bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severe hypokalemia due to a possible drug–drug interaction between vinblastine and antiretrovirals in a HIV-infected patient with Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Authors: Cordova Ezequiel , Morganti Laura , Odzak Andrea , Arcondo Florencia , Silva Mariana , Zylberman Marcelo , Rodriguez Claudia
Published: April 2017

A 60-year-old HIV-1 infected woman on antiretroviral therapy (emtricitabine/tenofovir, and ritonavir-boosted atazanavir) developed Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The patient initiated ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine) chemotherapy and presented with neutropenia and severe hypokalemia. Hypokalemia was considered as part of a proximal tubular renal dysfunction, and other causes of hypokalemia were excluded. Due to suspicion of drug-–drug interactions between antiretrovirals and vinblastine, ritonavir-boosted atazanavir was switched to dolutegravir and the patient continued emtricitabine/tenofovir. In the subsequent ABVD cycles, no neutropenia or hypokalemia were observed. Vinblastine is metabolized by the hepatic P450 cytochrome isoenzyme CYP3A4, therefore, concomitant administration with protease inhibitors may increase plasma levels of vinblastine. Vinblastine is also a substrate and inhibitor of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) transporter in the proximal renal tubule. Inhibition of this renal transporter could increase tenofovir renal toxicity. Our hypothesis is that the hypokalemia could be a result of a tenofovir-mediated tubular damage triggered by the increased vinblastine serum levels secondary to a CYP3A4 inhibition by ritonavir. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of severe hypokalemia and proximal tubular renal dysfunction as a result of a possible drug–drug interaction between vinblastine, tenofovir and ritonavir-boosted atazanavir.
Genetic variants in FH are associated with renal histopathologic subtypes of lupus nephritis: a large cohort study from China
Authors: Tan M , Hao J-b , Chu H , Wang F-m , Song D , Zhu L , Yu F , Li Y-z , Song Y , Zhao M-h
Published: April 2017

Objective

Genetic variants in FH (complement factor H) were reported to associate with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study proposed that the genetic defects of FH in the susceptibility and in the development of lupus nephritis might be different.

Methods

This study enrolled 334 lupus nephritis patients, 269 SLE patients without clinical renal involvement and 350 controls. Two-step genotyping was performed. First, all the exons of the FH gene were fully sequenced in 100 lupus nephritis patients and 100 healthy controls. Second, genotyping of three common variants reported to be functional, rs1061170, rs800292 and rs6677604, was conducted in all the recruited individuals. Further, analysis of their associations with SLE/lupus nephritis susceptibility and the clinico-pathological parameters in the lupus nephritis group was performed.

Results

No significant differences were observed in allele and genotype frequencies of the three single nucleotide polymorphisms between lupus patients and controls. There was a significantly higher ratio of CC/CT genotypes of rs1061170 in lupus nephritis patients with class III than in the other two classes (class III vs. class IV vs. class V: 21.0% vs. 9.7% vs. 9.4%; P = .044). The rs6677604-GG genotype was observed to be associated with the absence of anti-ds DNA antibody ( P = .021), and the rs800292-TT genotype was associated with a higher level of circulating C3 ( P = 0.20) in lupus nephritis.

Conclusion

In an independent cohort, this is the first genetic association analysis focusing on FH genetic variants in Chinese lupus nephritis patients. It was found that the variants in the FH gene might affect the histopathologic subtypes and some clinical features of the disease.
‘It’s not ideal’: Reconsidering ‘anger’ and ‘apathy’ in the Brexit vote among an invisible working class
Authors: Mckenzie Lisa
Published: April 2017

Media commentary has characterized the working class ‘leave’ voters in the UK’s EU referendum in terms of anger, apathy and frustration. There have been very few genuine attempts to document and interpret the meaning of the ‘leave’ vote among underprivileged voters who seemed to have voted for an outcome that harms their own interests. This article explores accounts and narratives from working class ‘leave’ voters through an ethnographic study of the political and social viewpoints of working class communities of East London and of ex-mining towns of Nottinghamshire. The article puts into fuller context the anger and apathy of being ‘left out’, arguing that being ‘left out’ has been part of working class political narratives for over 30 years. Going beyond frustration and apathy, a significant part of the narrative of working people was of ‘not existing’, suggesting certain important linkages with ongoing debates about new ways of conceptualizing class differences and class structures. The article shows how macro-stage political events such as a referendum about Europe can often be usefully illuminated by taking seriously the micro experiences on the ground.
Parathyroid Hormone–Related Peptide
Authors: Datta Tanuka , Przyklenk Karin , Datta Nabanita S.
Published: April 2017

An as-yet limited body of evidence suggests that calcium-regulating endocrine hormones—in particular, parathyroid hormone–related peptide (PTHrP)—may have unappreciated cardioprotective effects. The current review focuses on the concept that PTHrP may, via modulation of classic cardioprotective signaling pathways, provide a novel strategy to attenuate myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury.
The Multiscalar Nature of Urban Security and Public Safety: Crime Prevention from Local Policy to Policing in Lisbon (Portugal) and Memphis (the United States)
Authors: Tulumello Simone
Published: April 2017

The article contributes to recent discussions on convergence/divergence of local policies for urban security and public safety amid globalization, exploring comparatively local approaches to crime prevention and explaining differences/similarities through multilevel connections. I analyze situational prevention, social policy, and proximity/community policing in two “not-so-global” metropolises: Lisbon, where security is the goal of a wide set of policies in many fields, and Memphis, where social problems have become security issues and policing the only game in town. Differing approaches are explained on the grounds of political traditions, neoliberalization of policy, and multilevel relations among polities. I discuss implications for the relation between policy and policing: Police attempts at social outreach amid coupling/decoupling of security with/from urban policy, and the “mission creep” of policing when it is expected to lead prevention. Conclusions advocate that policy reform is necessary at many levels to deal with the intersection of crime, retrenching welfare, and aggressive policing in U.S. cities such as Memphis.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Lipopolysaccharide Differentially Affect the Expression of MicroRNAs 10a, 33a, 21, 221 in Endothelial Cells Before and After Coculture With Monocytes
Authors: Talepoor Atefe Ghamar , Kalani Mehdi , Dahaghani Alamtaj Samsami , Doroudchi Mehrnoosh
Published: April 2017

Inflammation and oxidative stress are important risk factors affecting various cells in the formation of atherosclerosis. MicroRNAs (miRs) are regulators of inflammation and atherogenesis. The expressions of endothelial cell (EC)-specific miR-10a and miR-21 and monocyte-specific miR-33a and miR-221 were investigated using coculture of the ECs and monocytes upon exposure to H2O2 as an oxidative stressor, and endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a microbial stressor. Human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (or monocytes) were cocultured in M199 complete medium and were incubated with LPS (20 ng/mL) or H2O2 (1%) for 8 hours at 37°C. The HUVECs and monocytes were then separated from the cellular mix using a magnetic bead negative selection technique. The relative expression of miRs was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. In both cell types, H2O2 induced miR10a ( P = 0.05) and LPS induced miR21 ( P = 0.0003) compared to the untreated controls. Coculture increased miR-10a and miR-21 expression in monocytes ( P = 0.0008 and <0.0001); however when cultured alone, HUVECs expressed higher levels of miR-10a and miR-21 ( P < 0.0001 and <0.0001). Coculture decreased the expression of miR-33a in monocytes ( P < 0.0001) while increasing miR221 in HUVECs and monocytes ( P < 0.0001 and <0.0001). The expression pattern of miRs in HUVECs and monocytes changes in the coculture compared to culturing alone in response to oxidative and microbial toxic compounds. Moreover, different cellular stressors induce different athero-miRs, which may affect the course of inflammation.
Toward the Development of Reporting Standards for Evaluations
Authors: Montrosse-Moorhead Bianca , Griffith James C.
Published: April 2017

This article first makes a case for the need to establish evaluation reporting standards, support for which is rooted in the growing demand for professionalization, in the growing metaevaluation literature, and in growing efforts to develop reporting standards for inquiry efforts. Then, a case is made for a particular set of such standards introduced in this article—the CHecklist for Evaluation-Specific Standards (CHESS). In doing so, this article outlines the process used and presents the resulting checklist and associated standards, which are defined as the minimum, evaluation-specific elements that must be reported to make judgments about the quality of the evaluation. This article also describes a few of the categories to offer illustrative information to help readers better understand and consider the usefulness of the proposed checklist. A discussion of CHESS, including challenges and next steps, is also included.
Telemedicine consultation for patients with diabetes mellitus: a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sood Ajay , Watts Sharon A , Johnson Julie K , Hirth Stacey , Aron David C
Published: April 2017

Introduction

There is a widening discrepancy between the increasing number of patients with diabetes mellitus and the health care resources available to manage these patients. Telemedicine has been used in a number of instances to improve and deliver health care where traditional care delivery methods may encounter difficulty. We conducted a cluster randomised controlled trial of telemedicine consultation to manage patients with diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Eleven primary care centres attached to one Veteran Administration tertiary care centre were randomised to provide patients with diabetes consultation referral either by usual consultation in diabetes clinic or telemedicine consultations via videoconference.

Results

Altogether, 199 patients were managed by telemedicine consultation and 83 by usual consultation. Patients in both groups showed a small decrease in haemoglobin A1c, with no statistical difference between the groups (telemedicine consultation −1.01% vs usual consultation −0.68%, p = 0.19). Surveys of patients and semi-structured interviews with primary care providers showed better response and satisfaction with telemedicine consultations.

Discussion

This study shows similar clinical outcomes as measured by glycaemic control for patients with diabetes mellitus having a specialist consultation using real-time telemedicine consultation as compared to in-clinic consultation. Telemedicine consultation was also associated with better patient and primary care provider satisfaction.
Morpho-syntactic properties of simultaneous bilingualism: Evidence from bilingual English-Turkish
Authors: Haznedar Belma
Published: April 2017

Aims and Objectives/Purpose/Research Questions:

A number of studies on the acquisition of non-null subject languages in child grammars have suggested that while overt subjects are mainly used with finite forms, null subjects co-occur with non-finite forms. The purpose of this study is to explore the proposed relationship between subject realization and verbal morphology in a simultaneous bilingual context.

Design/Methodology/Approach:

Longitudinal case study

Data and Analysis:

The present study analyses longitudinal data from an English-Turkish bilingual child (2;4–3;9), with special reference to the distribution of finite forms and the suppliance of overt subjects on the one hand, and subject drop and the use of non-finite forms, on the other. The English/Turkish data comprise 37 recordings collected regularly for nearly 18 months.

Findings/Conclusions:

English-Turkish bilingual data show that the majority of the overt subjects in the English language of the bilingual child occur both with inflected and uninflected verb forms. At a time the child has consistent and productive suppliance of overt subjects in his English, he uses uninflected verb forms with overt subjects, suggesting that the proposed association discussed in the literature does not necessarily hold. Moreover, around the same time the bilingual child’s Turkish presents robust evidence for the productive and systematic use of inflected forms as well as omission of subjects.

Originality and significance/implications:

These data, based on a less commonly studied language pair, English-Turkish, challenge previous research that postulates an association between overt subjects and finite forms versus null subjects and non-finite root forms. Overall, there appears to be a relationship between the acquisition of subject–verb agreement in the bilingual child’s Turkish and the correct suppliance of overt subjects in his English, suggesting language-particular devices for the realization of person deixis.
Cold homes, fuel poverty and energy efficiency improvements: A longitudinal focus group approach
Authors: Grey Charlotte N. B. , Schmieder-Gaite Tina , Jiang Shiyu , Nascimento Christina , Poortinga Wouter
Published: April 2017

Cold homes and fuel poverty have been identified as factors in health and social inequalities that could be alleviated through energy efficiency interventions. Research on fuel poverty and the health impacts of affordable warmth initiatives have to date primarily been conducted using quantitative and statistical methods, limiting the way how fuel poverty is understood. This study took a longitudinal focus group approach that allowed exploration of lived experiences of fuel poverty before and after an energy efficiency intervention. Focus group discussions were held with residents from three low-income communities before (n = 28) and after (n = 22) they received energy efficiency measures funded through a government-led scheme. The results show that improving the energy efficiency of homes at risk of fuel poverty has a profound impact on wellbeing and quality of life, financial stress, thermal comfort, social interactions and indoor space use. However, the process of receiving the intervention was experienced by some as stressful. There is a need for better community engagement and communication to improve the benefits delivered by fuel poverty programmes, as well as further qualitative exploration to better understand the wider impacts of fuel poverty and policy-led intervention schemes.
Tales from the Drop Zone: roles, risks and dramaturgical dilemmas
Authors: Hardie-Bick James , Scott Susie
Published: April 2017

This article critically revisits conventional understandings of ethnographic fieldwork roles, arguing that representations of the covert insider as heroic and adventurous are often idealistic and unrealistic. Drawing on one of the authors’ experiences of being both a covert and overt researcher in an ethnographic study of skydiving, we identify some of the dramaturgical dilemmas that can unexpectedly affect relations with participants throughout the research process. Our overall aim is to highlight how issues of trust, betrayal, exposure and vulnerability, together with the practical considerations of field research, combine to shape the researcher’s interactional strategies of identity work.
Interviewing in the ‘interview society’: making visible the biographical work of producing accounts for interviews
Authors: Blakely Helen , Moles Kate
Published: April 2017

The contemporary period has seen the emergence of a society where interviews are pervasive: the ‘interview society’ (Atkinson and Silverman, 1997). Undertaking qualitative research within this ‘interview society’ has methodological implications for our understanding of the significance of the technology of the interview itself and the analysis of interview data. To date little attention has been afforded to either participants’ accounts of interviews or ethnographic study of the significance of the practice of interviewing for participants. Drawing on data of this kind we develop the existing literature by evidencing the disruptiveness of interviewing and the biographical work that underpins the production of interview data. We provide a rare illustration of what isn’t always on display for the researcher conducting interviews. Namely, that while we live in an interview society and are familiar with its conventions and customs, interviews can breach the routine meaning making and situated action that characterises daily life.
Fried avec Debord: Theatricality by Default
Authors: Tupitsyn Victor
Published: April 2017

The title of this article alludes to Jacques Lacan’s text ‘Kant avec Sade’ (1963). With that in mind, the author compares Michael Fried’s Art and Objecthood (1998[1967) to Guy Debord’s The Society of the Spectacle, also published in 1967. Whereas Fried unleashes his criticism against ‘the condition of theatre’ and its mounting presence in the realm of visual culture, Debord accuses spectacle of ‘becoming a life style’, endorsed by power structures and fuelled by the media. Chances are that neither art nor objecthood, but rather the spectacle itself is ‘the chief product of present-day society’. Or should we agree that human beings are homo theatricals, for whom ‘the condition of theatre’ is an inalienable part of their ‘social contract’. Among the issues discussed here are ‘ Heterotopia of the spectacle’ (e.g. play within a play) and the ‘theatrical drive’, which plays a fundamental role in balancing the rivalry between libido (Eros) and the ‘death drive’ (Thanatos) in the playhouse of our psychic life.
From Black Square to Room Square
Authors: Tupitsyn Margarita
Published: April 2017

Fried’s assertion that Constructivism was a source for Minimalism is supplemented by Donald Judd’s interest in Suprematism. By reading Judd’s review of Kazimir Malevich’s 1973 exhibition in the Guggenheim Museum, this article locates similarity between the two artists’ fascination with painting’s inbuilt objectness that drove them into three-dimensional art. Judd’s reading of Malevich’s work that the author supplements with her own historical analysis reveals that Fried’s characterizations of Minimalism as theatrical, reliant on a viewer, and not interested in ritualizing a single painting, was accurate. Another theme of this article is Judd’s realization – shortly before his death – that damaged Soviet objecthood, a leftover of the Suprematist Utopia, was an antithetical partner to ‘Specific Objects’.
An ‘Automatic Escape’ or a ‘Beautiful Question’? Cinema and Experimental Film after Michael Fried’s ‘Art and Objecthood’
Authors: White Duncan
Published: April 2017

This article considers the small run of experimental films made by Robert Morris in the years immediately after the publication of Michael Fried’s essay, ‘Art and Objecthood’. The author argues that Morris’s films were a form of reply to the essay and enact, on screen, many of the issues at play in the discussions between Fried and Morris and other Minimal artists from the time, such as theatricality, the mobility of the viewer and medium specificity. With the films by Morris as a starting point, the article goes on to consider parallel concerns within Structural Film and the historical and aesthetic crossovers between sculpture and the then new concern with cinematic media. As such, the author explores the cinematic condition of sculpture after Minimalism and the ways in which images ‘moved’ within the cultural and economic discourse of what was then contemporary art.
Brecht’s Anti-Theatricality? Reflections on Brecht’s Place in Michael Fried’s Conceptual Framework
Authors: von Held Phoebe
Published: April 2017

In ‘Art and Objecthood’ (1967), Michael Fried articulates an uncompromising rejection of the theatre. His critique reaches as far as to expel the theatre from the realm of the arts and excludes it from the Modernist project. However, he exempts two theatre vanguardists from his argument, Bertolt Brecht and Antonin Artaud, who in his view developed anti-theatrical strategies as part of their aspirations to reform the theatre. This article examines whether Fried’s inclusion of Brecht into his anti-theatrical paradigm was justified or whether it was mere appropriation. It furthermore probes into Fried’s category of anti-theatricality within the conceptual framework of Brecht’s dramaturgical reflections and its validity as a key marker of Modernism.
Embrace it or resist it? Employees’ reception of corporate language policies
Authors: Lønsmann Dorte
Published: April 2017

Corporate language policies and particularly the use of English as a corporate language have been studied in multinational corporations (MNCs) for almost two decades now. Despite these volumes of research, very little has been written about the process of implementing a corporate language and even less about the employee perspective. The article contributes to the field of language in cross-cultural management by exploring when and why corporate language policies encounter resistance among employees. The study uses observational and focus group data to investigate reactions to a new corporate language policy in one Danish MNC. Drawing on sociolinguistic stancetaking theory and ethnographic methods, the study seeks to understand how contextual factors influence employees’ stances towards the introduction of English as a corporate language. English language competence, the local linguistic context and different temporal perspectives are found to be key factors. The study suggests that new language policies are likely to be resisted when they are introduced to support a long-term strategic goal but lack immediate relevance in the daily life of employees. These results have implications beyond the scope of corporate language policies but reach into the study of the implementation of strategic organizational changes more generally with the suggestion that understanding employees’ local context and outlook is necessary for management to successfully implement change in the organization.
The role of translation in the cross-cultural transferability of corporate codes of conduct
Authors: Tréguer-Felten Geneviève
Published: April 2017

Multinationals’ corporate codes of conduct are meant to guide employees throughout organizations. Research draws attention to their problematic cross-cultural transferability but hardly ever considers whether a monolingual version or a translation into employees’ mother tongue is used, making language a non-issue. A position disproved by empirical work on the diverse understandings of values formulated in English as a lingua franca or on translation negative impact when employees do not recognize themselves in the personnel depicted. Drawing upon the translation (from English into French) of a specific code of conduct that embeds it in the local culture, I contend that translation is the key to corporate code cross-cultural transferability. Articulating a cross-cultural discourse analysis (using semantic, syntactic and enunciative categories) of the source and target texts with a culture interpretive approach (d’Iribarne, 1989, La Logique de l’Honneur. Paris: Seuil.), I ‘deconstruct’ the translation process and show how the combination of apparently insignificant linguistic modifications – that is, collective staff designations replacing individual ones or vice versa; moral qualities turned into social or professional merits; and so on – make the target-text steer away from the initial cultural context and set action in a new cultural setting likely to entail a similar effect on the staff. The cultural underpinnings of the translated code find confirmation in local organizations’ corporate codes of conduct as well as in literature on the targeted country. The findings also highlight the fact that the transposition of the corporate code core notions brings about different manners of putting them into practice. Applying such an interdisciplinary approach to explore either locally produced or translated corporate codes of conduct could highlight the beliefs and business norms acceptable here and there and help practitioners to successfully perform the advocated cross-cultural transfer of corporate codes of conduct.
The translator as agent in management knowledge transfer
Authors: Tietze Susanne , Tansley Carole , Helienek Emil
Published: April 2017

We investigate the transfer of talent management knowledge to a Slovak manufacturing setting from a translation perspective. The translator is shown to be the key agent in the cross-national, cross-language knowledge transfer process, who not only provides linguistic translation but also provides cultural and political interpretation of key vocabularies. By drawing on different models of translation we show that (a) discourse and language cannot be separated in knowledge transfer interventions and (b) the translator is a key agent in shaping the transfer process by addressing the ‘discursive void’ that characterizes local experiences with, and knowledge about, talent management.
Radiographic Outcomes of Dorsal Distraction Distal Radius Plating for Fractures With Dorsal Marginal Impaction
Authors: Huish Eric G. , Coury John G. , Ibrahim Mohamed A. , Trzeciak Marc A.
Published: April 2017

Background: The purpose of this study is to compare radiographic outcomes of patients treated with dorsal spanning plates with previously reported normal values of radiographic distal radius anatomy and compare the results with prior publications for both external fixation and internal fixation with volar locked plates. Methods: Patients with complex distal radius fractures including dorsal marginal impaction pattern necessitating dorsal distraction plating at the discretion of the senior authors (M.A.T. and M.A.I.) from May 30, 2013, to December 29, 2015, were identified and included in the study. Retrospective chart and radiograph review was performed on 19 patients, 11 male and 8 female, with mean age of 47.83 years (22-82). No patients were excluded from the study. Results: All fractures united prior to plate removal. The average time the plate was in place was 80.5 days (49-129). Follow-up radiographs showed average radial inclination of 20.5° (13.2°-25.5°), radial height of 10.7 mm (7.5-14 mm), ulnar variance of −0.3 mm (−2.1 to 3.1 mm), and volar tilt of 7.9° (−3° to 15°). One patient had intra-articular step-off greater than 2 mm. Conclusions: Dorsal distraction plating of complex distal radius fractures yields good radiographic results with minimal complications. In cases of complex distal radius fractures including dorsal marginal impaction where volar plating is not considered adequate, a dorsal distraction plate should be considered as an alternative to external fixation due to reduced risk for infection and better control of volar tilt.
Reducing Anxiety to Increase Exercise in Individuals With Decreased Lung Capacity
Authors: Arlinghaus Katherine R. , Markofski Melissa M. , Johnston Craig A.
Published: April 2017

The management of chronic disease is complex. For many diseases, the treatment for the disease may mimic disease symptoms. For example, exercise training is recommended as part of the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Individuals may confuse the physiological experiences related to exercise with COPD symptoms. This type of association between treatment and disease can cause anxiety. For health care practitioners to successfully motivate their patients to make the necessary behavior changes for disease treatment, anxiety must also be addressed.
Pioneering developments of marine renewable energy in Australia
Authors: Manasseh Richard , McInnes Kathleen L , Hemer Mark A
Published: April 2017

The history of ocean renewable energy developments in Australia is reviewed. A layperson’s description of the physical operating principle is given for the main classes of technology that have been tested in Australian waters. The Australian marine domain possesses among the world’s most energetic wave-energy resources, driven by powerful mid-latitude westerly winds. The northern coast of Western Australia has tidal ranges significant on a global scale, and some geographical features around the continent have local tidal resonances. The East Australian Current, one of the world’s major western boundary currents, runs along the eastern Australian seaboard, offering potential for ocean-current energy. Sea-water temperatures in the tropical north-east of Australia may permit ocean thermal energy conversion. While this abundance of resources makes Australia an ideal location for technology development, the population is highly concentrated in a few large cities, and transmission infrastructure has developed over a century to supply cities from traditional power plants. Several wave-power developments have resulted in demonstration of deployments in Australian waters, three of which have been grid connected. Trials of tidal devices have also occurred, while other classes of ocean renewable energy have not yet been trialled. The prospects for marine renewable energy in Australia are discussed including non-traditional applications such as coastal protection and energy export.
A Methodology to Compare Insulin Dosing Recommendations in Real-Life Settings
Authors: Groat Danielle , Grando Maria A. , Thompson Bithika , Neto Pedro , Soni Hiral , Boyle Mary E. , Bailey Marilyn , Cook Curtiss B.
Published: April 2017

Background:

We propose a methodology to analyze complex real-life glucose data in insulin pump users.

Methods:

Patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) on insulin pumps were recruited from an academic endocrinology practice. Glucose data, insulin bolus (IB) amounts, and self-reported alcohol consumption and exercise events were collected for 30 days. Rules were developed to retrospectively compare IB recommendations from the insulin pump bolus calculator (IPBC) against recommendations from a proposed decision aid (PDA) and for assessing the PDA’s recommendation for exercise and alcohol.

Results:

Data from 15 participants were analyzed. When considering instances where glucose was below target, the PDA recommended a smaller dose in 14%, but a larger dose in 13% and an equivalent IB in 73%. For glucose levels at target, the PDA suggested an equivalent IB in 58% compared to the subject’s IPBC, but higher doses in 20% and lower in 22%. In events where postprandial glucose was higher than target, the PDA suggested higher doses in 25%, lower doses in 13%, and equivalent doses in 62%. In 64% of all alcohol events the PDA would have provided appropriate advice. In 75% of exercise events, the PDA appropriately advised an IB, a carbohydrate snack, or neither.

Conclusions:

This study provides a methodology to systematically analyze real-life data generated by insulin pumps and allowed a preliminary analysis of the performance of the PDA for insulin dosing. Further testing of the methodological approach in a broader diabetes population and prospective testing of the PDA are needed.
Protocol for Monitoring Tropical Forest Restoration
Authors: Viani Ricardo A. G. , Holl Karen D. , Padovezi Aurelio , Strassburg Bernardo B. N. , Farah Fabiano T. , Garcia Letícia C. , Chaves Rafael B. , Rodrigues Ricardo R. , Brancalion Pedro H. S.
Published: April 2017

Monitoring protocols are needed to evaluate the millions of hectares of land that are being proposed for forest restoration in the coming decades. Standardized proposals are critical to evaluate efficacy of restoration strategies, identify triggers for corrective actions, compare results across projects, and generally learn from past projects to inform future restoration efforts. We describe an iterative process, including over 200 stakeholders, to develop a protocol for monitoring Brazilian Atlantic Forest restoration. We give an overview of the ecological, socioeconomic, and management criteria, indicators, and metrics included in the protocol. Strengths of the protocol include the following: (a) testing and use across sites with a range of ages, forest types, past land uses, restoration techniques, and implementing institutions; (b) participation by a broad range of government, nongovernment, private, and academic institutions in the protocol development process; and (c) inclusion of socioeconomic and management criteria. Next steps for facilitating the broad adoption of the protocol in the Atlantic Forest region include providing in person and online training courses, establishing an online repository for storing and comparing monitoring data, and developing smartphone applications to facilitate data collection. Although the protocol was developed for the Atlantic Forest context and further refinements are needed, we think that the Atlantic Forest Pact monitoring protocol may serve as a model to inform the development of similar protocols in other regions, which ultimately could be integrated to produce a pantropical protocol for common use by several restoration forest programs worldwide.
Altered mental status predicts mortality in cardiogenic shock – results from the CardShock study
Authors: Kataja Anu , Tarvasmäki Tuukka , Lassus Johan , Køber Lars , Sionis Alessandro , Spinar Jindrich , Parissis John , Carubelli Valentina , Cardoso Jose , Banaszewski Marek , Marino Rossella , Nieminen Markku S , Mebazaa Alexandre , Harjola Veli-Pekka
Published: April 2017

Background:

Altered mental status is among the signs of hypoperfusion in cardiogenic shock, the most severe form of acute heart failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of altered mental status, to identify factors associating with it, and to assess the prognostic significance of altered mental status in cardiogenic shock.

Methods:

Mental status was assessed at presentation of shock in 215 adult cardiogenic shock patients in a multinational, prospective, observational study. Clinical picture, biochemical variables, and short-term mortality were compared between patients presenting with altered and normal mental status.

Results:

Altered mental status was detected in 147 (68%) patients, whereas 68 (32%) patients had normal mental status. Patients with altered mental status were older (68 vs. 64 years, p=0.04) and more likely to have an acute coronary syndrome than those with normal mental status (85% vs. 74%, p=0.04). Altered mental status was associated with lower systolic blood pressure (76 vs. 80 mmHg, p=0.03) and lower arterial pH (7.27 vs. 7.35, p<0.001) as well as higher levels of blood lactate (3.4 vs. 2.3 mmol/l, p<0.001) and blood glucose (11.4 vs. 9.0 mmol/l, p=0.01). Low arterial pH (adjusted odds ratio 1.6 (1.1–2.2), p=0.02) was the only factor independently associated with altered mental status. Ninety-day mortality was significantly higher (51% vs. 22%, p<0.001) among patients with altered mental status.

Conclusions:

Altered mental status is a common clinical sign of systemic hypoperfusion in cardiogenic shock and is associated with poor outcome. It is also associated with several biochemical findings that reflect inadequate tissue perfusion, of which low arterial pH is independently associated with altered mental status.
Impact of liver volume on polycystic liver disease-related symptoms and quality of life
Authors: Neijenhuis Myrte K , Kievit Wietske , Verheesen Stef MH , D’Agnolo Hedwig M , Gevers Tom JG , Drenth Joost PH
Published: April 2017

Background

Symptoms in polycystic liver disease (PLD) are thought to be caused by compression of organs and structures by the enlarged liver.

Aim

The aim of this article is to assess the impact of liver volume on symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in PLD.

Methods

We included PLD patients from two prospective studies that used the PLD-questionnaire (PLD-Q) for symptom assessment. QoL was assessed through SF-36, summarized in a physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component score. Liver volume was correlated with PLD-Q total scores. Patients were classified based on height-corrected liver volume in mild (<1600 ml), moderate (1600–3200 ml), and severe (>3200 ml) disease. PLD-Q and QoL (PCS and MCS) scores were compared across disease stages.

Results

We included 82 of 131 patients from the original studies (disease stages; mild n = 26, moderate n = 33, and severe n = 23). Patients with larger liver volume reported higher symptom burden ( r = 0.516, p < 0.001). Symptom scores increased with disease progression, except for abdominal pain ( p = 0.088). PCS decreased with advancing disease ( p < 0.001), in contrast to MCS ( p = 0.055). Moderate ( p = 0.007) and severe ( p < 0.001) PLD patients had lower PCS scores than the general population.

Conclusion

PLD with larger liver volume is more likely to be symptomatic and is associated with lower QoL.
Modified supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy with combined fluoroscopy and ultrasound-guided renal puncture: Initial single-surgeon experience at a UK teaching hospital
Authors: Nkwam N , Khan MA
Published: April 2017

Objective:

The purpose of this article is to report the outcomes of our initial experience of performing percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the supine position using ultrasound guidance in addition to fluoroscopy for renal access.

Patients and methods:

The first 34 consecutive modified supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy cases performed by a single consultant urologist inserting their own percutaneous tracts using ultrasound-guidance and fluoroscopy were evaluated. Operative data was collected prospectively over a 10-month period including any complications. The stone-free rate was evaluated three months post-operatively with a plain film or non-contrast computed tomography of the kidneys, ureters and bladder.

Results:

Renal access was achieved in all 34 cases. Mean age was 57 years (19–82) with 14 males and 20 females. Mean stone size 37.2 mm (20–72 mm). Overall stone-free rate was 85.3% at a mean follow up of 11.2 months. There was one Clavien Grade I, and three Clavien Grade II complications of post-operative fever requiring treatment with intravenous antibiotics. No patients developed urosepsis, required blood transfusion or sustained any visceral injury. Median in-patient stay was one night (1–4).

Conclusion:

Modified supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy with combined fluoroscopy and ultrasound-guided renal access has a low incidence of complications allowing for short hospital stay.
Unbiasedness Hypothesis and Efficiency Test of Thai Stock Index Futures
Authors: Tharavanij Piyapas
Published: April 2017

Theoretically, futures prices are unbiased predictors of subsequent cash prices only if a market is efficient and there is no risk premium. This research empirically tests both market efficiency hypothesis and unbiasedness of futures price hypothesis in the context of Thai stock index futures (SET50 futures). This article also investigates whether any long-run or short-run inefficiencies or pricing biases exist by identifying and estimating a risk premium. This article finds that in the long run, futures and subsequent cash prices move together and are cointegrated with one cointegrating vector. The statistical test could not reject the null hypothesis of futures unbiasedness. The results do not support the existence of a constant risk premium. The error terms are also free from autocorrelation as required by market efficiency. In the short run, this research could not detect a constant or a time-varying risk premium. This result does not support either normal backwardation hypothesis (futures price < average subsequent cash price) or contango hypothesis (futures price > average subsequent cash price). The overall results support the unbiasedness hypothesis.
Relationship Between the Lateral Center-Edge Angle and 3-Dimensional Acetabular Coverage
Authors: Wylie James D. , Kapron Ashley L. , Peters Christopher L. , Aoki Stephen K. , Maak Travis G.
Published: April 2017

Background:

The lateral center-edge angle (LCEA) is an important measurement in understanding acetabular morphology and has had multiple interpretations. Misunderstanding of the LCEA and its relationship with acetabular 3-dimensional (3D) morphology may result in misdiagnosis and poor outcomes.

Purpose:

To determine the discrepancy between bone-edge and sourcil-edge LCEA measurements on anteroposterior (AP) radiographs and to determine the 3D anatomic location of the sourcil-edge and bone-edge LCEA measurements.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

The LCEA was measured on radiographs to both the sourcil-edge and bone-edge on AP images of 60 symptomatic hips. On computed tomography (CT), coronal slices producing an LCEA matching the magnitude of each AP LCEA were identified. These coronal slices were mapped to a sagittal image of the acetabulum, which was divided into a standard clockface (3 = anterior, 12 = superior). We identified clockface locations corresponding to the AP sourcil-edge and bone-edge LCEA measurements. Paired t tests identified differences in magnitude and location of the bone and sourcil LCEAs. Limits of agreement were calculated for the differences between measures. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) assessed inter- and intraobserver repeatability.

Results:

On the AP radiographs, the bone-edge LCEA was a mean 4.7° (95% CI, −4.0° to 13.3°) greater than the sourcil-edge LCEA ( P < .001). On CT, the sagittal clockface location of the sourcil-edge LCEA was more anterior compared with the sagittal clockface location of the maximum bone-edge LCEA (1:03 ± 0:42 vs 12:06 ± 0:30, respectively; P < .001). In hips with a difference >5° between sourcil-edge and bone-edge measurements, the coronal CT slice corresponding to the sourcil-edge LCEA was significantly more anterior (1:26 ± 0:35) than the CT slice corresponding to the bone-edge LCEA (11:46 ± 0:29; P < .001). This significant difference was similar in location but less pronounced in hips with a difference ≤5°: the sourcil-edge LCEA occurred at 12:50 ± 0:40, while the bone-edge LCEA occurred at 12:00 ± 0:11 ( P < .001). Interobserver repeatability was excellent for all LCEA and clockface location measurements (all ICCs >0.82).

Conclusion:

The sourcil-edge LCEA represents anterosuperior acetabular coverage while the bone-edge LCEA represents superior/lateral coverage. This information can be used in preoperative evaluation of and perioperative planning for hip preservation procedures.
What Collaborators Want: Planning, Monitoring and Evaluating Research Collaborations
Authors: Fisher N. I. , Peacock A. J.
Published: April 2017

This article describes an approach to planning, monitoring and evaluating research collaborations based on a structured approach to eliciting and measuring the value that each partner seeks to derive from the collaboration. During the phase of formulating the collaborative arrangements, the process can bring clarity to the initial expectations of each partner and so, possibly avoid prospective difficulties from the outset. During the course of the collaboration, it provides a means of assessing where improvements in the relationship might be needed. And at the end of the project, it provides a basis for assessing what has worked well, and what might need to be considered carefully in a future collaboration. The process also provides a basis for benchmarking collaborative ventures, based on ratings associated with the critical drivers of successful partnerships.

Part of the process is studied in the context of the formation of a collaboration relating to cyber security research.
Targetable kinase gene fusions in high-risk B-ALL: a study from the Children’s Oncology Group
Authors: Reshmi Shalini C. , Harvey Richard C. , Roberts Kathryn G. , Stonerock Eileen , Smith Amy , Jenkins Heather , Chen I-Ming , Valentine Marc , Liu Yu , Li Yongjin , Shao Ying , Easton John , Payne-Turner Debbie , Gu Zhaohui , Tran Thai Hoa , Nguyen Jonathan V. , Devidas Meenakshi , Dai Yunfeng , Heerema Nyla A. , Carroll Andrew J. , Raetz Elizabeth A. , Borowitz Michael J. , Wood Brent L. , Angiolillo Anne L. , Burke Michael J. , Salzer Wanda L. , Zweidler-McKay Patrick A. , Rabin Karen R. , Carroll William L. , Zhang Jinghui , Loh Mignon L. , Mullighan Charles G. , Willman Cheryl L. , Gastier-Foster Julie M. , Hunger Stephen P.
Published: April 2017

Key Points

Ph-like ALL is characterized by a diverse array of genetic alterations activating cytokine receptor and tyrosine kinase signaling. Pediatric patients with Ph-like ALL can be identified in real time for effective treatment stratification.
Can histologic transformation of follicular lymphoma be predicted and prevented?
Authors: Kridel Robert , Sehn Laurie H. , Gascoyne Randy D.
Published: April 2017

Transformation to aggressive lymphoma is a critical event in the clinical course of follicular lymphoma (FL) patients. Yet, it is a challenge to reliably predict transformation at the time of diagnosis. Understanding the risk of transformation would be useful for guiding and monitoring patients, as well as for evaluating novel treatment strategies that could potentially prevent transformation. Herein, we review the contribution of clinical, pathological, and genetic risk factors to transformation. Patients with multiple clinical high-risk factors are at elevated risk of transformation but we are currently lacking a prognostic index that would specifically address transformation rather than disease progression or overall survival. From the biological standpoint, multiple studies have correlated individual biomarkers with transformation. However, accurate prediction of this event is currently hampered by our limited knowledge of the evolutionary pathways leading to transformation, as well as the scarcity of comprehensive, large-scale studies that assess both the genomic landscape of alterations within tumor cells and the composition of the microenvironment. Liquid biopsies hold great promise for achieving precision medicine. Indeed, mutations detected within circulating tumor DNA may be a better reflection of the inherent intratumoral heterogeneity than the biopsy of a single site. Last, we will assess whether evidence exists in the literature that transformation might be prevented altogether, based on the choice of therapy for FL.