bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Negotiating acceptable termination of pregnancy for non-lethal fetal anomaly: a qualitative study of professional perspectives
Authors: Crowe Lisa , Graham Ruth H , Robson Stephen C , Rankin Judith
Published: March 2018

Objective

This study aims to explore the perspectives of professionals around the issue of termination of pregnancy for non-lethal fetal anomaly (TOPFA).

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with medical professionals (14 consultants in fetal medicine, obstetrics, neonatology and paediatrics) and social care professionals (nine individuals with roles supporting people living with impairment) from the Northeast of England. Analysis adopted an inductive thematic approach facilitated by NVivo.

Results

The overarching theme to emerge from the interview data was of professionals, medical and social care, wanting to present an acceptable self-image of their views on TOPFA. Professionals’ values on ‘fixing’, pain and ‘normality’ influenced what aspects of moral acceptability they gave priority to in terms of their standpoint and, in turn, their conceptualisations of acceptable TOPFA. Thus, if a termination could be defended morally, including negotiation of several key issues (including ‘fixing’, perceptions of pain and normality), then participants conceptualised TOPFA as an acceptable pregnancy outcome.

Conclusion

Despite different professional experiences, these professional groups were able to negotiate their way through difficult terrain to conceptualise TOPFA as a morally acceptable principle. While professionals have different moral thresholds, no one argued for a restriction of the current legislation. The data suggest that social care professionals also look at the wider social context of a person with an impairment when discussing their views regarding TOPFA. Medical professionals focus more on the individual impairment when discussing their views on TOPFA.
IPMNs with co-occurring invasive cancers: neighbours but not always relatives
Authors: Felsenstein Matthäus , Noë Michaël , Masica David L , Hosoda Waki , Chianchiano Peter , Fischer Catherine G , Lionheart Gemma , Brosens Lodewijk A A , Pea Antonio , Yu Jun , Gemenetzis Georgios , Groot Vincent P , Makary Martin A , He Jin , Weiss Matthew J , Cameron John L , Wolfgang Christopher L , Hruban Ralph H , Roberts Nicholas J , Karchin Rachel , Goggins Michael G , Wood Laura D
Published: March 2018

Objective

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are precursor lesions that can give rise to invasive pancreatic carcinoma. Although approximately 8% of patients with resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma have a co-occurring IPMN, the precise genetic relationship between these two lesions has not been systematically investigated.

Design

We analysed all available patients with co-occurring IPMN and invasive intrapancreatic carcinoma over a 10-year period at a single institution. For each patient, we separately isolated DNA from the carcinoma, adjacent IPMN and distant IPMN and performed targeted next generation sequencing of a panel of pancreatic cancer driver genes. We then used the identified mutations to infer the relatedness of the IPMN and co-occurring invasive carcinoma in each patient.

Results

We analysed co-occurring IPMN and invasive carcinoma from 61 patients with IPMN/ductal adenocarcinoma as well as 13 patients with IPMN/colloid carcinoma and 7 patients with IPMN/carcinoma of the ampullary region. Of the patients with co-occurring IPMN and ductal adenocarcinoma, 51% were likely related. Surprisingly, 18% of co-occurring IPMN and ductal adenocarcinomas were likely independent, suggesting that the carcinoma arose from an independent precursor. By contrast, all colloid carcinomas were likely related to their associated IPMNs. In addition, these analyses showed striking genetic heterogeneity in IPMNs, even with respect to well-characterised driver genes.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a higher prevalence of likely independent co-occurring IPMN and ductal adenocarcinoma than previously appreciated. These findings have important implications for molecular risk stratification of patients with IPMN.
Practical guide to small animal theatre practice
Authors: Young Alison
Published: March 2018

The efficient running of a veterinary operating theatre helps to ensure patient safety and welfare. Maintenance of hygiene and the provision of an aseptic environment are essential. This article discusses how the design of the rooms, the daily tasks and routines, and the behaviour of the team, can affect patient outcome and what team members can do individually, and as part of that team, to provide the best standard of care to their patients.
‘How do I know my animal got better?’ – measuring outcomes in small animal orthopaedics
Authors: Walton Ben , Cox Thomas , Innes John
Published: March 2018

There have been significant recent advances in measuring canine orthopaedic disease, both in the use of objective measures such as gait analysis and accelerometry, and in validated subjective measures. This article discusses the available methodology in measuring orthopaedic disease in companion animals, and aims to provide practitioners with tools that can be used in the clinic, as well as an understanding of the measures used in clinical research papers.
Comments on the dilemma in the January/February issue: Clients who cannot afford to pay
Authors: McCulloch Steven
Published: March 2018

In the dilemma discussed in the January/February issue of In Practice, Anne Fawcett and Myles Chadwick describe a scenario where a four‐month‐old puppy is presented with parvovirus. The veterinary surgeon works in a veterinary shelter that also provides a private service. Practice policy stipulates that clients must pay 50 per cent of the estimate on admission (IP, January/February 2018, vol 40, pp 38‐39). Alternatively, the client can seek treatment elsewhere, euthanase the animal, or surrender it to the shelter. The owner insists that the puppy is treated at the shelter. Colleagues are overhead accusing the owner of being irresponsible, and one advises including everything in the estimate, which would effectively double the cost, to cover costs in the event that the dog is later surrendered. The increased cost may mean that the dog is surrendered in the first place.
Simplifying mitral valve disease diagnostics
Authors: Summerfield Nuala
Published: March 2018

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs is a slowly progressive disease. Until recently, focus was aimed at the symptomatic phase of the disease, when congestive heart failure (CHF) develops. However, since the publication of the EPIC trial, which showed that treatment with pimobendan delays the onset of CHF, the focus has now shifted onto the early diagnosis of MMVD. This article considers the tests necessary to diagnose MMVD and aims to provide vets with the knowledge and tools to undertake these successfully.
Statin-related myopathies
Authors: Hilton-Jones David
Published: March 2018

Statins are the Marmite (‘You either love it or hate it!’) of the drug world, both in terms of therapeutic benefit and risk of side effects. Proponents think that they are potential life-savers, opponents that their main benefit is lining the pockets of pharma. Some consider side effects to be a major issue, outweighing any therapeutic benefit, others that they are rare and essentially innocuous. Statin-induced myalgia is relatively common but often mild and for most people does not limit treatment. In others, reducing the dose or changing the preparation may help. In all, withdrawal of the statin leads to resolution. Statin-induced rhabdomyolysis, most often precipitated by drug–drug interaction, affects only a tiny proportion of statin users, but because of the widespread prescribing of statins is an important clinical problem. Statin-induced immune-mediated necrotising myopathy represents a novel disease mechanism and clinically mimics forms of myositis. Resolution often requires immunosuppressant drug treatment, as well as statin withdrawal.
Bootstrap experiments on higher dimensional CFTs
Authors: Nakayama Yu
Published: March 2018

Recent programs on conformal bootstrap suggest an empirical relationship between the existence of nontrivial conformal field theories and nontrivial features such as a kink in the unitarity bound of conformal dimensions in the conformal bootstrap equations. We report the existence of nontrivial kink-like behaviors in the unitarity bound of scalar operators in the adjoint representation of the [Formula: see text] symmetric conformal field theories. They have interesting properties: (1) the kink-like behaviors exist in [Formula: see text] dimensions; (2) the location of kink-like behaviors are when the unitarity bound hits the space–time dimension [Formula: see text]; (3) there exists a “conformal window” of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text].
The origin of the mass of the Nambu–Goldstone bosons
Authors: Arraut Ivan
Published: March 2018

We explain the origin of the mass for the Nambu–Goldstone bosons when there is a chemical potential in the action which explicitly breaks the symmetry. The method is based on the number of independent histories for the interaction of the pair of Nambu–Goldstone bosons with the degenerate vacuum (triangle relations). The analysis suggests that under some circumstances, pairs of massive Nambu–Goldstone bosons can become a single degree of freedom with an effective mass defined by the superposition of the individual masses of each boson. Possible mass oscillations for the Nambu–Goldstone bosons are discussed.
Effect of rich-club on diffusion in complex networks
Authors: Berahmand Kamal , Samadi Negin , Sheikholeslami Seyed Mahmood
Published: March 2018

One of the main issues in complex networks is the phenomenon of diffusion in which the goal is to find the nodes with the highest diffusing power. In diffusion, there is always a conflict between accuracy and efficiency time complexity; therefore, most of the recent studies have focused on finding new centralities to solve this problem and have offered new ones, but our approach is different. Using one of the complex networks’ features, namely the “rich-club”, its effect on diffusion in complex networks has been analyzed and it is demonstrated that in datasets which have a high rich-club, it is better to use the degree centrality for finding influential nodes because it has a linear time complexity and uses the local information; however, this rule does not apply to datasets which have a low rich-club. Next, real and artificial datasets with the high rich-club have been used in which degree centrality has been compared to famous centrality using the SIR standard.
Superenergy flux of Einstein–Rosen waves
Authors: Domínguez P. J. , Gallegos A. , Macías-Díaz J. E. , Vargas-Rodríguez H.
Published: March 2018

In this work, we consider the propagation speed of the superenergy flux associated to the Einstein–Rosen cylindrical waves propagating in vacuum and over the background of the gravitational field of an infinitely long mass line distribution. The velocity of the flux is determined considering the reference frame in which the super-Poynting vector vanishes. This reference frame is then considered as comoving with the flux. The explicit expressions for the velocities are given with respect to a reference frame at rest with the symmetry axis.
Systematic study on the isotopic behavior of fusion barrier using the density-dependent nucleon–nucleon interactions
Authors: Ghodsi O. N. , Khalaj M.
Published: March 2018

By changing the neutron and nuclear matter incompressibility constant [Formula: see text], we investigate the isotopic behavior of the fusion barriers for the collision of large number of different isotopes with condition of [Formula: see text]. Here, the double folding (DF) model which is accompanied by density-dependent (DD) versions of M3Y interactions is adopted as a basic heavy ion–ion potential. We show that the selected DD potentials predict a linear behavior for the calculated fusion barrier heights as a function of [Formula: see text] for both proton- and neutron-rich systems. Moreover, the results indicate that the isotopic behavior of these values depend linearly on the change in the [Formula: see text] constant. The isotopic studies conducted on the fusion cross-section also shows that the properties of the nuclear matter in the range of energy which is below the fusion barrier will quite affect the fusion process.
FRACTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CONTINENTAL SHALE PORES AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE TO THE OCCURRENCE OF SHALE OIL IN CHINA: A CASE STUDY OF BIYANG DEPRESSION
Authors: LI JIJUN , LIU ZHAO , LI JUNQIAN , LU SHUANGFANG , ZHANG TONGQIAN , ZHANG XINWEN , YU ZHIYUAN , HUANG KAIZHAN , SHEN BOJIAN , MA YAN , LIU JIEWEN
Published: March 2018

Samples from seven major exploration wells in Biyang Depression of Henan Oilfield were compared using low-temperature nitrogen adsorption and shale oil adsorption experiments. Comprehensive analysis of pore development, oiliness and shale oil flowability was conducted by combining fractal dimension. The results show that the fractal dimension of shale in Biyang Depression of Henan Oilfield was negatively correlated with the average pore size and positively correlated with the specific surface area. Compared with the large pore, the small pore has great fractal dimension, indicating the pore structure is more complicated. Using S1 and chloroform bitumen A to evaluate the relationship between shale oiliness and pore structure, it was found that the more heterogeneous the shale pore structure, the higher the complexity and the poorer the oiliness. Clay minerals are the main carriers involved in crude oil adsorption, affecting the mobility of shale oil. When the pore complexity of shale was high, the content of micro- and mesopores was high, and the high specific surface area could enhance the adsorption and reduce the mobility of shale oil.
Probability Analysis of the Vibration of Bridges with Rough Surface under Stochastic Traffic
Authors: Yin X. F. , Wang L. , Kong B. , Song G. , Liu Y.
Published: March 2018

The dynamic interaction of bridge-traffic system is dependent on the stochastic characteristics of various parameters that are random in nature, such as the surface roughness, traffic flow, and so on. It is necessary to include these uncertainties in the analysis. In this paper, the bridge-traffic coupled vibration system is studied considering the stochastic characteristics of traffic flows and surface roughness. The parameters, such as the extrapolation maximal displacement and mean value of the random process, are firstly presented in the probability analysis. Two vehicle models, one with 18 degrees of freedom (DOFs) and the other with 3 DOFs, were adopted in the vehicle simulation. A cellular automaton (CA) model is adopted to simulate the traffic flows and bridge surface roughness. The numerical investigation shows that: (1) the mean value distribution of the bridge vertical and lateral dynamic displacements generally remains stationary; (2) the dynamic responses at different time and under different traffic flows have negligible correlation; and (3) the extrapolation maximal value of the bridge displacement strictly and monotonically increases with the growth of design period.
Resonance and Cancellation in Torsional Vibration of Monosymmetric I-Sections Under Moving Loads
Authors: Yang Y. B. , Li Mei , Zhang Bin , Wu Yuntian , Yang Judy P.
Published: March 2018

This paper is concerned with the lateral and torsional coupled vibration of monosymmetric I-beams under moving loads. To this end, a train is modeled as two subsystems of eccentric wheel loads of constant intervals to account for the front and rear wheels. By assuming the lateral and torsional displacements to be restrained at the two ends of the beam, both the lateral and torsional displacements are approximated by a series of sine functions. The method of variation of constants is adopted to derive the closed-form solution. For the most severe condition when the last wheel load is acting on the beam, both the conditions of resonance and cancellation are identified. Once the condition of cancellation is enforced, the resonance response can always be suppressed, which represents the optimal design for the beam. Since the condition for suppressing the torsional resonance is exactly the same as that for the vertical resonance, this offers a great advantage in the design of monosymmetric I-beams, as no distinction needs to be made between the suppression of vertical or torsional resonance.
THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL MOVEMENT CORRELATIONS BETWEEN ELBOW AND WRIST JOINT AND ANTHROPOMETRIC DETERMINANTS
Authors: WANG WEI , WANG DONGMEI , LAI CHENGHUI
Published: March 2018

This study aimed to investigate three-dimensional (3D) kinematic characteristics of elbow and wrist motions, the relationship between them, and the anthropometric factors affecting them. Using motion capture system, this study measured and calculated the 3D angles of elbow flexion/extension, elbow pronation/supination, wrist flexion/extension, and wrist adduction/abduction of 40 healthy young adults. The study measured nine anthropometric variables and used unpaired [Formula: see text]-tests to assess gender difference. Also, bivariate correlation tests and step-wise multiple regression analyses were performed between joint ranges and anthropometric variables, as well as different joint motions. Results showed two opposite patterns occurred during elbow flexion/extension. The study found a correlation between the range of elbow flexion/extension and the range of elbow pronation/supination that occurred during elbow flexion/extension. Additionally, the study tested joint correlations between the four joint motions. Finally, the study established bivariate and multiple regression relationships between range of elbow motions and anthropometric factors. This research presented an unrecognized pattern of 3D elbow flexion/extension, and associations between various anthropometric factors and different joint motions. These findings can contribute to the design of orthosis of upper extremities and the rehabilitation of joint mobility.
EVALUATION OF GAIT ASYMMETRY USING FORCE PLATES VERSUS ACCELEROMETER
Authors: KARIMPOUR RANA , KRUPENEVICH REBECCA L. , MILLER ROSS H. , SHIM JAE KUN
Published: March 2018

Evaluation of kinetic asymmetry during walking has been important to both researchers and clinicians. Wearable devices such as accelerometers are inexpensive, easily accessible tools provide valuable information in gait analysis and offer the potential to assess asymmetry without restriction to cost-ineffective laboratory settings. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using an accelerometer in assessment of force asymmetry in gait. To this end, the relationship between asymmetry measured from force platforms and a skin-mounted accelerometer on the lower back was studied during normal walking as well as five different levels of self-induced simulated asymmetry. Results show that there is a positive overall correlation between the asymmetry indices measured by the two methods ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). Future study is needed to investigate factors such as age, gender, and anthropometric properties that can help develop a predictive model.
Generalized pseudo-Finsler geometry applied to the nonlinear mechanics of torsion of crystalline solids
Authors: Clayton J. D.
Published: March 2018

A continuum theory of the mechanical behavior of solid materials is presented wherein fundamental geometric quantities such as the metric tensor and connection coefficients can depend on one or more director vectors, also called internal state vectors. This theory, referred to as generalized pseudo-Finsler geometric continuum mechanics, enables depiction of a very broad class of physical phenomena in deformable solid bodies. The general nonlinear theory is reported first, primarily summarizing prior work by the author. Next, a new application of the theory to torsional deformation of solids is presented, whereby a cylindrical sample of material may be simultaneously subjected to twisting, extension or compression along its axis, as well as possible radial confinement or contraction. The internal state variable, when normalized by a regularization length, is identified with an order parameter associated with inelastic deformation that may include slippage, fracture, and/or structural collapse. Evolution of the internal state follows a generalized Ginzburg–Landau type of kinetic equation. For axially homogeneous fields, a coupled system of nonlinear partial differential equations is obtained that can be integrated numerically. Results are first documented for generic solids representative of many crystals that exist in nature. Then solutions corresponding to realistic properties of crystals of boron carbide ceramic and ice are reported. Results for boron carbide predict a dominant effect of shearing over compression on the structural transformation process, in agreement with observations from atomistic simulations. Results for ice demonstrate periods of steady plastic flow under constant applied average shear stress as well as torsional rigidity varying with sample size. Existence of both phenomena agrees with experimental observations.
Synthesis and characterization of a new meso-tetra-dihydro benzocyclobutacenaphthylene free-base porphyrin
Authors: İşci Ümit , Topal Sevinc Zehra , Önal Emel , Fidan İsmail , Berber Savaş , Ahsen Vefa , Parejo Concepción , Sastre-Santos Ángela , Dumoulin Fabienne
Published: March 2018

A meso-tetra-6b,10b-dihydrobenzo[j]cyclobut[a]acenaphthylene free-base porphyrin was synthesised and its photophysical, photochemical and electrochemical properties were compared with those of free-base meso-tetraphenylporphyrin. The frontier orbitals and the HOMO–LUMO energy gaps of both compounds were also determined. It was demonstrated that the meso6b,10b-Dihydrobenzo[j]cyclobut[a]acenaphthylene porphyrin retained the same properties as the tetraphenylporphyrin.
Mesogenic complementary absorbing dyads based on porphyrin and perylene units
Authors: Kong Xiangfei , Gong Hongkang , Dai Shengping , Yao Wei , Mu Linping , Zhang Shufen , Wang Guixia
Published: March 2018

Five novel dyads, consisting of a tetraphenylporphyrine unit connected to a perylene monoimide diester unit via a flexible bridge -CONH-(CH[Formula: see text]- (n [Formula: see text] 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12), have been synthesized. Their structures were characterized by [Formula: see text]C and [Formula: see text]H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. The UV-vis absorption spectra revealed these dyads have broad optical absorption in the ultraviolet and visible regions due to the complementary absorption of the two units. The differential scanning calorimetry traces and polarized optical microscopy textures showed all these dyads have columnar liquid crystal phases. Cyclic voltammetry revealed the highest occupied molecular orbitals of the dyads located on the porphyrin units, and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals located on the perylene units. In addition, these results were in agreement with that of the theoretical modeling. When excited at 423 or 473 nm, the photoluminescent emission spectra showed that the degree of fluorescence quenching of porphyrin units increased as the spacers became shorter. This quenching was ascribed to intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer, which also induced the dyad molecules to form the charge-separated states. The charge-separated molecules were further confirmed by the photocurrent response curves. These behaviors of broad absorption of the ultraviolet-visible light, yielding the charge-separated states of the molecules when excited and the formation of columnar liquid crystal phase made these dyads candidates for single-component photovoltaic active materials.
DNA-binding, photocleavage and anti-cancer activity of tin(IV) corrole
Authors: Xie An-Na , Zhang Zhao , Wang Hua-Hua , Ali Atif , Zhang Dong-Xu , Wang Hui , Ji Liang-Nian , Liu Hai-Yang
Published: March 2018

A new tin(IV) corrole, 5,10,15-tris(4-methoxycarbonylphenyl) corrole tin(IV) (1-Sn) was synthesized and characterized. The DNA binding, photocleavage and anti-cancer activity were studied and compared with its free-base. The interaction of 1-Sn and its free-base 1 with calf thymus DNA had been investigated by spectroscopic methods, viscosity measurements and molecular docking analysis. The results revealed that 1-Sn and 1 could interact with calf thymus DNA via an outside groove binding mode. Furthermore, although 1 displayed no photonuclease activity, 1-Sn exhibited good photonuclease activity as indicated by agarose gel electrophoresis, and superoxide anion might be the active intermediate for the DNA scission. Finally, 1 was nontoxic but 1-Sn displayed cytotoxicity towards A549 tumor cell lines.
A Stochastic Semi-Physical Model of Seismic Ground Motions in Time Domain
Authors: Ding Yanqiong , Peng Yongbo , Li Jie
Published: March 2018

A stochastic function model of seismic ground motions is presented in this paper. It is derived from the consideration of physical mechanisms of seismic ground motions. The model includes the randomness inherent in the seismic source, propagation path and local site. For logical selection of the seismic acceleration records, a cluster analysis method is employed. Statistical distributions of the random parameters associated with the proposed model are identified using the selected data. Superposition method of narrow-band wave groups is then adopted to simulate non-stationary seismic ground motions. In order to verify the feasibility of the proposed model, comparative studies of time histories and response spectra of the simulated seismic accelerations against those of the recorded seismic accelerations are carried out. Their probability density functions, moreover, are readily investigated by virtue of the probability density evolution method.
Estimating palaeobathymetry with quantified uncertainties: a workflow illustrated with South Atlantic data
Authors: Pérez-Díaz L. , Eagles G.
Published: March 2018

We present and illustrate a workflow to produce palaeobathymetric reconstructions, using examples from the South Atlantic Ocean. With a recent high-resolution plate kinematic model as the starting point, we calculate an idealized basement surface by applying plate-cooling theory to seafloor ages and integrating the results with depths along the extended continental margins. Then, we refine the depths of this basement surface to account for the effects of sedimentation, variations in crustal thickness and dynamic topography. Finally, the corrected idealized surface is cut along appropriate plate outlines for the desired time slice and reconstructed using appropriate Euler parameters.

In order to assess the applicability of modelled results, we critically examine the limitations and uncertainties resulting from the datasets used and assumptions made. Palaeobathymetry modelled with our approach is likely to be least reliable over parts of large igneous provinces close to the times of their eruption, and most reliable within the oceanic interiors for Neogene time slices. The uncertainty range is not smaller than 500 m for any significant region at any time, and its mean over 95% of locations in all time slices is close to 1800 m.
Pre-treatment Dietary Patterns Are Associated with the Presence of Symptoms 1 Year after Diagnosis in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Crowder SL , Mondul AM , Tang YC , Pepino MY , Sarma KP , Rozek LS , Wolf GT , Arthur AE
Published: March 2018

Ninety percent of head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors experience disease and treatment related symptoms. Diet has the potential to reduce inflammation, modulate epigenetic changes and affect biological processes involved in the pathogenesis of symptoms. The objective of this study was to determine if pre-treatment dietary patterns are associated with the presence of symptoms 1-year after diagnosis. Methods: This was a longitudinal study of 295 newly diagnosed HNC patients. All patients completed a food frequency questionnaire and epidemiologic health survey. Self-reported symptoms were assessed pre-treatment and 1-year after diagnosis using a Likert scale ranging from “1: not at all bothered” by symptom to “5: extremely bothered”. Symptom scores were dichotomized as “not at all” vs. “slight - extremely”. Principal component analysis was used to derive pre-treatment dietary patterns. Multivariable logistic regression models examined the association of derived dietary patterns (fit by quartiles) and seven symptoms (trismus, xerostomia, dysphagia of liquids, dysphagia of solids, difficulty chewing, taste and mucositis). An overall symptom summary score was calculated (range 8–39) and dichotomized as <17 vs. ≥17. This cut-off was chosen by examining the distribution of scores and categorizing into two distinct subgroups naturally present in the data. Results: Two dietary patterns emerged: Prudent (high intakes of vegetables, fruit, fish, poultry, and whole grains) and Western (high intakes of red and processed meats, refined grains, potatoes, and French fries). After adjusting for age, baseline symptoms, tumor site, cancer stage, smoking, calories and HPV status, significant inverse associations were observed between pre-treatment Prudent pattern score and dysphagia of liquids (P = 0.01), dysphagia of solids (P = 0.02) and difficulty chewing (P = 0.02) at 1 year post- diagnosis. A statistically significant inverse association was observed between the overall symptom summary score and the Prudent pattern (P < 0.001). No significant associations were observed between the Western pattern and symptoms. Conclusion: Consumption of a pre-treatment Prudent diet may help reduce the risk of symptoms such as dysphagia and difficulty chewing 1-year after diagnosis in HNC survivors.
Sleep and Cancer Incidence in Alberta's Tomorrow Project Cohort
Authors: McNeil J , Barberio A , Friedenreich CM , Brenner DR
Published: March 2018

We aimed to investigate the association between self-reported sleep duration and sleep timing midpoint with all- and site-specific cancer incidence in Alberta's Tomorrow Project (ATP) cohort. Methods: The analysis for sleep duration included 46,300 Albertans aged 35–65 years at baseline from the ATP cohort recruited from 2001–2015. Sleep timing midpoint (wake-time – ½ sleep duration) was assessed in a subset of ATP participants (n = 19,820). Cancer incidence was determined through record linkage with the Alberta Cancer Registry in December 2016. Cox proportional hazard regression models evaluated the effects of sleep duration and sleep timing midpoint categories on all- and site-specific (breast, colorectal, lung, prostate, endometrial and hematologic) cancer incidence. Models were adjusted for age, sex (non sex-specific cancers), highest level of education, total household income, marital status, alcohol intake, smoking status, body mass index, family history of cancer, presence of at least one medical condition/co-morbidity, menopausal status (female cancers only) and sleep duration (sleep timing midpoint analysis only). Results: By 2016, there were 3,034 incident cases of cancer in this cohort. A statistical trend was noted for an increased risk of all cancers in participants reporting > 9 hours of sleep/night compared to 7–9 hours of sleep/night (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.98–1.36; P = 0.08). Reporting > 9 hours of sleep/night compared to 7–9 hours of sleep/night was also associated with an increased incidence of endometrial cancer (HR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.16–3.76; P = 0.01). A later sleep timing midpoint (>4:08 AM) versus an intermediate sleep timing midpoint (3:47 AM–4:08 AM) was associated with an increased risk of all (HR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.03–1.37; P = 0.02) and breast (HR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.18–2.26; P = 0.003) cancer incidence. Conclusions: These novel findings provide evidence regarding the important role of sleep in cancer etiology. Interventions that put emphasis on proper sleep hygiene for cancer prevention are needed.
Using Social Media to Reduce Multiple Risk Factors for CRC in Rural Appalachians: #CRCFREE
Authors: Voigts K , Adegboyega A , Bush H , Hatcher J
Published: March 2018

Purpose: To examine the efficacy, acceptability, feasibility, and applicability of a Facebook (FB) intervention designed to reduce multiple colorectal cancer (CRC) risk factors in older adults residing in rural Appalachian Kentucky. Methods: We piloted a 12 week FB intervention culturally tailored for older adults residing in rural Eastern Kentucky to impact CRC risk factors, including: nutrition, physical activity, and screening. Participants were aged 50+, had internet access, and were at risk for CRC. During the 12 week study, the participants received three daily posts via secret FB group regarding CRC risk factors. Demographics, dietary measures, body mass index (BMI), and CRC screening were assessed at baseline and post intervention. FB engagement and physical activity were tracked throughout the intervention. Dietary measures included the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII). Physical activity was tracked using Fitbits. Post-intervention focus group interviews were conducted to assess feasibility and acceptability. Results: Participants (n = 57) were Caucasian, aged 58 ± 6 years, predominately female (67%), and the majority reported at least a high school education (77%). Post intervention, participants experienced significant increase in HEI scores (49.94 ± 9.84 vs. 58.60 ± 12.06, P = < 0.01). DII scores significantly decreased (2.44 ±1.12 vs. 1.60 ± 1.63, P = 0.003). There was no significant change in physical activity, BMI, or screening status. Participants, on average, viewed more than half of the posts. Focus group participants found FB posts to be useful and motivating. They reported that FB posts were educational and motivational. Conclusion: This pilot study shows promising preliminary data to support using a FB intervention in rural Appalachian older adults to decrease CRC risks. Participants were receptive to FB intervention, and FB provides a unique and accessible method for health promotion in hard to reach populations.
Diagnostic and Management Tool for Monitoring Patients Implanted with a Shape-Changing Corneal Inlay
Authors: Chu Ralph , Lee Briana R.
Published: March 2018

We report two cases that underwent corneal inlay implantation under a femtosecond flap. The first case had no complications during the postoperative period. Pentacam maps remained stable over time: corneal densitometry (CD) values had less than 2 units of change across visits up to 3 years. Axial/sagittal topography maps showed a stable Kmax (∼47 D), i.e., less than 1 D change between visits. The second case developed haze at 8 months postoperatively. CD increased by more than 4 units from 3 to 8 M and Kmax increased by 2.6 D. The patient was prescribed steroids and 1 month later the haze regressed, resulting in pre-haze CD and Kmax values, similar to the ones at 3 months.
Two Uveal Melanomas in One Eye: A Choroidal Nevus Giving Rise to a Melanoma in an Eye with a Separate Large Choroidal Melanoma
Authors: Prager Alisa J. , Habib Larissa A. , Busam Klaus J. , Marr Brian P.
Published: March 2018

Multifocal uveal melanomas are extremely rare. In this case report, we describe a patient with 2 independent uveal melanomas in the same eye. A 52-year-old woman presented with a large choroidal melanoma and a smaller ciliary body mass, clinically thought to be a nevus, in her left eye. Enucleated specimen showed 2 primary lesions that were anatomically separate. Lesion 1 was a melanoma and lesion 2 was a melanoma arising centrally from a nevus. Both lesions harbored GNAQ mutations. This patient had no family history of uveal melanomas or signs of ocular melanocytosis and was negative for the BAP1 mutation. This case demonstrates how multifocal uveal melanomas can arise in patients who lack genetic predisposition for the disease. Furthermore, this case is one of the few that have shown, histopathologically, a small focus of malignant cells developing from a benign population within a nevus, which highlights the importance of closely monitoring nevi for signs of malignancy.
Default Mode Network Disruption in Stroke-Free Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Silva Danilo S. , Avelar Wagner M. , de Campos Brunno M. , Lino Ana Paula B.L. , Balthazar Márcio L.F. , Figueiredo Marcio J.O. , Cendes Fernando , Coan Ana Carolina
Published: March 2018

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a widely accepted risk for causing stroke. However, recent studies show AF as a risk factor for dementia, even without causing stroke. The mechanisms by which dementia develops in stroke-free patients with AF are still poorly understood and the association of AF with abnormal function of brain networks activities, such as the default mode network (DMN), has not been previously studied. We aimed to determine whether, in the absence of stroke and dementia, patients with AF have abnormal resting-state brain networks compared to controls without AF. Methods: Twenty-one stroke-free patients with AF and 21 age- and sex-matched controls without AF underwent brain functional magnetic resonance imaging acquired at a 3.0 Tesla scanner. During the exam, the subjects were instructed to lie still with eyes closed. At first-level analysis, connectivity of the DMN was obtained for all subjects. Second-level analysis compared the DMN connectivity between AF patients and controls with a general linear model (two-sample t test, p < 0.05, False Discovery Rate corrected, minimum of 50 contiguous voxels). Results: Patients with AF compared with controls showed decreased connectivity in regions of the DMN including the frontal lobe (left medial frontal gyrus, left superior frontal gyrus and anterior cingulate), left angular gyrus, and bilateral precuneus. Conclusions: Stroke-free patients with AF have evidence of abnormal DMN connectivity. This study adds evidence to the occurrence of cerebral dysfunction in patients with AF.
Use of Urinary Collection Devices in Community and Nursing Homes in Istria County
Authors: Lodeta Branimir , Lovrinic Dino , Lodeta Maja , Zavidic Tina , Baric Hrvoje
Published: March 2018

Introduction: This study is aimed at assessing the use of various types of urinary catheters, appropriateness of catheter placement and factors associated with antibiotic use in a population of chronically catheterized patients in Istria County. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted between March and June 2017 in Istria County, Croatia, was initiated through a network of general family medicine offices. Data were collected from general practitioners (GPs) and from medical managers in nursing homes. Participants were asked to review medical records of their patients and to complete a 10-item questionnaire designed to retrieve information on patients with urinary catheter. Results: All GPs in the county were surveyed. We identified 309 patients with urinary catheter: 216 men (70%) and 93 women (30%). The overall prevalence of individuals with urinary catheters was 0.18%: 4.7% in nursing home population and 0.1% among non-institutionalized adult population. Most common indication for catheterization was chronic urinary retention (52%). One hundred eighty-six patients (60.4%) reported antibiotic usage in the previous 3 months for treating urinary infection. Conclusions: In Istria County, the prevalence of indwelling urinary catheters is highest in males, especially among patients in nursing homes. There is a need for focused education among GPs regarding urinary catheter maintenance and antibiotic prescription for suspected urinary tract infections.
Intraocular Lens Dislocation after Cataract Surgery in Tambolaka, Southwest Sumba, Indonesia: A Case Report
Authors: Sitompul Ratna
Published: March 2018

Intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation is a rare complication of cataract extraction requiring prompt surgery. This case report aims to raise awareness of such cases and the importance of post-surgery follow-up. A 58-year-old female patient was found with anterior IOL dislocation a week after phacoemulsification surgery in her right eye. Visual acuity of the right eye was 1/60 with ciliary injection and IOL dislocation to the anterior chamber of the right eye. The patient underwent surgery of the right eye and the IOL haptic was found to be broken. In this case report, the factors affecting IOL dislocation are axis length, broken IOL haptic, and patient activity that increased intraocular pressure. Cataract extraction surgery, although common, needs to be conducted carefully, and it is important for ophthalmologists and general practitioners to detect this condition, especially in rural areas where facilities are limited, as IOL dislocation could occur and requires immediate treatment to achieve a better result.
Global ECG Measures and Cardiac Structure and Function
Authors: Biering-Sørensen Tor , Kabir Muammar , Waks Jonathan W. , Thomas Jason , Post Wendy S. , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Buxton Alfred E. , Shah Amil M. , Solomon Scott D. , Tereshchenko Larisa G.
Published: March 2018

Background:

Electric excitation initiates myocardial mechanical contraction and coordinates myocardial pumping. We hypothesized that ECG global electric heterogeneity (GEH) and its longitudinal changes are associated with cardiac structure and function.

Methods and Results:

Participants from the ARIC study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) (N=5114; 58% female; 22% blacks) with resting 12-lead ECGs (visits 1–5) and echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, LV global longitudinal strain, LV mass index, LV end-diastolic volume index, and LV end-systolic volume index at visit 5 were included. Longitudinal analysis included ARIC participants (N=14 609) with measured GEH at visits 1 to 4. GEH was quantified by spatial ventricular gradient, QRS-T angle, and sum absolute QRS-T integral. Cross-sectional and longitudinal regressions were adjusted for manifest and subclinical cardiovascular disease. Having 4 abnormal GEH parameters was associated with a 6.4% (95% confidence interval, 5.5–7.3) LV ejection fraction decline, a 24.2 g/m
2
(95% confidence interval, 21.5–26.9) increase in LV mass index, a 10.3 mL/m
2
(95% confidence interval, 8.9–11.7) increase in LV end-diastolic volume index, and a 7.8 mL/m
2
(95% confidence interval, 6.9–8.6) increase in LV end-systolic volume index. Altogether, clinical and ECG parameters accounted for approximately one third of LV volume and 20% of systolic function variability. The associations were significantly stronger in cardiovascular disease. Sum absolute QRS-T integral increased by 20 mV*ms for each 3-year period in participants who demonstrated LV dilatation at visit 5. Sudden cardiac death victims demonstrated rapid GEH worsening, whereas those with LV dysfunction demonstrated slow GEH worsening. Healthy aging was associated with a distinct pattern of spatial ventricular gradient azimuth decrement.

Conclusions:

GEH is a marker of subclinical abnormalities in cardiac structure and function.
Downstream Microvascular Thrombosis in Cortical Venules Is an Early Response to Proximal Cerebral Arterial Occlusion
Authors: Desilles Jean‐Philippe , Syvannarath Varouna , Di Meglio Lucas , Ducroux Célina , Boisseau William , Louedec Liliane , Jandrot‐Perrus Martine , Michel Jean‐Baptiste , Mazighi Mikael , Ho‐Tin‐Noé Benoît
Published: March 2018

Background

Previous experimental studies have shown that downstream microvascular thromboinflammation is involved in brain damage from acute ischemic stroke. Using intravital microscopy, we investigated and characterized the sequence of downstream microvascular thromboinflammation in an ischemia/reperfusion acute ischemic stroke model.

Methods and Results

Rats underwent transient monofilament middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. Cerebral microcirculation in the
MCA
territory was exposed through a craniotomy and analyzed using real‐time intravital imaging coupled with laser Doppler interferometry. Leukocytes, platelets, fibrinogen, and blood–brain barrier permeability were analyzed by intravenous injection of fluorescent antibodies and bovine serum albumin. MCA occlusion induced a sudden and profound drop in downstream microvascular blood flow associated with leukocyte margination in the venous compartment. Leukocyte margination fostered fibrinogen deposition and thrombosis in postcapillary venules. Either in venules or arterioles, blood flow was not fully restored after
MCA
recanalization. Furthermore, venular thrombi persisted despite
MCA
recanalization, and leukocyte extravasation continued to develop in venules in association with blood–brain barrier disruption. Finally, microhemorrhages were occasionally observed, colocalizing with thrombosed venules characterized by marked leukocyte margination.

Conclusions

We showed that microvascular thrombosis in transient monofilament MCA occlusion and blood–brain barrier disruption are initiated immediately after occlusion and are propagated through the venous compartment in close association with marginating leukocytes. MCA occlusion–induced downstream microvascular thromboinflammation response was responsible for incomplete reperfusion after
MCA
recanalization and delayed microhemorrhages.
Environmental Stress and Steppe Nomads: Rethinking the History of the Uyghur Empire (744–840) with Paleoclimate Data
Authors: Di Cosmo Nicola , Hessl Amy , Leland Caroline , Byambasuren Oyunsanaa , Tian Hanqin , Nachin Baatarbileg , Pederson Neil , Andreu-Hayles Laia , Cook Edward R.
Published: March 2018

Newly available paleoclimate data and a re-evaluation of the historical and archaeological evidence regarding the Uyghur Empire (744–840)—one of several nomadic empires to emerge on the Inner Asian steppe—suggests that the assumption of a direct causal link between drought and the stability of nomadic societies is not always justified. The fact that a severe drought lasting nearly seven decades did not cause the Uyghur Empire to collapse, to wage war, or to disintegrate gives rise to speculations about which of its characteristics enabled it to withstand unfavorable climatic conditions and environmental change. More broadly, it raises questions about the complex suite of strategies and responses that may have been available to steppe societies in the face of environmental stress.
Were Wages That Low? Real Wages in the Strasbourg Region Before 1775
Authors: Geloso Vincent
Published: March 2018

Robert Allen characterized the region of Strasbourg in France in the period before 1789 as exceptionally poor. New evidence suggests, however, that Allen underestimated wage levels because of a failure to include payments in-kind and to clarify the differences between skilled and unskilled workers. Moreover, his wages came from a region that is wider than Strasbourg per se. The use of wage data for the agricultural sector that were higher in nominal terms than Allen’s, with reference to regions like Paris and southern England, elevates the economic standing of Strasbourg and, by extension, that of France.
‘Global Sociology’ from a Comparative Perspective: A Multidimensional Analysis
Authors: Sorokin Pavel
Published: March 2018

This paper applies a comparative approach to analyze several dimensions of ‘Global Sociology’ from a normative stance based on a critical review of related discourses in sociological communities. The author reveals three major problems in intra-disciplinary, inter-disciplinary and extra-academic dimensions, manifested not only in ‘factual’ (objective) characteristics but also in ‘ideological’ visions typical of academic communities and connected with a negative stance towards global neoliberalism and its various agents: first, rigid vertical stratification of the international academic field, primarily, in terms of academic publishing and working conditions; second, negative tendencies in the status positions of sociology compared to other sciences, especially economics; and third, little cooperation with policy-makers and corporate practitioners combined with an orientation to supporting various discriminated groups against dominating powers associated with neoliberalism.