bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘How can patient and carers’ experiences shape services?’ The Royal Society of Medicine palliative care competition
Authors: Murdoch Sasha
Published: October 2018

Quality improvement can be difficult to assess and monitor in palliative care due to the nature of the specialty. This essay investigates ways in which this is currently carried out by assessing the benefits of patient-centred outcome measures. Potential technological improvements which could be implemented in the future are also discussed. This is an award-winning essay which subsequently complemented a separate project which analysed the use of the Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale in an inpatient palliative care unit.
Need for evidence-based early intervention programmes: a public health perspective
Authors: Guloksuz Sinan , van Os Jim
Published: October 2018

This paper attempts to discuss why the early intervention agenda based on the current convention of ‘ultra-high risk’ (UHR) or ‘clinical high risk’ (CHR) for ‘transition’ to psychosis framework has been destined to fall short of generating a measurable and economically feasible public health impact. To summarise: (1) the primary determinant of the ‘transition’ rate is not the predictive value of the UHR/CHR but the degree of the risk-enrichment; (2) even with a significant pre-test risk enrichment, the prognostic accuracy of the assessment tools in help-seeking population is mediocre, failing to meet the bare minimum thresholds; (3) therapeutic interventions arguably prolong the time-to-onset of psychotic symptoms instead of preventing ‘transition’, given that the UHR/CHR and ‘transition’ lie on the same unidimensional scale of positive psychotic symptoms; (4) meta-analytical evidence confirms that specific effective treatment for preventing ‘transition’ (the goal—primary outcome—of the UHR/CHR framework) is not available; (5) the UHR/CHR-‘transition’ is a precarious target for research given the unpredictability driven by the sampling strategies and the natural ebb and flow of psychotic symptoms within and between individuals, leading to false positives; (6) only a negligible portion of those who develop psychosis benefits from UHR/CHR services (seeprevention paradox); (7) limited data on the cost-effectiveness of these services exist. Given the pitfalls of the narrow focus of the UHR/CHR framework, a broader prevention strategy embracing pluripotency of early psychopathology seems to serve as a better alternative. Nevertheless, there is a need for economic evaluation of these extended transdiagnostic early intervention programmes.
Symptom-triggered therapy for assessment and management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome in the emergency department short-stay clinical decision unit
Authors: Ismail Muhammad Fahmi , Doherty Kieran , Bradshaw Paula , O’Sullivan Iomhar , Cassidy Eugene M
Published: October 2018

Introduction

We previously reported that benzodiazepine detoxification for alcohol withdrawal using symptom-triggered therapy (STT) with oral diazepam reduced length of stay (LOS) and cumulative benzodiazepine dose by comparison with standard fixed-dose regimen. In this study, we aim to describe the feasibility of STT in an emergency department (ED) short-stay clinical decision unit (CDU) setting.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we describe our experience with STT over a full calendar year (2014) in the CDU. A retrospective chart review was conducted and data collection included demographics, clinical details, total cumulative dose of diazepam, receipt of parenteral thiamine, LOS and disposition.

Results

5% (n=174) of 3222 admissions to CDU required STT. Collapse or seizure (41%, n=71) and alcohol withdrawal (21%, n=37) were the most common reasons recorded for admission to CDU in those who required STT. Median Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score was 25 and 112 patients (64%) had at least one Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol revised measurement ≥10, triggering a dose of diazepam (20 mg). The median cumulative oral diazepam dose was 20 mg while 24 (15%) patients received a cumulative dose of 100 mg or more. Median time for STT was 12 hours (IQR=12, R=1–48). 3% (n=5) of patients required further general hospital admission and median LOS in CDU, was 22 hours (IQR=20, R=1–168).

Conclusion

STT is potentially feasible as a rapid and effective approach to managing alcohol withdrawal syndrome in the ED/CDU short-stay inpatient setting where patient LOS is generally less than 24 hours.
Effects of comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation on functional capacity in a middle-income country: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chaves Gabriela Suellen da Silva , Ghisi Gabriela Lima de Melo , Grace Sherry L , Oh Paul , Ribeiro Antonio L , Britto Raquel R
Published: October 2018

Objective

Despite the growing epidemic of cardiovascular diseases in middle-income countries, there is insufficient evidence about cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in these countries. Thus, the effects of comprehensive CR on functional capacity and risk factors were investigated in Brazil, to test the hypothesis that it results in better outcomes than exercise-only or no CR.

Methods

Single-blinded, randomised controlled trial with three parallel arms: comprehensive CR (exercise+education) versus exercise-only CR versus wait-list control. Eligible coronary patients were randomised in blocks of four with 1:1:1 concealed allocation. Participants randomised to exercise-only CR received 36 exercise classes; comprehensive CR group also received 24 educational sessions. The primary outcome was incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) distance; secondary outcomes were cardiovascular risk factors. All outcomes were assessed at baseline and 6 months later. Analysis of covariance was performed on the basis of intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol.

Results

115 (88.5%) patients were randomised; 93 (80.9%) were retained. There were improvements in ISWT distance from pretest to post-test with comprehensive (from 358.4±132.6 to 464.8±121.6 m; mean change=106.4; p<0.001) and exercise-only (from 391.5±118.8 to 488.1±106.3 m; mean change=96.5, p<0.001) CR, with significantly greater functional capacity with comprehensive CR versus control (ITT: mean difference=75.6±30.7 m, 95% CI 1.4 to 150.2). There were also reductions in systolic blood pressure with comprehensive CR (ITT: reduction of 6.2±17.8 mm Hg, p=0.04). There were no significant differences for other outcomes.

Conclusion

Results showed clinically significant improvements in functional capacity and blood pressure with CR, and significantly greater functional capacity with comprehensive CR compared with usual care.

Trial registration number

NCT02575976;Results.
Evaluating the impact of a coaching pilot on the resilience and retention of UK general practitioners
Authors: McKimm Judy , Povey Jane
Published: October 2018

Background

The role of the general practitioner (GP) is central to the UK National Health Service, with the vast majority of healthcare being delivered in the community. Although a range of policy initiatives aim to address the immense pressures on GPs, the GP workforce in England is struggling to keep pace with demand. GP retention is therefore key.

Objectives

In the light of these issues, a confidential coaching programme for GPs at risk of leaving the profession or who had recently returned to practise after some time out was commissioned.

Methods

A structured impact evaluation of the programme was carried, which included interviews and surveys of both GP participants and coaches.

Results

Coaching was found to be very beneficial for the GPs, with many indicating it had helped them to address workplace issues and encouraged them to stay in their job role.

Conclusions

This paper reports on the evaluation of the pilot programme and sets out recommendations for future action, including how to introduce coaching as a means of retention of GPs.
Seasonal demography of the threatened Montevideo Redbelly Toad (Melanophryniscus montevidensis) in a protected area of Uruguay
Authors: Bardier C. , Martínez-Latorraca N. , Porley J.L. , Bortolini S.V. , Cabrera Alonzo N. , Maneyro R. , Toledo L.F.
Published: October 2018

Estimates of demographic parameters are scarce for Neotropical amphibians, a concerning fact because this region has the highest proportion of threatened amphibians in the world. We conducted a 3-year study where we applied a robust capture–mark–recapture design to assess the importance of breeding and non-breeding activity patterns over the survival rates, detection probabilities, and abundances of the Montevideo Redbelly Toad (Melanophryniscus montevidensis (Philippi, 1902)), a threatened anuran from Uruguay. The best models grouped seasons into hot and cold periods cyclically, were state-dependent in transition probabilities, and were time-dependent in detection probabilities for adults, but had constant detection probabilities for juveniles. Averaged estimates suggest a high survivorship rate during cold seasons (above 80%), but lower probabilities (below 60%) during hot seasons, especially for males. Analogously, the non-breeding activity had a seasonal pattern, with higher activity during spring and higher sheltering rates during autumn. These activity rates negatively influenced the averaged survivorship rates of adult males and females. Long-term (matrix) projections of seasonal survivorships, along with assessments of the causes of these patterns, should be carried out to determine extinction probabilities and possible threats for the conservation of the genus Melanophryniscus.
A History-Driven Differential Evolution Algorithm for Optimization in Dynamic Environments
Authors: Zhu Zhen , Chen Long , Xia Changgao , Yuan Chaochun
Published: October 2018

This paper presents a novel differential evolution algorithm to solve dynamic optimization problems. In the proposed algorithm, the entire population is composed of several subpopulations, which are evolved independently and excluded each other by a predefined Euclidian-distance. In each subpopulation, the “DE/best/1” mutation operator is employed to generate a mutant individual in this paper. In order to fully exploit the newly generated individual, the selection operator was extended, in which the newly generated trial vector competed with the worst individual if this trial vector was worse than the target vector in terms of the fitness. Meanwhile, this trial vector was stored as the historical information, if it was better than the worst individual. When the environmental change was detected, some of the stored solutions were retrieved and expected to guide the reinitialized solutions to track the new location of the global optimum as soon as possible. The proposed algorithm was compared with several state-of-the-art dynamic evolutionary algorithms over the representative benchmark instances. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the competitors.
First Attempt to Predict User Memory from Gaze Data
Authors: Marchal Florian , Castagnos Sylvain , Boyer Anne
Published: October 2018

Many recommenders compute predictions by inferring the users’ preferences. However, in some cases, such as in e-education, the recommendations of pedagogical resources should rather be based on users’ memory. In order to estimate in real time and with low involvement what has been recalled by users, we designed a user study to highlight the link between gaze features and visual memory. Our protocol consisted in asking different subjects to remember a large set of images. During this memory test, we collected about 19 000 fixation points. Among other results, we show in this paper a strong correlation between the relative path angles and the memorized items. We then applied various classifiers and showed that it is possible to predict the users’ memory status by analyzing their gaze data. This is the first step so as to provide recommendations that fits users’ learning curve.
Reliability and Concurrent Validity of the Ring Gauge Method and the Metacarpal Head Tape Measure Method of Measuring Hand Size
Authors: Yamazaki Hiroshi , Sakurai Toshiysasu , Uchiyama Shigeharu , Kato Hiroyuki
Published: October 2018

Background: There are several methods for measuring edema of the hand. While the volumetric techniques, finger circumference measurement, and figure-of-eight techniques have undergone extensive psychometric testing, alternative methods of measuring hand size, such as circumferential finger size determination using a ring gauge (ring gauge method; RGM) and tape measurement of hand girth taken along the distal palmar crease (metacarpal head tape measure method; MHTM), have not. This study's aim is to examine the reliability and validity of the RGM and the MHTM.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, two examiners measured 22 hands in 22 patients with hand edema using the RGM and the MHTM 3 times each to determine intra- and inter-tester reliability. The validity of each method was established using the finger circumference measurement and figure-of-eight method, respectively.

Results: The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) obtained for intra-tester reliability was 0.99–0.98 for both methods. ICCs for inter-tester reliability were 0.97–0.98 for the RGM and 0.98 for the MHTM. Pearson product-moment correlation values between the RGM and finger circumference measurement were 0.92–0.96, while those between the MHTM and figure-of-eight method were 0.84–0.90.

Conclusions: The RGM and the MHTM are reliable and valid evaluation tools for the assessment of hand size.
Forearm Compartment Syndrome Concomitant with Pseudoaneurysm of the Anterior Interosseous Artery after Minor Penetrating Injury
Authors: Komura Shingo , Hirakawa Akihiro , Matsushita Yasuharu , Masuda Tomihiro , Nohara Marie , Akiyama Haruhiko
Published: October 2018

A 16-year-old man sustained a minor penetrating injury to his forearm, resulting in pseudoaneurysm formation that caused acute compartment syndrome with muscle contracture. Surgical treatment, including fasciotomy, evacuation of the hematoma and aneurysmectomy, followed by intensive hand therapy provided a successful outcome. Traumatic pseudoaneurysm after penetrating injury is a rare cause of acute forearm compartment syndrome. Although minor penetrating injuries tend to be underestimated, this type of injury can cause subsequent serious pathological conditions.
Anti-C5a complementary peptide mitigates zymosan-induced severe peritonitis with fibrotic encapsulation in rats pretreated with methylglyoxal
Authors: Iguchi Daiki , Mizuno Masashi , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Sakata Fumiko , Maruyama Shoichi , Okada Alan , Okada Hidechika , Ito Yasuhiko
Published: October 2018

In a previous study of fungal peritoneal injury in peritoneal dialysis patients, complement (C)-dependent pathological changes were developed in zymosan (Zy)-induced peritonitis by peritoneal scraping. However, the injuries were limited to the parietal peritoneum and did not show any fibrous encapsulation of the visceral peritoneum, which differs from human encapsular peritoneal sclerosis (EPS). We investigated peritoneal injury in a rat model of Zy-induced peritonitis pretreated with methylglyoxal (MGO) instead of scraping (Zy/MGO peritonitis) to clarify the role of C in the process of fibrous encapsulation of the visceral peritoneum. Therapeutic effects of an anti-C5a complementary peptide, AcPepA, on peritonitis were also studied. In Zy/MGO peritonitis, peritoneal thickness, fibrin exudation, accumulation of inflammatory cells, and deposition of C3b and C5b-9 with loss of membrane C regulators were increased along the peritoneum until day 5. On day 14, fibrous encapsulation of the visceral peritoneum was observed, resembling human EPS. Peritoneal injuries and fibrous changes were significantly improved with AcPepA treatment, even when AcPepA was administered following injection of Zy in Zy/MGO peritonitis. The data show that C5a might play a role in the development of encapsulation-like changes in the visceral peritoneum in Zy/MGO peritonitis. AcPepA might have therapeutic effects in fungal infection-induced peritoneal injury by preventing subsequent development of peritoneal encapsulation.
The Effect of Whole‐Body Cryotherapy at Different Temperatures on Proinflammatory Cytokines, Oxidative Stress Parameters, and Disease Activity in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Straburzyńska-Lupa Anna , Kasprzak Magdalena Paulina , Romanowski Mateusz Wojciech , Kwaśniewska Anna , Romanowski Wojciech , Iskra Maria , Rutkowski Radosław
Published: October 2018

Purpose. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, increased oxidants, and decreased antioxidant capacity. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of whole‐body cryotherapy (WBC) at −110°C and −60°C, on disease activity, selected proinflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress in patients with AS. Methods. Sixty‐five patients with AS were recruited to one of three study procedures: WBC at −110°C, −60°C, or exercise therapy (non‐WBC). The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS‐CRP), concentration of C‐reactive protein (CRP), and the concentrations of interleukin 8 and 17 (IL‐8, IL‐17) were measured at the beginning of the study and at the end of the intervention. The concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), as a lipid peroxidation result, and total antioxidant status, an antioxidant organism potential, were measured. Results. All the studied groups showed significantly decreased posttherapy disease activity expressed as a function of the BASDAI, ASDAS‐CRP, and the IL‐8 concentration. We found that the TBARS concentration after therapy was significantly increased in the WBC at −110°C group. A comparison of the therapeutic effects between the treatment groups showed a significantly lower BASDAI after therapy in the WBC at −110°C group compared to the non‐WBC group. Conclusion. WBC at −110°C had a positive effect on lowering AS clinical activity as measured by the BASDAI.
TNIP1 in Autoimmune Diseases: Regulation of Toll-like Receptor Signaling
Authors: Shamilov Rambon , Aneskievich Brian J.
Published: October 2018

TNIP1 protein is increasingly being recognized as a key repressor of inflammatory signaling and a potential factor in multiple autoimmune diseases. In addition to earlier foundational reports of TNIP1 SNPs in human autoimmune diseases and TNIP1 protein-protein interaction with receptor regulating proteins, more recent studies have identified new potential interaction partners and signaling pathways likely modulated by TNIP1. Subdomains within the TNIP1 protein as well as how they interact with ubiquitin have not only been mapped but inflammatory cell- and tissue-specific consequences subsequent to their defective function are being recognized and related to human disease states such as lupus, scleroderma, and psoriasis. In this review, we emphasize receptor signaling complexes and regulation of cytoplasmic signaling steps downstream of TLR given their association with some of the same autoimmune diseases where TNIP1 has been implicated. TNIP1 dysfunction or deficiency may predispose healthy cells to the inflammatory response to otherwise innocuous TLR ligand exposure. The recognition of the anti-inflammatory roles of TNIP1 and improved integrated understanding of its physical and functional association with other signaling pathway proteins may position TNIP1 as a candidate target for the design and/or testing of next-generation anti-inflammatory therapeutics.
Kinetodynamic Model and Simplified Model of X‐Type Seat System with an Integrated Spring Damper
Authors: Zhou Changcheng , Zhao Leilei , Yu Yuewei , Yang Fuxing , Wang Song
Published: October 2018

A simplified analytical model with transformation coefficients of X‐type seat system with an integrated spring damper for control strategies development is proposed on the basis of a kinetodynamic model. Firstly, based on a commercial seat of trucks, the relationship between the suspension support force and the spring force was created by using virtual work principle. The analytical formulae of the equivalent stiffness Ke and the stiffness transformation coefficient ρk were deduced. Based on the principle of conservation of energy, the analytical formulae of the equivalent damping coefficient Ce and the damping transformation coefficient ρc were deduced. Then, the motion equation of the simplified model was created. Secondly, the nonlinear dynamic equation of a complex seat model including the kinematic characteristics was established. Thirdly, the road test was conducted using a heavy truck to collect the seat vibration signals. Finally, the simplified model was validated by the tested data and compared with the complex model. The results show that the accuracy of the simplified model is acceptable. Moreover, the influence laws of kinematic parameters on ρk and ρc were revealed. The proposed simplified model provides an accurate and efficient tool for designing controllable seat suspension system that minimizes a necessary tuning process.
Multiparametric FDG-PET/MRI of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Initial Experience
Authors: Hectors Stefanie J. , Wagner Mathilde , Besa Cecilia , Huang Wei , Taouli Bachir
Published: October 2018

Purpose. To compare multiparametric (mp)FDG-PET/MRI metrics between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver parenchyma and to assess the correlation between mpMRI and FDG-PET standard uptake values (SUVs) in liver parenchyma and HCC. Methods. This prospective, institutional review board-approved study enrolled 15 patients (M/F 12/3; mean age 61 y) with HCC. mpMRI including blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) MRI, intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI), and dynamic contrast-enhanced-(DCE-) MRI was performed simultaneously with 18F-FDG-PET on a 3T PET/MRI hybrid system. Quantitative BOLD, IVIM and DCE-MRI parameters (Tofts model (TM) and shutter-speed model (SSM)), and PET parameters (SUVmean and SUVmax) were quantified and compared between HCC lesions and liver parenchyma using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. SUV ratios between HCCs and liver were also calculated (SUVmean T/L and SUVmax T/L). Diagnostic performance of (combined) mp-PET/MRI parameters for characterization of HCC was assessed using ROC analysis. Spearman correlations between PET and mpMRI parameters in HCC tumors and liver parenchyma were evaluated. Results. 21 HCC lesions (mean size 4.0 ± 2.4 cm; range 2–13 cm) were analyzed. HCCs exhibited significantly higher arterial fraction (from DCE-MRI) and lower R2∗ pre-O2 and post-O2 (from BOLD-MRI) versus liver parenchyma (P<0.032). The highest diagnostic performance for differentiation between HCC and liver parenchyma was achieved for combined ART SSM and R2∗ post-O2 (AUC = 0.91). SUVmax showed reasonable performance for differentiation of HCC versus liver (AUC = 0.75). In HCC, DCE-MRI parameters Ktrans (TM and SSM) and ve TM exhibited significant negative correlations with SUVmax T/L (r ranges from −0.624 to −0.566; FDR-adjusted P<0.050). Conclusions. Despite the observed reasonable diagnostic performance of FDG-PET SUVmax for HCC detection and several significant correlations between FDG-PET SUV and DCE-MRI parameters, FDG-PET did not provide clear additional value for HCC characterization compared to mpMRI in this pilot study.
In VitroExpansion and Characterization of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from Peritoneal Dialysis Effluent in a Human Protein Medium
Authors: Han Bo La , Zhou Lan , Guan Qiunong , da Roza Gerald , Wang Hao , Du Caigan
Published: October 2018

The therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from various tissue origins have extensively been explored in both experimental and clinical studies, and peritoneal dialysis effluent-derived MSC (pMSC) may be an easily obtainable MSC source for clinical applications. In this study, we expanded and characterized the pMSCs after expansion in a human protein culture medium. The pMSCs were expanded in plastic dishes with the human protein medium. MSC marker expression was examined by flow cytometry. Spherical formation was tested by hanging drop method, and osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation capacities were confirmed by positive staining with Alizarin red, Oil red O, and Alcian blue, respectively. Here, we showed that after four passages of culturing in plastic dishes, pMSCs in the human protein medium displayed a homogeneous pattern of classical MSC markers (positive: CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, and CD166; negative: CD14, CD34, CD45, CD79a, CD105, CD146, CD271, HLA-DR, SSEA-4, and Stro-1), while in the standard medium, pMSCs from some donors were CD45 or HLA-DR positive. For nonclassical MSC markers, pMSCs were CD200 positive from all the donors, negative for CD163, CD271, CD36, and CD248, and either positive or negative for CD274 and CD140b. Further, pMSCs from the human protein medium had the spherical formation capacity and multipotent differentiation capacityin vitro. In conclusion, upon expansion in a human protein medium, pMSCs showed a differential MSC marker expression profile from those of bone marrow or adipose tissue-derived MSCs and could maintain the multipotency. The therapeutic potential of the pMSCs requires further investigation.
Glucose Metabolism Changes in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Treated with Direct Acting Antivirals
Authors: Drazilova Sylvia , Janicko Martin , Skladany Lubomir , Kristian Pavol , Oltman Marian , Szantova Maria , Krkoska Dusan , Mazuchova Eva , Piesecka Lubica , Vahalova Veronika , Rac Marek , Schreter Ivan , Virag Ladislav , Koller Tomas , Liptakova Adriana , Ondrasova Miriam , Jarcuska Peter
Published: October 2018

Background and Aims. Chronic hepatitis C is a systemic disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) belongs to more common extrahepatic. The aim of this study was to (i) explore the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and T2DM in patients with chronic hepatitis C, (ii) explore the effect of direct acting antivirals (DAA) treatment on the glycemia, and (iii) explore the factors that modulate the effect of DAA treatment on glycemia in patients with chronic hepatitis C.Methods. We performed a longitudinal retrospective observational study focused on the patients undergoing DAA treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Data about glycemia, history of diabetes, hepatitis C virus, treatment, and liver status, including elastography, were obtained at baseline (before treatment start), at the end of treatment and 12 weeks after the end of treatment. Patients were treated with various regimens of direct acting antivirals.Results. We included 370 patients; 45.9% had F4 fibrosis. At baseline, the prevalence of T2DM increased with the degree of fibrosis (F0-F2 14.4%, F3 21.3%, and F4 31.8%, p=0.004). Fasting glycemia also increased with the degree of fibrosis (F0-F2 5.75±0.18 F3 5.84±0.17, and F4 6.69±0.2 mmol/L, p=0.001). We saw significant decrease of glycemia after treatment in all patients, but patients without T2DM or IFG from 6.21±0.12 to 6.08±0.15 mmol/L (p=0.002). The decrease was also visible in treatment experienced patients and patients with Child-Pugh A cirrhosis.Conclusion. We confirmed that the prevalence of either T2DM or IFG increases in chronic hepatitis C patients with the degree of fibrosis. The predictive factors for T2DM were, besides F4, fibrosis also higher age and BMI. Significant decrease of fasting glycemia after the DAA treatment was observed in the whole cohort and in subgroups of patients with T2DM, IFG, cirrhotic, and treatment experienced patients.
(p,q)-Growth of an Entire GASHE Function and the Coefficient βn = |an|/Γ(n+μ+1)
Authors: Harfaoui Mohammed , Mourassil Abdellah , Lakhmaili Loubna
Published: October 2018

The main purpose of this paper is to extend the work concerning the measures of growth of an entire function solution of the generalized axially symmetric Helmholtz equation ∂2u/∂x2+∂2u/∂y2+(2μ/y)(∂u/∂y)=0,  μ>0, by studying the general measures of growth ((p,q)-order, lower (p,q)-order, (p,q)-type, and lower (p,q)-type) in terms of coefficients |an|/Γ(n+μ+1) and the ratios of these successive coefficients.
A Hybrid Recommender System for Gaussian Mixture Model and Enhanced Social Matrix Factorization Technology Based on Multiple Interests
Authors: Chen Rui , Hua Qingyi , Gao Quanli , Xing Ying
Published: October 2018

Recommender systems are recently becoming more significant in the age of rapid development of the information technology and pervasive computing to provide e-commerce users’ appropriate items. In recent years, various model-based and neighbor-based approaches have been proposed, which improve the accuracy of recommendation to some extent. However, these approaches are less accurate than expected when users’ ratings on items are very sparse in comparison with the huge number of users and items in the user-item rating matrix. Data sparsity and high dimensionality in recommender systems have negatively affected the performance of recommendation. To solve these problems, we propose a hybrid recommendation approach and framework using Gaussian mixture model and matrix factorization technology. Specifically, the improved cosine similarity formula is first used to get users’ neighbors, and initial ratings on unrated items are predicted. Second, users’ ratings on items are converted into users’ preferences on items’ attributes to reduce the problem of data sparsity. Again, the obtained user-item-attribute preference data is trained through the Gaussian mixture model to classify users with the same interests into the same group. Finally, an enhanced social matrix factorization method fusing user’s and item’s social relationships is proposed to predict the other unseen ratings. Extensive experiments on two real-world datasets are conducted and the results are compared with the existing major recommendation models. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves the better performance compared to other techniques in accuracy.
The Munich-Transarterial Chemoembolisation Score Holds Superior Prognostic Capacities Compared to TACE-Tailored Modifications of 9 Established Staging Systems for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: op den Winkel Mark , Nagel Dorothea , op den Winkel Philip , Paprottka Philipp M. , Schmidt Laura , Bourhis Hélène , Trojan Jörg , Goeller Markus , Reiter Florian P. , Stecher Stephanie-Susanne , De Toni Enrico N. , Gerbes Alexander L. , Kolligs Frank T.
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: The recently proposed Munich-transarterial chemoembolisation-score (M-TACE) was tailored to suit hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) patients evaluated for TACE. M-TACE outperformed the established HCC-staging-systems and successfully passed external validation. Modifications of staging-systems through the rearrangement of stages or by adding prognostic factors are methods of improving prognostic power. M-TACEs performance compared to scores modified this way should be tested. Methods: Seven well-known HCC staging-systems (including Cancer of the Liver Italian Program-score [CLIP] and Barcelona Clinic liver cancer [BCLC]) and 2 TACE-specific scores (Selection for Transarterial Chemoembolisation Treatment [STATE] and Hepatoma Arterial embolisation Prognostic [HAP]) were rearranged in a cohort of 186 TACE-patients through score-point-analysis and subsequent linking of non-significant adjacent score-points. Additionally, a new score was constructed by combining the top established staging-system in TACE patients (CLIP-TACE) and the prognostic parameter with the highest hazard ratio for death in the TACE-cohort [C-reactive protein (CRP)]. Additionally, the TACE-tailored-scores were applied to an external TACE-cohort (n = 71). ­Results: Rearrangement resulted in optimal stratification and monotonicity. CLIP-TACE demonstrated the best prognostic capability of all rearranged scores (c-index 0.668, AIC 1294) and the addition of CRP yielded further prognostic improvement (c-index 0.680, AIC 1289). However, superiority over M-TACE could not be achieved by any of the new scores in the internal and external cohort. Conclusion: M-TACE outperforms TACE-tailored modifications of all relevant HCC-staging-systems. Prospective validation of M-TACE to promote its role as the preferred staging-system for TACE-patients is therefore justified.
Effects of Sodium Hyaluronate on Symptoms and Quality of Life in Women Affected by Pregnancy Rhinitis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Favilli Alessandro , Laurenti Elena , Stagni Gian Maria , Tassi Luigi , Ricci Giampietro , Gerli Sandro
Published: October 2018

Aims: To investigate sodium hyaluronate (SH) efficacy in the treatment of pregnancy rhinitis. Methods: A single-center, prospective, open-label, 2 parallel-group study was carried out. Pregnant women affected by pregnancy rhinitis were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: Group A was treated with SH, while Group B did not receive any treatment. Pregnancy rhinitis symptoms and quality of life (QOL) during pregnancy were investigated by administering a questionnaire and carrying out an otorhinolaryngoiatric visit. Results: A significant reduction in the intensity of headache, snoring and insomnia in the Group A compared to the Group B were demonstrated. In the Group A, a significant lower presence of amount of secretions (Group A 0.88, 95% CI 0.57–1.18 vs. Group B 2.00, 95% CI 1.69–2.31, p < 0.001), turbinate hypertrophy (Group A 1.70, 95% CI 1.46–1.94 vs. Group B 2.53, 95% CI 2.29–2.77, p < 0.001), and mucosal congestion/hyperemia (Group A 1.41, 95% CI 1.14–1.68 vs. Group B 2.26, 95% CI 1.99–2.53, p < 0.001) was observed. No adverse events were reported in patients treated with SH. Conclusions: SH is a safe and effective therapeutic alternative for the treatment of pregnancy rhinitis symptoms, improving patients’ QOL.
Large Cytoplasmic Vacuoles within Notochordal Nucleus Pulposus Cells: A Possible Regulator of Intracellular Pressure That Shapes the Cytoskeleton and Controls Proliferation
Authors: Hong Xin , Zhang Cong , Wang Feng , Wu Xiao-Tao
Published: October 2018

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc, which is closely associated with the loss of vacuolated notochordal nucleus pulposus cells (NNPC), remains a major cause of lower-back pain and motor deficiency. Being the most defining characteristic of NNPC, large cytoplasmic vacuoles not only modulate the cytoskeleton and shape cell morphology but they also respond to the disc microenvironment and regulate the biological behavior of vacuolated cells as a potent reporter of the histocytological changes that occur at the beginning of disc aging and degeneration. Here we hypothesize a model in which large cytoplasmic vacuoles primarily function to maintain a reasonable intracellular pressure (Pv) that facilitates NNPC in resisting the extracellular mechanical loading (Pe), part of which is absorbed by the extracellular matrix (Pm), forming the equation Pe = Pm + Pv. By mimicking a situation of contact-induced growth inhibition, the crowded cytoplasmic vacuoles slow down the proliferation of NNPC and restrain the generation of nonvacuolated chondrocytic nucleus pulposus cells (CNPC), whereas increased mechanical loading (↑Pe) alters cytoskeletons and breaches cytoplasmic vacuoles, which in turn weakens the vacuoles-mediated proliferation check, increases the generation of CNPC that accumulates fibrocartilaginous matrix, and rebalances the increased loading with elevated Pm (↑Pm) and lowered Pv (↓Pv), equating to ↑Pe = ↑Pm + ↓Pv. By depicting the biological function and the disappearance of the cytoplasmic vacuoles, our model highlights a mechanical exhaustion of the notochordal cell resources, which might help to elucidate the histocytological changes that initiate disc aging and degeneration.
Divergent Effects of Cyclophilin-D Inhibition on the Female Rat Heart: Acute Versus Chronic Post-Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Parodi-Rullán Rebecca M. , Soto-Prado Jadira , Vega-Lugo Jesús , Chapa-Dubocq Xavier , Díaz-Cordero Sara I. , Javadov Sabzali 
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: The mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of myocardial infarction. Inhibition of cyclophilin-D (CyP-D), a key regulator of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, has been shown to exert cardioprotective effects against ischemia-reperfusion injury on various animal models, mostly in males. However, failure of recent clinical trials requires a detailed elucidation of the cardioprotective efficacy of CyP-D inhibition. The aim of this study was to examine whether cardioprotective effects of sanglifehrin A, a potent inhibitor of CyP-D, on post-infarcted hearts depends on reperfusion. Methods: Acute or chronic myocardial infarction was induced by coronary artery ligation with/without subsequent reperfusion for 2 and 28 days in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Cardiac function was estimated by echocardiography. Oxygen consumption rates, ROS production, permeability transition pore opening, protein carbonylation and respiratory supercomplexes were analyzed in isolated cardiac mitochondria. Results: Sanglifehrin A significantly improved cardiac function of reperfused hearts at 2 days but failed to protect after 28 days. No protection was observed in non-reperfused post-infarcted hearts. The respiratory control index of mitochondria was significantly reduced in reperfused infarcted hearts at 2-days with no effect at 28-days post-infarction on reperfused and non-reperfused hearts. Likewise, only a minor increase in reactive oxygen species production was observed at 2-days in non-reperfused post-infarcted hearts. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that CyP-D inhibition exerts cardioprotective effects in reperfused but not in non-reperfused infarcted hearts of female rats, and the effects are observed only during acute post-infarction injury.
Unmet Needs in Functional and Nonfunctional Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: Jensen Robert T. , Bodei Lisa , Capdevila Jaume , Couvelard Anne , Falconi Massimo , Glasberg Simona , Kloppel Günter , Lamberts Steven , Peeters Marc , Rindi Guido , Rinke Anja , Rothmund Mathias , Sundin Anders , Welin Staffan , Fazio Nicola ,   The ENETS 2016 Munich Advisory Board Participants
Published: October 2018

Recently, the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) held working sessions composed of members of the advisory board and other neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) experts to attempt to identify unmet needs in NENs in different locations or with advanced/poorly differentiated NENs. This report briefly summarizes the main proposed areas of unmet needs in patients with functional and nonfunctional pancreatic NENs.
Unregistered Marriages of Indonesian Migrant Workers in Malaysia
Authors: F Nisa Eva
Published: October 2018

Indonesia is known in Malaysia as the main supplier of migrant workers. Under the Immigration Act and based on their working contracts, Indonesian migrant workers cannot marry in Malaysia during their contract period. Hence, unregistered marriages are common among Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia. This article investigates both the perspectives of migrant workers who have entered into non-state-registered marriages and the strategies of Indonesian diplomatic representatives in dealing with unregistered marriages of Indonesian migrant workers. Observing a growing trend of both unregistered marriages and of the recognition of such marriages by state agents, this article emphasizes the importance of taking into account the social, political, and religious context to understand how the law operates and how these workers navigate the constraints they are facing.
Marriage Registration among Palestinians and Syrians in Jordan
Authors: Zbeidy Dina
Published: October 2018

Based on long-term fieldwork in Jordan, this paper discusses two marriage registration practices that have become topics of public debate and locus for intervention projects of development organizations: the early registration of marriages among Palestinian camp residents, and the non-registration of marriages among Syrian refugees. This paper shows how the narratives around marriage registration play a role in the production of identity and senses of belonging and provides insight into the overlaps and gaps between the discourses of development organizations and the concerns of those involved in these practices. In the Palestinian case, the early registration of marriage provides the couple with a limited but important space to get acquainted before the wedding. Women’s organizations and NGOs, however, often blame this practice for the increase in divorce rates before consummation. In the Syrian case, organizations focus on the negative legal and social consequences of not registering a marriage with the state, while conversations with Syrians reveal the obstacles they face while navigating the Jordanian legal system and their need to legitimize their non-registration of marriages.
Here-There: Enduring an Unwatchable Philippines in San Francisco
Authors: DeGuzman Kathleen
Published: October 2018

This article studies diasporic spectatorship of transnational media of the Philippines and proposes that the unwatchable is not simply that which cannot stand to be seen. Rather, within the context of two Filipino-centric visual media events organized in San Francisco, the article frames as unwatchable difficult viewing experiences that produce unexpected strategies for beholding. By examining Brillante Mendoza’s film Ma’Rosa (2016) and Raffy Lerma’s photojournalistic coverage of extrajudicial killings linked to President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs in the Philippines, the article positions laughter, silence, and turning away as diasporic viewing strategies that charge seemingly unengaged emotional responses with a politics for enduring traumatic visual media.
From Unwatchable Life to Consumable Spectacle: On History and the Black-Korean Conflict
Authors: Sang-Hee Lee Shelley
Published: October 2018

This article considers the immigrant store owner as spectacle, signifier, and actor in Korean-Black relations in Los Angeles during the late twentieth century, arguing that the “Black-Korean conflict” was an historical and cultural phenomenon in which events and their representations built upon each other. Members of these groups sometimes resisted and interrogated the framework of interethnic conflict which was projected onto them, but also incorporated it into their outlooks and organizing strategies. The article also reflects upon efforts to address intergroup tensions and conflict against a backdrop of widespread racial injustice and economic inequality in Los Angeles and the United States.
Brazilian Polycladida (Rhabditophora: Platyhelminthes): Rediscovery of Marcus’ type material and general revision
Authors: BAHIA JULIANA , SCHRÖDL MICHAEL
Published: October 2018

Polyclads are a conspicuous group of marine invertebrates, the most charismatic members of the phylum Platyhelminthes. From Brazil, a total of 71 polyclad species were reported or described. Only three of them were recently described, five are recent records for the Brazilian coast, and 55 were described by Ernest and Eveline Marcus, who were by far the most productive workers. However, they quite often published in Portuguese or German, rather than English, and have not designated type material or specified material deposited in museum collections. Most of the polylcad material studied by the Marcus was found to be in the Swedish Museum of Natural History. Here we summarize the knowledge about Brazilian polyclad biodiversity, give information about deposited material in different museums for future reference, and designate type material for the species that did not have any. We examined 58 polyclad species reported from Brazil and designated type material and information available on type series of 52 species. Lectotypes (89 vouchers) were designated for 30 species and paralectotypes (73 specimens / 70 vouchers) were designated for 22 Brazilian species. Among the 261 type vouchers examined in this work, 22 species (77 vouchers) had material recognized as holotypes and 2 vouchers were recognized as paratypes. Of the total number of species reported from Brazil, 10 species remain without information about type material. In the present paper we also propose a new combination (Lurymare cynarium nov. comb.). Eleven species have their geographical distribution range broadened and 42 were photographed for the first time, five of those were photographed live as well. The number of Brazilian polyclad species is expected to rise when different regions and environments are surveyed.
On the genus Habrobathynella Schminke, 1973 (Crustacea, Malacostraca, Bathynellacea), with description of three new species from India
Authors: SHAIK SHABUDDIN , REDDY YENUMULA RANGA
Published: October 2018

The genus Habrobathynella Schminke, 1973 contains 16 species, 2 from Madagascar and 14 from the peninsular India. This is a remarkably species-rich genus when compared to the three other genera of the family Parabathynellidae known from India: Atopobathynella Schminke, 1973 (5 spp.), Chilibathynella Noodt, 1964 (1 sp.), and Parvulobathynella Schminke, 1973 (3 spp.). This paper provides a monographic treatment of Habrobathynella together with a detailed illustrated account of three new cavernicolous species, viz. Habrobathynella bose n. sp., Habrobathynella ernstmayr n. sp. and Habrobathynella raman n. sp., from the States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, India. For each of the already described species, the following details are provided: reference to original description, diagnosis, type data, type locality, distribution, ecology, co-occurrence with other species and remarks on taxonomic affinity. Distribution maps and a dichotomous key for identification of all species in Habrobathynella are provided. We also include a brief note on the biogeography and conservation status of the Indian bathynellaceans.
Financial Crisis and Migrant Domestic Workers in Spain: Employment Opportunities and Conditions during the Great Recession
Authors: Hellgren Zenia , Serrano Inmaculada
Published: October 2018

This article explores the impact of the Great Recession on migrant domestic workers in Spain. We argue that the domestic service sector’s relative resistance to job destruction has transformed it to some extent into a refuge activity for unemployed women from other sectors, both migrants and native Spanish workers. This leads to intensified competition over jobs and increasing stratification among domestic workers, with serious consequences both for migrant women’s opportunities to make a living in Spain and for their migration projects at an international level. Based on 90 in-depth interviews with female migrant domestic workers and stakeholders, we find that this group of workers has been seriously affected by unemployment, underemployment, and worsened job conditions. As a consequence, new and already settled migrants find the chances to gain their livelihood in Spain substantially reduced, and many of those who migrated in order to support the family back home through remittances, or to save some money and eventually return, are at present unable to do so.