bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unusual Case of Prostatic Malacoplakia: Etiopathogenetic, Anatomo-clinical Considerations and Therapeutical Approach
Authors: Benecchi L. , Catania G. , Bordinazzo R. , Caldera G. , Spinelli M. , Claren R. , Privitera O.
Published: October 2018

— Malacoplakia is a granulomatous disease that is histologically characterized by the presence of Michaelis-Gutmann bodies in the macrophages. A 59-year-old man was referred to our attention for retention of urine. On digital rectal examination the left prostatic lobe was found to be increased in consistency. The PSA value was 14 ng/ml; transrectal sonography revealed a lesion of dishomogeneous pattern with hyperechoic spots at the confluence of the peripheral and transitional left zone. The smears obtained by transrectal fine needle aspiration biopsy of the lesion showed a large amount of histiocytes with the characteristic Michaelis-Gutmann bodies. The patient was treated by both surgical therapy: trans-urethral resection of the prostate (TURP-P) and pharmacological therapy: bethanechol, ascorbic acid and rifampicin. Check-ups at 3 and 6 months and subsequent transrectal sonography re-examination of the prostate revealed no evidence of relapse of the disease. The PSA value after 6 months was 3.4 ng/ml. The patient is actually in good health without recurrence of the disease. Prostatic malacoplakia must be considered as part of the differential diagnosis of prostatic nodules. Only histologic or cytologic examination leads to the proper diagnosis.
Cavernoso-Anal Reflex. the Description of a Reflex and Its Clinical Significance
Authors: Shafik A.
Published: October 2018

The cavernoso-anal reflex was described in 17 healthy volunteers of whom 10 were men and 7 women (mean age 38.3 years). The electromyographic (EMG) response of the external (EAS) and internal (IAS) anal sphincters to ischio- and bulbo-cavernosus muscle stimulation was recorded. This was performed through insertion of a needle electrode into each of the 2 cavernosus muscles (stimulating electrode) and the 2 anal sphincters (recording electrode). The test was repeated once after anesthetizing the 2 anal sphincters and a second time after anesthetizing the 2 cavernosus muscles. The EAS and IAS contracted upon stimulation of each of the cavernosus muscles but did not respond to stimulation of the anesthetized muscles. The mean latency for the EAS was 33.8 ms and for the IAS 27.4 ms. During the sexual act, EAS contraction upon cavernosus muscle contraction evokes the ano-urethral reflex with a resulting EUS contraction. The latter closes the vesical neck and prevents retrograde ejaculation in men and urine leak in both sexes. Meanwhile, the role of anal sphincter contraction during the sexual act is unknown. However, the cavernoso-anal reflex could be included as a diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of neurologic and sexual disorders, in particular erectile dysfunction. Detectable changes in latency of the reflex or in motor unit action potentials would indicate nerve or muscle damage. This reflex seems to be more constant than the bulbo-cavernosus reflex and could replace it with respect to diagnosis of the afore-mentioned disorders.
The Rational Choice in the Diagnosis and Therapy of Prostatic Cancer
Authors: Boltar A. , Bianco S. , Maganja C. , Bianchi G.
Published: October 2018

The authors analyse which is the best approach in diagnosing and staging prostatic cancer. They tackle the problem of screening by analysing current methods, concluding that PSA measurement is the best. It is impossible not to consider a combination of prognostic factors (Gleason score, PSA, clinical staging) when choosing pre-operative staging methods.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy and Glycosaminoglycans in Urine
Authors: Winter P. , Schoeneich G. , Winter S. , Leppin U. , Hesse A.
Published: October 2018

In 50 calcium-oxalate stone-forming patients, the total excretion of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and four of its subgroups [chondroitin-4-sulfate (CS-A), chondroitin-6-sulfate (CS-C), dermatan sulfate (DS), and hyaluronic acid (HY)] was investigated before ESWL and in the following 5 days. The standard value was determined by reference to a group of healthy test subjects. The excretion of GAGs was significantly higher in healthy test persons than in stone-forming patients. Twenty-four hours after ESWL administration, GAG excretion enhanced significantly but returned to normal values in the course of three days. ESWL had no influence on the proportional composition of GAG subgroups CS-A, CS-C, DS and HY. The increase in GAG excretion after ESWL indicates a transient injury of renal tissue, i.e. of the mucus layer lining the urothelium. This lesion, however, can be regarded as temporary with later restitutio ad integrum.
Papillary Polypoid Cystitis: Case Report
Authors: Bonacina R. , Catania G. , Vercesi A. , Spinelli M. , Privitera O.
Published: October 2018

Papillary polypoid cystitis is not uncommon in patients with a permanent urethral catheter, but is not frequent in young subjects with no significant urological history. A case of papillary polypoid cystitis in a 26 year-old woman with endoscopic appearance leading to the suspicion of a papillary transitional bladder tumour, is reported. After histopathological diagnosis, intravesical hydrocortisone and antibiotic treatment was started, with complete reversal of the pathology.
Indications for Invasive and Non-Invasive Diagnostics in Infiltrating Bladder Tumours
Authors: Laganà F.
Published: October 2018

Infiltrating bladder tumour is becoming widespread and prognosis is poor, requiring immediate correct diagnosis and staging in order to plan suitable treatment. An excursus is made on both well-tried and recent or experimental diagnostic methods, with particular reference to the new urinary diagnostic tests and genetic markers.
Indications and Percutaneous Treatment of Renal Staghorn Stones
Authors: Botti C. , Olmi R. , Bertoni V. , Filoni A. , Baisi B. , Ferrari P.
Published: October 2018

The treatment of renal staghorn stones by PCN-monotherapy or PCN-debulking with subsequent ESWL is reported. From 1984 to 1997, 111 patients were treated for staghorn stones, 69 of whom had pyelitic stones involving one calyx only while more than one calyx was involved in the remaining 35 as follows: 32 simple (pyelic stone + 2 or more calyces involved) and 3 complex (all calyces involved). Of the 104 patients treated with PCN-monotherapy or combined with subsequent ESWL, 86 became stone-free (82.6%). Furthermore there were few complications, less morbidity and greater preservation of renal function compared to open surgery.
Comparison of Laparoscopic and Open Ligation of the Testicular Vein in Bilateral Varicocele
Authors: Şahin H. , Bircan M.K. , Akay A.
Published: October 2018

In this study, we aimed to compare the advantages and disadvantages of open varicocelectomy with Kelami's incision versus laparoscopic varicocelectomy in bilateral varicoceles. We performed bilateral varicocelectomy by infrapubic incision in 43 patients with bilateral varicocele in our clinic between November 1995 and June 1997. The results of this method were compared with laparoscopic varicocelectomy results taken from literature. Open surgery has been found more advantageous in relation to the type of anesthesia, duration of the operation, complications and cost-effectiveness. There is no significant difference between the two methods with regard to the time of returning to normal activity. But, postoperative analgesic requirement in open surgery is more than in laparoscopic varicocelectomy. It is not fully known which method is best in varicocele treatment. In our clinic, however, open surgical ligation with Kelami's incision is preferred in bilateral varicocelectomies until a certain concensus is held about this treatment.
Rare Case of Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of the Bladder Associated with Microinfiltrating Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Di Nuovo F. , Privitera O. , Bonacina R. , Catania G. , Sironi M. , Spinelli M.
Published: October 2018

Although malignant fibrous histiocytoma is the most common among soft tissue tumours in adults, its origin in the bladder is extremely rare. Only 17 cases have been reported so far. We present the case of an 86-year-old patient who, following clinical and instrumental examination for a large bladder growth, underwent partial cystectomy. The histopathological exam showed a neoplastic mass, while immunohistochemical findings indicated a malignant fibrous histiocytoma. A transitional cell carcinoma in situ with microinfiltration of the lamina propria was also observed near the above tumour.
Early Risk Factors for Daily Cannabis Use in Young Adults
Authors: Dugas Erika Nicole , Sylvestre Marie-Pierre , Ewusi-Boisvert Esthelle , Chaiton Michael , Montreuil Annie , O’Loughlin Jennifer
Published: October 2018

Objectives:

Daily cannabis use can portend problematic use or dependence. We aimed to identify early risk factors for daily cannabis use in young adults.

Methods:

Data were available in a longitudinal investigation of 1294 grade 7 students age 12 to 13 years at inception recruited in 10 secondary schools in Montreal, Canada, in 1999. Data on daily cannabis use were collected in mailed self-report questionnaires from 878 participants (67.9% of 1294) at age 20. The associations between each of 23 potential risk factors measured in grade 7 and daily cannabis use at age 20 were modeled using logistic regression.

Results:

At age 20, 44% of participants reported past-year cannabis use; 10% reported daily use. Older age; male sex; higher levels of family stress and other stress; use of alcohol, cigarettes, and other tobacco products; parent(s), sibling(s), and friend(s) smoke cigarettes; higher body mass index; higher impulsivity and novelty seeking; and lower self-esteem increased the odds of daily cannabis use.

Conclusions:

Children at risk of daily cannabis use as young adults can be identified early. They may benefit from early intervention to prevent problematic cannabis use.
Influences on Catered Event Ordering in a University Workplace: Development and Validation of the Understanding Food Ordering Survey
Authors: Menge Lindsey , Hu Yueqin , Crixell Sylvia Hurd , Lloyd Lisa , Bezner Janet , Burke Tricia J
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

To develop and validate an instrument to identify factors that influence what is ordered for catered events for employees at a large university.

Design:

Themes derived from focus groups were used to develop a survey.

Setting:

A large public university in central Texas.

Subjects:

Twenty-seven administrative assistants who order food participated in focus groups, 138 completed the survey, and 31 completed the survey a second time.

Measures:

One hundred fourteen-question, 5-point Likert scale survey.

Analysis:

Principal component analyses explored constructs. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed structure validity. Test -retest analyses assessed reliability.

Results:

The final survey, the Understanding Food Ordering Survey (UFO), included 19 items within 3 factors; all factor loadings were above 0.3, with no cross-loadings. Three factors explained 55.5% of the variance. Cronbach α values of .846 for social influences from supervisors/coworkers, .838 for restrictions on ordering due to policies/vendors/attendee feedback, .893 for personal views about nutrition, and .831 for the total affirmed reliability. Test–retest reliability was acceptable ( r = 0.780), and paired samples t test indicated no differences between assessments, mean difference = −0.062, standard deviation = 0.29, t (30) = −1.18, P = .247. Structure equation modeling indicated a good fit between the proposed 3-factor model and observed data, with comparative fit index = 0.921 and root means square error of approximation = 0.074.

Conclusion:

Interventions to improve the nutritional quality of foods selected for catering may benefit from addressing contributory factors while considering a top-down approach to changing the workplace culture.
Assessing a learning organization model: A teacher’s perspective
Authors: Gil Alfonso J , Carrrillo Francisco Javier , Fonseca-Pedrero Eduardo
Published: October 2018

The main objective of this article is to analyse the four basic dimensions of the learning organization (LO) – leadership towards learning, learning structure, learning opportunities and learning culture – within the school organization context. A quantitative study utilizing a survey was carried out. By means of an ad hoc questionnaire, secondary and high school teachers were asked about some characteristics of their educational organizations that could be related to a LO. The analyses of the internal structure of the questionnaire and internal consistency of the scores were satisfactory. A questionnaire has been validated that can serve as a model for the evaluation of learning organizations in the context of high school. One school sample is analysed according to the LO model. The suitability of the model for different types of schools is verified.
Industrial agglomeration and environmental pollution: Evidence from China under New Urbanization
Authors: Zhu Yingming , Xia Yan
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of industrial agglomeration on environmental pollution under the New Urbanization in China. The paper constructs and expands an equilibrium model that includes industrial agglomeration and pollution control factors to analyze the mechanism. Meanwhile, by applying urbanization as the threshold variable, the threshold model is used to study the relationship between industrial agglomeration and environmental pollution under different urbanization levels. Important estimated results are as follows. When the New Urbanization level is lower than 46.6%, the coefficient of the effect of industrial agglomeration on environmental pollution is 0.7153. When the New Urbanization level is between 46.6% and 74.9%, the impact coefficient decreases to 0.3127, whereas when the level of the New Urbanization is higher than 74.9%, the impact changes substantially with –0.1617 as its coefficient. Thus, the relationship between industrial agglomeration and environmental pollution is not a simple linear relationship, but has an inversed- U type characteristic of nonlinear relationship.
Peripheral levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and S100B in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematous
Authors: Noris-García E , Arce S , Nardin P , Lanigan ME , Acuña V , Gutierrez F , Robinson-Agramonte MA , Gonçalves C-A
Published: October 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate serum S100B and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) patients, with and without neuropsychiatric (NP) manifestation activity.

Methods

We assessed 47 SLE patients and 20 selected healthy individuals. Disease activity was assessed according to the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). Serum BDNF and S100B were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Serum S100B protein was significantly higher in SLE patients. BDNF levels were significantly decreased in active SLE, when compared with inactive SLE, but not when compared with controls. S100B was clearly higher in the NPSLE group, when compared with the non-NPSLE or control groups. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of S100B revealed an area under the curve of 0.706 that discriminated NPSLE patients with peripheral polyneuropathy.

Conclusions

Our findings reinforce the use of serum S100B as a biomarker in SLE, particularly for NPSLE. Moreover, we found a strong association between serum S100B and peripheral neuropathy, indicating a specific utility for this biomarker in SLE that warrants clinical investigation.
Association between systemic lupus erythematosus and thyroid dysfunction: a meta-analysis
Authors: Luo W , Mao P , Zhang L , Yang Z
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease, the pathogenesis of which remains elusive. The deficiency or excess of thyroid hormone is defined as thyroid dysfunction, including (subclinical) hypothyroidism and (subclinical) hyperthyroidism. Autoimmune factors are likely to be relevant to the development of SLE and thyroid dysfunction. Recently, many studies have indicated that the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction is higher in SLE patients than in the general population. The objective of our study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to find out the relationship between SLE and thyroid dysfunction.

Methods

Literature databases were searched, including PubMed, Embase, Web of science, Cochrane, CNKI, CHINESE WANFANG, China Science and Technology Database (VIP). Studies comparing presence of thyroid dysfunction in SLE patients to healthy controls were extracted. All the statistical analyses were performed with STATA 12.0 software.

Results

Ten studies with 10,500 SLE patients and 44,170 healthy controls were included in this study. The meta-analysis results showed that the prevalence of (subclinical) hypothyroidism in SLE patients was higher than in the healthy controls (hypothyroidism: OR = 2.93, 95% CI = 1.81–4.75; subclinical hypothyroidism: OR = 5.67, 95% CI = 3.50–9.18). No statistical difference of (subclinical) hyperthyroidism was found between SLE patients and controls.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis suggests that SLE is significantly associated with increased risk of (subclinical) hypothyroidism, but it has little influence on (subclinical) hyperthyroidism.
Hospital Level Inventory Control and System-Wide Cost Savings: A Case Study from Turkey
Authors: Yıldız M. Said , Khan M. Mahmud
Published: October 2018

Health Transformation Program (HTP) of Turkey, initiated in 2003, improved access to care and quality of health care services. In 2009, HTP implemented a centralized web-based information system to manage inventories of public hospitals. Prior to the introduction of inventory management, significant medical resources were wasted because of misuse, non-use and expiration of medical supplies. The objective of inventory management was to improve the efficiency of hospitals by projecting quantities of items likely to be needed by hospitals over a three-month period. The system also allowed transfer of unneeded and surplus items from one hospital to another. This article estimated cost savings for the health care system through the inter-hospital transfer of items. The success of inventory management was evaluated by using indicators such as the value of medical commodities purchased per unit of service delivered, value of stock to purchase ratios and the value of inter-hospital transfers. Trends in purchase, storage and transfer indicate that the new web-based inventory management infrastructure helped the hospital sector to become more efficient in terms of size of stocks held and inter-temporal changes in the value of stocks. It reduced system-wide waste of medical goods and pharmaceuticals, improved effective use of commodities and reduced storage cost.
Impression management and ancient Ceylonese rulers
Authors: Kumarasinghe Sriyalatha , Samkin Grant
Published: October 2018

This study investigated how the Ceylonese kings, who ruled the South Asian island nation until the start of colonial occupation in the late sixteenth century, used stone inscriptions as impression management techniques to present a favourable impression of themselves to their subjects. The sample comprises 383 stone inscriptions. The findings of this article suggest that the impression management strategies used by Ceylonese kings to communicate with their subjects are consistent with those used by more modern charismatic leaders. However, the way strategies were implemented differed. This study contributes to the literature on the motivations and impression management techniques used by charismatic leaders and it adds to the limited knowledge on ancient Sri Lanka. Examining how charismatic leaders in the form of Ceylonese kings used inscriptions may provide insights into how modern-day chief executive officers or partners of major accounting practices use narrative components of annual reports and other forms of corporate communications to portray their leadership.
Preventing Infidelity: A Theory of Protective Factors
Authors: Fye Marissa A. , Mims Grace A.
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study was to identify a theory that explains how married persons maintain monogamy. Ten participants were interviewed twice using a semistructured interview format. Grounded theory methods of data collection and analysis were used. Member-checking, bracketing, peer-review, analytic memos, and external auditing were used throughout the study for verification purposes. The data supported the finding that monogamy is maintained by small, continual, and consistent efforts in each protective factor area. The protective factors include (a) building a secure attachment or emotional bond; (b) sex in a marriage; (c) behavioral, cognitive, and relationship boundaries; (d) practicing congruence; (e) fostering values and beliefs that support monogamy; and (f) coping individually and as a couple.
What Drives Populist Styles? Analyzing Immigration and Labor Market News in 11 Countries
Authors: Wettstein Martin , Esser Frank , Büchel Florin , Schemer Christian , Wirz Dominique S. , Schulz Anne , Ernst Nicole , Engesser Sven , Müller Philipp , Wirth Werner
Published: October 2018

The success of populist political actors in Western democracies and the dramatization and emotionality of political communication in news media have been the object of several theoretical and empirical studies in the past decade. It has been argued that the mediatization of politics and the convergence of populist and tabloid communication styles foster these developments by mutual promotion in mass communication. This article uses a cross-national quantitative content analysis to disentangle associations among news genres, populist actors, content, and style. In spite of indisputable prevalence of populist styles in tabloid style media, populist ideology is identified as their strongest source.
De novo convulsive status epilepticus in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with dalfampridine
Authors: Panicucci Emilie , Cohen Mikael , Bourg Veronique , Rocher Fanny , Thomas Pierre , Lebrun Christine
Published: October 2018

Background:

Dalfampridine extended release (DAL) is a broad-spectrum voltage-gated potassium channel blocker that is indicated in multiple sclerosis to improve the nerve conduction of demyelinated axons. Seizures are a known side effect of DAL, which is contraindicated in patients with a history of epilepsy.

Objective:

Three cases of multiple sclerosis (MS) with de novo convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) probably related to dalfampridine administration are described.

Methods:

No patients had a history of seizures or renal impairment. Biological tests were normal. A brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed diffuse cortical and subcortical atrophy without active inflammatory lesions.

Results:

All three patients presented with CSE that was attributed to DAL and so was discontinued.

Conclusion:

These case reports illustrate that, aside from seizures, de novo CSE is a potential complication of MS patients treated with DAL.
Thinking about ethnicity and gender diversity in children and young people
Authors: de Graaf Nastasja M , Manjra Ilham I , Hames Anna , Zitz Claudia
Published: October 2018

Background:

Little is known about how social and cultural variants interact with gender identity development. This article aims to identify the ethnicities of children and young people referred to the United Kingdom’s national Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS), and compare the ethnicity data with the UK child population and referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

Methods:

GIDS referrals made between April 2012 and April 2015 for children and young people were retrieved. Ethnicity data were obtained by the ‘16 + 1’ ethnicity list. Chi-square and t-tests were performed on the demographics.

Results:

Less than 10% of the 995 referrals at GIDS were from Black and minority ethnic (BME) groups – an underrepresentation as compared with both the national population and CAMHS figures. No significant differences in ethnic representation were found between the demographic birth-assigned sexes, across age groups, or year of referral.

Conclusions:

Hypotheses proposed for this underrepresentation take into account both the potential barriers to accessing services and the possibility of cross-cultural variations in the conceptualisations of gender, gender roles and gender diversity. Ethnicity, culture and religion, and their overlapping relationship with gender need further exploration.
Ticking boxes or meaningful partnership – The experience of lay representation, participant and study partner involvement in Brains for Dementia Research
Authors: Hayes Gillian , Costello Helen , Nurock Shirley , Cornwall A , Francis Paul
Published: October 2018

Brains for Dementia Research is a planned brain donation project with serial assessments during life. Lay input helped conceive and shape Brains for Dementia Research and over time a growing number of lay volunteers have engaged with the project in almost all areas of activity. Lay representatives serve on the management and tissue banking committees, have spoken at recruitment and team events, and have reviewed all public and participant facing communications. Recruitment and retention has been greatly facilitated through lay involvement with community organisations and creating regional/national media opportunities. The experience of Brains for Dementia Research has been that involvement of the public and study participants has the greatest positive impact on study outcomes when the relationship is a genuine partnership. Purposeful inclusivity allows lay people to contribute in situations where professionals might otherwise dominate. Maintaining an environment where both lay and professional staff can think creatively, express ideas and opinions, problem-solve and work well together has had a synergistic effect on project outcomes. Ensuring good communication between the various professionals and lay representatives has also been part of the success in keeping the cohort flexible and able to respond to the changing landscape of clinical trials, the emergence of ‘big data’ and to maximise the future potential of the cohort. Our lay representatives may also be study participants, study partners, or have personal experience of dementia and bring an energy, enthusiasm and commitment to what they do, that in turn encourages the professional team.
Torso height optimization for bipedal locomotion
Authors: Hildebrandt Arne-Christoph , Ritt Konstantin , Wahrmann Daniel , Wittmann Robert , Sygulla Felix , Seiwald Philipp , Rixen Daniel , Buschmann Thomas
Published: October 2018

Bipedal robots can be better alternatives to other robots in certain applications, but their full potential can only be used if their entire kinematic range is cleverly exploited. Generating motions that are not only dynamically feasible but also take into account the kinematic limits as well as collisions in real time is one of the main challenges towards that goal. We present an approach to generate adaptable torso height trajectories to exploit the full kinematic range in bipedal locomotion. A simplified 2D model approximates the robot’s full kinematic model for multiple steps ahead. It is used to optimize the torso height trajectories while taking future motion kinematics into account. The method significantly improves the robot’s motion not only while walking in uneven terrain, but also during normal walking. Furthermore, we integrated the method in our framework for autonomous walking and we validated its real-time character in successfully conducted experiments.
Service-learning: A survey of experiences in Spain
Authors: Folgueiras Pilar , Aramburuzabala Pilar , Opazo Hector , Mugarra Aitziber , Ruiz Antonio
Published: October 2018

Service-learning is a teaching methodology that promotes students’ learning through active participation in experiences of community service. This methodology allows students to engage directly with those to whom it offers a needs- and context-adapted service, very often outside the classroom. While there are numerous projects that follow the service-learning methodology, surveys of experiences carried out at higher education level remain scarce. We performed a survey study with 424 undergraduate students participating in service-learning projects in order to identify the type and level of student participation, the skills and competences acquired; the characteristics of services provided; and the levels of satisfaction of students taking part. We found that the students had a positive perception of the effects of their participation; that the skills and competences developed were primarily teamwork, ethical commitment, adapting to new situations and problem-solving; and that the usefulness of the service was mainly in moral development and commitment.
Fiber-optic distributed acoustic sensing of microseismicity, strain and temperature during hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Karrenbach Martin , Cole Steve , Ridge Andrew , Boone Kevin , Kahn Dan , Rich Jamie , Silver Ken , Langton David
Published: October 2018

Hydraulic fracturing operations in unconventional reservoirs are typically monitored using geophones located either at the surface or in the adjacent wellbores. A new approach to record hydraulic stimulations uses fiber-optic distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). A fiber-optic cable was installed in a treatment well in the Meramec formation to monitor the hydraulic fracture stimulation of an unconventional reservoir. A variety of physical effects, such as temperature, strain, and microseismicity are measured and correlated with the treatment program during hydraulic fracturing of the well containing the fiber and also an adjacent well. The analysis of this DAS data set demonstrates that current fiber-optic technology provides enough sensitivity to detect a considerable number of microseismic events and that these events can be integrated with temperature and strain measurements for comprehensive hydraulic fracture monitoring.
Microsatellite Instability Is Associated With the Presence of Lynch Syndrome Pan-Cancer
Authors: Latham Alicia , Srinivasan Preethi , Kemel Yelena , Shia Jinru , Bandlamudi Chaitanya , Mandelker Diana , Middha Sumit , Hechtman Jaclyn , Zehir Ahmet , Dubard-Gault Marianne , Tran Christina , Stewart Carolyn , Sheehan Margaret , Penson Alexander , DeLair Deborah , Yaeger Rona , Vijai Joseph , Mukherjee Semanti , Galle Jesse , Dickson Mark A. , Janjigian Yelena , O’Reilly Eileen M. , Segal Neil , Saltz Leonard B. , Reidy-Lagunes Diane , Varghese Anna M. , Bajorin Dean , Carlo Maria I. , Cadoo Karen , Walsh Michael F. , Weiser Martin , Aguilar Julio Garcia , Klimstra David S. , Diaz Luis A. , Baselga Jose , Zhang Liying , Ladanyi Marc , Hyman David M. , Solit David B. , Robson Mark E. , Taylor Barry S. , Offit Kenneth , Berger Michael F. , Stadler Zsofia K.
Published: October 2018

PURPOSE

Microsatellite instability (MSI) and/or mismatch repair deficiency (MMR-D) testing has traditionally been performed in patients with colorectal (CRC) and endometrial cancer (EC) to screen for Lynch syndrome (LS)–associated cancer predisposition. The recent success of immunotherapy in high-frequency MSI (MSI-H) and/or MMR-D tumors now supports testing for MSI in all advanced solid tumors. The extent to which LS accounts for MSI-H across heterogeneous tumor types is unknown. Here, we establish the prevalence of LS across solid tumors according to MSI status.

METHODS

MSI status was determined using targeted next-generation sequencing, with tumors classified as MSI-H, MSI-indeterminate, or microsatellite-stable. Matched germline DNA was analyzed for mutations in LS-associated mismatch repair genes ( MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, EPCAM). In patients with LS with MSI-H/I tumors, immunohistochemical staining for MMR-D was assessed.

RESULTS

Among 15,045 unique patients (more than 50 cancer types), LS was identified in 16.3% (53 of 326), 1.9% (13 of 699), and 0.3% (37 of 14,020) of patients with MSI-H, MSI-indeterminate, and microsatellite-stable tumors, respectively ( P < .001). Among patients with LS with MSI-H/I tumors, 50% (33 of 66) had tumors other than CRC/EC, including urothelial, prostate, pancreas, adrenocortical, small bowel, sarcoma, mesothelioma, melanoma, gastric, and germ cell tumors. In these patients with non-CRC/EC tumors, 45% (15 of 33) did not meet LS genetic testing criteria on the basis of personal/family history. Immunohistochemical staining of LS-positive MSI-H/I tumors demonstrated MMR-D in 98.2% (56 of 57) of available cases.

CONCLUSION

MSI-H/MMR-D is predictive of LS across a much broader tumor spectrum than currently appreciated. Given implications for cancer surveillance and prevention measures in affected families, these data support germline genetic assessment for LS for patients with an MSI-H/MMR-D tumor, regardless of cancer type or family cancer history.
Molecular bases for the constitutive photomorphogenic phenotypes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Pham Vinh Ngoc , Xu Xiaosa , Huq Enamul
Published: October 2018

The transition from skotomorphogenesis to photomorphogenesis is regulated in part by the COP1/SPA complex and phytochrome-interacting factors (PIFs) in Arabidopsis. The constitutive photomorphogenic (cop) phenotypes of cop1 and spaQ mutants have been shown to result from a high abundance of positively acting transcription factors. Here, we show that the four major PIF proteins are unstable in cop1 mutants and that overexpression of PIF1, PIF3, PIF4 and PIF5 suppresses cop1 phenotypes in the dark. A comparison of the transcriptome data among cop1, spaQ and pifQ reveals remarkably overlapping gene expression profiles with preferential regulation of PIF direct target genes. Additionally, HFR1 strongly inhibits the in vivo binding and transcriptional activation activity of PIF1 in the dark. Taken together, these data suggest that the cop phenotypes of the cop1 and spaQ mutants are due to a combination of the reduced level of PIFs, increased levels of positively acting transcription factors (e.g. HY5/HFR1) and the HFR1-mediated inhibition of PIF-targeted gene expression in the dark.

This article has an associated ‘The people behind the papers’ interview.
Physical Activity, Television Viewing Time, and DNA Methylation in Peripheral Blood
Authors: VAN ROEKEL ELINE H. , DUGUÉ PIERRE-ANTOINE , JUNG CHOL-HEE , JOO JIHOON E. , MAKALIC ENES , WONG EE MING , ENGLISH DALLAS R. , SOUTHEY MELISSA C. , GILES GRAHAM G. , LYNCH BRIGID M. , MILNE ROGER L.
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Physical activity may affect health via DNA methylation. The epigenetic influences of sedentary behaviors such as television viewing are unknown. We performed a genomewide study of DNA methylation in peripheral blood in relation to physical activity and television viewing time.

Methods

DNA methylation was measured using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450K BeadChip array in blood samples collected at baseline (N = 5513) and follow-up (N = 1249) from participants in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. At baseline, times per week of leisure-time physical activity were self-reported. At follow-up, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess MET-hours per week of total and leisure-time physical activity and hours per day of television viewing time. Linear mixed models were used to assess associations between physical activity and television viewing measures and DNA methylation at individual CpG sites, adjusted for potential confounders and batch effects.

Results

At follow-up, total physical activity was associated with DNA methylation at cg10266336 (P = 6.0 × 10−9), annotated to the SAA2 gene. Weaker evidence of associations (P < 1.0 × 10−5) were observed for an additional 14 CpG sites with total physical activity, for 7 CpG sites with leisure-time physical activity, and for 9 CpG sites with television viewing time. Changes in leisure-time physical activity between baseline and follow-up were associated with methylation changes (P < 0.05) at four of the seven CpG sites with weaker evidence of cross-sectional associations with leisure-time physical activity.

Conclusion

Physical activity and television viewing may be associated with blood DNA methylation, a potential pathway to chronic disease development. Further research using accelerometer data and larger sample sizes is warranted.
The Decline, Rebound, and Further Rise in SNAP Enrollment: Disentangling Business Cycle Fluctuations and Policy Changes
Authors: Ganong Peter , Liebman Jeffrey B.
Published: October 2018

One-in-seven Americans received benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in 2011, an all-time high. We analyze changes in program enrollment over the past two decades, quantifying the contributions of unemployment and state policy changes. Using instrumental variables to address measurement error, we estimate that a 1 percentage point increase in unemployment raises enrollment by 15 percent. Unemployment explains most of the decrease in enrollment in the late 1990s, state policy changes explain more of the increase in enrollment in the early 2000s, and unemployment explains most of the increase in enrollment in the aftermath of the Great Recession. (JEL E24, E32, H53, H75, I12, I18, I58)
Economy
Authors: Нуралиев Сиражудин , Nuraliev Sirazhudin , Нуралиева Диана , Nuralieva Diana
Published: October 2018

The textbook presents the issues of effective functioning of the market economy, the main tasks and directions of development of the enterprise in the market, the problems of planning economic activities and improving the efficiency of resource use at the enterprise level. The issues of macroeconomic balance and macroeconomic regulation of the market, the problems of inflation and unemployment, especially the monetary and fiscal policy of the state at the macroeconomic level.
Meets the requirements of the Federal state educational standard of higher education of the last generation.
For undergraduate students enrolled in the enlarged group of areas of training "Economics and management", as well as for managers and specialists of enterprises and organizations, public authorities and public organizations
Time to end centralisation?
Authors: Sanders David
Published: October 2018

What impact will downgrading smaller hospitals have on patients?
Heading for a fall?
Authors: Alderson Derek
Published: October 2018

Is the current model for surgical workforce planning sustainable?
A narrow dispute
Authors: Wheeler Robert
Published: October 2018

Each month we take a close look at a recent legal case with implications for the surgical profession.
When does evidence from clinical trials influence health policy? A qualitative study of officials in nine African countries of the factors behind the HIV policy decision to adopt Option B+
Authors: DuVal Gordon , Shah Seema
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The appropriate role of evidence in health policy decision making is controversial and requires more data on how decisions are actually made. Option B+ is a strategy to prevent mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV that involves starting pregnant, HIV-positive women on triple drug antiretroviral therapy (ART) and continuing for life. It was rapidly adopted by sub-Saharan African countries with limited scientific evidence for its efficacy and safety, without waiting for the results from an ongoing randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing PMTCT strategies.

Methods

We interviewed 14 senior HIV policymakers in nine sub-Saharan African countries about factors influencing their adoption of Option B+.

Results

While scientific evidence was important to the decision to adopt Option B+, policymakers were persuaded by data that did not come from RCTs. Other factors also played an important role including: evidence for ancillary benefits, simplicity, alignment with other values and priorities, and ease of integration with existing programmes.

Conclusions

In adopting Option B+, gold-standard scientific evidence played a relatively minor role; other considerations were more important. Future research could help researchers determine whether these factors are influential in other contexts and to develop evidence that is more responsive to the needs of policymakers.
Improving the enabling environment for evidence-informed policymaking: an example from Indonesia
Authors: Jackson Elisabeth , Pellini Arnaldo , Prasetiamartati Budiati
Published: October 2018

Background:

Indonesia’s growth and prosperity as a lower-middle-income country hinges on the ability of policymakers to develop effective public policies based on evidence. Yet Indonesia’s policy and regulatory environment does not support the production of high-quality evidence and its use in policymaking.

Key points for discussion:

This article examines an international donor programme which aims to build sustainable capacity for evidence-informed policymaking by improving this enabling environment. The article reflects on the programme’s experience in working with local stakeholders to reform public procurement regulations to make commissioning of research easier. This experience suggests that facilitating stakeholders to work together to define a problem and break it down into its component parts helps generate realistic entry points and feasible solutions. It also suggests that a focus on purposively expanding the space for reform is necessary throughout the reform process. Leadership by individuals with decision-making authority is critical, as is building consensus around problems and maintaining momentum for solving them. Most importantly, to work effectively, programme staff and facilitators need to engage with the political economy of the policy problem.

Conclusion and implications:

This experience provides lessons for those seeking to support the systems that underpin evidence-informed policymaking in other middle-income country contexts.
Sustainable clothing from the older female user’s perspective
Authors: DeLong Marilyn , Min Seoha , Casto Mary Alice , Lee Yoon Kyung
Published: October 2018

This research explores clothing sustainability from the perspective of female users over age 50 and their report of their experiences with long-used clothing. Participants included 50 US and 50 South Korean consumers who were asked to respond to a survey of eight open-ended questions concerning sustainable clothing in their wardrobes and probing for attributes and sustainable strategies related to selected clothing they still wore. Interviews with selected survey participants were conducted to probe further for attributes of the long-used and favoured garments. Data were analysed and summarized. Participant’s relationship to clothing and cultural background was considered by comparing responses of participants originating from the two cultures. The research provides insightful perspectives for the apparel industry, specifically for designers and users seeking to achieve sustainability by encouraging selection of clothing for potential extended use and hence implications for sustainable design of the future.
Emotional Fit: Developing a new fashion methodology with older women
Authors: Townsend Katherine , Sissons Juliana , Sadkowska Ania
Published: October 2018

This article reports on a user-centred methodological approach towards fashion design for older women (55+). Referred to as the ‘baby boomers’, the women in this study are the product of the cultural revolution of the 1960s, who consequently have a strong sense of their own agency, as conveyed through their clothing and style, but now find themselves stepping into the unknown territory of a limited clothing market. The majority of fashion brands and stores aim at younger consumers, and with some notable exceptions, it is mainly high and niche designer labels who are offering stylish garments that complement the changing bodies of an older generation women with strong aesthetic values. In response to this negative scenario, three researchers have developed an original practice-based research methodology that synthesizes fashion and textile design practices with interpretative phenomenological analysis. The emerging holistic, co-design and user-centred approach uniquely responds to both the physical and emotional needs of an ageing female demographic highlighting the need for more holistic clothing design models.
My little princess: Exploring mothers’ experiences of their daughter’s parasocial relationships with Disney princesses
Authors: Newman Melissa J.
Published: October 2018

The proliferation of the Disney Princess line of media and products has been a pervasive part of American culture for several decades. In this study, mothers of young girls were interviewed to better understand how they restrict their children’s parasocial relationships (PSR) with Disney princesses as a result of their peer reference group influence. Results suggest that mothers were cautious of too much Disney Princess media consumption by their young girls but they did not go to extreme measures to prevent them from having a PSR with a Disney Princess character. Although some mothers felt the pressure of social comparison most were primarily concerned with their daughter’s healthy social development and representation of good role models in the princess-related movies and products.
MENJAGA KEPERCAYAAN INVESTOR MELALUI KASUS TAX EVASION APPLE INC. DI IRLANDIA: LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Korniawan Rostamaji
Published: October 2018

This paper studies about the Apple Inc. case in Ireland. The European Commission found out indications of tax evasion by Apple Inc. As one of important investors in Ireland, the case becomes a consideration for the Ireland government to maintain a condusive investment climate. This paper aims to understand how did Apple Inc. withstand the severe trust problem they are facing in Ireland. In order to do that, literature review method is used systematically in this paper. Overall, the study finds that one of the important aspects is the Irish government policy support. The support basically is the international relation political strategy between the Irish government and Apple Inc. From this case, Indonesia should take lesson learned in order to improve investors’ confidence in Indonesia, especially after the implementation of ASEAN Economic Community is implemented.Keywords: tax evasion, Apple Inc., Ireland, investor trustAbstrakTulisan ini mengkaji kasus Apple Inc. yang terjadi di Irlandia. Komisi Uni Eropa menemukan adanya indikasi penghindaran pajak (tax evasion) yang dilakukan Apple Inc. Sebagai salah satu investor di Irlandia, kasus ini tentu menjadi pertimbangan bagi pemerintah Irlandia dalam memelihara iklim investasi yang berkesinambungan. Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk melihat aspek yang mempengaruhi Apple Inc. yang sampai saat ini tetap bertahan di Irlandia ketika permasalahan yang berat telah menggoyahkan kepercayaan perusahaan tersebut. Untuk menemukan aspek tersebut, kasus ini dipelajari dengan menggunakan metode literatur review secara sistematis. Secara keseluruhan, kajian ini menemukan bahwa dukungan kebijakan pemerintah Irlandia menjadi salah satu aspek penting bagi keputusan Apple Inc. Dukungan tersebut pada dasarnya merupakan strategi politik hubungan internasional pemerintah Irlandia dan Apple Inc. Melalui kasus ini pula, Indonesia dapat mengambil pelajaran yang diperlukaan untuk meningkatkan kepercayaan investor di Indonesia, terutama setelah diberlakukannya komunitas Masyarakat Ekonomi ASEAN.Kata kunci: tax evasion, Apple Inc., Irlandia, kepercayaan investor