bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal Replacement Therapy in Acute Renal Failure: Which Index is Best for Dialysis dose Quantification?
Authors: Ratanarat R. , Permpikul C. , Ronco C.
Published: January 2018

Background

The “delivered dose” of dialysis may significantly affect the outcome of acute renal failure (ARF) patients requiring dialysis. Our study aimed to elucidate which dose quantification method offers an appropriate parameter to compare different treatments in ARF patients.

Methods

Six sustained low-efficiency daily dialysis (SLEDD), and 7 continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) patients with a prescribed Kt/V of 1.0 were studied during a single treatment. CVVH was studied over the first 24 hours after initiation. SLEDD was performed for 6–12 h. Solute clearance (K) was determined by direct dialysate quantification (DDQ). The single-pool Kt/V (spKt/V), equilibrated Kt/V (eqKt/V), equivalent renal urea clearance (EKRc), and solute removal index (SRI) were calculated.

Results

There were no significant differences at enrolment between the SLEDD and the CVVH groups in any patient characteristics except for the serum creatinine levels. The prescribed Kt/V of both groups was similar (SLEDD, 0.9±0.22; CVVH, 1.10±0.12, p=NS). The EKRc, which is used to verify kinetic equivalence among patients treated with differing renal replacement therapies (RRT), was higher in CVVH (15.7 in SLEDD; 27.4 in CVVH, p<0.0001), despite the fact that there was no difference between the delivered spKt/V for the SLEDD (1.05±0.40) and the CVVH (1.10±0.11) groups. The values for SRIurea (0.61 in SLEDD; 1.04 in CVVH, p=0.001), SRIcreatinine (0.55 in SLED; 1.02 in CVVH, p<0.0001), and SRIphosphate (1.81 in SLED; 3.60 in CVVH, p=0.03) were higher in CVVH. The EKRc is calculated assuming a steady state, which is an incorrect assumption in ARF patients with hypercatabolism.

Conclusion

The SRI calculated using direct dialysate effluent quantification appears to be more reliable as an index of the dialysis dose compared to other methods in ARF patients. However, the use of the dialysate-side SRI is limited by the difficulty of dialysate effluent collection.
Stem Cells for Mesothelial Repair: An Understudied Modality
Authors: Lucas P.A.
Published: January 2018

Adhesions are bands of fibrous tissue that form between opposing organs and the peritoneum, restricting vital intrapleural and abdominal movement. They remain a major problem in abdominal surgery, occurring in more than three fourths of patients following laparotomy. Adhesions result when injury to the mesothelium is not repaired by mesothelial cells and can be viewed as scar tissue formation. The mechanism of mesothelial healing suggested the involvement of stem cells in the process. It has long been known that peritoneal wounds heal in the same amount of time regardless of size. Therefore, the mesothelium could not regenerate solely by proliferation and centripetal migration of cells at the wound edge as occurs in the healing of skin epithelium. Several studies suggest the presence of i) mesothelial stem cells that can differentiate into mesothelial cells and a few other phenotypes and/or ii) that mesothelial cells are themselves stem cells. Other studies have suggested that adult stem cells in the muscle underlying the peritoneum can differentiate into mesothelial cells and contribute to healing. Prevention of abdominal adhesions have been accomplished by delivery of autologous mesothelial cells and multipotent adult stem cells isolated from skeletal muscle. Adult stem cells from sources other than the serosal tissue offer an alternative treatment modality to prevent the formation of abdominal adhesions.
Effects of Tigecycline, Linezolid and Vancomycin on Biofilms of Viridans Streptococci Isolates from Patients with Endocarditis
Authors: Presterl E. , Lassnigg A. , Eder M. , Reichmann S. , Hirschl A. M. , Graninger W.
Published: January 2018

Background

Endocarditis, and prosthetic valve endocarditis in particular, is a serious disease with high morbidity and mortality. We investigate the effects of tigecycline, linezolid and vancomycin on biofilms of viridans group streptococci (VGS) isolated from patients with definite native or prosthetic valve endocarditis.

Methods and Results

Ten of 20 VGS blood stream isolates from patients with endocarditis formed biofilms in the microtiter plate biofilm model. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for tigecycline, linezolid and vancomycin were determined using the microdilution broth method. Biofilms were grown for 24 hours and were incubated with tigecycline, linezolid and vancomycin at increasing concentrations from 1-128x MIC of the isolate being tested. Biofilm thickness was quantified by measuring the optical density (OD) after dyeing it with crystal violet. The incubation of the biofilms with tigecycline, linezolid or vancomycin resulted in a significant reduction of OD compared to the control biofilm without antibiotic (p<0.05). The optical density ratio (Odr) decreased significantly at 2x MIC for tigecycline, and at 8x MIC for linezolid and vancomycin (p<0.05). Although biofilms persisted even at the highest antibiotic concentrations of 128x MIC, bacterial growth was eradicated starting at concentrations of 16x MIC for vancomycin and of 32x MIC for linezolid, but not for tigecycline, up to a concentration of 128x MIC.

Conclusions

In the present study on viridans streptococci isolated from patients with endocarditis, tigecycline and linezolid reduced the density of the biofilms as effectively as vancomycin. However, linezolid and vancomycin were bactericidal at higher concentrations. Linezolid and vancomycin at very high doses may be useful in the treatment of biofilm-associated diseases caused by VGS infections.
External Stenting with a New Polyester Mesh Reduces Neointimal Hyperplasia of Vein Grafts in a Sheep Model
Authors: Klesius A.A. , Konerding M. A. , Knez P. , Dzemali O. , Schmitz-Rixen T. , Ackermann H. , Moritz A. , Kleine P.
Published: January 2018

Objective

External stents placed around vein grafts have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing neointimal hyperplasia by preventing distension of the thin-walled vein grafts when exposed to arterial pressure. However, the ideal stent material has yet to be defined. The following study investigates the short- and long-term effects of an innovative polyester mesh stent designed with optimized adaptation of circumferential compliance.

Methods

Following in vitro definition of the ideal macro-porous polyester stent material, a total of 12 sheep underwent implantation of bilateral carotid artery vein graft bypasses. In six sheep, the short-term outcome (four weeks of implantation) was investigated by comparing the newly-designed stent to native veins, micro-porous PTFE stent grafts and metallic Biocompound® stents (BCGs). Flow volume and graft diameter were measured prior to explantation. Grafts were evaluated histologically with respect to morphometry and immunoassaying. In the long-term group (6-month implantation time), the polyester stent was compared to native veins.

Results

All stents effectively prevented dilatation of the graft. Perfused vessel diameters of the polyester veins were 8.3±0.6 mm. BCG as well as PTFE veins showed diameter reduction to 7.4±0.7mm (p<0.05) and 7.8±0.4 mm (p<0.05), respectively. Both in the short and long terms, the new polyester stent led to significantly higher reduction of neointimal hyperplasia and luminal encroachment compared to the native vessel. It proved superior to PTFE stenting, while the Biocompound® material failed to prove efficacy.

Conclusions

It was demonstrated that the new macro-porous polyester mesh stent reduced neointimal hyperplasia more effectively than other commercially available stents.
Outcome Comparisons of Intermittent and Continuous Therapies in Acute Kidney Injury: What do They Mean?
Authors: Ronco C. , Bagshaw S.M. , Gibney R.T.N. , Bellomo R.
Published: January 2018

Despite the fact that no new clinical outcome studies comparing intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) for acute kidney injury (AKI) have been published in the past year, two meta-analyses addressing the topic (Bagshaw et al, Crit Care Med 2008; 36: 610–7, and Pannu et al, JAMA 2008; 299: 793–805) have been published recently. With respect to randomized controlled trials (RCTs), there was a substantial overlap between the studies considered in the analysis by Bagshaw et al and those considered in the analysis by Pannu et al. Although neither metaanalysis showed a benefit for either modality with respect to mortality or renal recovery, the two publications offered vastly different conclusions. Bagshaw et al concluded it is impossible to make any definitive recommendations about dialysis modality choice in AKI because previous studies were not adequately powered and failed to standardize for treatment dose. On the other hand, because the metaanalysis of Pannu et al demonstrated equivalent patient outcomes, and in light of the lower costs of IHD, they suggested that alternate-day hemodialysis should become the preferred therapy in many critically ill patients. As the clinical practice recommendations made by Pannu and colleagues have very important implications, we believe their analysis should be critically assessed. In this review, the weaknesses of the RCTs considered in the meta-analysis by Pannu et al are presented. Furthermore, the assumption by Pannu et al that IHD is associated with lower costs than CRRT is challenged, as they did not consider adequately both the short-term and long-term costs associated with the dialytic management of AKI patients. Based on our critical analysis, we believe the AKI dialytic treatment approach recommended by the JAMA investigators (Pannu et al) is not supported by the aggregate of the available clinical outcome data and, therefore, remains highly controversial.

We would like to join with others in the AKI field by strongly recommending that investigators and other clinicians stop trying to make conclusive determinations about dialysis modalities when robust supportive data simply are not available. Instead of additional intermodality comparisons, the focus of future clinical research should be toward generating high-quality data on intramodality interventions, such as treatment dose and timing of treatment initiation. In this regard, at least for CRRT, we anxiously await the results of the ongoing RCTs evaluating the effect of CRRT dose on patient outcome.
Bioactive Titanium Implant Surfaces with Bacterial Inhibition and Osteoblast Function Enhancement Properties
Authors: Shi Z. L. , Chua P. H. , Neoh K. G. , Kang E. T. , Wang W.
Published: January 2018

Infection in orthopedic implant surgery is a serious complication and a major cause of implant failure. Upon implant insertion, a contest between microbial colonization and tissue integration of the implant surface ensues. This race for the surface determines the probability of tissue integration or infection, and the surface properties of the substrate have an important role to play in determining the outcome. A number of strategies have been developed for the modification of implant surfaces to promote bone cell (osteoblast) functions and inhibit bacterial adhesion and growth. In this article, a review is given of these surface modification strategies, in particular those which can achieve the dual aim of bacterial inhibition and simultaneous enhancement of osteoblast functions. Surfaces of these types can be expected to have excellent potential for orthopedic applications. (Int J Artif Organs 2008; 31: 777–85)
Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells on Surface-Modified Titanium Alloys for Orthopedic and Dental Implants
Authors: Giannoni Paolo , Muraglia Anita , Giordano Carmen , Narcisi Roberto , Cancedda Ranieri , Quarto Rodolfo , Chiesa Roberto
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Surface properties of titanium alloys, used for orthopedic and dental applications, are known to affect implant interactions with host tissues. Osteointegration, bone growth and remodeling in the area surrounding the implants can be implemented by specific biomimetic treatments; these allow the preparation of micro/nanostructured titanium surfaces with a thickened oxide layer, doped with calcium and phosphorus ions. We have challenged these experimental titanium alloys with primary human bone marrow stromal cells to compare the osteogenic differentiation outcomes of the cells once they are seeded onto the modified surfaces, thus simulating a prosthetic device-biological interface of clinical relevance.

Methods

A specific anodic spark discharge was the biomimetic treatment of choice, providing experimental titanium disks treated with different alkali etching approaches. The disks, checked by electron microscopy and spectroscopy, were subsequently used as substrates for the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human cells. Expression of markers of the osteogenic lineage was assessed by means of qualitative and quantitative PCR, by cytochemistry, immunohistochemistry Western blot and matrix metalloprotease activity analyses.

Results

Metal surfaces were initially less permissive for cell growth. Untreated control substrates were less efficient in sustaining mineralized matrix deposition upon osteogenic induction of the cells. Interestingly, bone sialo protein and matrix metalloprotease 2 levels were enhanced on experimental metals compared to control surfaces, particularly for titanium oxide coatings etched with KOH.

Discussion

As a whole, the KOH-modification of titanium surfaces seems to allow the best osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells, representing a possible plus for future clinical prosthetic applications.
Encore Adulthood: A Time to Reimagine (Again)
Authors: Pitt-Catsouphes Marcie
Published: January 2018

Over the course of her career, Phyllis Moen has contributed important insights about the experiences of older adults, at work and at home. She has investigated topics such as the gendered nature of aging and couples’ shared experiences of aging. In her recent book, Moen invites us to embark on yet one more intellectual adventure where we can view aging as an evolving experience, not just a life stage. In this review, I focus on Moen’s sharp focus on a range of social determinants that can affect both health aging and opportunities for engagement in meaningful activities.
“I’m Doing the Best That I Can for Her”: Infant-Feeding Decisions of Mothers Receiving Medication-Assisted Treatment for an Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: McGlothen Kelly S. , Cleveland Lisa M. , Gill Sara L.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Several professional health organizations have made statements endorsing the safety of breastfeeding for women taking medication-assisted treatment for an opioid use disorder. Yet, breastfeeding initiation rates for this population are approximately 50% lower than the general United States’ population. Furthermore, little is known about what influences the infant-feeding decisions of these women.

Research aim:

This study aimed to describe what influences the infant-feeding decisions of women taking medication-assisted treatment for an opioid use disorder.

Methods:

Qualitative description was used. We conducted semistructured, individual interviews with mothers ( N = 8) who were receiving medication-assisted treatment during the postpartum period. We analyzed our data using thematic analysis.

Results:

We identified two themes: (a) what I heard about breastfeeding, and (b) doing what I feel is best for my baby. What I heard about breastfeeding reflects the information and misinformation that women received about breastfeeding. Doing what I feel is best for my baby describes the inner conflict that the women experienced. Most of the women in this study desired to breastfeed; however, all women reported that the social stigma surrounding methadone use strongly influenced their infant-feeding decision.

Conclusion:

This study sheds new light on what influences the infant-feeding decisions of women taking medication-assisted treatment and represents an initial step toward the development of targeted interventions to improve breastfeeding rates for this unique population.
An approach to investigate moiré patterns of a reflective linear encoder with application to accuracy improvement of a machine tool
Authors: Zhao Lei , Cheng Kai , Chen Shijin , Ding Hui , Zhao Liang
Published: January 2018

The accuracy of a machine tool is based on the direct position feedback from its built-in encoders which accurately measure displacements of motion axes by moiré patterns. However, the posture of an encoder is altered by errors from the machine tool, resulting in six geometric deviations. A comprehensive analysis and scientific understanding on the influences of these deviations on moiré patterns are necessary. To investigate the influences, a simulation model of a reflective encoder is constructed to obtain moiré patterns, and four new methods are developed to identify characteristic parameters of the patterns. Variations in characteristic parameters caused by four geometric deviations are simulated and experiments are designed and performed. The results prove that the approach is able to assess the influences of geometric deviations. The approach can be used as a powerful aid for estimating impacts of geometric deviations and external errors on encoders to improve the accuracy of a machine tool.
A general trajectory optimization method for aircraft taxiing on flight deck of carrier
Authors: Wu Yu , Hu Ning , Qu Xiangju
Published: January 2018

Enhancing operation efficiency of flight deck has become a hotspot because it has an important impact on the fighting capacity of the carrier–aircraft system. To improve the operation efficiency, aircraft need taxi to the destination on deck with the optimal trajectory. In this paper, a general method is proposed to solve the trajectory optimization problem for aircraft taxiing on flight deck considering that the existing methods can only deal with the problem in some specific cases. Firstly, the ground motion model of aircraft, the collision detection strategy and the constraints are included in the mathematical model. Then the principles of the chicken swarm optimization algorithm and the generality of the proposed method are explained. In the trajectory optimization algorithm, several strategies, i.e. generation of collocation points, transformation of control variable, and setting of segmented fitness function, are developed to meet the terminal constraints easier and make the search efficient. Three groups of experiments with different environments are conducted. Aircraft with different initial states can reach the targets with the minimum taxiing time, and the taxiing trajectories meet all the constraints. The reason why the general trajectory optimization method is validated in all kinds of situations is also explained.
Stigmatizing the Unhealthy
Authors: Roberts Jessica L. , Weeks Elizabeth
Published: January 2018

Stigma can lead to poor health outcomes. At the same time, people who are perceived as unhealthy may experience stigma as the result of that perception. As part of a larger project examining discrimination on the basis of health status or “healthism,” we explore the role of stigma in producing disadvantage based on health status. Specifically, we look to the principles of health equality and health justice. An intervention violates health equality when it is driven by animus, which can be the result of stigma. Additionally, laws and policies offend health justice when they worsen health outcomes or they create or deepen health disparities. An intervention that produces stigma — whether intentionally or unintentionally — may offend health justice by making people worse off, in absolute or in comparative terms. Stigma-related health laws and policies can therefore be healthist in at least two ways. We therefore conclude that stigma should neither be the basis, nor the product, of efforts to improve health.
Shaming Vaccine Refusal
Authors: Silverman Ross D. , Wiley Lindsay F.
Published: January 2018

This piece explores legal, ethical, and policy arguments associated with using interventions that leverage feelings of shame and social exclusion to promote uptake of childhood immunizations by parents.
The Ethical Course Is To Recommend Infant Male Circumcision — Arguments Disparaging American Academy of Pediatrics Affirmative Policy Do Not Withstand Scrutiny
Authors: Morris Brian J. , Krieger John N. , Klausner Jeffrey D. , Rivin Beth E.
Published: January 2018

We critically evaluate arguments in a recent Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics article by Svoboda, Adler, and Van Howe disputing the 2012 affirmative infant male circumcision policy recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics. We provide detailed evidence in explaining why the extensive claims by these opponents are not supported by the current strong scientific evidence. We furthermore show why their legal and ethical arguments are contradicted by a reasonable interpretation of current U.S. and international law and ethics. After all considerations are taken into account it would be logical to conclude that failure to recommend male circumcision early in infancy may be viewed as akin to failure to recommend childhood vaccination to parents. In each case, parental consent is required and the intervention is not compulsory. Our evaluation leads us to dismiss the arguments by Svoboda et al. Instead, based on the evidence, infant male circumcision is both ethical and lawful.
On interference, collegiality and co-authorship: Peer review of journal articles in management and organization studies
Authors: Brewis Joanna
Published: January 2018

Management and organization studies commentary on how authors experience peer review of journal papers suggests that it can be an overly interventionist process which reduces the originality and coherence of eventual publications. In the literature on co-authorship, this argument is reversed. Here, free riders who do not contribute fully to research collaborations and the practice of gift authorships are problematized, and it is argued that everyone involved in writing a published paper should be rewarded with co-authorship. In this article, qualitative interviews with 12 management and organization studies academics see respondents describing peer review as a transaction during which reviewers – and editors – actually co-author published papers. But their perspectives on this vary with the subject position from which they are speaking. When they speak as reviewers or editors, this co-authorship is depicted as a collegiate gift, a professional obligation or a process where authors might over-rely on reviewers’ generosity. When they speak as authors or their proxies, it is characterized as reproducing disciplinary orthodoxy and ethnocentric exclusion, perpetuating disciplinary cliques, creating disorganized papers and constituting excessive interference with authorial privilege. These various perspectives on peer review deserve more attention in our empirical studies of academic labour. They also suggest we should reflect more on when, how and why we collaborate in our research and on how much we should recognize additional co-authors on (or resist their input into) ‘our’ work.
Characteristics of visitor expenditure in Macao and their impact on its economic growth
Authors: Jingwen Wang , Mingzhu Liang
Published: January 2018

This article assesses the economic impact of visitor expenditure in Macao and the impacts of major expense types to the visitor expenditure. As consumption habits are changing gradually, which can be reflected in the consumption habits of the tourists, we concentrate on the characteristics of visitor expenditure to analyze the factors that drive up the consumption. This article analyzes the relative statistical indicators from 2010 to 2016 in Macao using the ordinary least squares method. According to empirical analysis of this study, 1 Macanese Patacas (MOP) of visitor expenditure can create 7.896 MOP in additional gross domestic product (GDP) in Macao. Moreover, “transportation” and “shopping” present obvious equal status on the pulling function to the visitor expenditure, which indicates that a better transportation system can increase more consumption opportunities. The items of “shopping” and “cosmetics and perfume” have a distinctively high pulling function to the visitor expenditure. This indicates that the power of female consumer group should be emphasized. Compared with other commodities, we observed the obvious pulling function of “local food products,” which shows that the culture-based tourism experience will be helpful to promote the visitor expenditure. In discussing the results, relevant suggestions for developing the diversified tourism in Macao are presented in the article.
Seasonal effect of humidity on human comfort in a hot summer/cold winter zone in China
Authors: Li Chao , Liu Hong , Li Baizhan , Sheng Aihong
Published: January 2018

Adaptation to different seasonal climates may affect human subjective responses to humidity. In this study, thermal comfort, humidity comfort and perceived air quality were investigated with subjects exposed in a climate chamber during spring, summer and winter. Sixty subjects were recruited in total, divided into groups of 20 subjects for each season. Temperature was set at three levels (cool, moderate and warm) during experiments in ranges of 20–28°C, 23–32°C, 16–28°C for spring, summer and winter, respectively. Likewise, relative humidity was set at three levels: 15% (low), 50% (moderate) and 85% (high). Results showed that seasonal difference had a significant effect on human subjective responses to humidity. The combined effect of temperature and relative humidity on thermal perception, humidity perception and perceived air quality was closely related to standard effective temperature (SET*), humidity ratio and air enthalpy, respectively. Comfort humidity ranges were 7.9–15.1 g/kg, 3.3–18.8 g/kg and 2.9–12.8 g/kg (humidity ratio) in spring, summer and winter, respectively. Overall, our results indicate that different comfort humidity limits should be considered for different seasons in the hot summer/cold winter zones of China.
Decreased Taurine and Creatine in the Thalamus May Relate to Behavioral Impairments in Ethanol-Fed Mice: A Pilot Study of Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Xu Su , Zhu Wenjun , Wan Yamin , Wang JiaBei , Chen Xi , Pi Liya , Lobo Mary Kay , Ren Bin , Ying Zhekang , Morris Michael , Cao Qi
Published: January 2018

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is highly prevalent, observed in up to 80% of patients with liver dysfunction. Minimal hepatic encephalopathy is defined as hepatic encephalopathy with cognitive deficits and no grossly evident neurologic abnormalities. Clinical management may be delayed due to the lack of in vivo quantitative methods needed to reveal changes in brain neurobiochemical biomarkers. To gain insight into the development of alcoholic liver disease–induced neurological dysfunction (NDF), a mouse model of late-stage alcoholic liver fibrosis (LALF) was used to investigate changes in neurochemical levels in the thalamus and hippocampus that relate to behavioral changes. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the brain and behavioral testing were performed to determine neurochemical alterations and their relationships to behavioral changes in LALF. Glutamine levels were higher in both the thalamus and hippocampus of alcohol-treated mice than in controls. Thalamic levels of taurine and creatine were significantly diminished and strongly correlated with alcohol-induced behavioral changes. Chronic long-term alcohol consumption gives rise to advanced liver fibrosis, neurochemical changes in the nuclei, and behavioral changes which may be linked to NDF. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy represents a sensitive and noninvasive measurement of pathological alterations in the brain, which may provide insight into the pathogenesis underlying the development of MHE.
Ischemic and bleeding outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting among patients initially treated with a P2Y12 receptor antagonist for acute coronary syndromes: Insights on timing of discontinuation of ticagrelor and clopidogrel prior to surgery
Authors: Russo Juan J , James Tyler E , Ruel Marc , Dupuis Jean-Yves , Singh Kuljit , Goubran Daniel , Malhotra Nikita , Rubens Fraser , Chong Aun-Yeong , Hibbert Benjamin , Boland Paul , Tran Diem TT , Tanguay Jean-Francois , Lordkipanidzé Marie , Perrault Louis , Wells George A , Bourke Michael , Chan Vincent , So Derek YF
Published: January 2018

Background:

Clinical outcomes in acute coronary syndrome patients treated with P2Y12 inhibitors who require urgent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) have not been well studied.

Methods:

We examined clinical outcomes in acute coronary syndrome patients in relation to the timing of CABG following P2Y12 inhibitor discontinuation (<72 h, 72 h to five days, >5 days). The primary ischemic outcome was a composite of death, reinfarction, need for revascularization, or stroke. The primary safety outcome was bleeding of at least moderate severity as defined by a Universal Definition of Perioperative Bleeding class ≥2.

Results:

Among 508 patients (95 ticagrelor, 413 clopidogrel), the timing of CABG following P2Y12 inhibitor discontinuation was <72 h in 32.1%, 72 h to five days in 23.2% and >5 days in 44.7%. Compared with CABG within 72 h, CABG 72 h to five days (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.35; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14–0.85; p=0.02) but not >5 days (adjusted OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.33–1.16; p=0.14) after P2Y12 inhibitor discontinuation was associated with lower odds of the primary ischemic outcome. Compared with CABG within 72 h, CABG 72 h to five days (adjusted OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.22–0.66; p=0.001) and >5 days (adjusted OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.20–0.53; p<0.001) after P2Y12 inhibitor discontinuation were associated with lower rates of Universal Definition of Perioperative Bleeding class ≥2 bleeding.

Conclusions:

CABG within 72 h after P2Y12 inhibitor discontinuation is associated with excess ischemia and bleeding. The rates of ischemic and bleeding events were comparable in patients undergoing CABG 72 h to five days compared with >5 days after P2Y12 inhibitor discontinuation.
Pathways over Time: Functional Genomics Research in an Introductory Laboratory Course
Authors: Reeves Todd D. , Warner Douglas M. , Ludlow Larry H. , O’Connor Clare M.
Published: January 2018

National reports have called for the introduction of research experiences throughout the undergraduate curriculum, but practical implementation at many institutions faces challenges associated with sustainability, cost, and large student populations. We describe a novel course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) that introduces introductory-level students to research in functional genomics in a 3-credit, multisection laboratory class. In the Pathways over Time class project, students study the functional conservation of the methionine biosynthetic pathway between divergent yeast species. Over the five semesters described in this study, students (N = 793) showed statistically significant and sizable growth in content knowledge (d = 1.85) and in self-reported research methods skills (d = 0.65), experimental design, oral and written communication, database use, and collaboration. Statistical analyses indicated that content knowledge growth was larger for underrepresented minority students and that growth in content knowledge, but not research skills, varied by course section. Our findings add to the growing body of evidence that CUREs can support the scientific development of large numbers of students with diverse characteristics. The Pathways over Time project is designed to be sustainable and readily adapted to other institutional settings.
Unlocking an acute psychiatric ward: The impact on unauthorised absences, assaults and seclusions
Authors: Beaglehole Ben , Beveridge John , Campbell-Trotter Warren , Frampton Chris
Published: January 2018

Aims and method

The acute psychiatric inpatient service in Christchurch, New Zealand, recently changed from two locked and two unlocked wards to four open wards. This provided the opportunity to evaluate whether shifting to an unlocked environment was associated with higher rates of adverse events, including unauthorised absences, violent incidents and seclusion. We compared long-term adverse event data before and after ward configuration change.

Results

Rates of unauthorised absences increased by 58% after the change in ward configuration (P = 0.005), but seclusion hours dropped by 53% (P = 0.001). A small increase in violent incidents was recorded but this was not statistically significant.

Clinical implications

Although unauthorised absences increased, the absence of statistically significant changes for violent incidents and a reduction in seclusion hours suggest that the change to a less restrictive environment may have some positive effects.
Understanding variation in metabolic rate
Authors: Pettersen Amanda K. , Marshall Dustin J. , White Craig R.
Published: January 2018

Metabolic rate reflects an organism's capacity for growth, maintenance and reproduction, and is likely to be a target of selection. Physiologists have long sought to understand the causes and consequences of within-individual to among-species variation in metabolic rates – how metabolic rates relate to performance and how they should evolve. Traditionally, this has been viewed from a mechanistic perspective, relying primarily on hypothesis-driven approaches. A more agnostic, but ultimately more powerful tool for understanding the dynamics of phenotypic variation is through use of the breeder's equation, because variation in metabolic rate is likely to be a consequence of underlying microevolutionary processes. Here we show that metabolic rates are often significantly heritable, and are therefore free to evolve under selection. We note, however, that ‘metabolic rate’ is not a single trait: in addition to the obvious differences between metabolic levels (e.g. basal, resting, free-living, maximal), metabolic rate changes through ontogeny and in response to a range of extrinsic factors, and is therefore subject to multivariate constraint and selection. We emphasize three key advantages of studying metabolic rate within a quantitative genetics framework: its formalism, and its predictive and comparative power. We make several recommendations when applying a quantitative genetics framework: (i) measuring selection based on actual fitness, rather than proxies for fitness; (ii) considering the genetic covariances between metabolic rates throughout ontogeny; and (iii) estimating genetic covariances between metabolic rates and other traits. A quantitative genetics framework provides the means for quantifying the evolutionary potential of metabolic rate and why variance in metabolic rates within populations might be maintained.
Widespread utilization of passive energy recapture in swimming medusae
Authors: Gemmell Brad J. , Colin Sean P. , Costello John H.
Published: January 2018

Recently, it has been shown that some medusae are capable of swimming very efficiently, i.e.; with a low cost of transport, and that this is in part due to passive energy recapture (PER) which occurs during bell relaxation. We compared the swimming kinematics among a diverse array of medusae, varying in taxonomy, morphology and propulsive and foraging modes, in order to evaluate the prevalence of PER in medusae. We found that while PER is commonly observed among taxa, the magnitude of the contribution to overall swimming varied greatly. The ability of medusae to utilize PER was not related to morphology and swimming performance but was controlled by their swimming kinematics. Utilizing PER required the medusae to pause after bell expansion and individuals could modulate their PER by changing their pause duration. Passive energy recapture can greatly enhance swimming efficiency but there appear to be trade-offs associated with utilizing PER.
Diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG PET or PET/CT for the characterization of adrenal masses: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Seong-Jang , Lee Sang-Woo , Pak Kyoungjune , Kim In-Ju , Kim Keunyoung
Published: January 2018

Objective:

We aimed to explore the role of the diagnostic accuracy of 18F fluodeoxyglucose PET (18F-FDG PET) or PET/CT for characterization of adrenal lesions through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library database, from the earliest available date of indexing through 30 April 2017, were searched for studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of 18F-FDG PET or PET/CT for characterization of adrenal lesions. We determined the sensitivities and specificities across studies, calculated positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR + and LR–), and constructed summary receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results:

Across 29 studies (2421 patients), the pooled sensitivity for 18F-FDG PET or PET/CT was 0.91 [95% CI (0.88–0.94)] with heterogeneity (χ  2 = 141.8, p = 0.00) and a pooled specificity of 0.91 [95% CI (0.87–0.93)] with heterogeneity (χ  2 = 113.7, p = 0.00). Likelihood ratio (LR) syntheses gave an overall positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 9.9 [95% CI (7.1–13.7)] and negative likelihood ratio (LR–) of 0.09 [95% CI (0.07–0.13)]. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 105 [95% CI (63–176)]. In metaregression analysis, study design, publication year, study location (western vs others), interpretation criteria of PET or PET/CT images, quantification of PET or PET/CT [SUVmax (maximum standardized uptake value) vs SUV (standardized uptake value) ratio], patient group, and analysis method (patient-based vs lesion-based) were the sources of the study heterogeneity. However, in multivariate metaregression, no definite variable was the source of the study heterogeneity.

Conclusion:

18F-FDG PET or PET/CT demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity for the characterization of adrenal masses. At present, the literature regarding the use of 18F-FDG PET or PET/CT for the characterization of adrenal masses remains still limited; thus, further large multicenter studies would be necessary to substantiate the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG PET or PET/CT characterization of adrenal masses.

Advances in knowledge:

18F- FDG PET or PET/CT showed good sensitivity and specificity for the characterization of adrenal masses and could provide additional information for that purpose.
Καλές και κακές θέσεις εργασίας στην Ελλάδα κατά τα πρώτα έτη της κρίσης
Authors: Ιωαννίδης Αλέξης
Published: January 2018

Το άρθρο αυτό εφαρμόζει για πρώτη φορά τη μεθοδολογία των θέσεων εργασίας (Jobs Approach) στην Ελλάδα με στόχο τον προσδιορισμό των καλύτερων και χειρότερων θέσεων εργασίας στην Ελλάδα πριν την έναρξη της κρίσης και τη μελέτη της μεταβολής της απασχόλησης σε αυτές κατά τα πρώτα έτη της κρίσης. Συγκεκριμένα μελετάται η πόλωση των θέσεων εργασίας, μεταξύ των καλών, ενδιάμεσων και χειρότερων θέσεων εργασίας της Ελλάδας.
Εκκοσμίκευση και φύλο στην Ελλάδα: Οι «αντιστάσεις» της Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας
Authors: Παπαγεωργίου Νίκη
Published: January 2018

Η διεύρυνση της εκκοσμικευτικής διαδικασίας κατά τη διάρ­κεια της μεταπολιτευτικής περιόδου ο­δηγεί στην καθιέρωση μιας σειράς νομοθετικών αποφάσεων, οι οποίες αφορούν γενικότερα το οικογενειακό δίκαιο και κα­τοχυρώνουν την ισό­τη­τα των φύλων. Η διαδικασία αυτή αντιμετωπίζει τις ενστά­σεις της Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας, η οποία παρεμβαίνει με ποικίλους τρό­πους με στόχο τη διατήρηση της παραδοσιακής κοινωνικής τάξης. Στο άρθρο αυτό διερευνάται η στά­ση της θε­σμικής Εκκλησίας απέναντι στην ισότητα των φύ­λων και την αναγνώ­ρι­ση των δι­και­ω­μά­των των γυναικών, κατά τη διάρκεια της μεταπολιτευτικής περιόδου στην Ελλάδα, με βάση τον επίσημο εκκλη­σι­α­στι­κό λόγο, ο οποίος εκ­φέρεται διά των εγκυκλίων της Ιεράς Συ­νό­δου.
Η διασφάλιση και διαρκής βελτίωση της ποιότητας στην εξ αποστάσεως πανεπιστημιακή εκπαίδευση. Τάσεις και προσανατολισμοί
Authors: Ιωακειμίδου Βασιλική , Λιοναράκης Αντώνης
Published: January 2018

Στο άρθρο επιχειρείται μια προσπάθεια αποτύπωσης κάποιων τάσεων, προσανατολισμών και προβληματισμών στην προσπάθεια διασφάλισης και διαρκούς βελτίωσης της ποιότητας στην εξ αποστάσεως πανεπιστημιακή εκπαίδευση όπως έχουν διαμορφωθεί τα τελευταία χρόνια σε διεθνές επίπεδο με βάση τη διεθνή βιβλιογραφία. Προσδιορίζονται επιθυμητές όψεις της έννοιας της ποιότητας στην από απόσταση εκπαίδευση ως άξονες για τη διαμόρφωση μετρήσιμων δεικτών ποιότητας. Καταγράφονται το διαφορετικό οργανωτικό πλαίσιο ανάλογα με την περίπτωση του πανεπιστημίου, πολιτικές και στρατηγικές, κοινά σημεία στη σχετική στοχοθεσία των τριτοβάθμιων ιδρυμάτων και πρακτικές που αφορούν συνεργασίες. πρακτικές και μεθοδολογικά εργαλεία που χρησιμοποιούνται ευρέως. Διατυπώνονται και συζητιούνται με κριτική και αναστοχαστική διάθεση θέματα αιχμής, σκέψεις και προβληματισμοί.
Natural hybrid of ♀ Diplodus cervinus and ♂ of D. levantinus (Teleostei: Sparidae) from the Mediterranean coast of Israel
Authors: GOLANI DANIEL , FRICKE RONALD , TIKOCHINSKI YARON
Published: January 2018

A morphomeristic and genetic analysis of an unusual specimen of Diplodus (Family: Sparidae) that was collected in the Mediterranean coast of Israel revealed that it is a hybrid of Diplodus cervinus female and D. levantinus male.  Coloring, lip formation and teeth arrangement were intermediate between the parental species.
Evaluation of in-situ wind speed and wave height measurements against reanalysis data for the Greek Seas
Authors: SIFNIOTI DAFNI , SOUKISSIAN TAKVOR , POULOS SERAFEIM , NASTOS PANAGIOTIS , HATZAKI MARIA
Published: January 2018

ERA-Interim, ECMWF’s reanalysis product, includes wave and atmospheric characteristics, with high temporal and spatial scale, providing more information on the marine state. Even though their assimilation process has been validated and verified in numerous studies, their performance in more local scales is still under examination. This research focuses on the evaluation of performance of ERA-Interim reanalysis datasets in the Greek Seas for wind and wave characteristics in comparison to POSEIDON buoy data. The results prove fair to good correlation for wave height (r = 0.67-0.94) and wind speed (r= 0.71-0.83) and different error statistics per sub-region. The upper 10% analysis shows an underestimate of 10-15% for wind speed and wave height from ERA-Interim in relation to the buoy measurements. The ERA-Interim and the buoy monthly means and standard deviations are also presented and discussed according to seasonal patterns. The results of the study are compared to other researches of wave hindcasting and wind reanalysis data for the Greek Seas and globally. It is shown that ERA-Interim products could be regarded as representative for the Greek Seas, although their application should be made with caution regarding the assessment of extreme conditions (i.e. given in analyses of upper percentiles) and especially at nearshore locations due to complex coastline configuration enhanced by the great number of islands.
Reproductive biology of Plesionika narval in the SE Aegean Sea (Eastern Mediterranean)
Authors: ANASTASOPOULOU AIKATERINI , MAKANTASI PANAGIOTA , KAPIRIS KOSTAS , SMITH CHRIS J. , MARAVELIAS CHRISTOS , KALOGIROU STEFANOS
Published: January 2018

Plesionika narval is a widespread species of the Pandalidae family, of particular high economic importance for small-scale shrimp trap fisheries in the Dodecanese Islands (SE Aegean Sea). Understanding its biology and reproduction are crucial for stock management. Reproductive biology aspects were studied through data collected during monthly experimental surveys with baited shrimps traps from November 2014 to October 2015 at a depth range of 10 - 150m. A total of 3436 individuals within the size range of 6.46 to 20.20 mm carapace length (CL) was analyzed. Overall, mean female size was significantly higher than mean male size, while the mean size of ovigerous females was higher than that of non-ovigerous females. Mean carapace length of ovigerous and non-ovigerous females was significantly correlated to depth. Ovigerous females were observed throughout the study period; however, monthly proportions revealed April to October as the main reproductive period of the species in the area. The sex ratio showed a clear predominance of females in the shallow depth zone (10-25 m) and was found to be affected by sampling area and depth zone. Immature females were found from November to March. Mature females were found all year round, exhibiting higher percentages in March, June, July and September, coinciding with the main reproductive period. P. narval seemed to spawn more than one time within the annual reproductive cycle. Gonadosomatic index obtained its highest mean values in May, June and September, thus revealing the main reproductive period. Size at first maturity for females was estimated at CL50=11.7 mm.
Pruning treatment: A possible method for improving the conservation status of a Ellisella paraplexauroides Stiasny, 1936 (Anthozoa, Alcyonacea) population in the Chafarinas Islands?
Authors: SANCHEZ-TOCINO LUIS , DE LA LINDE RUBIO ANTONIO , LIZANA ROSAS M SOL , PÉREZ GUERRA TEODORO , TIERNO DE FIGUEROA JOSE MANUEL
Published: January 2018

In the present paper, the results of a four-year conservation study on the giant gorgonian Ellisella paraplexauroides in the Chafarinas Islands are reported. This species, currently protected in Spain, is present as isolated colonies or as a low number of them, except in the Chafarinas Islands, where higher densities can be found below a depth of 20 m. Nevertheless, as revealed by a previous study, a great number of colonies are partially covered by epibionts or totally dead. As a first objective of the present work, seven transects were performed in 2013 and 2014 to evaluate the percentage of colonies affected in areas that had not been previously sampled. Approximately between 35% and 95% of the colonies had different degrees of epibiosis or were dead. In 2015, ten transects were performed to specifically locate young colonies smaller than 15 cm, which could be indicative of population regeneration by sexual reproduction. The high number of dead colonies as well as the colonies covered by epibionts, together with the inexistence of young colonies, indicated a progressive decline of the study population. The last aim of the study consisted of testing a restoration action by means of pruning the affected colonies between 2015 and 2016. The results of this restoration action showed a substantial improvement of the colonies (growth of branches, production of new branches and a general increase in the health status of the colonies). Our results recommend the employment of this technique for the future conservation of this species in the Chafarinas Islands. Nevertheless, this is a pilot study, and further experiments with a large number of samples should be performed to truly understand the significance of this technique.
Analysis of the Interaction of Business, Society and Government Following the Implementation of the Law on Public-Private Partnership
Authors: Кириллова О. , Kirillova O. , Малиновская М. , Malinovskaya M.
Published: January 2018

The article considers the results of the enactment of the Law on Public-Private Partnership, analyzes the positive trends and barriers hampering the development of relations in this area, and outlines the main tasks of developing businessstate interaction.
Genesis of a UK Faculty of Clinical Informatics at a time of anticipation for some, and ruby, golden and diamond celebrations for others
Authors: De Lusignan Simon , Barlow Jeremy , Scott Philip J.
Published: January 2018

This Editorial marks the launch of the UK Faculty of Clinical Informatics (FCI) at the time when non-clinically qualified informaticiance are anticipating the lauch of  the Federation of Informatics Professionals in Health and Care (Fed-IP).