bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk and protective factors for adolescents’ illicit drug use: A population-based study
Authors: Liao Jung-Yu , Huang Chiu-Mieh , Lee Charles Tzu-Chi , Hsu Hsiao-Pei , Chang Chiu-Ching , Chuang Che-Jen , Guo Jong-Long
Published: April 2018

Objective:

The use of illicit drugs by adolescents is a widespread problem in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to identify risk and protective factors.

Design:

Web-based survey of high school students.

Setting:

Senior high schools and vocational high schools in northern Taiwan.

Method:

Survey data were collected from 15,754 students. Logistic regression analysis examined potential risk and protective factors in individual, family and peer/school domains for lifetime, past-year and past-month illicit drug use and the single and/or multiple use of ketamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and marijuana.

Results:

The prevalence rates of illicit drug use varied from 1.18% to 2.19% by frequency and type of illicit drug use. Perceived availability of illicit drugs, betel nut chewing, drug use by a family member, peer drug use, missing classes and type of school were significant risk factors in lifetime, past-year and past-month use. Sensation seeking, family member and peer drug use were common factors in ketamine, methamphetamine, MDMA and marijuana use. Drug use by a family member increased the risk of multiple drug use. Smoking was a risk factor for ketamine use. Drug-related knowledge was a protective factor.

Conclusions:

These findings support the idea that there exist multilevel risk and protective factors for drug use, especially in the family and peer/school domains. School-based interventions should be designed to integrate different levels of risk and protective factors.
Involvement and Participation of Students With Severe Disabilities in SWPBIS
Authors: Kurth Jennifer A. , Zagona Alison L.
Published: April 2018

With more schools implementing Schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) and achieving valued student outcomes associated with these efforts, the inclusion of students with extensive and pervasive support needs (i.e., “severe” disabilities) in this tiered system must be considered. These students remain programmatically and physically separated from general education instruction and activities. Given that SWPBIS is implemented in general education settings and it is designed to support all students, the purpose of this study was to investigate SWPBIS coaches’ perceptions of the involvement of students with extensive support needs in SWPBIS processes and procedures within one state. Findings suggest the coaches believe that students with extensive support needs are physically and programmatically separated from Tier 1 SWPBIS instruction and activities, with few general educators expressing participation in facilitating their involvement. Implications and recommendations for these findings are provided.
The Influence of Neighborhood Risk Factors on Parolee Recidivism in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Authors: Houser Kimberly , McCord Eric S. , Nicholson Jason
Published: April 2018

Recidivism research has largely addressed individual-level attributes, neglecting the role of the neighborhood context. Following a sample of 4,851 parolees returning to the City of Philadelphia in 2007 and 2008, the current study examines the role of the neighborhood context and nonresidential land uses (both risk and protective factors) in reincarceration and time to reincarceration. Although our findings suggest limited support for the neighborhood context in explaining reincarceration, we found that the presence of beer bars and liquor outlets within walking distance of a parolee’s home increased their likelihood of reincarceration and reduced their time in the community.
Predictors of Viewing Online Extremism Among America’s Youth
Authors: Costello Matthew , Barrett-Fox Rebecca , Bernatzky Colin , Hawdon James , Mendes Kelly
Published: April 2018

Exposure to hate material is related to a host of negative outcomes. Young people might be especially vulnerable to the deleterious effects of such exposure. With that in mind, this article examines factors associated with the frequency that youth and young adults, ages 15 to 24, see material online that expresses negative views toward a social group. We use an online survey of individuals recruited from a demographically balanced sample of Americans for this project. Our analysis controls for variables that approximate online routines, social, political, and economic grievances, and sociodemographic traits. Findings show that spending more time online, using particular social media sites, interacting with close friends online, and espousing political views online all correlate with increased exposure to online hate. Harboring political grievances is likewise associated with seeing hate material online frequently. Finally, Whites are more likely than other race/ethnic groups to be exposed to online hate frequently.
Effect of oral nutritional supplementation on growth and recurrent upper respiratory tract infections in picky eating children at nutritional risk: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Ghosh Apurba K. , Kishore Bala , Shaikh Irfan , Satyavrat Vinita , Kumar Anil , Shah Tapan , Pote Prahlad , Shinde Sandeep , Berde Yatin , Low Yen Ling , Tan Verena M.H. , Huynh Dieu T. T.
Published: April 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) plus dietary counselling (DC) (intervention) versus DC alone (control) on growth and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in nutritionally at-risk, picky eating children in India.

Methods

We performed a 90-day, prospective, randomized, controlled trial. A total of 255 children aged 24–72 months with a weight-for-age z-score ≥−2 and <−1, picky eating behaviour, and acute URTI were randomized to the control (n = 128) or intervention group (n = 127). The outcomes included the change in weight-for-age z-score from days 1 to 90 and the URTI incidence.

Results

The mean age was 44.0 ± 14.3 months. The intervention group showed a significantly greater increase in mean weight-for-age and body mass index-for-age z-scores compared with the control group from day 10 onwards. Higher energy intake in the intervention group was observed at all follow-up visits, except for day 10. The incidence of URTI in the control group was 2.01 times higher than that in the intervention group, controlling for confounding factors.

Conclusions

ONS plus DC is effective for improving weight and reducing the incidence of URTI in nutritionally at-risk, picky eating children with an acute URTI episode.
Effect of rapid eye movement-related obstructive sleep apnea on adherence to continuous positive airway pressure
Authors: Hoshino Tetsuro , Sasanabe Ryujiro , Tanigawa Tohru , Murotani Kenta , Arimoto Mariko , Ueda Hiromi , Shiomi Toshiaki
Published: April 2018

Objective

Rapid eye movement (REM)-related obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by respiratory events such as apnea and hypopnea predominately or exclusively during REM sleep. Several studies have revealed clinical predictors of adherence to the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). However, the effect of REM-related OSA on adherence to CPAP use remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effects of REM-related OSA on adherence to CPAP use 6 months after treatment initiation.

Methods

We enrolled 161 patients in this study and divided them into 3 groups: the good adherence, poor adherence, and dropout groups. We compared polysomnographic data and clinical findings, including those regarding morbidity of REM-related OSA, among the three groups to identify predictors of adherence to CPAP use.

Results

None of the 43 patients in the good adherence group had REM-related OSA. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of the good adherence and dropout groups indicated that REM-related OSA was the only factor associated with adherence to CPAP use (odds ratio, 41.984; 95% confidence interval, 2.257–781.007).

Conclusions

REM-related OSA is a reliable risk factor for dropout from CPAP therapy.
National Contextual Influences on Mediatization: The Comparison of Science Decision Makers in Estonia and Germany
Authors: Scheu Andreas M. , Olesk Arko
Published: April 2018

The study investigates adaptations of organizations in the field of science to the requirements of mass media. Based on the current research, we assume that mediatization is advanced by the need of individual and collective actors for public attention and that this need varies depending on national structural factors. We compared Estonia and Germany where the science and media systems differ in their size and structure but have a similarly competitive funding environment. Our results demonstrate variability considering the intensity of reported implementations of media-related structural adaptations within organizations. These differences can be linked to country-specific structural factors.
The Effects of Enriched Environmental Intervention on the Parturition Outcome and Filial Health of Pregnant Mice With Chronic Pain
Authors: Zhou Fang , Chen Cui , Huang Yue , Hu Huihui , Li Li , Tan Yingchun
Published: April 2018

Chronic pain (CP) adversely impacts people’s health. However, the influence of CP on pregnant women and their fetuses remains unclear. Few reasonable interventions have been offered to these women. This study aimed to examine the effects of enriched environmental intervention (EEI) on the delivery outcome and offspring health of pregnant mice with CP. Forty pregnant mice were equally and randomly divided into four groups (control, sham, CP, and CP + EEI). Monoarthritis was induced by subcutaneous injection of the complete Freund’s adjuvant (100 μg/100 μl) into the left hind paw of mice on Day 0 of gestation. Sham mice received 100 µl of sterile phosphate-buffered saline subcutaneously. General health status and delivery outcomes of pregnant mice and general physical status, growth, and development of offspring were observed and compared between groups. CP mice exhibited less weight gain, higher rate of premature delivery, smaller litter size, lower live birth rate, lower filial birth weight, shorter filial tail length, and lower filial rates of achieving righting reflex and crawling compared to mice in the control/sham/CP + EEI groups. There were no significant differences between mice in the CP + EEI group and those in the control and sham groups. CP during pregnancy led to serious adverse impacts on both the mother and fetus mice in this study, and EEI was an effective treatment for these effects.
Using Job Analysis Techniques to Understand Training Needs for Promotores de Salud
Authors: Ospina Javier H. , Langford Toshiko A. , Henry Kimberly L. , Nelson Tristan Q.
Published: April 2018

Despite the value of community health worker programs, such as Promotores de Salud, for addressing health disparities in the Latino community, little consensus has been reached to formally define the unique roles and duties associated with the job, thereby creating unique job training challenges. Understanding the job tasks and worker attributes central to this work is a critical first step for developing the training and evaluation systems of promotores programs. Here, we present the process and findings of a job analysis conducted for promotores working for Planned Parenthood. We employed a systematic approach, the combination job analysis method, to define the job in terms of its work and worker requirements, identifying key job tasks, as well as the worker attributes necessary to effectively perform them. Our results suggest that the promotores’ job encompasses a broad range of activities and requires an equally broad range of personal characteristics to perform. These results played an important role in the development of our training and evaluation protocols. In this article, we introduce the technique of job analysis, provide an overview of the results from our own application of this technique, and discuss how these findings can be used to inform a training and performance evaluation system. This article provides a template for other organizations implementing similar community health worker programs and illustrates the value of conducting a job analysis for clarifying job roles, developing and evaluating job training materials, and selecting qualified job candidates.
Biomechanical Strength of Retrograde Fixation in Proximal Third Scaphoid Fractures
Authors: Daly Charles A. , Boden Allison L. , Hutton William C. , Gottschalk Michael B.
Published: April 2018

Background: Current techniques for fixation of proximal pole scaphoid fractures utilize antegrade fixation via a dorsal approach endangering the delicate vascular supply of the dorsal scaphoid. Volar and dorsal approaches demonstrate equivalent clinical outcomes in scaphoid wrist fractures, but no study has evaluated the biomechanical strength for fractures of the proximal pole. This study compares biomechanical strength of antegrade and retrograde fixation for fractures of the proximal pole of the scaphoid. Methods: A simulated proximal pole scaphoid fracture was produced in 22 matched cadaveric scaphoids, which were then assigned randomly to either antegrade or retrograde fixation with a cannulated headless compression screw. Cyclic loading and load to failure testing were performed and screw length, number of cycles, and maximum load sustained were recorded. Results: There were no significant differences in average screw length (25.5 mm vs 25.6 mm, P = .934), average number of cyclic loading cycles (3738 vs 3847, P = .552), average load to failure (348 N vs 371 N, P = .357), and number of catastrophic failures observed between the antegrade and retrograde fixation groups (3 in each). Practical equivalence between the 2 groups was calculated and the 2 groups were demonstrated to be practically equivalent (upper threshold P = .010). Conclusions: For this model of proximal pole scaphoid wrist fractures, antegrade and retrograde screw configuration have been proven to be equivalent in terms of biomechanical strength. With further clinical study, we hope surgeons will be able to make their decision for fixation technique based on approaches to bone grafting, concern for tenuous blood supply, and surgeon preference without fear of poor biomechanical properties.
Supervised exercise rehabilitation in survivors of critical illness: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Battle Ceri , James Karen , Temblett Paul , Hutchings Hayley
Published: April 2018

Objectives

To investigate the impact of a six-week supervised exercise programme on cardiopulmonary fitness, balance, muscle strength and anxiety and depression in patients who have been discharged home from hospital following an intensive care unit length of stay of greater than 48 h. To investigate patients' perceptions of a six-week supervised exercise programme delivered at three months post hospital discharge.

Design

A single centre parallel, randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Outpatient department of a university teaching hospital in the UK.

Participants

Sixty adult survivors of critical illness, at three months post-hospital discharge.

Intervention

A six-week individually prescribed and supervised exercise program, with associated advice to home exercise modification. Twice weekly exercise sessions were individualised to participant's functional status and included cardiopulmonary, balance and strengthening exercises. Follow up at seven weeks, six months and 12 months.

Outcome measures

Six-Minute Walk Test, BERG balance test, grip strength and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. A pre-designed survey was used to explore patient perceptions of the programme.

Results

Sixty participants ( n = 30 received allocated programme in both control and treatment groups) were randomised. Loss to follow up resulted in n = 34 participants for intention to treat analysis at 12 months follow up (leaving n = 19 in control group, n = 15 in treatment group). Median participant age at enrolment was 62 years (interquartile range: 49–72), with a median intensive care unit length of stay of nine days (interquartile range: 4–17). No significant differences were found for the Six-Minute Walk Test at any time point ( p > 0.05). Anxiety levels and balance were significantly improved in the treatment group at 12 months ( p = 0.006 and p = 0.040, respectively).

Conclusions

Further research is needed into appropriate interventions and outcome measures, target patient populations and timing of such intervention post-hospital discharge.
Taricco principles beyond Taricco
Authors: Giuffrida Fabio
Published: April 2018

This contribution examines whether the principles laid down in M.A.S., M.B. (‘ Taricco II’) may play a role in some forthcoming decisions of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). In Scialdone, the Court will be asked to strike a balance between the effectiveness of national legislation on VAT offences and the principle of lex mitior. The key difference between Taricco and Scialdone lies in the fact that the lex mitior principle, unlike the regulation of the statute of limitation, falls within the scope of the principle of legality at the European level. Kolev concerns instead an alleged incompatibility between Article 325 TFEU and the Bulgarian Code of Criminal Procedure. Unlike Taricco, therefore, the CJEU will have to deal with national rules that form part of procedural criminal law. Nevertheless, it cannot be excluded that the Court may reach a Taricco II-like conclusion (i.e. disapplication in theory, exception to the disapplication in practice), especially if the reasoning of the CJEU will rely on the importance of foreseeability and legal certainty in criminal matters. These same principles could lead the CJEU, in Menci, not to endorse the partial revirement of the European Court of Human Rights in the A. and B v. Norway ruling and, as a consequence, not to lower the EU standard of protection of the right not to be tried or punished twice for the same offence.
Assessing the resilience of ‘social rehabilitation’ as a rationale for transfer
Authors: Martufi Adriano
Published: April 2018

This article provides an analysis of the Framework Decision 2008/909/JHA on the transfer of sentenced persons in the European Union (EU). Particular emphasis is placed on the provisions in the Framework Decision which makes direct or indirect reference to the aim of ‘social rehabilitation’. While this aim of punishment is referred to as the main rationale for transferring prisoners to another member state, it can be argued that the EU instrument fails to provide adequate safeguards against a potential misuse of the procedure. In particular, due to the increased automaticity of transfer proceedings, there is a risk that national authorities may not conduct a case-by-case assessment of the sentenced person’s situation. This sits at odds with the necessity of individualization underlying the rehabilitative ideal and may give rise to fundamental rights infringements. In the conclusion, a series of policy recommendations are put forward to increase the protection of the person’s interest to social rehabilitation.
N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity troponin T exhibit additive prognostic value for the outcome of critically ill patients
Authors: Lenz Max , Krychtiuk Konstantin A , Goliasch Georg , Distelmaier Klaus , Wojta Johann , Heinz Gottfried , Speidl Walter S
Published: April 2018

Background:

Patients treated at medical intensive care units suffer from various pathologies and often present with elevated troponin T (TnT) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels. Both markers may reflect different forms of cardiac involvement in critical illness. Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine the synergistic prognostic potential of NT-proBNP and high-sensitivity TnT (hs)TnT in unselected critically ill patients.

Methods:

We included all consecutive patients admitted to our intensive care unit within one year, excluding those suffering from acute myocardial infarction or undergoing cardiac surgery and measured NT-proBNP and TnT plasma levels on the day of admission and 72 hours thereafter.

Results:

Of the included 148 patients, 52% were male, mean age was of 64.2 ± 16.8 years and 30-day mortality was 33.2%. Non-survivors showed significantly higher NT-proBNP and TnT plasma levels as compared with survivors (p<0.01). An elevation of both markers exhibited an additive effect on mortality, as those with both NT-proBNP and TnT levels above the median had a 30-day mortality rate of 51.0%, while those with both markers below the median had a 16.7% mortality rate (hazard ratio 3.7). These findings were independent of demographic and clinical parameters (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

Our findings regarding the individual predictive properties of NT-proBNP and TnT are in line with literature. However, we were able to highlight that they exhibit additive prognostic potential which exceeds their individual value. This might be attributed to a difference in underlying pathomechanisms and an assessment of synergistic risk factors.
Improvement of Early Antenatal Care Initiation
Authors: Liabsuetrakul Tippawan , Oumudee Nurlisa , Armeeroh Masuenah , Nima Niamina , Duerahing Nurosanah
Published: April 2018

Background:

Although antenatal care (ANC) coverage has been increasing in low- and middle-income countries, the adherence to the ANC initiation standards at gestational age <12 weeks was inadequate including Thailand. The study aimed to improve the rate of early ANC initiation by training the existing local health volunteers (LHVs) in 3 southernmost provinces of Thailand.

Methods:

A clustered nonrandomized intervention study was conducted from November 2012 to February 2014. One district of each province was selected to be the study intervention districts for that province. A total of 124 LHVs in the intervention districts participated in the knowledge–counseling intervention. It was organized as half-day workshop using 2 training modules each comprising a 30-minute lecture followed by counseling practice in pairs for 1 hour. Outcome was the rate of early ANC initiation among women giving birth, and its association with intervention, meeting an LHV, and months after training was analyzed.

Results:

Of 6677 women, 3178 and 3499 women were in the control and intervention groups, respectively. Rates of early ANC were significantly improved after the intervention (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17-1.43, P < .001) and meeting an LHV (adjusted OR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.86-2.29, P < .001), but lower at 6 months after training (adjusted OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.60-0.96, P = .002). Almost all women (99.7%) in the intervention group who met an LHV reported that they were encouraged to attend early ANC.

Conclusion:

Training LHVs in communities by knowledge–counseling intervention significantly improved early ANC initiation, but the magnitude of change was still limited.
Comparable outcomes of patients eligible vs ineligible for SWOG leukemia studies
Authors: Statler Abby , Othus Megan , Erba Harry P. , Chauncey Thomas R. , Radich Jerald P. , Coutre Steven , Advani Anjali , Nand Sucha , Ravandi Farhad , Mukherjee Sudipto , Sekeres Mikkael A.
Published: April 2018

Key Points

The majority of ineligible patients had missing documentation or laboratory values outside of the protocols’ defined time frames. Safety and efficacy outcomes between ineligible and eligible patients enrolled on SWOG leukemia studies were comparable.
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for severe, refractory juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: M. F. Silva Juliana , Ladomenou Fani , Carpenter Ben , Chandra Sharat , Sedlacek Petr , Formankova Renata , Grandage Vicky , Friswell Mark , Cant Andrew J. , Nademi Zohreh , Slatter Mary A. , Gennery Andrew R. , Hambleton Sophie , Flood Terence J. , Lucchini Giovanna , Chiesa Robert , Rao Kanchan , Amrolia Persis J. , Brogan Paul , Wedderburn Lucy R. , Glanville Julie M. , Hough Rachael , Marsh Rebecca , Abinun Mario , Veys Paul
Published: April 2018

Key Points

Allo-HSCT using reduced intensity conditioning with alemtuzumab appears to be effective and safe for patients with refractory JIA. Early allo-HSCT may prevent joint damage, reduce toxicity associated with immunosuppression, and reduce transplant-related mortality.
Surgical outcomes of laparoscopic hysterectomy with concomitant endometriosis without bowel or bladder dissection: a cohort analysis to define a case-mix variable
Authors: Sandberg Evelien M. , Driessen Sara R. C. , Bak Evelien A. T. , van Geloven Nan , Berger Judith P. , Smeets Mathilde J. G. H. , Rhemrev Johann P. T. , Jansen Frank Willem
Published: April 2018

Background

Pelvic endometriosis is often mentioned as one of the variables influencing surgical outcomes of laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH). However, its additional surgical risks have not been well established. The aim of this study was to analyze to what extent concomitant endometriosis influences surgical outcomes of LH and to determine if it should be considered as case-mix variable.

Results

A total of 2655 LH’s were analyzed, of which 397 (15.0%) with concomitant endometriosis. For blood loss and operative time, no measurable association was found for stages I (n = 106) and II (n = 103) endometriosis compared to LH without endometriosis. LH with stages III (n = 93) and IV (n = 95) endometriosis were associated with more intra-operative blood loss (p = < .001) and a prolonged operative time (p = < .001) compared to LH without endometriosis. No significant association was found between endometriosis (all stages) and complications (p = .62).

Conclusions

The findings of our study have provided numeric support for the influence of concomitant endometriosis on surgical outcomes of LH, without bowel or bladder dissection. Only stages III and IV were associated with a longer operative time and more blood loss and should thus be considered as case-mix variables in future quality measurement tools.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: 27-Hydroxycholesterol increases α-synuclein protein levels through proteasomal inhibition in human dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Schommer Jared , Marwarha Gurdeep , Schommer Trevor , Flick Travis , Lund Jonah , Ghribi Othman
Published: April 2018

Background

Accumulation of the α-synuclein (α-syn) protein is a hallmark of a group of brain disorders collectively known as synucleinopathies. The mechanisms responsible for α-syn accumulation are not well understood. Several studies suggest a link between synucleinopathies and the cholesterol metabolite 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC). 27-OHC is the major cholesterol metabolite in the blood that crosses the blood brain barrier, and its levels can increase following hypercholesterolemia, aging, and oxidative stress, which are all factors for increased synucleinopathy risk. In this study, we determined the extent to which 27-OHC regulates α-syn levels in human dopaminergic neurons, the cell type in which α-syn accumulates in PD, a major synucleinopathy disorder.

Results

Our results show that 27-OHC significantly increases the protein levels, not the mRNA expression of α-syn. The effects of 27-OHC appear to be independent of an action through liver X receptors (LXR), its cognate receptors, as the LXR agonist, GW3965, or the LXR antagonist ECHS did not affect α-syn protein or mRNA levels. Furthermore, our data strongly suggest that the 27-OHC-induced increase in α-syn protein levels emanates from inhibition of the proteasomal degradation of this protein and a decrease in the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70).

Conclusions

Identifying 27-OHC as a factor that can increase α-syn levels and the inhibition of the proteasomal function and reduction in HSP70 levels as potential cellular mechanisms involved in regulation of α-syn. This may help in targeting the correct degradation of α-syn as a potential avenue to preclude α-syn accumulation.
microRNA-338-3p inhibits proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT in osteosarcoma cells by targeting activator of 90 kDa heat shock protein ATPase homolog 1
Authors: Cao Riliang , Shao Jianli , Hu Yabin , Wang Liang , Li Zhizhong , Sun Guodong , Gao Xiaoliang
Published: April 2018

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a rare, malignant bone tumor that primarily affects adolescents and has a high degree of malignancy and high incidence of recurrence and metastasis. Our study aimed to explore the role of miR-338-3p in OS cells.

Methods

qRT-qPCR was performed to quantify miR-338-3p expression levels in OS tissue samples and in three common OS cell lines. MG-63 and Saos2 cells were separately transfected with miR-338-3p or NC mimics and miR-338-3p expression levels was determined by qRT-PCR. Cell proliferation was monitored using the Cell Counting Kit-8. Flow cytometer analysis was carried out to determine the distribution of cell cycle stages and apoptosis. Transwell assay was performed to measure the migratory and invasive capacities of MG-63 and Saos2 cells. The expression of Vimentin and E-cadherin was detected by western blot. Luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR and western blotting were performed to confirm the target of miR-338-3p.

Results

Analysis by qRT-PCR revealed that miR-338-3p was downregulated in the tissue samples of 20 OS patients when compared with that in their matched adjacent non-tumor tissues. Furthermore, miR-338-3p was significantly downregulated in three common OS cell lines, namely, MG-63, Saos2, and HOS, when compared with that in the human osteoblast cell line hFOB1.19. Analysis by luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR, and western blotting revealed that activator of 90 kDa heat shock protein ATPase homolog 1 (AHSA1) is a direct target of miR-338-3p. miR-338-3p overexpression led to significant reduction in AHSA1 protein levels in MG63 and Saos2 cells. miR-338-3p overexpression reduced cell viability and migration and invasion behavior of MG63 and Saos2 cells. In addition, miR-338-3p overexpression suppressed epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), induced a significant G1-phase arrest and did not affect the apoptosis in both MG-63 and Saos2 cells. Moreover, overexpression of AHSA1 reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-338-3p overexpression on proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, EMT, migration, and invasion of MG63 and Saos2 cells, thereby suggesting that miR-338-3p acts as a tumor suppressor in OS cells by targeting AHSA1.

Conclusions

miR-338-3p/AHSA1 can serve as a potential therapeutic target for OS therapy.
A Systematic Review of the High-flow Nasal Cannula for Adult Patients
Authors: Helviz Yigal , Einav Sharon
Published: April 2018

This article is one of ten reviews selected from the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine 2018. Other selected articles can be found online at https://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/annualupdate2018. Further information about the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine is available from http://www.springer.com/series/8901.
Close down the lungs and keep them resting to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury
Authors: Pelosi Paolo , Rocco Patricia Rieken Macedo , Gama de Abreu Marcelo
Published: April 2018

This article is one of ten reviews selected from the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine 2018. Other selected articles can be found online at https://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/annualupdate2018. Further information about the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine is available from http://www.springer.com/series/8901.
Respiratory Management in Patients with Severe Brain Injury
Authors: Asehnoune Karim , Roquilly Antoine , Cinotti Raphaël
Published: April 2018

This article is one of ten reviews selected from the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine 2018. Other selected articles can be found online at https://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/annualupdate2018. Further information about the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine is available from http://www.springer.com/series/8901.
Angiotensin in Critical Care
Authors: Hall Anna , Busse Laurence W. , Ostermann Marlies
Published: April 2018

This article is one of ten reviews selected from the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine 2018. Other selected articles can be found online at https://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/annualupdate2018. Further information about the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine is available from http://www.springer.com/series/8901.
Making sense of early high-dose intravenous vitamin C in ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Spoelstra-de Man Angelique M. E. , Elbers Paul W. G. , Oudemans-van Straaten Heleen M.
Published: April 2018

This article is one of ten reviews selected from the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine 2018. Other selected articles can be found online at https://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/annualupdate2018. Further information about the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine is available from http://www.springer.com/series/8901.
Early Mobilization of Patients in Intensive Care: Organization, Communication and Safety Factors that Influence Translation into Clinical Practice
Authors: Hodgson Carol L. , Capell Elizabeth , Tipping Claire J.
Published: April 2018

This article is one of ten reviews selected from the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine 2018. Other selected articles can be found online at https://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/annualupdate2018. Further information about the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine is available from http://www.springer.com/series/8901.
Chinese herbal medicine Shenzhuo Formula treatment in patients with macroalbuminuria secondary to diabetic kidney disease: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhao Xue-min , Zhang Ying , He Xin-hui , Chen Hong-dong , Wang Zhu-feng , Guo Jing , Wang Xin-miao , Gao Ze-zheng , Wang Ji-ping , Liu Wei , Zhao Lin-hua , Tong Xiao-lin
Published: April 2018

Background

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a serious complication associated with diabetes mellitus and can cause end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used in China to treat DKD, and in particular microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria. This study will address the efficacy and safety of Shenzhuo Formula (SZF), a frequently prescribed TCM, in DKD patients with macroalbuminuria.

Methods/design

This study is a 24-week, randomized, multi-center, double-blinded, double-dummy, controlled, clinical trial that will include 120 DKD patients aged 18 to 80 years old with a 24-h urinary protein (24-h UP) level of between 0.5 g and 3 g and serum creatinine (SCr) ≤ 133 μmol/L (1.5 mg/dL) and compare SZF to irbesartan. The 24-h UP change from baseline to week 24 will represent the primary endpoint with secondary endpoints including SCr, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), TCM symptoms, urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER), etc. Safety assessments will also be evaluated.

Discussion

This study will provide initial evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of SZF relative to irbesartan in the treatment of DKD patients with macroalbuminuria.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ID: ChiCTR-ICR-15006311. Registered on 15 April 2015.
The dye-sensitized solar cell database
Authors: Venkatraman Vishwesh , Raju Rajesh , Oikonomopoulos Solon P. , Alsberg Bjørn K.
Published: April 2018

Background

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have garnered a lot of attention in recent years. The solar energy to power conversion efficiency of a DSSC is influenced by various components of the cell such as the dye, electrolyte, electrodes and additives among others leading to varying experimental configurations. A large number of metal-based and metal-free dye sensitizers have now been reported and tools using such data to indicate new directions for design and development are on the rise.

Description

DSSCDB, the first of its kind dye-sensitized solar cell database, aims to provide users with up-to-date information from publications on the molecular structures of the dyes, experimental details and reported measurements (efficiencies and spectral properties) and thereby facilitate a comprehensive and critical evaluation of the data. Currently, the DSSCDB contains over 4000 experimental observations spanning multiple dye classes such as triphenylamines, carbazoles, coumarins, phenothiazines, ruthenium and porphyrins.

Conclusion

The DSSCDB offers a web-based, comprehensive source of property data for dye sensitized solar cells. Access to the database is available through the following URL: www.dyedb.com.
Prevalence and molecular characterization of Staphylococcus aureus from human stool samples
Authors: Kates A. E. , Thapaliya D. , Smith T. C. , Chorazy M. L.
Published: April 2018

Background

To determine the prevalence of intestinal S. aureus colonization of patients at a large teaching hospital and determine the molecular characteristics of the identified strains. The second objective of this research was to determine risk factors associated with S. aureus intestinal colonization.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 781 specimens from inpatients and outpatients at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Clinical Microbiology Laboratory was conducted. S. aureus was identified using traditional culture methodologies. Methicillin-resistance was determined via PCR of the mecA gene. PVL PCR, spa typing, and antimicrobial sensitivity testing were also done. A nested case-control study was done on a subset of patients with all colonized patients defined as cases and non-colonized controls. Medical record abstractions were done to identify risk factors for intestinal colonization in the nested study.

Results

Out of 625 patients included in the final study, 58 were positive for S. aureus (9.3%). One isolate was positive for the PVL gene. A high number of isolates were resistant to multiple antibiotics including oxacillin (43.1%), erythromycin (51.7%), and levofloxacin (41.4%). All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin, daptomycin, linezolid, and quinupristin-dalfopristin. In the nested study, having a disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract significantly increased the odds of intestinal colonization (OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.04–3.7; aOR: 13.9, 95% CI: 1.67–115.7). No other variables were significantly associated with increased odds of colonization.

Conclusions

S. aureus was identified from the stool of patients at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, with a large number of those isolates being resistant to antibiotics and may serve a reservoir for subsequent infections as well as asymptomatic transmission.
Youth minimum wages and youth employment
Authors: Marimpi Maria , Koning Pierre
Published: April 2018

This paper performs a cross-country level analysis on the impact of the level of specific youth minimum wages on the labor market performance of young individuals. We use information on the use and level of youth minimum wages, as compared to the level of adult minimum wages as well as to the median wage (i.e., the Kaitz index). We complement these data with variables on the employment, labor force participation, and unemployment rates of 5-year age interval categories—all derived from the official OECD database. We distinguish between countries without minimum wages, countries with uniform minimum wages for all age groups, and countries with separate youth and adult minimum wages. Our results indicate that the relative employment rates of young individuals below the age of 25—as compared to the older workers—in countries with youth minimum wages are close to those in countries without minimum wages at all. Turning to the smaller sample of countries with minimum wages, increases in the level of (youth) minimum wages exert a substantial negative impact on the employment rate for young individuals.

JEL Classification:J21, J23, J31
Submental liposuction for the management of lymphedema following head and neck cancer treatment: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Alamoudi Uthman , Taylor Benjamin , MacKay Colin , Rigby Matthew H. , Hart Robert , Trites Jonathan R. B. , Taylor S. Mark
Published: April 2018

Background

Patients who have undergone treatment for head and neck cancer are at risk for neck lymphedema, which can severely affect quality of life. Liposuction has been used successfully in cancer patients who suffer from post-treatment limb lymphedema. The purpose of our study was to review the outcomes of head and neck cancer patients at our center who have undergone submental liposuction for post-treatment lymphedema and compare their subsequent results with a control group.

Methods

All head and neck cancer patients at an oncology center in tertiary hospital setting who complained to their attending surgeon or radiation oncologist regarding cervical lymphedema secondary to head and neck cancer treatment, and had been disease-free for a minimum of one year, with no previous facial plastic surgical procedures were eligible for inclusion into the study. Study design was a non-blinded randomized controlled trial. Twenty patients were randomized into a treatment arm (underwent submental liposuction n = 10) and control arm (n = 10). Both groups of patients completed two surveys (Modified Blepharoplasty Outcome Evaluation and the validated Derriford Appearance Scale) on initial office visit after consenting for the trial. The treatment group then completed the surveys 6 months post-operatively while the control group filled the surveys 6 months after the initial assessment but had no intervention. Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to compare the responses of those that did and did not receive liposuction.

Results

Our study demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in patients’ self-perception of appearance and statistically significant subjective scoring of appearance following submental liposuction.

Conclusions

Submental liposuction is an effective and safe procedure to improves the quality of life for head and neck cancer patients suffering from post-treatment lymphedema.
Predicting complications of major head and neck oncological surgery: An evaluation of the ACS NSQIP surgical risk calculator
Authors: Vosler Peter S. , Orsini Mario , Enepekides Danny J. , Higgins Kevin M.
Published: April 2018

Background

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) universal surgical risk calculator is an online tool intended to improve the informed consent process and surgical decision-making. The risk calculator uses a database of information from 585 hospitals to predict a patient's risk of developing specific postoperative outcomes.

Methods

Patient records at a major Canadian tertiary care referral center between July 2015 and March 2017 were reviewed for surgical cases including one of six major head and neck oncologic surgeries: total thyroidectomy, total laryngectomy, hemiglossectomy, partial glossectomy, laryngopharyngectomy, and composite resection. Preoperative information for 107 patients was entered into the risk calculator and compared to observed postoperative outcomes. Statistical analysis of the risk calculator was completed for the entire study population, for stratification by procedure, and by utilization of microvascular reconstruction. Accuracy was assessed using the ratio of predicted to observed outcomes, Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC), Brier score, and the Wilcoxon signed–ranked test.

Results

The risk calculator accurately predicted the incidences for 11 of 12 outcomes for patients that did not undergo free flap reconstruction (NFF group), but was less accurate for patients that underwent free flap reconstruction (FF group). Length of stay (LOS) analysis showed similar results, with predicted and observed LOS statistically different in the overall population and FF group analyses ( p = 0.001 for both), but not for the NFF group analysis ( p = 0.764). All outcomes in the NFF group, when analyzed for calibration, met the threshold value (Brier scores < 0.09). Risk predictions for 8 of 12, and 10 of 12 outcomes were adequately calibrated in the FF group and the overall study population, respectively. Analyses by procedure were excellent, with the risk calculator showing adequate calibration for 7 of 8 procedural categories and adequate discrimination for all calculable categories (6 of 6).

Conclusion

The NSQIP-RC demonstrated efficacy for predicting postoperative complications in head and neck oncology surgeries that do not require microvascular reconstruction. The predictive value of the metric can be improved by inclusion of several factors important for risk stratification in head and neck oncology.
Investigating the effect of artists’ paint formulation on degradation rates of TiO2-based oil paints
Authors: van Driel B. A. , van den Berg K. J. , Smout M. , Dekker N. , Kooyman P. J. , Dik J.
Published: April 2018

This study reports on the effect of artists’ paint formulation on degradation rates of TiO2-based oil paints. Titanium white oil paint exists in a multitude of different recipes, and the effect of the formulation on photocatalytic binder degradation kinetics is unknown. These formulations contain, among others, one or both titanium dioxide polymorphs, zinc oxide, the extenders barium sulfate or calcium carbonate and various additives. Most research performed on the photocatalytic degradation process focusses on pure titanium white-binder mixtures and thus does not take into account the complete paint system. Since photocatalytic oil degradation is a process initiated by the absorption of UV light, any ingredient or combination of ingredients influencing the light scattering and absorption properties of the paint films may affect the degradation rate. In this study three sets of experiments are conducted, designed using the design of experiments (DoE) approach, to screen for the most important formulation factors influencing the degradation rate. The benefits of using DoE, compared to a more traditional ‘one factor at a time approach’ are robustness, sample efficiency, the ability of evaluate mixtures of multiple components as well as the ability to evaluate factor interactions. The three sets of experiments investigate (1) the influence of the TiO2 type, (2) the impact of different mixtures of two types of TiO2, ZnO and the additive aluminum stearate and (3) the influence of common extenders in combination with photocatalytic TiO2, on the photocatalytic degradation of the oil binder. The impact of the formulation on the degradation rate became apparent, indicating the shortcoming of oversimplified studies. The protective effect of photostable TiO2 pigments, even in a mixture with photocatalytic TiO2 pigments, as well as the negative effect of extenders was demonstrated. Furthermore, the ambiguous role of ZnO (photocatalytic or not) and aluminum stearate is highlighted. Neither can be ignored in a study of degradation behavior of modern oil paints and require further investigation.