bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Algorithmic Approach to Chronic Forearm Longitudinal Instability
Authors: Rubin Todd A. , Gluck Matthew J. , Hausman Michael R.
Published: June 2018

Essex-Lopresti Lesions are rare injuries that are often missed in the acute setting. Delayed intervention may lead to chronic wrist and elbow pain and overall poor outcomes. The literature currently supports treatments that involve shortening of the ulna to reduce the relative degree of ulnar impaction, followed by attempted reduction of the distal radioulnar joint. Although such techniques may help to temporarily reduce wrist pain secondary to ulnar impaction, they do not address the proximal migration of the radius and ipsilateral radial head dislocation at the elbow. Subsequent procedures are often needed to replace or resect the radial head. We present a novel approach to chronic Essex-Lopresti lesions resulting in anatomic restoration of forearm length with return of elbow and wrist flexion/extension as well as improved forearm pronation/supination.
The Impact of Critical Care Nursing Certification on Pediatric Patient Outcomes*
Authors: Hickey Patricia A. , Gauvreau Kimberlee , Porter Courtney , Connor Jean A.
Published: June 2018

Objectives:

To examine the relationship of nursing and unit characteristics including Critical Care Registered Nurse certification on patient complications for children undergoing congenital heart surgery in free-standing children’s hospitals in the United States.

Design:

A cross-sectional descriptive survey of nursing and organizational characteristics was sent electronically.

Setting:

Free-standing children’s hospitals in the United States.

Patients:

Children undergoing congenital heart surgery (congenital cardiac cases).

Intervention:

Nursing and unit characteristics from children’s hospitals were obtained via electronic survey during years 2010 and 2014. Survey data from 2014 were linked with patient-level data age less than 18 years old using the Pediatric Health Information System for years 2013–2014. The Complication Screening Method of Congenital Heart Surgery was used to adjust for baseline patient differences.

Measurements and Main Results:

Among 23 of 43 free-standing children’s hospitals (53%) in 2014, the median proportion of nurses with Bachelor of Science in Nursing preparation or higher at each site was 77% and with Critical Care Registered Nurse certification was 24%. Among 12,324 eligible congenital cardiac cases, the rate of complication was 34.4%. The odds of complications significantly decreased as the institutional percentage of nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing increased (odds ratio, 0.83; p = 0.04). The odds of complications also significantly decreased as the institutional percentage of nurses with Critical Care Registered Nurse certification increased (odds ratio, 0.86; p = 0.02).

Conclusions:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing education and Critical Care Registered Nurse certification significantly impact pediatric patient outcomes. Recognition of nursing and organizational characteristics that are associated with improved pediatric patient outcomes is important to patients, their families, and society. Clinical leaders must commit to facilitating pathways for hiring candidates with Bachelor of Science in Nursing as a minimum to practice in PICUs and supporting a culture of professional certification.
Texting as a Means of Reducing Pediatric Adolescent Psychiatric Emergency Encounters Wait Times
Authors: van den Berk-Clark Carissa , Hughes Rachel , Haywood Sally , Andrews Bart , Gordin Peggy
Published: June 2018

Rationale

There is no universal system to facilitate communication between emergency rooms (ERs) and pediatric mental health providers, which leads to long wait times. This project tested the concept that a group texting application (GroupMe) could improve communication between providers and could reduce wait times by allowing frontline workers to contact multiple providers simultaneously.

Methods

We compared total wait times or overall length of service of 906 ER encounters before and 921 encounters after the GroupMe texting application was implemented. To reduce differences between preintervention and postintervention time points, we utilized propensity score matching to generate a matched group of controls (total sample n = 831 ER encounters before and n = 831 ER encounters after).

Results

Although there were no differences in total wait times when using the GroupMe application, there was a significant decrease in wait times after patients were diagnosed in ER by psychiatric provider both before (mean difference, 96.4 minutes saved; t = 2.23; P < 0.05) and after propensity score matching (mean difference, 88.0 minutes saved; t = 2.48; P < 0.05) for disposition type and acuity level.

Conclusions

Use of a group texting application has the potential to improve communication and wait times. However, its ability to reduce overall wait times is hampered when the limited availability of pediatric psychiatry providers results in delays in diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Impact of Changes Over Time in the Stanford University Genotypic Resistance Interpretation Algorithm
Authors: Hart Stephen A. , Vardhanabhuti Saran , Strobino Sarah A. , Harrison Linda J.
Published: June 2018

Introduction:

The Stanford HIV-1 genotypic resistance interpretation algorithm has changed substantially over its lifetime. In many studies, the algorithm version used is not specified. It is easy to assume that results across versions are comparable, but the effects of version changes on resistance calls are unknown. We evaluate these effects for 20 antiretroviral drugs.

Methods:

We calculated resistance interpretations for the same 5993 HIV-1 sequences, from participants in AIDS Clinical Trials Group studies, under 14 versions of the Stanford algorithm from 2002 to 2017. Trends over time were assessed using repeated-measures logistic regression. Changes in rule structure and scoring were examined.

Results:

For most drugs, the proportion of high-level resistance calls on the same sequences was greater using more recent algorithm versions; 16/20 drugs showed significant upward trends. Some drugs, especially tenofovir, had a substantial increase. Only darunavir had a decrease. Algorithm changes impacted calls for subtype C more than B. For intermediate and high-level resistance combined, effects were weaker and more varied. Over time, rules in the Stanford algorithm have become more complex and contain more subrules. The types of rule changes responsible for trends varied widely by drug.

Discussion:

Reporting the Stanford algorithm version used for resistance analysis is strongly recommended. Caution should be used when comparing results between studies, unless the same version of the algorithm was used. Comparisons using different Stanford versions may be valid for drugs with few changes over time, but for most comparisons, version matters, and for some drugs, the impact is large.
Rotation invariant visual processing for spatial memory in insects
Authors: Stone Thomas , Mangan Michael , Wystrach Antoine , Webb Barbara
Published: June 2018

Visual memory is crucial to navigation in many animals, including insects. Here, we focus on the problem of visual homing, that is, using comparison of the view at a current location with a view stored at the home location to control movement towards home by a novel shortcut. Insects show several visual specializations that appear advantageous for this task, including almost panoramic field of view and ultraviolet light sensitivity, which enhances the salience of the skyline. We discuss several proposals for subsequent processing of the image to obtain the required motion information, focusing on how each might deal with the problem of yaw rotation of the current view relative to the home view. Possible solutions include tagging of views with information from the celestial compass system, using multiple views pointing towards home, or rotation invariant encoding of the view. We illustrate briefly how a well-known shape description method from computer vision, Zernike moments, could provide a compact and rotation invariant representation of sky shapes to enhance visual homing. We discuss the biological plausibility of this solution, and also a fourth strategy, based on observed behaviour of insects, that involves transfer of information from visual memory matching to the compass system.
Accurate and robust localization for walking robots fusing kinematics, inertial, vision and LIDAR
Authors: Fallon Maurice
Published: June 2018

In this article, we review methods for localization and situational awareness of biped and quadruped robotics. This type of robot is modelled as a free-floating mechanical system subject to external forces and constrained by whole-body distributed rigid contacts. Measurements of the state of the robot can be made using a variety of sensor information—such as kinematics (the sensing of the joint angles of the robot), contact force (pressure sensors in the robot's feet), accelerometers and gyroscopes as well as external sensors such as vision and LIDAR. This high-frequency state estimate is then passed to the control system of the robot to allow it to traverse terrain or manipulate its environment. In this article, we describe the development of an estimator for the Boston Dynamics Atlas humanoid robot. It was later adapted to the HyQ2 quadruped, developed by the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia. Some discussion is given as to future trends while also considering briefly the relationship with biological systems.
Image interpretation above and below the object level
Authors: Ben-Yosef Guy , Ullman Shimon
Published: June 2018

Computational models of vision have advanced in recent years at a rapid rate, rivalling in some areas human-level performance. Much of the progress to date has focused on analysing the visual scene at the object level—the recognition and localization of objects in the scene. Human understanding of images reaches a richer and deeper image understanding both ‘below' the object level, such as identifying and localizing object parts and sub-parts, as well as ‘above’ the object level, such as identifying object relations, and agents with their actions and interactions. In both cases, understanding depends on recovering meaningful structures in the image, and their components, properties and inter-relations, a process referred here as ‘image interpretation'. In this paper, we describe recent directions, based on human and computer vision studies, towards human-like image interpretation, beyond the reach of current schemes, both below the object level, as well as some aspects of image interpretation at the level of meaningful configurations beyond the recognition of individual objects, and in particular, interactions between two people in close contact. In both cases the recognition process depends on the detailed interpretation of so-called ‘minimal images’, and at both levels recognition depends on combining ‘bottom-up' processing, proceeding from low to higher levels of a processing hierarchy, together with ‘top-down' processing, proceeding from high to lower levels stages of visual analysis.
In silico identification of GPI-anchored proteins in Paracoccidioides
Authors: Basso L.R. , Gonçales R.A. , Vasconcelos E.J.R , Reis T.F. , Ruy P. C. , Ruiz J.C. , Coelho P.S.R.
Published: June 2018

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins (GPI-proteins) are widely found in eukaryotic organisms. In fungi, GPI-proteins are thought to be involved in diverse cellular mechanisms such as cell wall biosynthesis and cell wall remodeling, adhesion, antigenicity, and virulence. The conserved structural domains of GPI-protein allow the utilization ofin silicoprediction approach to identify this class of proteins using a genome-wide analysis. We used different previously characterized algorithms to search for genes that encode predicted GPI-proteins in the genome ofP. brasiliensis and P. lutzii, thermal dimorphic fungi that causes paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). By using these methods, 98 GPI-proteins were found inP. brasiliensiswith orthologs inP. lutzii. A series of 28 GPI-proteins were classified in functional categories (such as glycoside hydrolases, chitin-processing proteins, and proteins involved in the biogenesis of the cell wall). Furthermore, 70 GPI-proteins exhibited homology with hypothetical conserved proteins of unknown function. These data will be an important resource for the future analysis of GPI-proteins inParacoccidioides spp.
Formal Analysis of Network Motifs
Authors: Kugler Hillel , Dunn Sara-Jane , Yordanov Boyan
Published: June 2018

A recurring set of small sub-networks have been identified as the building blocks of biological networks across diverse organisms. These network motifs have been associated with certain dynamical behaviors and define key modules that are important for understanding complex biological programs. Besides studying the properties of motifs in isolation, existing algorithms often evaluate the occurrence frequency of a specific motif in a given biological network compared to that in random networks of similar structure. However, it remains challenging to relate the structure of motifs to the observed and expected behavior of the larger network. Indeed, even the precise structure of these biological networks remains largely unknown. Previously, we developed a formal reasoning approach enabling the synthesis of biological networks capable of reproducing some experimentally observed behavior. Here, we extend this approach to allow reasoning about the requirement for specific network motifs as a way of explaining how these behaviors arise. We illustrate the approach by analyzing the motifs involved in sign-sensitive delay and pulse generation. We demonstrate the scalability and biological relevance of the approach by revealing the requirement for certain motifs in the network governing stem cell pluripotency.
Masculine vs feminine personality traits and women’s employment outcomes in Britain
Authors: Drydakis Nick , Sidiropoulou Katerina , Bozani Vasiliki , Selmanovic Sandra , Patnaik Swetketu
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether masculine personality traits in women generate better job market prospects, as compared to feminine personality traits.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilized a field experiment (correspondent test) to capture the way in which firms respond to women who exhibit masculine and feminine personality traits. In doing so, the authors minimized the potential for reverse causality bias and unobserved heterogeneities to occur.

Findings

Women who exhibit masculine personality traits have a 4.3 percentage points greater likelihood of gaining access to occupations than those displaying feminine personality traits. In both male- and female-dominated occupations, women with masculine personality traits have an occupational access advantage, as compared to those exhibiting feminine personality traits. Moreover, women with masculine personality traits take up positions which offer 10 percentage points higher wages, in comparison with those displaying feminine personality traits. Furthermore, wage premiums are higher for those exhibiting masculine personality traits in male-dominated occupations than for female-dominated positions.

Practical implications

Within the labor market, masculine personality traits may increase competency levels and leadership capability.

Social implications

As feminine personality traits are stereotypically attributed to women, and these characteristics appear to yield fewer rewards within the market, they may offer one of many plausible explanations as to why women experience higher unemployment rates, while also receiving lower earnings, as compared to men.

Originality/value

Masculine and feminine personality traits may be a probable outcome of wage-related differentials. The experimental study isolates spurious relationships and offers clear evaluations of the effect of masculine and feminine personality traits on occupational access and wage distribution. To the best of the authors knowledge, this is the first-field experiment to examine the effect of masculine and feminine personality traits on entry-level pay scales.
The Airports Commission, the Dilemmas of Political Leadership and the Third Runway at Heathrow Airport
Authors: Griggs Steven , Howarth David
Published: June 2018

This article assesses the character, role and outcomes of the Airports Commission. Analysing its workings from September 2012, it evaluates the final recommendations and then charts their subsequent public reception. The article claims that the Airports Commission's endeavours to depoliticise aviation by using ‘reasonable’ methods and impartial judgements—often embodied in Howard Davies himself—have been met with local resistance and political opposition, focussed on the proposal to expand either Heathrow or Gatwick. It exposes how the recourse to expert commissions offers only temporary respite for government responsibility and accountability in the making of hard decisions. It concludes that the inability to secure a binding and acceptable agreement does not just reside at the door of the Airports Commission, but rests also on the failures of political leadership and the ‘missed opportunity’ to articulate a sustainable vision for aviation after the 2010 moratorium on airport expansion in the south‐east of England.
Duration of secretory IgM and IgA antibodies to respiratory syncytial virus in a community study in Guinea‐Bissau
Authors: Stensballe LG , Kofoed P-E , Nante EJ , Sambo M , Jensen IP , Aaby P
Published: June 2018

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is probably the single major cause of lower respiratory infection (LRI) among infants worldwide. Its relative importance may be underestimated, as the diagnosis is based on antigen detection and antigen may only be detectable in the early phase of infection. We have therefore assessed the duration of secretory IgM and IgA antibody responses and whether assays for these antibodies can be used to improve the diagnosing of RSV‐associated infections. During two RSV epidemics in Guinea‐Bissau, 32 RSV antigen‐positive children with LRI were followed with sequential nasopharyngeal suction on days 7, 14, 30, 60 and 120 in the first epidemic and every fortnight for 6 mo after the second epidemic to measure the duration of secretory IgM and IgA responses. Nearly all of the children had an IgM response during the first month after infection. The response ratio was highest on days 7 and 14, being 84% and 71%, respectively. After 30 d the IgM response decreased rapidly. Among 27 age‐ and sex‐matched controls, only 1 child was positive for IgM. During the second epidemic, when the children were followed more intensively, half of the children were IgM‐positive after the acute phase of infection. A secondary response may be more likely in children with low IgM responses in the acute phase (RR = 2.08 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92–4.70)). The IgA response was highest on days 28 and 42 after antigen detection, 72% having a detectable IgA response within the first 1.5 mo. Among 27 controls, only 2 were IgA‐positive (7%). In the second epidemic with more intensive follow‐up, 62% (8/13) of the IgA‐positive children had a response that lasted 10 wk. Of the children with no persistent IgA response, half (5/10) had a subsequent IgA‐positive response after the first 42 d. All of these children had a simultaneous IgM‐positive response. When 29 of the children were tested after an epidemic when they were 1–3‐y‐old, >80% again had high IgM (24/29, 82%) and IgA (28/29, 94%) levels.

Among samples collected over a 1‐y period from infants with LRI in a community morbidity surveillance conducted at the local health centre and via paediatric outpatient consultation, 17% (110/659) were antigen‐positive, 26% (171/659) IgM‐positive and 38% (248/659) either antigen‐ or IgM‐positive. IgM responses are short‐lived among infants and may therefore be used as an indication of recent RSV infection among children with LRI. Using both antigen and IgM detection may significantly improve our detection of RSV infections.
Do Proprietary Algorithmic Traders Withdraw Liquidity during Market Stress?
Authors: Nawn Samarpan , Banerjee Ashok
Published: June 2018

We investigate the role of proprietary algorithmic traders in facilitating liquidity in a limit order market. Using order‐level data from the National Stock Exchange of India, we find that proprietary algorithmic traders increase limit order supply following periods of both high short‐term stock‐specific volatility and extreme stock price movement. Even following periods of high marketwide volatility, they do not decrease their supply of liquidity. We define orders from high‐frequency traders as a subclass of orders from proprietary algorithmic traders that are revised in less than three milliseconds. The behavior of high‐frequency trading mimics the behavior of its parent class. This is inconsistent with the theory that fast traders leave the market when stress situations arise, although their limit‐order‐supplying behavior becomes weaker when the increase in short‐term volatility is more informational than transitory. Agency algorithmic traders and nonalgorithmic traders behave opposite to proprietary algorithmic traders by reducing the supply of liquidity during stress situations. The presence of faster traders in the market possibly instills the fear of adverse selection in them. We document that the order imbalance of agency algorithmic traders is positively related to future short‐term returns, whereas the order imbalance of proprietary algorithmic traders is negatively related to future short‐term returns.
Use of Decision Tree Model in Sport Management
Authors: Mumcu Ceyda , Mahoney Kimberly
Published: June 2018

When individuals need to make a decision, they often face alternatives and some uncertainty. Identifying alternatives and anticipating outcomes in a systematic way provides value in better decision-making. Decision trees help to clarify the choices, risks, monetary gains, and other information involved in the decision. As a result, managers can make an informed decision when choosing the alternative that provides the best net gain and whether the net gain is worthwhile to pursue. As such, this case presents a scenario in which the sport marketing manager of the local sports commission is working with the convention center to bring a sporting event to the city in order to enhance the city’s image and generate positive economic impact. The manager is faced with evaluating three alternatives (Event A, Event B, or neither) and making a recommendation to the sports commission and convention center executives regarding which event to pursue, if any. This case provides an opportunity for students to practice using this strategic management tool to assist in systematic decision-making while investigating the event bidding process.
Accuracy of Different Bioinformatics Methods in Detecting Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Factors from Staphylococcus aureus Whole-Genome Sequences
Authors: Mason Amy , Foster Dona , Bradley Phelim , Golubchik Tanya , Doumith Michel , Gordon N. Claire , Pichon Bruno , Iqbal Zamin , Staves Peter , Crook Derrick , Walker A. Sarah , Kearns Angela , Peto Tim
Published: June 2018

In principle, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) can predict phenotypic resistance directly from a genotype, replacing laboratory-based tests. However, the contribution of different bioinformatics methods to genotype-phenotype discrepancies has not been systematically explored to date.
On the Power-of-d-choices with Least Loaded Server Selection
Authors: Hellemans Tim , Van Houdt Benny
Published: June 2018

Motivated by distributed schedulers that combine the power-of-d-choices with late binding and systems that use replication with cancellation-on-start, we study the performance of the LL(d) policy which assigns a job to a server that currently has the least workload among d randomly selected servers in large-scale homogeneous clusters. We consider general job size distributions and propose a partial integro-differential equation to describe the evolution of the system. This equation relies on the earlier proven ansatz for LL(d) which asserts that the workload distribution of any finite set of queues becomes independent of one another as the number of servers tends to infinity. Based on this equation we propose a fixed point iteration for the limiting workload distribution and study its convergence. For exponential job sizes we present a simple closed form expression for the limiting workload distribution that is valid for any work-conserving service discipline as well as for the limiting response time distribution in case of first-come-first-served scheduling. We further show that for phase-type distributed job sizes the limiting workload and response time distribution can be expressed via the unique solution of a simple set of ordinary differential equations. Numerical and analytical results that compare response time of the classic power-of-d-choices algorithm and the LL(d) policy are also presented and the accuracy of the limiting response time distribution for finite systems is illustrated using simulations.
Current Opinion and Knowledge on Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: A Survey among a Swiss Oncology Network
Authors: Grass Fabian , Martin David , Montemurro Michael , Mathevet Patrice , Wolfer Anita , Coukos George , Demartines Nicolas , Hübner Martin
Published: June 2018

Aims of the Study: The present survey aimed to evaluate current opinion and practice regarding peritoneal metastasis (PM), satisfaction with available treatment options, and need for new therapeutic approaches. Methods: This was a qualitative study conducted between October 2016 and October 2017 in the Réseau Suisse Romand d’Oncologie including 101 members of various oncological specialties. Participants’ demographics, current practice, knowledge, and satisfaction regarding available treatment options and need for new treatment options were assessed by semantic differential scales through 33 closed questions with automatic reminders at 4-, 8-, 12-, and 16-week intervals. Results: Twenty-seven participants (27%) completed the survey. Participants were gastrointestinal or gynecologic oncologists and surgeons. Most participants (67%) evaluated their knowledge on PM as moderate, while 22% considered themselves as experts. Clinical usefulness of systemic chemotherapy and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy was judged to be moderate to high for PM of ovarian and colorectal origin and moderate to poor for gastric origin. Satisfaction with available treatment options was 6/10 (interquartile range [IQR] 4–7) for ovarian, 5/10 (IQR 3–7) for colorectal, and 3/10 (IQR 1–3) for gastric PM. Treatment strategies varied widely for typical case vignettes. The need for new treatment modalities was rated as 8/10 (IQR 6–10). Conclusion: Usefulness of and satisfaction with available treatment options for PM were rated as moderate at best by oncological experts, and treatment strategies differed importantly among participants. There appears to be a clear need for standardization and new treatment modalities.
Usefulness of Plain Computed Tomography with Swallowing of GastrografinTM for the Diagnosis of a Late-Onset Iatrogenic Diaphragmatic Hernia following Biopsy of a Diaphragmatic Tumor: Report of a Case
Authors: Asahi Yoh , Honda Shohei , Okada Tadao , Miyagi Hisayuki , Kaneda Makoto , Iguchi Akihiro , Kaga Kichizo , Taketomi Akinobu
Published: June 2018

Although diaphragmatic hernia (DH) may be congenital, posttraumatic, or iatrogenic, DHs after diaphragmatic surgery are rarely reported in the literature. This report describes the rare case of a 14-year-old girl complicated by iatrogenic DH following the biopsy of granulomatous lesions of the left diaphragm, when a mediastinal mixed germ cell tumor was extirpated. Plain computed tomography (CT) with swallowing of GastrografinTM was useful for the diagnosis of this disorder. The patient presented to our hospital with frequent epigastric pain and vomiting 11 months after the original surgery. Chest X-ray, a gastrointestinal contrast study, and plain CT with swallowing of GastrografinTM revealed the left DH with gastric content. At laparotomy, the diaphragmatic defect, 3 × 3 cm in diameter, was repaired using nonabsorbable sutures after hernia reduction. The patient showed a rapid recovery with complete resolution of symptoms. We should consider the presence of iatrogenic DH in patients who develop epigastralgia after procedures involving the diaphragm, even at 11 months after the original surgery. Furthermore, plain CT with swallowing of GastrografinTM is useful for the diagnosis of this disorder.
Pemphigus Vulgaris in the Mouth and Esophageal Mucosa
Authors: de Macedo Angelo Gualberto , Bertges Erika Ruback , Bertges Luiz Carlos , Mendes Renata Alvim , Bertges Thais Abranches Bueno Sabino , Bertges Klaus Ruback , Aarestrup Fernando Monteiro
Published: June 2018

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a chronic autoimmune mucocutaneous disease. In most cases, the initial manifestation occurs in the mouth as multiple ulcerations preceded by blisters that rupture and later spread to other mucous membranes and the skin. Esophageal impairment is rare. We report a case of PV with esophageal involvement in a 53-year-old woman who sought medical care, complaining of diffuse painful lesions in the oral cavity for approximately 1 month, with no improvement with nystatin. Upper digestive endoscopy (UDE) was performed with findings of vesiculobullous lesions in the proximal and middle esophagus, which were biopsied and for which histopathology confirmed PV in the esophageal mucosa. We draw attention to UDE as important for the diagnosis, and it should be indicated in patients with vesiculobullous lesions of the mouth, especially if there are esophageal complaints.
The Change in Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio from the First to the Last Repeat Prostate Biopsy Proposed as a Marker of Carcinogenesis
Authors: Hashimoto Mamoru , Matsumura Naoki , Ohzeki Takayuki , Hongo Sachiko , Sugimoto Koichi , Shimizu Nobutaka , Mori Yasunori , Minami Takafumi , Nozawa Masahiro , Nose Kazuhiro , Tahara Hideo , Yoshimura Kazuhiro , Uemura Hirotsugu
Published: June 2018

Introduction: We investigated whether the change in the neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) from the first to the last repeat prostate biopsy (ΔNLR) could be the diagnostic tool or not for prostate cancer (PCa) detection. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated medical records of men who had undergone repeat prostate biopsy. The investigated parameters were white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte counts, NLR at the last prostate biopsy, ΔNLR, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), PSA density (PSAD), and PSA velocity. Exclusion criteria were the presence of cancers other than prostate origin, medication, and diseases which induce the change of NLR. Results: A total of 301 men who had undergone repeat prostate biopsy were selected for this study. After applying exclusion criteria, 223 patients were included. Of these patients, 94 were diagnosed with PCa (Group I) and 129 with no malignancy (Group II). Only a single patient had metastasis. On evaluating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of all study parameters, ΔNLR was the most accurate marker, followed by PSAD and then NLR measured at the last biopsy. Conclusions: ΔNLR was the most accurate marker to improve the total predictive value in repeat prostate biopsy for diagnosing PCa.
What is the Role of Soluble Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator in Renal Disease?
Authors: Saleem Moin A.
Published: June 2018

Context: Soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator ­(suPAR) is an inflammatory signal with pleiotropic biological effects depending on context and post-translational modifications. Recently, [Hayek, et al: Nat Med 2017; 23: 945–953] it has been found that there is a link between suPAR and renal disease in several guises, and a key question is whether it is a driver or a marker of renal disease, and if so of which types of kidney damage. Subject of Review: Circulating suPAR has been postulated to cause acute proteinuric kidney disease, specifically focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), though both the animal models and clinical data in the original reports have been challenged. More recently, suPAR levels are linked to the risk of progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) by directly activating signaling pathways in the podocyte or as a sensitive early biomarker. Second Opinion: The evidence for suPAR as a driver of FSGS proteinuria is not yet established, and more needs to be done, particularly by measuring different circulating suPAR fragments and identifying “second hits,” to clarify if any role exists. The evidence for suPAR as a sensitive biomarker for CKD progression is currently stronger, and needs further independent validation as well as prospective serial suPAR measurements in CKD cohorts. Whether it is a surrogate marker for ongoing inflammatory drivers of kidney disease, or has direct mechanistic effects in podocytes will depend on further studies, as well as trials of suPAR removal or direct blockade of downstream pathways.
ФЕНОТИПОВИЙ СКЛАД ЛІМФОЦИТІВ ПЕРИФЕРИЧНОЇ КРОВІ У ХВОРИХ НА ПАПІЛОМАВІРУСНУ ІНФЕКЦІЮ ШИЙКИ МАТКИ, В ЯКИХ ВИЯВЛЯЛИ IgG АНТИТІЛА ДО ВІРУСІВ ПРОСТОГО ГЕРПЕСУ
Authors: Lazarenko L. M. , Nikitina O. Ye. , Hanova L. O. , Kovtonyuk H. V. , Nikitin Ye. V. , Spivak M. Ya. , Klymniuk S. I. , Romaniuk L. B.
Published: June 2018

Мета роботи – визначення фенотипового складу лімфоцитів периферичної крові у хворих на папіломавірусну інфекцію (ПВІ) шийки матки (ШМ), у сироватці крові яких виявляли IgG антитіла до вірусів простого герпесу (ВПГ)-1 та/або ВПГ-2.Матеріали і методи. Обстежено 43 жінки (середній вік 26,5 років) із індукованими папіломавірусами людини (ВПЛ) захворюваннями ШМ, діагностованими за допомогою молекулярно-біологічного, кольпоскопічного та цитологічного методів дослідження. Скринінг сироваток на наявність IgG антитіл до ВПГ-1 та ВПГ-2, а також визначення індексу авідності IgG антитіл до ВПГ-2 проводили за допомогою твердофазного імуноензимного аналізу. Фенотиповий склад лімфоцитів периферичної крові визначали за допомогою методу проточної лазерної цитофлуорометрії з використанням моноклональних антитіл (Beckman Coulter, США) до антигенів CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, СD3+/HLA-DR+, СD3+/CD16+/CD56+, CD4+45R+, CD16+/CD56+/CD8+ та CD16+/CD56+. Підрахунок клітин та аналіз результатів проводили на цитофлюориметрі FC-500 (Beckman Coulter, США).Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. У сироватці крові хворих на ПВІ ШМ, в яких не було клінічних симптомів герпетичної інфекції, виявлено IgG антитіла до ВПГ-1, ВПГ-2 або до цих двох вірусів у 90,0 % випадків. IgG до ВПГ-2 у сироватці крові хворих мали лише середню або низьку авідність. Частота виявлення ВПЛ-індукованих цервікальних інтраепітеліальних неоплазій (ЦІН) І-ІІ та ІІІ ступенів і cancer in situ зростала у хворих, в яких були IgG антитіла до ВПГ-2 або одночасно до ВПГ-2 та ВПГ-1, і, насамперед у хворих із низькоавідними IgG до ВПГ-2. У периферичній крові хворих не змінювалась кількість CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+45RA+ та CD16+/CD56+ клітин, а також індекс CD4+/CD8+ порівняно з показниками для клінічно здорових осіб (контроль). Однак встановлено тенденцію до підвищення кількості CD16+/CD56+/CD8+ клітин, а також суттєве підвищення кількості СD3+/HLA-DR+ клітин. Кількість CD3+/CD16+/CD56+ клітин зменшувалась у периферичній крові хворих із низько­авід­ними IgG до ВПГ-2, тоді як у решти хворих зберігалась на рівні контролю.Висновки. У хворих на ПВІ ШМ, в яких за відсутності клінічної маніфестації герпетичної інфекції ідентифікували низькоавідні IgG антитіла до ВПГ-2, зростала частота виявлення ЦІН тяжчого ступеня та відбувався суттєвіший зсув показників клітинної ланки імунітету, підтверджений підвищенням кількості CD3+/HLA-DR+ клітин, тенденцією до зростання кількості CD16+/56+CD8+ клітин на тлі зменшення вмісту цитотоксичних СD3+/CD16+/CD56+ Т-лімфоцитів. Імовірно, комплексне персоніфіковане лікування цих хворих доцільнопроводити з використанням протигерпетичних препаратів.
МІКРОБІОТА ПОРОЖНИНИ ТОВСТОЇ КИШКИ У ЖІНОК З НЕПЛІДНІСТЮ II ТИПУ
Authors: Bendas V. V. , Sydorchuk L. I. , Yakovychuk N. D.
Published: June 2018

Метою роботи було дослідити стан мікробіоти вмісту порожнини товстої кишки жінок з неплідністю II типу, вивчити таксономічний склад та популяційний рівень кожного таксону в біотопі.Пацієнти і методи. Протягом 2000-2016 рр. нами проводилося мікробіологічне обстеження 67 жінок дітородного віку з неплідністю II типу. У жінок з неплідністю II типу вивчалася мікробіота вульвовагінального вмісту і вмісту порожнини товстої кишки. Вік жінок був від 18 до 34 років (у середньому 26,00±1,12 р.). Діагноз верифіковано акушерами і гінекологами за результатами клініко-лабораторних, інструментальних і спеціальних досліджень. Контрольну групу склала 41 жінка віком від 19 до 35 років (середній вік 25,87±1,29 р.), які протягом останніх шести місяців не хворіли на будь-які інфекційні та неінфекційні хвороби, включаючи гінекологічні захворювання, і вважали себе практично здоровими.
Práticas de Ensino-Aprendizagem e de Pesquisa com Abordagem Qualitativa Interdisciplinar para Conscientização e Conhecimento do Fenômeno Bullying
Authors: Machado Maria Aparecida Miranda de Paula , Marcandal Gessyka Gomes , Oliveira Ariadnes Nóbrega de
Published: June 2018

Práticas de ensino-aprendizagem e de pesquisa qualitativa interdisciplinar foram empregadas nas atividades de formação acadêmica em cenários reais para estudar o fenômeno bullying. Levar todos os envolvidos a vivenciarem essas práticas em atividades de integração entre universidade-escolas públicas de nível básico e conscientizar sobre a existência e formas de enfrentamento do bullying foram os objetivos previstos. Este artigo é um relato de experiência de caráter qualitativo e interdisciplinar sobre trinta oficinas que ocorreram entre 2011 e 2013, abrangendo 59 professores, cinco gestores, doze estudantes de ensino fundamental – ciclo II e treze funcionários da equipe de apoio escolar, inscritos por demanda espontânea; por outro lado, um docente responsável pelas pesquisas, duas fonoaudiólogas da equipe universitária, duas estudantes de ensino médio de Pré-Iniciação Científica, duas graduandas em Fonoaudiologia de Iniciação Científica e quatro acadêmicos colaboradores. Durante as oficinas foram produzidos grupos focais, debates, instrumentos de observação e de entrevista. Os graduandos de Fonoaudiologia participantes, em cada ano, foram incluídos em reuniões prévias e de acompanhamento das oficinas e na aplicação das práticas dialéticas de ensino-aprendizagem. Foi observado que os estudantes do nível básico e superior participaram e acompanharam os debates efetiva e ativamente; um Roteiro de Discussão sobre o tema foi elaborado e distribuído para as escolas municipais; com os dados de observação e entrevistas, programas de redução do bullying nas escolas participantes foram aperfeiçoados ou criados. Houve sensibilização, conscientização e desenvolvimento de conhecimento, sendo aprimoradas as competências e habilidades de cada grupo participante.
Phonognatha vicitra Sherriffs, 1928—a taxonomic misidentification of the orb-weaving spider Acusilas coccineus Simon, 1895 (Araneae, Araneidae)
Authors: SANKARAN PRADEEP M. , SEBASTIAN POTHALIL A.
Published: June 2018

The species described as Phonognatha vicitra Sherriffs, 1928 is the only representative of the genus Phonognatha Simon, 1894 in India (World Spider Catalog 2018). The type locality of this species was a coffee estate named Charlotte estate/division, which is located adjacent to the Cauvery River in the Siddapura/ Sidapur village in the Kodagu (Coorg) district of the southwest Indian state of Karnataka (Sherriffs 1928). The species is still known from its original description, which is based on seven female specimens, and its male genitalia remained unveiled. For redescribing this species, we had visited the Charlotte estate/division and collected topotype materials of P. vicitra. However, while examining the materials, we found that the specimens from the Charlotte estate/division indeed belong to the South East Asian orb-weaving spider genus Acusilas Simon, 1895, indicating that Sherriffs misplaced his species in Phonognatha. In the present paper, we propose to transfer P. vicitra to Acusilas and synonymise it with Acusilas coccineus Simon, 1895.
A new species of Masteria L. Koch, 1873 (Dipluridae: Masteriinae) from Guyana
Authors: ALMEIDA MARLUS QUEIROZ , SALVATIERRA LIDIANNE , DE MORAIS JOSÉ WELLINGTON
Published: June 2018

Mygalomorphs are a diverse spider group with primitive characteristics composed of the largest spider species in the world, however some species may be very small (Bond et al. 2012; Rogerio et al. 2013). The small spiders of the subfamily Masteriinae (Dipluridae, Mygalomorphae) can be found in Asia and South America (Raven 1981; Pedroso et al. 2015; WSC 2017). The subfamily is represented by two genera: Masteria L. Koch, 1873 and Striamea Raven, 1981. Masteria species can be identified by the following combination of characters: absence of cuspules in endites and labium; zero, two, six or eight eyes; and with or without paraembolic apophysis on the male palpal bulb (Raven 1981, 1985, 1991; Alayón 1995; Bertani et al. 2013; Pedroso et al. 2015). Currently, 24 species of Masteria are described, with 6 species found in South America: Masteria colombiensis, Raven, 1981 from Colombia; M. manauara Bertani, Cruz & Oliveira 2013 and M. emboaba Pedroso, Baptista & Bertani, 2015 from Brazil; M. cyclops (Simon 1889), M. tovarensis (Simon, 1889) and M. lucifuga (Simon, 1889) from Venezuela (WSC 2017). We document herein the first record and description of a new species of the genus Masteria from Guyana.
Evaluating competing theories of informal sector entrepreneurship
Authors: Williams Colin C , Kedir Abbi
Published: June 2018

To advance understanding of the reasons for informal sector entrepreneurship, this article evaluates the determinants of cross-country variations in the extent to which enterprises are unregistered when they start operating. Reporting the World Bank Enterprise Survey data on 67,515 enterprises across 142 countries, the finding is that one in five (19.9%) of the formal enterprises surveyed started-up unregistered, although this varies from all enterprises surveyed in some countries (e.g. Pakistan) to 1% of surveyed enterprises in Slovakia. To explain these cross-country variations, four competing theories are evaluated which variously assert that nonregistration is determined by either: economic under-development and poorer quality governance (modernization theory); too much state interference (neoliberal theory); too little state intervention (political economy theory); or an incongruence between the laws and rules of formal institutions and the beliefs, values, and norms of informal institutions (institutional theory). A multilevel probit regression analysis confirms the modernization, political economy, and institutional theories but not neoliberal theory. Beyond economic under-development, therefore, nonregistration is associated with too little state intervention and the rules of formal institutions being incongruent with the socially shared beliefs of entrepreneurs. The article concludes by discussing the theoretical and policy implications of these findings.
Magnetization clustering inversion — Part 1: Building an automated numerical optimization algorithm
Authors: Sun Jiajia , Li Yaoguo
Published: June 2018

Magnetic data are among the most widely used geoscientific data for studying the earth interior in the oil and mining industries. However, interpreting magnetic data has been traditionally challenged by the presence of remanence. Recently, a new inversion algorithm, called magnetization clustering inversion (MCI), was developed by combining the classical Tikhonov regularized inversion with fuzzy [Formula: see text]-means clustering, an unsupervised machine-learning algorithm. This method has proven to be an effective tool for interpreting magnetic data complicated by remanence through synthetic and field data tests. However, the MCI algorithm in previous work requires users to specify the values of the weighting parameters for both smoothness regularization and clustering terms in the objective function. In practice, this entails many iterations of trial and error, and it consequently hinders the effective use of this inversion algorithm for iterative hypothesis testing and timely decision making. We have developed an automated strategy for determining the two weighting parameter values. Our algorithm of automatic search for optimal weighting parameters is based on an understanding of their roles and the complex interplay between them during an inversion. Our search algorithm works by alternately searching for one weighting parameter, whereas the other is fixed. A series of synthetic examples confirms the effectiveness of this automated optimization strategy. We also applied the automated inversion algorithm to a field data set from the Carajás Mineral Province in Brazil. The recovered magnetic anomalous features are highly consistent with known geology.
CT-guided percutaneous core biopsy for assessment of morphologically normal adrenal glands showing high FDG uptake in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Chassagnon Guillaume , Bennani Souhail , Freche Gaël , Magdeleinat Pierre , Mansuet-Lupo Audrey , Revel Marie-Pierre
Published: June 2018

Objective:

Increased fludeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in morphologically normal adrenal glands on positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT) is a diagnostic challenge with major implications on treatment. The purpose of this retrospective study was to report our experience of CT-guided percutaneous core biopsy of morphologically normal adrenal glands showing increased FDG uptake in a context of lung cancer.

Methods:

Biopsies for non-enlarged adrenal glands showing increased FDG uptake in lung cancer patients performed at our institution from December 2014 to December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Six biopsies were performed in five patients during the study period. All procedures were performed with the patients in the prone position, using a posterior approach and coaxial 17-gauge needles with 18-gauge automated cutting needles. Patient characteristics, procedural details and final pathological diagnosis were analyzed, as well as the duration of hospitalization.

Results:

Five of the six biopsies (83.3%) confirmed adrenal metastasis from the primary lung cancer. No complications were reported and the patients were discharged the day after the procedure.

Conclusion:

The high confirmation rate of metastasis and lack of complications support performing CT-guided percutaneous biopsy of non-enlarged adrenal glands showing increased FDG uptake, for optimal management in lung cancer patients.

Advances in knowledge:

Morphologically normal adrenal glands showing high FDG uptake in patients with lung cancer are metastasis. This manuscript shows that CT-guided percutaneous biopsy should be proposed. Increased FDG uptake in morphologically normal adrenal glands may indicate metastasis.
Logistics tools
Authors: Гарнов Андрей , Garnov Andrey , Киреева Наталья , Kireeva Natalia
Published: June 2018

The work contains a synthesis of diverse information on various logistics management tools of business entities in material systems, including tools for process analysis of logistics activities, partnerships in logistics, multi-level strategies, logistics information system, evaluation of the effectiveness of logistics activities and integrated analysis of the external environment. Logistic approaches to management of business entities at the macro-and micro-level are proposed. The authors pay special attention to the information support of logistics activities.
The second edition of this monograph was finalized taking into account the realities of the current situation in the economy. Much of the published in the first edition has been applied in practice, and also developed in the research of our colleagues.
For specialists working in the logistics structures of companies in various fields and fields of activity, as well as teachers, researchers, students, undergraduates and graduate students, as well as all those interested in the development of logistics in Russia.