bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tobacco Use and Cancer Risk in the Agricultural Health Study
Authors: Andreotti Gabriella , Freedman Neal D. , Silverman Debra T. , Lerro Catherine C. , Koutros Stella , Hartge Patricia , Alavanja Michael C. , Sandler Dale P. , Freeman Laura Beane
Published: December 2016

Background: Cigarettes are well known to cause cancer, but less is known about the risks of other tobacco products and use of more than one product.

Methods: We examined cancer incidence in relation to exclusive use of six tobacco products [cigarettes, other combustibles (pipe, cigar, cigarillo), and smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco, snuff)] in the Agricultural Health Study. We also examined the added cancer risks associated with use of cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Results: In our study population of 84,015, ever use of smokeless tobacco was higher than the general United States population, whereas cigarette use was lower and other combustible product use was about the same. The strongest associations for exclusive ever use were for lung cancer [cigarettes HR = 15.48; 95% confidence interval (CI), 11.95–20.06; other combustible tobacco HR = 3.44; 95% CI, 1.53–7.71; smokeless tobacco HR = 2.21; 95% CI, 1.11–4.42]. Compared with exclusive cigarette smokers, cigarette smokers who additionally ever-used another combustible product had higher risks of smoking-related cancers (HR = 1.16; 95% CI, 1.04–1.30), especially among those who smoked cigarettes for more than 15 years.

Conclusions and Impact: Cigarette smokers who additionally ever used smokeless tobacco had cancer risks similar to exclusive cigarette smokers. Users of cigarettes and other combustible tobacco may have higher risks of certain cancers than exclusive cigarette users. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(5); 769–78. ©2016 AACR.
Decreasing Black-White Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Incidence and Stage at Presentation in the United States
Authors: May Folasade P. , Glenn Beth A. , Crespi Catherine M. , Ponce Ninez , Spiegel Brennan M.R. , Bastani Roshan
Published: December 2016

Background: There are long-standing black–white disparities in colorectal cancer incidence and outcomes in the United States. Incidence and stage at diagnosis reflect the impact of national efforts directed at colorectal cancer prevention and control. We aimed to evaluate trends in black–white disparities in both indicators over four decades to inform the future direction of prevention and control efforts.

Methods: We used Surveillance, Epidemiology, & End Results (SEER) data to identify whites and blacks with histologically confirmed colorectal cancer from January 1, 1975 through December 31, 2012. We calculated the age-adjusted incidence and the proportion of cases presenting in late stage by race and year. We then calculated the annual percentage change (APC) and average APC for each indicator by race, examined changes in indicators over time, and calculated the incidence disparity for each year.

Results: There were 440,144 colorectal cancer cases from 1975 to 2012. The overall incidence decreased by 1.35% and 0.46% per year for whites and blacks, respectively. Although the disparity in incidence declined from 2004 to 2012 (APC = −3.88%; P = 0.01), incidence remained higher in blacks in 2012. Late-stage disease declined by 0.27% and 0.45% per year in whites and blacks, respectively. The proportion of late-stage cases became statistically similar in whites and blacks in 2010 (56.60% vs. 56.96%; P = 0.17).

Conclusions: Black–white disparities in colorectal cancer incidence and stage at presentation have decreased over time.

Impact: Our findings reflect the positive impact of efforts to improve colorectal cancer disparities and emphasize the need for interventions to further reduce the incidence gap. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(5); 762–8. ©2016 AACR.
FDA's Approach to Regulating Biosimilars
Authors: Lemery Steven J. , Ricci M. Stacey , Keegan Patricia , McKee Amy E. , Pazdur Richard
Published: December 2016

The Biologics Price Competition and Innovation (BPCI) Act, enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act, created a new licensure pathway for biological products demonstrated to be biosimilar with or interchangeable with an FDA-licensed biological product (the “reference product”). The FDA's approach to the regulation of biosimilars is based on the requirements set forth in the BPCI Act. A biosimilar product is highly similar to the reference product, notwithstanding minor differences in clinically inactive components, and there are no clinically meaningful differences between products in terms of safety, purity, and potency. The foundation of a biosimilar development program is an analytic similarity assessment that directly compares the structural/physiochemical and functional properties of the proposed biosimilar with the reference product. Data from clinical studies, which include an assessment of immunogenicity and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, are used to assess for clinically meaningful differences and not to independently establish the safety and effectiveness of the biosimilar. Like all products that the FDA regulates, the FDA requires that biosimilar products meet the agency's rigorous standards of safety and efficacy for approval. That means patients and health care professionals are able to rely upon the safety and effectiveness of biosimilar products in the same manner as for the reference product. Clin Cancer Res; 23(8); 1882–5. ©2016 AACR.
Absence of Cytomegalovirus in Glioblastoma and Other High-grade Gliomas by Real-time PCR, Immunohistochemistry, and In Situ Hybridization
Authors: Holdhoff Matthias , Guner Gunes , Rodriguez Fausto J. , Hicks Jessica L. , Zheng Qizhi , Forman Michael S. , Ye Xiaobu , Grossman Stuart A. , Meeker Alan K. , Heaphy Christopher M. , Eberhart Charles G. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Arav-Boger Ravit
Published: December 2016

Purpose: Reports of cytomegalovirus (CMV) detection in high-grade gliomas (HGG)/glioblastoma have been conflicting. We undertook a comprehensive approach to determine the presence or absence of CMV in tissue, plasma, and serum of HGG patients.

Experimental Design: In a retrospective arm, 25 fresh frozen tissues from glioblastoma patients were tested for CMV by real-time PCR. Tissue microarrays from 70 HGG patients were tested by IHC and 20 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) glioblastoma tissues by IHC and chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH), targeting CMV-encoded IE1/2 and pp65. In a prospective arm, 18 patients with newly diagnosed HGG provided tissue and blood samples.

Results: All retrospectively collected tissues were negative for CMV by all methods. In the prospective cohort, 18 patients with newly diagnosed HGG provided blood samples at the time of diagnosis and during follow-up. Of 38 plasma specimens, CMV DNA was detected in 3 of 18 samples at baseline and 1 of 20 follow-up samples. Serum CMV IgG was positive in 8 of 15 (53%) of patients. Among the FFPE samples tested in the prospective arm, all were negative for CMV by IHC, CISH, and PCR.

Conclusions: Utilizing 6 highly sensitive assays with three orthogonal technologies on multiple specimens and specimen types, no evidence for CMV in glioblastoma tissues was found. Our findings call for multicenter blinded analyses of samples collected from different geographical areas with agreed upon study designs and determination of causality or lack thereof of CMV in HGG/glioblastoma for future guidance on the necessary antiviral and/or CMV-based therapies. Clin Cancer Res; 23(12); 3150–7. ©2016 AACR.
Cross-Sectional Positive Association of Serum Lipids and Blood Pressure With Serum Sodium Within the Normal Reference Range of 135–145 mmol/L
Authors: Gao Shouguo , Cui Xiangqin , Wang Xujing , Burg Maurice B. , Dmitrieva Natalia I.
Published: December 2016

Objective—

Serum sodium concentration is maintained by osmoregulation within normal range of 135 to 145 mmol/L. Previous analysis of data from the ARIC study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) showed association of serum sodium with the 10-year risk scores of coronary heart disease and stroke. Current study evaluated the association of within-normal-range serum sodium with cardiovascular risk factors.

Approach and Results—

Only participants who did not take cholesterol or blood pressure medications and had sodium within normal 135 to 145 mmol/L range were included (n=8615), and the cohort was stratified based on race, sex, and smoking status. Multiple linear regression analysis of data from ARIC study was performed, with adjustment for age, blood glucose, insulin, glomerular filtration rate, body mass index, waist to hip ratio, and calorie intake. The analysis showed positive associations with sodium of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio; apolipoprotein B; and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Increases in lipids and blood pressure associated with 10 mmol/L increase in sodium are similar to the increases associated with 7 to 10 years of aging. Analysis of sodium measurements made 3 years apart demonstrated that it is stable within 2 to 3 mmol/L, explaining its association with long-term health outcomes. Furthermore, elevated sodium promoted lipid accumulation in cultured adipocytes, suggesting direct causative effects on lipid metabolism.

Conclusions—

Serum sodium concentration is a cardiovascular risk factor even within the normal reference range. Thus, decreasing sodium to the lower end of the normal range by modification of water and salt intake is a personalizable strategy for decreasing cardiovascular risks.
Thirty-Day Readmissions After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in the United States
Authors: Kolte Dhaval , Khera Sahil , Sardar M. Rizwan , Gheewala Neil , Gupta Tanush , Chatterjee Saurav , Goldsweig Andrew , Aronow Wilbert S. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Greenbaum Adam B. , Gordon Paul C. , Sharaf Barry , Abbott J. Dawn
Published: December 2016

Background—

Readmissions after cardiac procedures are common and contribute to increased healthcare utilization and costs. Data on 30-day readmissions after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are limited.

Methods and Results—

Patients undergoing TAVR (
International Classification of Diseases
-Ninth Revision-CM codes 35.05 and 35.06) between January and November 2013 who survived the index hospitalization were identified in the Nationwide Readmissions Database. Incidence, predictors, causes, and costs of 30-day readmissions were analyzed. Of 12 221 TAVR patients, 2188 (17.9%) were readmitted within 30 days. Length of stay >5 days during index hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR], 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24–1.73), acute kidney injury (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.05–1.44), >4 Elixhauser comorbidities (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.03–1.46), transapical TAVR (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.05–1.39), chronic kidney disease (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.04–1.39), chronic lung disease (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01–1.34), and discharge to skilled nursing facility (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01–1.34) were independent predictors of 30-day readmission. Readmissions were because of noncardiac causes in 61.8% of cases and because of cardiac causes in 38.2% of cases. Respiratory (14.7%), infections (12.8%), bleeding (7.6%), and peripheral vascular disease (4.3%) were the most common noncardiac causes, whereas heart failure (22.5%) and arrhythmias (6.6%) were the most common cardiac causes of readmission. Median length of stay and cost of readmissions were 4 days (interquartile range, 2–7 days) and $8302 (interquartile range, $5229–16 021), respectively.

Conclusions—

Thirty-day readmissions after TAVR are frequent and are related to baseline comorbidities, TAVR access site, and post-procedure complications. Awareness of these predictors can help identify and target high-risk patients for interventions to reduce readmissions and costs.
What Motivates Fregean Anti-Individualism?
Authors: Gersel Johan Peter
Published: December 2016

In Anti-Individualism and Knowledge Jessica Brown criticises views of content that combine Fregean Sense and anti-individualism. Brown assumes that all Fregean theories are motivated by a picture of the rational thinker as someone who will always have transparent access to the simple inferential consequences of his thoughts. This picture, Brown argues, is incompatible with anti-individualism about content. While traditional Fregean theories have indeed had such motivation, Brown’s mistake is in attributing this motivation to the modern Fregean anti-individualist. My goal in this paper is to bring to light a different, and seldom discussed, motivation for Fregean views of content which is immune to Browns objections.
Revolutionary Romance: Love and Marriage for Russian Radicals in the 1870s
Authors: Johnson Eric M.
Published: December 2016

The Russian revolutionaries who made up the Chaikovskii circle in the early 1870s sought to implement their socialist ideals in their everyday lives. This proved nowhere more problematic than in the sphere of romantic relations. Romance was widely viewed as incompatible with true devotion to the revolutionary cause—as being, in effect, a crime—by the Chaikovskii circle radicals themselves, as well as by some later socialists. By examining the cases of particular members of the circle, I argue that romance and marriage, while highly problematic, could for some radicals not only be reconciled with revolutionary activity, but could become intimately intertwined with their devotion to the cause of revolution.
On the Standards-Variantist Solution to Skepticism
Authors: Lee Kok Yong
Published: December 2016

The skeptical puzzle consists of three independently plausible yet jointly inconsistent claims: (A) S knows a certain ordinary proposition op; (B) S does not know the denial of a certain skeptical hypothesis sh; and (C) S knows that op only if S knows that not-sh. The variantist solution (to the skeptical puzzle) claims that (A) and not-(B) are true in the ordinary context, but false in the skeptical one. Epistemic contextualism has offered a standards-variantist solution, which is the most prominent variantist solution on the market. In this paper, I argue that the standards-variantist solution in general (and the contextualist solution in particular) is epistemically uninteresting. Proponents of the variantist solution should opt for the position-variantist solution instead. I will discuss some important implications of my findings.
External-World Skepticism in Classical India: The Case of Vasubandhu
Authors: Mills Ethan
Published: December 2016

The Indian Buddhist philosopher Vasubandhu (c. 400 ce) has seldom been considered in conjunction with the problem of external-world skepticism despite the fact that his text, Twenty Verses, presents arguments from ignorance based on dreams. In this article, an epistemological phenomenalist interpretation of Vasubandhu is supported in opposition to a metaphysical idealist interpretation. On either interpretation, Vasubandhu gives an invitation to the problem of external-world skepticism, although his final conclusion is closer to skepticism on the epistemological phenomenalist interpretation. The article ends with reflections on what light Vasubandhu might shed on the issue of whether skepticism is a natural problem in epistemology as well as why, despite Vasubandhu, the skeptical problem was not a central issue in the later Indian tradition.
Love for the Motherland
Authors: Paul Goode J.
Published: December 2016

In recent years, the Russian government has promoted patriotism as a means to unify society and secure the legitimacy of Putin’s regime. This paper considers the effectiveness of this campaign by examining everyday understandings of patriotism among Russian citizens. Drawing on in-depth interviews and focus groups conducted in two regions in 2014–2015, patriotism is lived and experienced among ordinary Russians as a personal, normative, and apolitical ideal that diverges significantly from official patriotic narratives. At the same time, Russians are convinced that the majority of fellow citizens are patriotic in the ways envisioned by the government. As a result, the government’s use of patriotism is more effective in raising barriers to collective action than cultivating legitimacy. At the same time, everyday forms of patriotism encourage citizens to sacrifice public choice and to tolerate authoritarian rule.
Early-life antibiotic treatment enhances the pathogenicity of CD4+ T cells during intestinal inflammation
Authors: Scheer Sebastian , Medina Tiago S , Murison Alex , Taves Matthew D , Antignano Frann , Chenery Alistair , Soma Kiran K , Perona-Wright Georgia , Lupien Mathieu , Arrowsmith Cheryl H , De Carvalho Daniel D , Zaph Colby
Published: December 2016

The incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) has steadily increased in recent decades—a phenomenon that cannot be explained by genetic mutations alone. Other factors, including the composition of the intestinal microbiome, are potentially important contributors to the increased occurrence of this group of diseases. Previous reports have shown a correlation between early-life antibiotic (Abx) treatment and an increased incidence of IBD. In this report, we investigated the effects of early-life Abx treatments on the pathogenicity of CD4+ T cells using an experimental T cell transfer model of IBD. Our results show that CD4+ T cells isolated from adult mice that had been treated with Abx during gestation and in early life induced a faster onset of IBD in Rag1-deficient mice compared with CD4+ T cells of untreated mice. Ex vivo functional analyses of IBD-inducing CD4+ T cells did not show significant differences in their immunologic potential ex vivo, despite their in vivo phenotype. However, genome-wide gene-expression analysis revealed that these cells displayed dysregulated expression of genes associated with cell-cycle regulation, metabolism, and cellular stress. Analysis of Abx-treated CD4+ T cell donors showed systemically elevated levels of the stress hormone corticosterone throughout life compared with untreated donors. The cohousing of Abx-treated mice with untreated mice decreased serum corticosterone, and a consequent transfer of the cells from cohoused mice into Rag1-deficient mice restored the onset and severity of disease to that of untreated animals. Thus, our results suggest that early-life Abx treatment results in a stress response with high levels of corticosterone that influences CD4+ T cell function.
Improvement of the Water-Energy Nexus and the Environmental Performance of Water Supply Systems using Smart ICT Solutions
Authors: Helmbrecht Jorge , Maier Matthias , Morillo Esteban , Kühlers Dirk , Roth Karl
Published: December 2016

In the last years, there has been a great interest in the complex interactions between energy and water, known as the Water-Energy Nexus.1 Free and unrestricted availability and access to energy and water enables the growth of an economy and supports the quality of life. The Water-Energy Nexus is considered as one of the most important multidisciplinary challenges2 that the water market globally growing has to face in the forthcoming years. Currently, many water systems are not managed in terms of long term sustainability. Water Utilities (WU) are faced to further challenges, such as aging of their infrastructure and poor cost-recovery, leading to a lack of finance for operation and maintenance (O&M). Energy is required in all stages of water production and distribution, from abstraction over treatment to transportation. Energy costs are a top-of-mind concern for WU, regardless of the geography, size and level of water network efficiency.3 On the other hand, in developing countries WU are having a hard time to either improve their services or expand their network to unserved neighbourhoods. Regarding all this facts, and considering an economic and competitive scenario which forces to respond to pressures from various fields (market, technology, society...), lead to the need to implement new methods and processes that can meet these growing demands and to try to manage responses and actions in real time. Intelligent software solutions can be applied to networks, whether they have either smart metering and large amounts of data or less recorded data. They enhance the operators’ knowledge of this data, turn it into useful information for decision-making related to the operation, maintenance and the design of the water supply network. In this paper, an application of an intelligent software solution is presented. WatEner, a smart Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solution that combines the key factors of energy consumption with further operational requirements of drinking water supply to improve the management of water supply networks, has been tested with good results by the WU of the city of Karlsruhe, a water rich area in North-West - Europe where the main objective was to save energy in the drinking water distribution. As a conclusion, a non-structural solution for the water-energy nexus can have a great impact on several matters (e.g. climate change, carbon footprint, WUs balance sheets, water losses) with reasonable investment in only a few sensors in the water supply network.
Influence of short-term synoptic events and snow depth on DMS, DMSP, and DMSO dynamics in Antarctic spring sea ice
Authors: Carnat Gauthier , Brabant Frédéric , Dumont Isabelle , Vancoppenolle Martin , Ackley Stephen F. , Fritsen Chris , Delille Bruno , Tison Jean-Louis
Published: December 2016

Temporal changes in the concentration profiles of dimethylsulfide (DMS), dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) were measured in pack ice from the Bellingshausen Sea (Antarctica) during the winter-spring transition of 2007. Two sites with contrasting snow and ice thicknesses were sampled, with high concentrations of DMS, DMSP, and DMSO observed at both sites, especially in surface ice. These high concentrations were shown to correspond to the development of a surface ice microalgal community dominated by strong DMSP producers (flagellates and dinoflagellates) following flooding of the ice cover. Several short-term synoptic events were observed and shown to influence strongly the dynamics of sea ice DMS, DMSP, and DMSO. In particular, a cold spell event was associated with drastic changes in the environmental conditions for the sea ice microbial communities and to a remarkable increase in the production of dimethylated sulfur compounds at both sites. A good correlation between all dimethylated sulfur compounds, sea ice temperature, and brine salinity suggested that the observed increase was triggered mainly by increased thermal and osmotic stresses on microalgal cells. Atmospheric forcing, by controlling sea ice temperature and hence the connectivity and instability of the brine network, was also shown to constrain the transfer of dimethylated sulfur compounds in the ice towards the ocean via brine drainage. Analysis of the two contrasting sampling sites shed light on the key role played by the snow cover in the sea ice DMS cycle. Thicker snow cover, by insulating the underlying sea ice, reduced the amplitude of environmental changes associated with the cold spell, leading to a weaker physiological response and DMS, DMSP, and DMSO production. Thicker snow also hampered the development of steep gradients in sea ice temperature and brine salinity, thereby decreasing the potential for the release of dimethylated sulfur compounds to the ocean via brine drainage.
Assessment of the sea-ice carbon pump: Insights from a three-dimensional ocean-sea-ice-biogeochemical model (MPIOM/HAMOCC)
Authors: Grimm R. , Notz D. , Glud R.N. , Rysgaard S. , Six K.D.
Published: December 2016

It has been suggested that geochemical processes related to sea-ice growth and melt might be important for the polar carbon cycle via the so called sea-ice carbon pump (SICP). The SICP affects the air-sea CO2 exchange by influencing the composition of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total alkalinity (TA) in the surface ocean. Here we quantify the strength of the SICP-induced air-sea CO2 flux using the global three-dimensional ocean-sea-ice-biogeochemical model MPIOM/HAMOCC. Simulations prescribing the range of observed DIC and TA concentrations in the sea ice were performed under two idealized climate scenarios for the present-day and the future oceanic and sea-ice state, both forced with a fixed atmospheric CO2 concentration. Model results indicate that the SICP-induced air-sea CO2 uptake increases with higher ratios of TA:DIC prescribed in the sea ice relative to the basic oceanic TA:DIC ratios. Independent of the modeled scenario, the simulated strength of the SICP is larger in the Antarctic than in the Arctic, because of more efficient export of brine-associated DIC from the Antarctic mixed layer. On an annual basis, we generally find an enhanced SICP-induced oceanic CO2 uptake in regions with net sea-ice melt, and enhanced SICP-induced oceanic CO2 out-gassing in regions with net sea-ice growth. These general regional patterns are modified further by the blockage of air-sea gas exchange through sea-ice coverage. Integrated over the sea-ice zones of both hemispheres, the SICP-induced oceanic CO2 uptake ranges from 2 to 14 Tg C yr−1, which is up to 7% of the simulated net CO2 uptake in polar regions, but far less than 1% of the current global oceanic CO2 uptake. Hence, while we find that the SICP plays a minor role in the modern global carbon cycle, it is of importance for the regional carbon cycle at high latitudes.
Not every child experiences a colour rich environment
Authors: Francis-Pester Dawn
Published: December 2016

At least one pupil in the average classroom will be colour blind. Here we offer ways to spot colour blindness, highlight problem areas, and give tips for supporting children who might otherwise struggle.
Waging war on making our living
Authors: Schofield Claire
Published: December 2016

Costs are increasing faster than government funding, this is clear. In a low-paid sector, the initiative to create a ‘national living wage’ may seem welcome news, but it could lead to an unwelcome outcome.
Taking problems apart and putting solutions together
Authors: Clarke Jenni
Published: December 2016

Jenni Clarke continues her exploration of interconnecting building bricks in relation to different aspects of learning. This month's focus is on how playing with these bricks supports children's critical thinking.
Tin electrodeposition from sulfate solution containing a benzimidazolone derivative
Authors: Bakkali Said , Benabida Abdelillah , Cherkaoui Mohammed
Published: December 2016

Tin electrodeposition in an acidic medium in the presence of N,N’-1,3-bis-[N-3-(6-deoxy-3-O-methylD-glucopyranose-6-yl)-2-oxobenzimidazol-1-yl)]-2-tetradecyloxypropane as an additive was investigated in this work. The adequate current density and the appropriate additive concentration were determined by gravimetric measurements. Chronopotentiometric curves showed that the presence of the additive caused an increase in the overpotential of tin reduction. The investigations by cyclic voltammetry technique revealed that, in the presence and in absence of the additive, there were two peaks, one in the cathodic side attributed to the reduction of Sn2+ and the other one in the anodic side assigned to the oxidation of tin previously formed during the cathodic scan. The surface morphology of the tin deposits was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and XRD.
Use of Biomarkers in Predicting the Onset, Monitoring the Progression, and Risk Stratification for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Scirica Benjamin M
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

As the worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases, it is even more important to develop cost-effective methods to predict and diagnose the onset of diabetes, monitor progression, and risk stratify patients in terms of subsequent cardiovascular and diabetes complications.

CONTENT

Nonlaboratory clinical risk scores based on risk factors and anthropomorphic data can help identify patients at greatest risk of developing diabetes, but glycemic indices (hemoglobin A1c, fasting plasma glucose, and oral glucose tolerance tests) are the cornerstones for diagnosis, and the basis for monitoring therapy. Although family history is a strong predictor of T2DM, only small populations of patients carry clearly identifiable genetic mutations. Better modalities for detection of insulin resistance would improve earlier identification of dysglycemia and guide effective therapy based on therapeutic mechanisms of action, but improved standardization of insulin assays will be required. Although clinical risk models can stratify patients for subsequent cardiovascular risk, the addition of cardiac biomarkers, in particular, high-sensitivity troponin and natriuretic peptide provide, significantly improves model performance and risk stratification.

CONCLUSIONS

Much more research, prospectively planned and with clear treatment implications, is needed to define novel biomarkers that better identify the underlying pathogenic etiologies of dysglycemia. When compared with traditional risk features, biomarkers provide greater discrimination of future risk, and the integration of cardiac biomarkers should be considered part of standard risk stratification in patients with T2DM.
CACCIATORE, Paola Volpe (a cura di), Plutarco: Linguaggi e Retorica. Atti del XII Convegno della International Plutarch Society. Sezione Italiana, 156 pp., Napoli, M. D’Auria Editore, 2014, ISBN 978-88-7092-358-2
Authors: Pinheiro Joaquim J. S.
Published: December 2016

https://doi.org/10.14195/2183-1718_68_13
A épica mitológica de Quinto de Esmirna: continuidade, transformação e reescrita
Authors: Pinheiro Joaquim J. S.
Published: December 2016

O modelo homérico está muito presente no poema épico Posthomerica de Quinto de Esmirna, e, por isso mesmo, o poeta, durante o Renascimento, foi considerado homerikotatos. No entanto, a par da aemulatio, há vários elementos que denotam a intenção de transformar e reescrever alguns episódios mitológicos, numa construção poética que deixa transparecer características próprias da sua época. Nesse sentido, propomo-nos identificar e analisar alguns desses traços inventivos, seleccionando episódios suficientemente representativos da épica mitológica de Quinto de Esmirna.
Development and evaluation of a customizable electron-ic medical record for clinical outcomes research and patient engagement
Authors: Miller Wayne , Patton Jennifer , Lally Patricia , Cusick-Lewis Joshua , Fitzpatrick Karen , Heinsberg Haylee
Published: December 2016

Background: Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) provide a database to support clinical information needs. However, it is often difficult to access EMR-generated data to answer specific clinical-based questions. Furthermore, EMR is not designed to complete the circle of care by interacting and communicating directly with patients. The problem is even greater in rural practices, with limited resources, and with providers inexperienced in research, who are doing well to meet the daily requirements of keeping their practice doors open.Objective: Design and evaluate a customizable EMR-Reporting Tool (EMR-RT) that can be used as an adjunct to an existing EMR or as a sole-standing EMR-RT for clinical outcome's research and patient engagement.Methods: Two rural and two urban family practice clinics participated in the design and beta testing of a customizable EMR-RT for clinical effectiveness research and for patient engagement. The EMR-RT was implemented in each clinic for a 6-month clinical trial.Results: The EMR-RT used in each clinic was simplistic enough that community health workers could handle patient data entry, data management, and data extraction independently. Each clinic could incorporate clinic-specific measurement variables into the EMR-RT database with minimal effort. Changes to the EMR-RT database capabilities could be performed off-site through the Internet.Conclusions: A customizable EMR-RT was successfully designed and implemented in two rural and two urban family practice clinics. The EMR-RT was robust enough to congregate clinical research data, but flexible enough and simplistic enough that workers who were previously untrained in EMR use could quickly utilize the system.
LEAN & HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS - A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW WITH BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS ON APPLICATION OF LEAN HEALTHCARE IN BRAZIL
Authors: Ferreira William De Paula , Da Silva Adriano Maniçoba , Tanaka Wilson Yoshio , Zampini Eugênio De Felice
Published: December 2016

Despite having its roots in the Japanese automotive industry, Lean philosophy has been successfully applied in many companies of different sectors. In recent years several studies have been done regarding the potential of this managerial technology that may transform the healthcare organizations. The objective of this theoretical research paper is to conduct a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) with bibliometric analysis on application of Lean healthcare in Brazil. The aim is to understand the advancement of this research field in Brazil, investigating how Lean thinking has been put into practice and how this innovation has helped those companies to deliver more value to its customers. Peer reviewed articles were searched in 9 data sources.  At first, a total of 5,473 articles were identified, which were reduced to 2,983 after Endnote software duplicate reference analysis. 789 articles were screened, after reviewing the adherence to the topic. Resulting in a sample of only 9 articles, after all inclusion criteria were match. The results suggest that Lean thinking has been applied successfully in many healthcare organizations. However, the research field in Brazil is quite new, having a great potential to increase.
LEAN E-HEALTH CARE: ITS PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT BASED ON BRAZILIAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CASE STUDY
Authors: Maruyama Úrsula , Braun Leonardo Luiz , Stender Gustavo , Martinez Paloma , Reis Augusto
Published: December 2016

This paper aims to demonstrate how simple initiatives on public health sector are able to improve quality on service level. One of the most important aspects considered on this case study was the potential and motivation within University Hospital IT team to achieve excellence. Thus, management improvement started from quality management techniques applied by IT members to enhance results. This qualitative study case based on quality program deployed comparative analysis from literature to hospital IT management real initiatives. Results contribution demonstrate that inclusion and the development of collaborative workgroups can make difference to work environment and quality of service.
Determination of mothers’ depression levels by the type of special educational services they get for their autistic children
Authors: Odabaş Özgür Bahar , Aksoy Mürşit , Aydın Mensure , Koçkaya Serkan , Meriç Bingül Bergün
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this study is to determine the depression levels of mothers by the type of special educational services they got for their autistic children. Mothers of 20 male autistics and 5 female autistics participated in the study as volunteers. %24 of families got educational services from life coaches, %48 from O.Ç.E.M (Autistic Children Education Centers) and %28 from rehabilitation centers. Beck depression scale applied to volunteers to determine the depression levels (SCORES, Life Coach =16±7,05, O.Ç.E.M =13,83±7,05, Rehabilitation Center =25,57±9,28). Data were presented as mean, SD, frequency for description purpose. Variables were analyzed and were calculated by using Kruskal Wallis Test and Mann Whitney U tests. There is a significance difference at level of P<0.05 (p=0,035) between parents which get different types of special educational services. As a result; significant difference has found in the depression levels of parents which get special educational services from rehabilitation centers found more depressive then O.Ç.E.M and life coach services.
Review of English as a lingua franca: Perspectives and prospects. Contributions in honour of Barbara Seidlhofer; Editors: Marie-Luise Pitzl, Ruth Osimk-Teasdale; Publisher: Mouton de Gruyter, 2016; ISBN: 9781501511226; Pages: 294
Authors: Vettorel Paola
Published: December 2016

Book review
Model Podejmowania Decyzji w Oparciu o Wartości Służący Ocenie Wariantów Systemu Monitorowania Stanu Technicznego Struktury Statków Powietrznych z Punktu Widzenia Wymagań Użytkownika Wojskowego
Authors: Klimaszewski Sławomir
Published: December 2016

Streszczenie

Niniejszy artykuł opisuje model podejmowania decyzji w oparciu o wartości (ang. Value-Focused Thinking - VFT) opracowany w celu oceny różnych wariantów wdrożenia systemu monitorowania stanu technicznego struktury (ang. Structural Health Monitoring - SHM) wojskowego statku powietrznego. Rozpatruje się cztery warianty wspomnianego systemu (SHM) oparte na: kontroli wzrokowej (aktualne podejście), czujnikach piezoelektrycznych (PZT), czujnikach światłowodowych z siatką Bragga (FBG) i czujnikach próżniowych (Comparative Vacuum Monitoring - CVM). Przedstawiono przykład numeryczny w celu zilustrowania możliwości modelu. Analizy wrażliwości są wykonane dla takich wartości jak koszt, wydajność, dostępność statku powietrznego oraz poziom gotowości technologicznej (Technology Readiness Level - TRL), aby zbadać wpływ tych parametrów na całkowitą wartość informacji z zakresu stanu technicznego struktury dostarczanych przez określony wariant systemu SHM.
Egzemplifikacja Tomograficznej Metody Do Oceny Jakości Połączeń Spawanych Ze Stopu EN 5754 H22
Authors: Błachnio Józef , Kułaszka Artur , Chalimoniuk Marek , Woźny Piotr
Published: December 2016

Streszczenie

Jakość połączeń spawanych zależna jest od wielu czynników. Przedmiotowe normy określają warunki techniczne oceny jakościowej spawów, co stanowi podstawę do uznania połączenia za zgodne z wymaganiami lub wadliwe. W praktyce wykonanie połączenia spawanego całkowicie pozbawionego wad jest trudne. Do kontroli wewnętrznej struktury połączenia wykorzystać można nieniszczącą metodę z zastosowaniem przemysłowego tomografu komputerowego. Ta nowoczesna metoda diagnozowania łączy badanie rentgenowskie z zaawansowaną technologią komputerową. Podstawową zaletą tomografii komputerowej jest badanie obiektów w trzech wymiarach oraz możliwość wykonania rekonstrukcji przestrzennych. Celem artykułu jest omówienie wykorzystania tej metody do oceny jakości połączeń spawanych stopów aluminium. Możliwości tomografii komputerowej przedstawiono na przykładzie próbek spawalniczych wykonanych metodą TIG przy różnych parametrach procesu. Dokonano analizy jakości próbek wykazujących najmniejsze i największe zewnętrzne, jak również wewnętrzne wady spawalnicze.
Niezawodność Przykładowego Systemu Technicznego Dla Założonych Funkcji Gęstości Uszkodzeń
Authors: Stępień Sławomir , Grzesik Justyna
Published: December 2016

Streszczenie

Analiza niezawodności strukturalnej systemu technicznego, a zwłaszcza wyznaczenie zmiany niezawodności systemu w czasie, wymaga znajomości funkcji gęstości lub dystrybuant (zawodności) elementów wchodzących w skład struktury. Bazując na zarejestrowanych w przeszłości danych dotyczących uszkodzeń elementów, można w miarę łatwo wyznaczyć średni czas zdatnej pracy elementu oraz odchylenie standardowe dla tego czasu. Natomiast określenie postaci rozkładu nastręcza pewne trudności. Otóż z reguły nie dysponujemy dostateczną liczbą danych do weryfikacji hipotezy o postaci rozkładu. Z tego powodu powszechnie, w zależności od rozpatrywanego przypadku, zakłada się postać funkcji gęstości uszkodzeń. Powstaje pytanie: czy błędne określenie rodzajów rozkładów elementów powoduje duży błąd wyników oszacowania niezawodności i trwałości systemu? Niniejszy artykuł nie odpowie w pełni na to pytanie, ale zostanie dokonane porównanie wyników obliczeń dla kilku przypadków. Obliczenia zostały przeprowadzone dla przykładowego systemu technicznego.
Synoptic climatology of fog in selected locations of southern Poland (1966–2015)
Authors: Łupikasza Ewa , Niedźwiedź Tadeusz
Published: December 2016

This paper investigates fog frequency in southern Poland in relation to various topography (concave and convex forms) and atmospheric circulation types. It also discusses long-term variability in the annual and seasonal number of days with fog. Daily information on fog occurrence was taken from three high quality synoptic stations representing various landforms: Kraków-Balice (bottom of the hollow), Katowice-Muchowiec (Silesian Upland) and Bielsko-Aleksandrowice (summit of Carpathian Foothill). In the central part of southern Poland during the last 50 years (1966-2015) fog occurred on average during 53-67 days a year. The annual number of foggy days in Kraków (67 days) located in a structural basin was by 14-15 days higher than in Bielsko (53 days) situated in the Silesian Foothills. In the annual course, high fog occurrence (above 6 days per month) was observed from September to January, with the maximum in Kraków (10 days in October). At every station the monthly minimum of fog occurrence fell in July (2 days). In summer and spring the highest probability of fog occurrence was found on days with anticyclonic types and air advection from the northeastern (Na, NEa) and eastern (Ea, SEa) sectors. In autumn, a high probability was also found for the anticyclonic types with advection of air mass from the eastern and southern sectors. In the Carpathian Foothills (Bielsko) the probability of fog occurrence in winter was significantly enhanced only for the cyclonic types with air advection from the eastern sector (NEc, Ec, SEc) and nonadvective types Cc (cyclone centre) and Bc (cyclonic trough). Trends in the fog frequency were mostly insignificant. The only significant decreasing trend was found in Kraków on the annual scale and in summer when fog frequency was low.
An Approach of XML Query Evaluation Based Model Checking
Authors: Yan-Mei Li , Shao-Bin Huang , Ya Li , Li Xu
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we show the process inspired by model checking which integrate temporal logic to the application of semi-structured data query. We investigate the potential ofatechnique based on CTL (Computation Tree Logic) model checking for evaluating queries expressed in (a subset of) XPath. Our research consists of query algebra, constraint understanding and expression mapping. The core of research is mapping the XMLquery algebra to an expression collection of temporal logic. We tryanew kind of query execution strategy to enhance the accuracy of semantic description of the XMLquery. For the purpose of supporting the generation of the formal specifications and reducing the mapping processing, the XMLquery constraint can be converted toaspecification of SPS (Specification Pattern System) through which we get the formula set to evaluate path queries directly on CTLformula.
Evaporation from water surfaces in urban environments, using Prague and Pilsen (Czech Republic) as examples
Authors: Knozová Gražyna , Brzezina Jáchym , Rožnovský Jaroslav , Kohut Mojmír
Published: December 2016

The subject of this study is an evaluation of the amount of evaporation from water surfaces (VVH), measured using EWM devices in two cities of different sizes, and located approximately 80 km from each other – Prague and Pilsen. The results were analyzed in the context of urban phenomena, which are pronounced especially in Prague, and also in the context of meteorological and morphological conditions in those locations. It was found that higher amounts of evaporation were measured at the meteorological station in Pilsen. The difference between the average sum of VVH per season (1st May to 30th September) between 2005 and 2014 for the two locations is 33.3 mm. The difference between daily average values was 0.2 mm. Given the suburban nature of the two locations where measurements were taken, it was not possible to draw any conclusions about the effect of the urban heat island on the rate of evaporation and values of VVH. Factors significantly influencing VVH are surface roughness, which is higher in urban environments than in open landscapes. Based on the results it was concluded that at both a regional and a local scale, the rate of evaporation is more affected by wind speed than thermal conditions. The measured VVH values differ, not just because of the urban dimension of the two cities compared, but especially as a result of different topoclimatic location of the two stations.
Preoperative intraperitoneal oxaliplatin for unresectable peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal origin: a pilot study
Authors: Sgarbura Olivia , Samalin Emmanuelle , Carrere Sébastien , Mazard Thibault , Forges Hélène de , Alline Mathias , Pissas Marie-Hélène , Portales Fabienne , Ychou Marc , Quenet François
Published: December 2016

Background

Peritoneal carcinomatosis in colorectal cancer is an advanced stage of the disease where improved survival can be attained whenever the resection associated with hyperthermic intreperitoneal chemotherapy is possible. In unresectable cases, systemic chemotherapy is administered to obtain conversion to resectability but results have not yet been clearly evaluated. Local chemotherapy in this setting has been proven useful in several similar situations. The aim of the present pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of pre-operative intraperitoneal chemotherapy with oxaliplatin in these patients.

Methods

Six patients with unresectable peritoneal disease of colorectal origin were included in the study. An intraperitoneal implantable chamber catheter was inserted during the laparotomy that evaluated the extent of the peritoneal disease (peritoneal carcinomatosis index 25 to 39). Patients then underwent intraperitoneal chemotherapy with oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 in combination with systemic chemotherapy (FOLFIRI or simplified LV5FU) and a targeted therapy every 2 weeks.

Results

Two catheter perfusion incidents were reported due to the abdominal wall thickness. Two patients completed the four intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy cycles without major toxicity. One patient developed grade 3 or 4 diarrhea requiring a short intensive care unit (ICU) stay, though it is not clear whether the event was induced by intravenous irinotecan, IP oxaliplatin or the combination of both. Grade 3 fatigue and abdominal pain were also recorded. For one patient with aggressive disease, best supportive care was initiated after the first course of chemotherapy.

Conclusions

Our study is the first to assess intraperitoneal oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in the preoperative setting for patients with unresectable peritoneal metastases. The tolerance was acceptable for 85 mg/m2 IP oxaliplatin combined with systemic therapy in these patients. Our results justify carrying on with a phase I/II trial to determine the recommended dose of oxaliplatin in this clinical context and its efficacy.
Police use of social media during a crisis
Authors: Lamberti Rob
Published: December 2016

This study examines how social media is used during a crisis among six police services in Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick. Using in-depth interviews with ten police personnel, both civilian and officers, involved in communications, the findings suggest most of the crisis communications plans use guidelines of timeliness, accuracy and cooperation focused on the goal of the operation rather than checklists. The research also looks at how the two-way symmetrical communications model alters during crisis and whether checklists of functions are applicable in a crisis.