bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiorgan Failure and Refractory Lactic Acidosis due toPasteurella multocidaSepticemia in a Patient with No Animal Exposure
Authors: Pena Damaris , Santana Yaneidy , Perez Lara Jose , Gonzalez Efrain , Khaja Misbahuddin
Published: March 2018

Introduction.Pasteurella multocidais a gram-negative coccobacillus pathogenic to animals. It can cause infection in humans by a bite, scratch, or lick from a cat or dog.P. multocidacan cause a variety of infections in humans, including cellulitis, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, peritonitis, and septic shock.Case Presentation. A 56-year-old male presented to our hospital with a 2-day history of fever, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. He denied exposure to cats, dogs or other pets. He had severe respiratory distress requiring ventilator support, profound septic shock requiring multiple vasopressors, severe lactic acidosis, and renal failure requiring emergent hemodialysis. Blood cultures confirmed the presence ofP. multocida. The patient subsequently died of cardiopulmonary arrest due to multiorgan failure with refractory shock.Conclusion.P. multocidasepticemia can lead to septic shock. Early identification of this organism may decrease mortality. Although our patient had no known cat or dog exposure, physicians should enquire about a history of animal exposure when a patient presents with an infection with no obvious cause.
Multiobjective Optimization Design and Experimental Study of Desulfurization Dust Removal Centrifugal Pump Based on Immune Particle Swarm Algorithm
Authors: Wang Yuqin , Huo Xinwang , Ji Hailong
Published: March 2018

In view of the problems of low efficiency, poor anticavitation performance, and curve hump for current centrifugal pump in the process of desulfurization and dust removal, the desulfurization dust removal centrifugal pump was designed. The velocity coefficient method was used for hydraulic design of centrifugal pump, and the three‐dimensional modeling and numerical simulation of flow field of centrifugal pump were carried out by using computational fluid dynamics technology (CFD). The optimal mathematical model with the highest efficiency and the lowest pump net positive suction head (NPSHr) as the objective function was established under the condition of no curve hump. The immune particle swarm optimization algorithm was used to optimize the multiobjective function, and the optimal combination of the main parameters was obtained. The simulation results showed that, compared with the traditional centrifugal pump, the performance of the optimized centrifugal pump had been greatly improved, which eliminated the phenomenon of curve hump. Based on IH model chemical pump to build a prototype test platform, the experimental results of the external characteristics of the prototype pump and the optimization pump under different working conditions were obtained. At the rated flow rate, the optimization pump efficiency was increased by 13.30%, the head was increased by 11.52%, and NPSHr was decreased by 10.14%. The experimental results showed that the optimized indexes met the design requirements and improved the performance of centrifugal pump. At the same time, the accuracy of the immune particle swarm control method was verified, which provided some reference for the design of desulfurization dust removal centrifugal pump.
Effects of Sintering Temperature on the Morphology and Photoluminescence of Eu3+ Doped Zinc Molybdenum Oxide Hydrate
Authors: Zhai Bao-gai , Ma Qing-lan , Yang Long , Huang Yuan Ming
Published: March 2018

Synthesis of shape controlled and rare-earth doped ZnMoO4 nanostructures on a large scale with low costs is a present challenge in nanotechnology. The precursor of Eu3+ doped zinc molybdenum oxide hydrate (Zn5Mo2O11·5H2O) was synthesized at room temperature via the coprecipitation method. The influences of the sintering temperature on the microstructures and photoluminescence (PL) of the precursor were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermal gravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and PL spectrophotometry. It is found that Eu3+ doped ZnMoO4 nanostructures can be derived by sintering the precursor at a relatively low temperature of about 400°C. Our results have demonstrated that Eu3+ doped ZnMoO4 nanostructures can be cost-effectively derived by sintering the precursor at a relatively low temperature.
Differential Expression Profiling of Long Noncoding RNA and mRNA during Osteoblast Differentiation in Mouse
Authors: Kim Minjung , Yu Youngseok , Moon Ji-Hoi , Koh InSong , Lee Jae-Hyung
Published: March 2018

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as an important controller affecting metabolic tissue development, signaling, and function. However, little is known about the function and profile of lncRNAs in osteoblastic differentiation in mice. Here, we analyzed the RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) datasets obtained for 18 days in two-day intervals from neonatal mouse calvarial pre-osteoblast-like cells. Over the course of osteoblast differentiation, 4058 mRNAs and 3948 lncRNAs were differentially expressed, and they were grouped into 12 clusters according to the expression pattern by fuzzy c-means clustering. Using weighted gene coexpression network analysis, we identified 9 modules related to the early differentiation stage (days 2–8) and 7 modules related to the late differentiation stage (days 10–18). Gene ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the mRNA and lncRNA upregulated in the late differentiation stage are highly associated with osteogenesis. We also identified 72 mRNA and 89 lncRNAs as potential markers including several novel markers for osteoblast differentiation and activation. Our findings provide a valuable resource for mouse lncRNA study and improves our understanding of the biology of osteoblastic differentiation in mice.
Effect of Maternal Administration of Edible Bird’s Nest on the Learning and Memory Abilities of Suckling Offspring in Mice
Authors: Xie Yong , Zeng Hongliang , Huang Zhiji , Xu Hui , Fan Qunyan , Zhang Yi , Zheng Baodong
Published: March 2018

Although human brains continue developing throughout the underage developmental stages, the infancy period is considered the most important one for the whole life. It has been reported that sialic acid from edible bird’s nest (EBN) can facilitate the development of brain and intelligence. In this study, by oral administration of EBN to female mice during the pregnancy or lactation period, the effects of EBN on the levels of sialic acid in mouse milk were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Furthermore, the spatial learning performances of their offspring were assessed using the Morris water maze test. Additionally, cerebral malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in cubs nursed by the female mice given the EBN homogenate were examined, while BDNF immunohistochemical staining and neuron count in hippocampi were investigated as well. These results showed that administration with EBN in maternal mice during pregnancy or lactation period can improve the learning and memory functions in their offspring, possibly by increasing the activities of SOD and ChAT and, at the meantime, decreasing the levels of MDA and activities of AChE. Moreover, BDNF levels for CA1, CA2, and CA3 regions in hippocampi and the numbers of dyed neurons in CA1, CA2, CA3, and DG regions among the offspring were significantly enhanced due to the intake of EBN by the maternal mice. We concluded that maternal administration of EBN during the pregnancy and lactation periods can improve the spatial learning performances in the offspring.
Systems Pharmacology-Based Approach of Connecting Disease Genes in Genome-Wide Association Studies with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Kim Jihye , Yoo Minjae , Shin Jimin , Kim Hyunmin , Kang Jaewoo , Tan Aik Choon
Published: March 2018

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) originated in ancient China has been practiced over thousands of years for treating various symptoms and diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms of TCM in treating these diseases remain unknown. In this study, we employ a systems pharmacology-based approach for connecting GWAS diseases with TCM for potential drug repurposing and repositioning. We studied 102 TCM components and their target genes by analyzing microarray gene expression experiments. We constructed disease-gene networks from 2558 GWAS studies. We applied a systems pharmacology approach to prioritize disease-target genes. Using this bioinformatics approach, we analyzed 14,713 GWAS disease-TCM-target gene pairs and identified 115 disease-gene pairs with q value < 0.2. We validated several of these GWAS disease-TCM-target gene pairs with literature evidence, demonstrating that this computational approach could reveal novel indications for TCM. We also develop TCM-Disease web application to facilitate the traditional Chinese medicine drug repurposing efforts. Systems pharmacology is a promising approach for connecting GWAS diseases with TCM for potential drug repurposing and repositioning. The computational approaches described in this study could be easily expandable to other disease-gene network analysis.
Serum Triamcinolone Levels following Cervical Interlaminar Epidural Injection
Authors: Lamer Tim J. , Dickson Rozalin R. , Gazelka Halena M. , Nicholson Wayne T. , Reid Joel M. , Moeschler Susan M. , Hooten W. Michael
Published: March 2018

Background. Cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are commonly performed procedures to treat painful cervical radiculopathy, but little is known about the systemic absorption and serum levels of steroids following injection. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of fluoroscopy-guided cervical epidural-administered triamcinolone acetonide in a cohort of patients with cervical radicular pain seeking treatment in a pain medicine clinic.Methods. The study cohort included eight patients undergoing a fluoroscopically guided C7-T1 interlaminar ESI at a pain medicine specialty clinic. Blood was collected prior to the ESI and on days 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 following the injection. The sample extract was analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry.Results. The terminal elimination half-life of cervical epidural-administered triamcinolone in a noncompartmental analysis was 219 hours. In the noncompartmental analysis, peak triamcinolone concentrations of 5.4 ng/mL were detected within 22.1 hours after administration.Conclusions. The pharmacokinetics of cervical epidural-administered triamcinolone is consistent with our previous study of lumbar ESI, demonstrating that the elimination half-life is longer than that which has been reported following intravenous triamcinolone. The elimination half-life was shorter following cervical ESI than that which has been reported following lumbar ESI.
Ensartinib (X-396) in ALK-Positive Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: Results from a First-in-Human Phase I/II, Multicenter Study
Authors: Horn Leora , Infante Jeffrey R. , Reckamp Karen L. , Blumenschein George R. , Leal Ticiana A. , Waqar Saiama N. , Gitlitz Barbara J. , Sanborn Rachel E. , Whisenant Jennifer G. , Du Liping , Neal Joel W. , Gockerman Jon P. , Dukart Gary , Harrow Kimberly , Liang Chris , Gibbons James J. , Holzhausen Allison , Lovly Christine M. , Wakelee Heather A.
Published: March 2018

Purpose: Evaluate safety and determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of ensartinib (X-396), a potent anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), and evaluate preliminary pharmacokinetics and antitumor activity in a first-in-human, phase I/II clinical trial primarily in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Patients and Methods: In dose escalation, ensartinib was administered at doses of 25 to 250 mg once daily in patients with advanced solid tumors; in dose expansion, patients with advanced ALK-positive NSCLC were administered 225 mg once daily. Patients who had received prior ALK TKI(s) and patients with brain metastases were eligible.

Results: Thirty-seven patients enrolled in dose escalation, and 60 enrolled in dose expansion. The most common treatment-related toxicities were rash (56%), nausea (36%), pruritus (28%), vomiting (26%), and fatigue (22%); 23% of patients experienced a treatment-related grade 3 to 4 toxicity (primarily rash and pruritus). The maximum tolerated dose was not reached, but the RP2D was chosen as 225 mg based on the frequency of rash observed at 250 mg without improvement in activity. Among the ALK-positive efficacy evaluable patients treated at ≥200 mg, the response rate (RR) was 60%, and median progression-free survival (PFS) was 9.2 months. RR in ALK TKI-naïve patients was 80%, and median PFS was 26.2 months. In patients with prior crizotinib only, the RR was 69% and median PFS was 9.0 months. Responses were also observed in the central nervous system, with an intracranial RR of 64%.

Conclusions: Ensartinib was active and generally well tolerated in patients with ALK-positive NSCLC. Clin Cancer Res; 24(12); 2771–9. ©2018 AACR.
Long-Term Results of Vitrectomy for Macular Holes after Failure of Vitreolysis
Authors: Benarous Allan , Le Mer Yannick
Published: March 2018

Purpose: Ocriplasmin injection may close some small-to-medium macular holes associated with vitreoretinal traction. If the treatment fails, does vitrectomy and gas injection yield the same results as primary surgery? Material and Methods: We report a retrospective case series study of 3 eyes of 3 consecutive patients operated on a few months after initial intravitreal injection of ocriplasmin and enlargement of the macular hole. The minimal follow-up period after surgery was 18 months. Results: Surgery was uneventful in all cases. Vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peeling, and gas injection allowed closing of the 3 macular holes with a progressive improvement in visual acuity over time. Before ocriplasmin injection, visual acuity ranged from 20/60 to 20/32, after failed ocriplasmin injection from 20/80 to 20/40, and at the final follow-up after 18 months from 20/32 to 20/25. Conclusion: Vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling leads to closure of macular holes even in cases of prior failure to close them by ocriplasmin injection.
Prevalence, Recognition, and Treatment of Dementia in Assisted Living Facilities
Authors: Sutovsky Stanislav , Kralova Maria , Siarnik Pavol , Turcani Peter
Published: March 2018

Background/Aims: Dementia and psychiatric disorders are common in assisted living facilities (ALFs) and have suboptimal rates of recognition and treatment. Therefore, we aimed to obtain a direct estimate of the prevalence of cognitive impairment and especially dementia among residents of ALFs in western Slovakia and their rates of primary recognition and adequate treatment. Methods: We conducted two cross-sectional studies. Ten ALFs within the city of Bratislava were chosen for the study in 2004, and again in 2011. A total of 866 residents in ALFs were examined in 2004, and 821 residents in ALFs were examined in 2011. The rate and characterization of dementia, its primary recognition and adequate treatment were investigated in both cross-sectional studies. Results: In 2004, 57% of the participants had dementia. Only 7.2% of the participants with probable Alzheimer disease were treated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. In 2011, we observed a significant improvement in primary diagnostics and therapy. 66.9% of the cases of dementia were adequately evaluated, and 52.1% were adequately treated. Conclusion: Cognitive deficit and dementia are significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated in assisted living settings. In the second cross-sectional study we detected significant but not complete improvement in the primary recognition and adequate therapy of dementia.
Resting Heart Rate Is Not Associated with Cognitive Function
Authors: Wod Mette , Jensen Magnus Thorsten , Galatius Søren , Hjelmborg Jacob B. , Jensen Gorm B. , Christensen Kaare
Published: March 2018

Aims: In order to examine the hypothesis that elevated resting heart rate (RHR) is associated with impaired cognitive score, we investigated the relationship between RHR and cognitive score in middle-aged, elderly and old Danish subjects from the general population. Methods: Composite cognitive scores derived from the result of 5 age-sensitive cognitive tests for a total of 7,002 individuals (Middle-aged Danish twin: n = 4,132, elderly Danish twins: n = 2,104 and Danish nonagenarian: n = 766) divided according to RHR and compared using linear regression models adjusted for sex, age, previous heart conditions and hypertension. RHR was assessed by palpating radial pulse. Genetic and shared environmental confounding was addressed in intrapair analyses of 2,049 twin pairs. Results: In unadjusted multivariate models and in multivariable models adjusting for age, sex, heart conditions and hypertension, RHR was not associated with cognitive function. Furthermore, the intrapair analyses showed that RHR was not associated with cognitive score testing within twin pairs, as measured by the proportion of twin pairs in which the twin with higher RHR also was the twin with the lowest composite cognitive score (1,049 pairs of 2,049 pairs [51% (95% CI 49–53), p < 0.289]). Conclusion: While elevated RHR has been shown to be associated with adverse health events and poor fitness level, RHR has no relation to cognitive function in the general population.
Результати стоматологічного обстеження дітей, хворих на бронхіальну астму
Authors: Vydoynyk O. Ya.
Published: March 2018

Introduction. The child's dental health is an integral part of his overall health. Its formation is influenced by the same factors as the formation of somatic health [1, 2, 3]. The modern stage of development of pediatric dental care is characterized by increased attention to the problem of providing qualified medical therapeutic and preventive care for children with somatic diseases. One such disease is bronchial asthma (BA) – a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract involving a variety of cellular elements [2, 4, 8].The aim of the study – to assess the condition of hard tissues of teeth and periodontal tissues in children aged 7–15 years, suffering from bronchial asthma.Materials and Methods. The study was performed on the basis of children's pulmonology departments of district and city hospitals in the Ternopil region. We examined 240 children aged 7–15 years, patients with bronchial asthma who were the main group. As a comparison, 100 children without somatic pathology of the same age were examined. To assess the dental status of children, an examination was carried out using a standard set of dental instruments. The following parameters were evaluated: the prevalence of caries of temporary and permanent teeth, the intensity of caries in CP and CPI indices, the prevalence and intensity of periodontal diseases according to the SRI index. To assess the hygienic state of the oral cavity, a simplified OHI-S hygiene index was used (J.C. Green, J.R. Vermillion, 1964). The obtained data were recorded in a specially made child examination chart and were developed statistically using the software Statistica, 7 (StatSoft Inc.) [7].Results and Discussion. Dental examination of children with bronchial asthma and their peers without concomitant somatic incidence allowed establishing the main indicators of dental status in children.Conclusions. In children with bronchial asthma, there is a steady tendency to increase the frequency of carious lesions and severe inflammatory conditions in the periodontium, and with age, the prevalence of dental diseases in this contingent of children increases with respect to these children without concomitant somatic morbidity. Insufficient level of oral hygiene is one of the risk factors for the development of pathology of hard tissues of teeth and periodontal.
Classical Pathway of Complement Activation: Longitudinal Associations of C1q and C1-INH With Cardiovascular Outcomes
Authors: Hertle Elisabeth , Arts Ilja C.W. , van der Kallen Carla J.H. , Feskens Edith J.M. , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Stehouwer Coen D.A. , van Greevenbroek Marleen M.J.
Published: March 2018

Objective—

The classical complement pathway has been assigned both protective and pathological effects in cardiovascular disease (CVD), but human data are lacking. We determined the associations of the pattern recognition factor C1q and the regulator C1-INH (C1-inhibitor) with incident CVD, carotid intima–media thickness, endothelial dysfunction, and low-grade inflammation.

Approach and Results—

Baseline concentrations of C1q and C1-INH were measured in the CODAM study (Cohort on Diabetes and Atherosclerosis Maastricht; n=574; 61% men; age, 60±7 years). The 7-year incidence of CVD in participants free of CVD at baseline was evaluated using logistic regression analyses (n=342; 73 cases). The lowest incidence of CVD was observed in the middle tertile of C1q (T
low
compared with T
middle
: odds ratio, 2.38 [95% confidence interval, 1.14–4.95]; T
high
compared with T
middle
: odds ratio, 1.96 [95% confidence interval, 0.94–4.07]). C1-INH was not associated with CVD. During the 7-year follow-up period, C1q and C1-INH were not, or inconsistently, associated with carotid intima–media thickness or with biomarker scores reflecting endothelial dysfunction and low-grade inflammation.

Conclusions—

Our results suggest a nonlinear association between C1q and incident CVD. This supports the concept that early steps in classical pathway activation may have both protective and pathological effects on human CVD.
Signposts in the Fog: Objects Facilitate Scene Representations in Left Scene-selective Cortex
Authors: Brandman Talia , Peelen Marius V.
Published: March 2018

We internally represent the structure of our surroundings even when there is little layout information available in the visual image, such as when walking through fog or darkness. One way in which we disambiguate such scenes is through object cues; for example, seeing a boat supports the inference that the foggy scene is a lake. Recent studies have investigated the neural mechanisms by which object and scene processing interact to support object perception. The current study examines the reverse interaction by which objects facilitate the neural representation of scene layout. Photographs of indoor (closed) and outdoor (open) real-world scenes were blurred such that they were difficult to categorize on their own but easily disambiguated by the inclusion of an object. fMRI decoding was used to measure scene representations in scene-selective parahippocampal place area (PPA) and occipital place area (OPA). Classifiers were trained to distinguish response patterns to fully visible indoor and outdoor scenes, presented in an independent experiment. Testing these classifiers on blurred scenes revealed a strong improvement in classification in left PPA and OPA when objects were present, despite the reduced low-level visual feature overlap with the training set in this condition. These findings were specific to left PPA/OPA, with no evidence for object-driven facilitation in right PPA/OPA, object-selective areas, and early visual cortex. These findings demonstrate separate roles for left and right scene-selective cortex in scene representation, whereby left PPA/OPA represents inferred scene layout, influenced by contextual object cues, and right PPA/OPA represents a scene's visual features.
Aspects of thermal ecology of the meadow lizard (Darevskia praticola)
Authors: Ćorović Jelena , Crnobrnja-Isailović Jelka
Published: March 2018

We studied the thermal biology of the meadow lizard (Darevskia praticola) in the peripheral part of its distribution range (westernmost edge of the distribution area). We assessed whether these lizards actively thermoregulate, estimated the accuracy and effectiveness of thermoregulation, and evaluated the thermal quality of the habitat using the standard thermal parameters: body (), preferred () with set-point range () and operative temperatures (). of the meadow lizard under controlled laboratory conditions was between 27.8°C and 31.4°C. In the field and averaged 29.0°C and 26.1°C, respectively. A large proportion of s fell below the range of the meadow lizard, and lizard s were substantially closer to the species’ range. Obtained values of thermoregulatory indices suggested that the meadow lizard thermoregulated actively, with a rather high accuracy () and effectiveness ( and ), and that their habitat at this locality was thermally favourable during the spring. Our results suggest that thermal requirements of the meadow lizard resemble those of alpine lacertids, while their s and are lower than in most lacertid lizards. Further thermoregulation studies could be an important step in predicting the impact of the global climate change on the meadow lizard and the risks of local extinctions of its peripheral populations.
Sampling design for efficient detection of pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, in diseased trees using a DNA detection kit: variation across branch, trunk and tree
Authors: Nakabayashi Yuuki , Aikawa Takuya , Matsushita Michinari , Hoshizaki Kazuhiko
Published: March 2018

Detection of pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is fundamental for effective control of pine wilt disease. Recent molecular techniques, such as DNA detection, have enhanced detectability of the nematodes whereas appropriate field sampling has received less attention. In order to elucidate a sampling design that most efficiently detects B. xylophilus using a commercially-distributed DNA detection kit, we compared detection levels of B. xylophilus using wood chips taken from various positions on dead trees. Results showed that the DNA kit had a higher detection level than the conventional method, and that trunk samples had higher levels than branch samples. Statistical model revealed that among-tree variation influenced the detectability more strongly than within-tree variation. Our results suggest that, in practice, with limited resources for control, it is more efficient to take samples from many trees with a minimum number from each tree, rather than taking many samples from a small number of trees.
The Ulva flexuosa complex (Ulvaceae, Chlorophyta): an updated identification key with special reference to the freshwater and hyperhaline taxa
Authors: RYBAK ANDRZEJ S.
Published: March 2018

The paper presents an updated version of the phycological key which includes additional morphological features, so as to facilitate identification of taxa (subspecies and variants) from the Ulva flexuosa complex, spanning populations from ecosystems with varying degrees of salinity. Data were collected in several locations in central and western regions of Poland. Only two subspecies were observed in inland water ecosystems: U. flexuosa subsp. pilifera, and subsp. paradoxa. Another taxon—U. flexuosa subsp. flexuosa, inhabits only brackish waters of costal lakes and estuaries. Two further taxa, namely U. flexuosa var. linziformis and subsp. biflagellata are found only in marine ecosystems and do not tend to settle in freshwater habitats.
A new species of Narcissus sect. Apodanthi (Amaryllidaceae) from the western Iberian Peninsula
Authors: ESCOBAR GARCÍA PEDRO
Published: March 2018

Plant studies in Extremadura (Spain) have traditionally lagged behind those of neighbouring regions, particularly Andalusia and Castile. Only a handful of 19th and early 20th century scholars dealing with the flora of Spain stayed shortly in the region (see Devesa & Ruiz 1988 for a review). A cause of this delay may be regional geologic and ecologic homogeneity: large stretches of acidic substrates sustain an overall low plant biodiversity (Devesa 1995), often considered as a mere subset of the richer and better studied plant communities that cover western Andalusia or the Gredos massif in the northeast, at the border to Castile. Extremadura’s economic marginality, manifested in a secular scarcity of infrastructures, has further hampered botanical exploration. For instance, Gandoger believed his 1904 collections to be the first ever sampled in the Sierra de Gata (at the westernmost northern Extremadura; Gandoger 1909a: 110). In fact, the Sierra de Gata was hardly visited by any botanist until the 1980s (but see Rivas Goday & Borja 1948), when work by members of the Botany Department of the University of Salamanca resulted in a PhD thesis (Valdés Franzi, unpubl.) and a series of papers about its flora (Ladero et al. 1981; Valdés Franzi 1983, 1984a, b, 1985a, b).
Crisis of Representation and New Media Policies in Latin America
Authors: Becerra Martín , Wagner Celeste M.
Published: March 2018

The emergence of new communication policies in Latin America from 2004 to 2015 took place in the midst of an unprecedented public antagonism between governments and media groups in Latin America. To understand the emergence of this conflict, the following variables are proposed: (1) the populist features of the governments involved, (2) a crisis of representation, (3) high levels of media concentration in a context of historically permissive regulation and a crisis of the traditional media, and (4) the governments’ perception of the media as opponents and even as threats to their power.

La emergencia de nuevas políticas de comunicación en América Latina desde 2004 a 2015 tuvo lugar en medio de un conflicto público inédito entre gobiernos y grupos de comunicación. Con el fin de explicar la emergencia de este conflicto, las siguientes variables de análisis se plantean: (1) las características populistas de los gobiernos, (2) la crisis de representación, (3) la concentración mediática en escenarios de históricas regulaciones permisivas en conjunto con la crisis de los medios tradicionales y (4) la percepción de los medios como fuerza opositora o destituyente por parte de los gobiernos.
Balanced scorecard-based performance evaluation of Chinese county hospitals in underdeveloped areas
Authors: Gao Hongda , Chen He , Feng Jun , Qin Xianjing , Wang Xuan , Liang Shenglin , Zhao Jinmin , Feng Qiming
Published: March 2018

Objective

Since the Guangxi government implemented public county hospital reform in 2009, there have been no studies of county hospitals in this underdeveloped area of China. This study aimed to establish an evaluation indicator system for Guangxi county hospitals and to generate recommendations for hospital development and policymaking.

Methods

A performance evaluation indicator system was developed based on balanced scorecard theory. Opinions were elicited from 25 experts from administrative units, universities and hospitals and the Delphi method was used to modify the performance indicators. The indicator system and the Topsis method were used to evaluate the performance of five county hospitals randomly selected from the same batch of 2015 Guangxi reform pilots.

Results

There were 4 first-level indicators, 9 second-level indicators and 36 third-level indicators in the final performance evaluation indicator system that showed good consistency, validity and reliability. The performance rank of the hospitals was B > E > A > C > D.

Conclusions

The performance evaluation indicator system established using the balanced scorecard is practical and scientific. Analysis of the results based on this indicator system identified several factors affecting hospital performance, such as resource utilisation efficiency, medical service price, personnel structure and doctor–patient relationships.
Colorectal cancer and brain metastases: An aggressive disease with a different response to treatment
Authors: Chahine Georges , Ibrahim Tony , Felefly Tony , El-Ahmadie Abir , Freiha Pamela , El-Khoury Lionel , Khalife-Saleh Nadine , Saleh Khalil
Published: March 2018

Introduction:

Brain metastases (BM) are rare in colorectal cancer (CRC) and are associated with a dismal prognosis. This work aims to report the rate of BM in CRC patients treated in a single institution, along with survival and prognostic factors.

Methods:

Medical charts for patients with histologically proven CRC were retrospectively reviewed.

Results:

A total of 538 patients were identified, of whom 33% developed any metastatic disease and 4.4% presented BM. Lung was the most frequently associated metastatic site (in 68% of the cases). The only factor independently associated with BM development was the presence of metastatic disease at the time of initial presentation. The median duration from initial diagnosis to BM development was 38.6 months (SD 29.1 months). Median survival after BM development was 62 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 56–68). Patients diagnosed with BM within 1 year of cancer diagnosis responded significantly better to treatment than those who acquired BM later, with a median survival after BM diagnosis of 261 days versus 61 days, respectively ( p = .002). Patients with BM who received antiangiogenic therapy had an improved median survival compared to those who did not (151 days vs 59 days, p = 0.02; hazard ratio for death 0.29 [95% CI 0.09–0.94]).

Conclusion:

CRC with BM is an aggressive disease resistant to standard treatment and is associated with poor outcomes. Adding antiangiogenic therapy might be of value for those patients. Patients with BM developing early in the disease course might respond better to treatment.
Role of Wnt signaling during inflammation and sepsis: A review of the literature
Authors: Houschyar Khosrow Siamak , Chelliah Malcolm P , Rein Susanne , Maan Zeshaan N , Weissenberg Kristian , Duscher Dominik , Branski Ludwik K , Siemers Frank
Published: March 2018

Despite the development of modern intensive care and new antimicrobial agents, the mortality of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock remains high. Systemic inflammation is a consequence of activation of the innate immune system. It is characterized by the intravascular release of proinflammatory cytokines and other vasoactive mediators, with concurrent activation of innate immune cells. The Wnt signaling pathway plays a critical role in the development of multicellular organisms. Abnormal Wnt signaling has been associated with many human diseases, ranging from inflammation and degenerative diseases to cancer. This article reviews the accumulating evidence that the Wnt signaling pathway plays a distinct role in inflammation and sepsis.
Coding for Language Complexity: The Interplay Among Methodological Commitments, Tools, and Workflow in Writing Research
Authors: Geisler Cheryl
Published: March 2018

Coding, the analytic task of assigning codes to nonnumeric data, is foundational to writing research. A rich discussion of methodological pluralism has established the foundational importance of systematicity in the task of coding, but less attention has been paid to the equally important commitment to language complexity. Addressing the interplay among a commitment to language complexity, the selection of tools, and the construction of workflow, this article offers a framework of analytic tasks in coding. Three general purpose coding tools are explored: Excel, MAXQDA, and Dedoose. This exploration suggests that how four aspects of analysis should be supported in order to manage language complexity: code restructuring, segmentation in advance of coding, use of a full coding scheme, and retrieval of full context by code. This analysis is intended to help writing researchers choose tools and design workflow to support coding work consistent with our commitment to language in its full complexity.
The Acceptability of Biobehavioral Research With Latino Youth in the United States
Authors: Johnson Karen E. , Salas-Wright Christopher P. , Córdova David , Ugalde Jenny , Todic Jelena , Mendoza Lua Frania
Published: March 2018

In this study, we explored Latinx adolescents’ knowledge and perceptions of biobehavioral research and their willingness to participate in such studies. We conducted four focus groups in the summer of 2014 with Latinx adolescents in Texas between the ages of 12 and 17 years ( n = 17; 53% male; M age = 14.6 years [ SD = 1.66]) who were recruited from a community-based clinic. Five themes emerged from our content analysis: (a) protection of human subjects is important to participants, (b) comfort with providing different types of biological data varies depending on different factors, (c) engagement in biobehavioral research should be grounded in a cultural lens, (d) providing bilingual research staff is essential, and (e) adolescents have various motivations for participating. Findings highlighted how various factors could serve as both barriers and facilitators to participation. Our study provides insight into strategies for conducting biobehavioral research with Latinxs, who are the fastest growing group of adolescents in the United States and experience disparities in health-risk behaviors that can be better understood through research approaches that integrate biological and psychological measures. Without considering the perspectives of historically marginalized or understudied populations, we jeopardize the quality and validity of research findings, and risk harming participants.
La méthodologie de la méta-analyse en marketing
Authors: Laroche Patrice , Soulez Sébastien
Published: March 2018

L'objectif de cet article est de présenter et d'illustrer la démarche méthodologique qu'il convient de suivre lorsque l'on souhaite conduire une méta-analyse en marketing. La méta-analyse est une approche méthodologique consistant à faire la synthèse des résultats d'études empiriques individuelles au moyen de méthodes statistiques appropriées. La méta-analyse offre non seulement la possibilité d'intégrer et de combiner les résultats souvent contradictoires que les chercheurs obtiennent sur des questions de recherche identiques mais aussi d'analyser ces résultats de telle sorte que l'on puisse identifier les éventuelles sources de variation entre les résultats obtenus.

Après avoir décrit les principales étapes à suivre pour mener à bien une méta-analyse, deux applications de la méthodologie en marketing sont présentées et des recommandations formulées pour les chercheurs en marketing désirant utiliser cette méthode.
Diversité, conflictualité, complémentarité des visions du monde : une investigation anthropologique de la consommation en Amap
Authors: Robert-Demontrond Philippe , Beaudouin Vanessa , Dabadie Isabelle
Published: March 2018

Cet article propose de comprendre l’engagement des consommateurs dans des systèmes de vente directe alternatifs au marché : les Amaps (Associations pour le Maintien d’une Agriculture Paysanne). Il s’appuie sur une méthode ethnographique et mobilise un cadre d’analyse anthropologique, la Cultural Theory, dont la vocation est d’élucider les visions du monde des acteurs. L’analyse fait apparaître les Amaps comme des enclaves communautaires hors et contre le marché. Elle met également en évidence une pluralité culturelle qui caractérise le mouvement Amapien. Si cette diversité des visions du monde est source de tensions, leur complémentarité se révèle également positive pour les Amaps.
Leadership preparation and development within a multi-academy trust
Authors: Gibson Mark T.
Published: March 2018

There has been a large-scale structural reform of schooling in England during the 21st Century; new ‘academy schools’ have emerged, the organisation of which differs to schooling in the latter half of the 20th Century. These new schools are independent of the middle tier of local government, the Local Authority, and are often grouped within a multi-academy trust (MAT). This article is a case study of two academy schools within a single MAT. Interviews were held with three participants, two principals and a MAT senior representative. The schools differed in their range of leadership preparation and development (LPD) but welcome practice is indicated particularly within one school with a specific emphasis on middle leader development. The paper concludes that if LPD is important for successful schools, then quality assurance systems for LPD within MATs need to be in place and its provision ought not to be left to the marketplace.
Rolling element bearing weak feature extraction based on improved optimal frequency band determination
Authors: Yang Rui , Li Hongkun , Wang Chaoge , He Changbo
Published: March 2018

Conventional Kurtosis method represents the statistical property of signal in the time domain. Correlated Kurtosis is proposed that combines the correlation coefficient and Kurtosis in order to indicate the periodicity and impact of signal. In this study, correlated Kurtosis is introduced into frequency domain to improve the recognition accuracy of the optimal frequency band. It does not perform well under the lower signal-to-noise ratio. And then, maximum correlation Kurtosis de-convolution method is used for extracting the approximate impact signal before selecting the optimal frequency band. However, it is limited in diagnosing rolling element bearing fault in the case of the algorithm iteration period is unknown. In addition, filter length also affects the filtering results. To eliminate the confusion, correlated Kurtosis of the frequency domain is applied to iteration period calculation. In this research, a new index is also proposed based on entropy and correlated Kurtosis to optimize the filter length. Then, the full bandwidth of filtered signal is partitioned into several sub-bands according to the refined wavelet packet binary tree. The correlated Kurtosis for each sub-band is calculated. The optimal sub-band for which the correlated Kurtosis is maximal is extracted to analysis. In the end, the efficiency of the new index and the fault diagnosis method are verified by using simulation data and experimental data.
Linear-parameter-varying-based adaptive sliding mode control with bounded L2 gain performance for a morphing aircraft
Authors: Wen Nuan , Liu Zhenghua , Zhu Lingpu
Published: March 2018

Large-scale morphing aircraft can adaptively alter configuration according to the different flight conditions or a variety of missions to ensure the optimal aerodynamic performance. However, this will certainly put forward a higher request to modeling method and controller performance. In this paper, we propose an adaptive sliding mode control strategy with bounded L2 gain performance based on linear-parameter-varying methodology for the robust control of a morphing aircraft with variable span and variable sweep angle. Using the Kane method, the longitudinal dynamic model of the morphing aircraft is derived. Moreover, the linearized linear-parameter-varying model of the aircraft in the wing varying process is formulated for controller synthesis. The adaptive sliding mode control synthesis for this uncertain linear-parameter-varying system consists of two steps. Firstly, based on the full block S-procedure, the sufficient condition in form of linear matrix inequality constrains is derived for the existence of a reduced-order sliding mode dynamics. Then, the synthesized adaptive sliding mode control is proved to drive the linear-parameter-varying system trajectories onto the predefined switching surface without the information of upper bound of external disturbances. The performance and robustness of the proposed controller are verified by the numerical results.
Restoring In Vivo-Like Membrane Lipidomics Promotes Exosome Trophic Behavior from Human Placental Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells
Authors: Cavallini Claudia , Zannini Chiara , Olivi Elena , Tassinari Riccardo , Taglioli Valentina , Rossi Martina , Poggi Paola , Chatgilialoglu Alexandros , Simonazzi Giuliana , Alviano Francesco , Bonsi Laura , Ventura Carlo
Published: March 2018

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are an effective tool in regenerative medicine notably for their intrinsic plentiful paracrine activity rather than differentiating properties. The hMSC secretome includes a wide spectrum of regulatory and trophic factors, encompassing several naked molecules as well as different kinds of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Among EVs, exosomes represent an intriguing population, able to shuttle proteins, transcription factors, and genetic materials, with a relevant role in cell-to-cell communication, modulating biological responses in recipient cells. In this context, the extracellular milieu can greatly impact the paracrine activity of stem cells, modifying their metabolism, and the dynamics of vesicle secretion. In the present study, we investigated the effects elicited on exosome patterning by tailored, ad hoc formulated lipid supplementation (Refeed®) in MSCs derived from human fetal membranes (hFM-MSCs). Wound healing experiments revealed that stem cell exposure to exosomes obtained from Refeed®-supplemented hFM-MSCs increased their migratory capability, although the amount of exosomes released after Refeed® supplementation was lower than that yielded from non-supplemented cells. We found that such a decrease was mainly due to a different rate of exosomal exocytosis rather than to an effect of the lipid supplement on the endocytic pathway. Endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis was modified by supplementation, through the upregulation of PKR-like ER kinase (PERK) and inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α). Increased expression of these proteins did not lead to stress-induced, unfolded protein response (UPR)-mediated apoptosis, nor did it affect phosphorylation of p38 kinase, suggesting that PERK and IRE1α overexpression was due to augmented metabolic activities mediated by optimization of a cellular feeding network afforded through lipid supplementation. In summary, these results demonstrate how tailored lipid supplementation can successfully modify the paracrine features in hFM-MSCs, impacting both intracellular vesicle trafficking and secreted exosome number and function.
County Jail or Psychiatric Hospital? Ethical Challenges in Correctional Mental Health Care
Authors: Segal Andrea G. , Frasso Rosemary , Sisti Dominic A.
Published: March 2018

Approximately 20% of the roughly 2.5 million individuals incarcerated in the United States have a serious mental illness (SMI). As a result of their illnesses, these individuals are often more likely to commit a crime, end up incarcerated, and languish in correctional settings without appropriate treatment. The objective of the present study was to investigate how correctional facility personnel reconcile the ethical challenges that arise when housing and treating individuals with SMI. Four focus groups and one group interview were conducted with employees ( n = 24) including nurses, clinicians, correctional officers, administrators, and sergeants at a county jail in Pennsylvania. Results show that jail employees felt there are too many inmates with SMI in jail who would benefit from more comprehensive treatment elsewhere; however, given limited resources, employees felt they were doing the best they can. These findings can inform mental health management and policy in a correctional setting.