bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective approach in thromboprophilaxis in patients with pancrearic cancer on chemotherapy
Authors: Zemskov S. V.
Published: February 2017

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is associated with high risk of thromboembolism (TE). However, the question of out-patient thromboprophylaxis and its feasibility in patients with PC is still disputable. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of enoxaparin application as as thromboprophylaxis based on Khorana index in patients with unresectable PC on chemotherapy. Out-patients with PC on chemotherapy were retrospectively consecutively included in the study. Main and control group included 43 patients each. Patients of the main group were treated with 40mg of enoxaparin daily if Khorana index was >3 for at least 7 days or until Khorana index went <3. No thromboprophylaxis was applied in control group. Follow up time was 24 weeks and coincided with chemotherapy period. The rate TE in control group was 37.2 % (16 of 43) and 14 % (6 of 43) in the main group. The difference in event-free survival when calculated by log-rank test was statistically considerable (p=0.02). No massive bleeding was detected in the main group. Thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin based on Khorana index in PC patients on chemotherapy may decrease the rate of TE.
Study of acute toxicity of the tincture of lance-leaved hosta
Authors: Lynda O. S. , Fira L. S. , Lykhatskyi P. H. , Rytsyk O. B.
Published: February 2017

The study of acute toxicity of the tincture of lance-leaved hosta in the experiment on rats of both sexes has been done. The complex of the carried out studies has allowed to define the absence of the toxic effect of the tincture and to take it to the 4th class of toxicity – harmless substances.
Meсhanisms of heart damage in rats and its correction by quercetin
Authors: Musiienko A. M. , Denefil O. V.
Published: February 2017

We investigated the staging of adrenaline-calcium model of cardiosclerosis and its correction by quercetin. Pathology is accompanied by the development of oxidative, carbonyl, nitrooxidative stress,increase of oxide modification of proteins and changes in myocardial antioxidant protection. Quercetin creates a cardioprotective effect, increases antioxidant protection.
Features indicators of lipid peroxidation and activity of antioxidant enzymes in the lungs in different periods formation of experimental pneumonia
Authors: Chuhay O. O. , Lubinets L. A.
Published: February 2017

Violations of redox processes play a significant role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory due to the increase of oxygen free radicals.The aim of the work was to study oxidant and antioxidant systems in the lungs of guinea pigs in different periods of the formation of experimental pneumonia.The study was carried out on 36 guinea pigs (male) weighing 180–220 grams, divided into 3 groups of 12 animals. I group – intact guinea pigs (control); II group – with the EP on the 6th day; III group – with was EP on the 10th day. EP reproduced by intranasal administration to animals Staphylococcus aureus culture according to Shlyapnyko V. N. and conduthors method. In lung tissue there was determined the content of diene conjugates (DC) V. B. Havrylova, M. I. Myshkorudna method, malondialdehyde (MDA) – there was Korobeynikov E. N. method, superoxide dismutase (SOD) – R. Fried method, catalase (CT) – R. Holmes and C. Masters method.The early period of EP: moderate growth of content DC at 34.8 % and a slight increase of content MDA at 15.3 %, increase SOD activity only at 10.57 % and the likely increase of CT at 12.69 % compared to control group. Late period of EP: further growth DC at 53.86 % and MDA at 37.4 %, SOD activity decrease at 21.37 % and CT at 16.0 % compared with the control.The results of our biochemical studies revealed disruption of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in lung tissue at different periods of the formation of the experimental pneumonia.
Blood lipid profile of female and male rats in case of toxic cardiomyopathy, due to the introduction of sodium nitrite
Authors: Krynytska I. Ya. , Marushchak M. I. , Stahurska I. O. , Bekus I. R. , Kyryliv M. V. , Kuzmak I. P.
Published: February 2017

The indices of the blood plasma lipid profile of female and male rats in case of toxic cardiomyopathy, due to the introduction of sodium nitrite were sudied. It was determined the increasing of cholesterol concentration in the blood plasma and its redistribution between lipoproteins due to reduction in high density lipoproteins and an increase in low-density lipoprotein, which have proatherogenic properties in animals of both sexes. In gender comparison of changes in blood lipid profile in case of sodium nitrite intoxication their significant prevalence in male rats was found.
МЕТОДИКА ПРОВЕДЕННЯ ЗАНЯТЬ З ФАНТОМНИМ МОДЕЛЮВАННЯМ НА БАЗОВОМУ ЕТАПІ ВИВЧЕННЯ ГІНЕКОЛОГІЇ
Authors: Malanchuk L. M. , Romanchuk L. I. , Malanchyn I. M. , Martyniuk V. M.
Published: February 2017

Підготовка висококваліфікованих фахівців є основним завданням сучасної медицини. В умовах інтеграції системи вищої освіти України у європейське та світове освітнє співтовариство вимагає інноваційних підходів у процесі формування професійної майстерності. У статті висвітлено особливості проведення занять на базовому етапі вивчення гінекології з використанням симуляційних манекенів. Обґрунтована методика фантомного навчання як така, що максимально сприяє формуванню компетентнісного підходу до практичних складових освіти майбутнього лікаря. Визначена роль викладача, вимоги, які покладаються на нього як лідера та організатора навчального процесу.
Common calcaneal tendon repair with glycerin-preserved carotid artery xenografts and autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells in rabbits
Authors: Melo Robson José Gomes de , Gonçalves Gentil Ferreira , Eurides Duvaldo , Romagnolli Patricia , Leme Marshal Costa , Araújo Eduardo José De Almeida , Cunha Neto Campo Amor Vieira da
Published: February 2017

Utilizou-se 15 coelhos adultos para avaliar o reparo de lesão do tendão calcanear comum com implante de artéria carótida de cães, preservada em glicerina, associado ou não a células mononucleares autólogas da medula óssea (CMAs). Os animais foram observados diariamente por meio de avaliações clínicas e o local do implante foi analisado sob microscopia de luz decorridos 15, 30 e 60 dias de pós-operatório. Notou-se em todos os períodos de observação, com o implante associado às CMAs, melhor desempenho físico dos membros pélvico e maior intensidade de fibras colágenas, fibroblastos e linfócitos e neovascularização. A utilização de xenoimplante de artéria carótida de cães preservada em glicerina associado à administração de células mononucleares da medula óssea foi eficiente no reparo do tendão calcanear comum de coelhos.
Factors that enhance repeat breeder condition in a crossbred dairy herd submitted to reproductive synchronization protocols
Authors: Souza Fransergio , Cesar João , Carneiro Luisa Cunha , Santos Ricarda Maria Dos
Published: February 2017

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a incidência vacas repetidoras (VR) leiteiras mestiças submetidas à inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) e protocolos de sincronização de estro. Dados de 371 novilhas e 997 vacas leiteiras mestiças foram analisados. Vacas com mais de 30 dias pós-parto, boa condição uterina, sem mastite clínica e com escore corporal ≥ 2,5 foram utilizadas. As vacas foram divididas em dois grupos, sendo: grupo 1: IATF – vacas sem corpo lúteo no exame ultrassonográfico e que foram submetidas ao protocolo de IATF, e grupo 2: sincronização de cio – aquelas vacas com corpo lúteo presente. A incidência de VR e seus fatores foram analisados por regressão logística pelo SAS. A incidência de VR foi maior em vacas em lactação em relação às fêmeas não-lactantes (P < 0,001). Ainda, uma tendência de um maior número de VR foi observada naquelas que pariram na primavera/verão quando comparadas às paridas no outono/inverno. O tipo de parto (normal vs. não normal) não influenciou na incidência de VR (P > 0,001), no entanto, foi detectado efeito do número de partos (P > 0.01). Dessa forma, nas categorias animais avaliadas, a incidência de VR foi maior em vacas leiteiras mestiças do que em novilhas. Uma tendência de VR foi observada naquelas que pariram na primavera/verão quando comparadas aquelas que pariram no outono/inverno, ainda a incidência de VR foi maior naquelas de segunda parição quando comparadas as de primeira, terceira ou quarta, ao passo que o tipo de parto (normal vs. não normal) não influenciou sobre a incidência de VR.
Comparison of Carotid‐Femoral and Brachial‐Ankle Pulse‐Wave Velocity in Association With Target Organ Damage in the Community‐Dwelling Elderly Chinese: The Northern Shanghai Study
Authors: Lu Yuyan , Zhu Mengyun , Bai Bin , Chi Chen , Yu Shikai , Teliewubai Jiadela , Xu Henry , Wang Kai , Xiong Jing , Zhou Yiwu , Ji Hongwei , Fan Ximin , Yu Xuejing , Li Jue , Blacher Jacques , Zhang Yi , Xu Yawei
Published: February 2017

Background

Carotid‐femoral pulse‐wave velocity (cf‐PWV) and brachial‐ankle PWV (ba‐PWV) are the 2 most frequently applied PWV measurements. However, little is known about the comparison of hypertensive target organ damage (TOD) with cf‐PWV and ba‐PWV.

Methods and Results

A total of 1599 community‐dwelling elderly subjects (age >65 years) in northern Shanghai were recruited from June 2014 to August 2015. Both cf‐PWV and ba‐PWV were measured using SphygmoCor and VP1000 systems, respectively. Within the framework of comprehensive cardiovascular examinations, risk factors were assessed, and asymptomatic TOD, including left ventricular mass index, peak transmitral pulsed Doppler velocity/early diastolic tissue Doppler velocity (E/Ea), carotid intima‐media thickness, arterial plaque, creatinine clearance rate, and urinary albumin‐creatinine ratio were all evaluated. Both PWVs were significantly associated with male sex, age, waist/hip circumference, fasting plasma glucose, and systolic blood pressure, and ba‐PWV was also significantly related to body mass index. Both PWVs were significantly correlated with most TOD. When cf‐PWV and ba‐PWV were both or separately put into the stepwise linear regression model together with cardiovascular risk factors and treatment, only cf‐PWV, but not ba‐PWV, was significantly associated with carotid intima‐media thickness and creatinine clearance rate (
P
<0.05). When cf‐PWV and ba‐PWV were both or separately put into the same full‐mode model after adjustment for confounders, only cf‐PWV, but not ba‐PWV, showed significant association with carotid intima‐media thickness and creatinine clearance rate (
P
<0.05). Similar results were observed in logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions

Taken together, in the community‐dwelling elderly Chinese, cf‐PWV seems to be more closely associated with hypertensive TOD, especially vascular and renal TOD, as compared with ba‐PWV.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02368938.
Predictive Value of Dobutamine Stress Perfusion Echocardiography in Contemporary End‐Stage Liver Disease
Authors: Baibhav Bipul , Mahabir Chetaj A. , Xie Feng , Shostrom Valerie K. , McCashland Timothy M. , Porter Thomas R.
Published: February 2017

Background

The assessment of cardiac risk in contemporary liver transplantation (
LT
) has required more sensitive testing for the detection of occult coronary artery disease as well as microvascular and functional cardiac abnormalities. Because dobutamine stress perfusion echocardiography provides an assessment of both regional systolic and diastolic function as well as microvascular perfusion (
MVP
), we sought to examine its incremental value in this setting.

Methods and Results

We evaluated the predictive value of dobutamine stress perfusion echocardiography in 296 adult patients with end‐stage liver disease and preserved systolic function who underwent
LT
between 2008 and 2014. The primary outcome was cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and/or sustained ventricular arrhythmias following
LT
. The main causes of liver failure were hepatitis C (25%) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (13%). Abnormal
MVP
during stress was observed in 18 patients (6%), whereas diastolic dysfunction was present in 109 patients (94 grade 1, 15 grade 2). Half of the patients (7 of 14) referred for angiography with abnormal
MVP
had significant epicardial disease by angiography, and these patients were revascularized prior to
LT
. Despite these interventions, the primary outcome still occurred in 9 patients (3%). Patients with abnormal
MVP
during dobutamine stress perfusion echocardiography had a 7‐fold higher risk of a cardiovascular event following
LT
. Cox proportional hazards modeling examining clinical variables, left ventricular ejection fraction, diastolic function, and stress‐induced wall motion abnormalities or
MVP
defects demonstrated that abnormal
MVP
was the only independent predictor of the primary outcome (
P
=0.004; hazard ratio 7.7).

Conclusions

Stress
MVP
assessments are highly predictive of cardiovascular outcome in current LT candidates.
Information depends on context: behavioural response to chemical signals depends on sex and size in crayfish contests
Authors: Wofford Sarah J. , LaPlante Phillip M. , Moore Paul A.
Published: February 2017

Securing information about oneself or an opponent can be crucial to update the likelihood of winning a contest and the relative costs of continuing or escalating. This information can subsequently reduce costly errors. However, information encoded in signals exchanged by opponents can differ based on context. We sought to unravel these differences by pairing male and female crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) under varying sex and size conditions. A pre-optimized technique was used to visualize a well-studied contest signal in crayfish (i.e., urine). Behavioural responses were quantified prior to and after the release of that signal. There was a characteristic de-escalation of behavioural intensity after an opponent released urine. However, behavioural changes after the release event were dependent on the sex and the relative size of the opponents. Urine also significantly altered both sender and receiver behaviour, but lack of behavioural differences suggests urine plays a role in both opponent and auto-communication.
Towards a Model Explaining the Political (In)stability and Variety of Regimes in the Post-Soviet Region
Authors: Makarovič Matej , Kildi Janja Mikulan
Published: February 2017

The article examines the conditions of political stability and different regime trajectories in the post-Soviet region. The impact of political, socioeconomic, and cultural factors is explored to identify the necessary and sufficient conditions for political stability and democracy, as well as their relationship with each other. Applying fuzzy set comparative analysis, this article demonstrates the significance of social inclusion in political stability, although it cannot confirm any causality between political stability and democracy in the post-Soviet region. In terms of the necessary conditions for democracy, only a democratic political culture is significant; while both democratic political cultureandthe absence of a strong economic dependence on natural resources are sufficient conditions for democracy in the region.
The Transformation of Higher Education Systems in Six Post-Soviet Countries: Causes and Consequences of Organizational Change
Authors: Rezaev Andrey V. , Starikov Valentin S.
Published: February 2017

The paper examines how and to what extent the Soviet higher education system transformed after the collapse of theussr. It offers a research-based analysis of the external and internal factors of transformation in six post-Soviet countries: three “Slavic” states (Belarus, Russia, Ukraine), and three Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania). The paper characterizes a bounded number of types of organizations of higher education in each country. Using the set-theoretic multi-value qualitative comparative analysis (mvQCA), the authors identify several causal chains that led to the transformation of the Soviet comprehensive university into a ‘post-Soviet research university’ or ‘general education organization’. This paper compares the drivers of organizational diversity in Soviet and post-Soviet education, and traces country-specific features of the organizational transformation of universities in six post-Soviet countries.
The Significance of the Notion of Dispute and Its Foreseeability in an Investment Claim Involving a Corporate Restructuring
Authors: Baumgartner Jorun
Published: February 2017

Corporate restructuring is a practice arbitral tribunals have been increasingly confronted with in recent years. In their attempt to draw a line between ‘legitimate nationality planning’ and ‘abusive treaty shopping’, arbitral tribunals have over the years developed a line of jurisprudence that focuses on the timing of the corporate restructuring: rejecting jurisdiction ratione temporis if a dispute already existed at the time of the restructuring, respectively finding the claim inadmissible on grounds of abuse of rights/abuse of process if the dispute was foreseeable. Thus, the question invariably arises when a dispute has come into being respectively when it is foreseeable. However, arbitral tribunals have applied existing international jurisprudence on the notion of dispute only inconsistently. The present article critically analyses the application of the ‘pre-existing/foreseeable dispute’ jurisprudence in the recent Philip Morris v Australia award and other restructuring arbitral decisions.
In Connection: Feminist Epistemology for the Twenty-first Century
Authors: Ernst Waltraud
Published: February 2017

The paper offers a historical outline of the main positions and protagonists of feminist epistemology as a specific field in philosophy at the end of the twentieth century, in the context of a feminist critique of knowledge in academia in general as part of international feminist movements. The main question discussed is whether there is a specific feminist concept of philosophical and scientific knowledge. If so, what is its innovative aspect? What are the philosophical problems in arguing for feminist knowledge? Is there a specific insight or methodological approach? A further question is what role, if any, feminist epistemology plays in the interdisciplinary field of Gender Studies. The discussion will centre on how feminist epistemology relates to non-scientific practices. In particular, the role of the concept of objectivity in feminist epistemology will be elaborated. This will illuminate the connection between the feminist knowledge project with other emancipatory projects and outline how feminist constructivism might play a prominent role in this context in the twenty-first century.
Revision of the Zethus luzonensis species-group (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae), with description of a new species
Authors: SELIS MARCO
Published: February 2017

The Zethus luzonensis Giordani Soika, 1941, species-group is revised. A new species from Mindanao and Luzon in the Philippine Islands, Zethus soikai sp. nov., is described and illustrated. The female of Zethus luzonensis is redescribed and the true male is described. A key to the species of the group is provided.
New species of the damselfly genus Argia from Mexico, Central America and Ecuador with an emphasis on Costa Rica (Insecta: Odonata: Coenagrionidae)
Authors: GARRISON ROSSER W. , ELLENRIEDER NATALIA VON
Published: February 2017

Seven new species of Argia are described, five of which occur in Costa Rica: Argia calverti n. sp. (Holotype ♂, Costa Rica, Cartago Prov., Tapantí Reserve, 1,310 m, 6 vii 1963, F. G. Thompson leg., in FSCA); Argia carolus n. sp. (Holotype ♂, Costa Rica, San José Prov., El Rodeo Biological Reserve, 7 km W of Villa Colón, 9°54' N, 84°16' W, 561 m, 10–13 vii 1990, T. W. Donnelly leg., in FSCA); Argia elongata n. sp. (Holotype ♂, Costa Rica, Cartago Prov., Reventazón river, SE of Turrialba by highway 10, 9°52'56'' N, 83°38'49'' W, 561 m, 10 viii 1979, R. W. & J. A. Garrison leg., in CSCA); Argia haberi n. sp. (Holotype ♂, Costa Rica, San José Prov., Bosque del Tolomuco, km 118 on Pan American highway, in seeps and trickles through brushy pasture on forested hillside, 9°28'18'' N, 83°41'48'' W, 1,710 m, 27 iii 2006, F. Sibley leg., in FSCA); Argia schorri n. sp. (Holotype ♂, Costa Rica, Puntarenas Prov., 2.8 mi E of Golfito, 8°39' N, 83°7' W, 35 m, 4 vii 1967, O. S. Flint, Jr. & M. A. Ortiz B. leg., in USNM), and two which are so far only known from Mexico and Ecuador respectively: Argia rudolphi n. sp. (Holotype ♂, Mexico, Puebla State, Zihuateutla, Sierra de Huauchinango, La Unión, in drainage area, 20°14'25'' N, 97°53'38'' W, 596 m, 21 v 1987, R. Novelo & A. Gómez leg., in CSCA) and Argia schneideri n. sp. (Holotype ♂, Ecuador, Napo Prov., Las Palmas, on Anzu river in Napo river watershed, 11 xii 1936, W. Clark-MacIntyre leg., in UMMZ). All the new species, as well as closely related species needed for diagnosis including A. anceps Garrison, A. cupraurea Calvert, A. cuprea (Hagen), A. extranea (Hagen), A. fissa Selys, A. fulgida Navás, A. oenea Hagen in Selys, A. popoluca Calvert, A. rhoadsi Calvert, and A. westfalli Garrison, are illustrated and diagnosed from their congeners and their known distribution areas are mapped.
The event-camera dataset and simulator: Event-based data for pose estimation, visual odometry, and SLAM
Authors: Mueggler Elias , Rebecq Henri , Gallego Guillermo , Delbruck Tobi , Scaramuzza Davide
Published: February 2017

New vision sensors, such as the dynamic and active-pixel vision sensor (DAVIS), incorporate a conventional global-shutter camera and an event-based sensor in the same pixel array. These sensors have great potential for high-speed robotics and computer vision because they allow us to combine the benefits of conventional cameras with those of event-based sensors: low latency, high temporal resolution, and very high dynamic range. However, new algorithms are required to exploit the sensor characteristics and cope with its unconventional output, which consists of a stream of asynchronous brightness changes (called “events”) and synchronous grayscale frames. For this purpose, we present and release a collection of datasets captured with a DAVIS in a variety of synthetic and real environments, which we hope will motivate research on new algorithms for high-speed and high-dynamic-range robotics and computer-vision applications. In addition to global-shutter intensity images and asynchronous events, we provide inertial measurements and ground-truth camera poses from a motion-capture system. The latter allows comparing the pose accuracy of ego-motion estimation algorithms quantitatively. All the data are released both as standard text files and binary files (i.e. rosbag). This paper provides an overview of the available data and describes a simulator that we release open-source to create synthetic event-camera data.
Protein and Calorie Requirements Associated With the Presence of Obesity
Authors: Dickerson Roland N. , Patel Jayshil J. , McClain Craig J.
Published: February 2017

Obesity compounds the metabolic response to critical illness and increases the risk for overfeeding complications due to its comorbidities. Hypocaloric, high‐protein nutrition therapy affords the hospitalized patient with obesity the opportunity to achieve net protein anabolism with a reduced risk of overfeeding complications. The intent of this review is to provide the theoretical framework for development of a hypocaloric high‐protein regimen, scientific evidence to support this mode of therapy, and unique considerations for its use in specialized subpopulations. Macronutrient goals and practical suggestions for patient monitoring are given.
Lessons From Management 101: Learning to Manage Ourselves
Authors: Miller John A.
Published: February 2017

The Management 101 Project continues to shape our understanding of what’s essential to an introductory general education course in management. Our ongoing challenge is to integrate responsibilities to people (Who needs to learn? Everybody.), to best practices (How can we best learn? Active, experiential methods.), and to the contents of our discipline (What do and don’t we need to learn? Effective projects + efficient methods + caring communities.).
Featured Article: Pharmacological postconditioning with delta opioid attenuates myocardial reperfusion injury in isolated porcine hearts
Authors: Seewald Maria , Coles James A , Sigg Daniel C , Iaizzo Paul A
Published: February 2017

Ischemic preconditioning has been utilized to protect the heart from ischemia prior to ischemia onset, whereas postconditioning is employed to minimize the consequences of ischemia at the onset of reperfusion. The underlying mechanisms and pathways of ischemic pre- and postconditioning continue to be investigated as therapeutic targets. We evaluated the administration of a delta opioid agonist or cariporide on various parameters associated with myocardial reperfusion injury upon reperfusion of isolated porcine hearts. The hearts were reperfused in vitro with a Krebs buffer containing either: (1) 1 µM Deltorphin D (delta opioid specific agonist, n = 6); (2) 3 µM cariporide (sodium–hydrogen exchange inhibitor, n = 4); or (3) no treatment (control, n = 6). Subsequently, postischemic hemodynamic performance, arrhythmia burden, relative tissue perfusion, and development of necrosis were assessed over a 2 h reperfusion period. Postconditioning with Deltorphin D significantly improved diastolic relaxation (Tau, P < 0.05 versus controls) and decreased the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias during early reperfusion. Additionally, these treated hearts demonstrated increased tissue perfusion after 2 h ( P < 0.05 versus controls), suggesting improved microvascular function. Delta opioid agonists elicited the potential to attenuate reperfusion injury, suggesting a postconditioning effect of these agents. We hypothesize that the induced benefits of delta opioids, in part, are associated with decreased calcium influx on reperfusion, independent of sodium–hydrogen exchange inhibition. Such agents may have a potential role in minimizing reperfusion injury associated with coronary stenting, bypass surgery, myocardial infarction, cardiac transplantation, or with the utilization of heart preservation systems.

Impact statement

In this study, we found that postconditioning with Deltorphin D significantly improved diastolic relaxation and decreased the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias during early reperfusion. Furthermore, these treated hearts demonstrated increased tissue perfusion after 2 h, suggesting improved microvascular function. Delta opioid agonists attenuated reperfusion injury, suggestive of a postconditioning effect. Such agents may have a potential role in minimizing reperfusion injury associated with coronary stenting, bypass surgery, myocardial infarction, cardiac transplantation, or with the utilization of heart preservation systems.
Spline approximation-based data compression for sensor arrays in the wireless hydrologic monitoring system
Authors: Li Danyang , Huangfu Wei , Long Keping
Published: February 2017

A sensor array produces lots of bits of data every sample period, which may cause a heavy burden on the long-distance wireless data transmission, especially in the scenarios of wireless sensor networks. A lossy but error-bounded sensor array data compression algorithm is proposed, in which the major part of the sensor array data are approximated by the Catmull-Rom spline curve and the residual errors are quantized and encoded with Huffman coding. The performance of this algorithm has been evaluated with a real data set from the wireless hydrologic monitoring system deployed in Qinhuangdao Port of China. The results show that the algorithm performs well for the hydrologic sensor array data.
Communication Between the Transverse Cervical Nerve and the Marginal Mandibular Branch of the Facial Nerve: A Rare Anatomical Variant
Authors: Iwai Toshinori , Shibasaki Maiko , Nakashima Hideyuki , Oguri Senri , Hirota Makoto , Mitsudo Kenji , Tohnai Iwai
Published: February 2017

Although anatomical knowledge of the facial nerve (FN) is very important to avoid iatrogenic injury during surgery, surgeons are concerned less with the cervical branch, which plays a definitive role in lower lip esthetic and function compared with other branches of the FN. Although communication between branches of the cervical plexus and FN is not well documented, the transverse cervical nerve commonly communicates with the cervical branch of the FN. There are few reports describing direct communication with the marginal mandibular branch. As a rare anatomical variant, the authors report communication between the transverse cervical nerve and the marginal mandibular branch of the FN.
Crossing Osteotomies and Rib Transposition for Coverage of a Moderate-Size Bony Thoracic Defect
Authors: Chopra Karan , Buckingham Bryan , Tadisina Kashyap Komarraju , Semsarzadeh Nina N , Singh Devinder P , Holton Luther H
Published: February 2017

Full-thickness defects of the chest wall are managed based on the principle of restoring structure and function. Characteristics of the lesion, such as size, location and etiology, as well as its resultant effects on pulmonary mechanics govern the surgical approach to reconstruction. Defects of intermediate size, however, occupy a gray area in thoracic wall reconstruction, with no clear consensus on management. The authors describe a novel method of providing bony coverage for a moderate-size thoracic wall defect in a patient with a complex intrathoracic, extrapleural hernia by crossing osteotomies in addition to transposition and fixation of ribs. Osseous rib Z-plasty is a novel surgical technique that may be considered to be a valid alternative for reconstruction of selected moderate-size, full-thickness defects of the lateral rib cage. Knowledge of this technique is recommended for thoracic, trauma and plastic surgeons who are likely to encounter and manage such defects.
Management of a Rare Case of Multiple Arteriovenous Malformations in the Context of Neurofibromatosis Type 2
Authors: Beveridge Julie , Fraulin Frankie Og , Amendy Ulrich
Published: February 2017

The present article describes a 15-year-old girl with two arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) — on her left labia majora and left thigh — in association with genetically confirmed de-novo neurofibromatosis type 2. This patient's labia majora AVM was particularly difficult to treat using embolization techniques. She experienced numerous complications including pulmonary edema, venous thromboemboli, severe local area necrosis and a damaged anal sphincter. She required surgical debridement and reconstruction of her suprapubic and perineal regions. The left thigh AVM was later treated using a combination of embolization and surgical resection with no complications. Six years later, she is doing well. To the authors’ knowledge, the present report is the only case of neurofibromatosis type 2 associated with extracranial arteriovenous malformations described in the literature.
Multiple Concomitant Anatomical Variants Challenging Synchronous Neck and Axillary Lymphadenectomy and Latissimus Dorsi Flap Reconstruction in a Patient with Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Pikturnaite Jurga , Wright Thomas C , Josty Ian C
Published: February 2017

The knowledge of anatomy acquired at the university level carries surgeons through most of their careers. However, it is important to be aware of uncommon anatomical variants when performing surgery. The authors describe a case involving three anatomical variants found in three different anatomical locations in a single patient during one operative episode. These included Langer's muscle, transjugular course of the spinal accessory nerve and unusual layout of the femoral vessels at the inguinal ligament. While cadaveric studies report an incidence of up to 7% for the anomaly of the latissimus dorsi muscle, and up to 1% to 3% for a transjugular accessory nerve, clinical experience suggests that it is considerably rarer and can surprise even experienced surgeons. The wary surgeon, having identified one anomaly in their patient, will be mindful that there may be others.
Surgical Management of Cutaneous Nasal Sarcoidosis Involving the Alar Rim
Authors: Melong JC , Hart RD , Trites J , Taylor SM
Published: February 2017

Systemic sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disorder that can affect multiple organs and tissues, resulting in varied clinical presentation. Head and neck manifestations are common and are often referred for appropriate diagnoses and management. Nasal cutaneous involvement, although an uncommon presentation, can result in nasal deformities and/or obstruction significantly impairing a patient's quality of life. Currently available pharmacological agents for the management of cutaneous sarcoidosis have yielded inconsistent results and, in the past, have been associated with disease relapse. Traditionally, surgery has largely been avoided because of the theoretical risk of disease flare-up. In the present report, the authors present a patient with atypical nasal cutaneous sarcoidosis involving the alar rim that was successfully managed with surgical intervention.
Necrotizing Cutaneous Fungal Infection of the Breast in a Patient with Breast Implants
Authors: Velazco Cristine S , Mahabir Raman C , Kusne Shimon , Dicaudo David J , Gray Richard J
Published: February 2017

Breast fungal infections are rare in nonlactating women. The present report is the first to describe a necrotizing cutaneous breast fungal infection. A 50-year-old woman with a remote history of breast cancer and autologous tissue reconstruction presented with a progressive cutaneous necrotic infection one year after implant augmentation of the reconstruction. Multiple eschars developed on the left breast, and pathological examination of debrided tissue revealed numerous fungal hyphae invading the epidermis, dermis and adipose tissue of the breast. Fungal cultures yielded Bipolaris species. She was treated with voriconazole. Five months later, the patient presented with an eschar on her back, indicative of disseminated disease.

Bipolaris species are dematiaceous fungi; cutaneous or disseminated infections with Bipolaris species have rarely been reported in immunocompetent patients. Unresectable or recurrent lesions should be treated with antifun-gals. Cutaneous necrotizing breast fungal infections should be considered in patients who do not respond to antibacterial therapy.
Supernumerary Carpal Bones in Larsen Syndrome: A Review of the Literature and Case Study
Authors: Govshievich Alexander , Shararah Abdulwahab , Aldekhayel Salah , Al-Hertani Walla , Williams H Bruce
Published: February 2017

Larsen syndrome is a rare congenital disorder commonly associated with dysmorphic facies, large joint dislocations, equinovarus or equinovalgus foot deformities, and various hand anomalies, including supernumerary carpal bones. The authors present a case of Larsen syndrome with bilateral supernumerary carpal bones as the sole clinical manifestation. A literature review investigating skeletal anomalies in patients with Larsen syndrome was performed and revealed that the present case represents a unique presentation of this disorder, lacking all of the major clinical features previously described in the literature. An approach to patients with supernumerary carpal bones is discussed.
Variations Among Physicians in Hospice Referrals of Patients With Advanced Cancer
Authors: Wang Xiao , Knight Louise S. , Evans Anne , Wang Jiangxia , Smith Thomas J.
Published: February 2017

Purpose:

The benefits of hospice for patients with end-stage disease are well established. Although hospice use is increasing, a growing number of patients are enrolled for ≤ 7 days, a marker of poor quality of care and patient and family dissatisfaction. In this study, we examined variations in referrals among individuals and groups of physicians to assess a potential source of suboptimal hospice use.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 452 patients with advanced cancer referred to hospice from a comprehensive cancer center. We analyzed patient length of service (LOS) under hospice care, looking specifically at median LOS and percent of short enrollments (%LOS ≤ 7), to examine the variation between individual oncologists and divisions of oncologists.

Results:

Of 394 successfully referred patients, median LOS was 14.5 days and %LOS ≤ 7 was 32.5%, consistent with national data. There was significant interdivisional variation in LOS, both by overall distribution and %LOS ≤ 7 ( P < .01). In addition, there was dramatic variation in median LOS by individual physician (range, 4 to 88 days for physicians with five or more patients), indicating differences in hospice referral practices between providers (coefficient of variation > 125%). As one example, median LOS of physicians in the Division of Thoracic Malignancies varied from 4 to 33 days, despite similarities in patient population.

Conclusion:

Nearly one in three patients with cancer who used hospice had LOS ≤ 7 days, a marker of poor quality. There was significant LOS variability among different divisions and different individual physicians, suggesting a need for increased education and training to meet recommended guidelines.
Microtubule-associated protein-4 controls nanovesicle dynamics and T cell activation
Authors: Bustos-Morán Eugenio , Blas-Rus Noelia , Martin-Cófreces Noa Beatriz , Sánchez-Madrid Francisco
Published: February 2017

The immune synapse (IS) is a specialized structure formed at the contact area between T lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that is essential for the adaptive immune response. Proper T cell activation requires its polarization towards the APC, which is highly dependent on the tubulin cytoskeleton. Microtubule-associated protein-4 (MAP4) is a microtubule (MT)-stabilizing protein that controls MTs in physiological processes, such as cell division, migration, vesicular transport or primary cilia formation. In this study, we assessed the role of MAP4 in T cell activation. MAP4 decorates the pericentrosomal area and MTs of the T cell, and it is involved in MT detyrosination and stable assembly in response to T cell activation. In addition, MAP4 prompts the timely translocation of the MT-organizing center (MTOC) towards the IS and the dynamics of signaling nanovesicles that sustains T cell activation. However, MAP4 acts as a negative regulator of other T cell activation-related signals, including diacylglycerol (DAG) production and IL2 secretion. Our data indicate that MAP4 acts as a checkpoint molecule that balances positive and negative hallmarks of T cell activation.
Effects of photophase illuminance on locomotor activity, urine production and urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin in nocturnal and diurnal South African rodents
Authors: van der Merwe Ingrid , Oosthuizen Maria K. , Ganswindt Andre , Haim Abraham , Bennett Nigel C.
Published: February 2017

Effects of photophase illuminance (1, 10, 100 and 330 lux of white incandescent lighting) on daily rhythms of locomotor activity, urine production and 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (6-SMT; 10 lux vs. 330 lux) were studied in nocturnal Namaqua rock mice (Micaelamys namaquensis) and diurnal four striped field mice (Rhabdomys pumilio). Micaelamys namaquensis was consistently nocturnal (∼90-94% nocturnal activity), whereas considerable individual variation marked activity profiles in R. pumilio, but with activity mostly pronounced around twilight (∼55-66% diurnal activity). The amplitudeof daily activity was distinctly affected by light intensity and this effect was greater in M. namaquensis than in R. pumilio. Only M. namaquensis displayed a distinctive daily rhythm of urine production which correlated with its activity rhythm. Mean daily urine production appears to be attenuated under dim photophase conditions, particularly in R. pumilio. The results suggest that the circadian regulation of locomotor activity and urine production each possesses separate sensitivity thresholds to photophase illuminance. Micaelamys namaquensis expressed a significant daily 6-SMT rhythm that peaked during the late night, but the rhythm was attenuated by the brighter photophase cycle (330 lux). R. pumilio appears to have expressed an ultradian 6-SMT rhythm under both lighting regimes with comparable mean daily 6-SMT values, but with different temporal patterns. It is widely known that a natural dark phase that is undisturbed by artificial light, is essential for optimal circadian function. Here we show that light intensity during the photophase also plays a key role in maintaining circadian rhythms in rodents, irrespective of their temporal activity rhythm.
Short-term and long-term effects of transient exogenous cortisol manipulation on oxidative stress in juvenile brown trout
Authors: Birnie-Gauvin Kim , Peiman Kathryn S. , Larsen Martin H. , Aarestrup Kim , Willmore William G. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: February 2017

In the wild, animals are exposed to a growing number of stressors with increasing frequency and intensity, as a result of human activities and human-induced environmental change. To fully understand how wild organisms are affected by stressors, it is crucial to understand the physiology that underlies an organism’s response to a stressor. Prolonged levels of elevated glucocorticoids are associated with a state of chronic stress and decreased fitness. Exogenous glucocorticoid manipulation reduces an individual’s ability to forage, avoid predators and grow, thereby limiting the resources available for physiological functions like the defence against oxidative stress. Using the brown trout (Salmo trutta), we evaluated the short-term (2 weeks) and long-term (4 months over winter) effects of exogenous cortisol manipulations (as well as relevant shams and controls) on the oxidative status of wild juveniles. Cortisol caused an increase in glutathione over a two-week period and appeared to reduce glutathione over winter. Cortisol treatment did not affect oxidative stress levels or low-molecular weight antioxidants. Cortisol caused a significant decrease in growth rates but did not affect predation risk. Over winter survival in the stream was associated with low levels of oxidative stress and glutathione. Thus, oxidative stress may be a mechanism by which elevated cortisol causes negative physiological consequences.
Book Review: M. CAMPAGNOLO - P. MAGDALINO - M. MARTINIANI-REBER - A.-L. REY (eds.), L’aniconisme dans l’art religieux byzantin, Actes du colloque de Genève (1-3 Octobre 2009), Musées d’art et d’histoire de Genève, La Pomme d'or, Geneva 2015
Authors: LEONTSINI Maria
Published: February 2017

Book Review:M. CAMPAGNOLO - P. MAGDALINO - M. MARTINIANI-REBER - A.-L. REY (eds.), L’aniconisme dans l’art religieux byzantin, Actes du colloque de Genève (1-3 Octobre 2009), Musées d’art et d’histoire de Genève, La Pomme d'or, Geneva 2015
A multi-scale computational model of the effects of TMS on motor cortex
Authors: Seo Hyeon , Schaworonkow Natalie , Jun Sung Chan , Triesch Jochen
Published: February 2017

The detailed biophysical mechanisms through which transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) activates cortical circuits are still not fully understood. Here we present a multi-scale computational model to describe and explain the activation of different pyramidal cell types in motor cortex due to TMS. Our model determines precise electric fields based on an individual head model derived from magnetic resonance imaging and calculates how these electric fields activate morphologically detailed models of different neuron types. We predict neural activation patterns for different coil orientations consistent with experimental findings. Beyond this, our model allows us to calculate activation thresholds for individual neurons and precise initiation sites of individual action potentials on the neurons’ complex morphologies. Specifically, our model predicts that cortical layer 3 pyramidal neurons are generally easier to stimulate than layer 5 pyramidal neurons, thereby explaining the lower stimulation thresholds observed for I-waves compared to D-waves. It also shows differences in the regions of activated cortical layer 5 and layer 3 pyramidal cells depending on coil orientation. Finally, it predicts that under standard stimulation conditions, action potentials are mostly generated at the axon initial segment of cortical pyramidal cells, with a much less important activation site being the part of a layer 5 pyramidal cell axon where it crosses the boundary between grey matter and white matter. In conclusion, our computational model offers a detailed account of the mechanisms through which TMS activates different cortical pyramidal cell types, paving the way for more targeted application of TMS based on individual brain morphology in clinical and basic research settings.
The New Form No. 2-Audit: What Is Good, What Is Bad
Authors: Гутцайт  , Guttsayt E.
Published: February 2017

The article discusses a new variant Form of Federal statistical monitoring No. 2-audit «Information on audit

activity», approved by Rosstat on November 23, 2016. Constituent indicators, its advantages and disadvantages, its

differences from the previous version of this form are analyzed. Proposals for further improvement of this form are given.
Increasing efficiency in emergency surgical care
Authors: Marin Jennifer , Arya Jaimin , Wright Emma , Annis Jennifer , Girish Girish , Nayak Permapally
Published: February 2017

In response to increases in emergency surgical admissions, the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCSE) published guidelines on ways to separate inpatient emergency and elective surgery with the creation of the surgical assessment unit (SAU). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a new SAU on acute surgical patient pathways in a busy district general hospital and compare it with the RCSE standard for emergency care. Data were retrospectively extracted from records for all patients attending the SAU over an 8-week period. Patient demographics, methods of referral, rate of discharge, time spent in the SAU, imaging, diagnosis and the requirement for emergency surgical intervention were looked at. During the period studied there were 956 attendees, who spent an average time of 5 hours 48 minutes in the unit. Forty nine percent were admitted and of these, 41% required emergency surgery, with a further 18% of patients (60) re-attending the next day for emergency surgery. A total of 316 radiological investigations were conducted on the SAU patients. The average waiting time for a scan was 5 hours and 3 minutes. The majority of referrals were from GPs (38.5%). The SAU at Watford hospital is meeting the majority of the RCSE's guidelines, however there are several areas in which the unit can continue to improve. With hospitals under increasing pressures, this unit highlights a service where patients can be diverted from A&E to a dedicated assessment area, which is key to the future efficiency of emergency surgical care.
Working towards a value-based learning culture for health visitors and school nurses
Authors: Judd Marian
Published: February 2017

Integrating a value-based approach into learning environments to improve students' experience, resilience and retention has been a topic of discussion and discovery in one public health team in Wiltshire, says Marian Judd.
Deconstructing Arab Masculinity in Diana Abu-Jaber's Crescent (2003): The Return of the Unheimlich
Authors: Wisam Abdul-Jabbar
Published: February 2017

This study focuses on the deconstruction of dominant perceptions of Arab masculinity, particularly with respect to Hans, the exiled Iraqi protagonist of Diana Abu-Jaber's 2003 novelCrescent. Employing the concept of theunheimlichas it intersects with the IraqiAl-Futuwwamovement, this article explores the ways in which the condition of being exiled strips the protagonist of his masculine ideals that are often associated with nationalism and chivalry, and exposes his internalized vulnerabilities to “unhomeliness,” since he has been disconnected from country and family. In effect, the study subverts hegemonic conceptualizations of Arab masculinity by examining the unsettling repercussions of forced migration.