bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
We Know about Reagan, but Was there a Clinton Effect? Earnings by Race, Gender, Marital and Family Status, 1993 and 2000
Authors: Hogan Richard , Perrucci Carolyn Cummings
Published: October 2018

Radical and mainstream social scientists still speak of the effect of President Ronald Reagan’s administration on the welfare state and the legacy of Great Society and Equal Opportunity programs, but, as indicated in a search of the American Sociological Review and Critical Sociology, there is less research focused on President Bill Clinton’s plan to end welfare as we knew it. Here we begin with an historical perspective on race and gender gaps, 1955–2016, including a consideration of macro-economic processes associated with postmodernism. Then we compare the effects of marital and family status on earnings, focusing on race and gender effects, at the beginning (1993) and end (2000) of the Clinton era. We find considerable support for the concerns raised by early radical critics, notably, evidence of an influx of low-income black single mothers. We consider the possibility that these are institutional rather than regime effects, in conclusion.
In vitro investigation into the forces involved during lipofilling
Authors: Leslie Laura J , Sheena Yezen , Shepherd Duncan ET , Ismail Amir , Kukureka Stephen N , Vijh Vik
Published: October 2018

Breast augmentation using implants is the most common aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgical procedure. Complications such as implant rupture maybe related to surgical technique and damage to the implant. Autologous fat transfer (lipofilling) using metallic cannulae has become a standard adjunctive, yet there is little evidence on lipofilling safety in the presence of implants. The aims of this study are to verify the effects of different cannulae and to quantify the forces applied by surgeons during lipofilling. Silicone gel-filled textured implants (200 mL), mounted on a specially constructed mould were ruptured with two different cannulae: type A (hole at tip: sharp) and type B (hole away from tip: blunt), driven at three speeds (10, 100 and 1000 mm/min), and the force at rupture was recorded. In addition, the maximum 10 forces over a 30-s period applied by 11 plastic surgeons against a breast implant in an in vitro environment were recorded using a load cell attached to a type-A cannula. Statistical analysis of comparative results was performed using t-tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results showed that the implant ruptured at forces up to 25% lower when cannula A was used compared to cannula B. This supports current technique in lipofilling in the use of a blunt tipped cannula. There was a significant difference between some displacement rates only, due to the viscoelastic nature of the material. The tactile force that surgeons use during lipofilling was modelled in vitro and showed a range of maximum forces between 0.23 and 16.8 N, with a mean maximum value of 6.9 N. Limitation of this study is that it may not reflect in vivo behaviour of breast implants. More studies are needed to confirm the safety of breast lipofilling in the presence of implants using these data as a starting point.
The Binary Bias: A Systematic Distortion in the Integration of Information
Authors: Fisher Matthew , Keil Frank C.
Published: October 2018

One of the mind’s most fundamental tasks is interpreting incoming data and weighing the value of new evidence. Across a wide variety of contexts, we show that when summarizing evidence, people exhibit a binary bias: a tendency to impose categorical distinctions on continuous data. Evidence is compressed into discrete bins, and the difference between categories forms the summary judgment. The binary bias distorts belief formation—such that when people aggregate conflicting scientific reports, they attend to valence and inaccurately weight the extremity of the evidence. The same effect occurs when people interpret popular forms of data visualization, and it cannot be explained by other statistical features of the stimuli. This effect is not confined to explicit statistical estimates; it also influences how people use data to make health, financial, and public-policy decisions. These studies ( N = 1,851) support a new framework for understanding information integration across a wide variety of contexts.
Photovoltaic solar power plant investment optimization model for economic external balance: Model of Turkey
Authors: Alagöz Mehmet , Yokuş Nihal , Yokuş Turgut
Published: October 2018

Through using a linear optimization model that interprets solar energy and current deficit parameters, investment plans were performed for countries which have current deficit problem of energy source. The specifics of the study are due to the linear optimization model, which reveals the current deficit and solar energy together for the investment strategy. While the model is constituted, without affecting the existed current account, some parameters based on such as profit transfers for foreign investments, payments of interest for domestic investments, import rates for photovoltaic solar panels, solar energy electricity production values, electricity demand projection for the future and import resource rates for electricity production. In the framework of these constraints of the model, the effects of solar systems on domestic investment and foreign direct investments on current account balance are analyzed for the period of 2017–2030 in Turkey. In the application of the model in Turkey to reduce the current deficit, this is concluded that the solar energy is a significant opportunity. In addition, the linear optimization model is considered as a reference for countries facing energy-related current deficit problems.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease: a nationwide, population-based study in Korea
Authors: Lim S Y , Bae E H , Han K-D , Jung J-H , Choi H S , Kim HY , Kim C S , Ma S K , Kim S W
Published: October 2018

Objective

To investigate the incidence and clinical significance of cardiovascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

Methods

We included systemic lupus erythematosus patients ( n = 18,575) without previous cardiovascular disease and age- and sex-matched individuals without systemic lupus erythematosus (controls; n = 92,875) from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database (2008–2014). Both cohorts were followed up for incident cardiovascular disease and death until 2015.

Results

During follow up, myocardial infarction occurred in 203 systemic lupus erythematosus patients and 325 controls (incidence rate: 1.76 and 0.56 per 1000 person-years, respectively), stroke occurred in 289 patients and 403 controls (incidence rate: 2.51 and 0.70 per 1000 person-years, respectively), heart failure occurred in 358 patients and 354 controls (incidence rate 3.11 and 0.61 per 1000 person-years, respectively), and death occurred in 744 patients and 948 controls (incidence rate 6.54 and 1.64 per 1000 person-years, respectively). Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus had higher risks for myocardial infarction (hazard ratio: 2.74, 95% confidence interval: 2.28–3.37), stroke (hazard ratio: 3.31, 95% confidence interval: 2.84–3.86), heart failure (hazard ratio: 4.60, 95% confidence interval: 3.96–5.35), and cardiac death (hazard ratio: 3.98, 95% confidence interval: 3.61–4.39).

Conclusions

Here, systemic lupus erythematosus was an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, thus cardiac assessment and management are critical in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.
Characteristics, diagnoses, illness course and risk profiles of inpatients admitted for at least 21 days to an Australian private psychiatric hospital
Authors: Keks Nicholas A , Hope Judy , Pring William , Damodaran Saji , Varma Shashjit , Adamopoulos Voula
Published: October 2018

Objectives:

To perform a clinical and risk audit of private hospital inpatients staying in hospital at least 21 days.

Methods:

Of 492 admissions for ≥21 days in 2016, 40 were randomly selected for audit. Characteristics, illness severity and course using the Clinical Global Impression severity (CGI-S) subscale and improvement (CGI-I) subscale, and clinical risk profiles were ascertained at admission, day 15 and discharge by two psychiatrists.

Results:

The cases were 65% female, age 50.0±16.2 years (range 24–86), 43% in relationships, and 28% on disability support. The length of stay was 29±7 days. On admission 88% were severely or markedly ill on the CGI-S subscale. Thirty-nine of 40 cases had ≥3 psychiatric diagnoses: 93% depression, 48% bipolar, 15% schizophrenia. High risk was present in suicide risk (48%), illness-induced dysfunction risk (78%) and physical risk (28%). By day 15, 63% were not improved or marginally worse. Suicide ratings were unimproved. By the time of discharge, illness severity and risk ratings were significantly reduced.

Conclusion:

Private hospital inpatients staying ≥21 days were predominantly female and had severe, diagnostically complex illnesses and high risk ratings. Most were still seriously unwell after 15 days. Patients improved significantly by the time of discharge (though were by no means recovered), indicating that the duration of hospitalisation was appropriate.
A delay-range-dependent stabilization of uncertain singular time-delay systems with one-sided Lipschitz nonlinearities subject to input saturation
Authors: Asadinia Maryam Sadat , Binazadeh Tahereh , Safarinejadian Behrouz
Published: October 2018

This paper investigates the problem of delay-range-dependent robust stabilization for nonlinear singular systems with time-delay subject to some constraints. In practice, the control problem of dynamic systems faces a variety of constraints such as: presence of input saturation; one-sided Lipschitz nonlinearities; model uncertainties; and time-varying delay. The interaction of both algebraic and differential equations in singular systems with delayed state variables adds some complexities and difficulties in the procedure of analysis and design of singular time-delay systems. Moreover, the one-sided Lipschitz nonlinearity condition, which is less conservative than the well-known Lipschitz condition, is considered while the presence of actuator saturation also imposes additional complexity in the procedure of controller design. In this regard, by choosing an appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional with applying the free-weighting matrices approach, the sufficient conditions are derived as linear matrix inequalities which guarantee the asymptotic stability of the resulting uncertain closed-loop singular system. Finally, computer simulations are provided to verify the theoretical results.
Optimal wireless sensor network configuration for structural monitoring using automatic-learning firefly algorithm
Authors: Zhou Guang-Dong , Xie Mei-Xi , Yi Ting-Hua , Li Hong-Nan
Published: October 2018

Wireless sensor networks are becoming attractive data communication patterns in structural health monitoring systems. Designing and applying effective wireless sensor network–based structural health monitoring systems for large-scale civil infrastructure require a great number of wireless sensors and the optimal wireless sensor networks configuration becomes critical for such spatially separated large structures. In this article, optimal wireless sensor network configuration for structural health monitoring is treated as a discrete optimization problem, where parameter identification and network performance are simultaneously addressed. To solve this rather complicated optimization problem, a novel swarm intelligence algorithm called the automatic-learning firefly algorithm is proposed by integrating the original firefly algorithm with the Lévy flight and the automatic-learning mechanism. In the proposed algorithm, the Lévy flight is adopted to maximize the searching capability in unknown solution space and avoid premature convergence and the automatic-learning mechanism is designed to drive fireflies to move toward better locations at high speed. Numerical experiments are performed on a long-span bridge to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed automatic-learning firefly algorithm. Results indicate that automatic-learning firefly algorithm can find satisfactory wireless sensor network configurations, which facilitate easy discrimination of identified mode vectors and long wireless sensor network lifetime, and the innovations in automatic-learning firefly algorithm make it superior to the simple discrete firefly algorithm as to solution quality and convergence speed.
Cyclic behaviour of bearing-type bolted connections with slot bolt holes
Authors: Li Guo-qiang , Hou Zhao-xin , Sun Ying-zhi , Gong Chao , Jiang Jian
Published: October 2018

This article experimentally studies the behaviour of high-strength bolted connections with slot bolt holes under cyclic load to evaluate its seismic performance. A total of six specimens varying in the bolt diameters and pretension are designed and tested. The results show the connections with slot holes have good energy dissipation capacity. It is found that connections with M30 bolts, of which the hysteretic loops are fuller, have better energy dissipation capacity than that of M20 bolts connections. With the increase of number of loading cycles, the sliding force of the connections decreases. On the other hand, the ultimate bearing capacity of the connections does not decrease much both for M30 and M20 bolts. As the experiments proceed, the friction coefficients and the areas of the hysteresis curves decrease in a similar trend because of the smoothing of surfaces. The experimental results indicate the potential application of the connections with slot bolt holes as dual-function parts in structures to simultaneously provide stiffness and energy dissipation capacity.
Retrospective analysis of effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor in Japanese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuo , Toyoda Masao , Kimura Moritsugu , Hatori Nobuo , Furuki Takayuki , Sakai Hiroyuki , Takihata Masahiro , Umezono Tomoya , Ito Shun , Suzuki Daisuke , Takeda Hiroshi , Kanamori Akira , Degawa Hisakazu , Yamamoto Hareaki , Machimura Hideo , Mokubo Atsuko , Chin Keiichi , Obana Mitsuo , Hishiki Toshimasa , Aoyama Kouta , Nakajima Shinichi , Umezawa Shinichi , Shimura Hidetoshi , Aoyama Togo , Sato Kazuyoshi , Miyakawa Masaaki
Published: October 2018

Aim:

The aim of this study was to assess the renal effects of the glucose-lowering SGLT2 inhibitors in Japanese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with chronic kidney disease.

Methods:

The Kanagawa Physicians Association maintains a registry of patients who visit their 31 clinics. Clinical data of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with chronic kidney disease, who were prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors in addition to other treatments, were collected and analysed.

Results:

SGLT2i was associated with a fall in HbA1c from 64.1 ± 16.7 mmol/mol (8.0 ± 1.5%) to 56.5 ± 12.9 mmol/mol (7.3 ± 1.2%) ( p < 0.01) in 869 analysed cases, a decrease in urine albumin-creatinine ratio from a median of 47.1 to 41.1 mg/gCr, and decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate from 77.7 ± 23.9 to 75.0 ± 23.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 ( p < 0.01). The effect on albumin-creatinine ratio was independent of age or stage of estimated glomerular filtration; however, there was a significant negative correlation between albumin-creatinine ratio at the initiation of SGLT2 inhibitor and change in ACR. Multiple linear regression analysis identified use of empagliflozin, β-blockers, and sulphonylureas, Δsystolic blood pressure at office, serum Cr and albumin-creatinine ratio value at initiation of SGLT2 inhibitor as independent and significant determinants of change in ACR.

Conclusions:

This study confirmed that the beneficial renal effects of SGLT2 inhibitor in Japanese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with chronic kidney disease, similar to those reported in large-scale clinical trials conducted in Western countries.
What are the determinants of a concerned vision of the future when living with type 2 diabetes? Results from the E3N-AfterDiab study
Authors: Fagherazzi Guy , Chambraud Clélia , Dow Courtney , Mancini Francesca Romana , Affret Aurélie , Balkau Beverley , Magliano Dianna J , Boutron-Ruault Marie-Christine , Bonnet Fabrice
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Identification of characteristics associated with a negative experience with type 2 diabetes may help to develop novel intervention to improve the outlook of people with the disease. Our aim was to identify determinants of a self-reported concerned vision about the future when living with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

In 2630 women with type 2 diabetes from the E3N-AfterDiab study, we used multivariable logistic regression models to derive odds-ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Women with elevated HbA1c levels (OR = 2.42 (1.67–3.49) for ≥7.2% when compared to <6.2%), or treated with injected glucose lowering treatments (OR = 1.37 [1.05–1.81]) had a higher risk of a concerned vision of the future. Age and obesity were associated with a decreased risk. Hypertension, duration of diabetes, smoking, fasting glucose levels, and years of education were not associated with a concerned vision of the future.

Discussion

Our findings highlight the importance of both glycemic control and the type of treatment on the perception of the future when living with type 2 diabetes. Subgroups of patients based on these characteristics may receive a specific attention from healthcare professionals to address potential concerns related with diabetes management or the fear of complications.
Australian Clinical Consensus Guideline: The diagnosis and acute management of childhood stroke
Authors: Medley Tanya L , Miteff Christina , Andrews Ian , Ware Tyson , Cheung Michael , Monagle Paul , Mandelstam Simone , Wray Alison , Pridmore Clair , Troedson Christopher , Dale Russell C , Fahey Michael , Sinclair Adriane , Walsh Peter , Stojanovski Belinda , Mackay Mark T
Published: October 2018

Stroke is among the top 10 causes of death in children and survivors carry resulting disabilities for decades, at substantial cost to themselves and their families. Children are not currently able to access reperfusion therapies, due to limited evidence supporting safety and efficacy and long diagnostic delays. The Australian Clinical Consensus Guideline for the Diagnosis and Acute Management of Childhood Stroke was developed to minimize unwarranted variations in care and document best evidence on the risk factors, etiologies, and conditions mimicking stroke that differ from adults. Clinical questions were formulated to inform systematic database searches from 2007 to 2017, limited to English and pediatric studies. SIGN methodology and the National Health and Medical Research Council system were used to screen and classify the evidence. The Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system (GRADE) was used to grade evidence as strong or weak. The Guideline provides more than 60 evidence-based recommendations to assist prehospital and acute care clinicians in the rapid identification of childhood stroke, choice of initial investigation, to confirm diagnosis, determine etiology, selection of the most appropriate interventions to salvage brain at risk, and prevent recurrence. Recommendations include advice regarding the management of intracranial pressure and congenital heart disease. Implementation of the Guideline will require reorganization of prehospital and emergency care systems, including the development of regional stroke networks, pediatric Code Stroke, rapid magnetic resonance imaging and accreditation of primary pediatric stroke centers with the capacity to offer reperfusion therapies. The Guideline will allow auditing to benchmark timelines of care, access to acute interventions, and outcomes. It will also facilitate the development of an Australian childhood stroke registry, with data linkage to international registries, to allow for accurate data collection on stroke incidence, treatment, and outcomes.
An evaluation of an infection prevention link nurse programme in community hospitals and development of an implementation model
Authors: Williams Lynne , Cooper Tracey , Bradford Lisa , Cooledge Beryl , Elner Francesca , Fisher Denise , Huws Jaci C , Jones Louise , Morris Stephanie , Rowe Natasha , Sengwe Robson , Roberts Catherine , Roberts Karen , Wright Jane , Griffiths Heledd Owen
Published: October 2018

Background:

Little evidence exists to show the exact impact of the link nurse role in promoting best practice in infection prevention. This paper is a report of the implementation and evaluation of a link nurse programme for community hospitals across one NHS organisation.

Aim/objectives:

The main aim of the study was to implement and evaluate an infection prevention link programme. The study objectives were: 1) to develop materials for a bespoke infection prevention programme which incorporated education, behaviour change, reward and recognition and 2) to evaluate the implementation of the programme, and to learn about barriers and enablers to implementation.

Method:

Data were collected using semi-structured telephone interviews, contact logs and online course evaluation. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings:

We identified four overarching themes that, collectively, construct a model for the implementation of the link nurse role in infection prevention. The themes are labelled as: selection process, support networks, essential roots, and turning points for success.

Discussion:

This study contributes to understanding the contribution of link nurses in infection prevention. We suggest our findings are transferable to different settings, and the model provides guidance to support future link nurse programmes and promote best practice in infection prevention practice.
First genotype‐phenotype study reveals HLA‐DQβ1 insertion heterogeneity in high‐resolution manometry achalasia subtypes
Authors: Vackova Zuzana , Niebisch Stefan , Triantafyllou Tania , Becker Jessica , Hess Timo , Kreuser Nicole , Kanoni Stavroula , Deloukas Panos , Schüller Vitalia , Heinrichs Sophie KM , Thieme René , Nöthen Markus M , Knapp Michael , Spicak Julius , Gockel Ines , Schumacher Johannes , Theodorou Dimitris , Martinek Jan
Published: October 2018

Background

Achalasia is a primary oesophageal motility disorder. Although aetiology remains mainly unknown, a genetic risk variant, rs28688207 in HLA‐DQB1, showed strong achalasia association suggesting involvement of immune‐mediated processes in the pathogenesis. High‐resolution manometry recognises three types of achalasia. The aim of our study was to perform the first genotype‐phenotype analysis investigating the frequency of rs28688207 across the high‐resolution manometry subtypes.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional retrospective study. Achalasia patients from tertiary centres in the Czech Republic (n = 163), Germany (n = 114), Greece (n = 70) and controls were enrolled. All subjects were genotyped for the rs28688207 insertion. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used for the genotype‐phenotype analysis.

Results

A total of 347 achalasia patients (type I – 89, II – 210, III – 48) were included. The overall frequency of the rs28688207 was 10.3%. The distribution of the insertion was significantly different across the high‐resolution manometry subtypes (p = 0.038), being most prevalent in type I (14.6%), followed by type II (9.5%) and III (6.3%).

Conclusion

The frequency of the HLA‐DQB1 insertion differs among high‐resolution manometry achalasia subtypes. The insertion is most prevalent in type I, suggesting that immune‐mediated mechanisms triggered by the insertion may play a more prominent role in the pathogenesis of this subtype.
Clean or sterile technique when inserting indwelling urinary catheter: An evaluation of nurses’ and assistant nurses’ interpretations of a guideline at an acute-care hospital in Sweden
Authors: Kulbay Aysel , Tammelin Ann
Published: October 2018

Insertion of indwelling urinary catheters should be performed in a way that minimizes the risk of introducing bacteria to the urinary bladder. Nurses and assistant nurses from three departments at an acute-care hospital in Sweden answered a questionnaire about their insertion of urinary catheterization. Of the 563 nurses, 92% answered the questionnaire. Among the 492 who performed catheterization, 58% ( n = 287) said that they followed the hospital guideline. Two-thirds of those following the hospital guideline said that they used clean technique and one-third sterile technique. In all, 82% considered the catheter should be kept sterile while inserted but only 16% described all the prerequisites to achieve this. Over 90% of the respondents performed catheterization less than once a week. Our conclusion is that a guideline should describe every step of catheterization in detail and that an evidence-based process for implementation of the guideline is necessary to achieve uniformity in performance.
An Esophagogram or Tracheobronchogram? A Review of Barium Sulfate Aspiration
Authors: Hamid Mohsin , Ullah Waqas , Ur Rashid Mamoon , Amjad Waseem , Mukhtar Maryam , Hurairah Abu
Published: October 2018

The barium swallow is an important radiological investigation used for the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal anatomical disorders like esophageal cancer, diverticulum, achalasia, foreign body, among others. Generally, it is believed to be a safe technique with rare complications, but few cases of barium sulfate aspiration have been reported in the literature with multiple complications. We are reporting a case of an elderly male who underwent esophagogram for the workup of chronic dysphagia, aspirated barium sulfate, and went into respiratory failure and circulatory shock several hours later. Moreover, we also did a systematic literature search and reviewed all available articles on aspiration of barium sulfate and its potential complications. We focused on predisposing factors for aspiration, clinical presentation, complications after aspiration, and prognosis with the aim to better understand and manage this condition.
Diagnostic Accuracy of the Scapular Retraction Test in Assessing the Status of the Rotator Cuff
Authors: Khazzam Michael , Gates Stephen T. , Tisano Breann K. , Kukowski Nathan
Published: October 2018

Background:

Currently, clinical physical examination maneuvers alone provide variable reliability in diagnosing full-thickness rotator cuff tears (RCTs).

Purpose:

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of the scapular retraction test (SRT) to predict full-thickness RCTs.

Study Design:

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

Methods:

A total of 331 patients were prospectively evaluated in this cohort study. SRT was performed to assess the status of the rotator cuff. A positive SRT indicates an intact rotator cuff, and a negative SRT indicates a full-thickness RCT. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used as the gold standard. The examiner was blinded to the results until completing the physical examination. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios of the SRT.

Results:

The prevalence of full-thickness RCTs diagnosed on MRI was 54.4% (180 of 331). Among the 180 patients with an MRI-confirmed full-thickness RCT, the SRT was negative for 147. Of 150 patients with an intact rotator cuff by MRI, 122 had a positive SRT. In diagnosing full-thickness RCTs, the SRT had a sensitivity of 81.7% (95% CI, 77.2%-85.4%), specificity of 80.8% (95% CI, 75.5%-85.3%), and accuracy 81.3%. The positive predictive value was 83.5% (95% CI, 78.9%-87.4%); the negative predictive value, 78.7% (95% CI, 73.5%-83.1%); the positive likelihood ratio, 4.3 (95% CI, 3.1-5.8); the negative likelihood ratio, 0.23 (95% CI, 0.17-0.30); and the diagnostic odds ratio, 18.7 (95% CI, 10.4-34.0).

Conclusion:

The results of this diagnostic study indicate that the SRT can accurately be used to clinically assess the status of the rotator cuff. This physical examination maneuver was found to be accurate, sensitive, and specific in diagnosing full-thickness RCTs. Additionally, our results indicate that it is equally as accurate to predict an intact rotator cuff tendon. Providing an accurate, reliable, and reproducible physical examination test will allow clinicians to diagnosis the integrity of the rotator cuff and will help guide treatment recommendations.
North American ATLL has a distinct mutational and transcriptional profile and responds to epigenetic therapies
Authors: Shah Urvi A. , Chung Elaine Y. , Giricz Orsi , Pradhan Kith , Kataoka Keisuke , Gordon-Mitchell Shanisha , Bhagat Tushar D. , Mai Yun , Wei Yongqiang , Ishida Elise , Choudhary Gaurav S. , Joseph Ancy , Rice Ronald , Gitego Nadege , Parrish Crystall , Bartenstein Matthias , Goel Swati , Mantzaris Ioannis , Shastri Aditi , Derman Olga , Binder Adam , Gritsman Kira , Kornblum Noah , Braunschweig Ira , Bhagat Chirag , Hall Jeff , Graber Armin , Ratner Lee , Wang Yanhua , Ogawa Seishi , Verma Amit , Ye B. Hilda , Janakiram Murali
Published: October 2018

Key Points

North American ATLL has a distinct genomic landscape with a high frequency of prognostic epigenetic mutations, including EP300 mutations. ATLL samples with mutated EP300 have compromised p53 function and are selectively sensitive to decitabine treatment.
IG-MYC+ neoplasms with precursor B-cell phenotype are molecularly distinct from Burkitt lymphomas
Authors: Wagener Rabea , López Cristina , Kleinheinz Kortine , Bausinger Julia , Aukema Sietse M. , Nagel Inga , Toprak Umut H. , Seufert Julian , Altmüller Janine , Thiele Holger , Schneider Christof , Kolarova Julia , Park Jeongbin , Hübschmann Daniel , Murga Penas Eva M. , Drexler Hans G. , Attarbaschi Andishe , Hovland Randi , Kjeldsen Eigil , Kneba Michael , Kontny Udo , de Leval Laurence , Nürnberg Peter , Oschlies Ilske , Oscier David , Schlegelberger Brigitte , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Wössmann Wilhelm , Schlesner Matthias , Burkhardt Birgit , Klapper Wolfram , Jaffe Elaine S. , Küppers Ralf , Siebert Reiner
Published: October 2018

The WHO Classification of Tumours of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissue notes instances of Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia (BL) with IG-MYC rearrangement displaying a B-cell precursor immunophenotype (termed herein “preBLL”). To characterize the molecular pathogenesis of preBLL, we investigated 13 preBLL cases (including 1 cell line), of which 12 were analyzable using genome, exome, and targeted sequencing, imbalance mapping, and DNA methylation profiling. In 5 patients with reads across the IG-MYC breakpoint junctions, we found evidence that the translocation derived from an aberrant VDJ recombination, as is typical for IG translocations arising in B-cell precursors. Genomic changes like biallelic IGH translocations or VDJ rearrangements combined with translocation into the VDJ region on the second allele, potentially preventing expression of a productive immunoglobulin, were detected in 6 of 13 cases. We did not detect mutations in genes frequently altered in BL, but instead found activating NRAS and/or KRAS mutations in 7 of 12 preBLLs. Gains on 1q, recurrent in BL and preB lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (pB-ALL/LBL), were detected in 7 of 12 preBLLs. DNA methylation profiling showed preBLL to cluster with precursor B cells and pB-ALL/LBL, but apart from BL. We conclude that preBLL genetically and epigenetically resembles pB-ALL/LBL rather than BL. Therefore, we propose that preBLL be considered as a pB-ALL/LBL with recurrent genetic abnormalities.
A wavenumber-domain iterative approach for apparent density mapping of an undulant layer and its application in central South China
Authors: Guo Lianghui , Shi Lei , Li Shuling
Published: October 2018

Apparent density mapping is a technique to invert the gravity anomaly for obtaining the density distribution in the subsurface layer. The conventional approach for apparent density mapping usually assumes that the top and bottom interfaces of the layer are flat and horizontal, which is not often the case in the real world. We have developed a wavenumber-domain iterative approach for mapping a density distribution of the undulant layer, whose top and bottom interfaces could be a variable relief. The wavenumber-domain approach requires that the observational surface of the gravity data is flat and horizontal. The wavenumber-domain equations for forward calculation of the gravity anomaly due to the undulant layer and its inversion are presented. A damping factor is adopted in the inversion equation for suppressing high-frequency noise in the data and stabilizing the mapping. We use an iterative algorithm for mapping to minimize the difference between the observed and calculated gravity anomalies and to optimize the density values within the layer. The presented approach is simple, fast, stable, and easy to operate. A test on the synthetic data and the real data from the Xuefengshan tectonic zone in central South China verified the feasibility of our approach with higher accuracy than the conventional wavenumber-domain mapping approaches and higher efficiency than the conventional space-domain mapping approach.
Normalized nonzero-lag crosscorrelation elastic full-waveform inversion
Authors: Zhang Zhendong , Alkhalifah Tariq , Wu Zedong , Liu Yike , He Bin , Oh Juwon
Published: October 2018

Full-waveform inversion (FWI) is an attractive technique due to its ability to build high-resolution velocity models. Conventional amplitude-matching FWI approaches remain challenging because the simplified computational physics used does not fully represent all wave phenomena in the earth. Because the earth is attenuating, a sample-by-sample fitting of the amplitude may not be feasible in practice. We have developed a normalized nonzero-lag crosscorrelataion-based elastic FWI algorithm to maximize the similarity of the calculated and observed data. We use the first-order elastic-wave equation to simulate the propagation of seismic waves in the earth. Our proposed objective function emphasizes the matching of the phases of the events in the calculated and observed data, and thus, it is more immune to inaccuracies in the initial model and the difference between the true and modeled physics. The normalization term can compensate the energy loss in the far offsets because of geometric spreading and avoid a bias in estimation toward extreme values in the observed data. We develop a polynomial-type weighting function and evaluate an approach to determine the optimal time lag. We use a synthetic elastic Marmousi model and the BigSky field data set to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. To suppress the short-wavelength artifacts in the estimated S-wave velocity and noise in the field data, we apply a Laplacian regularization and a total variation constraint on the synthetic and field data examples, respectively.
Sparsity-promoting method to estimate the dispersion curve of surface-wave group velocity
Authors: Esfahani Reza Dokht Dolatabadi , Askari Roohollah , Gholami Ali
Published: October 2018

Group velocity is an important characteristic of surface wave that is defined as the velocity of an envelope of frequencies. Although many studies have shown the promises of analyzing the group velocity to obtain subsurface S-wave velocity, the estimation of the group velocity is not straightforward due to the uncertainties of selecting an optimum envelope of frequencies. Conventional transformations or filtering algorithms used to define an optimum envelope usually give reasonable results just for a narrow frequency or velocity range. We introduced a new approach for the estimation of the group velocity using the sparse S transform (SST) and sparse linear Radon transform (SLRT). In SST, the width of the Gaussian window is optimally calculated by energy concentration to eliminate energy smearing in the time-frequency (TF) domain, and then the sparsity is applied to enhance the TF resolution. Compared with conventional methods for the estimation of the group velocity based on the generalized S transforms, SST does not require any adjustment to the Gaussian window and yields accurate estimates of the group velocity. We apply SST to each seismic trace of a seismic shot record to obtain a 3D cube of frequency, time, and offset. For any frequency, we obtain a common frequency gather of time and offset to which we apply SLRT to obtain the group velocity of the surface wave. Our approach is robust at calculating high-resolution distinguishable dispersion curves of the group velocity in particular when data are extremely sparse.
Sevoflurane Protects Hepatocytes From Ischemic Injury by Reducing Reactive Oxygen Species Signaling of Hepatic Stellate Cells: Translational Findings Based on a Clinical Trial
Authors: Beck-Schimmer Beatrice , Roth Z’graggen Birgit , Booy Christa , Köppel Sabrina , Spahn Donat R. , Schläpfer Martin , Schadde Erik
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND:

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) data demonstrate that sevoflurane postconditioning improves clinical outcomes of liver resection with inflow occlusion, presumably due to hepatocyte protection from ischemic injury. However, mechanisms remain unclear. This study examines liver biopsy samples obtained in an RCT of sevoflurane postconditioning to test the hypothesis that sevoflurane attenuates hepatocyte apoptosis.

METHODS:

Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) of pro- and antiapoptotic regulators Bax and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) was examined in hepatic biopsies obtained during the RCT. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and hepatocytes were exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) in vitro to evaluate the effect of sevoflurane postconditioning on apoptosis. The role of HSC as a potential apoptosis trigger in hepatocytes through the production of reactive oxygen species induced by H/R was explored by transferring supernatants from H/R-exposed HSC to hepatocytes as target cells.

RESULTS:

In patients of the RCT, the Bax/Bcl2 mRNA ratio in liver tissue was markedly decreased in the sevoflurane arm (25% ± 21% reduction; P = .001). In vitro, H/R increased reactive oxygen species production in HSC by 33% ± 16% (P = .025), while it was abolished in the presence of sevoflurane (P < .001). In hepatocytes, caspase was minimally activated by H/R. However, incubation of hepatocytes with supernatants of HSC, previously exposed to H/R, increased caspase activity by 28% ± 13% (P < .001). When exposed to supernatants from HSC undergoing sevoflurane postconditioning, caspase activation in hepatocytes was reduced by 20% ± 9% (P < .001), similarly to the sevoflurane effect on the BAX/Bcl2 mRNA ratio in the liver samples.

CONCLUSIONS:

The study shows that sevoflurane postconditioning affects apoptosis of hepatocytes after ischemia-reperfusion injury in patients. It also demonstrates that HSC may be the effector cells of sevoflurane protection.
Anesthesia Experience for Tonsillectomy in a Patient With Hypofibrinogenemia: A Case Report
Authors: Aoki Mariko , Osaka Yoshimune , Ando Kamon , Morita Yoshihisa
Published: October 2018

A 26-year-old male patient with hypofibrinogenemia was scheduled to undergo tonsillectomy. Hypofibrinogenemia, defined as low plasma fibrinogen (Fbg) concentration, is a type of congenital Fbg deficiency and is a rare coagulopathy. Perioperative replenishment of Fbg is performed during minor surgeries, aimed at maintaining plasma Fbg concentrations of 50 mg/dL. In this case, failure to replenish Fbg during the postoperative period may have caused the postoperative hemorrhage. Considering the half-life of Fbg (3–4 days), the plasma Fbg concentration should be monitored for ≥6 postoperative days, aiming at a target level of 50 mg/dL during the postoperative period.
Shoulder Instability in the Overhead Athlete
Authors: DeFroda Steven F. , Goyal Dhruv , Patel Nimit , Gupta Neel , Mulcahey Mary K.
Published: October 2018

Shoulder instability encompasses a spectrum of disease ranging from subluxation to dislocation, and is typically associated with collision athletes such as wrestlers and football players. Instability, however, also can be the result of repetitive microtrauma, as seen in overhead athletes (baseball, tennis, volleyball, swimming). The presentation of instability can be subtle, and difficult to diagnose in the absence of an acute traumatic event without the proper suspicion, physical examination, and diagnostic evaluation. Overhead athletes present the unique challenge of requiring the glenohumeral joint to exceed its physiologic limits during competition; therefore, injury in this population can be devastating. Additionally, athletes who experience instability, regardless of treatment, require rehabilitation (including periscapular strengthening) to maximize strength of the surrounding musculature. Specifically they will require coordinated throwing programs, and gradual return to play protocols dependent on their sport. This article reviews the specific physiology, diagnosis, and treatment of shoulder instability in this population.
Role of CXCL13 in the formation of the meningeal tertiary lymphoid organ in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Londoño Ana C. , Mora Carlos A.
Published: October 2018

Immunomodulatory therapies available for the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) accomplish control and neutralization of peripheral immune cells involved in the activity of the disease cascade but their spectrum of action in the intrathecal space and brain tissue is limited, taking into consideration the persistence of oligoclonal bands and the variation of clones of lymphoid cells throughout the disease span. In animal models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the presence of CXCL13 has been associated with disease activity and the blockade of this chemokine could work as a potential complementary therapeutic strategy in patients with MS in order to postpone disease progression. The development of therapeutic alternatives with ability to modify the intrathecal inflammatory activity of the meningeal tertiary lymphoid organ to ameliorate neurodegeneration is mandatory.
Characterizing performance improvement in primary care systems in Mesoamerica: A realist evaluation protocol
Authors: Munar Wolfgang , Wahid Syed S. , Curry Leslie
Published: October 2018

Background. Evaluations of performance measurement and management interventions in public, primary care delivery systems of low- and middle-income countries are scarce. In such contexts, few studies to date have focused on characterizing how, why and under what contextual conditions do such complex, multifaceted arrangements lead to intended and unintended consequences for the healthcare workforce, the healthcare organizations involved, and the communities that are served.

Methods. Case-study design with purposeful outlier sampling of high-performing primary care delivery systems in El Salvador and Honduras, as part of the Salud Mesoamerica Initiative. Case study design is suitable for characterizing individual, interpersonal and collective mechanisms of change in complex adaptive systems. The protocol design includes literature review, document review, non-participant observation, and qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews. Data analysis will use inductive and deductive approaches to identify causal patterns organized as ‘context-mechanism-outcome’ configurations. Findings will be triangulated with existing secondary data sources collected including country-specific performance measurement data, impact, and process evaluations conducted by the Salud Mesoamerica Initiative.

Discussion. This realist evaluation protocol aims to characterize how, why and under what conditions do performance measurement and management arrangements contribute to the improvement of primary care system performance in two low-income countries.
Deep clinical and biological phenotyping of the preterm birth and small for gestational age syndromes: The INTERBIO-21st Newborn Case-Control Study protocol
Authors: Kennedy Stephen H. , Victora Cesar G. , Craik Rachel , Ash Stephen , Barros Fernando C. , Barsosio Hellen C. , Berkley James A. , Carvalho Maria , Fernandes Michelle , Cheikh Ismail Leila , Lambert Ann , Lindgren Cecilia M. , McGready Rose , Munim Shama , Nellåker Christoffer , Noble Julia A. , Norris Shane A. , Nosten Francois , Ohuma Eric O. , Papageorghiou Aris T. , Stein Alan , Stones William , Tshivuila-Matala Chrystelle O.O. , Staines Urias Eleonora , Vatish Manu , Wulff Katharina , Zainab Ghulam , Zondervan Krina T. , Uauy Ricardo , Bhutta Zulfiqar A. , Villar José
Published: October 2018

Background: INTERBIO-21st is Phase II of the INTERGROWTH-21st Project, the population-based, research initiative involving nearly 70,000 mothers and babies worldwide coordinated by Oxford University and performed by a multidisciplinary network of more than 400 healthcare professionals and scientists from 35 institutions in 21 countries worldwide. Phase I, conducted 2008-2015, consisted of nine complementary studies designed to describe optimal human growth and neurodevelopment, based conceptually on the WHO prescriptive approach. The studies generated a set of international standards for monitoring growth and neurodevelopment, which complement the existing WHO Child Growth Standards. Phase II aims to improve the functional classification of the highly heterogenous preterm birth and fetal growth restriction syndromes through a better understanding of how environmental exposures, clinical conditions and nutrition influence patterns of human growth from conception to childhood, as well as specific neurodevelopmental domains and associated behaviors at 2 years of age.

Methods: In the INTERBIO-21st Newborn Case-Control Study, a major component of Phase II, our objective is to investigate the mechanisms potentially responsible for preterm birth and small for gestational age and their interactions, using deep phenotyping of clinical, growth and epidemiological data and associated nutritional, biochemical, omic and histological profiles. Here we describe the study sites, population characteristics, study design, methodology and standardization procedures for the collection of longitudinal clinical data and biological samples (maternal blood, umbilical cord blood, placental tissue, maternal feces and infant buccal swabs) for the study that was conducted between 2012 and 2018 in Brazil, Kenya, Pakistan, South Africa, Thailand and the UK.

Discussion: Our study provides a unique resource for the planned analyses given the range of potentially disadvantageous exposures (including poor nutrition, pregnancy complications and infections) in geographically diverse populations worldwide. The study should enhance current medical knowledge and provide new insights into environmental influences on human growth and neurodevelopment.
Guinea yam (Dioscorea spp., Dioscoreaceae) wild relatives identified using whole plastome phylogenetic analyses
Authors: Magwé‐Tindo Jacqueline , Wieringa Jan J. , Sonké Bonaventure , Zapfack Louis , Vigouroux Yves , Couvreur Thomas L.P. , Scarcelli Nora
Published: October 2018

The genus Dioscorea (Dioscoreaceae) contains several economically important species for human consumption, medical and pharmaceutical uses. The phylogeny of this genus is not yet fully resolved. As a result, the relationships between cultivated yams and their wild relatives are not well understood and this negatively affects the understanding of the evolution of cultivated yams. Here, we reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships of the main African cultivated species with all West African species in order to better circumscribe the crop wild relatives of African yams. Complete plastomes of 57 individuals representing all 17 known Dioscorea species from West Africa were reconstructed. Tree topologies generated using maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood approaches were highly congruent. Six monophyletic groups were obtained. All the species were distinct except within the cultivated clade, where it was not possible to separate the two main cultivated species (D. cayenensis, D. rotundata) from their closest West African wild relatives (D. abyssinica, D. praehensilis, D. sagittifolia). Dioscorea baya formed a monophyletic group closely related to the cultivated clade. We therefore suggest it is included within the yam crop–wild relative complex.