bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Immunosuppressive Factors on Primary Dendritic Cells from C57BL/6 and CBA Mice
Authors: Kurilin Vasiliy V. , Khantakova Julia N. , Tereschenko Valeriy P. , Lopatnikova Julia A. , Obleukhova Irina A. , Sennikov Sergey V.
Published: April 2019

Introduction. Dendritic cells (DCs) control immune responses by modulating T and B cells towards effector or tolerogenic responses. In this study, we evaluated the effects of different immunosuppressive molecules on the phenotypic and functional characteristics of primary dendritic cells from C57BL/6 and CBA mice.Methods. DCs were derived from bone marrow cells in the presence of rmGM-CSF and rmIL-4. DCs were then treated with different types of immunosuppressive molecules (rmIL-10, rmTGF-β, and BAY 11-7082) and cocultured with syngeneic splenocytes. The amount of CD4+CD25hiFoxP3+ Tregs, IL-10 expression, and proliferation were evaluated.Results. Tolerogenic factors were found to have different effects on DCs C57Bl/6 mice. In C57Bl/6 mice, BAY 11-7082 alone had no effect on the expression of DC maturation molecules (CD80, CD86). Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), alone and in combination with BAY 11-7082, reduced the expression of these molecules. Cocultivation of DCs with splenocytes in the presence of TGF-βand BAY 11-7082 favored regulatory T cell (CD4+CD25hiFoxP3+) differentiation and disfavored differentiation of CD4+ T cells producing IL-10. In CBA mice, we found that rmIL-10 and rmTGF-βhave a weak effect on maturation of DCs and their functional properties to induce Treg cells and IL-10 production.Conclusion. These results indicate that TGF-βand IL-10 have different effects on the phenotypic and functional characteristics of DCs and that the NF-κB inhibitor, BAY 11-7082, has no synergistic effect on these treatments. In mice with an opposite nature of the immune response, the effects of immunoregulatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-b) differ on maturation of dendritic cells.
The Effect of Stroke Subtypes on Baroreceptor Sensitivity, a Predict for Acute Stroke Outcome
Authors: Tsai Wan-Chen , Lin Hui-Chen , Lai Yun-Ru , Hsu Che-Wei , Huang Chih-Cheng , Wang Hung-Chen , Su Chih-Min , Su Yu-Jih , Lin Wei-Che , Cheng Ben-Chung , Chang Wen-Neng , Lu Cheng-Hsien , Tsai Nai-Wen
Published: April 2019

Background. Reduced baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) has been reported in patients with acute cardiovascular events. We tested the hypothesis that BRS varies in different subtypes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and that BRS is a predictor of clinical outcomes. Methods. We examined autonomic parameters in 34 patients with AIS, including the small deep hemisphere infarction, the large hemisphere infarction, and the brainstem infarction groups on Day 1, Day 7, and Day 30 after AIS. Autonomic parameters were also evaluated in 18 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers as a control group. The clinical outcomes were analyzed using the modified Rankin scale at 30 days after stroke. Results. The BRS, Valsalva ratio, and heart rate response to deep breathing (HR-DB) were significantly lower in patients after AIS on admission than in controls (p<0.01). The frequency domain of HRV (LF/HF ratio) was significantly increased in patients after AIS compared to controls (p<0.05). BRS was significantly reduced in patients with large hemisphere infarction or brainstem infarction compared to patients with small deep hemisphere infarction on Day 1 after AIS (p<0.01). Stepwise logistic regression showed that the levels of BRS and NIHSS are prognostic factors of 1-month outcomes in patients with AIS. Conclusion. Beside NIHSS score on admission, BRS is a potential prognostic factor of 1-month outcomes in patients with AIS. Patients with large hemisphere infarction or brainstem infarction have more blunting BRS than do those with lacunar infarction, which provides some insight into which patients may be expected to have a poor outcome.
Morbidity Trends and Risk of Tuberculosis: Mexico 2007–2017
Authors: Bello-López Juan Manuel , León-García Gregorio , Rojas-Bernabé Araceli , Fernández-Sánchez V. , García-Hernández Omar , Mancilla Rámirez Javier , Ibáñez-Cervantes Gabriela
Published: April 2019

Background. To know the current status of the epidemiological and geographic distribution of tuberculosis and its complication meningeal tuberculosis in Mexico, this work analyzes national surveillance data (ten years) issued by the General Directorate of Epidemiology (GDE).Methods. An observational and retrospective analysis of monthly and annual reports of pulmonary and meningeal tuberculosis cases from January 2007 to December 2017 was performed on the annual reports issued by the GDE in Mexico. The number of cases and incidence were classified by year, state, age group, gender, and seasons.Results. A national case distribution map of pulmonary and meningeal tuberculosis incidence was generated. During this period, a total of 184,003 and 3,388 cases were reported with a median of 16,727.5 and 308 cases per year for pulmonary and meningeal tuberculosis diseases, respectively. The number of cases and incidence of pulmonary and meningeal tuberculosis per year showed that male gender presented a continuous increase in both parameters. The geographic analysis of the distribution of cases of tuberculosis showed that states like Guerrero, Tabasco, and Veracruz presented higher means of tuberculosis cases during this period. Northern states had the highest number of cases in the country compared to other states. In Mexico, pulmonary tuberculosis and meningeal tuberculosis are seasonal. Interestingly, cases of meningeal tuberculosis show an increase during October and November (autumn).Conclusions. In Mexico, during the years 2007–2017, there has been an increase in the proportion of male TB patients. It remains necessary to implement strategies to detect TB in the adult population, especially among men, because tuberculosis could be difficult to recognize in an early stage in the population, and the appearance of resistant strains can cause an increase in the incidence of the disease.
Structural, Physicochemical, and Functional Properties of Electrolyzed Cassava Starch
Authors: Trinh Khanh Son , Dang Thanh Binh
Published: April 2019

Cassava starch was oxidized using the electrolysis system. Sodium chloride was added to this system at various concentrations from 0.5 to 5.0 % (w/v). The whiteness of modified starches proportionally increased based on the NaCl concentration and human eyes could recognize the difference of color. Under treatment, dents occurred on the surface of starch granule. Concentration of carbonyl and carboxyl groups was increased compared to native starch. Based on X-ray diffraction pattern, oxidized starch kept its A-type. Besides, the ratios of alpha-helix/amorphous regions remained indicating oxidation reaction mainly subjected on amorphous region. Intrinsic viscosity was used to indirectly calculate the average molecular weight of sample. Furthermore, results showed that average molecular weight was significantly reduced (from 2.09-fold to 13.22-fold) based on the reacting NaCl concentration. The increase of NaCl content related to the increase of retrogradation of treated starches. At various temperatures (30-95°C), swelling factor and clarity reflected negative and positive correlations to NaCl concentration.
Oral habits in Children with Cleft (Lip and) Palate: A Pilot Study
Authors: Alighieri Cassandra , Bettens Kim , Bonte Katrien , Roche Nathalie , Van Lierde Kristiane
Published: April 2019

Background/Aims: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of oral habits and non-nutritive sucking habits in children with cleft (lip and) palate (CL/P) between 0–12 years, compared to peers without CL/P. Methods: Children with CL/P (mean age 6.0 years, SD 2.80) were recruited from the Ghent University Hospital and compared to gender- and age-matched children without CL/P (mean age 5.8 years, SD 3.09). A self-report questionnaire was developed and given to the caregivers. To compare the occurrence of oral habits and non-nutritive sucking habits in children with and without CL/P, χ2 tests or Fisher’s exact tests were used. Results: The present study revealed a significantly lower occurrence of non-nutritive sucking habits in children with CL/P. These children showed significantly less pacifier sucking; no significant difference was found regarding thumb or finger sucking nor regarding sucking on other objects. Additionally, the results showed that the occurrence of snoring was statistically significantly higher in children with CL/P. Conclusion: Children with CL/P show less non-nutritive sucking habits, but more snoring compared to a control group without CL/P. Although further research regarding the oral habits in children with CL/P is necessary, cleft teams should give attention to the occurrence of oral habits.
Validation and Reliability of the Italian Version of the Speech Handicap Index
Authors: Riva Giuseppe , Elia Giulia , Sapino Silvia , Ravera Mattia , Pecorari Giancarlo
Published: April 2019

Background: Speech problems negatively affect the quality of life of patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer. An appropriate self-rating questionnaire named Speech Handicap Index (SHI) was developed for these individuals. The aim of this study was the cross-cultural adaptation and the validation of the Italian version of the SHI. Methods: Fifty-two patients surgically treated for oral or oropharyngeal cancer and 100 healthy individuals without speech articulation disorders were included in the study. An Italian version of the SHI was cross-culturally adapted. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct, and clinical and group validity were calculated. Results: Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.977. The test-retest reliability was excellent (r between 0.883 and 0.998). There was a good correlation between the total SHI score and the overall speech quality item (p < 0.001), and between the former and speech intelligibility and articulation scales (p < 0.001). The SHI was able to distinguish between patients and healthy subjects (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant correlation between the total SHI score and tumor stage (p = 0.003). Conclusions: The Italian version of the SHI showed high values of reliability and validity scores. It is a good instrument to evaluate the impact of speech impairment in patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer.
Psychological Impact of Learning CDKN2A Variant Status as a Genetic Research Result
Authors: Zhu Xuan , Leof Emma R. , Rabe Kari G. , McCormick Jennifer B. , Petersen Gloria M. , Radecki Breitkopf Carmen
Published: April 2019

Objectives: Little is known about genetic research participants’ responses to receiving individual research results (IRR) from cancer genetic research. We examined the immediate and delayed psychological impact of returning a CDKN2A variant result that is associated with increased risk of pancreatic cancer and melanoma. Methods: One hundred and thirty-three pancreas research registry enrollees whose samples were tested in a research laboratory for the CDKN2A variant were invited by mail to learn the result by telephone and participate in a study about the disclosure process. Self-rated health, quality of life, and emotional responses were surveyed before and 6 months after disclosure. Genetic testing-specific distress, uncertainty, and positive experiences were assessed 6 months after disclosure. Results: Eighty individuals agreed to participate; 63 completed the study. Both carriers and noncarriers showed no change over time in self-rated health, quality of life, or anxiety levels. Carriers reported more sadness than noncarriers before and 6 months after disclosure. Both carriers and noncarriers showed more hopefulness 6 months after than before disclosure. Carriers experienced greater test-specific distress and uncertainty than noncarriers, but levels were low. ­Conclusions: Return of IRR in conjunction with cancer prevention counseling led to low levels of test-specific distress and uncertainty among carriers. No other adverse psychological outcomes were observed.
Posterior Scleritis in Familial Mediterranean Fever
Authors: Mansour Ahmad M. , Khatib Lama , Mansour Hana A.
Published: April 2019

Purpose: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a monogenic autoinflammatory disease presenting as sporadic paroxysmal attacks of fever and abdominal pain. The inflammation of serosal spaces, joints, and skin is caused by the production of an abnormal protein called pyrin. Ocular pathology is scarce in FMF. Case Report: Herein we describe a case of FMF presenting with painful loss of vision in the left eye. Serous macular detachment assessed by OCT, leaky pinpoint subretinal foci temporal to the fovea examined by fluorescein angiography, scleral and choroidal thickening seen on ultrasonography, and a negative systemic workup for vasculitis established the diagnosis of FMF-related posterior scleritis. The posterior scleritis responded promptly to moderate-dose oral corticosteroids with return of vision to baseline and resolution of the subretinal fluid. Conclusions: FMF rarely involves the posterior pole. Visual loss in FMF results from either posterior scleritis or posterior uveitis. A high degree of suspicion of posterior scleritis is warranted in female patients with known FMF presenting with cloudy serous macular detachment.
The Degree of Multidimensional Severity of Alcohol Use Disorder among Treatment-Seeking Patients: Is There an Additive Effect of Parental Alcohol Use Disorder?
Authors: Ahmad-Nielsen Emil B. , Andersen Nicolai Gundtoft  , Andersen Kjeld , Nielsen Anette Søgaard , Mellentin Angelina I.
Published: April 2019

Background: The additive effect of parental alcohol use disorders (AUD) is conventionally defined as an increasing risk of the offspring developing AUD relative to family history negative, < family history positive with 1 parent (FHP1), < FHP2. The few studies on the additive effect of parental AUD have focused on the risk of development of offspring AUD and not on the degree of multidimensional AUD addiction severity. Aims: The aims of the present study were to examine the frequency of treatment-seeking outpatients exposed to FHP1 and FHP2 and whether addiction severity was impacted by the additive effect of parental AUD among AUD female and male offspring. Methods: This cross-sectional  study was based on 3,361 consecutive treatment-seeking outpatients from 2006 to 2016, assessed by means of the ­European Addiction Severity Index (EUROP-ASI). The ­EUROP-ASI assessed multidimensional addiction severity, comprising alcohol and other drug use, somatic and psychiatric health status, family and other social status, economy and employment-related problems and criminal status composite scores at treatment entry. Results: Among females, 40.38% had FHP1 and 15.68% FHP2, whereas males had 40.90% FHP1 and 13.24% FHP2. No conventional additive effect was found on the composite scores among both genders. However, another type of synergistic additive effect, only manifesting with exposure to FHP2, was found for employment-related problems and psychiatric status composite scores among male offspring. Conclusions: Exposure to parental AUD is strikingly high among treatment-seeking outpatients. Nonetheless, the additive effect has a modest impact on multidimensional addiction severity and is mostly related to psycho-social impairment among treatment-seeking male offspring.
Safety and Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of ACT017, an Antiplatelet GPVI (Glycoprotein VI) Fab
Authors: Voors-Pette Christine , Lebozec Kristell , Dogterom Peter , Jullien Laurie , Billiald Philippe , Ferlan Pauline , Renaud Lionel , Favre-Bulle Olivier , Avenard Gilles , Machacek Matthias , Plétan Yannick , Jandrot-Perrus Martine
Published: April 2019

Objective—

ACT017 is a novel, first in class, therapeutic antibody to platelet GPVI (glycoprotein VI) with potent and selective antiplatelet effects. This first-in-human, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 1 study was conducted to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of ACT017 in healthy subjects.

Approach and Results—

Six cohorts of 8 healthy male and female subjects each received ascending single doses of ACT017 (n=6) or placebo (n=2) as a 6-hour intravenous infusion, with ¼ of the total dose administered within 15 minutes and the rest of the dose (¾ of the total dose) administered within 5 hours and 45 minutes. The 6 investigated doses ranged from 62.5 to 2000 mg. All doses of ACT017 were well tolerated, and no serious adverse events occurred during the study. None of the subjects reported an infusion site reaction. Template bleeding time was not affected in a clinically significant manner by any of the ACT017 doses. Plasma concentrations, determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, increased linearly with the dose received as were the established pharmacokinetics values. There was no change in the platelet count, platelet GPVI expression assessed by flow cytometry, or plasma levels of soluble GPVI assessed by ELISA. In contrast, administration of ACT017 inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation measured by light transmission aggregometry on platelet-rich plasma, and the extent and duration of the effect were dose-dependent.

Conclusions—

The novel antiplatelet agent ACT017 has consistent pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties and favorable safety and tolerability profiles warranting further clinical development.
Determinants of Early Versus Delayed Neurological Deterioration in Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: You Shoujiang , Zheng Danni , Delcourt Candice , Sato Shoichiro , Cao Yongjun , Zhang Shihong , Yang Jie , Wang Xia , Lindley Richard I. , Robinson Thompson , Anderson Craig S. , Chalmers John ,   for the INTERACT-2 Investigators*
Published: April 2019

Background and Purpose—

We investigated factors associated with early and delayed neurological deterioration (END and DND, respectively) after acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in the main INTERACT (Intensive Blood Pressure Reduction in Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage Trial)-2.

Methods—

INTERACT-2 was a randomized trial of early intensive versus guideline-recommended blood pressure lowering in hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (<6 hours from symptom onset) patients. END and DND were defined as a ≥4-point increase on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale or ≥2-point decrease on Glasgow Coma Scale, in periods baseline to 24 hours and 24 hours to 7 days, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine independent predictors of END and DND and 90-day outcomes (death and dependency on the modified Rankin Scale).

Results—

Of 2598 participants, 450 (17.3%) had either END or DND. Non-China recruitment, higher systolic blood pressure, larger baseline hematoma volume, left hemisphere hematoma location, intraventricular hemorrhage, subarachnoid extension, heterogeneous hematoma density, and cerebral white matter lesions, were predictors of END (all
P
≤0.045). Higher systolic blood pressure, lower diastolic blood pressure, higher glucose, larger baseline hematoma volume, intraventricular hemorrhage, lobar location, brain atrophy, and heterogeneous hematoma density were predictors of DND (all
P
≤0.042). END and DND were both related to death, and death or major disability (modified Rankin Scale scores of 3–6), in adjusted analyses (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Common variables, most directly related to the intracerebral hemorrhage morphology and underlying cerebral features, determine END and DND and their influence on poor outcomes of death and major disability.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00716079.
Tamhinispora saraburiensis sp. nov. (Tubeufiaceae, Dothideomycetes) on bamboo in Thailand based on morphology & phylogenetic analysis
Authors: SOMMAI SUJINDA , NUANKAEW SALILAPORN , KHAMSUNTORN PHONGSWAT , SUETRONG SATINEE , PINRUAN UMPAWA
Published: April 2019

Tamhinispora saraburiensis sp. nov. was collected on decaying culms of bamboo in Saraburi Province, Thailand. Tamhinispora saraburiensis is characterized as dark brown to black, obpyriform, and dictyoseptate and has conidia with long appendages arising from the conidial tip. Phylogenetic analyses of the combined ITS and LSU rDNA sequence data demonstrated that this species formed distinctly from other species and that it belongs in the family Tubeufiaceae. Tamhinispora saraburiensis is therefore introduced here with a description, morphological illustrations and molecular data. A key to the species of Tamhinispora is provided.
Gymnosiphon philippinensis, a new species of Burmanniaceae from Cebu, Philippines
Authors: PELSER PIETER B. , SALARES VAL B. , BARCELONA JULIE F.
Published: April 2019

Gymnosiphon philippinensis is described as a new species of Burmanniaceae from forest over limestone in southern Cebu (Philippines). Among Malesian Gymnosiphon, it is most similar to G. papuanus and G. pauciflorus in having flowers with stamens that are attached in the middle of the floral tube and having outer tepals with entire margins, but these tepals are longer in absolute and relative lengths than those of the aforementioned species. Gymnosiphon philippinensis is the first species of Gymnosiphon reported from the Philippines.
Aralia wangshanensis (Araliaceae)—the legitimate name for Aralia franchetii
Authors: DENG YUNFEI
Published: April 2019

Aralia Linnaeus (1753: 273) consists of approximately 65 species distributed in eastern to southeastern Asia and the Americas (Wen, 1993). In the past there has been much disagreement over whether Aralia should be recognized in a broad or narrow sense (Li 1942, Hoo & Tseng 1965, 1978, Shang 1985a, 1985b, Shang & Li 1990, Wen 1993, 2002, 2011, Wen et al. 2002, Xiang & Lowry 2007). The broad sense of Aralia is supported by recent studies on the basis of morphological characters and molecular evidence (Wen 1993, Wen et al. 2001, 2002), and therefore some segregated genera, Coudenbergia Marchal (1879: 514), Pentapanax Seemmann (1864: 290, 294), Hunaniopanax Qi et Cao (1988: 47), Neoacanthophora Bennet (1979: 283), Sciadodendron Grisebach (1858: 7), Parapentapax Hutchinson (1967: 56) and Megalopanax E. Ekman ex Harms (1924:122), are reduced to the synonymies of Aralia (Wen 1993. Wen et al. 2002). Wen (2011) divided the genus into six sections: sect. Aralia, sect. Dimorphanthus (Miquel 1840: 95) Miquel (1863: 6), sect. Humiles Harms (1896: 13), sect. Nanae Harms (1896: 12), sect. Pentapanax (Semm.) Wen (2002: 31) and sect. Sciadodendron (Griseb.) Wen (2011: 29).
A new species of Acianthera (Pleurothallidinae, Orchidaceae) from Brazil
Authors: PONERT JAN , CHUMOVÁ ZUZANA , MANDÁKOVÁ TEREZIE , TRÁVNÍČEK PAVEL
Published: April 2019

Acianthera sudae is newly described based on cultivated material from Brazil. It belongs to section Cryptophoranthae and differs from all others in this group by the larger flowers and sepals fused apically for more than half length, and a green-brown abaxial side of sepals with purple dots. Chromosome number (2n = 40) and genome size estimation (1C-value = 1.18 pg) is provided and its phylogenetic placement under the genus is supported with reconstruction of a molecular phylogeny using nuclear ribosomal ITS.
Systematics, biogeography and conservation of Paragenidens grandoculis n. gen. and n. comb. (Siluriformes; Ariidae), a critically endangered species from southeastern Brazil
Authors: MARCENIUK ALEXANDRE PIRES , DA SILVA INGENITO LEONARDO FERREIRA , LIMA FLÁVIO CÉSAR THADEO , GASPARINI JOÃO LUIZ ROSETTI , OLIVEIRA CLAUDIO
Published: April 2019

Paragenidens, a new genus of ariid catfishes is proposed to accommodate Arius grandoculis, a species previously assigned to the genus Potamarius. Paragenidens grandoculis is an endemic ariid catfish categorized as Critically Endangered and probably Extinct from coastal lacustrine systems from Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro states, southeastern Brazil. After more than 50 years without records of the species, new recent fieldwork revealed that the species is extinct at lagoa Juparanã, but still can be found at lagoa Nova in Linhares municipality, Espírito Santo state. Here, Paragenidens is described based on morphological and molecular evidence. In addition to its generic reassignment, the species is redescribed, and comments on its phylogenetic relationships, biogeography and conservation are presented.
Preliminary list of Cossidae sensu str. (Lepidoptera, Cossoidea: Cossidae: Cossinae & Zeuzerinae) of the Republic of Angola with description of a new Strigocossus species
Authors: YAKOVLEV ROMAN V. , SULAK HARALD , WITT THOMAS J.
Published: April 2019

An annotated list of the Cossidae of the Republic of Angola, including 24 species from 12 genera in two subfamilies, is presented. Thirteen species of Cossidae are reported for the first time from Angola. Strigocossus otti is described as a new species, sp. nov.
The White-Centering Logic of Diversity Ideology
Authors: Mayorga-Gallo Sarah
Published: April 2019

In this article, I present a framework for diversity as a racial ideology that rearticulates the logic of civil rights. Diversity ideology is, in part, a co-optation of calls for race consciousness that challenged color blindness: it highlights race and other axes of difference to achieve a color-blind ideal of fairness where race will no longer matter. In this way, diversity ideology creates space for minor acknowledgment of structural inequality in the abstract. This is an important difference from color-blind racism, which explains inequality as a function of the past, individual “racist” bad apples, or the failings of people of color. The logic of diversity ideology is based on four tenets (diversity as acceptance, diversity as intent, diversity as commodity, and diversity as liability) that frame an amorphous diversity as the answer to racial inequality, while centering white people’s desires and feelings. These conceptualizations of diversity are devoid of power and history, which is how systemic whiteness is reinscribed.
Neurilemmoma Presenting as a Midline Nasal Mass in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Josephson Gary D. , Patel Sapna A. , Duckworth Laurie , Kress Melissa , Goldstein Jeffrey
Published: April 2019

We report a case of a neurilemmoma presenting as a midline nasal mass in a 13-year-old girl. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a nasal neurilemmoma in a pediatric patient. Although this neoplasm is benign in nature, surgical resection is warranted to prevent recurrence, and it is the sole means of treatment. The overall prognosis is excellent, as was the case for our patient. We discuss the diagnosis and management of neurilemmomas and urge physicians not to exclude nasal neurilemmoma from the differential diagnosis in a pediatric patient who presents with a nasal mass.
Inferior Turbinate Osteoma: Case Report
Authors: Viswanatha Borlingegowda
Published: April 2019

Osteomas of the turbinates are extremely rare. In this report, a case of inferior turbinate osteoma in a 24-year-old woman is described. The patient presented with a 6-month history of unilateral nasal obstruction. Computed tomography showed a bony dense mass in the anterior part of the left inferior turbinate. The lesion was removed endoscopically, and the patient recovered uneventfully. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is only the fifth case of a turbinate osteoma to be reported in the world literature, and only the second case that involved the inferior turbinate.
Assessing the nephrotoxicity of intravenous iodinated contrast agents in patients with chronic renal failure in the absence of interfering acute disease
Authors: Gallardo Xavier , Almirall Jaume , Castaner Eva , Andreu Marta , Gonzalez Elena , Consola Beatriz
Published: April 2019

Background

The existence of contrast-induced nephropathy is widely accepted. Recent studies suggest its incidence has been overestimated.

Purpose

To determine the effect of intravenous iodinated contrast agents on renal function in patients with chronic renal failure without acute disease that can interfere with the assessment of renal function.

Material and Methods

We prospectively analyzed changes in serum creatinine levels after intravenous administration of iodinated contrast agents in all patients with chronic renal failure (creatinine clearance < 60 mL/min by the CKD-EPI Equation) without acute disease referred for computed tomography (CT) follow-up of aortic aneurysm. Between March 2010 and December 2016, a total of 108 patients met the inclusion criteria. The first 35 patients randomly underwent both contrast-enhanced and unenhanced CT examinations six months apart; the 73 following patients underwent only contrast-enhanced CT examinations. Serum creatinine levels were recorded immediately before and 48–72 h after CT examinations. Contrast-induced nephropathy was defined as an increase of ≥25% in serum creatinine from baseline levels.

Results

In the first 35 patients, mean changes in creatinine levels after unenhanced and enhanced CT examinations were similar. From the total of 108 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced CT, serum creatinine increased > 25% with respect to baseline in only two patients, in one case after contrast-enhanced CT examination and in the other after unenhanced CT examination; in a third patient, serum creatinine decreased >25% after contrast-enhanced CT examination.

Conclusion

No relevant contrast-induced nephrotoxicity was detected in this group of patients with chronic renal failure without acute disease.
Effects of surface energy on vibration characteristics of double-walled piezo-viscoelastic cylindrical nanoshell
Authors: Kachapi Sayyid H Hashemi , Dardel Morteza , Daniali Hamidreza Mohamadi , Fathi Alireza
Published: April 2019

In this paper, vibration analysis of double-walled piezo-viscoelastic cylindrical nanoshell integrated with piezoelectric layers is investigated using Gurtin–Murdoch surface/interface theory and Donnell's theory. Three parameters namely, shear modulus, damp coefficient, and Winkler modulus are used for simulation of visco-Pasternak model. Hamilton's principle is used for deriving the governing equations and boundary conditions and also the assumed mode method is used for changing the partial differential equations into ordinary differential equation. The effects of the surface energy, length and thickness of nanoshell and piezoelectric layer, boundary condition, van der Waals force, and visco-Pasternak effects on the undamped and damped natural frequencies of piezo-viscoelastic cylindrical nanoshell is studied. Also, the results show that on considering surface effects in the nanoscale system without considering the surface density, the maximum frequency will be obtained and this case will be considered as the critical state of the system. As a result, controlling the frequency of the system in this case is essential and it is quite clear that considering the effects of the surface energy will have a remarkable effect on the natural frequency of the piezo-viscoelastic nanoshell.
Qualification of a chemotherapy-compounding robot
Authors: Jobard Marion , Brandely-Piat Marie-Laure , Chast François , Batista Rui
Published: April 2019

KIRO® Oncology (Kiro Grifols, Spain) is a robotic system for automated compounding of sterile injectable drugs including intravenous cytotoxic treatments. The present article describes the qualification procedure applied prior to production phases. Peristaltic pumps which ensure the reconstitution of drugs were tested with water and NaCl 0.9%. The performance of the robot (accuracy and precision) to prepare bags, syringes and elastomeric pumps was evaluated with three placebo solutions (aqueous, foaming and viscous) using gravimetric controls. Microbiological controls were also performed. The pumps met the requirements set for volumes ranging from 5 to 100 mL. A total of 274 preparations was compounded. For the bags, the filling accuracy was within the limit of ±10% from 1 to 48 mL with aqueous solution, from 0.6 to 48 mL with foaming solution and from 5 to 48 mL with viscous solution. For all syringes and elastomeric pumps, it was within the limit of ±10%. The precision was validated for all preparations, except for bags and syringes prepared with 0.6 and 0.25 mL, respectively. The samples of surfaces and air complied with ISO 5 class environment. Among the 24 gloves tests performed, two presented microbiological growth. All Media fill tests were validated. The qualification procedure led us to exclude injections of any active principle volume strictly lower than 1 mL. The microbiological contamination of operators' gloves remains a critical point. Our operators will be made aware of the issue during the training period.
Optimizing patient education of oncology medications: A quantitative analysis of the patient perspective
Authors: Kaupp Kristin , Scott Samantha , Minard Laura V , Lambourne Tessa
Published: April 2019

Background

With the ever-increasing complexity of cancer treatments, oncology medication patient education is becoming a progressively important component of cancer care. Despite this, cancer patients frequently report that they receive inadequate information and feel that their education needs have not been met.

Objective

To explore patients' perspectives of optimal oncology medication education across Nova Scotia.

Methods

This was a descriptive survey of adult medical, hematological and gynaecological oncology outpatients receiving intravenous chemotherapy within the Nova Scotia Health Authority between January 26 and April 30, 2018.

Results

One hundred forty-two responses were included; 41% and 47% of respondents reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their oncology medication education, respectively; 30% and 43% of respondents would like the opportunity to receive education or follow-up from a hospital pharmacist, respectively. Respondents with post-secondary education were found to have 2.82 higher odds of wanting to make an appointment for education with a hospital pharmacist.

Conclusions

Patients were generally satisfied with their oncology medication education despite the majority not receiving education from a hospital pharmacist. Patients with a higher level of formal education were more likely to want the opportunity to schedule an appointment for education with and/or receive follow-up from a hospital pharmacist. The oncology medication education participants received in the past appeared to align with their education preferences. Findings from this research can be used to optimize the limited time healthcare professionals have to provide meaningful and effective oncology medication patient education and improve patient-centered care.
Signs of Inequality? Variations in Providing Home Health Care Across Care Organizations and Across European Countries in the IBenC Study
Authors: van Hout Hein PJ , van Lier Lisanne , Draisma Stasja , Smit Jan , Finne-Soveri Harriet , Garms-Homolová Vjenka , Bosmans Judith E , Declercq Anja , Jónsson Pálmi , Onder Graziano , van der Roest Henriëtte G
Published: April 2019

Most countries aim to allocate home health care to those in need in a fair and equal way. Equal allocation implies that the amount of home care a person receives would reflect the level of health impairment and the need for resources. It is not clear whether countries succeed in attaining this. Our objective was to explore signs of (un)equal home health care provisioning across care organizations and across European health countries. We used data of the IBenC study collected from 2718 older community care recipients from 33 organizations in 6 Western European countries ( www.ibenc.eu ). We benchmarked differences of provided and expected formal care time across organizations and countries. Expected formal care hours were estimated by multiplying the overall sample’s mean formal hours with recipients’ case mix weights from interRAI’s resources utilization group profiles. We found substantial variations in provided formal care time among organizations both within and across countries that could not be explained by the case mix differences of recipients. This implied presence of inequality of home care provisioning. These findings may alert professionals and policy makers striving for equal home health care provisioning for dependent older persons.
The Chinatown Patient Navigation Program: Adaptation and Implementation of Breast and Cervical Cancer Patient Navigation in Chicago’s Chinatown
Authors: Simon Melissa A , Tom Laura S , Leung Ivy , Wong Esther , Knightly Eileen E , Vicencio Daniel P , Yau Ann , Ortigara Karen , Dong XinQi
Published: April 2019

Background:

As health care reform continues within the United States, navigators may play increasingly diverse and vital roles across the health care continuum. The growing interest in patient navigation programs for underserved populations calls for detailed descriptions of intervention components to facilitate implementation and dissemination efforts.

Methods:

In Chicago’s Chinatown, Chinese immigrant women face language, cultural, and access barriers in obtaining breast and cervical cancer screening and follow-up. These barriers spurred the research partnership between Northwestern University, the Chinese American Service League, Mercy Hospital & Medical Center, and Rush University Medical Center to formalize the Chinatown Patient Navigation Collaborative for adapting and implementing previously developed patient navigation models.

Results:

In this report, we describe the adaptation of patient navigation to build the Chinatown Patient Navigation Collaborative’s community-based patient navigation program for breast and cervical cancer. We offer insights into the roles of community patient navigators in safety net hospital and underserved Chinese immigrant communities, and describe implications for patient navigation initiatives to maximize community benefits by improving access to health care for vulnerable populations.

Conclusions:

Our adaptation and implementation of a patient navigation intervention in Chicago’s Chinatown illustrates promising approaches for future navigator research.
Claudication Caused By Stenosis of Arteria Lusoria—Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Tuleja Aleksandra , Baumgartner Iris , Schindewolf Marc
Published: April 2019

Arteria lusoria is a rare vascular aberration; its presence is frequently associated with dysphagia or dyspnea due to esophageal or bronchial compression. We present a case of a stenotic arteria lusoria causing upper extremities blood pressure difference, claudication, and Raynaud’s syndrome of the right hand. The patient opted against endovascular recanalization and was treated conservatively. This case demonstrates a rare cause of upper extremity blood pressure difference that must be considered as differential diagnosis. Furthermore, the knowledge of arteria lusoria is pivotal for successful transbrachial coronary or peripheral endovascular interventions.
Visual P300 Mind-Speller Brain-Computer Interfaces: A Walk Through the Recent Developments With Special Focus on Classification Algorithms
Authors: Philip Jobin T. , George S. Thomas
Published: April 2019

Brain-computer interfaces are sophisticated signal processing systems, which directly operate on neuronal signals to identify specific human intents. These systems can be applied to overcome certain disabilities or to enhance the natural capabilities of human beings. The visual P300 mind-speller is a prominent one among them, which has opened up tremendous possibilities in movement and communication applications. Today, there exist many state-of-the-art visual P300 mind-speller implementations in the literature as a result of numerous researches in this domain over the past 2 decades. Each of these systems can be evaluated in terms of performance metrics like classification accuracy, information transfer rate, and processing time. Various classification techniques associated with these systems, which include but are not limited to discriminant analysis, support vector machine, neural network, distance-based and ensemble of classifiers, have major roles in determining the overall system performances. The significance of a proper review on the recent developments in visual P300 mind-spellers with proper emphasis on their classification algorithms is the key insight for this work. This article is organized with a brief introduction to P300, concepts of visual P300 mind-spellers, the survey of literature with special focus on classification algorithms, followed by the discussion of various challenges and future directions.
Mechanical properties and characteristic analysis of the new concave–convex polypropylene macro fiber
Authors: Ding Chunlin , Wu Chao , Meng Zhewei , Fang Gang
Published: April 2019

A computer-controlled electronic universal testing machine was used to test the mechanical properties of polypropylene macro fiber, including tensile strength, breaking elongation, and elastic modulus. The mechanical properties were compared with fibers soaked in an alkali solution and heat treated. The dispersion, corrosion resistance, and toughness of the polypropylene macro fiber in concrete were also analyzed via a fiber concrete test. The polypropylene macro fiber has a high tensile strength, large elastic modulus, and good ductility. The polypropylene macro fiber has heat resistance and alkali resistance. After heat treatment, the maximum breaking force, tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation at breaking are more than 92.0% of baseline. After alkali solution treatment, the maximum breaking force, tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation at breaking reach more than 88.0% of baseline. The surface of the polypropylene macro fiber is concave and convex; the cross section is X type, and the bite force is powerful between the concrete and the fiber. Compared to steel fiber, the polypropylene macro fiber is light and small. At the same volume content, the input number of the polypropylene macro fiber per volume concrete is more than that of steel fiber, and it is easy to evenly disperse the material. It has corrosion resistance and high toughness when the polypropylene macro fiber is mixed in the concrete.
Cardiotoxicity due to targeted anticancer agents: a growing challenge
Authors: Shah Chintan P. , Moreb Jan S.
Published: April 2019

The emergence of various targeted anticancer agents has led us to uncharted territory secondary to their cardiotoxic potential with many burning questions, which in turn has led to the evolution of the cardio-oncology field. These targeted agents differ in their cardiovascular complication (CVC) potential even within the same class and it is very difficult to design screening tests that can predict CVCs. Moreover, there is a need for more research to answer many crucial questions, since these toxicities are unanticipated and can lead to poor overall survival of cancer patients. We still do not clearly understand the mechanism for such toxicity, risk factors, and natural history. A better understanding of the underlying risk factors and identification of biomarkers would help us develop protocols for appropriate monitoring strategies which in turn would help capture these toxicities at early stages. In this succinct review, we try to focus on CVC definition, summarize some published research, and point to areas of unmet need in this new field.
What digital technology do early childhood educators use and what digital resources do they seek?
Authors: Dwyer Anne , Jones Caroline , Rosas Lee
Published: April 2019

Continuing professional learning is vital to early childhood professionals, and the use of digital technology can potentially reduce costs and improve access. In this study, 74 educators across 17 early childhood services in Australian urban and regional locations completed a questionnaire about their personal and professional uses of digital technology to find resources. The results indicate most early childhood educators use digital technology to construct their own professional knowledge bases, and though they make some use of formal resources around national standards, they make greater use of informal resources and discussion groups. They tend to seek practical information and activity ideas and ways to connect with other professionals, although this varies somewhat by years of professional experience, age and the socioeconomic context they work in. Results highlight early childhood educators’ professional learning desires and the potential value of mobile learning for providing access to professional learning for early childhood educators working in resource-limited and geographically limited settings.
Factors Influencing School Counselor Involvement in Partnerships With Families of Color: A Social Cognitive Exploration
Authors: Harris Pamela N. , Shillingford M. Ann , Bryan Julia
Published: April 2019

Using a national sample of 155 school counselors, we examined the relationships between school counselors’ personal and environmental factors and their involvement in partnerships with families of color. We found positive correlations between school counselor self-efficacy, multicultural competence, and involvement in partnerships. Multiple regression analysis indicated that self-efficacy about partnerships and multicultural knowledge served as predictors of school counselor involvement in partnerships with families of color. We discuss implications for school counselor efforts in establishing these partnerships.
Helping Students Who Stutter: Interprofessional Collaboration Between Speech-Language Pathologists and School Counselors
Authors: Yates Chad M. , Hudock Daniel , Astramovich Randall , Hill Jehan
Published: April 2019

Children who stutter may experience challenges in their social and emotional development that can lead to academic struggles in school. School counselors and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are uniquely positioned to collaborate on school-based interventions to help children who stutter. We review common elements of stuttering in children and provide suggestions for enhanced collaboration between school counselors and SLPs.
Case–Control Research Study of Auto-Brewery Syndrome
Authors: Cordell Barbara Jean , Kanodia Anup , Miller Gregory K
Published: April 2019

Background

Auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), also known as Gut Fermentation Syndrome and Endogenous Ethanol Fermentation, is afflicting people worldwide, but little is known about ABS patients’ demographics, health history, lifestyle factors, and diet.

Method

We conducted a broad-based case–control survey study on 52 patients known to have a diagnosis of ABS and their household members. The research compares the symptomatic group (N = 28) to the asymptomatic group (N = 18) regarding lifestyle and health, diet, and medical history.

Results

With a response rate of 88% and using rank-sum tests, the data demonstrate that patients with ABS have significant differences compared to people without ABS in lower quality bowel movements ( P = .048), more frequent bowel movements ( P = .038), more reports of malodorous breath ( P = .0001), and self-classify as having poorer health ( P = .009). Furthermore, participants with ABS consume more water ( P = .038), consume less tea and coffee ( P = .033), eat fewer dairy products ( P = .0185), eat less candy ( P = .032), eat out less and rely on food prepared at home ( P = .043), have more aversion to starch ( P = .008), and have more food sensitivities ( P = .043) than the group without ABS. The ABS group also reports more diarrhea ( P = .048), higher amounts of yeast in their gastrointestinal tract ( P = .015), and using acne medication for a longer time ( P = .037) than the control group.

Conclusion

Patients with ABS have significant differences in their lifestyle and health, diet, and medical history compared to non-ABS participants and these differences warrant further research.