bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the blood supply and efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for patients with liver metastasis using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography
Authors: Wang Zu-Fei , Fan Xiao-Xi , Xu Min , Chen Min-Jiang , Zhao Zhong-Wei , Zhou Jun-Dong , Tu Jian-Fei , Song Jing-Jing , Hu Xiang-Hua , Lu Chen-Ying , Wu Fa-Zong , Zhang Deng-Ke , Chen Li , Liu Lu , Ying Xi-Hui , Xu Xiao-Fei , Ji Jian-Song
Published: May 2017

Our study aims to evaluate the efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in the treatment of patients with liver metastasis using integrated 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography. A total of 97 liver metastasis patients treated by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization were enrolled in this study. The 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography images of liver metastasis patients were collected before and after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization treatment. The efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for the treatment of liver metastasis was evaluated according to the revised Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors guidelines. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine cut-off values of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography parameters (Tsuvmax, Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax, and Tsuvmax/Lsuvmean) for predicting the efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. Progression-free survival and the incidence of postoperative complications were compared. Correlation of Tsuvmax, Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax, and Tsuvmax/Lsuvmean with blood supply and lipiodol deposition in the lesion was analyzed. Among three 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography parameters, the receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax with a cut-off value of 3.56 was the best predictor of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization efficacy. According to the cut-off value of Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax, liver metastasis patients were divided into the Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax ≤ 3.56 and Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax > 3.56 groups. Compared with the Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax > 3.56 group, the Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax ≤ 3.56 group showed a longer progression-free survival and a lower incidence of postoperative complications. The Tsuvmax, Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax, and Tsuvmax/Lsuvmean in the lesion with abundant blood supply were significantly lower than those in peripheral liver parenchyma, while the Tsuvmax, Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax, and Tsuvmax/Lsuvmean in the lesion with lack of blood supply were significantly higher than those in peripheral liver parenchyma. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that lipiodol deposition in the lesion was positively correlated with the Tsuvmax, Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax, and Tsuvmax/Lsuvmean. The Tsuvmax/Lsuvmax of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography may be a good tool for predicting the blood supply and efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for patients with liver metastasis.
Prognostic impact of absolute lymphocyte count/absolute monocyte count ratio and prognostic score in patients with nasal-type, extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Li Na , Zhang Li , Song Hao-lan , Zhang Jing , Weng Hua-wei , Zou Li-qun
Published: May 2017

Nasal-type, extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma is a heterogeneous disorder with poor prognosis, requiring risk stratification in this population. The combined value of baseline absolute lymphocyte count and absolute monocyte count provided prognostic information in some malignancies. However, the evidence requires validation in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma. Aiming to investigate the prognostic significance of absolute lymphocyte count/absolute monocyte count ratio and absolute lymphocyte count/absolute monocyte count prognostic score for extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, a retrospective research was carried out. A total of 264 patients with newly diagnosed extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma were analyzed in this study. The patients’ absolute lymphocyte count and absolute monocyte count tested at initial diagnosis were collected. Receiver operating curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off values for absolute lymphocyte count and absolute monocyte count were 1.0 × 109 and 0.5 × 109L−1, respectively, and for absolute lymphocyte count/absolute monocyte count ratio was 2.85. After a median follow-up of 27 months (range 1–87 months), the 3-year overall survival and progression-free survival was 75.4% and 67.6%, respectively. Patients with absolute lymphocyte count/absolute monocyte count ratio ≥ 2.85 had better 3-year overall survival and progression-free survival than those with absolute lymphocyte count/absolute monocyte count ratio <2.85 (p < 0.001). According to absolute lymphocyte count/absolute monocyte count prognostic score, significant difference has been noticed in 3-year overall survival and progression-free survival (p < 0.001) and high absolute lymphocyte count/absolute monocyte count prognostic score was associated with poorer survival. The International Prognostic Index and Korean Prognostic Index were used for prognosis and showed no significant difference. When adding absolute lymphocyte count/absolute monocyte count ratio and absolute lymphocyte count/absolute monocyte count prognostic score to the International Prognostic Index and Korean Prognostic Index model, additional prognostic information was found. These results suggest that absolute lymphocyte count/absolute monocyte count ratio and absolute lymphocyte count/absolute monocyte count prognostic score might be useful prognostic factors in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma.
The primary growth of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells in vitro is effectively supported by paired cancer-associated fibroblasts alone
Authors: Wang Mei , Wu Chunping , Guo Yu , Cao Xiaojuan , Zheng Wenwei , Fan Guo-Kang
Published: May 2017

Most primarily cultured laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells are difficult to propagate in vitro and have a low survival rate. However, in our previous work to establish a laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cell line, we found that laryngeal cancer-associated fibroblasts appeared to strongly inhibit the apoptosis of primarily cultured laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells in vitro. In this study, we investigated whether paired laryngeal cancer-associated fibroblasts alone can effectively support the growth of primarily cultured laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells in vitro. In all, 29 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma specimens were collected and primarily cultured. The laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells were separated from cancer-associated fibroblasts by differential trypsinization and continuously subcultured. Morphological changes of the cultured laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells were observed. Immunocytofluorescence was used to authenticate the identity of the cancer-associated fibroblasts and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells. Flow cytometry was used to quantify the proportion of apoptotic cells. Western blot was used to detect the protein levels of caspase-3. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the levels of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 7, hepatocyte growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor 1 in the supernatants of the laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and control cells. AMD3100 (a chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 antagonist) and an anti–chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 7 antibody were used to block the tumor-supporting capacity of cancer-associated fibroblasts. Significant apoptotic changes were detected in the morphology of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells detached from cancer-associated fibroblasts. The percentage of apoptotic laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells and the protein levels of caspase-3 increased gradually in subsequent subcultures. In contrast, no significant differences in the proliferation capacity of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells cocultured with cancer-associated fibroblasts were detected during subculturing. High level of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 was detected in the culture supernatant of cancer-associated fibroblasts. The tumor-supporting effect of cancer-associated fibroblasts was significantly inhibited by AMD3100. Our findings demonstrate that the paired laryngeal cancer-associated fibroblasts alone are sufficient to support the primary growth of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells in vitro and that the chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12/chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 axis is one of the major contributors.
The Production of Public Space in a Small Canadian City: An Analysis of Spatial Practices in the Revitalizing of Galt Gardens
Authors: Granzow Michael
Published: May 2017

This article critically assesses a series of spatial practices implicated in the spatial production of a revitalized public park in downtown Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. I find that the park’s revitalization tends to encourage short-term, recreational crowd practice. Specifically, I show how recent material improvements, such as the replacement of park benches and the addition of a plaza and water feature, distinguish between “positive” and “negative” users of the park. I begin the analysis by using Barthes’s influential work on signification to discuss four murals that came to frame the park’s most recent revitalization. Considered as “materials of myth,” I argue that these murals both commemorate and reproduce a depoliticized version of local history, one that relies on certain forgettings. I find that the widely celebrated revitalization of Galt Gardens hinges in part on practices of exclusion and racialization as forms of urban purification.
Pittsburgh compound-B PET white matter imaging and cognitive function in late multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zeydan Burcu , Lowe Val J , Schwarz Christopher G , Przybelski Scott A , Tosakulwong Nirubol , Zuk Samantha M , Senjem Matthew L , Gunter Jeffrey L , Roberts Rosebud O , Mielke Michelle M , Benarroch Eduardo E , Rodriguez Moses , Machulda Mary M , Lesnick Timothy G , Knopman David S , Petersen Ronald C , Jack Clifford R , Kantarci Kejal , Kantarci Orhun H
Published: May 2017

Background:

There is growing interest in white matter (WM) imaging with positron emission tomography (PET).

Objectives:

We studied the association of cognitive function in late multiple sclerosis (MS) with cortical and WM Pittsburgh compound-B PET (PiB-PET) binding.

Methods:

In the population-based Mayo Clinic Study of Aging, 24 of 4869 participants had MS (12 underwent PiB-PET). Controls were age and sex matched (5:1). We used automated or semi-automated processing for quantitative image analyses and conditional logistic regression for group differences.

Results:

MS patients had lower memory ( p = 0.03) and language ( p = 0.02) performance; smaller thalamic volumes ( p = 0.003); and thinner temporal ( p = 0.001) and frontal ( p = 0.045) cortices on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) than controls. There was no difference in global cortical PiB standardized uptake value ratios between MS and controls ( p = 0.35). PiB uptake was lower in areas of WM hyperintensities compared to normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) in MS ( p = 0.0002). Reduced PiB uptake in both the areas of WM hyperintensities ( r = 0.65; p = 0.02) and NAWM ( r = 0.69; p = 0.01) was associated with decreased visuospatial performance in MS.

Conclusion:

PiB uptake in the cortex in late MS is not different from normal age-matched controls. PiB uptake in the WM in late MS may be a marker of the large network structures’ integrity such as those involved in visuospatial performance.
A model for gas permeation in three-dimensional braided seal
Authors: Jing Yuan Yuan , Jiao Ya Nan
Published: May 2017

High temperature three-dimensional (3D) braided seals are required for advanced hypersonic airframe applications to avoid a lot of hot air leaking into the internal structure. The gas permeation of 3D braided seals at room temperature was studied. According to Darcy’s Law, we present a computational model based on K-C equation and Kozeny theory for prediction. The model is combined with microstructure of the 3D four-directional braided seal and 3D five-directional braided seal, to predict the gas permeation as a function of fiber volume fraction, compression ratio, and pressure drop across the seal. The comparison showed that the predictions are in good agreement well with the experimental data. The 3D four-directional braided seal and 3D five-directional braided seal were fabricated and their gas permeation was measured in order to verify the prediction model.
Nanocomposite polyacrylonitrile filaments with titanium dioxide and silver nanoparticles for multifunctionality
Authors: Kizildag Nuray , Ucar Nuray , Onen Aysen
Published: May 2017

Nanocomposite polyacrylonitrile filaments containing titanium dioxide and silver nanoparticles were produced by wet-spinning method with the aim of developing multifunctional filaments showing antibacterial activity, photocatalytic activity, and electrical conductivity. The nanocomposite filaments were characterized regarding their morphology, composition, nanoparticle dispersion, tensile properties, crystallinity, conductivity, thermal properties, photocatalytic, and antibacterial activity. The nanoparticles were observed to be well dispersed. The composite filaments with 3 wt% silver nitrate showed improved crystallinity. The highest breaking tenacity of 8.72 cN/tex was observed for the filament with 1 wt% TiO2 and 3 wt% AgNO3. The conductivity of the nanocomposite filaments were on the order of 10−4 S/cm, which is in the semiconductive range. The nanocomposite filaments displayed both antibacterial and photocatalytic activity. This study showed the possibility of producing multifunctional filaments with the simultaneous addition of different types of nanoparticles into the filament structure.
Iliac Artery Reconstruction With the Superficial Femoral Vein After Major Oncologic Resection
Authors: Fernández-Alonso Leopoldo , Fernández-Alonso Sebastian , Aguilar Esther Martínez
Published: May 2017

The large size of some retroperitoneal tumors and the complex anatomy of the retroperitoneal structures often require en bloc resection of contiguous organs and, sometimes, resection of critical vascular structures. Vascular reconstructive techniques allow reconstruction of major vascular structures, and autologous vein grafting is the preferred option. Although great saphenous vein can be used in select cases, other options must be explored in cases of caliber mismatch between saphenous vein and native vessel. In addition, the use of synthetic grafts should be avoided in potentially infected vascular beds. The use of the superficial femoral vein in such settings is well documented especially in relation to treatment of infected aortic grafts and has the added advantage of appropriate size match for reconstruction of the major abdominal and pelvic vascular structures. Here, we present a case of a 56-year-old woman with a local recurrence of urothelial cancer in the pelvis after radical cystectomy and radiotherapy. Computed tomography (CT) angiography showed the right iliac artery directly involved by the tumor, and vessel resection was necessary to achieve oncologic surgical margins. The tumor was excised en bloc, and vascular reconstruction using the reversed contralateral superficial femoral vein in an end-to-end fashion was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. Patient was maintained on low-molecular-weight heparin for 1 month and then on low-dose (100 mg acetylsalicylic acid) antiplatelet therapy and compression stockings. Six months later, the patient is asymptomatic, without leg swelling, and the CT scan shows patency of the vascular repair and no tumor recurrence.
Uncertainty encountered when modelling self-excited thermoacoustic oscillations with artificial neural networks
Authors: Jaensch Stefan , Polifke Wolfgang
Published: May 2017

Artificial neural networks are a popular nonlinear model structure and are known to be able to describe complex nonlinear phenomena. This article investigates the capability of artificial neural networks to serve as a basis for deducing nonlinear low-order models of the dynamics of a laminar flame from a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation. The methodology can be interpreted as an extension of the CFD/system identification approach: a CFD simulation of the flame is perturbed with a broadband, high-amplitude signal and the resulting fluctuations of the global heat release rate and of the reference velocity are recorded. Thereafter, an artificial neural network is identified based on the time series collected. Five data sets that differ in amplitude distribution and length were generated for the present study. Based on each of these data sets, a parameter study was conducted by varying the structure of the artificial neural network. A general fit-value criterion is applied and the 10 artificial neural networks with the highest fit values are selected. Comparing of these 10 artificial neural networks allows to obtain information on the uncertainty encountered. It is found that the methodology allows to capture the forced response of the flame reasonably well. The validation against the forced response, however, depends strongly on the forcing signal used. Therefore, an additional validation criterion is investigated. The artificial neural networks are coupled with a thermoacoustic network model. This allows to model self-excited thermoacoustic oscillations. If the training time series are sufficiently long, this coupled model allows to predict the trend of the root mean square values of fluctuations of the global heat release rate. However, the prediction of the maximal value of the fluctuation amplitude is poor. Another drawback found is that even if very long-time series are available, the behaviour of artificial neural networks cannot be guaranteed. It is concluded that more sophisticated nonlinear low-order models are necessary.
Equivalence Tests
Authors: Lakens Daniël
Published: May 2017

Scientists should be able to provide support for the absence of a meaningful effect. Currently, researchers often incorrectly conclude an effect is absent based a nonsignificant result. A widely recommended approach within a frequentist framework is to test for equivalence. In equivalence tests, such as the two one-sided tests (TOST) procedure discussed in this article, an upper and lower equivalence bound is specified based on the smallest effect size of interest. The TOST procedure can be used to statistically reject the presence of effects large enough to be considered worthwhile. This practical primer with accompanying spreadsheet and R package enables psychologists to easily perform equivalence tests (and power analyses) by setting equivalence bounds based on standardized effect sizes and provides recommendations to prespecify equivalence bounds. Extending your statistical tool kit with equivalence tests is an easy way to improve your statistical and theoretical inferences.
The Planispheric Optic Array
Authors: Koenderink Jan , van Doorn Andrea
Published: May 2017

The “planispheric optic array” is a full-horizon Mercator projection of the optic array. Such pictures of the environment are coming in common use with the availability of cheap full-view cameras of reasonable quality. This introduces the question of whether the public will actually profit from such pictorial information in terms of an understanding of the spatial layout of the depicted scene. Test images include four persons located at the corners of a square centered at the camera. The persons point at each other in various combinations. Participants in the experiment judge who is pointing at whom in a number of such photographs. It is found that certain very systematic and huge errors are the rule, indicating that naïve viewers are quite unable to parse such planispheric representations.
Effect of Different Display Types on Vection and Its Interaction With Motion Direction and Field Dependence
Authors: Keshavarz Behrang , Speck Martina , Haycock Bruce , Berti Stefan
Published: May 2017

Illusory self-motion (vection) can be generated by visual stimulation. The purpose of the present study was to compare behavioral vection measures including intensity ratings, duration, and onset time across different visual display types. Participants were exposed to a pattern of alternating black-and-white horizontal or vertical bars that moved either in vertical or horizontal direction, respectively. Stimuli were presented on four types of displays in randomized order: (a) large field of view dome projection, (b) combination of three computer screens, (c) single computer screen, (d) large field of view flat projection screen. A Computer Rod and Frame Test was used to measure field dependence, a cognitive style indicating the person’s tendency to rely on external cues (i.e., field dependent) or internal cues (i.e., field independent) with respect to the perception of one’s body position in space. Results revealed that all four displays successfully generated at least moderately strong vection. However, shortest vection onset, longest vection duration, and strongest vection intensity showed for the dome projection and the combination of three screens. This effect was further pronounced in field independent participants, indicating that field dependence can alter vection.
Impact of Cognitive Reappraisal on Negative Affect, Heart Rate, and Intrusive Memories in Traumatized Refugees
Authors: Nickerson Angela , Garber Benjamin , Liddell Belinda J. , Litz Brett T. , Hofmann Stefan G. , Asnaani Anu , Ahmed Ola , Cheung Jessica , Huynh Ly , Pajak Rosanna , Bryant Richard A.
Published: May 2017

While cognitive reappraisal represents a promising emotion regulation strategy to assist refugees with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in managing responses to trauma reminders, there has been no experimental research investigating its efficacy in reducing intrusions and negative affect in this group. In this study, 76 refugees and asylum-seekers with varying levels of PTSD received instructions in cognitive reappraisal or emotional suppression before viewing emotional images depicting trauma-related scenes. Findings indicated that cognitive reappraisal led to fewer subsequent image-related intrusions in refugees high in PTSD symptoms. Trait suppression moderated the efficacy of cognitive reappraisal such that participants high in PTSD who had low levels of trait suppression reported significantly lower levels of negative affect when using cognitive reappraisal compared to emotional suppression. These findings highlight the potential utility of cognitive reappraisal when assisting individuals with PTSD to manage responses trauma reminders and for informing the treatment of the psychological effects of the refugee experience.
Phase 1 multicenter trial of brentuximab vedotin for steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Chen Yi-Bin , Perales Miguel-Angel , Li Shuli , Kempner Maria , Reynolds Carol , Brown Jami , Efebera Yvonne A. , Devine Steven M. , El-Jawahri Areej , McAfee Steven L. , Spitzer Thomas R. , Soiffer Robert J. , Ritz Jerome , Cutler Corey
Published: May 2017

Key Points

BV has activity for SR-aGVHD. The MTD of BV was 0.8 mg/kg every 2 weeks for 4 doses.
Clinical utility of magnetic resonance imaging in first-episode psychosis
Authors: Falkenberg Irina , Benetti Stefania , Raffin Marie , Wuyts Phillipe , Pettersson-Yeo William , Dazzan Paola , Morgan Kevin D. , Murray Robin M. , Marques Tiago Reis , David Anthony S. , Jarosz Jozef , Simmons Andrew , Williams Steve , McGuire Philip
Published: May 2017

Background

There is no consensus as to whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should be used as part of the initial clinical evaluation of patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP).

Aims

(a) To assess the logistical feasibility of routine MRI; (b) to define the clinical significance of radiological abnormalities in patients with FEP.

Method

Radiological reports from MRI scans of two FEP samples were reviewed; one comprised 108 patients and 98 healthy controls recruited to a research study and the other comprised 241 patients scanned at initial clinical presentation plus 66 healthy controls.

Results

In the great majority of patients, MRI was logistically feasible. Radiological abnormalities were reported in 6% of the research sample and in 15% of the clinical sample (odds ratio (OR) = 3.1, 95% CI 1.26–7.57, χ2(1) = 6.63,P= 0.01). None of the findings necessitated a change in clinical management.

Conclusions

Rates of neuroradiological abnormalities in FEP are likely to be underestimated in research samples that often exclude patients with organic abnormalities. However, the majority of findings do not require intervention.
The recovery of factors associated with decision-making capacity in individuals with psychosis
Authors: Fernandez Colin , Kennedy Harry G. , Kennedy Miriam
Published: May 2017

Background

There is limited data on the recovery of factors associated with decisional capacity in patients with psychosis.

Aims

To study the relationship between changes in mental capacity, symptoms and global functioning using structured measures during treatment for psychosis.

Method

Fifty-six patients with psychosis were assessed for capacity to consent to treatment on admission and at 6 and 12 weeks following treatment. The MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool – Treatment, the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale were used to measure mental capacities, symptom severity and global functioning respectively. Treating consultants rated capacity to consent, masked to these measures.

Results

Greater impairments on all measures were found in patients assessed as lacking capacity. These improved with treatment over 12 weeks with significant effect sizes (0.5 to 0.6). Stronger correlations between mental capacities, positive symptoms (-0.47) and global functioning (0.56) were noted in the first 6 weeks.

Conclusions

Impairments in capacity in acute stages of psychosis are related to symptom severity and functional impairment. They improve during treatment, particularly in the first 6 weeks.
Outcomes of Patients With Double-Hit Lymphoma Who Achieve First Complete Remission
Authors: Landsburg Daniel J. , Falkiewicz Marissa K. , Maly Joseph , Blum Kristie A. , Howlett Christina , Feldman Tatyana , Mato Anthony R. , Hill Brian T. , Li Shaoying , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Torka Pallawi , Hernandez-Ilizaliturri Francisco , Reddy Nishitha M. , Singavi Arun , Fenske Timothy S. , Chavez Julio C. , Kaplan Jason B. , Behdad Amir , Petrich Adam M. , Bast Martin A. , Vose Julie M. , Olszewski Adam J. , Costa Cristiana , Lansigan Frederick , Gerson James N. , Barta Stefan K. , Calzada Oscar , Cohen Jonathon B. , Lue Jennifer K. , Amengual Jennifer E. , Rivera Xavier , Persky Daniel O. , Peace David J. , Nathan Sunita , Cassaday Ryan D.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Patients with double-hit lymphoma (DHL) rarely achieve long-term survival following disease relapse. Some patients with DHL undergo consolidative autologous stem-cell transplantation (autoSCT) to reduce the risk of relapse, although the benefit of this treatment strategy is unclear.

Methods

Patients with DHL who achieved first complete remission following completion of front-line therapy with either rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) or intensive front-line therapy, and deemed fit for autoSCT, were included. A landmark analysis was performed, with time zero defined as 3 months after completion of front-line therapy. Patients who experienced relapse before or who were not followed until that time were excluded.

Results

Relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) rates at 3 years were 80% and 87%, respectively, for all patients (n = 159). Three-year RFS and OS rates did not differ significantly for autoSCT (n = 62) versus non-autoSCT patients (n = 97), but 3-year RFS was inferior in patients who received R-CHOP compared with intensive therapy (56% v 88%; P = .002). Three-year RFS and OS did not differ significantly for patients in the R-CHOP or intensive therapy cohorts when analyzed by receipt of autoSCT. The median OS following relapse was 8.6 months.

Conclusion

In the largest reported series, to our knowledge, of patients with DHL to achieve first complete remission, consolidative autoSCT was not associated with improved 3-year RFS or OS. In addition, patients treated with R-CHOP experienced inferior 3-year RFS compared with those who received intensive front-line therapy. When considered in conjunction with reports of patients with newly diagnosed DHL, which demonstrate lower rates of disease response to R-CHOP compared with intensive front-line therapy, our findings further support the use of intensive front-line therapy for this patient population.
A Step Forward in Understanding the Relevance of Genetic Variation in Type 2 Deiodinase
Authors: Medici Marco , Chaker Layal , Peeters Robin P.
Published: May 2017

This article involves the study by Castagna et al. published in this issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism on the association and functional analyses of genetic variation in DIO2.
3′ UTR G-quadruplexes regulate miRNA binding
Authors: Rouleau Samuel , Glouzon Jean-Pierre Sehi , Brumwell Andrea , Bisaillon Martin , Perreault Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that repress the translation of their target genes. It has previously been shown that a target's availability to miRNA can be affected by its structure. G-quadruplexes (G4) are noncanonical structures adopted by G-rich nucleic acids that have been shown to have multiple biological functions. In this study, whether or not G4 structures’ presence in the 3′ UTRs of mRNAs can hinder miRNA binding was investigated. Putative G4 overlapping with predicted miRNAs’ binding sites was searched for, and 44,294 hits were found in humans. The FADS2 mRNA/mir331-3p pair was selected as a model example. In-line probing and G4-specific fluorescent ligand experiments binding were performed and confirmed the presence of a G4 near the predicted miRNA binding site. Subsequent luciferase assays showed that the presence of the G4 prevents the binding of mir331-3p in cellulo. Together, these results served as proof of concept that a G4 structure present in a 3′ UTR sequence should be taken into consideration when predicting miRNA binding sites.
Uncertainty and the Welfare Economics of Medical Care: An Austrian Rebuttal-Part 3
Authors: Gilbert Berdine
Published: May 2017

Part 3 concludes the rebuttal to the argument that health care is special and that marketscannot properly distribute health care. Part 1 was a general discussion of the argument madeby Kenneth Arrow. Part 2 focused on the problem of asymmetric information in health care.Part 3 considers the argument that health care is a human right and concludes that it is not.All aspects of health care are composed of scarce resources which cannot be supplied inunlimited quantity upon demand. The belief that health care is a right leads to subsidies whichdistort the price structure in health care. Rising costs and increasing unaffordability are theinevitable consequences of these subsidies. A health care right becomes an insatiable demand;spending on other aspects of life is crowded out leading to a declining standard of living forthose paying for health care. The assumption that health care is a right causes competitiveinnovation to be replaced by rent seeking behavior particularly the grant of subsidies for veryexpensive treatments with low benefits.
Outcomes after foot surgery in people with a diabetic foot ulcer and a 12-month follow-up
Authors: Lenselink E. , Holloway S. , Eefting D.
Published: May 2017

Objective:

The aim of this study was to retrospectively measure the outcomes of foot-sparing surgery at one year follow-up for patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). We assessed wound healing and the need for further surgery in relation to the variables that influence healing.

Method:

Data were retrospectively collected by reviewing the electronic files of patients attending the Wound Expert Clinic (WEC). Outcomes of surgical debridement, toe, ray and transmetatarsal amputations were assessed.

Results:

A total of 129 cases in 121 patients were identified for inclusion. The results demonstrated that complete wound healing was reached in 52% (61/117) of the patients within 12 months. The need for additional surgery or for major amputation was 56% (n=72/129) and 30% (n=39/129) respectively. The need for an additional procedure was particularly high after surgical debridement (75%, 33/44) and transmetatarsal amputation (64%, 7/11). Risk factors for non-healing or for a major amputation were: infection (p=0.01), ischaemia (p=0.01), a history of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (p<0.01) and smoking (p=0.01). Additional findings were that not all patients underwent vascular assessment and in half of the patients there was a delay in undergoing revascularisation.

Conclusion:

The results of the study reveal some areas for improvement including timely revascularisation and performance of multiple debridement procedures if needed in order to save a limb
Investigating histological aspects of scars in children
Authors: Westra I. , Verhaegen P.D.H.M. , Ibrahim Korkmaz H. , Braam K.I. , Kaspers G.J.L. , Niessen H.W.M. , Niessen F.B.
Published: May 2017

Objective:

Very little is known about histological aspects of paediatric scars and the possible role of the immune system during their formation. In this study, the histology thoracic scars caused by the placement of an implantable central venous access device in children who underwent treatment for cancer was assessed.

Method:

The amount and type of collagen, the collagen orientation, the type of elastic fibres, the vascularsation, and the count of neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes were analysed. The severity of scarring was assessed using the Vancouver scar scale (VSS). To evaluate the role of the immune system on scar severity and histology, the scars of children suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) were compared with the scars of children suffering from other types of childhood cancer.

Results:

Our results showed an extremely random orientation of the collagen fibres of the paediatric scars with a mean collagen orientation index of 0.22 (standard deviation (SD) 0.10, zero indicating a perfectly random orientation and a perfectly parallel orientation). A lower collagen orientation index was seen in scars with a lower VSS score (VSS score <3: 0.19 versus VSS score ≥3 0.29, p=0.037). A higher total VSS score, resembling a worse scar, was assessed to the scars in the non-ALL group compared with the children with ALL (mean ALL: 0.91 (0–3) versus mean non-ALL: 2.50 (0–6), p=0.037).

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating a wide array of histological aspects in paediatric scars. Compared with adult scars, an extremely random collagen orientation was found (0.22 in children versus 0.41 and 0.46 adult normotrophic and hypertrophic scars, respectively). A lower collagen orientation index was found in scars with a lower VSS score. In addition, less severe scarring was measured in children suffering from ALL compared with children suffering from other types of childhood cancer. This suggests that the immune system could play a role in the development of aberrant scarring and should be a target for future research.
Evaluation of autologous skeletal muscle-derived factors for regenerative medicine applications
Authors: Yoshikawa M. , Nakasa T. , Ishikawa M. , Adachi N. , Ochi M.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Regenerative medicine is an emerging field aimed at the repair and regeneration of various tissues. To this end, cytokines (CKs), growth factors (GFs), and stem/progenitor cells have been applied in this field. However, obtaining and preparing these candidates requires invasive, costly, and time-consuming procedures. We hypothesised that skeletal muscle could be a favorable candidate tissue for the concept of a point-of-care approach. The purpose of this study was to characterize and confirm the biological potential of skeletal muscle supernatant for use in regenerative medicine.

Methods

Semitendinosus muscle was used after harvesting tendon from patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. A total of 500 milligrams of stripped muscle was minced and mixed with 1 mL of saline. The collected supernatant was analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and flow cytometry. The biological effects of the supernatant on cell proliferation, osteogenesis, and angiogenesis in vitro were evaluated using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

Results

The supernatant contained several GFs/CKs, with especially high levels of basic fibroblast growth factor, and CD34+ cells as the stem/progenitor cell fraction. With regard to biological potential, we confirmed that cell proliferation, osteoinduction, and angiogenesis in hMSCs and HUVECs were enhanced by the supernatant.

Conclusions

The current study demonstrates the potential of a new point-of-care strategy for regenerative medicine using skeletal muscle supernatant. This attractive approach and readily-available material could be a promising option for tissue repair/regeneration in the clinical setting. Cite this article: M. Yoshikawa, T. Nakasa, M. Ishikawa, N. Adachi, M. Ochi. Evaluation of autologous skeletal muscle-derived factors for regenerative medicine applications. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:277–283. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.65.BJR-2016-0187.R1.
The efficacy of rotational control designs in promoting torsional stability of hip fracture fixation
Authors: Gosiewski J. D. , Holsgrove T. P. , Gill H. S.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Fractures of the proximal femur are a common clinical problem, and a number of orthopaedic devices are available for the treatment of such fractures. The objective of this study was to assess the rotational stability, a common failure predictor, of three different rotational control design philosophies: a screw, a helical blade and a deployable crucifix.

Methods

Devices were compared in terms of the mechanical work (W) required to rotate the implant by 6° in a bone substitute material. The substitute material used was Sawbones polyurethane foam of three different densities (0.08 g/cm3, 0.16 g/cm3and 0.24 g/cm3). Each torsion test comprised a steady ramp of 1°/minute up to an angular displacement of 10°.

Results

The deployable crucifix design (X-Bolt), was more torsionally stable, compared to both the dynamic hip screw (DHS, p = 0.008) and helical blade (DHS Blade, p= 0.008) designs in bone substitute material representative of osteoporotic bone (0.16 g/cm3polyurethane foam). In 0.08 g/cm3density substrate, the crucifix design (X-Bolt) had a higher resistance to torsion than the screw (DHS, p = 0.008). There were no significant differences (p = 0.101) between the implants in 0.24 g/cm3density bone substitute.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the clinical standard proximal fracture fixator design, the screw (DHS), was the least effective at resisting torsional load, and a novel crucifix design (X-Bolt), was the most effective design in resisting torsional load in bone substitute material with density representative of osteoporotic bone. At other densities the torsional stability was also higher for the X-Bolt, although not consistently significant by statistical analysis. Cite this article: J. D. Gosiewski, T. P. Holsgrove, H. S. Gill. The efficacy of rotational control designs in promoting torsional stability of hip fracture fixation. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:270–276. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.65.BJR-2017-0287.R1.
The clinical and cost effectiveness of a virtual fracture clinic service
Authors: McKirdy A. , Imbuldeniya A. M.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

To assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a virtual fracture clinic (VFC) model, and supplement the literature regarding this service as recommended by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA).

Methods

This was a retrospective study including all patients (17 116) referred to fracture clinics in a London District General Hospital from May 2013 to April 2016, using hospital-level data. We used interrupted time series analysis with segmented regression, and direct before-and-after comparison, to study the impact of VFCs introduced in December 2014 on six clinical parameters and on local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) spend. Student’s t-tests were used for direct comparison, whilst segmented regression was employed for projection analysis.

Results

There were statistically significant reductions in numbers of new patients seen face-to-face (140.4, sd 39.6 versus 461.6, sd 61.63, p < 0.0001), days to first orthopaedic review (5.2, sd 0.66 versus 10.9, sd 1.5, p < 0.0001), discharges (33.5, sd 3.66 versus 129.2, sd 7.36, p < 0.0001) and non-attendees (14.82, sd 1.48 versus 60.47, sd 2.68, p < 0.0001), in addition to a statistically significant increase in number of patients seen within 72-hours (46.4% 3873 of 8345 versus 5.1% 447 of 8771, p < 0.0001). There was a non-significant increase in consultation time of 1 minute 9 seconds (14 minutes 53 seconds sd 106 seconds versus 13 minutes 44 seconds sd 128 seconds, p = 0.0878). VFC saved the local CCG £67 385.67 in the first year and is set to save £129 885.67 annually thereafter.

Conclusions

We have shown VFCs are clinically and cost-effective, with improvement across several clinical performance parameters and substantial financial savings for CCGs. To our knowledge this is the largest study addressing clinical practice implications of VFCs in England, using robust methodology to adjust for pre-existing trends. Further studies are required to appreciate whether our results are reproducible with local variations in the VFC model and payment tariffs. Cite this article: A. McKirdy, A. M. Imbuldeniya. The clinical and cost effectiveness of a virtual fracture clinic service: An interrupted time series analysis and before-and-after comparison. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:–269. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.65.BJR-2017-0330.R1.
From ‘African Cinema’ to film services industries: A cinematic fact
Authors: Ureke Oswelled , Tomaselli Keyan
Published: May 2017

This article problematizes the universally used phrase ‘African cinema’ and explores how it can be examined in terms of a film services framework, which includes both industrial criteria and ideological shifts, as a way of deepening screen media studies in searching for a more holistic value chain framework. The main argument is that the idea of ‘African cinema’, especially as defined from racial, continental or ideological points of view, is outworn, reductive and in need of revision. The article complements other scholarly work situated in cinematic fact contexts of production.
Využití aktivit podporujících profesní rozvoj a vnímání jejich překážek učiteli základních a středních škol
Authors: Michek Stanislav
Published: May 2017

Anotace: V souvislosti s výsledky mezinárodního šetření TALIS 2013, se snahou o zavedení karierního řádu a důrazem na profesní rozvoj pedagogických pracovníků nabývají na významu otázky, jak se profesně rozvíjejí současní učitelé v ČR, jaké využívají aktivity podporující jejich profesní rozvoj a v čem vidí překážky svého profesního rozvoje. V příspěvku jsou představeny výsledky dotazníkového šetření. Do výzkumu se zapojilo 2 472 učitelů ze všech krajů ČR, všech typů a druhů škol regionálního školství. Výzkum ukázal rozdíly v preferenci aktivit podporujících profesní rozvoj učitelů v závislosti na typu školy, kde působí, dosaženém vzdělání, genderu učitelů a délce pedagogické praxe. Jako nejvýznamnější překážku uváděli učitelé kolizi aktivit profesního rozvoje se svým rozvrhem.Klíčová slova: Profesní rozvoj učitelů, překážky profesního rozvoje, učitelé.
Reï¬exe jako nástroj změny komunikačního chování učitele: případová studie
Authors: Šeďová Klára
Published: May 2017

Abstrakt: V této studii podrobujeme analýze data získaná prostřednictvím reflektivních rozhovorů s učiteli v rámci vzdělávacího programu zaměřeného na změnu komunikačního chování učitelů. Klademe si otázku, jaký je obsah reflektivních rozhovorů a zda existuje korespondence mezi tímto obsahem a následnou změnou výuky. Ukazujeme, že jde o korespondenci selektivní, neboť učitel zapracovává do své výuky jen selektivně zvolené podněty z rozhovorů. Zároveň se zapracováním změny se jako nepředpokládaný důsledek typicky vynoří nový problém, který je předmětem kritické reflexe v dalším kroku. Dále ukazujeme, jak jsou reflektivní rozhovory formovány odlišným profesním viděním učitelů a výzkumníků a jak je přes toto odlišné profesní vidění možné dospět k souladu. Klíčová slova: Výuková komunikace, akční výzkum, vzdělávání učitelů, reflektivní rozhovory
Přístupy české vzdělávací politiky po roce 1989: Deprofesionalizace učitelství a učitelského vzdělávání?
Authors: Spilková Vladimíra
Published: May 2017

Anotace: Příspěvek je věnován kritické reflexi vývoje přístupů české vzdělávací politiky k učitelské profesi a přípravě na ni po roce 1989. Jsou analyzovány relevantní dokumenty vzdělávací politiky, legislativní návrhy i reálné zásahy decizní sféry v této oblasti v posledních 25 letech. V centru pozornosti jsou mezníky ve vývoji a klíčové problémy – profesionalizace učitelství a její podpora ze strany vzdělávací politiky vs. deprofesionalizace, profesní standard jako soubor klíčových profesních kompetencí, které jsou předpokladem ke kvalitnímu zvládání profese v měnících se nárocích na školní vzdělávání, karierní systém jako prostředek k podpoře profesního růstu učitelů, přístupy ke kvalitě učitelského vzdělávání, míra liberálnosti vzdělávací politiky v oblasti přípravy učitelů v kontextu výrazné kurikulární reformy (akademické svobody na straně jedné a odpovědnost státu za kvalitu vzdělávání a tedy i za kvalitu učitelů na straně druhé), vymezování rámcových požadavků na přípravu učitelů ze strany státu, reálné možnosti a meze Akreditační komise ČR v ovlivňování kvality vzdělávání na fakultách připravujících budoucí učitele.  Klíčová slova: Vzdělávací politika, proměny profese v kontextu proměn školního vzdělávání, profesionalizace a de-profesionalizace učitelství, profesní standard,  kvalita učitelského vzdělávání, fakulty připravující učitele, akreditační komise.
Accomplishing “rapport” in qualitative research interviews: Empathic moments in interaction
Authors: Prior Matthew T.
Published: May 2017

This study seeks to bring a more interactionally grounded perspective to the concept of “rapport” and its relevance for qualitative interviewing practices. Building on work within conversation analysis (CA), it respecifies rapport asaffiliationand, more specifically,empathy. Analysis centers on case study data from an interview with an asylum seeker from the Philippines. It examines how interviewer and interviewee move in and out of empathic moments across the interview sequences as they manage their affective stances related to the events the interviewee describes and, in turn, by managing their empathic alignments with each other. These empathic moments share a number of features: they primarily come after response delays and the interviewee’s response pursuits, they are part of assessment sequences built by lexical reformulation and repetition, they entail stance matching and upgrading mainly through the use of prosodic resources, and they involve the interviewee asserting his primary rights to characterize and assess his own experiences. The article concludes by recommending more attention to the affiliative and empathic dimensions of qualitative interviewing.