bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
E/e` ratio is superior to speckle tracking for detecting elevated left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure in patients with coronary artery disease and preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Calvilho Júnior Antonio Amador , Assef Jorge Eduardo , Le Bihan David , Barretto Rodrigo Bellio de Mattos , Paladino Filho Antonio Tito , Abizaid Alexandre Antônio Cunha , Braga Sérgio Luiz Navarro , Vilela Andrea de Andrade , Pedra Simone Rolim Fernandes Fontes , de Jesus Carlos Alberto
Published: June 2019

Background

A weak correlation has been reported between left ventricular filling pressures and the traditional echocardiographic tools for the evaluation of diastolic function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). On the other hand, studies that compared invasive measurements with speckle tracking echocardiography have shown promising results, but they were not exclusively targeted on this specific population.

Methods and Results

Immediately before the left heart catheterization, a comprehensive two‐dimensional Doppler echocardiography and speckle tracking analysis was prospectively performed in outpatients referred for coronary angiography. Left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was measured before any contrast exposure. Eighty‐one patients with coronary artery disease were studied, and the group with high LVEDP (n = 40) showed increased left atrial volume index (22 ± 6 mL/m2 vs 26 ± 8.26 mL/m2, P = 0.04), E‐wave velocity (65 ± 15 cm/s vs 78 ± 20 cm/s, P = 0.02), E/e` (average) ratio (8.14 ± 2.0 vs 11.54 ± 2.7, P = 0.03), and E/global circumferential strain rate E peak ratio (E/GCSRE) (39 cm vs 46 cm, P < 0.01). There was a positive correlation between LVEDP and E/e` (ρ = 0.56; P = 0.03), and between LVEDP and E/GCSRE ratio (ρ = 0.43; P < 0.01). The area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was 0.83 and 0.73, respectively (P < 0.05). E/e` and E/GCSRE were both independent predictors of elevated LVEDP (P < 0.05), with a higher C‐statistic for the model including E/e` (0.89 vs 0.85).

Conclusion

The E/e` ratio was able to identify elevated LVEDP in CAD patients with preserved LVEF with more accuracy than the E/GCSRE ratio.
Klippel–Feil syndrome: A very unusual cause of severe aortic regurgitation visualized by multimodality imaging
Authors: Ahluwalia Monica , Sehgal Sankalp , Vainrib Alan F. , Applebaum Robert , Latson Larry , Williams Mathew R. , Saric Muhamed
Published: June 2019

A 51‐year‐old man with Klippel–Feil syndrome (KFS) and immunodeficiency syndrome, status postintravenous immunoglobulin therapy, presented with shortness of breath. He was found to have severe aortic regurgitation in the setting of a trileaflet aortic valve with thickened leaflets and mild prolapse of the right coronary cusp with left ventricular dilation and borderline left ventricular ejection fraction. Although various cardiac anomalies have been described in KPS, otherwise unexplained severe aortic regurgitation has not been previously reported to the best of our knowledge. The patient underwent an uncomplicated surgical aortic valve replacement with a 25‐mm Medtronic Avalus pericardial tissue valve resulting in symptomatic improvement. Intra‐operative management and transesophageal echocardiography can be particularly challenging in KFS patients. We describe the first reported case of severe aortic regurgitation in KPS, review the cardiac anomalies associated with the syndrome, and highlight the clinical challenges in intra‐operative management of these patients.
Metacommunity‐scale biodiversity regulation and the self‐organised emergence of macroecological patterns
Authors: O’Sullivan Jacob D. , Knell Robert J. , Rossberg Axel G.
Published: June 2019

There exist a number of key macroecological patterns whose ubiquity suggests that the spatio‐temporal structure of ecological communities is governed by some universal mechanisms. The nature of these mechanisms, however, remains poorly understood. Here, we probe spatio‐temporal patterns in species richness and community composition using a simple metacommunity assembly model. Despite making no a priori assumptions regarding biotic spatial structure or the distribution of biomass across species, model metacommunities self‐organise to reproduce well‐documented patterns including characteristic species abundance distributions, range size distributions and species area relations. Also in agreement with observations, species richness in our model attains an equilibrium despite continuous species turnover. Crucially, it is in the neighbourhood of the equilibrium that we observe the emergence of these key macroecological patterns. Biodiversity equilibria in models occur due to the onset of ecological structural instability, a population‐dynamical mechanism. This strongly suggests a causal link between local community processes and macroecological phenomena.
Food effect on pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol oral capsules in adult patients with refractory epilepsy
Authors: Birnbaum Angela K. , Karanam Ashwin , Marino Susan E. , Barkley Christopher M. , Remmel Rory P. , Roslawski Michaela , Gramling‐Aden Mary , Leppik Ilo E.
Published: June 2019

Objective

To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of a purified oral cannabidiol (CBD) capsule administered with and without food in adults with refractory epilepsy.

Methods

Adult patients who were prescribed CBD for seizures, had localization‐related intractable epilepsy with ≥4 seizures per month, and qualified for Minnesota cannabis were enrolled. A single dose of 99% pure CBD capsules was taken under both fasting (no breakfast) and fed (high fat 840‐860 calorie) conditions. Blood sampling for CBD plasma concentrations was performed under each condition between 0 and 72 hours post‐dose and measured by a validated liquid chormatography‐mass spectometry assay. CBD pharmacokinetic profiles including maximum concentration (Cmax), area‐under‐the‐curve from zero to infinity (AUC0‐∞), and time‐to‐maximum concentration (Tmax) were calculated. The confidence intervals (CIs) for log‐transformed Cmax and AUC0‐∞ ratios between fed and fasting states were calculated. Seizure and adverse events information was collected.

Results

Eight patients completed the study. On average Cmax was 14 times and AUC0‐∞ 4 times higher in the fed state. The 90% CI for the ratio of fed versus fast conditions for Cmax and AUC0‐∞ were 7.47‐31.86 and 3.42‐7.82, respectively. No sequence or period effect for Cmax and AUC0‐∞ was observed. No adverse events were reported.

Significance

Administering CBD as a capsule rather than a liquid allows for more precise determination of pharmacokinetics parameters and is more representative of CBD swallowed products. The fat content of a meal can lead to significant increases in Cmax and AUC0‐∞ and can account for variability in bioavailability and overall drug exposure within patients with oral products.
Cloning and identification of rutin‐degrading enzyme genes from Aspergillus niger in wheat Qu
Authors: Sun Zhan‐Bin , Lu Xin , Zhang Wei , Hou Chang , Xu Jia‐Liang , Ren Qing
Published: June 2019

Tartary Buckwheat Huangjiu, one of the oldest wines in China, has unique health‐promoting properties. One of its specific ingredients is rutin, which has antioxidative and anti‐ageing activities and plays important roles in the treatment of human diseases. During Tartary buckwheat Huangjiu brewing, however, rutin is degraded by fungi in wheat Qu, thereby leading to a decrease in the wine's nutritional value. The consequent aim of this study was to identify effective rutin‐degrading fungi and degrading enzyme genes in the Tartary buckwheat Huangjiu brewing process. Among these fungi isolated from wheat Qu, only Aspergillus niger exhibited rutin‐degrading ability. Following protein purification, SDS‐PAGE, mass spectrometry, Blast analysis and clone verification, we ultimately identified glucoamylase and α‐L‐rhamnosidase encoding genes were related to rutin degradation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of rutin‐degrading enzyme genes in Tartary buckwheat Huangjiu. Our results provide insights for regulating the nutritional value of Tartary buckwheat Huangjiu.
Efficient Monte Carlo algorithm for restricted maximum likelihood estimation of genetic parameters
Authors: Matilainen Kaarina , Mäntysaari Esa A. , Strandén Ismo
Published: June 2019

Monte Carlo (MC) methods have been found useful in estimation of variance parameters for large data and complex models with many variance components (VC), with respect to both computer memory and computing time. A disadvantage has been a fluctuation in round‐to‐round values of estimates that makes the estimation of convergence challenging. Furthermore, with Newton‐type algorithms, the approximate Hessian matrix might have sufficient accuracy, but the inaccuracy in the gradient vector exaggerates the round‐to‐round fluctuation to intolerable. In this study, the reuse of the same random numbers within eachMCsample was used to remove theMCfluctuation. Simulated data with sixVCparameters were analysed by four differentMC REMLmethods: expectation‐maximization (EM), Newton–Raphson (NR), average information (AI) and Broyden's method (BM). In addition, field data with 96VCparameters were analysed byMC EM REML. In all the analyses with reused samples, theMCfluctuations disappeared, but the final estimates by theMC REMLmethods differed from the analytically calculated values more than expected especially when the number ofMCsamples was small. The difference depended on the random numbers generated, and based on repeatedMC AI REMLanalyses, theVCestimates were on average non‐biased. The advantage of reusingMCsamples is more apparent in theNR‐type algorithms. Smooth convergence opens the possibility to use the fast converging Newton‐type algorithms. However, a disadvantage from reusingMCsamples is a possible “bias” in the estimates. To attain acceptable accuracy, sufficient number ofMCsamples need to be generated.
“Arte et Labore”—A Blackburn Rovers fan's legacy in human complex trait genetics
Authors: Visscher Peter M. , Wray Naomi R. , Haley Chris S.
Published: June 2019

Through his own research contributions on the modelling and genetic analysis of quantitative traits and through his former students and postdocs, Robin Thompson has indirectly left a major legacy in human genetics. In this short note, we highlight examples of the long‐lasting relevance and impact of Robin's work in human genetics. A lone early study of marker‐assisted selection developed many of the tools and approaches later exploited (often after reinvention) by the human genetics community in GWAS studies and for prediction. Furthermore, a particularly clear example of the pervasive impact of Robin's work is that REML has become the default method to estimate variance components and that genetic predictions exploiting linkage disequilibrium in the population are starting to become used in precision medicine applications.
Silencing CDR1as enhances the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to drug resistance by acting as a miR‐7 sponge to down‐regulate REGγ
Authors: Yang Wei , Yang Xiaojuan , Wang Xuedong , Gu Juan , Zhou Daoping , Wang Yueping , Yin Bin , Guo Jianmin , Zhou Ming
Published: June 2019

In our study, we aimed to investigate the role of CDR1as during competitive inhibition of miR‐7 in the regulation of cisplatin chemosensitivity in breast cancer via regulating REGγ. RT‐qPCR was applied to detect the expression of CDR1as and miR‐7 in breast cancer tissues, breast cancer cell lines and corresponding drug‐resistant cell lines. The correlation between CDR1as and miR‐7 and between miR‐7 and REGγ was evaluated. MCF‐7‐R and MDA‐MB‐231‐R cells were selected followed by transfection of a series of mimics, inhibitors or siRNA. The effect of CDR1as on the half maximal inhibitor concentration (IC50), cisplatin sensitivity and cell apoptosis was also analysed. Furthermore, a subcutaneous xenograft nude mouse model was established to further confirm the effect of CDR1as on the chemosensitivity of breast cancer to cisplatin in vivo. Immunohistochemical staining was conducted to test the Ki‐67 expression in nude mice. A positive correlation was found between the drug resistance and CDR1as expression in breast cancer. CDR1as could increase the resistance of breast cancer cells to cisplatin. miR‐7 expression was low, while REGγ was highly expressed in MCF‐7‐R and MDA‐MB‐231‐R cells. CDR1as competitively inhibited miR‐7 and up‐regulated REGγ. Overexpression of miR‐7 could reverse the enhanced sensitivity of silenced CDR1as to drug‐resistant breast cancer cells. Additionally, in vivo experiments demonstrated that CDR1as mediated breast cancer occurrence and its sensitivity to cisplatin. Silencing CDR1as decreased Ki‐67 expression. Silencing CDR1as may inhibit the expression of REGγ by removing the competitive inhibitory effect on miR‐7 and thus enhancing the sensitivity of drug‐resistant breast cancer cells.
How to monitor environmental pressures of a circular economy: An assessment of indicators
Authors: Helander Hanna , Petit‐Boix Anna , Leipold Sina , Bringezu Stefan
Published: June 2019

Understanding how a circular economy (CE) can reduce environmental pressures from economic activities is crucial for policy and practice. Science provides a range of indicators to monitor and assess CE activities. However, common CE activities, such as recycling and eco‐design, are contested in terms of their contribution to environmental sustainability. This article assesses whether and to what extent current approaches to assess CE activities sufficiently capture environmental pressures to monitor progress toward environmental sustainability. Based on a material flow perspective, we show that most indicators do not capture environmental pressures related to the CE activities they address. Many focus on a single CE activity or process, which does not necessarily contribute to increased environmental sustainability overall. Based on these results, we suggest complementing CE management indicators with indicators capturing basic environmental pressures related to the respective CE activity. Given the conceptual linkage between CE activities, resource extraction, and waste flows, we suggest that a resource‐based footprint approach accounting for major environmental inputs and outputs is necessary—while not sufficient—to assess the environmental sustainability of CE activities. As footprint approaches can be used across scales, they could aid the challenging process of developing indicators for monitoring progress toward an environmentally sustainable CE at the European, national, and company levels.
Aesthetic evolution drives birth of minimally invasive surgery subgroup
Authors: Dayan Steve
Published: June 2019

Background

Facial and neck skin tightening, and rejuvenation began decades ago with maximally invasive incisional face‐lift surgery. Aesthetic trends, patient demands, and innovative technology brought about minimally invasive and noninvasive interventions—such as radiofrequency, ultrasound, laser and intense pulsed light as well as dermal fillers and other injectables—to address facial and neck skin laxity. These procedures reduce facial and neck skin laxity with less risk and less downtime than maximally invasive face‐lift or face‐lift plus liposuction; however, these interventions are often deemed to offer reduced results.

Aims

To evaluate the safety and efficacy—as well as patient satisfaction—of Rotational Fractional Resection (RFR) in subjects with mild‐to‐moderate submental fat and mild‐to‐moderate submental skin laxity.

Materials

Rotational fractional resection with the Nuvellus (Recros, Inc) platform, which uses 1.5 mm in diameter rotating scalpels—termed scalpets—to resect lax skin followed by a rotating cannulas to perform focal lipectomy through resected access ports.

Methods

Thirtyone patients were evaluated 30 days after RFR, in an ongoing prospective, multi‐center, nonrandomized study.

Results

The majority of subjects had a ≥1‐grade improvement in investigator‐evaluated skin laxity and lipodystrophy; 84% of subjects were satisfied with their neck and jawline appearance and 97% of subjects they would likely recommend the procedure. Minimal procedural and post‐procedural pain, minimal scarring in 94% of subjects, and no severe skin‐related adverse effects.

Discussion

Rotational fractional resection is essentially a new concept that has a risk and side effect profile that is comparable or better than‐surgical skin tightening, with measurable permanent results approaching that of surgical skin tightening. This investigational procedure advances the evolution of facial and neck aesthetic procedures with results approaching those of surgery in a single treatment.

Conclusion

Early RFR results are promising but, yet to be conclusive. However current outcome reports identify a procedure that meet patient demands for a minimally invasive office‐ based procedure to look better with limited downtime.
Head Start Centers Can Influence Healthy Behaviors: Evaluation of a Nutrition and Physical Activity Educational Intervention
Authors: Fastring Danielle , Keel Kelsey , Colby Deborah , Conner John M. , Hilbert Avery
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Because healthy habits are established early in life, it is important to teach young children about foods that contribute to a healthy diet. One of the strategies recommended by the 2015‐2020 Dietary Guidelines is to implement educational programs in community settings such as child care and preschool settings. Head Start is one such educational child care setting that serves young children ages 3 to 5 years old.

METHODS

A community partnership was established between Jackson County Civic Action Agency and supported by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Youth Health Coalition's Childhood Obesity Initiative. A quasi‐experimental nonequivalent 2‐group pre/post‐test study design was utilized to determine the effectiveness of a 12‐week physical activity and nutrition education program delivered in a Head Start setting.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant improvement in fruit (F = 5.602, df = 1, p = .018) and vegetable (F = 16.061, df = 1, p < .001) recognition scores, and the number of “tried and liked” fruits (F = 5.579, df = 1, p = .019) and vegetables (F = 88.559, df = 1, p < .001) between children in the control group (n = 86) and intervention group (n = 303) when controlling for scores at baseline.

CONCLUSION

Utilizing the Head Start program as a setting for health education program delivery is one available strategy to combat childhood obesity on a community level.
Lives Not Worth Living in Modern Euthanasia Regimes
Authors: Kim Scott Y. H.
Published: June 2019

The authors of “The Quiet Progress of the New Eugenics” (QPNE) assert that some current practices, such as euthanasia and/or assisted suicide (EAS) for disabled newborns, imply that some persons with disabilities have lives that are not worth living. I extend the QPNE's analysis in this commentary by exploring whether even in voluntary EAS for “unbearable suffering,” the question of how we value the lives of disabled persons arises in a way that deserves more public discussion. I argue that the old and modern EAS regimes both create a class of persons whose lives are deemed by society as not worth living. I explain how the modern EAS regime's public goal of relieving suffering and its requirement for autonomous choice obscure but do not erase this fact. Although modern EAS regimes are based on suffering (not eugenics) and voluntary (not state coerced), they have the effect of creating lives that are societally deemed to be not worth living.
“Because of His Intellectual Disability, He Couldn't Cope.” Is Euthanasia the Answer?
Authors: Tuffrey‐Wijne Irene , Curfs Leopold , Finlay Ilora , Hollins Sheila
Published: June 2019

In 2018, the authors published their analysis of nine online case reports by the Euthanasia Review Committee in the Netherlands, involving people with intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder who were given euthanasia. In this commentary, they reflect further on the challenges of assessing “unbearable suffering without prospect of improvement,” which is one of the Dutch legal due care criteria. Two more recent case reports are presented in detail, where doctors struggled to assess and sometimes came to divergent conclusions. In both cases, limitations resulting from the intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder were seen by physicians as causes of unbearable suffering, leading them to agreeing to the patient's euthanasia request. The authors discuss their concern about the implications of accepting the effects of lifelong disability as reasons for euthanasia, not only for individuals but for society as a whole.
Genicular artery axial pattern flap for reconstruction of skin defects in 22 dogs
Authors: Emmerson T. , de la Puerta B. , Polton G.
Published: June 2019

Objective

To report the use of the genicular artery axial pattern flap and the frequency and severity of complications in a consecutive series of clinical cases.

Materials and Methods

Medical records from one referral centre were retrospectively reviewed for cases requiring reconstruction using a genicular axial pattern flap between January 2012 and February 2018.

Results

Twenty‐two dogs were included. Skin defects ranging from 12.6 to 81 cm2(mean 32 cm2) on the lateral and cranial crus were successfully closed using the genicular artery axial pattern flap. Average flap survival was 99.1% with two dogs developing distal flap necrosis. Minor complications occurred in eight dogs (36%) including minor wound dehiscence, seroma formation and infection. Major complications requiring further surgery occurred in three dogs (13.6%).

Clinical Significance

The genicular artery axial pattern flap is useful in the reconstruction of small‐ to medium‐sized skin defects of the lateral and cranial crus. The flap may be more robust and offer better viability than reported previously in experimental studies.
Revisiting the phylogeny of Dipsacales: New insights from phylogenomic analyses of complete plastomic sequences
Authors: Xiang Chun‐Lei , Dong Hong‐Jin , Landrein Sven , Zhao Fei , Yu Wen‐Bin , Soltis Douglas E. , Soltis Pamela S. , Backlund Anders , Wang Hua‐Feng , Li De‐Zhu , Peng Hua
Published: June 2019

Phylogenetic relationships in Dipsacales have long been a major challenge. Although considerable progress has been made during the past two decades, questions remain; the uncertain systematic positions of Heptacodium, Triplostegia, and Zabelia, in particular, impede our understanding of Dipsacales evolution. Here we use 75 complete plastomic sequences to reconstruct the phylogeny of Dipsacales, of which 28 were newly generated. Two primary clades were recovered that form the phylogenetic backbone of Dipsacales. Seven of the primary clades correspond to the recognized families Adoxaceae, Caprifoliaceae s. str., Diervillaceae, Dipsacaceae, Linnaeaceae, Morinaceae, and Valerianaceae, and one corresponds to Zabelia, which was found to be the closest relative of Morinaceae in all analyses. Additionally, our results, with greatly increased confidence in most branches, show that Heptacodium and Triplostegia are members of Caprifoliaceae s. str. and Dipsacaceae, respectively. The results of our study indicate that the complete plastomic sequences provide a fully‐resolved and well‐supported representation of the phylogenetic relationships within Dipsacales.
Little Linguists: A model for engaging university students and elementary schoolers in a day camp setting
Authors: Farris‐Trimble Ashley , Reid Danica
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we detail a method of introducing linguistics to elementary school students through a day camp model. Our day camps, Little Linguists, teach children about language analysis and exploration through a variety of activities, games, and crafts. The goals of these camps include enriching children's experience with language science, increasing university students' opportunities to share their linguistic knowledge with the community, and improving recruitment efforts for research studies. We discuss three related benefits of our camps: exposing children to linguistics at an early age, allowing undergraduate linguists a chance to “learn by teaching,” and giving researchers the opportunity to engage with the broader community. Survey data from families and undergraduate students involved with the camps support our own impressions of camp outcomes and benefits.
Addressing the unique needs of training primary care‐based educators
Authors: Gibson Simone J
Published: June 2019

Gibson suggests that the formation of education‐focused interprofessional communities of practice may have great value for developing our future health care workforce in often isolated primary care settings.
Report of a case of giant cell ependymoma with unusual clinical and pathological presentation
Authors: Mezmezian Mónica B. , Del Caño Victor , Olvi Liliana G.
Published: June 2019

Giant cell ependymoma (GCE) is a very uncommon variant of ependymoma, known for having varying degrees of nuclear pleomorphism. There are only 34 reported cases of GCE in the English literature. We describe an additional case of a young woman who presented with a tumor located in sacral soft tissue, which was not connected to the spinal cord and did not show additional lesions in the central nervous system. Complete tumor resection was performed and no recurrences or metastasis were detected after 5 months of follow‐up. Only one of all the reported GCE was located in the sacral subcutaneous region, where ependymomas are rarely found and usually have myxopapillary histology. Ours is the second report showing microscopic features of GCE in the soft‐tissue region. GCE should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lumbosacral subcutaneous tumors to avoid misdiagnosing it as a malignant lesion. Since GCE could be an extraspinal extension of an intraneural ependymoma, it would be important to evaluate whether it is connected to the spinal cord.
Outcomes after Total Hip Arthroplasty Using a Cementless S‐ROM Modular Stem for Patients with High Hip Dislocation Secondary to Hip Pyogenic Arthritis
Authors: Yang Yang , Yu Qiu‐Ping , Wang Shao‐Lin , Zhang Sheng‐Li , Li Juan , Zhou Yi , Fan Hua‐Quan , Zhang Xin , Zhou Yu , Zhou Min , Zhou Ming‐Quan , Li Ning , Liu Jun‐Li
Published: June 2019

Objective

To evaluate the midterm results of the cementless S‐ROM modular femoral stem used with subtrochanteric transverse shortening osteotomy for the treatment of high hip dislocation secondary to hip pyogenic arthritis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 49 patients (49 hips) with an average infection quiescent period of 37.4 years who underwent cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) with simultaneous subtrochanteric transverse shortening osteotomy from July 2008 to June 2012. There were 23 men and 26 women with a mean age of 44.3 years at the time of surgery. The following clinical outcomes were evaluated: the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) score, Harris hip score (HSS), modified Merle d'Aubigne‐Postel hip (MAP) score, low back pain visual analog scale score, 12‐item short‐form health survey questionnaire score, limp, and Trendelenburg sign. Radiographic outcomes and complications were also evaluated.

Results

The mean follow‐up period was 8.7 years (range, 5.5–10 years). No infection recurrence was observed after THA. The average HSS significantly improved from 45.0 to 84.8. The WOMAC score improved from 70.1 ± 3.5 (range, 65–76) to 43.1 ± 13.4 (range, 21–67). The modified MAP score improved from 5.9 ± 1.9 (range, 3–9) to 14.3 ± 2.4 (range, 11–18). The low back pain visual analog scale score, 12‐item short‐form health survey questionnaire score, limp, and Trendelenburg sign also improved significantly. The average limb length discrepancy decreased from 39.6 mm (range, 30–55 mm) to 7.2 mm (range, 0–22 mm). Two patients had temporary sciatic nerve paralysis but recovered within 6 months without any functional defects; one had an intraoperative fracture fixed by cerclage wires. One hip required revision surgery because of femoral stem aseptic loosening.

Conclusions

The cementless S‐ROM modular femoral stem used with subtrochanteric transverse shortening osteotomy is safe and effective for high hip dislocation secondary to pyogenic arthritis and provides satisfactory midterm results. Significant improvements in clinical function were observed, as were high rates of stable fixation of the cementless implant, restoration of more normal limb lengths, and a low incidence of complications.
Medial Metaphyseal Slope as a Predictor of Recurrence in Blount Disease
Authors: Laoharojanaphand Tinh , Ariyawatkul Thanase , Kaewpornsawan Kamolporn , Chotigavanichaya Chatupon , Wongcharoenwatana Jidapa , Eamsobhana Perajit
Published: June 2019

Objective

This study was aimed to find the radiographic parameter predicting recurrence of stage 2 Blount's disease.

Method

We retrospectively reviewed radiographs of 82 legs from 49 patients diagnosed with stage 2 Blount's disease by Langenskiöld classification who had failed brace treatment and underwent valgus osteotomy between 1998 to 2016. Age ranged from 26 to 47 months. The metaphyseal–diaphyseal angle was measured preoperatively. The medial metaphyseal slope of the proximal tibia and femorotibial angle were measured preoperatively and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively in both non‐recurrence (group 1) and recurrence (group 2) group. The receiver operating characteristic curve calculated using MedCalc software was used to determine the medial metaphyseal slope predicting risk for recurrence. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.

Results

The mean follow‐up time was 4.83 ± 0.38 years. The mean age was 34.57 ± 5.76 in group 1 and 33.2 ± 1.48 in group 2 (P = 0.258). The mean preoperative metaphyseal slope was 62.39° ± 9.75° in group 1 and 73.22° ± 6.59° in group 2 (P = 0.02). The mean preoperative femorotibial angle (FTA) was −14.31° ± 8.25° in group 1 and −18.89° ± 7.74° in group 2 (P = 0.1). The mean preoperative metaphyseal diaphyseal angle (MDA) was 14.75° ± 4.21° in group 1 and 20.11° ±5.16° in group 2 (P = 0.001). Demographic data including age, gender, weight, height, and body mass index showed no statistically significant difference between both groups. Out of 82 legs, 9 (10.97%) had recurrence. Preoperatively, the metaphyseal–diaphyseal angle showed statistical significance between both groups. The medial metaphyseal slope showed statistically significant difference between group 1 and group 2 at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that a medial metaphyseal slope more than 70° at 12 months (sensitivity 88.89% and specificity 69.86%) and more than 62° at 24 months postoperatively (sensitivity 100%, specificity 52.3%) was a predictor for recurrence of stage 2 Blount's disease.

Conclusion

Medial metaphyseal slope more than 62° over the 24‐month follow‐up was associated with recurrence of varus deformity.
Relationship of α2‐Macroglobulin with Steroid‐Induced Femoral Head Necrosis: A Chinese Population‐Based Association Study in Southeast China
Authors: Fang Shan‐hong , Li Yong‐feng , Jiang Jia‐run , Chen Peng
Published: June 2019

Objective

The present study aimed to identify the relationship of α‐2‐macroglobulin and microvascular vessel pathology with steroid‐induced femoral head necrosis in the Southeast Chinese population.

Methods

This study enrolled 40 patients diagnosed with steroid‐induced necrosis of the femoral head. Patients had various stages of femoral head necrosis. The differential expression of serum proteins and mRNA from patients with steroid‐induced necrosis of the femoral head (SINFH) and healthy volunteers was analyzed by western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QT‐PCR). The pathological change in osteocyte necrosis was indicated by hematoxylin and eosin stain and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Hematoxylin and eosin stain showed histopathology changes in the necrotic area of patients with steroid‐induced INFH: bone trabeculae were fewer and thinner, became broken, fragmented and structurally disordered; intraosseous adipose cells became enlarged; the arrangement of the osteoblasts became irregular; and vacant bone lacunae increased. QT‐PCR showed significantly lower levels of α‐2‐macroglobulin in the serum of patients with SINFH than in controls (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining and western blotting demonstrated that the expression of α‐2‐macroglobulin was significantly decreased in the necrotic area of SINFH patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The α‐2‐macroglobulin may be associated with the pathology of SINFH. The multiple pathological reactions occur in SINFH and α‐2‐macroglobulin may serve as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of SINFH or a promising therapeutic target.
New directions for the philosophy of poetry
Authors: Simecek Karen
Published: June 2019

This article will introduce readers to current debates in the philosophy of poetry. This includes discussion of the need for a philosophy of poetry as distinct from a philosophy of literature, the (in)compatibility of poetry and philosophy, poetic meaning and interpretation, and poetry in relation to affect, emotion and expressiveness, which opens up discussion of wider forms of poetry from spoken word to sign‐language poetry. The article ends with suggestions for future directions of research in the philosophy of poetry. I argue that as the philosophy of poetry is gaining interest, the previous debates that presuppose an understanding of poetry as taking form on the page and as having fixed aboutness ought to be abandoned in favour of an understanding of a poem in the affective space, with issues of reception, interpretation, distribution, and performance in play.
Comparison of the intravenous and intravaginal route of oxytocin administration for cervical dilation protocol and non‐surgical embryo recovery in oestrous‐induced Santa Inês ewes
Authors: Prellwitz Lucia , Zambrini Fabiana Nunes , Guimarães José Domingos , de Sousa Marco Antonio Paula , Oliveira Maria Emília Franco , Garcia Alexandre Rosetto , Esteves Sérgio Novita , Bartlewski Pawel Mieczyslaw , Souza‐Fabjan Joanna Maria Gonçalves , Fonseca Jeferson Ferreira
Published: June 2019

This study compared the effects of intravaginal and intravenous routes of oxytocin (OT) administration in 46 oestrous‐induced Santa Inês ewes (6‐day treatment with progestin‐releasing intravaginal sponges and a single injection of 200 IU of eCG at the time of sponge removal) that underwent transcervical embryo recovery 6–7 days after oestrous onset and mating. All ewes received 37.5 μg of d‐cloprostenol via latero‐vulvar route, and 1 mg of oestradiol benzoate i.m. 16 hr before and 50 IU of OT 20 min before non‐surgical embryo recovery (NSER), with OT being administered intravenously (n = 21) or intravaginally (n = 21). An overall oestrous response was 95.6% (44/46), and adequate cervical retraction could be accomplished in 78.6% (33/42) of ewes. The percentage of successful NSER procedures was 57% (24/42) or 72.7% (24/33) of animals with sufficient cervical retraction. The duration of NSER procedure averaged 28 min (range: 17–40 min) and ~96% of flushing fluid could be recovered (range: 85%–100%). Out of 18 ewes that could not undergo NSER, 12 (66.6%) presented various anatomical barriers, whilst the other 33.4% did not present these barriers and still could not be traversed. Excluding the ewes with those anatomical features, the overall success rate of NSER was 80% (24/30). The route of OT administration had no effect on NSER efficiency or the ease with which transcervical embryo flushing was performed. Both routes of OT administration can be used for cervical dilation protocol. Discarding ewes with anatomical features precluding cervical penetration is highly recommended to increase the efficacy of NSER in sheep.
Determinants of Probability Neglect and Risk Attitudes for Disaster Risk: An Online Experimental Study of Flood Insurance Demand among Homeowners
Authors: Robinson Peter John , Botzen W. J. Wouter
Published: June 2019

Little is known about why individuals place either a high or a very low value on mitigating risks of disaster‐type events, like floods. This study uses panel data methods to explore the psychological factors affecting probability neglect of flood risk relevant to the zero end‐point of the probability weighting function in Prospect Theory, and willingness‐to‐pay for flood insurance. In particular, we focus on explanatory variables of anticipatory and anticipated emotions, as well as the threshold of concern. Moreover, results obtained under real and hypothetical incentives are compared in an experiment with high experimental outcomes. Based on our findings, we suggest several policy recommendations to overcome individual decision processes, which may hinder flood protection efforts.
Systematics of the dung beetle tribe Sisyphini Mulsant (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) inferred from a molecular phylogeny and biogeography of southern African species
Authors: Daniel Gimo M. , Sole Catherine L. , Davis Adrian L.V. , Strümpher Werner P. , Scholtz Clarke H.
Published: June 2019

The tribe Sisyphini Mulsant was recently redefined following the transfer of the endemic southern African genus Epirinus Dejean from the polyphyletic tribe Deltochilini Lacordaire. A molecular phylogeny of the southern African members of Sisyphini supports Epirinus as sister to Sisyphus Latreille and recovered three major clades in Sisyphus classified here as subgenera Sisyphus (Neosisyphus Müller) stat. rev., Sisyphus (Parasisyphus Barbero, Palestrini & Zunino) stat.n. and Sisyphus (Sisyphus) stat.n. A molecular clock analysis suggests that Sisyphus and Epirinus diverged from their last common ancestor during the Lower to Middle Oligocene (c. 29.37 Ma). Biogeographical analysis indicated that southern African Sisyphus species are centred in the east and northeast in Highveld grassland and warmer savannah regions. By contrast, Epirinus species are largely restricted to the southwest and southeast in the cooler winter and bimodal rainfall regions plus arid highland Karoo and Highveld grasslands. Based on morphological and biogeographical differences between Epirinus and Sisyphus, we propose that the monogeneric Epirinus be placed in its own tribe, Epirinini van Lansberge stat. rev.
Diagnostic imaging for the assessment of acquired abdominal vascular diseases in small animals: A pictorial review
Authors: Specchi Swan , d'Anjou Marc‐André
Published: June 2019

Advances in interventional radiology and surgical techniques now allow complex abdominal diseases to be more successfully treated in small animals. Abdominal vascular alterations, acquired as individual process or as complication of other lesions such as neoplasia, can be life‐threatening or at least greatly limit curative interventions of underlying diseases. Computed tomography (CT) and high‐definition ultrasonography are now readily available in veterinary referral centers. Yet, there is little information currently available on the use of these modalities for the diagnosis and characterization of these vascular alterations. The purpose of this article is to review the CT and ultrasonographic findings of acquired vascular diseases in the abdomen of dogs and cats, using both the veterinary and human medicine literature as references, and highlighting essential concepts through figures.
Biohydrogen Production from Pineapple Biomass Residue using Immobilized Co-culture of Clostridium sporogenes and Enterobacter aerogenes
Authors: Abd Jalil Nur Kamilah , Asli Umi Aisah , Hashim Haslenda , Abd Jalil Aishah , Ahmad Arshad , Khamis Aidee Kamal
Published: June 2019

In this study, the co-culture bacteria of Clostridium sporogenes and Enterobacter aerogenes were immobilized onto two different support materials: loofah sponge and activated carbon (AC) sponge. Both immobilized co-cultures were used in the batch fermentation of pineapple residues for biohydrogen production. The performance of both immobilized loofah and AC sponge was compared with free cell (FC) co-culture in terms of biohydrogen cumulative production and production rate within 48 hr fermentation time. It was found that the immobilized co-culture on AC sponge produced the highest rate of biohydrogen of 35.9 mmol/hr/Lsubstrate compared to loofah and FC co-culture after 24 hr fermentation. However, in terms of preservation of biohydrogen production rate, loofah as a support showed better consistency in terms of performance for 48 hr fermentation time compared to AC. This study also showed that the pH of substrate has a relation to the optical density (OD600) reduction of the bacteria, which could affect biohydrogen production rate.
Lignin-Treated-Trichloromethylsilane Sorbent for Oil Spill Cleanup
Authors: N. A Azhar , W.A.W. Rahman , N. Adrus , R. A. Majid
Published: June 2019

The effects of physical and chemical treatments of lignin with trichloromethylsilane (TCMS) as potential oil-spilled absorbent for waste water were investigated. The lignin was extracted from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) through soda process method. The lignin was treated with TCMS at various time reactions. The result revealed that over 94% reduction of hydroxyl (OH) group was achieved when TCMS was used. Besides, the hydrophobicity behaviour was improved with time reaction with water contact angle from 0° to 128°. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was conducted to examine the structure and morphology of treated lignin and leads to the presence of lumps and wavy on the fibre surface. In contrast, native lignin shows a smooth surface. The treated lignin can quickly absorb carotino oil with improvement in oil capacity compared with raw fiber, respectively. As such, good environmental friendly lignin-treated-TCMS (L-TCMS) can be considered as potential alternative in oil-spill clean-ups application.
Advancing Energy Performance in Oil and Gas Industry through Systematic Implementation of Energy Efficiency Programs by Applying an Operational Excellence Model
Authors: K. M Hashim , D. K. S Ng , Hassim Mimi H.
Published: June 2019

Energy performance has becoming one of the top global discussion subjects due to the facts of hiked in fossil fuel price, changed in living standards, increased in Green House Gas (GHG) awareness as well as fair business practices such as subsidies and environment regulations. It has pushed societal expectations on oil companies’ especially National Oil Companies (NOCs) located in Middle East to rigorously conserve energy and explore ways to enhance its performance. In current industrial practice, Energy Efficiency Programs (EEP) is one of typical initiatives that have been evolving since the late 1990s. However, its progress has just been seen and unfortunately, NOCs are far away from a matured management in addressing EEP expectations. Most of NOCs consider EEP as an ambition, rather than a condition applying to all levels of the businesses. In fact, cost reduction is a main focus rather than to execute right energy conservation strategies and more seriously, lack of a dedicated focus to efficiently use energy resources. This paper presents a methodology that can induce rapid deployment and implementation of a customized EEP. The methodology requires to embed the EEP into the Operation Excellence Model (OEM), a well structured organization’ management framework model as defined by European Foundation of Quality Management (EFQM). Since OEM is company-wide initiative, therefore it can be a perfect vehicle to drive EEP in reaching maturity.  Through a successful case study, this methodology has proven to drastically improve the implementation pace of EEP and drive tremendous reduction in energy consumption as well as GHG emissions.
Football in Turkey from 1960 to Present Day: Unpreventable Violence
Authors: Reyhan Servet
Published: June 2019

This study seeks to investigate the issue of violence in football in Turkey from 1960 up to present day along with incidents, riots and stampedes that occurred related to violence in football. The study was conducted considering three main periods, which are from 1960 to 1980,    1980 to 2000 and finally 2000 and today. The reason why these particular periods were chosen was that each period had its own characteristics related to football-related violence and other aspects that affected it. To collect data, 15 members of fan groups were interviewed related to the football-related violence. Furthermore, the study took into account not only physical aspect of violence but also social and psychological aspect of it. Findings revealed that Turkey has been a country where football-related violence has never been completely prevented due to reasons such as coups, coup attempts, political issues, social behaviors shaped by these political issues, regulations and media considering these periods. And based on the participant opinions, it was found that main actors responsible for the violence are top officials in the football federation, politicians and media. As a result, football-related violence remains to be a major problem in football games not only on the pitch but also off the pitch.
Gender Identity Construction Through Traditional and Modern Lenses: Rwandan Narratives and MDGs Perspectives
Authors: Ngabonziza Jean De Dieu Amini , Sibomana Emmanuel , Niyibizi Epimaque , Ndayambaje Irenée
Published: June 2019

While there is an on-going debate about what constitutes current policies and practices on gender equality between men and women in Rwanda, there is general agreement that Rwandan traditional beliefs and cultural norms have produced a patriarchy ideology and unequal power relations between women and men. Such traditional beliefs are not only observed in Rwanda, but in different parts of the world as well; and it is still problematic to assess a framework in which current gender policies are redesigned to allocate equitable power between women and men. This study focuses on the analysis and comparison of issues of gender identity and power relations as embedded in the Rwandan short narratives and in the Millennium Development Goals on gender equality. More specifically, this study investigates the design and redesign of the issues related to power relations and their effect on gender identity conception and assumption. Analysed from Marxist theories of power and Thompson’s modes perspectives, the findings suggest that Rwandan traditional narratives view men as more powerful than women and the society expects more from men in terms of responsibilities. As for the Millennium Development Goals, they focus on women empowerment only and thereby create a new imbalance between men and women. The paper recommends equality in terms of a maleness and femaleness ideology from policy to legislation and other domains.