUS-GJJ was completed with a median time of 20.275 ± 0.65. The stent distance from the stomach varied; in NOTES-GJJ it was 47.8 ± 11.13 cm away from the pylorus, whereas in EUS-GJJ was at 37 ± 1.85 cm. Conclusion. No major complications were encountered during both procedures. EUS-GJJ balloon-guided approach might be a more attractive technique by using sonographic guidance, because of less endoscopic instrument changing as well as in achieving the desired anastomotic distance.
A Review of Small Screen and Internet Technology–Induced Pathology as a Lifestyle Determinant of Health and Illness
Authors: Stevens John , Egger Garry
Published: December 2017

Most advances in humanity have been related to the discovery or introduction of new innovations and/or technology. There should be no suggestion that all technology is pathological or that major advances in health, science, and well-being have not come from industrial and technological advances. However, just like the invention of the wheel would have no doubt caused people to be injured and modern lifesaving medicines can have side effects, modern technology can have a downside, which needs to be recognized. This article explores some of the pathologies linked to small screen and internet technologies (personal computers, communication devices, and the internet). The uptake and impact of this set of technologies is pivotal in redefining our lifestyle behaviors and environment: the way we work, shop, seek entertainment, communicate, socialize, reproduce, interact with the environment, and seek information.
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Rollino C. , Massara C. , Besso L. , Marcuccio C. , Manganaro M. , Bertero T. , Montaruli B. , Beltrame G. , Ferro M. , Quattrocchio G. , Elia F. , Quarello F.
Published: December 2017

An increase in mortality due to accelerated atherosclerosis has been reported in patients affected with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPA) may play a pathogenetic role in the development of atherosclerosis. We measured carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), as a surrogate parameter of atherosclerosis, by B-mode ultrasound examination in 42 patients affected with SLE (11 men and 31 women) and in 42 healthy age- and sex-matched subjects. Lupus Anticoagulant (LA) (APTT sensitive, silica clotting time, DRVVT), Anti-cardiolipin antibodies (ACA) IgG and IgM, anti-β2glycoprotein 1 (anti-β2GP1) IgG and IgM and anti-prothrombin (anti-PT) IgG and IgM in ELISA (Orgentec Bouty) were also detected. IMT was 0.538±0.128 mm (0.310–0.866 mm) in SLE vs 0.473±0.084 mm in healthy subjects (-p 0.003–). IMT correlated with patients’ age (p<0.005) and with C Reactive Protein (CRP) (p<0.005), but not with years of disease, hypertension, number of anti-hypertensive drugs, total cholesterol, serum creatinine and proteinuria. Sixteen patients (38%) had aPL: 12 LA, 6 ACA IgG, 4 ACA IgM, 4 anti-β2GP1 IgG, 3 anti-β2GP1 IgM, 2 anti-PT IgG and 1 anti-PT IgM. IMT was not statistically correlated with aPA. Positive and negative aPA patients only differed as regards glomerular filtration rate (76 ml/min vs 113 ml/min - p<0.01–). Frequency of aPA positivity was 50% in Patients with IMT >0.600 mm and 33.3% in those with IMT <0.600 mm. If LA positivity was considered separately, it was 41.6% in patients with IMT >0.600 mm and 23.3% in patients with IMT <0.600 mm. Among the 5 patients with IMT >0.7 mm, 2 had LA positivity (40%) vs 10/37 (27%) of those with minor carotid thickness. In conclusion, IMT, a surrogate parameter of atherosclerosis, was correlated with Patients’ age and CRP and not with presence of aPA, even though, in the group of patients with greater IMT, there was a non-significant higher proportion of positivity for anti-phospholipid antibodies, in particular for Lupus Anticoagulant.
Physicochemical Characterization of Exhaust Particulates from Gasoline and Diesel Engines by Solid-Phase Micro Extraction Sampling and Combined Raman Microspectroscopic/Fast Gas-Chromotography Mass Spectrometry Analysis
Authors: Pacenti M. , Lofrumento C. , Dugheri S. , Zoppi A. , Borsi I. , Speranza A. , Boccalon P. , Arcangeli G. , Antoniucci A. , Castellucci E.M. , Cupelli V.
Published: December 2017

Ambient Particulate Matter (PM) has been shown to be associated with cardiopulmonary diseases and lung cancer. Several groups of investigators have shown that the size of the airborne particles and their surface area determine the potential to elicit inflammatory injury and other mechanisms of adverse cellular effects. Because traffic is an important source of PM, it seems obvious that physicochemical characterization of vehicles exhaust emission has an important impact on both quantitative and qualitative aspects of ambient PM. In the present study the exhaust emissions of 8 vehicles of different categories were analyzed to attempt to differentiate them. For such purpose the particulate was collected on SPME fibers exposed to the exhaust emission for 150 s. The particulate was first characterized by micro-Raman spectroscopy and then subjected to Fast Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analyses for the chemical identification of the Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) compounds, the organic fraction of particulate matter in air pollution with a major role in the toxicity, notably via its effects on inflammation. Both the particle count and the PAHs compositional data were assembled to be interpreted by Principal Components Analysis. This multivariate analysis grouped the data according mainly to the naphthalene amount, as well as the volume concentration of the particles smaller than 0.5 μm, suggesting that the different exhaust emissions could be easily differentiated. With this new methodology, future research should aim at establishing a mechanism of formation during internal engine combustion processes in order to obtain a clearer picture of the inflammatory and carcinogenic mechanisms of PM in the lungs.
The Role of Molecular Chaperones (Hspas/Hsp70S) in Oral Health and Oral Inflammatory Diseases: A Review
Authors: Fábián T.K. , Gótai L. , Beck A. , Fábián G. , Fejérdy P.
Published: December 2017

Heat shock proteins of the 70kDa family (HSPAs/HSP70s) are major molecular chaperones and cytokines of most cells and microbes, extracellular and interstitial fluids, blood, synovial fluids and secretory body fluids like saliva. The induction of human HSPAs plays an important role at cellular level under most stress conditions; whereas microbial HSPAs improve microbial tolerance to environmental changes, and improve virulence and resistance against antimicrobial peptides. Extracellular HSPAs reveal cytoprotective properties and are involved in numerous physiological and pathological events, including modulation of cytokine release and immunity. Accordingly, HSPAs play a role in the maintenance of pulpal health, and the repair of injured dental hard tissues. HSPAs also play a role in stress adaptation of periodontal tissues, and in the maintenance of periodontal and mucosal health including defense against microbes, prevention of mucosal allergic reactions, and facilitation of healing of ulcers and wounds. Despite their advantageous effects maintaining health of several oral tissues, HSPAs are likely to play a role in the disadvantageous amplification of pulpal inflammatory response to bacteria, and in the formation of several periapical inflammatory lesions. HSPAs may also induce gingivitis under certain conditions, and play a role in the progression of periodontal bone defects. HSPAs may also play a role in atopic-type allergic reactions, autoimmune disorders, and haptenation in certain cases. Based on the above data, it can be assumed that HSPAs play an important role in oral defense under healthy conditions; however, their role is somewhat “Janus-faced” under pathological conditions.
Effect of Yoghurt on the Cytokine Profile using a Murine Model of Intestinal Inflammation
Authors: De Moreno De Leblanc A. , Chaves S. , Perdigón G.
Published: December 2017

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are important problems in industrialized countries. The complete aetiology of both diseases is still unknown but likely involves genetic, environmental and immunological factors. The aim of this work is to study the anti-inflammatory mechanisms reported for yoghurt in a colon cancer model in order to evaluate its usefulness in the treatment of intestinal inflammation such as Crohn's disease. A trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis model was used. The influence of yoghurt feeding was studied before and after TNBS inoculation. The effect on the intestinal microbiota and on the host immune response was evaluated. IgA-producing cells and cells positive for specific cytokines (IL-12, IL-17, IFNγ and IL-10) were analyzed. Yoghurt administration diminished the severity of inflammation in the TNBS-inoculated mice. This effect occurred mainly through IL-10, which was increased in the intestinal tissues throughout the study, and by the decrease observed in IL-17 and IL-12 levels. In addition to this immunomodulatory capacity, another mechanism by which yoghurt could exert the anti-inflammatory activity observed in our model would be through beneficial changes in the intestinal microbiota (increases in the bifidobacteria and lactobacilli populations). These changes in the intestinal microbiota could also be considered one of the causes of the intestinal inflammation reduction. These results show that yoghurt administration modulated the immune response, inducing down regulation of the inflammatory cytokines produced by the immune cells involved in the inflammatory process. The protective effect
Behçet's Disease and Etanercept: Eighty Weeks of Experience
Authors: Kroegler B. , Di Muzio G. , Giovannangeli F. , De Mattia M. , Perricone C. , Perricone R.
Published: December 2017

Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory disease that involves multiple organs. Besides standard therapy, some patients with severe, non-responding disease experienced therapeutic blockage of the activity of TNF with encouraging results. We report the case of a patient affected with BD refractory to Ciclosporin, azathioprine and corticosteroid therapy with orogenital ulcerations, optic nerve ischemia, arthritis and erythema nodosum. The patient was treated with etanercept, a TNF-α blocker, 25 mg twice a week. From the second administration of etanercept, the patient showed an improvement in oral and genital ulcers, of erythema nodosum, and in visual acuity. ESR and CRP also showed a dramatic reduction returning to normal, and after eight weeks immunosuppressive therapy could be discontinued because of complete remission of oral-genital ulcers and of erythema nodosum. From week 24 to the last control carried out at week 80, the patient showed clinical and laboratory disease remission. Etanercept long-term therapy was demonstrated to be safe and effective in our patient with refractory BD, and allowed to spare steroids and other immunosuppressive drugs, thus preventing the related side-effects.
Relationship between Responses to Bronchodilation Testing and to Nasal Decongestion Testing in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Alone
Authors: Ciprandi G. , Pistorio A. , Tosca M.A. , Cirillo I. , Marseglia G.L.
Published: December 2017

A remarkable relationship exists between upper and lower airways. Bronchial obstruction is a paramount feature of asthma as well as nasal obstruction of allergic rhinitis (AR). This study aims to evaluate the response to both bronchodilation and decongestion testing and their relationships in a large group of patients with moderate-severe persistent AR alone. Two hundred eleven patients with moderate-severe persistent AR were prospectively and consecutively evaluated. Clinical examination, skin prick test, spirometry, bronchodilation test, rhinomanometry, and decongestion test were performed on all patients. Seventeen subjects (8%) did not respond to any of the tests, 55 subjects (26.1%) were responders only to the decongestion test, 31 (14.7%) only to the bronchodilation test, and 108 subjects (51.2%) responded to both these tests. Longer AR duration was significantly associated with positive response to both tests (p<0.01). In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence that patients with moderate-severe persistent AR may frequently show reversibility to both bronchodilation and decongestion tests.
Effects on Plasmatic Androstenedione in Female Workers Exposed to Urban Stressors
Authors: Tomei G. , Sancini A. , Cerratti D. , Fiaschetti M. , Anzani M.F. , Ciarrocca M. , Rosati M.V. , Tomao E. , Giubilati R. , Pimpinella B. , Tomei F.
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether occupational exposure to urban stressors can cause alterations on androstenedione plasma levels and related diseases in female traffic police compared to a control group. The research was carried out on an initial sample of 468 female workers (209 traffic police and 259 controls). After excluding the subjects with confounding factors, 192 female subjects: 96 traffic police and 96 controls were included in the study. Traffic police and controls were matched by age, length of service, body mass index, alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking habits, habitual consumption of Italian coffee, and habitual intake of soy and liquorice in diet. The results show that the percentage of subjects with fertility and mental health disorders were no different between traffic police and controls. Mean androstenedione values were significantly higher in female traffic police compared to controls. The distribution into classes of androstenedione values in traffic police was statistically significant. The percentage of traffic police with fertility and mental health disorders were not significant compared to controls. Our results suggest that the occupational exposure to urban stressors could alter plasma androstenedione levels in female traffic police. According to our previous research all the hormonal parameters studied, including androstenedione, could be used as early biological markers of chronic exposure to urban stressors, usable in occupational sets.
Chronic Kidney Disease and Inflammation: Role of +896A/G Pro-Inflammatory Polymorphism of TLR4 Gene and Δ32 Deletion of CCR5 Gene
Authors: Balistreri C.R. , Vecchi M. Li , Iatrino R. , Caruso M. , Incalcaterra E. , Caruso C. , Candore G.
Published: December 2017

Chronic inflammation seems implicated in the pathophysiology of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) and the development of its complications, such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Genes encoding inflammatory molecules are, hence, good candidates for CVD risk in haemodialysis patients (HD). We therefore evaluated whether +896A/G TLR4 polymorphism and CCR5A32 deletion are risk factors for CKD and CVD. We examined the two gene variants in 72 HD patients and in 125 controls from Sicily. No significant differences in the genotype distribution and allele frequencies of the two gene variants were observed between patients and controls. The same results were obtained by analysing the combined effect of the two proinflammatory (+896ATLR4 and wt CCR5) alleles. However, the high responder proinflammatory (+896A+TLR4/wt+CCR5) genotype seems to be a possible independent risk factor for CVD development in HD patients. Our results suggest that HD patients with a high responder pro-inflammatory genotype have an increase CVD risk.
‘Mere Lookers-On at Life’: Point of View and Spectator Narrative
Authors: Eriks Cline Lauren
Published: December 2017

This essay develops a new approach to print narratives about theatregoing during the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Immensely popular with contemporary readers, theatrical memoirs and diaries have been a boon to theatre historians of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries; but these texts have more often been studied in spite of their subjective perspectives than because of them. Building on work in theatre historiography and audience studies, this essay seeks to transform the spectator’s discursive acts of shaping, framing, and stressing from an obstacle into an opportunity. In order to resituate historical spectator narratives in a wider narrative context, I read diaries and essays by Henry Crabb Robinson and Lady Maud Tree in conversation with Charlotte Brontë’s fictional scenes of spectatorship in Villette. This intertextual approach, I suggest, yields a more complete understanding of how different points of view facilitated claims about performance. In particular, I explore how gender affected point of view. While male reviewers and diarists often employ a disinterested narrative persona that de-emphasises their own bodies, I argue that many actress autobiographies craft an alternative form of narrative authority that makes use of the limitations of embodiment – qualities like immobility, bodily sensation, and circumscribed vision.
Antimicrobial stewardship and pre-registration student nurses: Evaluation of teaching
Authors: McEwen Jo , Burnett Emma
Published: December 2017

Background:

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health concern. It is therefore imperative that healthcare professionals receive ongoing and relevant education and training to ensure they are competent in contributing to antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). At present, few undergraduate nursing programmes include AMS within their curriculum.

Objective:

The aim of the evaluation was to determine the relevancy of AMS within the undergraduate nursing programme through the perceptions of student nurses.

Methods:

A survey questionnaire was used to obtain undergraduate perceptions of AMS and the relevance to them and their clinical practice.

Results:

Our evaluation of this educational programme demonstrated that providing AMS education to undergraduate student nurses raises awareness of current challenges around AMR and reinforces the vital role nurses play in enhancing AMS and infection prevention and control.

Discussion:

This evaluation and current literature demonstrate a necessity for AMS to be embedded throughout undergraduate nursing education. Additionally, there is also a requirement to develop clear educational pathways in AMS to ensure continued professional development and contribute towards the advancement of the nursing role in AMS. By doing so, we will continue to build capacity and capability for the future delivery of healthcare.
Recipes for simulated vomitus
Authors: Su Yu-Min , Jones Rachael M
Published: December 2017

We developed and demonstrated the stability of recipes for simulated vomitus for use in experiments characterizing occupational exposures to body fluid during simulated healthcare activities. The recipes can be easily adapted to make other simulated bodily fluids at low costs and surrogates added to facilitate detection.
Atezolizumab: feasible second-line therapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer? A review of efficacy, safety and place in therapy
Authors: Jean Fanny , Tomasini Pascale , Barlesi Fabrice
Published: December 2017

Advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) prognosis is still poor and has recently been reformed by the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors and the approval of anti-PD-1 (programmed cell-death 1) treatments such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab in second line. More recently, atezolizumab (MDPL 3280A), a programmed cell-death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor, was also studied in this setting. Here, we report a review of the literature assessing the efficacy, safety, and place of atezolizumab in the second-line treatment of advanced NSCLC. We performed a literature search of PubMed, American Society of Clinical Oncology, European Society of Medical Oncology and World Conference on Lung Cancer meetings. Atezolizumab showed a good tolerance profile and efficacy in comparison with docetaxel for second-line treatment of advanced NSCLC. Potential predictive biomarkers also have to be assessed.
Dynamic polarity lexicon acquisition for advanced Social Media analytics
Authors: Basili Roberto , Croce Danilo , Castellucci Giuseppe
Published: December 2017

Social media analytics tool aims at eliciting information and knowledge about individuals and communities, as this emerges from the dynamics of interpersonal communications in the social networks. Sentiment analysis (SA) is a core component of this process as it focuses onto the subjective levels of this knowledge, including the agreement/rejection, the perception, and the expectations by which individual users socially evolve in the network. Analyzing user sentiments thus corresponds to recognize subjective opinions and preferences in the texts they produce in social contexts, gather collective evidence across one or more communities, and trace some inferences about the underlying social phenomena. Automatic SA is a complex process, often enabled by hand-coded dictionaries, called polarity lexicons, that are intended to capture the a priori emotional aspects of words or multiword expressions. The development of such resources is an expensive, and, mainly, language and task-dependent process. Resulting polarity lexicons may be inadequate at fully covering Social Media phenomena, which are intended to capture global communities. In the area of SA over Social Media, this article presents an unsupervised and language independent method for inducing large-scale polarity lexicons from a specific but representative medium, that is, Twitter. The model is based on a novel use of Distributional Lexical Semantics methodologies as these are applied to Twitter. Given a set of heuristically annotated messages, the proposed methodology transfers the known sentiment information of subjective sentences to individual words. The resulting lexical resource is a large-scale polarity lexicon whose effectiveness is measured with respect to different SA tasks in English, Italian, and Arabic. Comparison of our method with different Distributional Lexical Semantics paradigms confirms the beneficial impact of our method in the design of very accurate SA systems in several natural languages.
Successful Return to Sport Following Distal Femoral Varus Osteotomy
Authors: Voleti Pramod B. , Wu Isabella T. , Degen Ryan M. , Tetreault Danielle M. , Krych Aaron J. , Williams Riley J.
Published: December 2017

Objective

Distal femoral varus osteotomy (DFVO) is an effective treatment for unloading valgus knee malalignment; however, there is limited evidence on the ability for patients to return to athletics following this procedure. The purpose of this study is to report the functional outcomes and rate of return to sport for athletes that underwent DFVO.

Design

A consecutive series of athletes that had undergone DFVO were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographs were assessed to determine preoperative and postoperative alignment. Institutional registries were used to collect preoperative and postoperative Marx Activity Scale, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Evaluation Form scores, and return to sport.

Results

Thirteen patients (8 males, 5 females) with a mean age of 24 years (range 17-35 years) and a mean follow-up of 43 months (range 24-74 months) were included in the study. Six patients underwent medial closing wedge DFVO versus 7 patients who underwent lateral opening wedge DFVO. Nine of 13 had concomitant chondral, meniscal, or ligamentous procedures performed. The mean alignment correction was 8° (range 5°-13°). All patients were able to successfully return to sport at a mean of 11 months (range 9-13 months). Furthermore, all 13 patients demonstrated an improvement in both Marx Activity Scale (4-11; P < 0.01) and IKDC scores (53-89; P < 0.01) after surgery.

Conclusions

Correction of valgus knee malalignment through DFVO—either medial closing wedge or lateral opening wedge—can reliably result in improvement in function and return to sport. Concomitant chondral, meniscal, and ligamentous pathology should be addressed.
An Innovative Laboratory Procedure to Expand Chondrocytes with Reduced Dedifferentiation
Authors: Mao Yong , Hoffman Tyler , Wu Amy , Kohn Joachim
Published: December 2017

Objective

In vitro expansion of chondrocytes is required for cartilage tissue engineering and clinical cell-based cartilage repair practices. However, the dedifferentiation of chondrocytes during in vitro expansion continues to be a challenge. This study focuses on identifying a cell culture surface to support chondrocyte expansion with reduced dedifferentiation.

Design

A less adhesive culture surface, non–tissue culture treated surface (NTC), was tested for its suitability for culturing chondrocytes. The cell expansion and the expression of chondrocyte markers were monitored for at least 2 passages on NTC in comparison with conventional tissue culture treated polystyrene surface (TCP). The ability of expanded chondrocytes to form cartilage tissues was evaluated using pellet culturing and subcutaneous implantation in nude mice.

Results

NTC supported bovine chondrocyte proliferation to a clinically relevant expansion requirement within 2 passages. Chondrocyte phenotypes were better maintained when cultured on NTC than on TCP. In vitro pellet culture studies showed that chondrocytes expanded on NTC expressed a higher level of chondrocyte extracellular matrix. Furthermore, the cells expanded on NTC or TCP were implanted subcutaneously as pellets in nude mice for 6 weeks. The recovered pellets showed cartilage-like tissue formation from cells expanded on NTC but not from the cells expanded on TCP.

Conclusions

This study presents an innovative and easy culturing procedure to expand chondrocytes with reduced dedifferentiation. This procedure has potential to be developed to expand chondrocytes in vitro for basic research, tissue engineering, and possibly for clinical applications.
The Situational Strength Hypothesis and the Measurement of Personality
Authors: Lozano José H.
Published: December 2017

This study attempted to test the situational strength hypothesis and to investigate the extent to which situational strength determines the trait level at which situations are more discriminative. Twelve items aimed to assess cooperation were constructed based on 2 × 2 symmetric games with varying degree of situational strength. The sample comprised 704 participants. The interaction between social value orientation (SVO) and situational strength on cooperative behavior was analyzed using generalized estimating equations. The psychometric properties of the items were examined under an item response theory framework. The results were as follows: (1) although situational strength moderated the effect of SVO on behavior, the results did not consistently support the situational strength hypothesis; and (2) situational strength successfully predicted the item location parameter estimates, demonstrating its usefulness for personality measurement. The role of situational strength as a bridge between theory and measurement is discussed.
Is Evaluative Conditioning Moderated by Big Five Personality Traits?
Authors: Vogel Tobias , Hütter Mandy , Gebauer Jochen E.
Published: December 2017

Evaluative conditioning (EC), a change in liking of a stimulus due to its paired presentation with a positive or negative stimulus, is a key concept in attitude formation. The present article examines to what extent EC effects are moderated by Big Five personality. For this purpose, 567 participants completed an EC procedure and the Big Five Inventory. People high on neuroticism and agreeableness showed stronger EC effects than people low on those personality traits. In conclusion, attitude formation via EC depends in part on Big Five personality. This novel insight has important ramifications for EC research and personality research. As to EC research, the moderation by neuroticism suggests that EC effects intensify with an increased focus on valent stimuli. As to personality research, our findings reinforce the fundamental nature of the Big Five because they are evidentially able to moderate such basic learning phenomena as EC.
Diffusion-weighted imaging of normal appearing corticospinal tracts in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Yalçın-Şafak Kadihan , Akça Ahmet , Elibol Özlem , Sarı İrem
Published: December 2017

Aim

To determine if there are differences in ADC values between normal appearing corticospinal tracks in patients with MS compared to ADC values in controls.

Material and methods

The study population comprised 62 consecutive MS patients (36 women and 26 men; mean age 36.45±8.63 years). 50 control subjects with no neurological disabilities or intracranial were included the study (32 women and 18 men; mean age 40.18±12.25 years). All ADC maps were independently evaluated by two experienced radiologists. ROI of approximately 15–18 mm2 in capsula interna and 10–12 mm2 in mesencephalon were placed bilaterally for measurement of ADC values. Three circular ROIs were placed-one each side for internal capsule-and 6 total ROIs from right and left internal capsule were averaged for each patient. Mesencephelon ADC measurements were performed similarly.

Result

The mean ADC values of the left internal capsule in MS patients were significiantly lower than the control group (p:0.002). No statistically significant difference was found between the MS patients and control group mean ADC values of the right internal capsule (p>0.05). The mean ADC values of the right and left mesencephalon in MS patients were significiantly lower than the control group (respectively; p:0.031, p<0.001). The mean ADC values of the left internal capsule were significiantly lower than the right internal capsule in MS patients (p<0.001). The mean ADC values of the left mesencephalon were significiantly lower than the right mesencephalon in MS patients (p<0.001).

Conclusion

The mean ADC values of the normal-appearing corticospinal tract in MS patients were significantly lower than the control group except for the right internal capsule.
Preparing the environment for the EPPO
Authors: Sicurella Rosaria
Published: December 2017

The adoption on the 12 October 2017 of the Council Regulation (European Union [EU]) 2017/1939 ‘implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the European Public Prosecutor's Office‘ (the EPPO) marks a turning point in the development of the EU as an Area of Freedom, Security and Justice, by the creation of the first EU investigating and prosecuting authority. However, the structure and functioning of such a new body, together with the limited scope of its competence established by referring to provisions in the Directive (EU) 2017/1371 – the PIF Directive – ‘as implemented by national law‘, make the EPPO as an authority whose legal environment largely builds on the national legal systems. Therefore, the putting in place of the new investigative body is far from fully eradicating in itself the various difficulties of judicial cooperation in criminal matters. Instead, its implementation strongly revives the crucial need to foster mutual legal understanding and mutual trust that the experience showed is not achieved yet among the member states. After shortly presenting the main features of the recently adopted EPPO regulation, the article focuses on the crucial need to reshape training of all legal practitioners involved in criminal investigations (first of all when dealing with PIF offences) as the essential condition for the new European investigating body to function smoothly. The author stresses the need for improving mutual understanding of the different legal systems and above all awareness of the common legal grounds already in place as the primary way to boost the necessary mutual trust among practitioners and establish the first embryo of a genuine European legal culture. The article then analyses the main features of a proposal for a training curriculum based on an ius commune perspective recently drafted in the framework of the EUPenTRAIN project run by the Centro di Diritto Penale Europeo of Catania and co-financed by Olaf.
Seeing Colors: Cultural and Environmental Influences on Episodic Memory
Authors: Persaud Kimele , Hemmer Pernille , Kidd Celeste , Piantadosi Steven
Published: December 2017

Expectations learned from our perceptual experiences, culture, and language can shape how we perceive, interact with, and remember features of the past. Here, we questioned whether environment also plays a role. We tested recognition memory for color in Bolivia’s indigenous Tsimanè people, who experience a different color environment than standard U.S. populations. We found that memory regressed differently between the groups, lending credence to the idea that environmental variations engender differences in expectations, and in turn perceptual memory for color.
New stereolithographic resin providing functional surfaces for biocompatible three-dimensional printing
Authors: Hoffmann Andreas , Leonards Holger , Tobies Nora , Pongratz Ludwig , Kreuels Klaus , Kreimendahl Franziska , Apel Christian , Wehner Martin , Nottrodt Nadine
Published: December 2017

Stereolithography is one of the most promising technologies for the production of tailored implants. Within this study, we show the results of a new resin formulation for three-dimensional printing which is also useful for subsequent surface functionalization. The class of materials is based on monomers containing either thiol or alkene groups. By irradiation of the monomers at a wavelength of 266 nm, we demonstrated an initiator-free stereolithographic process based on thiol-ene click chemistry. Specimens made from this material have successfully been tested for biocompatibility. Using Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry and fluorescent staining, we are able to show that off-stoichiometric amounts of functional groups in the monomers allow us to produce scaffolds with functional surfaces. We established a new protocol to demonstrate the opportunity to functionalize the surface by copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition chemistry. Finally, we demonstrate a three-dimensional bioprinting concept for the production of potentially biocompatible polymers with thiol-functionalized surfaces usable for subsequent functionalization.
The deprofessionalization of family childcare providers: Wisconsin’s YoungStar system
Authors: MacCrimmon Kate , Lakind Alexandra
Published: December 2017

This article is based on research conducted during a semester-long professional development workshop series for Spanish-speaking family childcare providers in Wisconsin aimed at creating space for dialogue regarding the ways in which care and professionalism are intertwined. We examine the historical, economic, and political forces accompanying Wisconsin’s adoption of YoungStar, a quality rating and improvement system. This model offers “choice” for parents and “support” for providers through a ranking system that turns care into a commodity, acting as a mechanism of homogenization which deprofessionalizes providers. We focus on one provider’s story, employing narrative inquiry to illustrate the complexity of being a caring professional in an era of neoliberal regulation where the borders of the personal and professional often blur.
Physical condition, nutritional status, fatigue, and quality of life in oncological out-patients
Authors: Schulz Karl-Heinz , Patra Stefan , Spielmann Hannah , Klapdor Silke , Schlüter Kathrin , van Eckert Sandra
Published: December 2017

Objective:

Early detection of limited physical activity and nutritional deficiencies in cancer survivors could contribute to early treatment and preservation of quality of life. The aim of this study is to describe the association of physical condition and nutritional status with fatigue and quality of life in oncological out-patients.

Methods:

Data in this descriptive study was collected on bioelectrical impedance analysis, postural stability (stability index), body mass index, Karnofsky Index, quality of life (Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey) and fatigue (multidimensional fatigue inventory-20) in a consecutive sample of 203 oncological out-patients. Phase angle was calculated from bioelectrical impedance analysis. Values were intercorrelated and compared to appropriate standard values.

Results:

Phase angle and stability index outcomes were far below the values of a healthy population of similar age (p < 0.001). Quality of life was significantly lower than in the normal population (p < 0.001), and the level of fatigue was significantly higher (p < 0.001). Phase angle correlated with Karnofsky Index (p = 0.002) and Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey Summary physical function (p < 0.001). Furthermore, multidimensional fatigue inventory-20 scales ‘physical fatigue’ and ‘reduced activity’ were significantly associated with phase angle (p = 0.04, p = 0.005). Stability indices correlated with Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey physical function.

Conclusion:

The physical condition and the nutritional status are key components determining the individual quality of life of oncological out-patients. These variables also showed an association with the manifestation of fatigue. Results highlight the need for interdisciplinary cooperation to detect physical, nutritional and psychological deficiencies in oncological out-patients.
A systematic approach for accurate translation of instruments: Experience with translating the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale into Arabic
Authors: Toma Ghazwan , Guetterman Timoty C , Yaqub Tareq , Talaat Nizar , Fetters Michael D
Published: December 2017

When using instruments written originally in a different language, the accuracy of translation is a crucial issue. The language and cultural interpretations can be barriers to healthcare access. Despite the need for a robust translation process, the existing literature offers little information about best practices for translation. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative research was to illustrate a systematic approach to developing an accurate translation. We describe the process of developing an accurate and culturally relevant translation of the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) from English to Arabic. The CD-RISC is a healthcare instrument to measure resilience and comprises 25 items rated on a 5-point scale, with higher scores reflecting increased resilience. Resilience is an important healthcare construct that can be applied to research on mental illness and adaptation ability. For instance, increased resilience appears to protect against diminished mental health. The translation process began as two individuals independently translated the CD-RISC into Arabic. A third person combined the two translations to produce a reconciled version. A fourth individual then back-translated the reconciled Arabic version to English. To resolve difficult-to-translate segments, the research team consulted with the instrument developer and then conducted cognitive testing with six individuals. A cultural research methodologist participated throughout the process. Among the 28 text segments in the CD-RISC (the title, instructions, scoring, and 25 items), the best equivalency in Arabic came from eight segments of each forward-translation. The remaining 12 segments were similar. Each the back-translation and cognitive testing contributed to seven revisions. The robust translation procedures detailed can be used by researchers to develop best-quality translations.
HOPE probation: A new path to desistance?
Authors: Bartels Lorana
Published: December 2017

This article seeks to understand Hawaii’s Opportunity Probation with Enforcement (HOPE) program through a desistance framework. The article commences with a brief overview of the literature on desistance and HOPE. It then explains how HOPE works. The main section of the paper describes observations of HOPE in action and the extent to which these align with McNeill et al.’s (2012) eight principles of desistance. The paper concludes with some observations on the HOPE program as a pathway towards hope, desistance and the promise of better communities.
Earth, Wind, and Fire: Pinal Apaches, Miners, and Genocide in Central Arizona, 1859-1874
Authors: Welch John R.
Published: December 2017

The San Carlos Apache Tribe is a leading defender of Oak Flat, a large public campground on the western flanks of the Pinal Mountains east of Phoenix. Oak Flat is sacred to many Apaches and other Native Americans and is listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The Tribe is among the parties gravely concerned about the Resolution Copper Mine, a joint venture of Rio Tinto Group and BHP Billiton Ltd. to privatize and industrialize Oak Flat’s public lands and minerals. Archaeological sites, place names, stories, and ceremonial uses affirm the pre-1875 Apache occupation and ongoing significance of Oak Flat. Historical records reveal how mining proponents combined industrial and annihilationist propaganda to portray Apaches in the Pinal Mountains as subhuman impediments to civilization and profit. This inflammatory rhetoric ignited vigilante and military campaigns between 1859 and 1874 that killed over 380 Pinal Apaches—including many women and children—then confined survivors onto the San Carlos Reservation. Mining across Pinal Apache territory followed promptly, claiming additional Apache lands inside and outside reservation borders. The stark historical injustice of the Pinal Apache Genocide requires recognition and redress via the responsible governments and industries, including their successors today. The obvious first step is simple avoidance of further harm to Apaches and Oak Flat. Truth must be a hallmark for comprehensive cost–benefit assessments of proposed alterations of Indigenous homelands. Reconciliation must be a planning goal for any mining or other consumptive uses of Indigenous sacred sites.
A Job and a Sufficient Income Is Not Enough: The Needs of the Dutch Precariat
Authors: Ballafkih Hafid , Zinsmeister Joop , Meerman Martha
Published: December 2017

Although lifetime employment was once commonplace, the situation has changed dramatically over the last century. The group of precarious workers has increased, and with it, the size of the precariat. Although there is a body of research on how precarious workers perceive the effect of their precarity on their social, psychological, and economic well-being, there is no research on the needs of precarious workers. In this article, we report the findings of an exploratory study about precarious worker’s needs. The findings show that the precariat has a diversity of needs, ranging from the need for a higher income to the need for a change in the discourse on self-reliance. Most of the needs are targeted toward the government and are not only related to labor. This is, however, contradictory to the ideology of downsizing the welfare state, in which governments focus on creating more temporary or steppingstone jobs. The needs show that the measures orientated toward the labor market are insufficient because they meet only a marginal part of the needs of the precariat.
Impact of Celebrity Endorsement on Consumer Buying Behaviour in the State of Goa
Authors: Gauns Karuna Krishna , Pillai Subhash Kizhakanveatil Bhaskaran , Kamat Kaustubh , Chen Ruey Feng , Chang Ling-Chen
Published: December 2017

Celebrities have been involved in endorsing various activities since the eighteenth century. This article focuses on five aspects: to examine the present status of literature available on the effect of celebrity endorsement on consumer buying behaviour; to identify whether there is any association between the three groups of consumers (supporters/neutral/opposers of celebrity endorsement); applying multi-logit analysis to identify the probability of a consumer in becoming a supporter/neutral/opposer of the celebrity endorsement based on demographic profiles of consumers; to examine the celebrity attributes likely to influence consumer purchase intentions; and, finally, to examine the perception of the Goan consumers about celebrity endorsements. Literature review revealed that no major studies have been carried out on the impact of celebrity endorsement on Goan consumers’ buying behaviour. Hence, a survey using structured questionnaire was administered among 200 consumers during June 2015 to April 2016, with a response rate of 86 per cent (received responses were 171). It was found that a significant association exists between celebrity supporters/neutral/opposers with respect to age, gender, occupation and income level, except in case of education and location. Consumers also find celebrity endorsements more attractive and influential as compared to non-celebrity endorsements. Moreover, the tested attributes show positive relationship with purchase intention, except in case of expertise and trustworthiness of celebrity. In general, it can be concluded that celebrity attributes do impact the purchase intention of consumers.