bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Cognitive and Affective Mechanisms that Underlie Proxy Risk Perceptions among Caregivers of Asthmatic Children
Authors: Shepperd James A. , Lipsey Nikolette P. , Pachur Thorsten , Waters Erika A.
Published: April 2018

Objective. Medical decisions made on behalf of another person—particularly those made by adult caregivers for their minor children—are often informed by the decision maker’s beliefs about the treatment’s risks and benefits. However, we know little about the cognitive and affective mechanisms influencing such “proxy” risk perceptions and about how proxy risk perceptions are related to prominent judgment phenomena. Methods. Adult caregivers of minor children with asthma ( N = 132) completed an online, cross-sectional survey assessing 1) cognitions and affects that form the basis of the availability, representativeness, and affect heuristics; 2) endorsement of the absent-exempt and the better-than-average effect; and 3) proxy perceived risk and unrealistic comparative optimism of an asthma exacerbation. We used the Pediatric Asthma Control and Communication Instrument (PACCI) to assess asthma severity. Results. Respondents with higher scores on availability, representativeness, and negative affect indicated higher proxy risk perceptions and (for representativeness only) lower unrealistic optimism, irrespective of asthma severity. Conversely, respondents who showed a stronger display of the better-than-average effect indicated lower proxy risk perceptions but did not differ in unrealistic optimism. The absent-exempt effect was unrelated to proxy risk perceptions and unrealistic optimism. Conclusion. Heuristic judgment processes appear to contribute to caregivers’ proxy risk perceptions of their child’s asthma exacerbation risk. Moreover, the display of other, possibly erroneous, judgment phenomena is associated with lower caregiver risk perceptions. Designing interventions that target these mechanisms may help caregivers work with their children to reduce exacerbation risk.
Setting Dead at Zero: Applying Scale Properties to the QALY Model
Authors: Roudijk Bram , Donders A. Rogier T. , Stalmeier Peep F.M.
Published: April 2018

Introduction. Scaling severe states can be a difficult task. First, the method of measurement affects whether a health state is considered better or worse than dead. Second, in discrete choice experiments, different models to anchor health states on 0 (dead) and 1 (perfect health) produce varying amounts of health states worse than dead. Research Question. Within the context of the quality-adjusted life year (QALY) model, this article provides insight into the value assigned to dead and its consequences for decision making. Our research questions are 1) what are the arguments set forth to assign dead the number 0 on the health–utility scale? And 2) what are the effects of the position of dead on the health–utility scale on decision making? Methods. A literature review was conducted to explore the arguments set forth to assign dead a value of 0 in the QALY model. In addition, scale properties and transformations were considered. Results. The review uncovered several practical and theoretical considerations for setting dead at 0. In the QALY model, indifference between 2 health episodes is not preserved under changes of the origin of the duration scale. Ratio scale properties are needed for the duration scale to preserve indifferences. In combination with preferences and zero conditions for duration and health, it follows that dead should have a value of 0. Conclusions. The health–utility and duration scales have ratio scale properties, and dead should be assigned the number 0. Furthermore, the position of dead should be carefully established, because it determines how life-saving and life-improving values are weighed in cost–utility analysis.
Occipital neuralgia associates with high cervical spinal cord lesions in idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating disease
Authors: Kissoon Narayan R , Watson James C , Boes Christopher J , Kantarci Orhun H
Published: April 2018

Background

The association of trigeminal neuralgia with pontine lesions has been well documented in multiple sclerosis, and we tested the hypothesis that occipital neuralgia in multiple sclerosis is associated with high cervical spinal cord lesions.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 29 patients diagnosed with both occipital neuralgia and demyelinating disease by a neurologist from January 2001 to December 2014. We collected data on demographics, clinical findings, presence of C2-3 demyelinating lesions, and treatment responses.

Results

The patients with both occipital neuralgia and multiple sclerosis were typically female (76%) and had a later onset (age > 40) of occipital neuralgia (72%). Eighteen patients (64%) had the presence of C2-3 lesions and the majority had unilateral symptoms (83%) or episodic pain (78%). All patients with documented sensory loss (3/3) had C2-3 lesions. Most patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (6/8) had C2-3 lesions. Of the eight patients with C2-3 lesions and imaging at onset of occipital neuralgia, five (62.5%) had evidence of active demyelination. None of the patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (3/3) responded to occipital nerve blocks or high dose intravenous steroids, whereas all of the other phenotypes with long term follow-up (eight patients) had good responses.

Conclusions

A cervical spine MRI should be considered in all patients presenting with occipital neuralgia. In patients with multiple sclerosis, clinical features in occipital neuralgia that were predictive of the presence of a C2-3 lesion were unilateral episodic symptoms, sensory loss, later onset of occipital neuralgia, and progressive multiple sclerosis phenotype. Clinical phenotype predicted response to treatment.
Risk Factors for Elbow and Shoulder Injuries in Adolescent Baseball Players: A Systematic Review
Authors: Norton Ryan , Honstad Christopher , Joshi Rajat , Silvis Matthew , Chinchilli Vernon , Dhawan Aman
Published: April 2018

Background:

The incidence of shoulder and elbow injuries among adolescent baseball players is on the rise. These injuries may lead to surgery or retirement at a young age.

Purpose:

To identify independent risk factors for elbow and shoulder injuries in adolescent baseball players. A secondary aim was to determine whether the literature supports the Major League Baseball and USA Baseball Pitch Smart guidelines.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines utilizing MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. Because of study heterogeneity, a quantitative synthesis was not performed. A qualitative review was performed on 19 independent risk factors for elbow and shoulder injuries in adolescent baseball players. Level of evidence was assigned per the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Working Group, and risk of bias was graded per the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results:

Twenty-two articles met criteria for inclusion. Of the 19 independent variables that were analyzed, age, height, playing for multiple teams, pitch velocity, and arm fatigue were found to be independent risk factors for throwing arm injuries. Pitches per game appears to be a risk factor for shoulder injuries. Seven independent variables (innings pitched per game, showcase participation, games per year, training days per week, pitch type, shoulder external rotation, and shoulder total range of motion) do not appear to be significant risk factors. The data were inconclusive for the remaining 6 variables (weight, months of pitching per year, innings or pitches per year, catching, shoulder horizontal adduction, and glenohumeral internal rotation deficit).

Conclusion:

The results from this study demonstrate that age, height, playing for multiple teams, pitch velocity, and arm fatigue are clear risk factors for throwing arm injuries in adolescent baseball players. Pitches per game appears to be a risk factor for shoulder injuries. Other variables are either inconclusive or do not appear to be specific risk factors for injuries.
Summative Report on Time Out of Play for Major and Minor League Baseball: An Analysis of 49,955 Injuries From 2011 Through 2016
Authors: Camp Christopher L. , Dines Joshua S. , van der List Jelle P. , Conte Stan , Conway Justin , Altchek David W. , Coleman Struan H. , Pearle Andrew D.
Published: April 2018

Background:

Recent epidemiologic reports have demonstrated rising injury rates in Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MiLB). Although several studies have recently been published on specific injuries, the majority of injuries have not yet been formally studied.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to (1) generate a summative analysis of all injuries that occur in MLB and MiLB, (2) identify the 50 most common injuries, and (3) generate focused reports and fact sheets on the characteristics of each of those diagnoses.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The MLB Health and Injury Tracking System was used to identify injuries occurring in MLB and MiLB players from 2011 to 2016. Injuries were defined as those that occurred during normal baseball activity and resulted in at least 1 day out of play. A multitude of player and injury characteristics were analyzed, and detailed reports of the 50 most commonly occurring injuries were generated.

Results:

A total of 49,955 injuries occurred during the study period; 45,123 were non–season ending, and they resulted in 722,176 days out of play. The mean (median) days missed per injury was 16 (6) days. Overall, 39.1% of all injuries occurred in pitchers. The upper extremity was involved in 39% of injuries, while 35% occurred in the hip/groin/lower extremity. Surgery was required in 6.5% of cases, and 9.7% of injuries were season ending. Hamstring strains were the most common injury (n = 3337), followed by rotator cuff strain/tear (n = 1874), paralumbar muscle strain (n = 1313), biceps tendinitis (n = 1264), oblique strain (n = 1249), and elbow ulnar collateral ligament injury (n = 1191). The diagnoses that were most likely to end a player’s season were elbow ulnar collateral ligament injury (60% season ending) and superior labrum anterior and posterior tear (50.9% season ending).

Conclusion:

Contrary to prior reports relying on disabled list data, the annual number of injuries in professional baseball remained steady from 2011 to 2016. Similar trends were noted for the annual number of days missed and mean days missed per injury. Although the mean days missed per injury was high (16), the median was much lower at 6 days.
Thermal characteristics of unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates during orthogonal cutting
Authors: An Qinglong , Chen Jie , Cai Xiaojiang , Peng Tingting , Chen Ming
Published: April 2018

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer has been used as a major material for primary load-bearing structural components in aviation industry. But its poor heat resistance is an important factor affecting the machining performance, because high cutting temperature above glass transition temperature of resin matrix (normally 300°C or below) may lead to the degradation of the resin matrix. In this study, orthogonal machining experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of cutting parameters, cutting tool geometric parameters, and material parameters on cutting temperature, and the prediction model of cutting temperature about fiber orientation angle ( θ) was built. Cutting temperature was measured by semiartificial thermocouple method. The experimental results revealed that the influence of cutting parameters on cutting temperature was not affected by fiber orientation angle of carbon fiber reinforced polymer. Cutting tool geometric parameters have little effect on cutting temperature. Unlike metal materials, cutting temperature was greatly influenced by θ. Cutting temperature for θ < 90° was significantly higher than that for θ > 90°. The maximum temperature occurred at θ = 90°. The influence of fiber orientation angle was shown in two aspects: changing the springback of unidirectional-carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates in cutting process, changing material removal mechanism, which affected cutting temperature eventually.
Collaborative Drama-Based EFL Learning in Familiar Contexts
Authors: Zhang Hao , Hwang Wu-Yuin , Tseng Shih-Ying , Chen Holly S. L.
Published: April 2018

Contextual learning has been recognized as an important method for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning and drama was also usually employed to be a good activity for EFL learning which guided learners to interact and use body language to practice English. However, there were few studies to consider both drama and authentic contexts together with mobile devices to facilitate EFL learning. In this research, we developed a contextual drama (CD) system in mobile devices for EFL learning. Students can use CD system to prepare, make, and conduct drama with voices, photos, and texts in authentic contexts to improve English learning. Our goal is to examine how CD system and collaborative CD influences students' learning behaviors and achievement. One quasi-experiment design was conducted with 78 participants, who were the fifth-grade elementary school students during a 5-week experimental period. The results demonstrated that drama-based learning in authentic contexts resulted in better learning achievements than traditional methods. Moreover, we found that collaboration, as key in drama-based EFL learning, could promote peer discussion and therefore help students improve students' storytelling and writing abilities. Students' improved abilities were demonstrated in their sentence complexity and diversity. Additional analysis results derived from the interviews and observations also revealed that students' body languages usage and their engagement in drama activities have significant effect on their learning achievement.
Invasive Candidiasis in Critically Ill Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study in Two Tertiary Care Centers
Authors: Al-Dorzi Hasan M. , Sakkijha Hussam , Khan Raymond , Aldabbagh Tarek , Toledo Aron , Ntinika Pendo , Al Johani Sameera M. , Arabi Yaseen M.
Published: April 2018

Background:

Invasive candidiasis is not uncommon in critically ill patients but has variable epidemiology and outcomes between intensive care units (ICUs). This study evaluated the epidemiology, characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with invasive candidiasis at 6 ICUs of 2 tertiary care centers.

Methods:

This was a prospective observational study of all adults admitted to 6 ICUs in 2 different hospitals between August 2012 and May 2016 and diagnosed to have invasive candidiasis by 2 intensivists according to predefined criteria. The epidemiology of isolated Candida and the characteristics, management, and outcomes of affected patients were studied. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the predictors of non-albicans versus albicans infection and hospital mortality.

Results:

Invasive candidiasis was diagnosed in 162 (age 58.4 ± 18.9 years, 52.2% males, 82.1% medical admissions, and admission Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score 24.1 ± 8.4) patients at a rate of 2.6 cases per 100 ICU admissions. On the diagnosis day, the Candida score was 2.4 ± 0.9 in invasive candidiasis compared with 1.6 ± 0.9 in Candida colonization ( P < .01). The most frequent species were albicans (38.3%), tropicalis (16.7%), glabrata (16%), and parapsilosis (13.6%). In patients with candidemia, antifungal therapy was started on average 1 hour before knowing the culture result (59.6% of therapy initiated after). Resistance to fluconazole, caspofungin, and amphotericin B occurred in 27.9%, 2.9%, and 3.1%, respectively. The hospital mortality was 58.6% with no difference between albicans and non-albicans infections (61.3% and 54.9%, respectively; P = .44). The independent predictors of mortality were renal replacement therapy after invasive candidiasis diagnosis (odds ratio: 5.42; 95% confidence interval: 2.16-13.56) and invasive candidiasis leading/contributing to ICU admission versus occurring during critical illness (odds ratio: 2.87; 95% confidence interval: 1.22-6.74).

Conclusions:

In critically ill patients with invasive candidiasis, non-albicans was responsible for most cases, and mortality was high (58.6%). Antifungal therapy was initiated after culture results in 60% suggesting low preclinical suspicion. Study registration: NCT01490684; registered in ClinicalTrials.gov on February 11, 2012.
Two diseases, same person: moving toward a combined HIV and tuberculosis continuum of care
Authors: Granich Reuben , Gupta Somya
Published: April 2018

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis syndemic remains a global public health threat. Separate HIV and tuberculosis (TB) global targets have been set; however, success will depend on achieving combined disease control objectives and care continua. The objective of this study was to review available policy, budgets, and data to reconceptualize TB and HIV disease control objectives by combining HIV and TB care continua. For 22 World Health Organization (WHO) TB and TB/HIV priority countries, we used 2015 data from the HIV90–90–90watch website, UNAIDS AIDSinfo, and WHO 2016 and 2017 Global TB Reports. Global resources available in TB and HIV/TB activities for 2003–2017 were collected from publicly available sources. In 22 high-burden countries, people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy ranged from 9 to 70%; viral suppression was 38–63%. TB treatment success ranged from 71 to 94% with 14 (81% HIV/TB burden) countries above 80% TB treatment success. From 2003 to 2017, reported global international and domestic resources for HIV-associated TB and TB averaged $2.85 billion per year; the total for 2003–2017 was 43 billion dollars. Reviewing combined HIV and TB targets demonstrate disease control progress and challenges. Using an integrated HIV and TB continuum supports HIV and TB disease control efforts focused on improving both individual and public health.
Reproductive decision-making among postpartum HIV-infected women in rural South Africa
Authors: Jones Deborah L , Rodriguez Violeta J , Babayigit Suat , Chahine Antonio , Weiss Stephen M , Peltzer Karl
Published: April 2018

Despite pregnancy spacing recommendations to optimize health outcomes among mothers and neonates, unplanned pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa is common among women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (WLHIV). This study examined factors associated with reproductive decision-making among WLHIV to inform pregnancy-planning interventions. WLHIV in rural South Africa (n = 165) were assessed at 12 months postpartum. The relative importance of factors associated with reproductive decision-making was estimated. Women were a mean of 28 years old (SD = 5.71). Risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV (Mean = 0.43; SD = 0.33) had the greatest impact on decision-making, followed by partners’ desires (M = 0.22; SD = 0.18), family preferences (M = 0.18; SD = 0.13), and community opinion (M = 0.17; SD = 0.13). MTCT was most important to women with greater HIV knowledge. However, WLHIV who had been diagnosed with HIV for a longer time placed more emphasis on partner preference and community opinion, and less importance on MTCT risk. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) was less important to women experiencing intimate partner violence and those with depression. Findings highlight the need for tailored, focused interventions to support the unique circumstances of WLHIV and support the inclusion of families and/or partners in the counseling process. Results underscore the need for perinatal preconception counseling for women during routine HIV care.
Predictors of fracture risk in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Dey M , Bukhari M
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Bone loss in systemic lupus erythematosus is multifactorial. Recent studies demonstrate corticosteroids, previous fractures and increasing age decrease bone mineral density. The effect of body mass index and fat mass are less well characterized. We sought to determine fracture risk factors in patients undergoing dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning at a district hospital in 2004–2015.

Methods

Standard dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry parameters were recorded, plus rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, smoking status, alcohol consumption, family history of fractures, history of secondary operation and corticosteroid use. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test for categorical data and logistic regression for continuous data.

Results

One hundred and fifty patients (141 women, nine men) with SLE were included; 52 (34.6%) had sustained at least one fracture. Fracture risk increased with increased age, body mass index, fat mass and average tissue thickness, and decreased lean mass (adjusted for steroid use), as well as with smoking and rheumatoid arthritis. Increased femoral and vertebral bone mineral density conversely decreased fracture risk.

Conclusion

Our study suggests increased age, body mass index, fat mass, smoking and/or rheumatoid arthritis increase fracture risk in SLE patients. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a correlation between increased fat mass, adjusted for steroid use and fracture risk, in adults, potentially indicating a differential effect of fat on bone metabolism and lessening of lean body mass.
Intravenous pulses of methylprednisolone to treat flares of immune-mediated diseases: how much, how long?
Authors: Danza A , Borgia I , Narváez J I , Baccelli A , Amigo C , Rebella M , Domínguez V
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Glucocorticoids are widely used in the treatment of immune-mediated diseases. Despite their widespread use, details on dosing, effectiveness and adverse effects are yet to be determined.

Objective

To know the current use of methylprednisolone (MTP) in the management of immune-mediated conditions, evaluating the relationship among doses, therapeutic response and adverse effects.

Methodology

A multicenter retrospective cohort study was designed, including patients who received intravenous pulses of MTP between 1 January 2013 and 12 December 2015 in three different hospitals in Uruguay. The patients included received MTP to treat systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs), hematological, nephrological and neurologic diseases and others. The following variables were analyzed: age, gender, MTP cumulative dose, duration of treatment, clinical response (complete, partial and no response) and adverse effects.

Results

In total, 164 cases were identified, of which 118 (72%) were female. The median age was 48.4 (SD: 18) years. The indications for MTP included: neuroimmune-mediated 92 (56.1%), SADs 29 (17.5%), hematological 15 (9.1%), nephrological 12 (7.3%) and others 16 (9.9%). The median dose to achieve complete response was 3.2 g (SD: 1.5); the median dose to accomplish a partial response was 3.5 g (SD: 1.25); the median dose for non-responders was 3.3 g (SD 1.2) ( p > 0.05). The median dose in those patients with adverse effects was 3.4 g (SD 1.5) and the median dose for those who did not experience adverse effects was 3.3 g (SD: 1.3) ( p > 0.05). The most frequent adverse effects were infectious (22/164, 13.4%). Diabetics were found to have the highest incidence of adverse effects (13/16, 81%) in comparison to non-diabetics, p < 0.05.

Discussion

Our study suggests a wide range of doses and duration of treatments with MTP. No major associations were found between clinical response and the use of high MTP doses, but the latter was associated with a large proportion of severe infections. No severe infections were identified with MTP doses lower than 1.5 g. The diabetic population is known to be at risk of experiencing varied adverse effects to MTP. These observations reinforce the need for protocolized use of MTP in order to achieve a better relationship among doses, effectiveness and safety profile.
Time regimes in debt collection and mediation
Authors: Storms Elias , Verschraegen Gert
Published: April 2018

Debt and time are inherently linked. In its essence, a debt is a quantified promise to pay at some point in the future. This article explores the temporal dimension of debt that manifests itself during the process of debt collection, the phase at which indebtedness becomes most tangible. Based on in-depth interviews and ethnographic fieldwork in the world of debt collection in Flanders, Belgium, we analyse how different temporal techniques used by ‘street-level’ debt collectors incite debtors to pay. Both in collection out of court by collection agencies as well as in judicial enforcement of the obligation to pay, debt collection imposes a strict schedule of repayment on the defaulting debtor. In this ‘time regime’ imposed upon debtors, payments are closely tracked, so that any deviation can be met by swift reminders and pecuniary punishment. The time regimes of debt collection can conflict with the temporal structures present in the everyday economic lives of the debtors. Incongruences appear due to frictions between the rhythm of repayment on the one hand, and temporal irregularities of the economic lives of debtors on the other. To further explore this time dimension, we also look at how debtors respond and adapt to the new temporal impositions, and how debt mediators deploy temporal strategies when assisting the over-indebted. By negotiating payment plans with creditors, debt mediators mitigate the harsher aspects of the time regime enacted through collection agencies and judicial officers.
Examining Forward and Backward Linkages between Public and Private Investments
Authors: Das Ramesh Chandra , Das Amaresh , Ray Kamal
Published: April 2018

Proper working of forward and backward linkages between the public and private investments in the face of balanced development of an economy is an already established fact in the literature of development economics.The present article is aimed at examining the working of these two linkage effects upon the economies of 24 countries in different economic status: whether public capital is more productive than private capital and finally to test whether public investments crowd-in or crowd-out the private investments for the period 1988–2013. The results show that, for the entire period, forward linkage has worked for Spain, Senegal and Ecuador and backward linkages worked for United States of America, United Kingdom, Thailand, South Africa, Nigeria, Cambodia, Rwanda and Paraguay. Both forward and backward linkages have happened for Ireland, China, India, Brazil and Peru. For the second objective, the numbers of instances of the income-generative capacities of both types of investments are a few in the entire as well pre-crisis phases unlike that of the post-crisis phase. And the results of the third objective show that there are the maximum instances in favour of crowding-in effects from either private to public or from public to private in all the time phases and a few instances in crowding-out effects.

JEL: O18, H54, E22, E01
Sport in liminal spaces: The meaning of sport activities for refugees living in a reception centre
Authors: Waardenburg Maikel , Visschers Margot , Deelen Ineke , van Liempt Ilse
Published: April 2018

This article focuses on the meaning of sport activities for refugees living in a reception centre. We conceptualise the reception centre as a liminal space and analyse how this liminal space affects the meanings of sport activities for refugees. Based on interviews with refugees living in a reception centre we show how sport in this liminal space is to a large extent experienced as a way to overcome the boredom experienced at the centre, to forget about their daily struggles, but also has a large social function as it is an easy opportunity to meet with others. We argue that liminal spaces constrain the organisation of sport activities and its possibilities for realising sport’s ascribed positive spill-overs, such as increasing feelings of belonging. We call for future research, including creative social research approaches, that focus on refugees’ own narratives in order to better understand the role social space plays for the meaning of sport activities for this particular vulnerable group.
The history of the standard for the calculation of cost of ownership in the semiconductor industry
Authors: Sandholzer Maximilian , Wouters Marc
Published: April 2018

The semiconductor industry is one of very few industries to have a standard for management accounting, and this concerns a method for calculating the cost of ownership (COO). This research investigates the history of the development of the COO standard, starting from the late 1980s and stretching to the mid-1990s, and explores the circumstances under which this development occurred. We find that the development and revision activities for COO built on complementary conditions, such as industry organizations, networks of professionals, and standard-setting procedures, which had been established for cooperation in research and development and for the development of technical standards. We suggest that these factors may explain the absence of standards in management accounting in many other settings.
Fibroblastic osteosarcoma with epithelioid and squamous differentiation in a dog
Authors: Jenkins Tiffany L. , Agnew Dalen , Rissi Daniel R.
Published: April 2018

A fibroblastic osteosarcoma with epithelioid and squamous differentiation in the distal femur of a 9-y-old spayed female Greyhound dog is described. Grossly, the tumor consisted of a pale-white, firm-to-hard mass that replaced the medullary and cortical areas of the distal end of the right femur. Histologically, the mass was composed predominantly of spindle cells admixed with areas of mineralized and non-mineralized osteoid matrix that were surrounded by stellate osteoblasts and scattered multinucleate giant cells, consistent with the diagnosis of a fibroblastic osteosarcoma. In addition, well-demarcated clusters of neoplastic epithelioid cells and foci of squamous differentiation with keratin pearls were present throughout the neoplasm. The spindle cells, epithelioid cells, and areas of squamous differentiation expressed cytoplasmic immunostaining for osteocalcin and osteonectin. The spindle cells and epithelioid cells were also immunopositive for vimentin. Epithelioid cells also expressed occasional cytoplasmic immunostaining for pancytokeratin (PCK) Lu-5, and areas of squamous differentiation were immunoreactive for PCK Lu-5 and high molecular weight CK; these areas were inconsistently immunoreactive for CK 5-6 and immunonegative for low molecular weight CK. Foci of squamous differentiation were not located within blood or lymphatic vessels, given that no immunoreactivity for factor VIII−related antigen was observed around these areas. A thorough autopsy and an evaluation of the medical history excluded a primary carcinoma or other neoplasm elsewhere in the dog. The findings were consistent with a diagnosis of fibroblastic osteosarcoma with epithelioid and squamous differentiation.
Immunohistochemical detection of p53, PTEN, Rb, and p16 in canine osteosarcoma using tissue microarray
Authors: Russell Duncan S. , Jaworski Lauren , Kisseberth William C.
Published: April 2018

Although inactivating mutations of tumor suppressor genes are well described in cell lines of canine osteosarcoma (OS), expression of tumor suppressor proteins in spontaneous disease is poorly characterized. We determined the immunohistochemical expression of p53, PTEN, Rb, and p16 in a large cohort of dogs with OS. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples of canine OS were analyzed retrospectively. Primary tumor samples from 145 dogs, collected between 2003 and 2008, were evaluated by tissue microarray. Streptavidin–biotin complex immunohistochemistry was performed using monoclonal antibodies for Rb and PTEN and polyclonal antibodies for p16 and p53. The average age of dogs was 7.6 y, and 118 of 145 (81%) were purebred. Most commonly represented purebreds were Greyhound (23%), Rottweiler (11%), and Labrador Retriever (10%). Immunohistochemical detection of p53, PTEN, Rb, and p16 was 81%, 61%, 66%, and 66%, respectively. The staining pattern for p16 was primarily cytoplasmic; the predominant pattern for PTEN, Rb, and p53 was cytoplasmic and nuclear. Exclusively cytoplasmic staining was noted in 19% of samples positive for p53 and 8% of samples positive for Rb. Kaplan–Meier curves showed that protein expression was not associated with significant differences in overall survival ( p > 0.191). We documented heterogeneity in both immunostaining and subcellular localization of tumor suppressor proteins, providing further characterization of canine OS.
The Assessment of HER2 Gene Status by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization in Invasive Breast Carcinomas With Equivocal HER2 Immunostaining: Experience From a Single Institution
Authors: Efared Boubacar , Sidibé Ibrahim S. , Gamrani Sana , El Otmani Ihsane , Erregad Fatimazahra , Hammas Nawal , Bennis Sanae , Chbani Laila , El Fatemi Hinde
Published: April 2018

Background. A subset of breast carcinomas harbors overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) should be performed in breast carcinomas with equivocal HER2 immunostaining (immunohistochemistry [IHC] HER2 2+). The aim of our study is to investigate clinicopathologic factors associated with HER2 status in breast invasive carcinomas with IHC HER2 2+ through FISH analysis. Methods. This is a retrospective study including the FISH analysis of 111 patients with invasive breast carcinomas with equivocal HER2 immunostaining. Results. The mean age was 49.51 ± 10.48 years, and invasive breast carcinoma of no special type was the most histological type in our study (96.4%). Most patients had tumors positive for hormones receptors (88.2% positive for estrogen receptor and 81.4% for progesterone receptor). On FISH, the HER2 amplification rate was 22.5%. There was no significant association of HER2 status with any clinicopathologic factors ( P > .05). Conclusions. Our study shows that there are no reliable clinicopathologic factors to predict the HER2 status in breast tumors with equivocal HER2 immunostaining, supporting the necessary usage of FISH in such circumstances.
Beneficial Effect of the SGLT2 Inhibitor Empagliflozin on Glucose Homeostasis and Cardiovascular Parameters in the Cohen Rosenthal Diabetic Hypertensive (CRDH) Rat
Authors: Younis Firas , Leor Jonathan , Abassi Zaid , Landa Natalie , Rath Lea , Hollander Kenneth , Naftali-Shani Nili , Rosenthal Talma
Published: April 2018

The effectiveness of empagliflozin (EMPA), a sodium glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitor, on the kidney, pancreas, and heart was investigated in the Cohen Rosenthal diabetic hypertensive rat model (CRDH rat). Six-week-old CRDH male rats were fed a sugar diet (SD) and treated with the compound EMPA (group Drug/SD) or respective comparator with vehicle (group Veh/SD). A control group was fed a regular diet without treatment (group Veh/P). Preventive treatment with EMPA was measured during 4 months of follow-up. The treatment effect was evaluated according to results observed after 4 months in group Drug/SD when compared to those in group Veh/SD. Significant effect resulted in the following parameters: enhancement of urinary glucose excretion in association with diuresis; amelioration of postprandial hyperglycemia and fasting blood glucose levels; and decrease in calculated Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) as well as lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures. At the end of treatment, EMPA preserved nephrin integrity in the kidney, reduced proteinuria, and prevented diabetes-induced damage to glomerular diaphragm structure. In the pancreas, EMPA demonstrated an impressive decrease in fatty infiltration and atrophy. Blood pressure was significantly reduced in the EMPA-treated group (15 ± 5.1 mm Hg, P < .05) in contrast to the vehicle and control groups. Finally, compared to controls, EMPA significantly reduced left ventricle (LV) mass and LV systolic dilatation, according to 2-dimensional echocardiography. The importance of the study lies in demonstrating the efficacy of an antidiabetic drug with beneficial effects on blood pressure, weight, kidney, and pancreas and a positive effect on the heart.
Exploring Proteins Containing Amyloidogenic Regions in the Proteomes of Bacteria of the Order Rhizobiales
Authors: Antonets Kirill S , Kliver Sergey F , Nizhnikov Anton A
Published: April 2018

Amyloids are protein fibrils with a highly ordered spatial structure called cross-β. To date, amyloids were shown to be implicated in a wide range of biological processes, both pathogenic and functional. In bacteria, functional amyloids are involved in forming biofilms, storing toxins, overcoming the surface tension, and other functions. Rhizobiales represent an economically important group of Alphaproteobacteria, various species of which are not only capable of fixing nitrogen in the symbiosis with leguminous plants but also act as the causative agents of infectious diseases in animals and plants. Here, we implemented bioinformatic screening for potentially amyloidogenic proteins in the proteomes of more than 80 species belonging to the order Rhizobiales. Using SARP ( Sequence Analysis based on the Ranking of Probabilities) and Waltz bioinformatic algorithms, we identified the biological processes, where potentially amyloidogenic proteins are overrepresented. We detected protein domains and regions associated with amyloidogenic sequences in the proteomes of various Rhizobiales species. We demonstrated that amyloidogenic regions tend to occur in the membrane or extracellular proteins, many of which are involved in pathogenesis-related processes, including adhesion, assembly of flagellum, and transport of siderophores and lipopolysaccharides, and contain domains typical of the virulence factors (hemolysin, RTX, YadA, LptD); some of them (rhizobiocins, LptD) are also related to symbiosis.
Talanoa: Tongan epistemology and Indigenous research method
Authors: Tecun (Daniel Hernandez) Arcia , Hafoka ‘Inoke , ‘Ulu‘ave Lavinia , ‘Ulu‘ave-Hafoka Moana
Published: April 2018

Story dialogue known as talanoa is increasingly finding its place as a Pacific research method. The authors situate talanoa as an Indigenous concept of relationally mindful critical oratory. Approaching talanoa from mostly a Tongan lens, it is argued that it can contribute to broader discussions of Indigenous research methods and epistemology. The authors address the talanoa literature that has defined it as an open or informal discussion, and respond to questions that have emerged from challenges in implementing it practically in academic research. Indigenous Oceanic thought is used to interpret talanoa as a mediation between relations of Mana (potency), Tapu ( sacred/restrictions), and Noa (equilibrium), which is a gap in the talanoa literature. Talanoa is grounded as a continuum of Indigenous knowledge production and wisdom present from the past that is adaptable to research settings. Centring Moana (Oceanic) epistemology in talanoa challenges dominant research methods to adapt to Indigenous paradigms, rather than attempting to Indigenize a Western one.
Making Space for Youth Culture History: Berlin’s Archiv der Jugendkulturen
Authors: Feldman-Barrett Christine
Published: April 2018

Berlin’s Archiv der Jugendkulturen (Archive of Youth Cultures) was opened in 1998 to provide scholars, journalists, students, and other interested parties with a dedicated space to research youth culture topics. Founder and journalist Klaus Farin, frustrated with the often negative depictions of young people in the mainstream media, hoped the archive’s materials would act as a corrective to such stereotypes. However, the archive has come to mean much more. This article argues that this unique space not only provides invaluable and rare resources but is both a symbolic and physical manifestation of Germany’s youth culture history. As such, it is an innovative site for the nation’s social memory. Since the archive is located in Kreuzberg, the city’s historic heart of bohemian culture, special attention is paid to Berlin’s long-standing reputation as an “alternative city” popular with young people interested in underground culture. Furthermore, this essay stresses the importance of this history- and memory-oriented space in connection with a recent “historic turn” in youth studies.
Initiating mobilizing networks: Mapping intercultural competences in two music teacher programmes in Israel and Finland
Authors: Miettinen Laura , Gluschankof Claudia , Karlsen Sidsel , Westerlund Heidi
Published: April 2018

Societies worldwide are becoming more aware of the educational challenges that come with increased cultural diversity derived from ethnic, linguistic, religious, socioeconomic and educational differences and their intersections. In many countries, teacher education programmes are expected to prepare teachers for this reality and develop their intercultural competences. This instrumental case study is based on a project that aims to initiate mobilizing networks between two music teacher programmes to explore intercultural music teacher education. In this study, we map the intercultural competences that are required of music teacher educators and that are provided in the music education programmes at two higher music education institutions in Israel and Finland. The data consists of 11 focus group interviews with music teacher educators at the Levinsky College of Education in Tel Aviv and the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki, conducted by a multinational research team. The data was analysed abductively, using content analysis as a method. While the interviewed teacher educators could articulate many aspects of their own intercultural competences or the lack of them, the findings indicate that in musical diversity and teaching students from different musical backgrounds the teacher educators found it difficult to explain what kinds of intercultural competences their respective programmes provided for the students. Based on the findings, there is a need for a more holistic understanding of intercultural competences in music teacher education as well as how our institutions produce power. There is also a need for the teacher educators in the programmes to collaborate and discuss among each other in order to create “knowledge communities” and to move towards addressing intercultural issues.
Type V Collagen is Persistently Altered After Inguinal Hernia Repair
Authors: Lorentzen L. , Henriksen N. A. , Juhl P. , Mortensen J. H. , Ågren M. S. , Karsdal M. A. , Jorgensen L. N.
Published: April 2018

Background and Aims:

Hernia formation is associated with alterations of collagen metabolism. Collagen synthesis and degradation cause a systemic release of products, which are measurable in serum. Recently, we reported changes in type V and IV collagen metabolisms in patients with inguinal and incisional hernia. The aim of this study was to determine if the altered collagen metabolism was persistent after hernia repair.

Material and Methods:

Patients who had undergone repairs for inguinal hernia (n = 11) or for incisional hernia (n = 17) were included in this study. Patients who had undergone elective cholecystectomy served as controls (n = 10). Whole venous blood was collected 35–55 months after operation. Biomarkers for type V collagen synthesis (Pro-C5) and degradation (C5M) and those for type IV collagen synthesis (P4NP) and degradation (C4M2) were measured by a solid-phase competitive assay.

Results:

The turnover of type V collagen (Pro-C5/C5M) was slightly higher postoperatively when compared to preoperatively in the inguinal hernia group (P = 0.034). In addition, the results revealed a postoperatively lower type V collagen turnover level in the inguinal hernia group compared to controls (P = 0.012). In the incisional hernia group, the type V collagen turnover was higher after hernia repair (P = 0.004) and the postoperative turnover level was not different from the control group (P = 0.973).

Conclusion:

Patients with an inguinal hernia demonstrated a systemic and persistent type V collagen turnover alteration. This imbalance of the collagen metabolism may be involved in the development of inguinal hernias.
Protective earphones and human hearing system response to the received sound frequency signals
Authors: Ziayi Ghahnavieh Niloofar , Pourabdian Siamak , Forouharmajd Farhad
Published: April 2018

Sound is one of the most important problems in industrial environments, and it causes hearing loss at different frequencies in the workforce. Incorrect fitting of hearing protector has a negative effect on noise reduction. The present study was conducted with the aim of determination of the effective frequencies on hearing loss and variations of the sound level in different frequencies after placing the earplug. A model of ear canal with different materials was simulated. Sound pressure sensors and earplugs were placed in both sides of the ear canal. The rates of sound reduction in octave frequency signals were calculated for the simulated canal of different materials, in different distances between the microphone and the earplug with Labview software. The results of sound simulation in octave frequency signals showed that by increasing the frequency, the rates of sound reduction in different conditions also had an increasing trend. The obtained peak rates for all the situations coincided with each other at fixed frequencies. In most cases, a noise reduction in the frequency of 4000 Hz showed a high number. The maximum sound reduction was observed at 25.5 mm at frequencies below 250 Hz, which was similar to the average of human ear canal length; so the simulated model can be used to determine the performance of the protective earphones and test them at different frequencies and sound pressure levels.
A reliable and stable method for the determination of foretinib in human plasma by LC-MS/MS: Application to metabolic stability investigation and excretion rate
Authors: Attwa Mohamed W , Kadi Adnan A , Darwish Hany W , Amer Sawsan M , Alrabiah Haitham
Published: April 2018

Foretinib (GSK1363089) is a multiple receptor tyrosine kinases inhibitor. In this study, a reliable, fast liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric method was described for assaying foretinib in plasma, urine, and rat liver microsome samples. Simple extraction procedure by protein preciptation with acetonitrile was implemented for foretinib and brigatinib (internal standard) analysis. Chromatographic resolution of analytes was achieved on C18 column with the help of isocratic mobile phase. The binary mobile phase consisted of 60% ammonium formate (10 mM, pH 4.2) and 40% acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.25 mL/min. Run time was 3 min, and both foretinib and brigatinib were eluted within 0.74 and 1.95 min; they were detected in positive ion mode utilizing multiple reactions monitoring mode. Linearity of the proposed method ranged from 5 to 500 ng/mL (r2 ≥ 0.9993) in the human plasma. Lower limit of quantification and detection were 6.0 and 1.8 ng/mL, respectively. Intraday and interday precision and accuracy were 0.16 to 1.67 % and −2.39 to −0.52 %. In vitro half-life and intrinsic clearance were 24.93 min and 6.56 mL/min/kg, respectively. Literature review showed that no previous studies have been proposed for the analytical quantification of foretinib in human plasma or its metabolic stability. The established method was also applied to estimate the rate of foretinib excretion in rat urine. The developed method can be used for foretinib pharmacokinetic applications.