bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Service-Learning as Pedagogy for Transformation of Students’ Learning
Authors: Ma Carol Hok Ka , TSE Isaac Pak Hoi , Chan Carman Ka Man
Published: December 2018

Service-Learning is a powerful pedagogy to transform students learning confidence and determination to make good use of their knowledge through empowered services experience in authentic situations with real clients. Teachers use this pedagogy to help students explore an aspect of social issues and take action to relieve the situation through partnership with agencies outside the University. The current study hit new insights about students learning evaluation that was made possible because of inputs from the collaborating Service-Learning partners. The triangulations of quantitative and qualitative methods contribute effectively in evaluating the students’ learning in social service. Service-Learning results in elevated self-evaluation and confidence in all generic skills and attitude changes measured through continual formative assessments though it does not promise immediate conquer over the control group in summative assessments. Discussions have been made to reflect the different roles of summative and formative assessment that Service-Learning could be the catalyst of learning as the tipping point for successful community network construction.
Nutrition Intervention as Service Learning: Silliman University’s Indigenous Food Security in Philippine High Risk Calamity Areas
Authors: Aclaro-Naranjo Michele , Mana-ay Alvyn Klein Alpuerto , Honculada-Genove Jin , Entea Ruth Ann Sumili
Published: December 2018

Hunger is a major concern in times of disaster and it can result in malnutrition. Hence, food becomes the most important immediate need in times of disaster. As a result of climate change, the Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone areas in the world. Disaster preparedness is a challenge that everyone in the Philippines must address. A collaborative effort between Silliman University Nutrition and Dietetics Department- through Service-Learning and the local government units became a means to reduce social inequalities in disastrous situations. The goal of this project was to immerse students in a community to prepare selected community members to cope with emergency nutritional needs, and to teach them food preservation techniques using available indigenous foods. The program carried out lectures on nutrition education and calamity awareness. These included seminars, workshops, cooking demonstrations and backyard gardening, food preservation for consumption during calamities was the major activity of this project. The community members were taught how to nourish themselves within 48 h during disasters using the skills they learned. This project contributed to students‟ whole person education through service-learning by developing in them the values of empathy, concern to others, volunteerism, and strong community engagement with local government units.
Community Projects to Enhance the Students’ English Learning Process of Access Class Site Surakarta, Indonesia
Authors: al Makmun Muhammad Taufiq , Nuraeni Ardianna
Published: December 2018

This paper aims at (i) describing the steps and functions of and (ii) explaining the effectiveness of the service learning method through two community projects to enhance the English learning and leadership skills of the university students of Access Microscholarship Program site Surakarta conducted in Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS). The theme of the community projects were “helping senior citizens” and “clean the environment campaign”. The description of the steps and the functions of the service learning method was obtained by doing a class observation to 20 students enrolling Access Class. Class assessment, questionnaire distribution, and in-depth interview to the students were conducted to see the effectiveness of the method to enhance their learning process. Each community project was done by employing these steps: preparing idea; determining and surveying site; conducting community project; preparing report for a poster presentation; and oral poster presentation. The last step was used to assess the students’ English skills. The results show that the two community projects are effective to improve not only the students’ English skills but also their social awareness and leadership skills. Most of the students have experienced service learning method through community project as a new fun way to learn language.
Bridging Ethnic Diversity through Service-Learning on Teaching Chinese Characters for Surabaya-Indonesia Toddler
Authors: Olivia
Published: December 2018

This social activity is to give low-income children a chance to let the, understand the evolution of Chinese characters, hope through this activity, can attract the group of children to have more interested in other language, especially Chinese language. To understand the Chinese culture, no longer discriminate against the Indonesian Chinese culture. Evidence of discrimination against Chinese Indonesians can be found throughout the history of Indonesia, although government policies implemented since 1998 have attempted to redress this. Due to this discrimination, Chinese Indonesians have suffered an identity crisis, unable to be accepted by both native Chinese and native Indonesians. With this program, there is a hope to bridge the differences that exist with the introduction of the Chinese character on poor children in Surabaya, to let them more understand about Chinese language and the culture behind. And create a better relationship for the next generation in Indonesia. After the progress, we asking the children about this program, and they said they love it and wish to know more about China and their culture.
Documenting Family Businesses Typology in Traditional Food Sector in Surabaya: Architecture Design and Business Principles
Authors: Adiasih Priskila , Tanuwidjaja Gunawan , Maria Meidy , Silvani Grace , Gontha Elvianty , Wibowo Adi
Published: December 2018

Family business (FB) in the food industry was very important. Capturing the Family Business Resilience in Traditional Food Sector in Surabaya was conducted from 2015 to 2016 by Petra Christian University, funded by UBCHEA. The purposes were to document the Family Business in traditional food sector in Surabaya and the types of business place of the family business. It was conducted with qualitative methods of: FB location mapping, students’ workshop, interview and photo documentation, video documentation, SWOT analysis, marketing and architectural design for traditional food vendors. FB in Traditional Food Sector in Surabaya were found interesting but less sustainable. The Business Principles, such as, hard work and humility were found central. They could be more sustainable with application of human resources development and professional management. Meanwhile attractive factors of the FBs were the food quality, human service and affordable food price. Several types of architecture typology were found: the restaurant, the legal eating place (warung) and the illegal street-hawker stall. The informal ones were found because of the behavior of Surabaya’s residents. Lastly, more business development strategies were needed, such as website marketing, collaboration with online marketing such as Go-Food and architectural rehabilitation.
Outdoor Learning: Fostering Social Awareness with Community Service
Authors: Matitaputty Shandy , Hastuti Rini , Christie Agnes , Rahutami Ika
Published: December 2018

This article was motivated by the importance of experiences to foster social awareness. The aim of the study is to proceed an outdoor learning model in developing character, and nationalism insight of students. The model was held in the form of service to the poor and street children. It was expected to create learning climate that touched the hearts of students and to raise compassionate attitude. Using research and development approach, the method was divided into descriptive, evaluative, and experimental methods. Descriptive method was used to collect existing data. Evaluative method was used to evaluate development model of learning outside the classroom; while experimental method was also to test the effectiveness of the model. Subjects in this study were students registered in Indonesian Economy course of Faculty of Economics and Business, SCU Indonesia. This article consists of three stages of analysis, i.e. analysis of the potential economic and social issues surrounding community, student characteristic analysis, and analysis of curriculum and syllabus of Indonesian Economy course to be fit with the concept of outdoor learning. An outline of results showed that the learning model was effectively proven to foster a sense of social awareness and nationalism insight in the college.
Perspective: Aligned arrays of electrospun nanofibers for directing cell migration
Authors: Xue Jiajia , Wu Tong , Xia Younan
Published: December 2018

Cell migration plays an important role in a wide variety of biological processes, including embryogenesis, wound healing, inflammation, cancer metastasis, and tissue repair. Electrospun nanofibers have been extensively explored as scaffolds to manipulate cell migration owing to their unique characteristics in mimicking the hierarchical architecture of extracellular matrix. In particular, aligned arrays of electrospun nanofibers are capable of guiding and promoting the directional migration of cells. The physical parameters and properties of the aligned nanofibers, including their size, modulus, and surface chemistry, can all affect the migratory behaviors of cells, while the controlled release of growth factors and drugs from the nanofibers can also be utilized to influence cell migration. By manipulating cell migration, electrospun nanofibers have been applied to promote tissue repair and help eradicate tumors in vivo. In this perspective, we highlight recent developments in collecting electrospun nanofibers as aligned arrays and then illustrate how the aligned nanofibers can be utilized to manipulate cell migration.
Cell membrane structure and dynamics modeled with atomic resolution
Authors: Fellet Melissae
Published: December 2018

High-resolution models of cell membranes provide insight into how lipid diversity contributes to membrane function.
Approaching the adiabatic timescale with machine learning
Authors: Henson Bryce M. , Shin Dong K. , Thomas Kieran F. , Ross Jacob A. , Hush Michael R. , Hodgman Sean S. , Truscott Andrew G.
Published: December 2018

Significance

Engineering the fast evolution of a quantum system between states is a key problem to be solved in the development of quantum technologies, such as quantum computing. We experimentally demonstrate a general approach using a machine-learning algorithm that develops a model of the system, based on previous performance, to create further educated guesses on how to improve. Applied to a system similar to moving a cup of liquid between two locations (while blindfolded), the algorithm reaches a speed faster than that of previous approaches, dealing well with the complex dynamics and experimental imperfections present with its empirical approach. The resulting fast dynamics open the door to understanding how quantum mechanical systems reach equilibrium while the method provides a tool for taming complex quantum systems.
Improving vaccines against
Streptococcus pneumoniae
using synthetic glycans
Authors: Kaplonek Paulina , Khan Naeem , Reppe Katrin , Schumann Benjamin , Emmadi Madhu , Lisboa Marilda P. , Xu Fei-Fei , Calow Adam D. J. , Parameswarappa Sharavathi G. , Witzenrath Martin , Pereira Claney L. , Seeberger Peter H.
Published: December 2018

Significance

Bacterial infections caused by
Streptococcus pneumoniae
are responsible for millions of deaths world-wide each year. Currently marketed glycoconjugate vaccines do not cover all serotypes, such that serotype replacement is observed clinically. Our work aimed at improving the licensed vaccines Prevnar13 (13-valent) and Synflorix (10-valent) by adding synthetic glycoconjugates representing serotypes that are not covered by existing vaccines, and developing a pentavalent semisynthetic glycoconjugate vaccine (sPCV5). The sPCV5 as well as coformulation of existing vaccines proved highly efficacious in a rabbit model considering the three most important indicators of vaccine efficacy. A substantial rise in antibody titer between pre- and postimmunization sera was observed and the opsonophagocytic activity of antibodies, and immunological memory were confirmed.
Role of gene body methylation in acclimatization and adaptation in a basal metazoan
Authors: Dixon Groves , Liao Yi , Bay Line K. , Matz Mikhail V.
Published: December 2018

Gene body methylation (GBM) has been hypothesized to modulate responses to environmental change, including transgenerational plasticity, but the evidence thus far has been lacking. Here we show that coral fragments reciprocally transplanted between two distant reefs respond predominantly by increase or decrease in genome-wide GBM disparity: The range of methylation levels between lowly and highly methylated genes becomes either wider or narrower. Remarkably, at a broad functional level this simple adjustment correlated very well with gene expression change, reflecting a shifting balance between expressions of environmentally responsive and housekeeping genes. In our experiment, corals in a lower-quality habitat up-regulated genes involved in environmental responses, while corals in a higher-quality habitat invested more in housekeeping genes. Transplanted fragments showing closer GBM match to local corals attained higher fitness characteristics, which supports GBM’s role in acclimatization. Fixed differences in GBM between populations did not align with plastic GBM changes and were mostly observed in genes with elevated
F
ST
, which suggests that they arose predominantly through genetic divergence. However, we cannot completely rule out transgenerational inheritance of acquired GBM states.
Major Motivators and Sociodemographic Features of Women Undergoing Labiaplasty
Authors: Dogan Ozan , Yassa Murat
Published: December 2018

Background

Influencing factors involved in the decision to undergo labiaplasty are evolving and show diversity among different settings and countries. Updated underlying motivators may assist in clinical decision-making and assessing outcomes from the patients’ perspective.

Objectives

Herein, the main motivators of women undergoing labiaplasty and sociodemographic features are discussed.

Methods

Seventy-one patients who were scheduled for labiaplasty were assessed via an open-ended, well-detailed questionnaire to determine the main motivational factors from the patients’ perspective. Validated questionnaires to measure genital self-image, self-esteem, body appreciation, attitude toward having cosmetic surgery, sexual dysfunction, and body-dysmorphic disorder were performed.

Results

Half of the patients reported that they had an idea about the appearance of other women’s genitalia (50.7%) and were influenced through the media (47.9%). The majority of those (71.8%) stated that they did not have normal genitalia and considered labiaplasty more than 6 months ago (88.7%). The pornography consumption rate in the last month was 19.7% and was significantly related with lower genital self-image and self-esteem. The main motivation was improvement in appearance (43.7%) and a better sexual life (26.8%). Patients reported aesthetic (52.1%), sexual (46.5%), and psychological (39.4%) reasons leading to their decision. Patient-reported 8-items of 11-item motivators for having labiaplasty were statistically consistent with validated questionnaires. The self-esteem and body appreciation of the patients were comparable to the literature. Genital self-image and sexual function were found to be impaired.

Conclusions

The women’s main motivator for labiaplasty was improvement in genital appearance integrated with their aesthetic and sexual demands. Eleven-item motivators derived from the statements of women seeking labiaplasty were determined in this study. Sociodemographic features and main motivators can conveniently be used as normative data for this population.

Level of Evidence: 4
Generation of 34S-substituted protein-bound [4Fe-4S] clusters using 34S-L-cysteine
Authors: Crack Jason C , Stewart Melissa Y Y , Le Brun Nick E
Published: December 2018

The ability to specifically label the sulphide ions of protein-bound iron–sulphur (FeS) clusters with 34S isotope greatly facilitates structure–function studies. In particular, it provides insight when using either spectroscopic techniques that probe cluster-associated vibrations, or non-denaturing mass spectrometry, where the ∼+2 Da average increase per sulphide enables unambiguous assignment of the FeS cluster and, where relevant, its conversion/degradation products. Here, we employ a thermostable homologue of the O-acetyl-l-serine sulfhydrylase CysK to generate 34S-substituted l-cysteine and subsequently use it as a substrate for the l-cysteine desulfurase NifS to gradually supply 34S2− for in vitro FeS cluster assembly in an otherwise standard cluster reconstitution protocol.
The Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccine Bexsero Elicits Antibodies to Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Semchenko Evgeny A , Tan Aimee , Borrow Ray , Seib Kate L
Published: December 2018

Background

Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis are closely-related bacteria that cause a significant global burden of disease. Control of gonorrhoea is becoming increasingly difficult, due to widespread antibiotic resistance. While vaccines are routinely used for N. meningitidis, no vaccine is available for N. gonorrhoeae. Recently, the outer membrane vesicle (OMV) meningococcal B vaccine, MeNZB, was reported to be associated with reduced rates of gonorrhoea following a mass vaccination campaign in New Zealand. To probe the basis for this protection, we assessed the cross-reactivity to N. gonorrhoeae of serum raised to the meningococcal vaccine Bexsero, which contains the MeNZB OMV component plus 3 recombinant antigens (Neisseria adhesin A, factor H binding protein [fHbp]-GNA2091, and Neisserial heparin binding antigen [NHBA]-GNA1030).

Methods

A bioinformatic analysis was performed to assess the similarity of MeNZB OMV and Bexsero antigens to gonococcal proteins. Rabbits were immunized with the OMV component or the 3 recombinant antigens of Bexsero, and Western blots and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to assess the generation of antibodies recognizing N. gonorrhoeae. Serum from humans immunized with Bexsero was investigated to assess the nature of the anti-gonococcal response.

Results

There is a high level of sequence identity between MeNZB OMV and Bexsero OMV antigens, and between the antigens and gonococcal proteins. NHBA is the only Bexsero recombinant antigen that is conserved and surfaced exposed in N. gonorrhoeae. Bexsero induces antibodies in humans that recognize gonococcal proteins.

Conclusions

The anti-gonococcal antibodies induced by MeNZB-like OMV proteins could explain the previously-seen decrease in gonorrhoea following MeNZB vaccination. The high level of human anti-gonococcal NHBA antibodies generated by Bexsero vaccination may provide additional cross-protection against gonorrhoea.
Association Between Sphingolipids and Cardiopulmonary Fitness in Coronary Artery Disease Patients Undertaking Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Saleem Mahwesh , Herrmann Nathan , Dinoff Adam , Marzolini Susan , Mielke Michelle M , Andreazza Ana , Oh Paul I , Vattem Venkata Swarajya Lakshmi , Haughey Norman J , Lanctôt Krista L
Published: December 2018

The long-term benefits conferred by cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in those with coronary artery disease (CAD) are strongly linked with an improvement in cardiopulmonary fitness. This study aimed to determine the association between peripheral sphingolipids and cardiopulmonary fitness in CAD subjects undertaking CR. Patients with CAD (n = 100, mean age = 64 ± 6 years, 85% male, mean years of education = 17 ± 3 years) underwent 6 months of CR with blood collected at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Cardiopulmonary fitness was assessed by measuring peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) at all time points. High performance liquid chromatography coupled electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify plasma sphingolipid concentrations. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between sphingolipids and VO2peak were assessed using linear regressions and mixed models, respectively. Higher concentrations of sphingomyelin C18:1 (β = −0.26, p = .01), ceramides C16:0 (β = −0.24, p = .02), C18:0 (β = −0.29, p = .002), C20:0 (β = −0.24, p = .02) and C24:1 (β = −0.24, p = .01) and monohexylceramide C18:0 (β = −0.23, p = .02) were associated with poorer VO2peak at baseline. An improvement in VO2peak was associated with a decrease in sphingomyelin C18:1 (b = −10.09, p = .006), ceramides C16:0 (b = −9.25, p = .0003), C18:0 (b = −5.44, p = .0003) and C24:1 (b = −2.46, p = .006) and monohexylceramide C18:0 (b = −5.37, p = .005). Specific long chain sphingolipids may be useful markers of fitness and response to exercise in CAD.
The Influence of Number and Timing of Pregnancies on Breast Cancer Risk for Women With BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutations
Authors: Terry Mary Beth , Liao Yuyan , Kast Karin , Antoniou Antonis C , McDonald Jasmine A , Mooij Thea M , Engel Christoph , Nogues Catherine , Buecher Bruno , Mari Véronique , Moretta-Serra Jessica , Gladieff Laurence , Luporsi Elisabeth , Barrowdale Daniel , Frost Debra , Henderson Alex , Brewer Carole , Evans D Gareth , Eccles Diana , Cook Jackie , Ong Kai-ren , Izatt Louise , Ahmed Munaza , Morrison Patrick J , Dommering Charlotte J , Oosterwijk Jan C , Ausems Margreet G E M , Kriege Mieke , Buys Saundra S , Andrulis Irene L , John Esther M , Daly Mary , Friedlander Michael , McLachlan Sue Anne , Osorio Ana , Caldes Trinidad , Jakubowska Anna , Simard Jacques , Singer Christian F , Tan Yen , Olah Edith , Navratilova Marie , Foretova Lenka , Gerdes Anne-Marie , Roos-Blom Marie-José , Arver Brita , Olsson Håkan , Schmutzler Rita K , Hopper John L , van Leeuwen Flora E , Goldgar David , Milne Roger L , Easton Douglas F , Rookus Matti A , Andrieu Nadine ,   EMBRACE, GENEPSO, BCFR, HEBON, kConFab and IBCCS
Published: December 2018

Background

Full-term pregnancy (FTP) is associated with a reduced breast cancer (BC) risk over time, but women are at increased BC risk in the immediate years following an FTP. No large prospective studies, however, have examined whether the number and timing of pregnancies are associated with BC risk for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers.

Methods

Using weighted and time-varying Cox proportional hazards models, we investigated whether reproductive events are associated with BC risk for mutation carriers using a retrospective cohort (5707 BRCA1 and 3525 BRCA2 mutation carriers) and a prospective cohort (2276 BRCA1 and 1610 BRCA2 mutation carriers), separately for each cohort and the combined prospective and retrospective cohort.

Results

For BRCA1 mutation carriers, there was no overall association with parity compared with nulliparity (combined hazard ratio [HRc] = 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.83 to 1.18). Relative to being uniparous, an increased number of FTPs was associated with decreased BC risk (HRc = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.69 to 0.91; HRc = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.59 to 0.82; HRc = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.40 to 0.63, for 2, 3, and ≥4 FTPs, respectively, Ptrend < .0001) and increasing duration of breastfeeding was associated with decreased BC risk (combined cohort Ptrend = .0003). Relative to being nulliparous, uniparous BRCA1 mutation carriers were at increased BC risk in the prospective analysis (prospective hazard ration [HRp] = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.09 to 2.62). For BRCA2 mutation carriers, being parous was associated with a 30% increase in BC risk (HRc = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.69), and there was no apparent decrease in risk associated with multiparity except for having at least 4 FTPs vs. 1 FTP (HRc = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.54 to 0.98).

Conclusions

These findings suggest differential associations with parity between BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers with higher risk for uniparous BRCA1 carriers and parous BRCA2 carriers.
Dalbavancin for the Treatment of Osteomyelitis in Adult Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial of Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Rappo Urania , Puttagunta Sailaja , Shevchenko Vadym , Shevchenko Alena , Jandourek Alena , Gonzalez Pedro L , Suen Amy , Mas Casullo Veronica , Melnick David , Miceli Rosa , Kovacevic Milan , De Bock Gertjan , Dunne Michael W
Published: December 2018

Background

Osteomyelitis is a challenging infection that can involve 4–6 weeks of intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Dalbavancin, approved for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections, has potent activity against gram-positive pathogens. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of dalbavancin as a 2-dose regimen for osteomyelitis.

Methods

This study was a randomized, open-label, comparator-controlled trial in adults with a first episode of osteomyelitis defined by clinical symptoms, radiologic findings, and elevated C-reactive protein. Patients were randomized 7:1 to dalbavancin (1500 mg IV on days 1 and 8) or standard of care (SOC) for osteomyelitis (oral or IV) per investigator judgment for 4–6 weeks. The primary endpoint was clinical response at day 42, defined as recovery without need for additional antibiotics in the clinically evaluable (CE) population. Clinical response was also assessed at day 21, 6 months, and 1 year.

Results

Eighty patients were randomized to dalbavancin (n = 70) or SOC (n = 10). All had baseline debridement; Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen (60% of patients). Clinical cure at day 42 was seen in 65/67 (97%) and 7/8 (88%) patients in the dalbavancin group and SOC group in the CE population, respectively. Clinical response was similar in the dalbavancin group at day 21 (94%), 6 months, and 1 year (96%). Treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 10 patients in the dalbavancin group; no patient discontinued treatment due to an adverse event.

Conclusions

A 2-dose regimen of weekly dalbavancin is effective and well tolerated for the treatment of osteomyelitis in adults.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02685033.
Virological Failure in HIV to Triple Therapy With Dolutegravir-Based Firstline Treatment: Rare but Possible
Authors: Pena M J , Chueca N , D’Avolio A , Zarzalejos J M , Garcia F
Published: December 2018

We describe a case of virological failure during initial treatment with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine/dolutegravir twice daily, with concomitant rifampin treatment of staphylococcal infection, selection of R263K + E157Q, and low plasma dolutegravir levels. Using rifampin together with dolutegravir may require closer follow-up, and, if possible, plasma dolutegravir levels should be monitored.
The ANTRACK Technique: Employing a Compliant Balloon or Stent Retriever to Advance a Large-Bore Catheter to an Occlusion During Thrombectomy Procedures in Acute Stroke Patients
Authors: Lin Chuan-Min , Wu Yi-Ming , Chang Chien-Hung , Chen Ching-Chang , Wang Alvin Yi-Chou
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Stent retrievers and thrombosuction catheters have become the cornerstones of acute stroke therapy. A large-lumen catheter facilitates the passage of different instruments and the application of greater suction force to clots. However, positioning a flexible thrombosuction or intermediate catheter within a tortuous artery is difficult and time-consuming.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the ANchor TRACKing (ANTRACK) technique in achieving distal positioning of a large-lumen catheter in a tortuous cranial artery. We summarize our experience using either a compliant balloon catheter or a stent retriever as an anchor in the distal vessels to facilitate the navigation of a large-lumen catheter into the distal circulation.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent thrombectomy using the ANTRACK technique were identified. Patient characteristics, procedure details, and outcomes were reviewed from our database. The efficacy and safety of advancing thrombosuction or intermediate catheters to the site of an occlusion were the primary outcome measures. Secondary outcomes included the recanalization result.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients who underwent thrombectomy using the ANTRACK technique were identified; a compliant balloon was used in 32 patients and a stent-retriever was used in 7 patients. The primary outcomes were achieved in all patients. No adverse event was observed. The secondary outcome of recanalization of an occluded artery was achieved in 34 patients (87.2%).

CONCLUSION

The ANTRACK technique using either a compliant balloon catheter or a stent-retriever is an effective and safe way of passing a large-bore catheter through a tortuous carotid siphon, particularly in cases with atheromatous plaque or ulceration.
How mythical markets mislead analysis: an institutionalist critique of market universalism
Authors: Hodgson Geoffrey M
Published: December 2018

Market universalism refers to the non-metaphorical tendency to use the term market to describe a wide variety of arrangements or processes in the real world. Using institutional criteria, this paper establishes some minimal necessary features of a market, to show that some particular arrangements are not markets. For example, while mechanisms of competition and interaction are ubiquitous, ordinary conversation is not literally a ‘market for ideas’ and much of politics is not literally a ‘political market’. Markets are not and cannot be universal. Yet market universalism overlooks missing markets, the theory of which implies that we are in a world of second-best solutions and that markets are not necessarily the answer to every economic problem. Also, by reducing politics to a form of ‘market’ economics, market universalism downplays the distinctive, non-market nature of the political and legal spheres and corrodes the conceptual separation of civil society from the state.
The relationship between catastrophizing and altered pain sensitivity in patients with chronic low-back pain
Authors: Meints Samantha M. , Mawla Ishtiaq , Napadow Vitaly , Kong Jian , Gerber Jessica , Chan Suk-Tak , Wasan Ajay D. , Kaptchuk Ted J. , McDonnell Christina , Carriere Junie , Rosen Bruce , Gollub Randy L. , Edwards Robert R.
Published: December 2018

Changes in central pain processing have been shown in patients with chronic low-back pain (cLBP). We used quantitative sensory testing methods to identify differences in pain sensitization between patients with cLBP (N = 167) and healthy controls (N = 33). Results indicated that, compared with healthy pain-free controls, cLBP patients showed increased sensitivity and greater painful aftersensations for mechanical pressure and pin-prick stimuli and lower tactile spatial acuity in the 2-point discrimination task (ps < 0.05). Then, we examined the role of pain catastrophizing as a mediator of the group differences in pain sensitization. We found that catastrophizing partially accounted for group differences in pressure required to produce moderate pain. Finally, we examined the relationship between pain sensitization, catastrophizing, and clinical pain among patients with cLBP. We found that catastrophizing and deep-tissue pressure pain were associated with greater pain intensity in the past month, week, and at the visit as well as low-back pain bothersomeness. Furthermore, deep-tissue pressure pain mediated the associations between catastrophizing and both pain in the past month and low-back pain severity. Taken together, these results indicate that not only do patients with cLBP demonstrate increased pain sensitization and decreased sensitivity to innocuous stimuli, but these changes are also linked with increased catastrophizing. Furthermore, both catastrophizing and sensitization are associated with increased clinical pain among cLBP patients.
Prognostic value of Sirtuin1 in acute ischemic stroke and its correlation with functional outcomes
Authors: Liu Yang , Jia ShiYu , Liang Xue , Dong MeiXue , Xu XiaoMin , Lu ChangQi , Wei YouDong
Published: December 2018

Background:

The blood–brain barrier is impaired in patients with stroke. The release of protein markers such as Sirtuin1 (SIRTl) into circulation may be useful to assess the prognosis of patients with cerebrovascular disease. In this study, we investigated the predictive value of SIRT1 levels in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients.

Methods:

In all, 101 AIS patients and 38 healthy controls were enrolled, and blood samples were collected within 72 hours of stroke onset. SIRT1 was analyzed using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. On admission, neurological status was assessed by the standardized National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Functional outcomes were measured 1 year after admission using the modified Rankin scale.

Results:

Compared with the control group, SIRT1 was significantly increased in the AIS group (0.63 ± 0.75 vs 0.48 ± 0.80 ng/mL; P ≤ 0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between SIRT1 and NIHSS score at admission (r = −0.01, P = .920). In addition, with an unadjusted odds ratio of 0.862 (95% confidence interval 0.495–1.502), SIRT1 was not significantly correlated with functional outcomes.

Conclusions:

Serum concentrations of SIRT1 have no significant predictive value for favorable functional outcome after acute stroke in our study.
Secondary skin involvement in gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with chidamide
Authors: Yang Dan , Zhang Wei-Ping , Yang Jian-Min , He Miao-Xia , Cheng Chao , Chen Jie
Published: December 2018

Rationale:

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a neoplasm of large B lymphoid cells that exhibits diffuse growth patterns. Patients may present with nodal and/or extranodal disease. The most common extranodal site is the gastrointestinal tract, while skin is less common.

Patient concerns:

We report a case of secondary skin involvement of an original gastric DLBCL, which has achieved a complete response after treatment with chidamide.

Diagnoses:

Initially, the diagnosis of gastric DLBCL is clear, and this patient responded well to systemic chemotherapy (rituximab + cyclophosphamide + epirubicin + vincristine + prednisone) after 8 cycles. Thirty months later, some rapidly enlarging skin nodules on his arm were found. These skin nodules were diagnosed as secondary cutaneous DLBCL based on the clinical features, positron emission tomography-computed tomography, and histomorphologic and immunohistochemical expression.

Interventions:

Steroids, interferon-α, and radiation had little therapeutic effect. We treated the patient with chidamide at 30 mg twice per week in combination with dexamethasone.

Outcomes:

The skin nodules regressed 3 weeks later. During the 1-year follow-up period, the patient is still in treatment with chidamide without adverse reactions.

Lessons:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of secondary skin DLBCL reported to exhibit a complete response to chidamide, which provides a novel therapeutic strategy for secondary skin DLBCL. However, more cases are still needed to further validate its efficacy.
Relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation in hyperuricemia
Authors: Zhou You , Zhao Mingcai , Pu Zheyan , Xu Guoqiang , Li Xiangkun
Published: December 2018

The average age of hyperuricemia patients has gradually decreased, but young patients with primary hyperuricemia often do not exhibit clinical symptoms and have not received sufficient attention. However, a lack of symptoms with primary hyperuricemia does not mean that high serum uric acid (UA) levels cannot lead to pathological effects, such as oxidative stress and inflammation, and the specific damage is still unclear. We aimed to determine the relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation to explore the possible role of pathological damage in asymptomatic young patients with primary hyperuricemia.

A total of 333 participants were enrolled in our study: 158 asymptomatic young patients with primary hyperuricemia and 175 healthy persons from a health check-up population. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and general biochemical markers were measured.

We found no differences in biochemical markers (fasting glucose, TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, SCr, BUN, AST, and ALT) between the patients and healthy persons. Subsequent analyses of oxidative stress and inflammation revealed that the serum levels of MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α in the patients were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group (P < .001), and the SOD activity was significantly lower (P < .001). As the UA levels increased, MDA increased significantly and SOD decreased significantly; likewise, IL-6 and TNF-α increased significantly as the UA level increased. MDA showed a significant positive correlation with IL-6 (r = 0.367, P < .001) and TNF-α (r = 0.319, P < .001), and SOD was negatively correlated with IL-6 (r = −0.241, P < .01) and TNF-α (r = −0.308, P < .001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that UA (OR: 2.379, 95% CI: 1.698–3.286, P < .001; OR: 3.261, 95% CI: 1.729–3.857, P < .001; for IL-6 and TNF-α, respectively) and MDA (OR: 1.836, 95% CI: 1.283–2.517, P < .01; OR: 2.532, 95% CI: 1.693–3.102, P < .001; for IL-6 and TNF-α, respectively) were risk factors for high IL-6 and TNF-α and that SOD (OR: 0.517, 95% CI: 0.428–0.763, P < .01; OR: 0.603, 95% CI: 0.415–0.699, P < .001; for IL-6 and TNF-α, respectively) was a protective factor.

In our study, some abnormal pathological effects were found in asymptomatic young patients with hyperuricemia, suggesting that in young hyperuricemia patients, oxidative stress, inflammation and the inflammatory response may be related to the oxidative stress induced by UA. Therefore, we should pay more attention to the pathological damage caused by these alterations.
Aggressiveness of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas
Authors: Hao Emmanuel II Uy , Hwang Ho Kyung , Yoon Dong-Sub , Lee Woo Jung , Kang Chang Moo
Published: December 2018

Background:

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) of the pancreas are rare tumors considered to be benign although 10% to 15% of SPNs have been reported to be aggressive. Due to its rarity, there have only been a few cases reported regarding the clinical course of patients with aggressive SPNs. The goal of this study is to describe the clinical course of patients diagnosed with aggressive SPNs.

Methods:

A PubMed search was done looking for articles describing the clinical course of patients diagnosed with SPN that locally invaded, recurred, or metastasized. Institutional experience was also added to the pooled data. Patient information was extracted from the articles. Survival and recurrence curves were plotted and factors associated with survival and recurrences were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 59 patients were identified to have aggressive SPN. Seven patients were males and 52 were females and the mean age was 37.44 ± 2.21 years. Systemic metastasis constituted 81.4% while recurrence and deep tissue invasion were found in 11.9% and 6.8% of the patients, respectively. Disease-free survival was 45 ± 6.28 months and disease-specific survival was 152.67 ± 12.8 months. In survival analysis, age, gender, tumor size, tumor location, combined resection, type of recurrence, and stage IV on diagnosis were not significant factors in predicting survival. However, an unresectable tumor (hazards ratio [HR] = 4.871, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.480–16.03, P = .009), and metastasis within 36 months (HR = 6.399, 95% CI: 1.390–29.452, P = .017) were identified as independent variables in predicting survival.

Conclusion:

SPNs of the pancreas carry a favorable course. Despite having aggressive properties, patients can still survive for more than 10 years as long as the tumor can be resected completely.
CLDN10 single nucleotide polymorphism rs1325774 alters the risk of breast cancer in south chinese women
Authors: Liao Jinling , Li Jie , Cheng Hong , Chen Yang , Mo Zengnan
Published: December 2018

Breast cancer is one of the most widespread malignancies in females, and the incidence rate has been increasing in recent years in the world. Genetic factors play an important role in the occurrence of breast cancer. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of claudin 10 (CLDN10) (rs1325774, rs7333503, rs3751334) and breast cancer and the clinical characteristics of patients.

A total of 104 patients with breast cancer and 118 healthy controls were recruited in our study between 2013 and 2015. The SNPscan system was used for genotyping. Demographic information, health status, anthropometric parameters and clinical data were considered in analysis. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using the Student t test, the Chi-square test (X2) or Fisher exact test and unconditional logistic regression analysis. The Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analyses application (GEPIA) was used to analysis the expression of CLDN10 in breast cancer tissues and normal samples.

The polymorphism of rs1325774 was significantly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer (T/G vs T/T: OR = 2.073, 95% CI = 1.095–3.927, P = .025). After adjusting for age, the association remained statically significant (T/G vs T/T: OR = 2.067, 95% CI = 1.070–3.867, P = .026). Furthermore, harbouring G allele in rs1325774 position was significantly associated with increased risk of breast cancer (OR = 1.993, 95% CI = 1.107–3.589, P = .022). However, no significant association among rs7333503, rs3751334, and breast cancer. The expression level of CLDN10 was reduced in breast cancer tissues compared with normal breast tissues according to the analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data through GEPIA.

Our results suggest that the polymorphism of rs1325774 associate with increase the breast cancer risk. No significant relationship between rs1325774 polymorphism and clinical as well as pathological characteristics in patients.
Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma arising from a long-standing erythema nodosum
Authors: Ma Liang-Liang , Han Shi-Xin , Fang Mei-Yun
Published: December 2018

Rationale:

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL) is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is rarely associated with erythema nodosum (EN).

Patient concerns:

A 57-year-old woman complained of recurrent rashes involving her abdomen, back, upper and lower limbs for over 20 years, with severity in symptoms for 2 weeks.

Diagnoses:

The first skin biopsy was performed in 2011 in another hospital and she was diagnosed idiopathic EN. The second skin biopsy was performed in 2014 and she was diagnosed as pcALCL with stage IA.

Interventions:

She was treated with oral prednisone, cyclosporine, and thalidomide.

Outcomes:

One month later, the ulcerative lesion was decreased in size and became smooth and the patient achieved partial remission. She is still under treatment and has been monitored closely for 4 years.

Lessons:

The case suggested that stimulation of inflammation in the skin lesions for a long period might be related to clonal transformation into pcALCL and hence should be closely monitored. Immunosuppressive treatment may be effective and safe for patients with pcALCL at early stages.
Accuracy and safety of percutaneous periacetabular screw insertion using screw view model of navigation in acetabular fracture
Authors: Zhao Jian-Wu , Yu Tong , Chu Guang-Yu , Zhang Xi-Wen , Wang Yao , Zhu Xiu-Jie , Jiang Qi-Yao , Jiang Zhen-De , Wang Dong-Sheng
Published: December 2018

Rationale:

The purpose of this study was to estimate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous periacetabular screw (PPS) insertion assisted by screw view model of navigation (SVMN) to treat fracture of acetabulum.

Patient concerns:

A 61-year-old male patient was injured in a motorcycle accident, which caused pain, swelling, deformity and limited mobility on his right hip.

Diagnoses:

He was diagnosed with fracture of acetabulum.

Interventions:

We used PPS insertion assisted by SVMN to treat fracture of acetabulum in this patient.

Outcomes:

The follow up lasted 24 months. Totally 2 screws were inserted into anterior and posterior column of acetabulum respectively and both of them displayed grade 0. Compared with the preoperative gap and step of fracture displacement, the postoperative ones were significantly reduced. It took 11.7 minutes for designing the screws, 6.7 minutes for implanting the guide wire, and 45.5 minutes for placing the screws. Intraoperative blood loss was 29 mL and total fluoroscopic time was 4.1 minutes. No clinical complications such as nerve vascular injury, infection and screw loosening were found after the operation.

Lessons:

The study indicated that SVMN is favorable to the PPS insertion for acetabular fracture. Our lesson is that the relative position between the acetabular and the patient tracker must be static to ensure the accuracy of the entire system throughout the operation.
Genetic polymorphisms of ERCC-1 and ERCC-2 are not prognostic markers in osteosarcoma patients with chemotherapy
Authors: Liu Dabiao , Liu Xuesong
Published: December 2018

Aim:

To make an accurate estimation of the association of ERCC1 and ERCC2 polymorphisms with osteosarcoma (OS) prognosis in Chinese population.

Methods:

Total 7 qualified studies with 1404 osteosarcoma patients were included. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% CIs were pooled for the survival rate in different osteosarcoma patients with ERCC1 and ERCC2 genetic polymorphisms. The heterogeneity was assessed by I2 test. Potential publication bias was assessed by Begg funnel plot and Egger linear regression test.

Results:

In rs11615, no significant association was found under dominant [TT+TC vs. CC: OR = 1.252, 95% CI:0.864–1.815, P = .235], recessive [TT vs. TC+CC: OR = 0.850, 95% CI: 0.695–1.030, P = .095] or allelic model [T vs. C Allele: OR = 1.219, 95% CI: 0.922–1.612, P = .165]. In rs13181, no significant association was found under dominant [AA+AC vs. CC: OR = 1.031, 95% CI: 0.800–1.329, P = .801], recessive [AA vs. AC+CC: OR = 1.005, 95% CI: 0.875, 1.154, P = .944] or allelic model [A vs. C Allele: OR = 1.009, 95% CI: 0.903–1.128, P = .870]. In rs1799793, no significant association was found under dominant [GG+GA vs. AA: OR = 1.134, 95% CI: 0.884–1.454, P = .322, recessive [GG vs. AG+AA: OR = 1.025, 95% CI: 0.881–1.192, P = .750], or allelic model [G vs. A Allele: OR = 1.046, 95% CI: 0.930–1.177, P = .450].

Conclusion:

This study did not support rs11615, rs13181 or rs1799793 to be used as surrogate markers for clinical outcome of osteosarcoma with chemotherapy.
Morphological evaluation of cervix using MRI at 32 to 36 weeks of gestation
Authors: Liu Wen , Chen Xin , Sun Cong , Wei Xinhong , Wang Guangbin , Shan Ruiqin
Published: December 2018

This study is to investigate the role of cervical morphology evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting invasive placenta previa (IPP).

Totally 105 cases of pregnant women underwent prenatal placental MRI at 32 to 36 weeks of gestation for suspected IPP were included in this study. Cervical morphology (cervical length and placental protrusion) was evaluated independently by 2 radiologists. The association between the cervical morphology and surgery findings was analyzed.

Totally, 57 pregnant women were confirmed as IPP. For invasion degree, there were 17 cases with placenta percreta and 40 with accreta. For invasion topography, there were 27 cases with S1 invasion and 30 with S2 invasion. The sensitivity and specificity for the MRI sign of placental protrusion in evaluating cervical invasion of IPP were 100% and 100%, respectively. All the 7 IPP patents with cervical invasion received total hysterectomy and had severe blood loss (3500–6000 mL). The IPP patients with S2 invasion had shorter cervical length than those with S1 invasion (2.66 ± 0.66 cm vs 3.24 ± 0.64 cm, P <.001). However, cervical lengths did not correlate with the degree of invasion (placenta percreta vs placenta accreta: 2.82 ± 0.86 vs 2.99 ± 0.60, P = .21).

Placental protrusion is a reliable MRI sign for cervical invasion of IPP, and cervical lengths correlate with the invasion topography.