bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ERS/ATS workshop report on respiratory health effects of household air pollution
Authors: Sood Akshay , Assad Nour A. , Barnes Peter J. , Churg Andrew , Gordon Stephen B. , Harrod Kevin S. , Irshad Hammad , Kurmi Om P. , Martin William J. , Meek Paula , Mortimer Kevin , Noonan Curtis W. , Perez-Padilla Rogelio , Smith Kirk R. , Tesfaigzi Yohannes , Ward Tony , Balmes John
Published: January 2018

Exposure to household air pollution (HAP) from solid fuel combustion affects almost half of the world population. Adverse respiratory outcomes such as respiratory infections, impaired lung growth and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have been linked to HAP exposure. Solid fuel smoke is a heterogeneous mixture of various gases and particulates. Cell culture and animal studies with controlled exposure conditions and genetic homogeneity provide important insights into HAP mechanisms. Impaired bacterial phagocytosis in exposed human alveolar macrophages possibly mediates several HAP-related health effects. Lung pathological findings in HAP-exposed individuals demonstrate greater small airways fibrosis and less emphysema compared with cigarette smokers. Field studies using questionnaires, air pollution monitoring and/or biomarkers are needed to better establish human risks. Some, but not all, studies suggest that improving cookstove efficiency or venting emissions may be associated with reduced respiratory symptoms, lung function decline in women and severe pneumonia in children. Current studies focus on fuel switching, stove technology replacements or upgrades and air filter devices. Several governments have initiated major programmes to accelerate the upgrade from solid fuels to clean fuels, particularly liquid petroleum gas, which provides research opportunities for the respiratory health community.
Risk factors for recurrent venous thromboembolism after unprovoked pulmonary embolism: the PADIS-PE randomised trial
Authors: Tromeur Cécile , Sanchez Olivier , Presles Emilie , Pernod Gilles , Bertoletti Laurent , Jego Patrick , Duhamel Elisabeth , Provost Karine , Parent Florence , Robin Philippe , Deloire Lucile , Leven Florent , Mingant Fanny , Bressollette Luc , Le Roux Pierre-Yves , Salaun Pierre-Yves , Nonent Michel , Pan-Petesch Brigitte , Planquette Benjamin , Girard Philippe , Lacut Karine , Melac Solen , Mismetti Patrick , Laporte Silvy , Meyer Guy , Mottier Dominique , Leroyer Christophe , Couturaud Francis
Published: January 2018

We aimed to identify risk factors for recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) after unprovoked pulmonary embolism.

Analyses were based on the double-blind randomised PADIS-PE trial, which included 371 patients with a first unprovoked pulmonary embolism initially treated during 6 months who were randomised to receive an additional 18 months of warfarin or placebo and followed up for 2 years after study treatment discontinuation. All patients had ventilation/perfusion lung scan at inclusion (i.e.at 6 months of anticoagulation).

During a median follow-up of 41 months, recurrent VTE occurred in 67 out of 371 patients (6.8 events per 100 person-years). In main multivariate analysis, the hazard ratio for recurrence was 3.65 (95% CI 1.33–9.99) for age 50–65 years, 4.70 (95% CI 1.78–12.40) for age >65 years, 2.06 (95% CI 1.14–3.72) for patients with pulmonary vascular obstruction index (PVOI) ≥5% at 6 months and 2.38 (95% CI 1.15–4.89) for patients with antiphospholipid antibodies. When considering that PVOI at 6 months would not be available in practice, PVOI ≥40% at pulmonary embolism diagnosis (present in 40% of patients) was also associated with a 2-fold increased risk of recurrence.

After a first unprovoked pulmonary embolism, age, PVOI at pulmonary embolism diagnosis or after 6 months of anticoagulation and antiphospholipid antibodies were found to be independent predictors for recurrence.
Budesonide/formoterol maintenance and reliever therapy in adolescent patients with asthma
Authors: Jorup Carin , Lythgoe Dan , Bisgaard Hans
Published: January 2018

Asthma control is often suboptimal in adolescents, but few studies have evaluated asthma treatments in this population.

Thispost hocanalysis assessed the efficacy and safety of budesonide/formoterol (BUD/FORM) maintenance and reliever therapy (MART) for treatment of persistent asthma in adolescent (age 12–17 years) subgroups within six randomised, double-blind trials. The primary end-point was time to first severe exacerbation. Secondary end-points included number of severe exacerbations, asthma-related symptoms, night-time awakenings, morning peak expiratory flow, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, as-needed medication use and five-item asthma control questionnaire scores.

In adolescents (n=1847), BUD/FORM MART was similar to or more effective than comparators across each of the studies in reducing the risk of a first severe exacerbation (hazard ratios (HR) BUD/FORM MARTversuscomparators 0.15–1.01; pooled HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.34–0.70), with comparable outcomes to the adult subgroups (n=12 197). Similar treatment benefits for BUD/FORM MART were observed for secondary end-points. As-needed medication use was lower with BUD/FORM MART than comparators, and BUD/FORM as-needed use was lower in adolescents than adults. Treatment was well tolerated.

This analysis supports the use of BUD/FORM MART in adolescents with persistent asthma, its efficacy and safety being consistent with that reported for adults.
Optimization of Risk Stratification in Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Morgans Alicia Katherine
Published: January 2018

The Oncology Grand Rounds series is designed to place original reports published in the Journal into clinical context. A case presentation is followed by a description of diagnostic and management challenges, a review of the relevant literature, and a summary of the authors’ suggested management approaches. The goal of this series is to help readers better understand how to apply the results of key studies, including those published in Journal of Clinical Oncology, to patients seen in their own clinical practice.

A 67-year-old retired engineering professor was found to have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of 11 ng/mL on a screening test at his annual physical examination. A digital rectal examination revealed a nodule on the right side. He underwent a transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy that was notable for prostate adenocarcinoma, Gleason 3 + 4 = 7 (Gleason grade group 2; 30% Gleason 4 component) involving two cores (60% and 20% core involvement). A bone scan and pelvic computed tomography scan were negative for evidence of metastatic disease. (Should he undergo prostate magnetic resonance imaging? That seems rather common these days.) He was diagnosed with cT2b intermediate-risk localized prostate cancer (PCa) by National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) risk group and was seen in the multidisciplinary clinic to discuss management options (Table 1).
Clinical Diabetes Centers of Excellence: A Model for Future Adult Diabetes Care
Authors: Draznin Boris , Kahn Peter A , Wagner Nicole , Hirsch Irl B , Korytkowski Mary , Harlan David M , McDonnell Marie E , Gabbay Robert A
Published: January 2018

Although diabetes research centers are well defined by National Institutes of Health, there is no clear definition for clinical Diabetes Centers of Excellence (DCOEs). There are multiple clinical diabetes centers across the United States, some established with philanthropic funding; however, it is not clear what defines a DCOE from a clinical perspective and what the future will be for these centers. In this Perspective we propose a framework to guide advancement for DCOEs. With the shift toward value-based purchasing and reimbursement and away from fee for service, defining the procedures for broader implementation of DCOEs as a way to improve population health and patient care experience (including quality and satisfaction) and reduce health care costs becomes critically important. It is prudent to implement new financial systems for compensating diabetes care that may not be provided by fiscally constrained private and academic medical centers. We envision that future clinical DCOEs would be composed of a well-defined infrastructure and six domains or pillars serving as the general guiding principles for developing expertise in diabetes care that can be readily demonstrated to stakeholders, including health care providers, patients, payers, and government agencies.
Restricted cell functions on micropillars are alleviated by surface-nanocoating with amino groups
Authors: Moerke Caroline , Staehlke Susanne , Rebl Henrike , Finke Birgit , Nebe J. Barbara
Published: January 2018

The topographical and chemical surface features of biomaterials are sensed by the cells, affecting their physiology at the interface. When placed on titanium, we recently discovered osteoblasts attempted caveolae-mediated phagocytosis of the sharp-edged microstructures. This active, energy-consuming process resulted in decreased osteoblastic cell functions (e.g. secretion of extracellular matrix proteins). However, chemical modification with plasma polymerized allylamine (PPAAm) was able to amplify osteoblast adhesion and spreading, resulting in better implant osseointegration in vivo. In the present in vitro study, we analyzed whether this plasma polymer nanocoating is able to attenuate the microtopography-induced changes of osteoblast physiology. On PPAAm, we found cells showed a higher cell interaction with the geometrical micropillars by 30 min, and a less distinct reduction in the mRNA expression of collagen type I, osteocalcin and fibronectin after 24 h of cell growth. Interestingly, the cells were more active and sensitive on PPAAm-coated micropillars, and react with a substantial Ca2+ ion mobilization after stimulation with ATP. These results highlight that it is important for osteoblasts to establish cell surface contact for them to perform their functions.
Auditory neural networks for attention prefer biologically significant sounds and exhibit sexual dimorphism in anurans
Authors: Xue Fei , Yue Xizi , Fan Yanzhu , Cui Jianguo , Brauth Steven E. , Tang Yezhong , Fang Guangzhan
Published: January 2018

Allocating attention to biologically relevant stimuli in a complex environment is critically important for survival and reproductive success. In humans attention modulation is regulated by the frontal cortex, and often reflected by changes in specific components of the event-related potential (ERP). Although brain networks for attention modulation have been widely studied in primates and in avian species, little is known about attention modulation in amphibians. The present study aims to investigate the attention modulation networks in an anuran species, the Emei music frog (Babina daunchina). Male music frogs produce advertisement calls from within underground nest burrows that modify the acoustic features of the calls and both male and females prefer calls produced from inside burrows. We broadcast call stimuli to male and female music frogs while simultaneously recording electroencephalographic (EEG) signals from the telencephalon and mesencephalon. Granger causal connectivity analysis was used to elucidate functional brain networks within the time window of ERP components. The results show that calls produced from inside nests which are highly sexually attractive result in the strongest brain connections; both ascending and descending connections involving the left telencephalon were stronger in males while those in females were stronger with the right telencephalon. Our results indicate that the frog brain allocates neural attention resources to highly attractive sounds within the window of early components of ERP, and that such processing is sexually dimorphic presumably reflecting the different reproductive strategies of males and females.
Size-dependent avoidance of a strong magnetic anomaly in Caribbean spiny lobsters
Authors: Ernst David A. , Lohmann Kenneth J.
Published: January 2018

On a global scale, the geomagnetic field varies predictably across Earth's surface, providing animals that migrate long distances with a reliable source of directional and positional information that can be used to guide their movements. In some locations, however, magnetic minerals in Earth's crust generate an additional field that enhances or diminishes the overall field, resulting in unusually steep gradients of field intensity within a limited area. How animals respond to such magnetic anomalies is unclear. The Caribbean spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, is a benthic marine invertebrate that possesses a magnetic sense and is likely to encounter magnetic anomalies during migratory movements and homing. As a first step toward investigating whether such anomalies affect the behavior of lobsters, a two-choice preference experiment was conducted in which lobsters were allowed to select one of two artificial dens, one beneath a neodymium magnet and the other beneath a non-magnetic weight of similar size and mass (control). Significantly more lobsters selected the control den, demonstrating avoidance of the magnetic anomaly. In addition, lobster size was found to be a significant predictor of den choice; lobsters that selected the anomaly den were significantly smaller as a group than those that chose the control den. Taken together, these findings provide additional evidence for magnetoreception in spiny lobsters, raise the possibility of an ontogenetic shift in how lobsters respond to magnetic fields, and suggest that magnetic anomalies might influence lobster movement in the natural environment.
Sleep deprivation negatively impacts reproductive output in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Potdar Sheetal , Daniel Danita K. , Thomas Femi A. , Lall Shraddha , Sheeba Vasu
Published: January 2018

Most animals sleep or exhibit a sleep-like state, yet the adaptive significance of this phenomenon remains unclear. Although reproductive deficits are associated with lifestyle induced sleep deficiencies, how sleep loss affects reproductive physiology is poorly understood, even in model organisms. We aimed to bridge this mechanistic gap by impairing sleep in female fruit flies and testing its effect on egg output. We find that sleep deprivation by feeding caffeine or by mechanical perturbation results in decreased egg output. Transient activation of wake-promoting dopaminergic neurons decreases egg output in addition to sleep levels, thus demonstrating a direct negative impact of sleep deficit on reproductive output. Similarly, loss-of-function mutation in dopamine transporter fumin (fmn) leads to both significant sleep loss and lowered fecundity. This demonstration of a direct relationship between sleep and reproductive fitness indicates a strong driving force for the evolution of sleep.
The management of deep-seated, lowgrade lipomatous lesions
Authors: Al-Ani Zeid , Fernando Malee , Wilkinson Victoria , Kotnis Nikhil
Published: January 2018

Deep-seated, low-grade lipomatous lesions detected on imaging often cause uncertainty for diagnosis and treatment. Confidently distinguishing lipomas from well-differentiated liposarcomas is often not possible on imaging. The approach to management of such lesions varies widely between institutions. Applying an evidenced-based approach set around published literature that clearly highlights how criteria such as lesion size, location, age and imaging features can be used to predict the risk of well-differentiated liposarcomas and subsequent de-differentiation would seem sensible. Our aim is to review the literature and produce a unified, evidence-based guideline that will be a useful tool for managing these lesions.
Nitroimidazoles as hypoxic cell radiosensitizers and hypoxia probes: misonidazole, myths and mistakes
Authors: Wardman Peter
Published: January 2018

Nitroimidazoles have been extensively explored as hypoxic cell radiosensitizers but have had limited clinical success, with efficacy restricted by toxicity. However, they have proven clinically useful as probes for tumour hypoxia. Both applications, and probably much of the dose-limiting toxicities, reflect the dominant chemical property of electron affinity or ease of reduction, associated with the nitro substituent in an aromatic structure. This single dominant property affords unusual, indeed extraordinary flexibility in drug or probe design, suggesting further development is possible in spite of earlier limitations, in particular building on the benefit of hindsight and an appreciation of errors made in earlier studies. The most notable errors were: the delay in viewing cellular thiol depletion as a likely common artefact in testing in vitro; slow recognition of pH-driven concentration gradients when compounds were weak acids and bases; and a failure to explore the possible involvement of pH and ascorbate in influencing hypoxia probe binding. The experience points to the need to involve a wider range of expertise than that historically involved in many laboratories when studying the effects of chemicals on radiation response or using diagnostic probes.
Unwanted vaginal examinations
Authors: Clement Sarah
Published: January 2018

This article questions the necessity for vaginal examinations in maternity care, looks at women's experiences of vaginal examinations, and discusses the importance of informed consent when such examinations are carried out.
Effects of child sexual abuse on the experience of childbirth
Authors: Tidy Helen
Published: January 2018

Child sexual abuse is frighteningly common in our society. Midwives knowingly or unknowingly encounter many survivors and must therefore make themselves aware of the views of these women regarding childbirth, in order to meet their particular needs.
Fractures of the femoral shaft in children
Authors: Talbot C. , Davis N. , Majid I. , Young M. , Bouamra O. , Lecky F. E. , Jones S.
Published: January 2018

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of closed isolated fractures of the femoral shaft in children, and to compare the treatment and length of stay (LOS) between major trauma centres (MTCs) and trauma units (TUs) in England.

Patients and Methods

National data were obtained from the Trauma and Audit Research Network for all isolated, closed fractures of the femoral shaft in children from birth to 15 years of age, between 2012 and 2015. Age, gender, the season in which the fracture occurred, non-accidental injury, the mechanism of injury, hospital trauma status, LOS and type of treatment were recorded.

Results

A total of 1852 fractures were identified. The mean annual incidence was 5.82 per 100 000 children (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.20 to 6.44). The age of peak incidence was two years for both boys and girls; this decreased with increasing age. Children aged four to six years treated in MTCs were more likely to be managed with open reduction and internal fixation compared with those treated in TUs (odds ratio 3.20; 95% CI 1.12 to 9.14; p = 0.03). The median LOS was significantly less in MTCs than in TUs for children aged between 18 months and three years treated in both a spica (p = 0.005) and traction (p = 0.0004).

Conclusion

This study highlights the current national trends in the management of closed isolated fractures of the femoral shaft in children following activation of major trauma networks in 2012. Future studies focusing on the reasons for the differences which have been identified may help to achieve more consistency in the management of these injuries across the trauma networks. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:109–18.
Outcomes of dual mobility components in total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Darrith B. , Courtney P. M. , Della Valle C. J.
Published: January 2018

Aims

Instability remains a challenging problem in both primary and revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). Dual mobility components confer increased stability, but there are concerns about the unique complications associated with these designs, as well as the long-term survivorship.

Materials and Methods

We performed a systematic review of all English language articles dealing with dual mobility THAs published between 2007 and 2016 in the MEDLINE and Embase electronic databases. A total of 54 articles met inclusion criteria for the final analysis of primary and revision dual mobility THAs and dual mobility THAs used in the treatment of fractures of the femoral neck. We analysed the survivorship and rates of aseptic loosening and of intraprosthetic and extra-articular dislocation.

Results

For the 10 783 primary dual mobility THAs, the incidence of aseptic loosening was 1.3% (142 hips); the rate of intraprosthetic dislocation was 1.1% (122 hips) and the incidence of extra-articular dislocation was 0.46% (41 hips). The overall survivorship of the acetabular component and the dual mobility components was 98.0%, with all-cause revision as the endpoint at a mean follow-up of 8.5 years (2 to 16.5). For the 3008 revision dual mobility THAs, the rate of aseptic acetabular loosening was 1.4% (29 hips); the rate of intraprosthetic dislocation was 0.3% (eight hips) and the rate of extra-articular dislocation was 2.2% (67 hips). The survivorship of the acatabular and dual mobility components was 96.6% at a mean of 5.4 years (2 to 8). For the 554 dual mobility THAs which were undertaken in patients with a fracture of the femoral neck, the rate of intraprosthetic dislocation was 0.18% (one hip), the rate of extra-articular dislocation was 2.3% (13 hips) and there was one aseptic loosening. The survivorship was 97.8% at a mean of 1.3 years (0.75 to 2).

Conclusion

Dual mobility articulations are a viable alternative to traditional bearing surfaces, with low rates of instability and good overall survivorship in primary and revision THAs, and in those undertaken in patients with a fracture of the femoral neck. The incidence of intraprosthetic dislocation is low and limited mainly to earlier designs. High-quality, prospective, comparative studies are needed to evaluate further the use of dual mobility components in THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:11–19.
Efficacy and adverse effects of collagenase use in the treatment of Dupuytren’s disease
Authors: Sanjuan-Cerveró R. , Carrera-Hueso F. J. , Vazquez-Ferreiro P. , Ramon-Barrios M. A.
Published: January 2018

Aims

The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the safety and efficacy of collagenase clostridium histolyticum compared with fasciectomy and percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF) for Dupuytren’s disease.

Materials and Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, Web of Science, Cochrane, Teseo and the ClinicalTrials.gov registry for clinical trials and cohort or case-control studies which compared the clinical outcomes and adverse effects of collagenase with those of fasciectomy or PNF. Of 1345 articles retrieved, ten were selected. They described the outcomes of 425 patients treated with collagenase and 418 treated by fasciectomy or PNF. Complications were assessed using inverse-variance weighted odds ratios (ORs). Clinical efficacy was assessed by differences between the means for movement of the joint before and after treatment. Dose adjustment was applied in all cases.

Results

Random-effects modelling showed that patients treated with collagenase had 3.24 increased odds of adverse effects compared with those treated by fasciectomy (OR 4.39) or PNF (OR 1.72,). The effect was lost when only major complications were assessed. Joint movement analysis revealed a difference between means of less than 10%, indicating equivalent clinical efficacy in the short and medium term for collagenase and fasciectomy. We were unable to analyse this for PNF due to a shortage of data.

Conclusion

There were no significant differences in effect size between collagenase and fasciectomy. The use of collagenase was associated with a higher overall risk of adverse effects than both fasciectomy and PNF. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:73–80.
The risk of cardiac failure following metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty
Authors: Sabah S. A. , Moon J. C. , Jenkins-Jones S. , Morgan C. Ll. , Currie C. J. , Wilkinson J. M. , Porter M. , Captur G. , Henckel J. , Chaturvedi N. , Kay P. , Skinner J. A. , Hart A. H. , Manisty C.
Published: January 2018

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine whether patients with metal-on-metal (MoM) arthroplasties of the hip have an increased risk of cardiac failure compared with those with alternative types of arthroplasties (non-MoM).

Patients and Methods

A linkage study between the National Joint Registry, Hospital Episodes Statistics and records of the Office for National Statistics on deaths was undertaken. Patients who underwent elective total hip arthroplasty between January 2003 and December 2014 with no past history of cardiac failure were included and stratified as having either a MoM (n = 53 529) or a non-MoM (n = 482 247) arthroplasty. The primary outcome measure was the time to an admission to hospital for cardiac failure or death. Analysis was carried out using data from all patients and from those matched by propensity score.

Results

The risk of cardiac failure was lower in the MoM cohort compared with the non-MoM cohort (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.901; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.853 to 0.953). The risk of cardiac failure was similar following matching (aHR 0.909; 95% CI 0.838 to 0.987) and the findings were consistent in subgroup analysis.

Conclusion

The risk of cardiac failure following total hip arthroplasty was not increased in those in whom MoM implants were used, compared with those in whom other types of prostheses were used, in the first seven years after surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:20–7.
A Preliminary Exploration of the Development of Wisdom in Entrepreneurship Education
Authors: McNally Jeffrey , Honig Benson , Martin Bruce
Published: January 2018

Though the development of wisdom is a primary goal of higher education, it has received little empirical attention in an entrepreneurship education (EE) context. We conduct a preliminary, exploratory investigation into the teaching of wisdom in EE. Applying Sternberg’s (1998) balance theory of wisdom, we examine whether entrepreneurship courses deliver on the potential of wisdom development by studying the syllabi of 50 university entrepreneurship courses from around the world. We also examine the contents of the major entrepreneurship textbooks used in EE classrooms today. We find that both textbook use and course design are negatively related to the development of wisdom in the classroom. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Upper arm fat and muscle in stunted and non-stunted children aged 0-24 months
Authors: Arundito Bagus Winandi , Julia Madarina , Nurani Neti , Prawirohartono Endy Paryanto
Published: January 2018

Background The prevalence of stunting in Indonesia is high, with particularly negative impacts on health during childhood as well as adolescence. Stunting impacts the health of children as well as adults, especially with  regards to future obesity. Therefore, evaluating body composition of stunted children before 2 years of age is necessary.Objective To compare upper arm fat and muscle measurements in stunted and non-stunted children aged 0-24 months of age.Methods We analyzed secondary data of the Division of Nutrition and Metabolic Disease, Department of Child Health, Universitas Gadjah Mada Medical School, Yogyakarta which were collected using cluster random sampling from the Yogyakarta Special Province. We compared upper arm fat area (UFA), including the upper arm fat area estimate (UFE) and the upper arm fat percentage (UFP), as well as upper arm muscle area (UMA) and upper arm muscle area estimate (UME), among stunted and non-stunted children aged 0-24 months.Results We analyzed 2,195 children. The prevalence of stunting was 354/2,195 (16.1%). The UFA, UFE, and UFP among stunted children were significantly lower compared to non-stunted children aged 7-12 months [UFA: 4.48 vs. 5.05 cm2 (P <0.001), respectively; UFE: 4.88 vs. 5.55 cm2 (P <0.001), respectively; and UFP: 30.82 vs. 32.58% (P = 0.03), respectively]. The UMA in children aged 7-12 months was also significantly lower in stunted than in non-stunted children [11.31 vs. 11.79 cm2 (P = 0.02), respectively], as well as in children aged 13-24 months [11.05 vs. 11.75 cm2 (P <0.001), respectively]. In addition, the UME in children aged 13-24 months was significantly lower in stunted compared to non-stunted children [10.50 vs. 11.18 cm2 (P <0.001), respectively].Conclusion The UFA in children aged 7-12 months is smaller in stunted than in non-stunted children, whereas UMA in children aged 7-12 months and 13-24 months was smaller in stunted compared to non-stunted children.
Queer Crossings: Kinship, Marriage, and Sexuality in Igboland and Carriacou
Authors: Apter Andrew
Published: January 2018

In this article, I problematize the historical development of quasi-institutionalized lesbianism on the Caribbean island of Carriacou, addressing veiled references to its “Igbo” origins in popular music and culture. How do we interpret such muted intimations and the forms of historicity they suggest? I argue that a case for Igbo origins can be made if we separate gender from sexuality. Reading Ifi Amadiume and Nwando Achebe on “female husbands” in Igboland in relation to M. G. Smith’s documentation of lesbianism in Carriacou, I identify related logics of lineage organization, prostitution, and property devolution linking both cases to “queer” conjugal forms. But whereas such unions were eroticized in Carriacou, in West Africa they remained strictly jural. That an Igbo form of woman-to- woman marriage was sexualized in Carriacou shows how flexible West African gender ideologies shaped queer sexualities under radically different historical conditions than in the Americas.
COSMOPOLITANISM IN THE FACE OF POPULISM – CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES ON THE PATH OF EUROPEAN IDENTITY FORMATION
Authors: Cichocki Piotr
Published: January 2018

The paper examines the continuing viability of the critique of methodological nationalism in the context of recent resurgence of nationalist sentiments across western liberal democracies. Using the distinction between first and second modernity, it shows how cosmopolitan social theorising can actually be seen as predictive of some of the effects that nationalist populism has enjoyed in the context of the post-2008 series of crises. The discussion is mostly focused on the challenge the current political dynamics poses to the weak forms of social integration underpinning the project of European supra-national unification.
A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF POLISH STUDENTS’ APTITUDE FOR THINKING REFLEXIVELY, DIFFERENTIATED BY HIGHER EDUCATION FACULTIES AND THE LEVEL OF STUDY
Authors: Odrowąż-Coates Anna , Perkowska-Klejman Anna
Published: January 2018

The paper contains the original empirical study, based on quantified qualitative questionnaire, containing reflexivity scales - called QRT (Questionnaire to measure the Level of Reflexive Thinking) - developed by Kember et al. (2002) - translated, adjusted, validated and adopted to Polish circumstances. The aim was to compare the reflexivity levels amongst higher education students at differentiated faculties and at different levels of study (bachelor's, Master's and doctoral) to capture dependent variables and to promote reflexivity as a subject of scientific enquiry.
Pythagorean Hesitant Fuzzy Information Aggregation and Their Application to Multi-Attribute Group Decision-Making Problems
Authors: Khan Muhammad Sajjad Ali , Abdullah Saleem , Ali Asad , Rahman Khaista
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we introduce the concept of the Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy set (PHFS), which is the generalization of the intuitionistic hesitant fuzzy set under the restriction that the square sum of its membership degrees is ≤1. In decision making with PHFSs, aggregation operators play a key role because they can be used to synthesize multidimensional evaluation values represented as Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy values into collective values. Under PHFS environments, Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy ordered weighted averaging and Pythagorean fuzzy ordered weighted geometric operators are used to aggregate the Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy values. The main advantage of these operators is that they provide more accurate and valuable results. Furthermore, these operators are applied to decision-making problems in which experts provide their preferences in the Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy environment to show the validity, practicality, and effectiveness of the new approach. Finally, we compare the proposed approach to the existing methods.
Characterization of calmodulin in the clam Anodonta woodiana: differential expressions in response to environmental Ca2+ and Cd2+
Authors: Xia Xichao , Liang Guina , Zheng Xinhua , Wang Fuan , Zhang Junfeng , Xue Shipeng , Hua Chuanxiu , Song Guoying , Bai Xianguang , Guo Lianghong
Published: January 2018

Aims

To explore effect of Ca2+ and Cd2+ on the calmodulin (CaM), one complete cDNA sequence (AwCaM1) was cloned and characterized from the freshwater mussel Anodonta woodiana and its expressions were analyzed.

Materials and methods

The AwCaM1 was cloned from the A. woodiana using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends methods and its expression was determined by real-time PCR.

Results

In the hepatopancreas, AwCaM1 expression was up-regulated with a time and dose dependent pattern in the Ca2+ treated groups (0.01, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.08 mg/L) during experiment observed, and increased more than 56.15% (p<0.05) compared with that of control group. AwCaM1 mRNA level increased more 65.04% (p<0.05) in the Cd2+ treated groups (8 and 16 mg/L). In the gill, AwCaM1 expression increased more than 79.41% (p<0.05) compared with that of control group in all the Ca2+ treated groups, and more than 88.23% (p<0.05) in all the Cd2+ treated groups.

Conclusion

These results indicated that up-regulations of AwCaM1 expression in bivalve A. woodiana are associated with Ca2+ absorb and environmental adaption derived from Ca2+ and Cd2+ treatment.
Spelling out enclitics and giving their tone a voice: Cyclic clitic incorporation in BCS and breaking the cycle
Authors: Talić Aida
Published: January 2018

This paper examines previously unnoticed facts about prosodic interactions between enclitics and their hosts in Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian (BCS). I show that there is a three-way split between BCS enclitics in this respect: (i) enclitics that always interact with the accent of their host; (ii) enclitics that interact with the accent of their host in some contexts, but not in others; (iii) and enclitics that never interact with the accent of their host. It is shown that this rather complex pattern can be accounted for in its entirety by a condition on prosodic incorporation of enclitics that holds at the point when syntactic structure is mapped to prosodic structure, which essentially requires the clitic and the host to be in the same spell-out domain in order for the clitic to incorporate into the prosodic word of its host, a prerequisite for the clitic to interact with the accent of its host. I also discuss certain idiosyncratic phonological properties of the auxiliary cliticje‘be.3sg’ and the particlese‘self’ that cause reordering of enclitics in PF. It is shown that this PF movement can have an effect on whether a clitic is spelled out in the same domain as its host, which in turn affects the prosodic interaction between the two. Based on the prosodic interaction of enclitics with the accent of their host, I argue for a phase-based approach to prosodic structure building (see also Dobashi 2003; Kahnemuyipour 2004, 2009;Kratzer and Selkirk 2007; Sato 2012; Sato and Dobashi 2016; among others).
Maintenance of efficacy after duodenal– jejunal bypass liner explantation in the first NHS EndoBarrier service
Authors: Ryder Robert EJ , Yadagiri Mahi , Irwin Susan P , Burbridge Wyn , Gandhi Hardeep , Allden Rachael A , Bleasdale John P , Fogden Edward N , Anderson Mark R , Gupta Piya Sen
Published: January 2018

EndoBarrier®, a 60 cm endoscopically implanted proximal intestinal liner, reduces weight and HbA1c over 1 year. We report the outcomes of the first 12 patients who completed 6 months post EndoBarrier removal in the first NHS EndoBarrier service. All patients were obese (body mass index 41.7±9.8 kg/m2) with diabetes for 10–25 years and 75% were on insulin therapy. All patients (age 52.4±9.3 years) were advised to institute behavioural changes during the implant period (1 year) and maintain them thereafter. Implantation of EndoBarrier for 1 year reduced weight (17.6±8.9 kg, p<0.001), HbA1c (26.7±20.8 mmol/mol, 2.4±1.9%, p=0.001), systolic blood pressure (14.1±16.1 mmHg, p=0.011) and median total daily insulin dose from 104 to 48 Units/day (p=0.024) (n=9). Six months post EndoBarrier removal, 75% of patients sustained the metabolic improvement achieved with EndoBarrier; insulin dose requirement continued to fall and four of the nine insulin-treated patients discontinued insulin. Of the three patients whose weight/glycaemic control worsened, two had depression and one became immobile after explantation due to ill health unrelated to EndoBarrier treatment. Most (93.8%) of our patients stated that they would be extremely likely to recommend our service to friends and family. These data are encouraging for wider establishment of NHS EndoBarrier services.
Investigation of thermal-hydraulic performance in flat tube heat exchangers at various tube inclination angles
Authors: Adam A. Y. , Oumer A. N. , Alias Azri , Ishak M. , Noor M. M.
Published: January 2018

The performance of compact fin-and-flat tube heat exchangers (HE) can be affected by many geometrical and processing factors and one of them is tube inclination angle. However, the effect of flat tube inclination angle on the thermal-hydraulic performance of the HE is not fully examined. This paper investigates the effects of flat tube inclination angles on heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of fined flat tube HE when the tubes are deployed in in-line and staggered arrangements. A symmetric numerical method based on FLUENT software was carried out with six different tube inclination angles (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, and 150°) in moderately high Reynolds number. From the results, it was observed that heat transfer coefficient increased with the augmentation of the tube inclination angle from 0o to 90o  and decreased for 120o and 150o . With the increase of tube inclination angle, the average Nusselt number rose by 36.3%. This might be due to the reason that the tube surface area increases with the inclination angle, which also results in the largest increment of the pressure drop by 42.0%. Overall, the 90o tube inclination angle showed the highest enhancement in heat transfer for both inline and staggered configurations with a maximum enhancement of 41.2% for in-line and 32.2% for staggered arrangements. However, the heat transfer enhancements were accompanied by high-pressure drop penalties of up to 44.2% and 42.6% for in-line and staggered arrangements, respectively. Therefore, inclining the tubes at 90o is recommended where high heat transfer is required. On the other hand, 0o tube inclination angle is recommended where pumping power is a crucial issue.
The effect of oxygen content in soapnut biodiesel-diesel blends on performance of a diesel engine
Authors: Pattanaik B. P. , Jena J. , Misra R. D.
Published: January 2018

In this study, 18 soapnut biodiesel-diesel blends along with soapnut oil as an additive in some blends were prepared and used in a diesel engine to investigate the effect of oxygen content in the fuel blends on engine performance and emission characteristics. Considering the large variations in the oxygen content of these fuel blends, the obtained results were demonstrated based on varying fuel oxygen content. Findings showed that the best engine performance was achieved with a fuel oxygen content in the range of 1.8%–3.0%, whereas the best engine emissions were obtained with a fuel oxygen content in the range of 0.71%–2.37%. Hence, considering both engine performance and emissions, the optimal zone of fuel oxygen content wasfound to be in the range of 1.80%– 2.37%. Thus, it can be concluded that biodiesel blended fuels having an oxygen content in the aforesaid range can be successfully used in diesel engines with comparable engine performance and emissions to those using diesel fuel. Nevertheless, further research is required to reduce the fuel oxygen content to this optimal range if the blends consist of higher biofuel components. Besides that, the use of suitable additives in the biodiesel blended fuels may be a viable option to achieve the said purpose, which needs further research.
Optimisation of gate location based on weld line in plastic injection moulding using computer-aided engineering, artificial neural network, and genetic algorithm
Authors: Sedighi R. , Meiabadi M. Saleh , Sedighi M.
Published: January 2018

Shock absorber is a critical element of vehicle suspension system with nonlinear characteristics. In the present work, performance of vehicle characteristics was analysed by quarter car model to study the effect of shock absorber, on the basis of linear and nonlinear damping characteristics. In addition to linear and piecewise linear, polynomial damping characteristics were considered to address the nonlinear aspect of damping characteristics. The linear and nonlinear properties of the shock absorber were incorporated in a two degree of freedom quarter car suspension system. The modelling and simulation is carried out in Adams view environment and Matlab/Simulink. A bump road profile was used to excite the quarter car suspension models. The polynomial shock absorber model was validated using experimental data taken from established literature. Simulation was undertaken to study the dynamic performance in terms of sprung mass acceleration, body displacement, suspension deflection and unsprung mass acceleration. Experimental hysteresis characteristics data, taken from established literature, were also modelled in Adams view environment and the simulated results were used for validation purpose. The suspension system response incorporating shock absorber represented by nonlinear model, hysteresis model and piece wise linear model were provided in the result section for comparison. It was observed from quantitative comparisons that the RMS values for body acceleration and body displacement of the polynomial model matched fairly well with the results of experimental hysteresis response. It was concluded that in order to study the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle accurately, nonlinear behaviour of the damper is required to be captured properly. Therefore, the proposed polynomial shock absorber model can be a better option for vehicle dynamic analysis as compared to the complex hysteresis model.
miR-210 and GPD1L regulate EDN2 in primary and immortalized human granulosa-lutein cells
Authors: Shrestha Ketan , Onasanya Adepeju Esther , Eisenberg Iris , Wigoda Noa , Yagel Simcha , Yalu Ronit , Meidan Rina , Imbar Tal
Published: January 2018

Endothelin-2 (EDN2), expressed at a narrow window during the periovulatory period, critically affects ovulation and corpus luteum (CL) formation. LH (acting mainly via cAMP) and hypoxia are implicated in CL formation; therefore, we aimed to elucidate how these signals regulate EDN2 using human primary (hGLCs) and immortalized (SVOG) granulosa-lutein cells. The hypoxiamiR, microRNA-210 (miR-210) was identified as a new essential player in EDN2 expression. Hypoxia (either mimetic compound-CoCl2, or low O2) elevated hypoxia-inducible factor 1A (HIF1A), miR-210 and EDN2. Hypoxia-induced miR-210 was suppressed in HIF1A-silenced SVOG cells, suggesting that miR-210 is HIF1A dependent. Elevated miR-210 levels in hypoxia or by miR-210 overexpression, increased EDN2. Conversely, miR-210 inhibition reduced EDN2 levels, even in the presence of CoCl2, indicating the importance of miR-210 in the hypoxic induction of EDN2. A molecule that destabilizes HIF1A protein, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 1-like gene-GPD1L, was established as a miR-210 target in both cell types. It was decreased by miR-210-mimic and was increased by miR-inhibitor. Furthermore, reducing GPD1L by endogenously elevated miR-210 (in hypoxia), miR-210-mimic or by GPD1L siRNA resulted in elevated HIF1A protein and EDN2 levels, implying a vital role for GPD1L in the hypoxic induction of EDN2. Under normoxic conditions, forskolin (adenylyl cyclase activator) triggered changes typical of hypoxia. It elevated HIF1A, EDN2 and miR-210 while inhibiting GPD1L. Furthermore, HIF1A silencing greatly reduced forskolin’s ability to elevate EDN2 and miR-210. This study highlights the novel regulatory roles of miR-210 and its gene target, GPD1L, in hypoxia and cAMP-induced EDN2 by human granulosa-lutein cells.
Opinion of undergraduate medical students of North Karnataka on case based learning for teaching Medical Microbiology
Authors: Kulkarni Sudheendra , Chillarge Chandrakant , Sai Sailesh Kumar
Published: January 2018

The present study was undertaken to observe the student's opinion regarding the case based learning for teaching medical microbiology. The study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Bidar Institute of Medical sciences, Bidar, North Karnataka. 100 second, year MBBS students were included in the study. Students were exposed to case based lecture (topic-H.Pylori). After the Case based learning (CBL), the opinion of students was taken by using self administered questionnaire with 5 point likert scale. In the present study most of the student's preferred case based learning. We recommend including CBL as a part and parcel of medical microbiology curriculum for better understanding of subject and for practical applications.
Prosthetically CAD-CAM–Guided Bone Augmentation of Atrophic Jaws Using Customized Titanium Mesh: Preliminary Results of an Open Prospective Study
Authors: Ciocca Leonardo , Lizio Giuseppe , Baldissara Paolo , Sambuco Alessandro , Scotti Roberto , Corinaldesi Giuseppe
Published: January 2018

This study evaluated the outcomes of computer-aided design–computer-aided machining (CAD-CAM)–customized titanium mesh used for prosthetically guided bone augmentation related to the occlusion-driven implant position, to the vertical bone volume gain of the mandible and maxilla, and to complications, such as mesh exposure. Nine patients scheduled for bone augmentation of atrophic sites were treated with custom titanium mesh and particulate bone grafts with autologous bone and anorganic bovine bone in a 1:1 ratio prior to implant surgery. The bone volume needed to augment was virtually projected based on implant position, width, and length, and the mesh design was programmed for the necessary retaining screws. After 6 to 8 months, bone augmentations of 1.72 to 4.1 mm (mean: 3.83 mm) for the mandibular arch and 2.14 to 6.88 mm (mean: 3.95 mm) for the maxilla were registered on cone-beam computerized tomography. Mesh premature (within 4 to 6 weeks) exposure was observed in 3 cases and delayed (after 4 to 6 weeks) in 3 other cases. One titanium mesh was removed before the programmed time but in all augmented sites was possible implant insertion. No complication occurred during prosthetic follow-up. Using CAD-CAM technology for prosthetically guided bone augmentation showed important postoperative morbidity of mesh exposure (66%). Because of this high prevalence of mesh exposure and the potential infection that could affect the expected bone augmentation, this study suggests a cautious approach to this procedure when designing the titanium mesh, to avoid flap tension that may cause mucosal rupture.