bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NANOG overexpression and its correlation with stem cell and differentiation markers in meningiomas of different WHO grades
Authors: Freitag Diana , McLean Aaron Lawson , Simon Michèle , Koch Arend , Grube Susanne , Walter Jan , Kalff Rolf , Ewald Christian
Published: March 2017

NANOG, as a key regulator of pluripotency and acting synergistically with other factors, has been described as a crucial transcription factor in various types of cancer. In meningiomas the expression of this marker has not yet been described. With our study, we aimed to identify and localize NANOG and other possible markers of pluripotency, stem cell properties and differentiation in meningioma tissue, to elucidate a possible effect on tumorigenesis. The gene expression levels of NANOG (NANOG1 and NANOGP8), SOX2, OCT4, KLF4, ABCG2, CMYC, MSI1, CD44, NOTCH1, NES, SALL4B, TP53, and EPAS1 were quantitatively examined using RT‐qPCR in 33 surgical specimens of low‐ (WHO grade I) as well as in high‐grade (WHO grade II/III) meningiomas with dural tissue as reference. Immunofluorescence co‐localization analysis following confocal fluorescence microscopy for NANOG, OCT4, SOX2, Nestin, KI‐67, and CD44 was also performed. There was a significant overexpression of NANOG, MSI1, and EPAS1 and a downregulation of NES in all examined tumors. Subgroup analysis (WHO grade I versus grade II/III) revealed differences in the expression of NANOG, CD44, and MSI1. We found 1% NANOG‐positive (NANOG+) cells in low‐grade and 2% in grade II/III meningiomas co‐expressing the other mentioned markers in various compositions. In particular, NANOG+ cells expressing SOX2 and OCT4 were successfully identified (26% low‐grade versus 20% high‐grade). Our data reveal an overexpression of NANOG and other markers of pluripotency and stemness in meningiomas. Such potentially pluripotent “stem cell‐like” cells may have an impact on tumorigenesis and progression in human meningiomas.
Resistance training and aerobic training improve muscle strength and aerobic capacity in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Markvardsen Lars H. , Overgaard Kristian , Heje Karen , Sindrup Søren H. , Christiansen Ingelise , Vissing John , Andersen Henning
Published: March 2017

Introduction: We investigated the effects of aerobic and resistance exercise in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Methods: Eighteen CIDP patients treated with subcutaneous immunoglobulin performed 12 weeks of aerobic exercise and 12 weeks of resistance exercise after a run‐in period of 12 weeks without exercise. Three times weekly the participants performed aerobic exercise on an ergometer bike or resistance exercise with unilateral training of knee and elbow flexion/extension. Primary outcomes were maximal oxygen consumption velocity (VO2‐max) and maximal combined isokinetic muscle strength (cIKS) of knee and elbow flexion/extension. Results: VO2‐max and muscle strength were unchanged during run‐in (−4.9% ± 10.3%, P = 0.80 and −3.7% ± 10.1%, P = 0.17, respectively). Aerobic exercise increased VO2‐max by 11.0% ± 14.7% (P = 0.02). Resistance exercise resulted in an increase of 13.8% ± 16.0% (P = 0.0004) in cIKS. Discussion: Aerobic exercise training and resistance exercise training improve fitness and strength in CIDP patients. Muscle Nerve 57: 70–76, 2018
Modulation of the rat micturition reflex with transcutaneous ultrasound
Authors: Casella Daniel P. , Dudley Anne G. , Clayton Douglass B. , Pope John C. , Tanaka Stacy T. , Thomas John , Adams Mark C. , Brock John W. , Caskey Charles F.
Published: March 2017

INTRODUCTION

Low intensity focused ultrasound has recently been identified as a novel method of stimulating targeted neurons. We hypothesized that ultrasound stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve would inhibit bladder contractions in an established rat model of rhythmic bladder contractions.

METHODS

Cyclical detrusor contractions were initiated by placing a transurethral catheter in female rats and infusing saline into the bladder. Transcutaneous ultrasound pulses were then delivered to the lower extremity of a rat (overlying the posterior tibial nerve) using a single element spherically focused 250 kHz transducer. Sixty‐three cycles were repeated at 2 kHz for 300 ms at peak negative pressure of 900 kPa pulsed at 0.5 Hz.

RESULTS

We report successful suppression of bladder contractions using ultrasound stimulation in 10 animals. The average latency between the initiation of ultrasound and suppression of bladder contractions was 3 min 23 s (±51 s), the average time of contraction suppression was 13 min and 50 s (±2 min 25 s) and the average time from the end of ultrasound to return of contractions was 9 min 37 s (±2 min and 30 s).

CONCLUSION

In this work, we demonstrate the ability of targeted transcutaneous ultrasound to inhibit rhythmic bladder contractions in anesthetized rats. Due to its non‐invasive nature and ease of application, we believe ultrasound mediated suppression of the micturition reflex is potentially an ideal outpatient treatment of overactive bladder and dysfunctional elimination.
Comparison of the efficacy of perineal and intravaginal biofeedback assisted pelvic floor muscle exercises in women with urodynamic stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Özlü Aysun , Yıldız Necmettin , Öztekin Özer
Published: March 2017

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of intravaginal pressure biofeedback (P‐BF) and perineal electromyographic biofeedback (EMG‐BF) assisted pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercises in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Material and Methods

Fifty‐three women with SUI were randomized into three groups as follows: the Group 1 received PFM home exercise program alone (n:18); the Group 2 received PFM home exercise program plus intravaginal P‐BF assisted PFM exercise program (n:17); and the Group 3 received PFM home exercise program plus perineal EMG‐BF assisted PFM exercise program (n:18). Subjects were also assessed with the 1‐h pad test (severity of incontinence), perineometer (PFM strength), social activity index (SAI), IIQ7 (quality of life associated with incontinence), treatment success (cure and improvement rate) and treatment satisfaction.

Results

A statistically significant improvement was found in all parameters for all groups at 4th week and 8th week compared to the baseline values. It was found that severity of incontinence, PFM strength, and SAI scores were significantly improved in both BF groups compared to the Group 1 at 8th week. Also, statistically higher cure and improvement rate and treatment satisfaction values were detected in both BF groups compared to the Group 1. There was no statistically significant difference between Group 2 and Group 3 in all parameters evaluated at the follow‐up period.

Conclusions

We conclude that both the home exercises plus intravaginal P‐BF and home exercises plus perineal EMG‐BF are superior to home exercises in women with SUI. Intravaginal P‐BF and perineal EMG‐BF were similarly effective and they can be used as their alternatives.
Dynamic lumbopelvic stabilization for treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women: Controlled and randomized clinical trial
Authors: de Souza Abreu Nathalia , de Castro Villas Boas Bia , Netto José Murilo Bastos , Figueiredo André Avarese
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVES

To compare the results of the dynamic lumbopelvic stabilization (DLS) exercises with exercises for the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) in women with stress urinary incontinence.

METHODS

Randomized controlled clinical trial comparing 17 women submitted to the DLS with 16 women submitted to the exercises for the PFM. The evaluated outcomes were incontinence severity, quality of life (QoL), and impression of improvement in three moments. Significance was set at 5%.

RESULTS

For socio‐demographic and clinical variables, only climacteric was more prevalent in the DLS group (82% vs. 44%, P = 0.02). Soon after the intervention, there was no difference between the groups in relation to the outcomes evaluated. In the evaluation after 90 days, the DLS group presented better values for the severity of the losses (4.1 ± 2.6 vs. 5.7 ± 2.4, P = 0.006, d = 0.64), daytime frequency (4.6 ± 0.4 vs. 6.2 ± 0.6, P < 0.001, d = 2.67), and nighttime frequency (0.4 ± 0.3 vs. 1.4 ± 0.5, P < 0.001, d = 2.50), QoL and impression of improvement (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

After treatment, the DLS plus PFM exercise patients had results similar to those performing PFM exercises alone. However, the DLS plus PFM exercises were superior in the outcomes of incontinence severity, QoL, and impression of improvement in the post‐90‐day evaluation, showing longer lasting effect.
Periurethral muscle‐derived mononuclear cell injection improves urethral sphincter restoration in rats
Authors: Turco Marcelo Pitelli , de Souza Alex Balduino , de Campos Sousa Isida , Fratini Paula , Veras Mariana Matera , Rodrigues Marcio Nogueira , de Bessa José , Brolio Marina Pandolphi , Leite Katia Ramos Moreira , Bruschini Homero , Srougi Miguel , Miglino Maria Angélica , Gomes Cristiano Mendes
Published: March 2017

Aims

Investigate the effect of a novel cell‐based therapy with skeletal muscle‐derived mononuclear cells (SMDMCs) in a rat model of stress urinary incontinence.

Methods

Male Wistar‐Kyoto rats’ hind limb muscles were enzymatically dissociated, and SMDMCs were isolated without needing expansion. The cell population was characterized. Twenty female rats underwent urethrolysis. One week later, 10 rats received periurethral injection of 106 cells (SMDMC group), and 10 rats received saline injections (Saline group). Ten rats underwent sham surgery (Sham group). Four weeks after injection, animals were euthanized and the urethra was removed. The incorporation of SMDMCs in the female urethra was evaluated with fluorescence in situ hybridization for the detection of Y‐chromosomes. Hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome staining, and immunohistochemistry for actin and myosin were performed. The muscle/connective tissue, actin and myosin ratios were calculated. Morphological evaluation of the urethral diameters and fractional areas of the lumen, mucosa, and muscular layer was performed.

Results

SMDMCs population was consistent with the presence of muscle cells, muscle satellite cells, perivascular cells, muscle progenitor cells, and endothelial cells. SMDMCs were incorporated into the urethra. A significant decrease in the muscle/connective tissue ratio was observed in the Saline group compared with the SMDMC and Sham groups. The proportions of actin and myosin were significantly decreased in the Saline group. No differences were observed in the morphometric parameters.

Conclusions

SDMSC were incorporated into the rat urethra and promoted histological recovery of the damaged urethral sphincter, resulting in decreased connective tissue deposition and increased muscle content.
Re: Sheng W, Zhang H, Kirschner‐Hermanns R. Could urinary nerve growth factor be a biomarker for overactive bladder? A meta‐analysis. Neurourol Urodyn. 2017;9999:1–8. doi: 10.1002/nau.23210
Authors: Gamper Marianne , Viereck Volker
Published: March 2017

Sheng et al (Neurourology and Urodynamics 2017; DOI: 10.1002/nau.23210) presented a meta‐analysis based on 17 publications to show that urinary nerve growth factor (NGF) may be a useful biomarker for overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). Unfortunately, 13 of the 17 studies used an unspecifc enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the Promega NGF Emax Immunoassay, to quantify NGF in urine. This assay did not detect NGF in urine, but other urinary components, such as immunoglobulin G, and in 2014, it was withdrawn from the market. With other NGF‐ELISAs, urinary NGF concentrations were found to be below detection level for both, OAB and healthy controls. Currently, ELISA techniques are not sensitive enough to detect NGF in urine, and urinary NGF cannot be used as a biomarker for OAB.
Towards error bounds of the failure probability of elastic structures using reduced basis models
Authors: Gallimard L. , Florentin E. , Ryckelynck D.
Published: March 2017

Structural reliability methods aim at computing the probability of failure of systems with respect to prescribed limit state functions. A common practice to evaluate these limit state functions is using Monte Carlo simulations. The main drawback of this approach is the computational cost, because it requires computing a large number of deterministic finite element solutions. Surrogate models, which are built from a limited number of runs of the original model, have been developed, as substitute of the original model, to reduce the computational cost. However, these surrogate models, while decreasing drastically the computational cost, may fail in computing an accurate failure probability. In this paper, we focus on the control of the error introduced by a reduced basis surrogate model on the computation of the failure probability obtained by a Monte Carlo simulation. We propose a technique to determine bounds of this failure probability, as well as a strategy of enrichment of the reduced basis, based on limiting the bounds of the error of the failure probability for a multi‐material elastic structure. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of Age, Growth and Fishing Season of a Palaeolithic Population of Grayling (Thymallus thymallus) Using Scale Analysis
Authors: Guillaud E. , Elleboode R. , Mahé K. , Béarez P.
Published: March 2017

The fish remains sampled from archaeological sites are generally the result of human food refuse; therefore, the study of retrieved fish scales may provide reliable information on the season of capture and on paleoclimate and paleoenvironmental changes. Among Western European freshwater fishes, the grayling, Thymallus thymallus¸ has the most easily recognizable scales and is a commonly recovered species from Palaeolithic contexts. This study, therefore, is based on the growth pattern analysis of modern and archaeological scales from grayling specimens. The modern specimens were collected monthly in France (n = 22), Switzerland (n = 16), Finland (n = 20) and Sweden (n = 10). Scale growth patterns were measured using numerical analysis to a high accuracy. The results showed that the archaeological population of grayling is closer to the present Finnish population. Furthermore, the comparison of seasonal growth patterns between current and archaeological European populations demonstrated that graylings were normally captured during the spring at Le Taillis des Coteaux Magdalenian site. This type of approach can be used to understand environmental conditions at a low spatial scale and also to help identify fishing seasons during archaeological periods. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Globalized and bounded Nelder‐Mead algorithm with deterministic restarts for tuning controller parameters: Method and application
Authors: Butt Khurram , Rahman Ramhuzaini A. , Sepehri Nariman , Filizadeh Shaahin
Published: March 2017

This paper develops and examines an optimization algorithm for simulation‐based tuning of controller parameters. The proposed algorithm globalizes the Guin augmented variant of Nelder–Mead's nonlinear downhill simplex by deterministic restarts, linearly growing memory vector, and moving initial simplex. First, the effectiveness of the algorithm is tested using 10 complex and multimodal optimization benchmarks. The algorithm achieves global minima of all benchmarks and compares favorably against the evolutionary, swarm, and other globalized local‐search multimodal optimization algorithms in probability of finding global minimum and numerical cost. Next, the proposed algorithm is applied for tuning sliding mode controller parameters for a servo pneumatic position control application. The experimental results reveal that the system with sliding mode controller parameters tuned using the proposed algorithm targeting smooth position control with maximum possible accuracy, performs as desired and eliminates the need of manual online tuning for desired performance. The results are also compared with the performance of the same servo pneumatic system with parameters tuned using manual online tuning in an earlier published work. The system with controller parameters tuned using the proposed algorithm shows improvement in accuracy by 28.9% in sinusoidal and 42.2% in multiple step polynomials tracking.
Prenatal DNA Sequencing: Clinical, Counseling, and Diagnostic Laboratory Considerations
Authors: Abou Tayoun Ahmad N. , Spinner Nancy B. , Rehm Heidi L. , Green Robert C. , Bianchi Diana W.
Published: March 2017

Clinical diagnostic laboratories are producing next‐generation sequencing‐based test results that are becoming increasingly incorporated into patient care. Whole genome and exome sequencing on fetal material derived from amniocytes, chorionic villi, or products of conception is starting to be offered clinically in specialized centers, but it has not yet become routine practice. The technical, interpretation, and ethical challenges are greatest in the area of prenatal medicine because the fetus has a limited health history, and the physical examination is only indirectly available via prenatal sonography. Here, we provide an overview of these challenges and highlight the clinical utility, reporting, and counseling issues associated with prenatal DNA sequencing. Future considerations are also discussed. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Degree of cure of epoxy/acrylic photopolymers: Characterization with raman spectroscopy and a modified phenomenological model
Authors: Martin Blair , Puentes John , Wruck Lorenz , Osswald Tim A.
Published: March 2017

This study characterizes the degree of cure c, of a two‐part epoxy/acrylic photopolymer used in stereolithography, SLA. The use of solid free form fabrication has added a whole new list of thermosets with a chemical reaction—curing reaction—targeted for these specific manufacturing processes. The studied thermosetting system exhibits a fast curing reaction triggered by a UV‐light source. An innovative stepwise method to quantify the degree of cure using Raman spectroscopy is reported. This method abates the Raman noise and compensates for the weak signal of fast measurements. The Raman data processing algorithm BEADS was implemented. The technique presented here was capable of following the degree of cure of the individual components of the photopolymer. Based on the epoxy/acrylic monomers concentration (75%/25%), the degree of cure for the whole system was quantified. The experimental results were modeled using a modified phenomenological kinetics equation. This model includes the dependency of the rate of cure on the light intensity, and cure state. Based on the analysis reported here, the proposed model accurately fits the initiation, propagation, and termination phases of the cure cycle. The technique and methods presented here can potentially be integrated to in situ process monitoring with instant parameter feedback, and numerical modeling of residual stresses in additive manufacturing of thermosets. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:228–237, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
The relationship between cancer patients' place of death and bereaved caregivers' mental health status
Authors: Hatano Yutaka , Aoyama Maho , Morita Tatsuya , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Maeda Isseki , Kizawa Yoshiyuki , Tsuneto Satoru , Shima Yasuo , Miyashita Mitsunori
Published: March 2017

Background

Although place of death has been recognized as a risk factor in caregivers' bereavement adjustment, the estimation of the effect of the place of death needs careful consideration about many potential cofounders.

Patients and methods

This study was a nationwide cross‐sectional questionnaire survey for bereaved family caregivers of patients with cancer who died in 3 settings: (1) hospice at home; (2) palliative care units (PCUs); and (3) acute hospitals. We assessed bereaved caregivers' depression, grief, insomnia, and the quality of dying of deceased patients across the 3 groups using propensity score weighting.

Results

A total of 8968 responses were analyzed. According to scores on Patient Health Questionnaire 9, depressive symptoms were significantly higher in bereaved caregivers of patients who had died in acute hospitals (5.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.3‐6.2) than for those of patients who had died in hospice at home (4.8; 95% CI: 4.4‐5.1) or PCU (5.1; 95% CI: 5.0‐5.2). Grief symptoms measured by Brief Grief Questionnaire were also significantly higher in caregivers of patients who had died in acute hospitals (5.0; 95% CI: 4.8‐5.2) than those of patients who had died in hospice at home (4.7; 95% CI: 4.5‐4.9) or PCU (4.7; 95% CI: 4.7‐4.8). Deceased patients' quality of dying was highest in hospice at home, and worst in acute hospital.

Conclusions

The place where a cancer patient dies influences not only their quality of dying and death but also the mental health of their family caregivers. However, the absolute difference is not large after adjustment of multiple variables.
Influence of the applied power on the barrier performance of silicon‐containing plasma polymer coatings using a hollow cathode‐activated PECVD process
Authors: Top Michiel , Fahlteich John , De Hosson Jeff T. M.
Published: March 2017

A hollow cathode arc discharge is used for the roll‐to‐roll deposition of silicon‐containing plasma polymer thin films on a polymer substrate. It is found that the fragmentation of the used monomer hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) increases with increasing plasma power. The higher fragmentation was related to a reduced hydrogen content as a result of breaking CH bonds. This allowed for a higher degree of cross‐linking. The latter has a positive effect on the barrier performance of the coatings. A hollow cathode arc discharge with separate anode allowed the deposition of a plasma polymer with a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of 0.16 g m−2 day−1 (measured at 38 °C and 90% r.h.) on a PET substrate while maintaining a deposition rate of approximately 450 nm m min−1.
Flupyradifurone effectively manages whitefly Bemisia tabaci MED (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and tomato yellow leaf curl virus in tomato
Authors: Roditakis Emmanouil , Stavrakaki Marianna , Grispou Maria , Achimastou Aikaterini , Van Waetermeulen Xavier , Nauen Ralf , Tsagkarakou Anastasia
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

The cotton whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is among the most important pests of numerous crops and a vector of more than 100 plant viruses, causing significant crop losses worldwide. Managing this pest as well as inhibiting the transmission of major viruses such as tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) are of utmost importance for sustainable yields. The efficacy against both whitefly and virus transmission of the novel systemic butenolide insecticide flupyradifurone was investigated in this study.

RESULTS

The inhibition of TYLCV transmission by flupyradifurone was compared to that by thiamethoxam, a neonicotinoid insecticide reported to inhibit virus transmission. The experiment was performed under high virus pressure conditions (10 viruliferous insects per plant for 48 h) using a fully characterized field strain of B. tabaci. The insecticides were foliarly applied at recommended label rates under greenhouse conditions. Flupyradifurone suppressed virus transmission by 85% while levels of suppression after thiamethoxam treatments were just 25% and significantly lower. In untreated control plots, 100% of plants were infected by TYLCV. The observed difference in the potential to suppress virus transmission is linked to a strong knockdown effect as well as prolonged feeding inhibition in flupyradifurone treatments.

CONCLUSION

Flupyradifurone is shown to be an extremely useful, fast‐acting, new chemical tool in integrated crop management offering simultaneous control of whiteflies and strong suppression of viral infections via its rapid knockdown action and good residual activity. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical evidence for the effect of Urochloa ruziziensis on glyphosate‐resistant soybeans
Authors: Nepomuceno Mariluce , Chinchilla Nuria , Varela Rosa M , Molinillo José MG , Lacret Rodney , Alves Pedro LCA , Macias Francisco A
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Soybean (Glycine max) is an important oleaginous legume that has been cultivated in new areas in Brazil, including pastures. Problems of reduced production yields have been reported by soybean growers when the crop is sown immediately after desiccation of pastures of Urochloa spp. using glyphosate. The objective of this work was to extract, isolate and identify the major chemicals from U. ruziziensis that have phytotoxic activity and to evaluate the possible relation between this effect and reduced soybean yield.

RESULTS

U. ruziziensis plants at the flowering stage were desiccated using glyphosate at 1.44 kg ha−1. The plants were collected between five and ten days after treatment. Extracts of dried and ground shoots were obtained by sequential extraction with hexane, dichloromethane and methanol. The results of wheat coleoptile bioassays indicated that the methanol extract was more inhibitory than the dichloromethane extract regardless of glyphosate application.

CONCLUSION

Protodioscin, a steroidal saponin, was isolated from the extract as the major component and the activities of this compound were in good agreement with those found for the extract. The release of this compound into the soil is a plausible explanation for the decrease in production observed in transgenic soybean crop after desiccation of U. ruziziensis. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Pharmacokinetics: optimising safe and effective prescribing
Authors: Mayor Susan
Published: March 2017

This article goes back to basics with an update on pharmacokinetics, examining how underlying processes in the body influence the clinical effects and risk of side‐effects of drugs that GPs commonly prescribe.
High‐resolution isotopic monitoring of cave air CO2
Authors: Töchterle Paul , Dublyansky Yuri , Stöbener Nils , Mandić Magda , Spötl Christoph
Published: March 2017

Rationale

CO2 is the main driver of many chemical processes in cave environments. Understanding CO2 fluxes in a given cave system through monitoring campaigns has become a standard procedure in a wide variety of fields such as paleoclimatology or show cave management. However, conventional methods lack the resolution of isotopic data to capture many transient processes occurring in caves.

Methods

A novel approach using isotope ratio infrared spectrometry (IRIS) to monitor cave air pCO2, δ13C and δ18O values in situ was tested and compared with conventional monitoring methods (handheld pCO2 meter and discrete cave air samples for conventional isotope ratio mass spectrometry). This also involved the development of a field‐deployable experimental setup to operate the equipment in rough cave environments.

Results

Comparison between data obtained by means of a Thermo Fisher Scientific Delta Ray IRIS instrument shows overall good agreement with conventional monitoring methods in terms of pCO2 and δ13C values. In addition, IRIS allows the δ18O values of cave air CO2 to be measured.

Conclusions

IRIS allows identification and tracking of processes at various timescales ranging from transient visitor impact on the cave atmosphere to seasonal trends in cave ventilation. However, the need for an uninterrupted power supply (110/220 V AC) and the relatively large dimensions of the equipment (698 × 1092 × 704 mm, 80 kg) limit the number of caves where deployment of the instrument is feasible. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Successful treatment of pulmonary nocardiosis with fluoroquinolone in bronchial asthma and bronchiectasis
Authors: Sadamatsu Hironori , Takahashi Koichiro , Tashiro Hiroki , Komiya Kazutoshi , Nakamura Tomomi , Sueoka‐Aragane Naoko
Published: March 2017

A 72‐year‐old Japanese woman was admitted at Saga University Hospital for fever, malaise, and productive cough. Six years ago, she had been diagnosed with bronchial asthma and was treated with inhaled corticosteroids. Chest radiograph and computed tomography on admission showed infiltrates in the right middle lobe, a mass lesion in the left lower lobe, and bronchiectasis in both lower lobes. Sputum examination showed Gram‐positive rods with phagocytosis by neutrophils. These bacilli were identified as Nocardia otitidiscaviarum by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Therefore, she was diagnosed with pulmonary nocardiosis and was treated with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP–SMX) and minocycline (MINO). However, she had to discontinue these antibiotics because of severe nausea and anorexia and instead was treated with fluoroquinolone for 6 months. There was resolution of the disease thereafter. Pulmonary nocardiosis with bronchial asthma and bronchiectasis can be successfully treated with fluoroquinolone, an alternative to TMP–SMX or MINO.
Compact teleoperated laparoendoscopic single‐site robotic surgical system: Kinematics, control, and operation
Authors: Isaac‐Lowry Oran Jacob , Okamoto Steele , Pedram Sahba Aghajani , Woo Russell , Berkelman Peter
Published: March 2017

Background

To date a variety of teleoperated surgical robotic systems have been developed to improve a surgeon's ability to perform demanding single‐port procedures. However typical large systems are bulky, expensive, and afford limited angular motion, while smaller designs suffer complications arising from limited motion range, speed, and force generation. This work was to develop and validate a simple, compact, low cost single site teleoperated laparoendoscopic surgical robotic system, with demonstrated capability to carry out basic surgical procedures.

Methods

This system builds upon previous work done at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and includes instrument and endoscope manipulators as well as compact articulated instruments designed to overcome single incision geometry complications. A robotic endoscope holder was used for the base, with an added support frame for teleoperated manipulators and instruments fabricated mostly from 3D printed parts. Kinematics and control methods were formulated for the novel manipulator configuration.

Results

Trajectory following results from an optical motion tracker and sample task performance results are presented.

Conclusions

Results indicate that the system has successfully met the goal of basic surgical functionality while minimizing physical size, complexity, and cost.
Language Ideology Change Over Time: Lessons for Language Policy in the U.S. State of Arizona and Beyond
Authors: Fitzsimmons‐Doolan Shannon
Published: March 2017

In the U.S. state of Arizona, language minority students who are English learners attend schools governed by a restrictive medium of instruction (MOI) language policy (LP). Educators and educational researchers widely agree that effective reforms of this policy are urgently needed (e.g., Arias & Faltis, ; Lawton, ; Lillie, ). Furthermore, several research studies (e.g., D. C. Johnson, ; Stritikus, ) have shown that the language ideologies held by policy‐influential individuals affect the development and implementation of such policies. Thus, Arizona MOI reforms need to be aligned with language ideologies of key stakeholders. To shed light on MOI reform processes in Arizona and internationally, this study resurveyed politically active voters, administrators, and teachers from Fitzsimmons‐Doolan () to identify any shifts in their language ideologies between 2010 and 2016, to ascertain how these stakeholders perceive Arizona's educational LP, and to better understand how they relate their language ideologies to their policy perceptions. Results indicate some limited ideological change, key themes of equity, pro‐assimilation, and anti‐segregation across policy perceptions, and evidence supporting an LP model that moves toward stasis among LP components. The results suggest that efforts to facilitate ideological change grounded in stakeholder experience might be considered in contexts undergoing LP reform.
Opportunism Sanctions in Diverse and International Co‐Opetition: The Case of French Boating Companies
Authors: Lacam Jean‐Sébastien
Published: March 2017

There are many firms that now engage in co‐opetition projects, during which they have relationships with competitors that are simultaneously competitive and collaborative, in order to combine the advantages of both positions. However, co‐opetition remains a risky strategy because of the opportunistic intentions of some of the participants. This study asks this original question: does the threat of opportunism grow with the scope of a co‐opetition project? To answer this question, an empirical study of 106 French boating companies offers a descriptive and explanatory analysis of co‐opetition and opportunism. The results of the study indicate that extended co‐opetition in several markets is particularly associated with the preparation and deployment of sanctions to deter opportunistic tendencies in co‐opetitors. During co‐opetition, firms are more vigilant in maintaining a competitive balance, particularly when the collective project environment is a complex one. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coir pith/nylon/epoxy hybrid composites and their thermal properties: Thermogravimetric analysis, thermal ageing, and heat deflection temperature
Authors: Narendar Raguramsingh , Priya Dasan Keereyadath , Rajendran Kuppachari
Published: March 2017

Thermal stability of composites and their constituents becomes an important criterion during their processing and application in different fields. The present work deals with the thermal stability of coir pith/nylon/epoxy hybrid composites by studying the thermogram, heat deflection temperature, and accelerated ageing of these composites. The effect of chemical treatment of coir pith and hybridization on these properties is dealt in detail in the discussion. The composite samples were prepared by hand layup method followed and by compression molding. Coir pith was subjected to different types of chemical treatments—sodium hydroxide, dicumyl peroxide, acrylic acid, acetic acid, sodium hypochlorite, and sulfuric acid before processing. Thermogravimetric analysis of composite samples showed improved thermal stability with treatment of coir pith and hybridization with nylon fabric. The effect of temperature on the ageing of composites was studied after an accelerated ageing process followed by a comparison of retention in impact strength. The thermogram of the samples was found to complement the results obtained in accelerated ageing and heat deflection analysis. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 24:297–303, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring and Rocuronium: A Selective Sugammadex Reversal Protocol
Authors: Empis de Vendin Ombeline , Schmartz Denis , Brunaud Laurent , Fuchs‐Buder Thomas
Published: March 2017

Background

The use of neuromuscular blocking agents may affect intraoperative neuromonitoring during thyroid surgery. A selective neuromuscular recovery protocol was evaluated in a retrospective cohort study during human thyroid neural monitoring surgery.

Methods

One hundred and twenty‐five consecutive patients undergoing thyroidectomy with intraoperative neuromonitoring followed a selective neuromuscular block recovery protocol—single intubating dose of rocuronium followed by sugammadex if needed at the first vagal stimulation (V1).

Results

Data from 120 of 125 patients could be analysed. Fifteen (12.5%) patients needed sugammadex reversal to obtain an EMG response at the first vagal stimulation (V1). In the remaining 105 patients, spontaneous recovery of rocuronium‐induced neuromuscular block was sufficient for a successful first vagal stimulation (V1).

Conclusions

In patients undergoing thyroid surgery, routine reversal of rocuronium block with sugammadex is not mandatory for reliable intraoperative neuromonitoring. A selective neuromuscular block recovery approach may be a valuable and more cost‐efficient alternative to routine reversal.
Laparoscopic Versus Open Resection for Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs): A Size–Location‐Matched Case–Control Study
Authors: Chi Jun‐Lin , Xu Mao , Zhang Ming‐Ran , Li Yuan , Zhou Zong‐Guang
Published: March 2017

Background

Laparoscopic resection for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is technically feasible, but the long‐term effect remains uncertain. This study aims to compare the long‐term oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic versus open resection of GISTs by larger cases based on tumor size–location‐matched study.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2015, 63 consecutive patients with a primary gastric GIST undergoing laparoscopic resection were enrolled in and matched (1:1) to patients undergoing open resection by tumor size and location. Clinical and pathologic parameters and surgical outcomes associated with each surgical type were collected and compared.

Results

The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, return of bowel function and oral intake, nasogastric tube retention time and postoperative stay were all shorter/faster in laparoscopic group than those in open group (P < 0.001). Postoperative complications were comparable except for the higher incidence of abdominal/incision pain in open group (9.52 vs 27%, P = 0.01). There was no statistical difference in recurrence rate (9.52 vs 15.87%, P = 0.29) and long‐term recurrence‐free survival between the two groups (P = 0.39).

Conclusions

The long‐term oncologic outcome of laparoscopic resection of primary gastric GISTs is comparable to that of open procedure, but laparoscopic procedure has the advantage of minimal invasion and is superior in postoperative recovery.
Cost‐Effectiveness of Two Government District Hospitals in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Grimes Caris E. , Law Rebekah , Dare Anna , Day Nigel , Reshamwalla Sophie , Murowa Michael , George Peter M. , Kamara Thaim B. , Mkandawire Nyengo C. , Leather Andrew J. M. , Lavy Christopher B. D.
Published: March 2017

Background

District hospitals in sub‐Saharan Africa are in need of investment if countries are going to progress towards universal health coverage, and meet the sustainable development goals and the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery time‐bound targets for 2030. Previous studies have suggested that government hospitals are likely to be highly cost‐effective and therefore worthy of investment.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the inpatient logbooks for two government district hospitals in two sub‐Saharan African hospitals was performed. Data were extracted and DALYs were calculated based on the diagnosis and procedures undertaken. Estimated costs were obtained based on the patient receiving ideal treatment for their condition rather than actual treatment received.

Results

Total cost per DALY averted was 26 (range 17–66) for Thyolo District Hospital in Malawi and 363 (range 187–881) for Bo District Hospital in Sierra Leone.

Conclusion

This is the first published paper to support the hypothesis that government district hospitals are very cost‐effective. The results are within the same range of the US$32.78–223 per DALY averted published for non‐governmental hospitals.
Scholarly concentration programs and medical student research productivity: a systematic review
Authors: Havnaer Annika G. , Chen Allison J. , Greenberg Paul B.
Published: March 2017

Introduction Scholarly concentration programs have become a common method to promote student inquiry and independent research in medical schools. Given the high resource requirements of scholarly concentration program implementation, it is important to examine program efficacy. This systematic review examined the impact of scholarly concentration programs on student research productivity. Methods The authors carried out a literature search to find articles related to scholarly concentration program research productivity outcomes. The inclusion criterion was a method of rigorously evaluating program scholarly productivity. Study rigour was evaluated with the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument. Results The initial search disclosed 2467 unique records: 78 were considered based on titles and abstracts; eight were considered by scanning references. Eleven papers met the inclusion criteria: all were descriptive; none had a priori hypotheses that examined predictors of medical student research productivity in scholarly concentration programs or prospectively evaluated program impact on student scholarly output. Discussion While few in number and often lacking in rigour, the studies included herein suggest that adequate administrative support, strong mentorship and tailored program characteristics are essential in facilitating student research productivity in scholarly concentration programs. Given the challenges inherent in medical education research, a conceptual framework based on United Way’s approach may help program planners and educators address this gap in the evaluation of scholarly concentration programs.
Does Red Bull give wings to vodka? Placebo effects of marketing labels on perceived intoxication and risky attitudes and behaviors
Authors: Cornil Yann , Chandon Pierre , Krishna Aradhna
Published: March 2017

Why sexual assaults and car accidents are associated with the consumption of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AMED) is still unclear. In a single study, we show that the label used to describe AMED cocktails can have causal non‐pharmacological effects on consumers' perceived intoxication, attitudes, and behaviors. Young men who consumed a cocktail of fruit juice, vodka, and Red Bull felt more intoxicated, took more risks, were more sexually self‐confident, but intended to wait longer before driving when the cocktail's label emphasized the presence of the energy drink (a “Vodka‐Red Bull cocktail”) compared to when it did not (a “Vodka” or “Exotic fruits” cocktail). Speaking to the process underlying these placebo effects, we found no moderation of experience but a strong interaction with expectations: These effects were stronger for people who believe that energy drinks boost alcohol intoxication and who believe that intoxication increases impulsiveness, reduces sexual inhibition, and weakens reflexes. These findings have implications for understanding marketing placebo effects and for the pressing debate on the regulation of the marketing of energy drinks.
The Potential and Pitfalls of Large Multi-Source Collections
Authors: Hegmon Michelle , McGrath James R. , Munson Marit K.
Published: March 2017

Archaeologists’ newfound ability to access vast digital collections creates opportunities but also presents challenges when those collections are from varied sources, including public institutions and private collectors. We illustrate these challenges by comparing two analyses of gender in Mimbres pottery images. Both analyses used the same procedures, but one included material in private collections, while the second drew on a smaller but more controlled sample. Gender distinctions and division of labor were revealed by the first analysis, but the results were not duplicated in the reanalysis using the controlled sample. We consider reasons for the difference, addressing how collectors’ interests may skew collections and suggesting that some particularly desirable Mimbres pottery designs were created using modern paint. The article concludes with recommendations for how archaeologists can best use mixed collections. These include considering how collections might be skewed and designing analyses to counterbalance likely issues, more chemical analyses with representative samples to gauge the extent of modern manipulation of Mimbres vessels, collecting data on theprovenance(i.e., collection history) of material in order to try to trace the likelihood of post-excavation modifications, and studying the process of collecting as a means of understanding the authenticity of artifacts.
Development of a model to quantify the accessibility of a Canadian trauma
system
Authors: Tansley Gavin , Schuurman Nadine , Erdogan Mete , Bowes Matthew , Green Robert , Asbridge Mark , Yanchar Natalie
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Trauma systems have been widely implemented across Canada, but access to
trauma care remains a challenge for much of the population. This study aims to
develop and validate a model to quantify the accessibility of definitive care
within one provincial trauma system and identify populations with poor access
to trauma care.

Methods

A geographic information system (GIS) was used to generate models of
pre-scene and post-scene intervals, respectively. Models were validated using a
population-based trauma registry containing data on prehospital time intervals
and injury locations for Nova Scotia (NS). Validated models were then applied
to describe the population-level accessibility of trauma care for the NS
population as well as a cohort of patients injured in motor vehicle collisions
(MVCs).

Results

Predicted post-scene intervals were found to be highly correlated with
documented post-scene intervals (β 1.05,
p<0.001). Using the model, it was found that
88.1% and 42.7% of the population had access to Level III and Level I trauma
care within 60 minutes of prehospital time from their residence, respectively.
Access for victims of MVCs was lower, with 84.3% and 29.7% of the cohort having
access to Level III and Level I trauma care within 60 minutes of the location
of injury, respectively.

Conclusion

GIS models can be used to identify populations with poor access to care
and inform service planning in Canada. Although only 43% of the provincial
population has access to Level I care within 60 minutes, the majority of the
population of NS has access to Level III trauma care.
FOOL ME ONCE: CAN INDIFFERENCE VINDICATE INDUCTION?
Authors: Barnett Zach , Li Han
Published: March 2017

Roger White (2015) sketches an ingenious new solution to the problem of induction. He argues from the principle of indifference for the conclusion that the world is more likely to be induction-friendly than induction-unfriendly. But there is reason to be skeptical about the proposed indifference-based vindication of induction. It can be shown that, in the crucial test cases White concentrates on, the assumption of indifference renders induction no more accurate than random guessing. After discussing this result, the paper explains why the indifference-based argument seemed so compelling, despite ultimately being unsound.
WHY NOT ALL EVIDENCE IS SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE
Authors: Santana Carlos
Published: March 2017

Data which constitute satisfactory evidence in other contexts are sometimes not treated as valid evidence in the context of scientific confirmation. I give a justificatory explanation of this fact, appealing to the incentives, biases, and social situatedness of scientists.
Difficulties Quitting for Smokers with and without a Respiratory Disease and Use of a Tailored Intervention for Smoking Cessation – A Qualitative Study
Authors: Alexis-Garsee Camille , Gilbert Hazel , Burton Martha , van den Akker Olga
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Smokers with respiratory diseases are less likely to quit than those without impaired lung function, yet few studies have investigated the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions with this population, and none have used a computer-tailored approach.

Aims: This paper aims to fill this gap in the literature by exploring smokers’ experiences when trying to quit and their perceptions of a computer-tailored intervention.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 smokers recruited from six general practises in North London. Thematic analysis was conducted to examine participants’ previous experiences of quitting and their perceptions of receiving personal tailored feedback reports to aid smoking cessation.

Results: Participants discussed how their positive smoking experiences coupled with their negative cessation experiences led to conflicts with quitting smoking. Although the computer-tailored intervention was key in prompting quit attempts and participants valued its personal approach; it was not sufficient as a stand-alone intervention.

Conclusions: The results highlight the difficulties that smokers experience when quitting and the need for a more personalised stop smoking service in smokers with respiratory diseases. The study also demonstrates the application and potential for computer-tailored intervention as part of a wider programme of long-term smoking cessation.