bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and outcome in patients with central nervous system involvement treated in European pediatric acute myeloid leukemia study groups
Authors: Creutzig Ursula , Dworzak Michael N. , Zimmermann Martin , Reinhardt Dirk , Sramkova Lucie , Bourquin Jan Pierre , Hasle Henrik , Abrahamsson Jonas , Kaspers Gertjan , van den Heuvel Mary M. , Reedijk Ardine M. J. , De Moerloose Barbara , Locatelli Franco , Masetti Riccardo
Published: June 2017

Background

There is no consensus on the treatment for pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia and initial central nervous system (CNS) involvement.

Methods

To evaluate different CNS‐directed treatment options (intrathecal [IT] therapy, CNS irradiation, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation [HSCT]), 261 patients (excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia) with initial CNS involvement treated in trials with similar intensive chemotherapy by four cooperative European study groups (1998–2013) were studied and compared with CNS‐negative patients from the Berlin–Frankfurt–Münster group.

Results

Patient characteristics in the different study groups were comparable. Young age, high white blood cell count, extramedullary involvement other than the CNS, monoblastic morphology, and inv(16) were associated with CNS involvement (each P < 0.0001). There were no major differences in outcome between the study groups. The cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) regarding the CNS was higher in initially CNS‐positive versus initially CNS‐negative patients (all: 8 ± 2% vs. 3 ± 1%, P(Gray) = 0.001; isolated: 4 ± 1% vs. 1 ± 0%, P(Gray) = 0.03). However, global outcome of the CNS‐positive cohort (overall survival, 64 ± 3%; event‐free survival 48 ± 3%; and CIR 33% ± 3%) did not differ significantly from CNS‐negative patients. Risk groups defined by cytogenetics were of likewise prognostic significance in CNS‐positive and ‐negative patients. CNS treatment with cranial irradiation was not superior compared to IT therapy and systemic chemotherapy (± HSCT).

Conclusion

Although CNS relapses occurred more frequently in initially CNS‐positive patients, their global outcome was similar as in CNS‐negative patients. Intensified IT therapy was heterogeneous; however, at least eight applications, preferably with triple IT chemotherapy, seem to be appropriate to accompany dose‐intensive systemic chemotherapy.
Successful treatment of tacrolimus‐related pure red cell aplasia and autoimmune hemolytic anemia with rituximab in a pediatric cardiac transplant patient
Authors: Abongwa Chenue , Abusin Ghada , El‐Sheikh Ayman
Published: June 2017

Acquired pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) and autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) are rare complications of immunosuppression in pediatric solid organ transplant patients. We report a 14‐month‐old female child who developed Coombs positive hemolytic anemia and reticulocytopenia while on tacrolimus after cardiac transplantation. She was successfully treated with rituximab after failing treatment with corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulins. Clinicians should consider PRCA differential diagnosis in a patient presenting with reticulocytopenia and hemolysis. In addition, the coexistence of PRCA with AIHA, and the response to therapy with rituximab, supports a common immune‐mediated pathogenesis for both disorders.
Analysis of common cytogenetic abnormalities in New Zealand pediatric ALL shows ethnically diverse carriage of ETV6‐RUNX1, without a corresponding difference in survival
Authors: Pettit Tristan , Cole Nyree , Leung Wingchi , Ballantine Kirsten , Macfarlane Scott
Published: June 2017

Background

The frequency of common cytogenetic abnormalities in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is known to vary by geographic location and ethnic origin. This study aimed to determine the frequency of hypodiploidy, ETV6‐RUNX1, BCR‐ABL1, and MLL rearrangement within New Zealand's pediatric ALL population and to assess whether the frequency of these ALL prognostic markers varies according to ethnicity.

Procedure

The New Zealand Children's Cancer Registry provided information for all registered pediatric ALL patients that were diagnosed between 2000 and 2009, with medical records available for 246 patients. Each patient's medical record was reviewed to determine the frequency of hypodiploidy, ETV6‐RUNX1, BCR‐ABL1, MLL rearrangement, and cell lineage. Chi‐square tests for independence were undertaken to compare the frequencies of cytogenetic abnormalities according to prioritized ethnicity.

Results

The frequency of cytogenetic ALL abnormalities in the New Zealand pediatric population were consistent with international reference values. A low frequency of ETV6‐RUNX1 was evident for Maori pediatric ALL patients (5.4%, P = 0.018), when compared to Pacific peoples (21.1%) and non‐Maori/non‐Pacific peoples (27.4%). This has not impacted on outcome, however, with equivalent 5‐year overall survival being observed in Maori (89.4%) compared to Pacific peoples (92.0%) and non‐Maori/non‐Pacific peoples (90.2%).

Conclusions

A lower frequency of the favorable prognostic marker ETV6‐RUNX1 was observed in Maori pediatric ALL patients. This did not translate into poorer survival. Future research into biological and nonbiological prognostic factors in this patient population may assist in explaining this finding.
Eating behavior during dexamethasone treatment in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Warris Lidewij T. , van den Akker Erica L.T. , Bierings Marc B. , van den Bos Cor , Aarsen Femke K. , Zwaan Michel C. , Tissing Wim J.E. , Veening Margreet A. , Pieters Rob , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M.
Published: June 2017

Background and aim

Large prospective studies on dexamethasone‐induced changes in eating behavior, energy, and nutrient intake are lacking in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We prospectively studied eating behavior, energy, nutrient intake, and the effect on leptin and adiponectin levels during dexamethasone administration in children with ALL.

Patients

Parents of patients with ALL (3–16 years) completed a dietary diary for their child during 4 days of dexamethasone (6 mg/m2) administration. Energy intake and nutrient intake (energy percentage = E%) were assessed and compared with the recommended intake. The Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire for Children was completed before start and after 4 days of dexamethasone administration by patients of 7–12 years of age. Fasting leptin and adiponectin levels were also measured before start and after 4 days of dexamethasone administration.

Results

Energy intake per day(kcal) (N = 44) increased significantly during dexamethasone (median day 1: 1,103 (717–1,572) versus day 4: 1,482 (1,176–1,822), P < 0.01), including an increase in total protein, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, and sodium intake. Intake of saturated fat (median day 4: 12 E%) and salt (median day 4: 1.9 g/day) exceeded the healthy range for age and gender. With respect to eating behavior, dexamethasone significantly decreased restrained eating (P = 0.04). Leptin levels as well as adiponectin levels increased significantly during the dexamethasone course.

Conclusions

Four days of dexamethasone treatment significantly increased energy intake, including excessive saturated fat and salt intake, and changed eating behavior in children with ALL. Nutritional and behavioral interventions during dexamethasone treatment are recommended to stimulate a healthy lifestyle.
A mathematical model of the calendered exiting thickness of micropolar sheet
Authors: Ali Nasir , Atif Hafiz Muhammad , Javed Muhammad Asif , Sajid Muhammad
Published: June 2017

A theoretical analysis based on the lubrication theory is presented to study the calendering mechanism. The material to be calendered is described by the constitutive relationship of a micropolar fluid. An exact solution and numerical solution of the problem is calculated. The roll‐separating force, power function and exiting sheet thickness are computed numerically using Runge‐Kutta method. The influence of the material parameters on the pressure distribution, pressure gradient and related quantities of engineering interest in calendering process is analyzed through graphs. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:327–334, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
A novel UV‐cured interpenetrating organic–inorganic hybrid polymer network based phase change materials (IPN‐PCM)
Authors: Baştürk Emre , Yüksel Deniz Duygu , Şen Ferhat , Kahraman Memet Vezir
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a novel UV‐cured interpenetrating polymer networked phase change materials (IPN‐PCMs), on which no article has been found in the so far published research. Maleated castor oil (MCO) was synthesized via maleinization reaction of castor oil with maleic anhydride. Organic–inorganic hybrid interpenetrating polymer networked (IPN) materials containing both cationic and radical sections and IPN‐PCMs containing tetradecanol, hexadecanol, and octadecanol were prepared. The chemical structure of MCO and organic–inorganic hybrid IPN‐PCMs were determined by using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used for examining the phase‐change behaviors of the materials. Thermal stability was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Moreover, the surface formation of the specimen was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In conclusion, our study proved that because of their high latent heat storage scope and high thermal stability, the obtained organic–inorganic hybrid IPN‐PCMs could be used as thermal energy storage materials. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:870–875, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Psychosocial functioning in adolescents with and without borderline personality disorder
Authors: Kramer Ueli , Temes Christina M. , Magni Laura R. , Fitzmaurice Garrett M. , Aguirre Blaise A. , Goodman Marianne , Zanarini Mary C.
Published: June 2017

Objective

Little is known about the psychosocial functioning of adolescents with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The main objective of this paper is to compare the psychosocial functioning of a group of adolescents with BPD to a group of psychiatrically healthy adolescents.

Methods

The present cross‐sectional study included 104 adolescent inpatients with BPD, compared with 60 age‐matched psychiatrically healthy comparison subjects. All participants were rigorously diagnosed using three semi‐structured interviews: the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Childhood Diagnoses, the Revised Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines and the Childhood Interview for DSM‐IV Borderline Personality. All subjects were also interviewed using the adolescent version of the Background Information Schedule to assess multiple facets of psychosocial functioning.

Results

Adolescents with BPD rated their relationships with their parents as significantly less positive, were more likely to date, but spent more time alone than their healthy counterparts. In addition, adolescents with BPD reported significantly more problems at work and school (i.e. lower frequency of having a good work or school history, higher frequency of being suspended or expelled from school) and significantly lower rates of participation in extra‐curricular activities than their healthy counterparts.

Conclusions

Taken together, the results of this study suggest that adolescents with BPD are more impaired in both the social and vocational areas of functioning than psychiatrically healthy comparison subjects. They might also suggest that an overlooked area of strength concerns their relationships with peers. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression of the double‐stranded RNA of the soybean pod borer Leguminivora glycinivorella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) ribosomal protein P0 gene enhances the resistance of transgenic soybean plants
Authors: Meng Fanli , Li Yang , Zang Zhenyuan , Li Na , Ran Ruixue , Cao Yingxue , Li Tianyu , Zhou Quan , Li Wenbin
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

The soybean pod borer [SPB; Leguminivora glycinivorella (Matsumura) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)] is the most important soybean pest in northeastern Asia. Silencing genes using plant‐mediated RNA‐interference is a promising strategy for controlling SPB infestations. The ribosomal protein P0 is important for protein translation and DNA repair in the SPB. Thus, transferring P0 double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) into plants may help prevent SPB‐induced damage.

RESULTS

We investigated the effects of SpbP0 dsRNA injections and SpbP0 dsRNA‐expressing transgenic soybean plants on the SPB. Larval mortality rates were greater for SpbP0 dsRNA‐injected larvae (96%) than for the control larvae (31%) at 14 days after injections. Transgenic T2 soybean plants expressing SpbP0 dsRNA sustained less damage from SPB larvae than control plants. In addition, the expression level of the SpbP0 gene decreased and the mortality rate increased when SPB larvae were fed on T3 transgenic soybean pods. Moreover, the surviving larvae were deformed and exhibited inhibited growth.

CONCLUSION

Silencing SpbP0 expression is lethal to the SPB. Transgenic soybean plants expressing SpbP0 dsRNA are more resistant to the SPB than wild‐type plants. Thus, SpbP0 dsRNA‐expressing transgenic plants may be useful for controlling insect pests. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Dielectric surface passivation for silicon solar cells: A review
Authors: Bonilla Ruy S. , Hoex Bram , Hamer Phillip , Wilshaw Peter R.
Published: June 2017

Silicon wafer solar cells continue to be the leading photovoltaic technology, and in many places are now providing a substantial portion of electricity generation. Further adoption of this technology will require processing that minimises losses in device performance. A fundamental mechanism for efficiency loss is the recombination of photo‐generated charge carriers at the unavoidable cell surfaces. Dielectric coatings have been shown to largely prevent these losses through a combination of different passivation mechanisms. This review aims to provide an overview of the dielectric passivation coatings developed in the past two decades using a standardised methodology to characterise the metrics of surface recombination across all techniques and materials. The efficacy of a large set of materials and methods has been evaluated using such metrics and a discussion on the current state and prospects for further surface passivation improvements is provided.
Avoidance of instable photoluminescence intensity from AlGaN bulk layers
Authors: Netzel Carsten , Jeschke Jörg , Knauer Arne , Weyers Markus
Published: June 2017

The emission intensity from c‐plane AlGaN bulk layers changes strongly on time scales from seconds to hours during above band gap illumination in photoluminescence experiments. Responsible for this effect is the accumulation of photo‐generated charge carriers at the semiconductor surface, modifying surface states and surface recombination. The effect has a negative impact on the exactness and comparability of photoluminescence intensity measurements, especially for measurements with long exposure times or repeated excitation on the same spot. We realized temporally stable photoluminescence intensity by using an AlN cap layer separating the studied AlGaN bulk layer from the crystal surface. We verified the temporal stability in temperature‐dependent photoluminescence measurements in vacuum and in ambient air. Surface recombination was suppressed for the capped AlGaN layer, resulting in significantly higher emission intensity at room temperature.
Evaluation of the Rayleigh–Gans approximation for microwave scattering by rimed snowflakes
Authors: Leinonen Jussi , Kneifel Stefan , Hogan Robin J.
Published: June 2017

We have evaluated the applicability of the Rayleigh–Gans approximation (RGA) and self‐similar Rayleigh–Gans approximation (SSRGA) for microwave scattering by rimed snowflakes. This study extends previous findings that showed that, for unrimed snowflakes, the RGA is in good agreement with the discrete dipole approximation (DDA), which we used as a reference method. When riming is introduced, the RGA‐derived scattering properties of individual snowflakes deviate significantly – up to 20–25 dB for the backscattering cross‐section in the W band – from the corresponding DDA results. In contrast, the average scattering properties given by RGA are in good agreement with DDA for all but the most heavily rimed snowflakes: the mean bias in the backscattering cross‐section rarely exceeds 1 dB for light and moderate riming. We also found that an adjustment that accounts for the non‐spherical shapes of ice crystals can help eliminate the small constant bias found in RGA in earlier studies. The SSRGA approximates the RGA results with good accuracy at all degrees of riming, indicating that it, too, can be used with up to moderately rimed snowflakes.
Bayesian kernel machine models for testing genetic pathway effects in prostate cancer prognosis
Authors: Xu Chang , Chakraborty Sounak
Published: June 2017

In this paper we propose a Bayesian semiparametric regression model to estimate and test the effect of a genetic pathway on prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) measurements for patients with prostate cancer. The underlying functional relationship between the genetic pathway and PSA is modeled using reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS) theory. The RKHS formulation makes our model highly flexible, which can capture the complex multidimensional relationship between the genes in a genetic pathway and the response. Moreover, the higher order and nonlinear interactions among the genes in a pathway are also automatically modeled through our kernel‐based representation. We illustrate the connection between our semiparametric regression based on RKHS and a linear mixed model by choosing a special prior distribution on the model parameters. To test the significance of a genetic pathway toward the phenotypic response like PSA, we propose a Bayesian hypothesis testing scheme based on the Bayes factor. An efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm is designed to estimate the model parameters, Bayes factors, and the genetic pathway effect simultaneously. We illustrate the effectiveness of our model by five simulation studies and one real prostate cancer gene expression data analysis.
Advanced Photoacoustic Imaging Applications of Near‐Infrared Absorbing Organic Nanoparticles
Authors: Jiang Yuyan , Pu Kanyi
Published: June 2017

Progress of nanotechnology in recent years has stimulated fast development of nanoparticles in biomedical research. Photoacoustic (PA) imaging as an emerging non‐invasive technique in molecular imaging has improved imaging depth relative to conventional optical imaging, demonstrating great potential in clinical applications. The convergence of nanotechnology and PA imaging has enabled a broad spectrum of new opportunities in fundamental biology and translation medicine. This review focuses on the recent advances of organic nanoparticles in PA imaging applications. Near‐infrared absorbing organic nanoparticles are classified and discussed according to their different imaging applications, which include tumor imaging, gastrointestinal imaging, sentinel lymph node imaging, disease microenvironment imaging and real‐time drug imaging. The chemistry and PA properties of organic nanoparticles are discussed in details to highlight their own merits, and their challenges and perspectives in PA imaging are also discussed.
Heat‐moisture treatment of oat grains and its effects on lipase activity and starch properties
Authors: Ziegler Valmor , Ferreira Cristiano Dietrich , da Silva Jennifer , da Rosa Zavareze Elessandra , Dias Alvaro Renato Guerra , de Oliveira Maurício , Elias Moacir Cardoso
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the time of heat‐moisture treatment (HMT) of oat grains in husk on lipase activity, pasting properties of flour, and properties of starch isolated from grains. Oat grains with 13% moisture were subjected to 15, 30, 45, and 60 min of HMT at 110°C. Starches of heat‐moisture‐treated oat grains were isolated with the alkaline method. The 60‐min HMT suppressed more than 60% of the lipase activity of oat grains and increased the extraction yield of oat starch. HMT also reduced swelling power, solubility, gelatinisation enthalpy, and relative crystallinity of starches isolated from oat grains. The reduction of breakdown and retrogradation of oat flour promoted by 60 min of HMT provides better paste stability, and thus can be used for canned and frozen foods.
Physicochemical properties of nanocomposite films made from sorghum‐oxidized starch and nanoclay
Authors: Biduski Bárbara , Evangelho Jarine Amaral do , Silva Francine Tavares da , de Mello. El Halal Shanise Lisie , Takimi Antonio Shigueaki , Carreño Neftali Lenin Villarreal , Dias Alvaro Renato Guerra , Zavareze Elessandra da Rosa.
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incorporation of nanoclay in the polymer matrix of native and oxidized sorghum starches films. The nanocomposite films were prepared by the casting technique and the physicochemical, water vapor barrier, mechanical, and morphological properties, as well the contact angle with water and the distribution of the nanoclay in the film were evaluated. The oxidized starch films showed a higher tensile strength, stiffness, and angle of contact with water, as well as a greater morphological homogeneity on the cross section when compared to native starch films. The nanoclay resulted in a significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease in tensile strength, elongation, and stiffness in the films. The water vapor permeability was reduced with the addition of nanoclay to the native starch films; however, the oxidized starch film did not change. The nanoclay in the native starch films increased the contact angle from 19.2 to 26.1° at 7.5% of nanoclay. However, in the oxidized starch films the contact angle reduced from 29.1 to 18.3° with 7.5% of nanoclay and increased the presence of microfissures. The sorghum starches and nanoclay films have good potential for use in packaging, due to the good water vapor barrier, morphological properties, and an overall good appearance. The addition of nanoclay in sorghum starch films can contribute to the development of more water‐resistant films to be applied in food with high moisture.
A biotechnological approach to directly assess the impact of elevated endogenous α‐amylase on Asian white‐salted noodle quality
Authors: Ral Jean‐Philippe F. , Sun May , Mathy Alexia , Pritchard Jenifer R. , Konik‐Rose Christine , Larroque Oscar , Newberry Marcus
Published: June 2017

Flours from engineered wheat grain overexpressing a single α‐amylase type 3 (TaAMY3) were compared to flour from germinated grains to study the impact of elevated levels of α‐amylase on small‐scale noodle quality. The results showed that α‐amylase alone significantly reduced cooking time and increased cooking loss but had no detrimental effect on flour color, noodle color, or firmness. Noodles produced from sprouted grains were significantly detrimentally affected for all the above quality characteristics, in particularly after 24 and 48 h imbibition. A strong correlation was observed between the decrease in unextractable polymeric protein (UPP) levels, and noodle firmness. These findings raise important questions as to the supposition that α‐amylase is the source of the adverse effects of pre‐harvest sprouting (PHS) and late maturity α‐amylase (LMA) on Asian white‐salted noodles and highlights the usefulness of applying biotechnology in elucidating how flour components affect end product quality.
Stacked denoising autoencoders for sentiment analysis: a review
Authors: Sagha Hesam , Cummins Nicholas , Schuller Björn
Published: June 2017

Deep learning has been shown to outperform numerous conventional machine learning algorithms (e.g., support vector machines) in many fields, such as image processing and text analyses. This is due to its outstanding capability to model complex data distributions. However, as networks become deeper, there is an increased risk of overfitting and higher sensitivity to noise. Stacked denoising autoencoders (SDAs) provide an infrastructure to resolve these issues. In the field of sentiment recognition from textual contents, SDAs have been widely used (especially for domain adaptation), and have been consistently refined and improved through defining new alternate topologies as well as different learning algorithms. A wide selection of these approaches are reviewed and compared in this article. The results coming from the reviewed works indicate the promising capability of SDAs to perform sentiment recognition on a multitude of domains and languages. WIREs Data Mining Knowl Discov 2017, 7:e1212. doi: 10.1002/widm.1212

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Text Mining

Technologies > Machine Learning
Quantitative Assessment of Pancreatic Texture Using a Durometer: A New Tool to Predict the Risk of Developing a Postoperative Fistula
Authors: Marchegiani Giovanni , Ballarin Roberto , Malleo Giuseppe , Andrianello Stefano , Allegrini Valentina , Pulvirenti Alessandra , Paini Marina , Secchettin Erica , Boriero Fabrizio , Di Benedetto Fabrizio , Bassi Claudio , Salvia Roberto
Published: June 2017

Background

Pancreatic texture is one of the key predictors of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Currently, the “gold standard” for assessment of pancreatic texture is surgeon’s subjective evaluation through manual palpation.

Aim

To evaluate a new “durometer” that is able to assess quantitatively the pancreatic stiffness by measuring its elastic module (i.e., the resistance offered by the pancreatic stump when elastically deformed expressed in mPa).

Methods

Measurements were obtained from the pancreatic remnant during 138 consecutive PDs performed at the Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery—The Pancreas Institute, University of Verona Hospital Trust. Values were correlated to clinical features and, in particular, with the senior surgeon’s evaluation of pancreatic texture (hard/soft). Sixteen beating‐heart donors were used as a control group to assess the stiffness of a non‐pathologic pancreas. Univariate analysis was performed for the assessment of POPF predictors.

Results

Durometry allowed segregating between non‐pathologic, soft and hard pancreas according to surgeon’s evaluation (mean values 111 vs. 196 vs. 366 mPa, p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in stiffness with regard to histology, BMI, and neoadjuvant therapy. Larger tumors (>20 mm) and male sex were associated with greater stiffness on univariate analysis. Pancreatic texture, pancreatic duct size, BMI, prior neoadjuvant therapy, and histology were predictors of POPF. Patients who developed POPF showed a lesser stiffness (178 vs. 261 mPa, p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Assessment of pancreatic stiffness using a durometer correlated with the surgeon’s evaluation of pancreatic texture. Measurement of pancreatic parenchymal stiffness is reliable and correlates with the development of POPF.
Enteral Antibiotics are Non‐inferior to Intravenous Antibiotics After Complicated Appendicitis in Adults: A Retrospective Multicentre Non‐inferiority Study
Authors: Kleif Jakob , Rasmussen Louise , Fonnes Siv , Tibæk Pernille , Daoud Alaa , Lund Helle , Gögenur Ismail
Published: June 2017

Background

Prolonging post‐operative antibiotic treatment beyond 3 days does not seem to reduce the incidence of post‐operative abscess formation or wound infection after surgery for complicated appendicitis. The route of administration seems to be based on an empirical basis. Using enteral antibiotics could reduce length of stay and reduce overall costs. We aimed to examine whether treatment with enteral antibiotics during the first three post‐operative days is non‐inferior to intravenous antibiotics regarding intra‐abdominal abscess formation or wound infection after surgery for complicated appendicitis.

Methods

A retrospective study of adult patients having surgery for complicated appendicitis within a period of 32 months in the Capital Region of Denmark. Primary outcome was the incidence of post‐operative abscess formation, and secondary outcome was wound infections, both within 30 days of surgery. Route of antibiotic administration for the first three post‐operative days was registered for all patients.

Results

A total of 1141 patients were included in the study. The overall risk of developing an intra‐abdominal abscess was 6.7% (95% CI 5.2%; 8.1%), and the risk of wound infection was 1.2% (95% CI 0.6%; 1.8%). In a multivariate intention‐to‐treat analysis, patients treated post‐operatively with enteral antibiotics had an odds ratio of 0.78 (95% CI 0.41; 1.45, p = 0.429) for developing an intra‐abdominal abscess and an odds ratio of 0.86 (95% CI 0.17; 4.29, p = 0.851) for developing a wound infection compared to patients treated post‐operatively with intravenous antibiotics.

Conclusion

Treatment with enteral antibiotics was non‐inferior compared to treatment with intravenous antibiotics during the first 3 days after surgery for complicated appendicitis.
Minimally invasive spine surgery in lumbar spondylodiscitis: a retrospective single-center analysis of 67 cases
Authors: Tschugg Anja , Hartmann Sebastian , Lener Sara , Rietzler Andreas , Sabrina Neururer , Thomé Claudius
Published: June 2017

Background

Minimally invasive surgical techniques have been developed to minimize tissue damage, reduce narcotic requirements, decrease blood loss, and, therefore, potentially avoid prolonged immobilization. Thus, the purpose of the present retrospective study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a minimally invasive posterior approach with transforaminal lumbar interbody debridement and fusion plus pedicle screw fixation in lumbar spondylodiscitis in comparison to an open surgical approach. Furthermore, treatment decisions based on the patient´s preoperative condition were analyzed.

Methods

67 patients with lumbar spondylodiscitis treated at our department were included in this retrospective analysis. The patients were categorized into two groups based on the surgical procedure: group (MIS) minimally invasive lumbar spinal fusion (n = 19); group (OPEN) open lumbar spinal fusion (n = 48). Evaluation included radiological parameters on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), laboratory values, and clinical outcome.

Results

Preoperative MRI showed higher rates of paraspinal abscess (35.5 vs. 5.6%; p = 0.016) and multilocular location in the OPEN group (20 vs. 0%, p = 0.014). Overall pain at discharge was less in the MIS group: NRS 2.4 ± 1 vs. NRS 1.6 ± 1 (p = 0.036). The duration of hospital stay was longer in the OPEN than the MIS group (19.1 ± 12 days vs. 13.7 ± 5 days, p = 0.018).

Conclusion

The open technique is effective in all varieties of spondylodiscitis inclusive in epidural abscess formation. MIS can be applied safely and effectively as well in selected cases, even with epidural abscess.
Spore dissemination by mycophagous adult drosophilids
Authors: Kobayashi Mio , Kitabayashi Keiko , Tuno Nobuko
Published: June 2017

Although most fungal spores are transported by wind, some remain on lamellae even after fungal fruiting bodies start to decay. This raises the question: are these remaining spores useless or instead transported by other means? In this study, we accordingly investigated whether adult dipteran insects transport fungal spores. Our examination revealed that fungal spores were present in intestines of most drosophilid adults but almost completely absent from those of other dipteran adults. At least some spores excreted by Drosophila angularis and D. brachynephros retained the capacity to germinate. Structural damage to spores that passed through the digestive tract of these two drosophilid species varied among fungal species, with a greater number of colorless spores generally damaged than colored ones. These results suggest that adult drosophilid flies, but not other dipterans, can transport fungal spores.
Sand or grease? Corruption-institutional trust nexus in post-Soviet countries
Authors: Habibov Nazim , Afandi Elvin , Cheung Alex
Published: June 2017

This paper empirically tests several hypotheses about the nexus of corruption-institutional trust in Post-Soviet transitional countries of the former Soviet Union and Mongolia. We use two different indices of institutional trust to check the robustness of our analysis and estimate OLS and instrumental variable models with and without interaction terms. All things considered, our findings reject “greases the wheels” and “trust begets an honest political system” hypotheses. Instead, our findings support the “sand the wheels” hypothesis. Furthermore, a multiplicative interaction model suggests that the negative marginal effects of experienced corruption are higher in the environments where satisfaction with services is low. In addition, we found that increases in corruption erode trust at all levels of the societal institutions including political parties, government and financial institutions, international investors, non-profit organizations, and trade unions. This finding is important since it highlights the negative consequences of corruption on the development of broader level economic institutions and on civil society.
On the compressive behavior of an FDM Steward Platform part
Authors: Vidakis Nectarios , Petousis Markos , Vairis Achilles , Savvakis Konstantinos , Maniadi Athena
Published: June 2017

Acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) is commonly used material in the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process. In this work, ABS and ABS plus parts were built with different building parameters and they were tested according to the ASTM D695 standard. Compression strength results were compared to stock ABS material values. The fracture surfaces of selected specimens were examined under a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), to determine the failure mode of the filament strands. Following this a Steward Platform part was tested under compression in a tensile testing machine. The experimental results were employed to develop a finite element model of the Steward Platform part, in order to determine the maximum force the part can withstand. The Finite Element Model results were in good agreement with the values measured in the Steward Platform part compressive tests, demonstrating that the model developed is reliable. In these experiments, it was found that ABS parts build with a larger layer thickness showed lower compressive strength, which ABS plus did not show. ABS specimens on average developed about half the compressive strength of the ABS plus specimens, while the ABS plus specimens showed lower compressive strength values than stock ABS material.

Highlights ABS and ABS plus specimens were tested according to the ASTM D695 standard. A finite element model (FEM) of a Steward Platform part was developed and studied. The FEM results were experimentally verified. The FEM results were in agreement with the part compressive tests results. The model developed based on the compression experiments is reliable.
The composites industry: plenty of opportunities in heterogeneous market
Authors: Mathes Volker
Published: June 2017

Fiber reinforced plastics – also known as composites – have been attracting enormous media interest over the last few months, especially in lightweight construction. Whenever a conference or tradeshow is held on mobility or lightweight construction, composites are nearly always included. The talks and presentations are accompanied by a steadily increasing number of press releases and/or articles in the relevant professional media, and indeed elsewhere. Composites seem to have ‘arrived’ in the industry.
Public and private goods in the development of additive manufacturing capacity
Authors: Samford Steven , Warrian Peter , Goracinova Elena
Published: June 2017

The promotion of additive manufacturing (AM) as a set of enabling technologies has been a prominent feature of new policies seeking to revitalize manufacturing in developed economies. Because of its differences from traditional manufacturing technologies, small businesses, in particular, face high costs in adopting AM methods. How can governments assist small firms and their innovation ecosystems to make significant leaps in enabling technologies? This paper conceptualizes the challenges faced by groups of small enterprises adopting new technologies and a decentralized policy effort to systematically increase the use of advanced manufacturing technologies. In Canada, funding used by community colleges to create applied research centers has been intended to establish anchors for local “industrial commons” around advanced manufacturing methods. By providing both information and working capital to private sector partners, these community college programs should ideally mitigate challenges to the adoption of AM technologies—the so-called “valley of death”—in local ecosystems. There are many successful individual cases of partnership (i.e., private goods); however, this bottom-up approach seems to fail both as a means of promoting vibrant industrial commons (i.e., public goods) and as a coherent national strategy. We trace the challenges of this approach to principal-agent problems associated with layering new programs upon existing organizations, the density of program participants, and the presence of appropriate technologies.
Intensive blood-pressure lowering in patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Alrahbi Sufyan , Alaraimi Rashid , Alzaabi Abdalla , Gosselin Sophie
Published: June 2017

Clinical question

Is intensive blood pressure (BP) treatment (systolic BP target 110-139 mm Hg) better than standard antihypertensive treatment (systolic BP target 140-179 mm Hg) in reducing mortality and disability in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)?

Article chosen

Qureshi AI, Palesch YY, Barsan WG, et al. Intensive blood-pressure lowering in patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage. N Engl J Med 2016;375(11):1033-43.

Objective

To determine the therapeutic benefit of intensive BP treatment compared to standard BP treatment in reducing death and disability after 3 months of follow-up among patients with ICH treated within 4.5 hours from onset of symptoms.
Nixon's Axe Man: CIA Director James R. Schlesinger
Authors: MORAN CHRISTOPHER
Published: June 2017

This article sheds light on the stormy few months that James Schlesinger was CIA director. Schlesinger ranks as the least popular director in CIA history; indeed, he had to install a CCTV camera opposite his official portrait at Langley headquarters because of concerns it would be vandalized by disgruntled staff. Conventional wisdom dictates that he was disliked because he commissioned the “Family Jewels,” the notorious list of CIA dirty tricks which, when leaked in the mid-1970s, led to unprecedented public scrutiny of the agency. Using interviews with retired intelligence officers, spy memoirs, and recently declassified records, including Schlesinger's private papers, this article argues that the hatred went much deeper. A Nixon loyalist, Schlesinger was unpopular because he challenged the culture of the CIA and attempted to make the agency more of an obedient instrument of presidential power and policy. The so-called “Schlesinger Purge” – the controversial decision to fire nearly 7 percent of the CIA's workforce, especially from the Directorate of Operations – underscored this cultural attack. The speed and brutality of the change programme resulted in organizational miasma, leaving staff demoralized and with no means to fight back. The article also examines the consequences of the dislike toward him.
In vitrolarvicidal andin vivoanthelmintic effects ofOxalis tetraphylla(Oxalidaceae) hydroalcoholic extract againstHaemonchus contortusin lambs
Authors: González-Cruz B.J. , Rodríguez-Labastida M. , González-Cortázar M. , Zamilpa A. , López-Arellano M.E. , Aguilar-Marcelino L. , González-Garduño R. , Torres-Acosta J.F.J. , Olmedo-Juárez A. , Mendoza-de Gives P.
Published: June 2017

Thein vitrolarvicidal andin vivoanthelmintic effects ofOxalis tetraphyllahydroalcoholic extract (HE), againstHaemonchus contortusin experimentally infected lambs, were assessed. We used a microtitration plate method, comprising the following two stages. Stage 1: 20 μl of water containing 200 sheathedH. contortusinfective larvae (ShHcl) were deposited in every well of three series; then, the series 2 and 3 wells were treated with 80 μl 1% ivermectin andO. tetraphyllaHE at 20 mg/ml, respectively. Stage 2: the same procedure was performed replacing the ShHcl with exsheathed larvae (ExShHcl). Evaluations were performed after 24 and 48 h. The total numbers of dead and live larvae were counted. A second experiment evaluated the reduction in nematode egg populations in the faeces of lambs treated orally with theO. tetraphyllaHE. The 27 lambs used were divided into Groups 1, 2 and 3 (n= 9), which were administered water (positive control), levamisole 1m(7.5 mg/kg body weight (BW), as a unique dose) andO. tetraphyllaHE (20 mg/kg BW), respectively. The plant HE was administered daily for 8 days. Thein vitroassay showed 80.9% and 86.5% larval mortality of ShHcl after 24 and 48 h, respectively, while the corresponding mortality values for ExShHcl were 97 and 99%, respectively. Thein vivoassay showed variability in the eggs/gram of faeces (epg) values; however, at the end of the trial, the average reduction in the epg values of theO. tetraphyllaHE group was 45.6% (P< 0.05).Oxalis tetraphyllaHE contains compounds that belong to the flavonol group with anthelmintic activity.
Production, Distribution, Use and Curation: A Study of Stamped Tile from Gloucestershire
Authors: Warry Peter
Published: June 2017

This paper explores the development of tile-stamping in the perioda.d.100–50 by the Gloucester and Cirencester civic authorities, and by private tile-makers in Gloucestershire, and the territorial divisions between them. It argues that builders’ merchants were used in tile distribution and building reclamation and,inter alia, identifies Hucclecote villa as such a site. It proposes that Gloucester tiles stamped just RPG were issued annually and were used for commercial purposes while tiles with magistrates’ names were issued as required, but only for use on public buildings. The evidence suggests that these stamps were subsequently extensively curated. This paper adds nearly 200 new stamps to the existing catalogues and proposes significant revisions to the magistrate dies as a result.
HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT IN TURKEY
Authors: Kahveci Rabia , Koç Esra Meltem , Küçük Emine Özer
Published: June 2017

Objectives: The healthcare transformation program in Turkey has shown its success with improvements in important health indicators, increased access to healthcare services and expansion of coverage to all citizens. Turkey has been relatively able to bear the burdens associated with this due to rapid economic growth. The need for health technology assessment (HTA) was believed as a result of the expansion of coverage, pressure of new technologies, and increased expenditures. This study outlines the background and current formalization of HTA and shares the current use of HTA in decision making, while summarizing the transformation of the Turkish healthcare system for developing a high-quality, equal, and accessible care system.

Methods: We reviewed and analyzed policy changes in the Turkish healthcare system, universal health coverage, healthcare expenditures, and pricing and reimbursement policies to identify the changes leading to HTA. We reviewed existing HTA functions in Turkey and outlined their activities. Finally, we outlined a set of major challenges for HTA in Turkey over the next decade.

Results: HTA was formalized in Turkey in 2012–2013 with three national HTA structures and one hospital-based HTA unit. These functions currently run independent from each other. There are three major challenges in this country for HTA in the next decade: clarification of the assessment scope and methods, building a strong supporting system for HTA, and defining the role of HTA in the future vision of Turkish healthcare policy.

Conclusion: HTA, despite challenges, has a good opportunity to develop further with clear action plans and strong political will.
VISIONS OF STAKEHOLDERS ABOUT INSTUTIONALIZATION OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT IN CHILE: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
Authors: Lavín Constanza Paz , Alaniz Rafael , Espinoza Manuel
Published: June 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore and describe the viewpoints and beliefs with respect to a health technology assessment (HTA) process and its institutionalization in a sample of stakeholder representatives in Chile.

Methods: A qualitative study with a descriptive design, based on the model of discourse analysis, was performed. Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted on nineteen Chilean representatives of stakeholders in HTA. The data analysis was based on a process of open coding that allows the contrasting of the interviewees’ visions.

Results: From what the interviewees mentioned, a proposal to institutionalize the process of HTA is presented for Chile. The focus is on three main areas: (i) Principles to guide the HTA, (ii) Institutional Framework for Chile, and (iii) Impacts associated with their implementation process. Transparency and participation were the main principles identified. The idea of an autonomous body for HTA, independent and publicly funded, was widely supported. However, this implementation could face potential resistance from technicians and politicians, who might impose barriers to avoid their loss of decision power.

Conclusions: There is a broad agreement about the importance of creating a national institution for HTA, independent and publicly funded. This study supplies relevant information for other countries that are currently undertaking a similar process.
Discontinuation of contact precautions with the introduction of universal daily chlorhexidine bathing
Authors: MCKINNELL J. A. , EELLS S. J. , CLARK E. , RAND D. D. , KIET G. T. , MACIAS-GIL R. , MENDEZ J. M. , HUANG S. S. , MILEFCHIK E. N. , MILLER L. G.
Published: June 2017

Contact precautions are a traditional strategy to prevent transmission of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA). Chlorhexidine bathing is increasingly used to decrease MRSA burden and transmission in intensive care units (ICUs). We sought to evaluate a hospital policy change from routine contact precautions for MRSA compared with universal chlorhexidine bathing, without contact precautions. We measured new MRSA acquisition in ICU patients and surveyed for MRSA environmental contamination in common areas and non-MRSA patient rooms before and after the policy change. During the baseline and chlorhexidine bathing periods, the number of patients (453vs.417), ICU days (1999vs.1703) and MRSA days/1000 ICU days (109vs.102) were similar. MRSA acquisition (2/453vs.2/457,P= 0·93) and environmental MRSA contamination (9/474vs.7/500,P= 0·53) were not significantly different between time periods. There were 58% fewer contact precaution days in the ICU during the chlorhexidine period (241/1993vs. 102/1730,P< 0·01). We found no evidence that discontinuation of contact precautions for patients with MRSA in conjunction with adoption of daily chlorhexidine bathing in ICUs is associated with increased MRSA acquisition among ICU patients or increased MRSA contamination of ICU fomites. Although underpowered, our findings suggest this strategy, which has the potential to reduce costs and improve patient safety, should be assessed in similar but larger studies.