bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Optimal Timing of Restaging Resection before Introduction of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Immunotherapy in Patients with High-Risk Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Krajewski Wojciech , Zdrojowy Romuald , Dembowski Janusz , Poletajew Sławomir , Wróbel Michał , Łuczak Mateusz , Tukiendorf Andrzej , Kolodziej Anna
Published: September 2018

Introduction: The study aimed to analyze the influence of restaging transurethral resection of bladder tumor (reTURB) timing on outcomes in patients receiving Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy. Material and Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 491 patients with bladder cancer receiving BCG intravesical therapy between 1998 and 2016. All patients were followed up for at least 12 months and received at least 7 BCG instillations. The patients were analyzed in terms of recurrence free, progression free, and cancer specific survival (CSS). Results: Median follow-up was 57 months (12–257 months). The risk for all analyzed clinical events was higher in patients who underwent reTURB after 6 weeks from primary TURB. After the change point of 57 days after primary resection, further delay was not associated with increased risk of recurrence and progression. The time limit for CSS was 76 days. With every 1 more day of time interval between TURB and reTURB, the risk of each clinical event in follow-up increased by 4%. Conclusions: There is no benefit of the reTURB performed after 8 weeks from primary TURB. Optimal timing of reTURB is from 2 to 6 weeks after initial TURB. However, even within this time frame, the sooner the procedure is performed, the risk of recurrence, progression, or cancer-specific death is lower.
Can We Improve Vaginal Tissue Healing Using Customized Devices: 3D Printing and Biomechanical Changes in Vaginal Tissue
Authors: Hakim Julie , Smith P. Alex , Singh Manmohan , Han Zhaolong , Raghunathan Raksha , Wyman Omar , Guffey Danielle , Larin Kirill V. , Cohn William , Dietrich Jennifer E.
Published: September 2018

Background: Determining biomechanical changes in vaginal tissue with tissue stretch is critical for understanding the role of mechanotransduction on vaginal tissue healing. Noncontact dynamic optical coherence elastography (OCE) can quantify biomechanical changes in vaginal tissues noninvasively. Improved vaginal tissue healing will reduce postoperative complications from vaginal surgery. Aims: (1) To complete dimensional assessments (DAs) of the vaginal tract. (2) To elucidate biomechanical properties (BMP) of porcine vaginal tissues (PVT). (3) Compare BMPs of piglet and adult PVTs after placement of customized vaginal dilators (VD) by OCE and uniaxial mechanical testing (MT). Methods: Pilot study using adult nulliparous pig and piglet PVTs (n = 20 each). DA of PVTs was performed using silicone molding. 3D-printed VDs were used to achieve different Relative Diameter Change (RDC) of the PVTs (no dilatation, and -50%, 0%, 50% RDC). Elastographic testing using OCE and MT. Results: Using OCE, no significant differences (SD) were noted between adult and piglet PVT (p = 0.74) or by stretch direction (p = 0.300). SD was noted with increasing RDC (p = 0.023). Using MT, there were SD in tissue stiffness between adult and piglet PVT (p = 0.048), but no SD as a function of RDC (p = 0.750) or stretch direction (p = 0.592). Conclusions: This study quantified biomechanical changes in PVT with customized stretching by 3D printed VD using both OCE and MT. This work has implications for the mechanotransduction of vaginal wound healing and noninvasive assessment of vaginal diseases.
Infants’ and Young Children’s Preferences for Prosocial over Antisocial Others
Authors: Hamlin J. Kiley , Van de Vondervoort Julia W.
Published: September 2018

The nature of moral judgments is continuously debated by developmental psychologists. For instance, are moral judgments reason-based and/or emotion-based, and to what extent are moral judgments experience-dependent versus experience-independent? This paper discusses how methodological concerns impact the investigation of moral judgments and provides an emotion-based intuitive definition of morality that encourages the empirical exploration of whether moral evaluations emerge in the absence of relevant experience and before complex reasoning abilities arise. Evidence is reviewed suggesting that preverbal infants evaluate third parties based on their morally relevant acts, positively evaluating prosocial others and negatively evaluating antisocial others. Several unanswered questions are considered, including to what extent infants’ evaluations are rooted in emotion and whether they distinguish social versus moral concerns.
Right and Left Heart Function in Lowlanders with COPD at Altitude: Data from a Randomized Study
Authors: Lichtblau Mona , Latshang Tsogyal D. , Furian Michael , Müller-Mottet Séverine , Küest Silke , Tanner Felix , Grünig Ekkehard , Bloch Konrad E. , Ulrich Silvia
Published: September 2018

Background: Changes in pulmonary hemodynamics and cardiac function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) traveling to altitude have not been assessed despite an increasing prevalence of the disease. Objectives: We hypothesized that pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) significantly increases and cardiac function deteriorates during exposure to hypobaric hypoxia as encountered by traveling to moderate altitude or air flight. Methods: A total of 37 patients (17 female; median age [quartiles] 66 years [60; 69] with COPD GOLD grade 2–3 [FEV1 57% predicted (49; 71)]) living < 800 m underwent echocardiography in Zurich (490 m) and after 1 night at Davos Jakobshorn (2,590 m) in a randomized order of allocation. Results: The transtricuspid pressure gradient increased from 23 mm Hg (18; 29) to 32 mm Hg (25; 41) (p < 0.0001; Δmedian [95% CI] 7.5 [2.0; 13.0]), the right ventricular fractional area change decreased from 45% (39; 49) to 38% (33; 43) (p = 0.002), while the heart rate and systolic blood pressure increased from 70 bpm (64; 78) to 82 bpm (70; 86) (p < 0.0001) and from 133 mm Hg (123; 141) to 136 mm Hg (126; 148) (p = 0.002), respectively, and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was more prevalent (24–54%, p = 0.02). Conclusions: This is a first study assessing changes in pulmonary hemodynamics and cardiac function in patients with COPD during a short altitude sojourn. Despite the increase in PAP and indications of change in cardiac function, the exposure was well tolerated. None of the patients had to descend to lower altitude for symptomatic altitude-related disease.
Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Neural Processing of Agoraphobia-Specific Stimuli in Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia
Authors: Wittmann André , Schlagenhauf Florian , Guhn Anne , Lueken Ulrike , Elle Manja , Stoy Meline , Liebscher Carolin , Bermpohl Felix , Fydrich Thomas , Pfleiderer Bettina , Bruhn Harald , Gerlach Alexander L. , Straube Benjamin , Wittchen Hans-Ulrich , Arolt Volker , Heinz Andreas , Kircher Tilo , Ströhle Andreas
Published: September 2018

Background: Patients suffering from panic disorder and agoraphobia are significantly impaired in daily life due to anxiety about getting into a situation due to apprehension about experiencing a panic attack, especially if escape may be difficult. Dysfunctional beliefs and behavior can be changed with cognitive behavioral therapy; however, the neurobiological effects of such an intervention on the anticipation and observation of agoraphobia-specific stimuli are unknown. Methods: We compared changes in neural activation by measuring the blood oxygen level-dependent signal of 51 patients and 51 healthy controls between scans before and those after treatment (group by time interaction) during anticipation and observation of agoraphobia-specific compared to neutral pictures using 3-T fMRI. Results: A significant group by time interaction was observed in the ventral striatum during anticipation and in the right amygdala during observation of agoraphobia-specific pictures; the patients displayed a decrease in ventral striatal activation during anticipation from pre- to posttreatment scans, which correlated with clinical improvement measured with the Mobility Inventory. During observation, the patients displayed decreased activation in the amygdala. These activational changes were not observed in the matched healthy controls. Conclusions: For the first time, neural effects of cognitive behavioral therapy were shown in patients suffering from panic disorder and agoraphobia using disorder-specific stimuli. The decrease in activation in the ventral striatum indicates that cognitive behavioral therapy modifies anticipatory anxiety and may ameliorate abnormally heightened salience attribution to expected threatening stimuli. The decreased amygdala activation in response to agoraphobia-specific stimuli indicates that cognitive behavioral therapy can alter the basal processing of agoraphobia-specific stimuli in a core region of the fear network.
Value of a Marker Lesion in Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Patients Treated with Interleukin-2 Instillations: A Randomized Controlled Multicentre Trial
Authors: Bosschieter Judith , Nieuwenhuijzen Jakko A. , Hentschel Anouk , Vis André N. , Lissenberg-Witte Birgit I. , den Otter Wim , van Moorselaar R. Jeroen A.
Published: September 2018

Purpose: To compare the effect of intravesical interleukin-2 (IL-2) instillations with and without a marker lesion on time to recurrence (TTR) in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients. Methods: A prospective randomized, controlled trial was conducted. Patients with multiple non-muscle-invasive tumours were randomized for a complete or incomplete transurethral resection (TURBT), followed by 3 IL-2 instillations. The primary end point was TTR. Results: These are the results of an interim analysis, which was performed due to slow accrual after which the study was closed prematurely. Twenty-eight patients were randomized of which 17 were eligible on an intention-to-treat basis. Median TTR or last follow-up was 3 months (interquartile range [IQR] 3–10 months) for the complete and 4 months (IQR 3–8 months) for the incomplete TURBT group. The TTR between the 2 groups did not differ significantly (log-rank, p = 0.54). ­Conclusions: These data do not support the hypothesis that a marker lesion enhances the therapeutic effect of IL-2 instillations in patients with NMIBC.
Comorbidities as an Indication for Metabolic Surgery
Authors: Schwarz Anne-Catherine , Billeter Adrian T. , Scheurlen Katharina M. , Blüher Matthias , Müller-Stich Beat P.
Published: September 2018

Metabolic diseases, comprising type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), dyslipidemia, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), are rapidly increasing worldwide. Conservative medical therapy, including the newly available drugs, has only limited effects and does neither influence survival or the development of micro- or macrovascular complications, nor the progression of NASH to liver cirrhosis, nor the development of hepatocellular carcinomas in the NASH liver. In contrast, metabolic surgery is very effective independent of the preoperative body mass index (BMI) in reducing overall and cardiovascular mortality in patients with T2DM. Furthermore, metabolic surgery significantly reduces the development of micro- and macrovascular complications while being the most effective therapy in order to achieve remission of T2DM and to reach the targeted glycemic control. Importantly, even existing diabetic complications such as nephropathy as well as the features of NASH can be reversed by metabolic surgery. Here, we propose indications for metabolic surgery due to T2DM and NASH based on a simple but objective, disease-specific staging system. We outline the use of the Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS) as a clinical staging system independent of the BMI that will identify patients who will benefit the most from metabolic surgery.
Can Haematology Blood Tests at Time of Diagnosis Predict Response to Neoadjuvant Treatment in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer?
Authors: Ramsay George , Ritchie Duncan T. , MacKay Craig , Parnaby Craig , Murray Graeme , Samuel Leslie
Published: September 2018

Background: Outcomes in locally advanced rectal cancer are improved by neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgical resection. Some patients respond completely to preoperative treatment. Therefore, predicting the pathological response to preoperative therapy is of clinical importance. Accurate prediction would allow for tailored approaches to neoadjuvant therapy. Methods: All patients undergoing resection of rectal adenocarcinoma after neoadjuvant therapy between 2006 and 2015 were included in this cohort study. Patients were identified from a prospectively collected database and data were supplemented retrospectively with full blood count at diagnosis. Specimens resected following neoadjuvant therapy were graded according to pathological response. Follow-up data was obtained from the national registry. The primary outcome was complete pathological response. Results: Of 330 patients, 71 (21.5%) responded completely to preoperative therapy. Median age was 66 and 65% were male (n = 215). White cell count (WCC) was the most predictive marker, for predicting pCR; area under the curve (AUC) 0.666. This was higher than neutrophil/platelet ratio (AUC 0.652) or neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios (AUC = 0.437). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed those patients with WCC > 8 had poorer survival than those with WCC < 8 (p = 0.009). Conclusion: Routinely collected haematology samples at the point of diagnosis can assist in predicting for complete response to neoadjuvant therapy. Although novel biomarkers will have a greater predictive value, this clinically available value test could help to assist in risk stratification of patients using routinely collected laboratory tests.
Tumor Biological Aspects of Epithelial versus Mesenchymal Tumors of the Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Raut Chandrajit P.
Published: September 2018

One of the holy grails of cancer surgery for surgical oncologists is to perform a macroscopically complete resection of the affected organ or site with negative microscopic margins. The surgical oncologist must also be mindful of what constitutes appropriately-sized negative margins. However, what is necessary, based on the best available evidence, can vary considerably for different malignancies arising within the same organ. This review compares two different gastric and rectal malignancies, one each of epithelial and of mesenchymal origin. Data supporting extent of margins will be reviewed, illustrating the importance of knowing the histologic diagnosis prior to surgery to provide proper oncologic care.
Salvianolic Acid A Protects Against Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis Induced by Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Through Activation of Nrf2/HO-1 Pathways
Authors: Zu Guo , Zhou Tingting , Che Ningwei , Zhang Xiangwen
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) adversely affects the intestinal mucosa. The major mechanisms of I/R are the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis. Salvianolic acid A (SalA) is suggested to be an effective antioxidative and antiapoptotic agent in numerous pathological injuries. The present study investigated the protective role of SalA in I/R of the intestine. Methods: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to intestinal I/R injury in vivo. In vitro experiments were performed in IEC-6 cells subjected to hypoxia/ reoxygenation (H/R) stimulation to simulate intestinal I/R. TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase and glutathione peroxidase levels were measured using biochemical analysis. Apoptosis was measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining or flow cytometry in vivo and in vitro. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by dichlorodihydrofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining. Western blotting was performed to determine the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Nrf2 and proteins associated with apoptosis. The mRNA expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in vivo and in vitro. Results: Malondialdehyde level and myeloperoxidase and glutathione peroxidase, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels group in intestinal tissue decreased significantly in the SalA pretreatment groups compared to the I/R group. SalA markedly abolished intestinal injury compared to the I/R group. SalA significantly attenuated apoptosis and increased Nrf2/HO-1 expression in vivo and in vitro. However, Nrf2 siRNA treatment partially abrogated the above mentioned effects of SalA in H/R-induced ROS and apoptosis in IEC-6 cells. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that SalA ameliorated oxidation, inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and alleviated apoptosis in I/R-induced injury and that these protective effects may partially occur via regulation of the Nrf2/ HO-1 pathways.
Oleocanthal Inhibits Catabolic and Inflammatory Mediators in LPS-Activated Human Primary Osteoarthritis (OA) Chondrocytes Through MAPKs/NF-κB Pathways
Authors: Scotece Morena , Conde Javier , Abella Vanessa , López Veronica , Francisco Vera , Ruiz Clara , Campos Victor , Lago Francisca , Gomez Rodolfo , Pino Jesús , Gualillo Oreste
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: Oleocanthal (OC), a phenolic compound present in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), has attracted attention since its discovery for its relevant pharmacological properties in different pathogenic processes, including inflammation. Here, we investigated the involvement of OC in LPS-activated osteoarthritis (OA) human primary chondrocytes. Methods: Human primary chondrocytes were harvested from articular cartilage samples obtained from OA patients. The effects of OC on the viability of chondrocytes were tested by MTT assay. Protein and mRNA expression of several catabolic and pro-inflammatory factors after OC treatment were measured by RT-qPCR and western blot respectively. Moreover, we analysed the NO production by Griess reaction. Finally, several pathways mediators were analysed by western blot. Results: We demonstrated that OC did not have any cytotoxic effect. Oleocanthal inhibited NO production and strongly decreased NOS2 and COX-2 protein and mRNA expression in LPS-activated human primary OA chondrocytes. Interestingly, OC also inhibits MMP-13 and ADAMTS-5. In addition, OC downregulates several pro-inflammatory factors, such as IL-6, IL-8, CCL3, LCN2 and TNF-α induced by LPS in human primary OA chondrocytes. Finally, we demonstrated that OC exerts its effects through the MAPK/P38/NF-kB pathways. Conclusion: These data show that OC is able to block LPS-mediated inflammatory response and MMP-13 and ADAMTS-5 induction in human primary OA chondrocytes via MAPKs/NF-kB pathways, suggesting that OC may be a promising agent for the treatment of inflammation in cartilage and a potential molecule to prevent disease progression by inhibiting metalloproteases and aggrecanases.
Temporally and Spatially Coordinated Expression of Cell Cycle Regulatory Factors After Angioplasty
Authors: Wei Geeyeon Laura , Krasinski Kevin , Kearney Marianne , Isner Jeffrey M. , Walsh Kenneth , Andres Vicente
Published: September 2018

Intimal hyperplasia following angioplasty results in part from the migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, the cell cycle regulatory networks underlying injury-induced VSMC proliferation are largely unknown. In the present study, we examined the kinetics of expression and activity of cell cycle regulatory factors after angioplasty in rat and human arteries. Cell lysates were prepared from uninjured rat carotid arteries and at different time points after balloon denudation. Marked induction of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), the G
1
/S cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk2), and its regulatory subunits (cyclin E and cyclin A) occurred between 1 and 2 days after angioplasty, was sustained up to 10 days after injury, and then declined. Induction of these factors correlated with increased cdk2-, cyclin E-, and cyclin A-dependent kinase activity, indicating the assembly of functional cdk2/cyclin E and cdk2/cyclin A holoenzymes in the injured arterial wall. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed early expression of cdk2, cyclin E, and PCNA within the media of injured carotid arteries. At later time points, expression of these markers declined to basal levels in the media but was detected within the intimal lesion. Thus, VSMC proliferation after angioplasty in the rat carotid artery is associated with a temporally and spatially coordinated expression of cdk2, cyclins E and A, and PCNA. Analysis of human arteries also revealed expression of these factors in VSMCs within restenotic lesions. Thus, cdk2 and its regulatory cyclins may be suitable targets to limit human restenosis.
Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor Directly Inhibits Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Through Akt–Endothelial NO Synthase Pathway
Authors: Ueda Kazutaka , Takano Hiroyuki , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Niitsuma Yuriko , Qin Yingjie , Ohtsuka Masashi , Komuro Issei
Published: September 2018

Objective—

Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been reported recently to prevent cardiac remodeling and dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction through signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). In this study, we examined acute effects of G-CSF on the heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Methods and Results—

Rat hearts were subjected to global 35-minute ischemia and 120-minute reperfusion in Langendorff system with or without G-CSF (300 ng/mL). G-CSF administration was started at the onset of reperfusion. Triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining revealed that G-CSF markedly reduced the infarct size. G-CSF strongly activated Janus kinase 2 (Jak2), STAT3, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), Akt, and endothelial NO synthase (NOS) in the hearts subjected to ischemia followed by 15-minute reperfusion. The G-CSF–induced reduction in infarct size was abolished by inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, Jak2, and NOS but not of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK).

Conclusions—

These results suggest that G-CSF acts directly on the myocardium during ischemia-reperfusion injury and has acute nongenomic cardioprotective effects through the Akt–endothelial NOS pathway.
Degenerative Aortic Valve Stenosis, but not Coronary Disease, Is Associated With Shorter Telomere Length in the Elderly
Authors: Kurz David J. , Kloeckener-Gruissem Barbara , Akhmedov Alexander , Eberli Franz R. , Bühler Ines , Berger Wolfgang , Bertel Osmund , Lüscher Thomas F.
Published: September 2018

Objective—

The mechanisms responsible for the age-related increase in the incidence of calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAS) are unclear but may include telomere-driven cellular senescence. Because telomere length varies widely among individuals of the same age, we hypothesized that patients with shorter telomeres would be prone to develop CAS late in life.

Methods and Results—

Mean telomere length was measured in leukocytes from a cohort of 193 patients ≥70 years of age with and without CAS. Pilot experiments performed in 30 patients with CAS and controls pair-matched for age, sex, and presence or absence of coronary disease demonstrated significantly shorter telomeres in the CAS group both by Southern blot hybridization (5.75±0.55 kbp versus 6.27±0.7 kbp,
P
=0.0023) and by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction-based technique (relative telomere length 0.88±0.19 versus 1.0±0.19,
P
=0.01). This finding was then confirmed in the whole cohort (CAS n=64, controls n=129, relative telomere length=0.86±0.16 versus 0.94±0.12,
P
=0.0003). Both groups were comparable for potential confounding characteristics. Subgroup analysis according to the presence or absence of coronary disease demonstrated no association of this disorder with telomere length.

Conclusions—

In the elderly, calcific aortic stenosis, but not coronary disease, is associated with shorter leukocyte telomere length.
Pericyte-Specific Ninjurin1 Deletion Attenuates Vessel Maturation and Blood Flow Recovery in Hind Limb Ischemia
Authors: Minoshima Akiho , Kabara Maki , Matsuki Motoki , Yoshida Yuri , Kano Kohei , Tomita Yui , Hayasaka Taiki , Horiuchi Kiwamu , Saito Yukihiro , Aonuma Tatsuya , Nishimura Masato , Maruyama Keisuke , Nakagawa Naoki , Sawada Jun , Takehara Naofumi , Hasebe Naoyuki , Kawabe Jun-ichi
Published: September 2018

Objective—

Angiogenesis, entire step from endothelial cells (ECs) sprouts to vascular maturation, is a critical response to ischemia. To form functional mature vessels, interactions between ECs and pericytes are essential. Ninj1 (ninjurin1) is an adhesion molecule that contributes to the pathogenesis of neuroinflammation. We recently demonstrated that Ninj1 is expressed in pericytes during angiogenesis. However, the role of Ninj1 in angiogenesis under pathophysiological ischemic conditions has not yet been elucidated.

Approach and Results—

Ninj1 was detected in microvessels, and its expression was enhanced in ischemic tissues after mouse hindlimb ischemia. Knockdown of
Ninj1
was performed by injection of biodegradable microspheres releasing Ninj1-small interfering RNA into muscle tissues. Alternatively, pericyte-specific
Ninj1
knockout was induced by tamoxifen treatment of NG2-CreERT/Ninj1-flox mice. Ninj1 knockdown/knockout reduced the formation of blood-circulating functional vessels among total CD31
+
microvessels within ischemic tissues and subsequently attenuated color Doppler–assessed blood flow recovery. Ninj1 overexpression enhanced expression of Anpt (angiopoietin) 1, whereas Ninj1 knockdown enhanced the endogenous Anpt1 antagonist, Anpt2 expression in pericytes and inhibited the association of pericytes with ECs and subsequent formation of capillary-like structure, that is, EC tube surrounded with pericytes in 3-dimensional gel culture.

Conclusions—

Our data demonstrate that Ninj1 is involved in the formation of functional matured vessels through the association between pericytes and ECs, resulting in blood flow recovery from ischemia. These findings further the current our understanding of vascular maturation and may support the development of therapeutics for ischemic diseases.
Pilot Study to Compare the Use of End‐Tidal Carbon Dioxide–Guided and Diastolic Blood Pressure–Guided Chest Compression Delivery in a Swine Model of Neonatal Asphyxial Cardiac Arrest
Authors: O'Brien Caitlin E. , Reyes Michael , Santos Polan T. , Heitmiller Sophia E. , Kulikowicz Ewa , Kudchadkar Sapna R. , Lee Jennifer K. , Hunt Elizabeth A. , Koehler Raymond C. , Shaffner Donald H.
Published: September 2018

Background

The American Heart Association recommends use of physiologic feedback when available to optimize chest compression delivery. We compared hemodynamic parameters during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in which either end‐tidal carbon dioxide (
ETCO
2
) or diastolic blood pressure (
DBP
) levels were used to guide chest compression delivery after asphyxial cardiac arrest.

Methods and Results

One‐ to 2‐week‐old swine underwent a 17‐minute asphyxial‐fibrillatory cardiac arrest followed by alternating 2‐minute periods of
ETCO
2
‐guided and
DBP
‐guided chest compressions during 10 minutes of basic life support and 10 minutes of advanced life support. Ten animals underwent resuscitation. We found significant changes to
ETCO
2
and
DBP
levels within 30 s of switching chest compression delivery methods. The overall mean
ETCO
2
level was greater during
ETCO
2
‐guided cardiopulmonary resuscitation (26.4±5.6 versus 22.5±5.2 mm Hg;
P
=0.003), whereas the overall mean
DBP
was greater during
DBP
‐guided cardiopulmonary resuscitation (13.9±2.3 versus 9.4±2.6 mm Hg;
P
=0.003).
ETCO
2
‐guided chest compressions resulted in a faster compression rate (149±3 versus 120±5 compressions/min;
P
=0.0001) and a higher intracranial pressure (21.7±2.3 versus 16.0±1.1 mm Hg;
P
=0.002).
DBP
‐guided chest compressions were associated with a higher myocardial perfusion pressure (6.0±2.8 versus 2.4±3.2;
P
=0.02) and cerebral perfusion pressure (9.0±3.0 versus 5.5±4.3;
P
=0.047).

Conclusions

Using the
ETCO
2
or
DBP
level to optimize chest compression delivery results in physiologic changes that are method‐specific and occur within 30 s. Additional studies are needed to develop protocols for the use of these potentially conflicting physiologic targets to improve outcomes of prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Emotional Responses of Horses to Patients Requiring Therapy
Authors: Pluta Michał , Kędzierski Witold
Published: September 2018

Understanding horses’ attitudes toward cooperation with humans has implications for the welfare of both the horses and people involved. The aim of this study was to evaluate the emotional response of therapeutic horses to their contact with patients. The emotional responses, i.e., behavioral measures and heart rate, of six adult hippotherapeutic horses to three groups of people were tested. These groups included six adult patients with psychomotor disables with no earlier experience with horses, seven healthy adults unfamiliar with horses, and eight healthy adults familiar with horses. Two tests were performed (Person Test and Working Test). There were no significant differences between the response of horses to patients and healthy people in the Person Test. The results of the Working Test indicated that horses’ emotional excitability was lower during hippotherapeutic sessions than during riding school sessions. The contact with patients did not involve emotional excitability in therapeutic horses.
‘My Capitalism Is Bigger than Yours!’
Authors: Pal Maïa
Published: September 2018

This article reviews Alex Anievas and Kerem Nişancıoğlu’sHow the West Came to Rule: The Geopolitical Origins of Capitalism(2015). It argues that the book offers a stimulating and ambitious approach to solving the problems of Eurocentrism and the origins of capitalism in growing critical scholarship in historical sociology and International Relations. However, by focusing on the ‘problem of the international’ and proposing a ‘single unified theory’ based on uneven and combined development, the authors present a history of international relations that trades off methodological openness and legal complexity for a structural and exclusive consequentialism driven by anti-Eurocentrism. By misrepresenting the concept of social-property relations in terms of the internal/external fallacy, and by confusing different types of ‘internalism’ required by early-modern jurisdictional struggles, the book problematically conflates histories of international law and capitalism. These methodological problems are contextualised by examples from the Spanish, French and British empires’ conceptions of sovereignty and jurisdiction and their significant legal actors and processes.
A Combined Argument: Beyond Wallerstein?
Authors: Medved Mladen
Published: September 2018

InHow the West Came to Rule, Alexander Anievas and Kerem Nişancıoğlu offer an alternative to both Political Marxism and world-systems analysis (WSA) by going beyond the nation-state as the unit of analysis in the former and the marginalisation of articulation and combination between modes of production in the latter. Their account also gives more room to non-European actors neglected in other interpretations of the rise of the West. However, I argue that their argument is much closer toWSAand that their critique of Wallerstein regarding Eurocentrism, the origins of capitalism and the role of wage labour in the capitalist world-system is problematic. Furthermore, Anievas and Nişancıoğlu do not offer a sufficiently rigorous definition of combination, leading to an overextension of the concept.
Court of Justice of the European Union (Seventh Chamber) Kerly Del Rosario Martinez Silva v Instituto nazionale della previdenza sociale (INPS) Comune di Genova
Authors: Friðriksdóttir Bjarney
Published: September 2018

This case report provides an account of the issues addressed in the preliminary ruling of the CJEU in Martinez Silva vs. Italy. The case centres on the limitations Member States of the European Union are permitted to apply in granting third-country nationals in employment equal treatment with nationals in social security rights according to Directive 2011/98/EU (the Single Permit Directive). Additionally, the preliminary ruling of the Court is discussed is discussed in the context of the human rights principle of equal treatment as it is enshrined in EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and International Labour Law.
The Right to Family Reunion vs Integration Conditions for Third-Country Nationals
Authors: Dąbrowska-Kłosińska Patrycja
Published: September 2018

The article explores the approach of the Court of Justice of the European Union to the clash between the fundamental right to family reunion and the powers of Member States to protect national identity as a manifestation of sovereignty. The recent case-law pertinent to national measures imposing pre-entry, integration conditions on foreigners and the latter rights under the Directive 2006/83/EC (‘FRD’) on the right of third-country nationals to family reunion provides a basis for the analysis. The aim of this article is to establish and appraise the Court’s approach to the conflict in question. My claim is that the CJEU should have been more restrictive in its reasoning regarding the pre-entry integration measures, and that its interpretation based on individual assessment, proportionality principle and effet utile may not be sufficient for a scrutiny of national powers under FRD. I thus argue that the Court should be more proactive to provide a constitutional, contextual and systemic interpretation of the right to family reunion under the FRD, Article 7 and 24 of the EU Charter and the EU migration law system.
Astral Omina and their Ambiguity: The Case of Mithridates’ Comets
Authors: Panaino Antonio
Published: September 2018

The present article deals with the methodological treatment of the problems connected with the interpretation of a series of astral omina concerning the political life of the Pontus king Mithridates VI Eupator (about 120-63 B.C.), as referred to by Classical authors like Pompeus Trogus (via the Epitomae of Justinus, XXXVII, 2, 1-3) or Seneca (Naturales Quaestiones VII, 15, 2). If some scholars have tried to find the explanation of these events invoking some presumed Iranian religious patterns, this study shows that in reality these attempts are completely groundless, not only with direct reference to the properly Zoroastrian sources, but also to the more complex and pertinent astrological literature. The political use and abuse of these astral events for propaganda needs can be better framed without assuming a pseudo-Iranian favourable vision of the comets or of the falling stars. More reasonably, Mithridates VI, having lived between different cultures, knew well the Mazdean hostile tradition, which considered all these unpredictable celestial bodies as demons, not only and simply for a superstitious hostility, but according to a clearly framed theological interpretation of the world and of its cosmology.
Noah and the Serpent
Authors: Nicolaus Peter
Published: September 2018

The Prophet Noah is not a predominant figure within the Yezidi mythology, and so it should come as no particular surprise that he is often absent from the Yezidi sacred hymns. This peculiarity seems easily explained by the Yezidi cosmogonic myth, which places the emergence of Yezidis as a separate and wholly distinct occurrence from the genesis of the rest of humanity. Hence, a mythical catastrophe reducing mankind to merely one family would certainly contradict said cosmogony. And yet, the tale of “Noah and the Serpent” somehow finds itself recounted within every Yezidi community. The present paper will demonstrate that this veneration of Noah is a remnant of an essential Gnostic myth and has the makings of a Wandersage—containing elements of Central Asian beliefs and Mesopotamian mythology,—which is not only widely attested among the Muslim and Christian neighbours of the Yezidis in Northern Iraq but narrated throughout Asia Minor, Central Asia, as well as South-eastern and Eastern Europe.
Why We Need Corpus Linguistics in Intuition-Based Semantics
Authors: Tarasov Leonid
Published: September 2018

The following method is popular in some areas of philosophy and linguistics when trying to describe the semantics of a given sentence Φ. Present ordinary speakers with scenarios that involve an utterance of Φ, ask them whether these utterances are felicitous or infelicitous and then construct a semantics that assigns the truth-value True to felicitous utterances of Φ and the truth-value False to infelicitous utterances of Φ. The author makes five observations about this intuition-based approach to semantics; their upshot is that it should be revised in favour of a more nuanced method. The author suggests that this method should be based on corpus linguistics and makes some tentative remarks about what it might look like and which questions we need to address in order to develop it.
From Chinese Precious Scrolls to Vietnamese True Scriptures: Transmission and Adaptation of the Miaoshan Story in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyễn Tô Lan , Berezkin Rostislav
Published: September 2018

This article deals with the process of adaptation of Chinese precious scrolls (baojuan) vernacular narratives in Vietnam in the period from the 18th to the early 20th centuries, with the example of the Princess Miaoshan story, which served the popular hagiography of Bodhisattva Guanyin (V. Quan Âm). This story was featured in severalbaojuantexts of the 15th-19th centuries that were transmitted from China to Vietnam in the 18th and 19th centuries. Several Vietnamese adaptations, both in Hán văn and in the indigenous language, transcribed in Nôm characters, were circulated in the printed form. We have collected these adaptations and undertaken a comparative study of the texts, demonstrating the complex nature of the literary exchange between vernacular literature with religious themes in Vietnam and China. We examine the place of these adaptations in traditional Vietnamese culture and demonstrate the differences in the social background of the original Chinesebaojuanand their Vietnamese adaptations.
A new species of Cylindrophis Wagler, 1828 (Reptilia: Squamata: Cylindrophiidae) from Boano Island, northern Maluku Province, Indonesia
Authors: KIECKBUSCH MAX , MADER FELIX , KAISER HINRICH , MECKE SVEN
Published: September 2018

We describe a new species of snake of the genus Cylindrophis Wagler, 1828 from Boano Island, northern Maluku         Province, Indonesia. Cylindrophis osheai sp. nov. differs from all congeners by a combination of the following eidonomic characters: (1) 19 dorsal scale rows at midbody; (2) 224−226 ventral scales; (3) 8−9 subcaudal scales; (4) 25−28 dark ventral blotches, aligned to form a broad, wavy stripe along most of the body; (5) a dark ventral pattern that is completely separated from the dark dorsal coloration; (6) an almost completely dark ventral surface on the tail; (7) a dark bar running from the eye through the 3rd and 4th supralabials to the mouth; and (8) a dark, double-diamond-shaped ventral blotch in the area immediately posterior to the genials. Eidonomic species separation from other Cylindrophis species is supported by differences in cranial osteology, as elucidated by micro-computed tomography images. Diagnostic features of the cranium include (1) well-developed postorbitofrontals that project laterally beyond the maxilla in dorsal view, creating a characteristic, horn-like appearance; (2) a broad parietal with a bulbous middle section; (3) 10–12 maxillary teeth; (4) nine        palatine teeth; (5) 7–9 teeth on the pterygoid; and (6) 11–13 teeth on the dentary. We also provide notes on the taxonomic history of Cylindrophis melanotus Wagler, 1828 and an identification key to the Moluccan species of the genus.
A new edible cricket species from Africa of the genus Scapsipedus
Authors: TANGA CHRYSANTUS M. , MAGARA HENLAY J. O. , AYIEKO MONICA A. , COPELAND ROBERT S. , KHAMIS FATHIYA M. , MOHAMED SAMIRA A. , OMBURA FIDELIS L. O. , NIASSY SALIOU , SUBRAMANIAN SEVGAN , FIABOE KOMI K. M. , ROOS NANNA , EKESI SUNDAY , HUGEL SYLVAIN
Published: September 2018

A new cricket of the genus Scapsipedus is described from Kenya. The distribution, acoustic behavior, including call and courtship song, mitochondrial sequences, and data on the biology of that new species are given. This edible cricket is a very promising species for mass production for food and feed.
Examining the Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Resident Attitude Formation: A Missing Link?
Authors: Li Xiang (Robert) , Wang Yuan , Zhang Yingsha , Cao Yang
Published: September 2018

Resident attitude toward the development of individual commercial tourism projects (e.g., theme parks and resorts) has not been well analyzed in tourism literature. In this study, the authors explored the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in understanding residents’ attitudes toward a high-profile tourism project in its initial building stage. Four models were proposed to evaluate the role of CSR in resident attitude formation. Model comparison results suggest that the moderation model (i.e., CSR moderates the effect of perceived impacts on resident attitude) appears to be statistically and conceptually sound. The results reveal that CSR positively affects resident attitude and enhances the effect of environmental tourism impacts on resident attitude at the city level. Theoretical and empirical implications are discussed.
Current and Expected Economic Hardship and Satisfaction With Family Life in Europe
Authors: Blom Niels , Kraaykamp Gerbert , Verbakel Ellen
Published: September 2018

This study investigated how people’s satisfaction with their family life is influenced by economic circumstances. Expectations were formulated that people who experienced or expected economic hardship would be less satisfied with their family life. Additionally, it was hypothesized that current and expected economic hardship would amplify each other’s consequences on satisfaction, and that current and expected economic hardship was more harmful for people with children and when the rise of unemployment in a country was larger. Multilevel analyses were conducted using a sample from the European Quality of Life Survey 2012 ( N = 13,013 in 30 countries). Results indeed indicated that people who experienced or expected economic hardship were less satisfied with their family life. Expecting a financial decline was (slightly) more harmful for people in larger families. Generally, current and expected economic problems were not more harmful for parents or when a country’s rise of unemployment was larger.
Revisiting neoliberalism in the oceans: Governmentality and the biopolitics of ‘improvement’ in the Irish and European fisheries
Authors: Bresnihan Patrick
Published: September 2018

Foucault’s account of the emergence of biopolitics in the late 18th century helps frame the political economy of ‘improvements’ as an environmental project linked to the well-being of the population. Since the 1970s, biopolitical concerns have shifted towards non-human populations and the reproduction of natural resources and ecosystems. This has become evident in the European fisheries, where after decades of exploitation greatly intensified since the 1960s, the extractive demands of the fishing industry have caught up with the reproductive capacities of most commercially targeted fish stocks. This contradiction has given rise to a new political economy of ‘improvements’ that seeks to sustain the biological health of commercially targeted fish populations while maintaining an economically profitable fishing industry. Central to this transition is the active role that fishers are expected to play in sustainably managing the fish stocks they exploit while adapting to ‘green’ market opportunities. Tradeable quota systems, eco-accreditation schemes and community-based resource management have all emerged as managerial strategies for inciting the active participation of fishers in this ‘common’ project of sustainable development. Drawing on Foucault’s perspective of governmentality, this paper argues that these strategies represent distinct but overlapping apparatuses of neoliberal governmentality that are representative of broader tendencies within environmental governance today.
Advanced Woody Biomass Logistics for Co-Firing in Existing Coal Power Plant: Case Study of the Great Lakes States
Authors: Ko Sangpil , Lautala Pasi
Published: September 2018

One of the core decisions on securing the supply of biomass to co-firing power plants is the design of a proper logistics system. Though technologies have been developed to improve the characteristics of feedstock, their effects in the logistics systems have received less attention. This paper compares the conventional woody biomass logistics system with the advanced woody biomass logistics system that includes the torrefaction process to upgrade the feedstock. More specifically, this study uses a mixed integer linear program to integrate conventional and advanced biomass logistics and applies them to a case study of 26 coal power plants in the Great Lakes states to determine the most feasible logistics system for each plant. The results revealed that the amount of cost savings from the advanced woody biomass logistics depends on the capacity and location of the power plant. To categorize the cost savings of individual plants, it was found that plants can be divided into seven groups based on three parameters: 1) annual coal tonnage shipped (total capacity), 2) availability of biomass in the vicinity, and 3) average distance from biomass collecting sites. Overall savings from advanced logistics were small, but plants within each of the groups demonstrated similar cost reductions. The sensitivity analysis showed that trucking costs and feedstock purchasing costs were most sensitive to variation. From torrefaction effects, energy content after torrefaction had more significance than mass reduction.
Australian Adolescents’ Experiences of Aggression and Abuse by Intimate Partners
Authors: Daff Elizabeth S. , McEwan Troy E. , Luebbers Stefan
Published: September 2018

International research has shown that intimate partner abuse affects many young people throughout adolescence. Despite a recent focus on family and intimate partner violence in Australia, there is almost no Australian data on the frequency or nature of youth intimate partner abuse (YIPA). The current study sought to better understand the frequency and nature of YIPA in Australian adolescents. To this end, 423 participants aged between 14 and 18 from Victorian (Australian) high schools completed an anonymous questionnaire regarding experiences of perpetration and victimization in their most difficult intimate relationship. Results showed high rates of both YIPA victimization and perpetration among boys and girls who had been in intimate relationships. As was expected, verbally and psychologically aggressive behaviors were reported more frequently than physically or sexually aggressive actions. Mutual YIPA was detected more frequently than unidirectional YIPA, and most commonly involved high severity reciprocal aggression. The current study further confirmed that YIPA is a complex and heterogeneous issue, involving a range of behaviors, patterns of use, and severities. A gender-sensitive approach to the current study allowed for consideration of the similarities and differences between male and female experiences of YIPA. The current study provides a novel method of ascertaining both the frequency and severity of YIPA experiences in a sample of young people, expands on both Australian and international literature, and identifies important gender considerations for future research.