bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of the effects of tobacco smoking on cancer treatment: smoking cessation intervention should be integrated into the cancer care continuum
Authors: Kassim Rahil , Osei Ernest , Cronin Kelly A.
Published: May 2019

Background:

The adverse health effects associated with smoking tobacco have been well investigated, and its detrimental effects on cancer treatment outcomes, efficacy and quality of life (QOL) for cancer patients have also been well documented. Tobacco smoke contains many thousands of chemicals, including a plethora of carcinogens, and the exposure of human cells to these carcinogens, and their metabolic activation, is the main mechanism by which smoking-related cancer is initiated.

Materials and Methods:

This paper reports on a narrative review of recent studies in the field of effects of tobacco smoking on cancer treatment, including the effects of carcinogens in smoke on carcinogenesis, cell mutations and the immune system. The health effects of smokeless tobacco, effects of tobacco smoking on cancer treatment, and its impact on surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are reported. The potential risks of second primary cancers or recurrence from tobacco use, the effects of second-hand smoking and cancer treatment, the impact of smoking on the QOL after cancer treatment and the need to integrate smoking cessation programs into the cancer care continuum are also reported.

Conclusions:

Tobacco use has a direct impact on cellular function by inhibiting apoptosis, stimulating proliferation and decreasing the efficacy of cancer treatment; therefore, quitting its use has the potential to improve treatment response rates and survival, as well as reduces the risk of developing second cancers and potentially improves the QOL after treatment. Smoking cessation is one of the most important interventions to prevent cancer and is also essential after the diagnosis of cancer to improve clinical outcomes. Due to the numerous benefits of smoking cessation, it should become a critical component of the cancer care continuum in all oncology programs – from prevention of cancer through diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and palliative care. Evidence-based smoking cessation intervention should be sustainably integrated into any comprehensive cancer program, and the information should be targeted to the specific benefits of cessation in cancer patients.
Attitudes toward assisted suicide requests in the context of severe and persistent mental illness: A survey of psychiatrists in Switzerland
Authors: Hodel Martina A. , Hoff Paul , Irwin Scott A. , Biller-Andorno Nikola , Riese Florian , Trachsel Manuel
Published: May 2019

Objective

Switzerland is among the few countries worldwide where a request for assisted suicide (AS) can be granted on the basis of a primary psychiatric diagnosis. Psychiatrists play an increasingly important role in this regard, especially when the request for AS arises in the context of suffering caused by severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). The objective of the survey was to assess general attitudes among psychiatrists in Switzerland regarding AS requests from patients with SPMI.

Method

In a cross-sectional survey of 1,311 German-speaking psychiatrists in Switzerland, participants were asked about their attitude to AS for patients with SPMI, based on three case vignettes of patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, treatment-refractory depression, or severe persistent schizophrenia.

Result

From a final sample of 457 psychiatrists (a response rate of 34.9%) whose mean age was 57.8 years, 48.6% of respondents did not support access to AS for persons diagnosed with SPMI, 21.2% were neutral, and 29.3% indicated some degree of support for access. In relation to the case vignettes, a slightly higher percentage of respondents supported the patient's wish to seek AS: 35.4% for those diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, 32.1% for those diagnosed with depression, and 31.4% for those diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Significance of results

Although a majority of the responding psychiatrists did not support AS for SPMI patients, about one-third would have supported the wishes of patients in the case vignettes. In light of the increasing number of psychiatric patients seeking AS and the continuing liberalization of AS practices, it is important to understand and take account of psychiatrists’ perspectives.
Design criteria of X-wave launchers for millimeter-wave applications
Authors: Fuscaldo Walter , Pavone Santi C. , Comite Davide , Valerio Guido , Albani Matteo , Ettorre Mauro , Galli Alessandro
Published: May 2019

Bessel-beam launchers are promising and established technologies for focusing applications at microwaves. Their use in time-domain leads to the definition of a new class of devices, namely, the X-wave launchers. In this work, we discuss the focusing features of such devices with a specific interest at millimeter waves. The spatial resolutions of such systems are described under a rigorous mathematical framework to derive novel operating conditions for designing X-wave launchers. These criteria might be particularly appealing for specific millimeter-wave applications. In particular, it is shown that an electrically large aperture is not strictly required, as it seemed from previous works. However, the use of an electrically small aperture would demand a considerably wideband capability. The various discussions presented here provide useful information for the design of X-wave launchers. This aspect is finally shown with reference to the practical design of two different X-wave launchers.
Selectivity and in-band impedance enhancement of a compact slot antenna with defected ground structures
Authors: Yang Hailong , Xi Xiaoli , Wang Lili , Zhao Yuchen , Shi Xiaomin
Published: May 2019

In this study, a new ultra-wideband (UWB) band-edge selectivity antenna with a modified radiation slot using defected ground structure (DGS) is presented to obtain bandpass filtering reflection coefficient and gain performance. The well-designed DGS is designed on backside metallic of the substrate and can be seen as a low-pass filter that provides a good roll-off at a higher frequency. By connecting the DGS and the stepped slot and making them merge with each other, good cut-off property in the upper passband and better in-band impedance characteristics are obtained. Measured results show that the proposed design not only shows good band-edge selectivity in reflection coefficient and gain performance but also has a good impedance matching of −13.5 dB reflection coefficients and a good radiation efficiency of 90% in the operating frequencies. The measured bandwidth defined with the reflection coefficient less than −10 dB is from 3.1–11.2 GHz. Furthermore, the size of the filtering UWB antenna is 22 mm × 12 mm, which is smaller than many individual UWB antennas and UWB filters.
Environmental monitoring and the developmental origins of health and disease
Authors: Almeida Douglas Lopes , Pavanello Audrei , Saavedra Lucas Paulo , Pereira Tais Susane , de Castro-Prado Marialba Avezum Alves , de Freitas Mathias Paulo Cezar
Published: May 2019

Early-life chronic exposure to environmental contaminants, such as bisphenol-A, particulate matter air pollution, organophosphorus pesticides, and pharmaceutical drugs, among others, may affect central tissues, such as the hypothalamus, and peripheral tissues, such as the endocrine pancreas, causing inflammation and apoptosis with severe implications to the metabolism. The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) concept articulates events in developmental phases of life, such as intrauterine, lactation, and adolescence, to later-life metabolism and health. These developmental phases are more susceptible to environmental changes, such as those caused by environmental contaminants, which may predispose individuals to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and chronic noncommunicable diseases later in life. Alterations in the epigenome are explored as an underlying mechanism to the programming effects on metabolism, as the expression of key genes related with central and peripheral metabolic functions may be altered in response to environmental disturbances. Studies show that environmental contaminants may affect gene expressions in mammals, especially when exposed to during the developmental phases of life, leading to metabolic disorders in adulthood. In this review, we discuss the current obesity epidemics, the DOHaD concept, pollutants’ toxicology, environmental control, and the role of environmental contaminants in the central and peripheral programming of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Improving environmental monitoring may directly affect the quality of life of the population and help protect the future generations from metabolic diseases.
Standing to Sue Beyond Individual Rights: Who Should Be Eligible to Bring Environmental Public Interest Litigation in China?
Authors: Gao Qi , Whittaker Sean
Published: May 2019

Formally adopted in 2012, environmental public interest litigation in China has expanded standing beyond individual rights by granting administrative authorities, procuratorates, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) the ability to initiate environmental public interest litigation (PIL). However, the aims of enhancing the enforcement of environmental regulation and the development of the ‘objective legality’ model through civil society have not been met. This is as a result of administrative authorities and procuratorates being granted standing, which inhibits NGOs from initiating their own PIL in line with the aims of the ‘objective legality’ model. In order to promote participation by civil society and its actors in environmental law enforcement, NGOs should be granted preferential standing in environmental PIL. To this end, the current requirements for NGOs to be granted standing should be relaxed, and the standing granted to administrative authorities and procuratorates should be limited or removed.
Sugarbeet tolerance when dimethenamid-P follows soil-applied ethofumesate and S-metolachlor
Authors: Peters Thomas J. , Lueck Andrew B. , Carlson Aaron L.
Published: May 2019

Sugarbeet growers only recently have combined ethofumesate, S-metolachlor, and dimethenamid-P in a weed control system for waterhemp control. Sugarbeet plant density, visible stature reduction, root yield, percent sucrose content, and recoverable sucrose were measured in field experiments at five environments between 2014 and 2016. Sugarbeet stand density and stature reduction occurred in some but not all environments. Stand density was reduced with PRE application of S-metolachlor at 1.60 kg ai ha–1 and S-metolachlor at 0.80 kg ha–1 + ethofumesate at 1.68 kg ai ha–1 alone or followed by POST applications of dimethenamid-P at 0.95 kg ai ha–1. Sugarbeet visible stature was reduced when dimethenamid-P followed PRE treatments. Stature reduction was greatest with ethofumesate at 1.68 or 4.37 kg ha–1 PRE and S-metolachlor at 0.80 kg ha–1 + ethofumesate at 1.68 kg ha–1 PRE followed by dimethenamid-P at 0.95 kg ha–1 POST. Stature reduction ranged from 0 to 32% 10 d after treatment (DAT), but sugarbeet recovered quickly and visible injury was negligible 23 DAT. Although root yield and recoverable sucrose were similar across herbicide treatments and environments, we caution against the use of S-metolachlor at 0.80 kg ha–1 + ethofumesate at 1.68 kg ai ha–1 PRE followed by dimethenamid-P at 0.95 kg ha–1 in sugarbeet.
Efficacy of fall-applied residual herbicides on weedy rice control in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Bertucci Matthew B. , Fogleman Michael , Norsworthy Jason K.
Published: May 2019

Field experiments were initiated near Colt, AR, in the fall of 2016 and continued through the summer of 2018 to evaluate rice tolerance and weedy (or red) rice control after fall-applied very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA)-inhibiting herbicides. A split-plot design was used for the experiment, with the whole-plot factor being winter condition (flooded or non-flooded) and the split-plot factors being herbicide and rate. Herbicide treatments included acetochlor, dimethenamid-P, pethoxamid, pyroxasulfone, andS-metolachlor applied at 1,050, 525, 420, 205, and 1,070 g ai ha−1and at 2,100, 1,050, 840, 410, and 2,140 g ha−1for low rates and high rates, respectively. Herbicides were applied in the fall, then ‘CL172’ rice was drill seeded in the spring of the following calendar year. Weedy rice control differed between years, but acetochlor and pyroxasulfone consistently provided the greatest levels of control across rates and flood conditions. Consequently, herbicides that best controlled weedy rice also caused the greatest injury to cultivated rice. Rice injury did not exceed 13% regardless of herbicide treatment at 3 wk after planting (WAP). However, the high rate of pyroxasulfone caused 20% rice injury at 5 WAP in 2018. Although it was expected that winter condition may affect residual activity of the VLCFA-inhibiting herbicides, herbicide selection and application rate both had much greater effects on rice injury and on weedy rice control. Based on these results, rice injury would be minimal or nonexistent after fall applications of the tested VLCFA inhibitors, and intermediate levels of weedy rice control may be achieved. The implementation of VLCFA-inhibiting herbicides in rice production systems would offer a novel herbicide site of action and offer a degree of selective control of weedy rice.
Need Satisfaction and Frustration in Older People Living in French	Nursing Homes
Authors: Ferrand Claude , Martinent Guillaume , Deliot Maxime , Pont Victoire
Published: May 2019

Abstract. The study examined the profiles of basic psychological needs satisfaction (BPNS) and frustration (BPNF) in a sample of older people living in French nursing homes. It is also addresses the relationships of these profiles with depressive symptoms and adaptation to nursing home. The residents ( N = 134) completed various French self-report questionnaires. Cluster analyses revealed five distinct profiles: (a) High BPNF ( n = 19); (b) Low BPN ( n = 36); (c) Moderate BPNS and low BPNF ( n = 23); (d) high BPNS and moderate BPNF ( n = 33); and (e) High BPNS ( n = 23). Practitioners and staff members should better respect residents’ needs if nursing homes are to become places to live rather than places only to receive care.
Psychosocial Predictors of Sleep Quality in Residents of Nursing	Homes
Authors: Košćec Bjelajac Adrijana , Lučanin Jasminka Despot , Lučanin Damir , Delale Eva Anđela
Published: May 2019

Abstract. This article examines the cross-sectional and long-term prediction of sleep quality (SQ) of 167 older nursing-home residents (80% females, 69–100 years), who participated in the study in 2008 and 2016. SQ was assessed in 2016 by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); Total PSQI was found to be greater than 5 in 71% of participants. The domains of Subjective SQ and Daytime Functioning were relatively good, while Sleep Efficiency was most impaired. The observed set of predictors significantly explained 7–13% of PSQI variance cross-sectionally and 12–18% in the long-term effects analyses. The structure of predictors differed across SQ domains, in both the cross-sectional and the long-term effects analyses, and between the two, indicating the important impact of changes in psychophysiological functioning for current SQ of older adults.
The Influence of Question Wording on Interpersonal	Trust
Authors: Henriques Ana , Silva Susana , Severo Milton , Fraga Sílvia , Ramos Elisabete
Published: May 2019

Abstract. We aimed to evaluate the impact of two question wordings, one more directive (reference, European Social Survey ) and one less directive (modified version), on self-reported trust. Using a randomly equivalent groups design, young adults ( n = 1,681) from the EPITeen cohort completed one of two questionnaires to evaluate trust. The final score ranged between 0 (lowest) and 30 (highest). Cronbach’s alphas were computed to assess reliability, and invariance tests were conducted to test the equivalence of both versions. Lower levels of interpersonal trust were attained with the reference version [ M ( SD):14.4(5.3) vs. 15.6(4.8); p < .001 and p = .005 for mean and variance comparison]. The reference version had better reliability (α = .742 vs. .686; p = .006). Strict invariance was achieved between the two formats, and similar effects of sociodemographic variables on trust were obtained, independently of the version used. The reference version presented better reliability than the modified one, supporting its ability to measure levels of trust among young adults.
Low-cost quantum circuits for classically intractable instances of the Hamiltonian dynamics simulation problem
Authors: Nam Yunseong , Maslov Dmitri
Published: May 2019

We develop circuit implementations for digital-level quantum Hamiltonian dynamics simulation algorithms suitable for implementation on a reconfigurable quantum computer, such as trapped ions. Our focus is on the codesign of a problem, its solution, and quantum hardware capable of executing the solution at the minimal cost expressed in terms of the quantum computing resources used, while demonstrating the solution of an instance of a scientifically interesting problem that is intractable classically. The choice for Hamiltonian dynamics simulation is due to the combination of its usefulness in the study of equilibrium in closed quantum mechanical systems, a low cost in the implementation by quantum algorithms, and the difficulty of classical simulation. By targeting a specific type of quantum computer and tailoring the problem instance and solution to suit physical constraints imposed by the hardware, we are able to reduce the resource counts by a factor of 10 in a physical-level implementation and a factor of 30–60 in a fault-tolerant implementation over state-of-the-art.
Kalium 2.0, a comprehensive database of polypeptide ligands of potassium channels
Authors: Tabakmakher Valentin M. , Krylov Nikolay A. , Kuzmenkov Alexey I. , Efremov Roman G. , Vassilevski Alexander A.
Published: May 2019

Potassium channels are the most diverse group of ion channels in humans. They take vital parts in numerous physiological processes and their malfunction gives rise to a range of pathologies. In addition to small molecules, there is a wide selection of several hundred polypeptide ligands binding to potassium channels, the majority of which have been isolated from animal venoms. Until recently, only scorpion toxins received focused attention being systematically assembled in the manually curated Kalium database, but there is a diversity of well-characterized potassium channel ligands originating from other sources. To address this issue, here we present the updated and improved Kalium 2.0 that covers virtually all known polypeptide ligands of potassium channels and reviews all available pharmacological data. In addition to an expansion, we have introduced several new features to the database including posttranslational modification annotation, indication of ligand mode of action, BLAST search, and possibility of data export.
Millennial-scale glacial climate variability in Southeastern Alaska follows Dansgaard-Oeschger cyclicity
Authors: Wilcox Paul S. , Dorale Jeffrey A. , Baichtal James F. , Spötl Christoph , Fowell Sarah J. , Edwards R. Lawrence , Kovarik Johanna L.
Published: May 2019

A stalagmite from Prince of Wales Island grew episodically between ~75,000 and ~11,100 yr BP; interrupted by seven hiatuses. Hiatuses most likely correspond to permafrost development and a temperature drop of up to 5 °C from modern conditions. Intervals of calcite deposition place tight constraints on the timing of mild climatic episodes in Alaska during the last glacial period, when permafrost was absent, allowing water infiltration into the karst system. These periods of calcite deposition are synchronous, within dating uncertainties, with Greenland Interstadials 1, 10, 11, 12c, 14b-14e, 16.1a, 17.2, and 20c.
Exploiting chitosan and gold nanoparticles for antimycobacterial activity of in silico identified antimicrobial motif of human neutrophil peptide-1
Authors: Sharma Richa , Raghav Ragini , Priyanka Kumari , Rishi Praveen , Sharma Sadhna , Srivastava Sudha , Verma Indu
Published: May 2019

The upsurge of drug resistant tuberculosis is major health threat globally. To counteract, antimicrobial peptides are being explored as possible alternatives. However, certain limitations of peptide-based drugs such as potential toxicity, high cost and relatively low stability need to be addressed to enhance their clinical applicability. Use of computer predicted short active motifs of AMPs along with nanotechnology could not only overcome the limitations of AMPs but also potentiate their antimicrobial activity. Therefore, present study was proposed to in silico identify short antimicrobial motif (Pep-H) of human neutrophil peptide-1 (HNP-1) and explore its antimycobacterial activity in free form and using nanoparticles-based delivery systems. Based on colony forming unit analysis, motif Pep-H led to killing of more than 90%M. tb in vitroat 10 μg/ml, whereas, similar activity against intracellularly growingM. tbwas observed at 5 μg/ml only. Thereafter, chitosan (244 nm) and gold nanoparticles (20 nm) were prepared for Pep-H with both the formulations showing minimal effects on the viability of human monocyte derived macrophages (MDMs) and RBC integrity. The antimycobacterial activity of Pep-H against intracellular mycobacteria was enhanced in both the nanoformulations as evident by significant reduction in CFU (>90%) at 5–10 times lower concentrations than that observed for free Pep-H. Thus, Pep-H is an effective antimycobacterial motif of HNP-1 and its activity is further enhanced by chitosan and gold nanoformulations.
Author Correction: Enhanced skyrmion stability due to exchange frustration
Authors: von Malottki S. , Dupé B. , Bessarab P. F. , Delin A. , Heinze S.
Published: May 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Health-related quality of life after epilepsy surgery: A prospective, controlled follow-up on the Iranian population
Authors: Lotfinia Mahmoud , Maloumeh Ehsan Nazari , Asaadi Sina , Omidbeigi Mahmoud , Sharifi Guive , Asadi Bahador
Published: May 2019

Quality of life is affected by factors such as regional differences in access to treatment choices, and rehabilitation. This study aims to assess the result of epilepsy surgery and its impact on QoL in Iran. The data for 60 patients who underwent epilepsy surgery in Loghman-Hakim hospital between 2003 to 2017 were analyzed prospectively through clinical observation. Clinical variables of interest and the WHOQOL-BREF scale to assess QoL were applied. Scores of operated patients were compared to their preoperative scores as well as epileptic patients controlled with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and healthy individuals. The mean age of surgery group patients was 33.78 (34 male; 26 female). Twenty seven patients underwent temporal mesial lobectomy, 20 anterior callosotomy, and 13 neocortical resections. The average QoL score in healthy group was 72.48, in AEDs controls was 56.16, and in operated patients was 65.61. In addition, analysis showed a significant increase in postoperative QoL of the surgical group compared to the AEDs controls. Epilepsy surgery could be the best approach in patients suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy even in developing countries, which can result in seizure relief and a reduction in the frequency of disabling seizures.
Copper metal–organic frameworks loaded on chitosan film for the efficient inhibition of bacteria and local infection therapy
Authors: Ren Xinyi , Yang Chengyuan , Zhang Liang , Li Sihang , Shi Shuo , Wang Rong , Zhang Xu , Yue Tianli , Sun Jing , Wang Jianlong
Published: May 2019

By rational in situ crystallization, HKUST-1 embedded in a chitosan film exhibits reduced cytotoxicity and restricted copper release, inducing enhanced infectious wound therapy.
The OTELO survey
Authors: Ramón-Pérez Marina , Bongiovanni Ángel , Pérez García Ana María , Cepa Jordi , Nadolny Jakub , Pintos-Castro Irene , Lara-López Maritza A. , Alfaro Emilio J. , Castañeda Héctor O. , Cerviño Miguel , de Diego José A. , Fernández-Lorenzo Mirian , Gallego Jesús , González J. Jesús , González-Serrano J. Ignacio , Oteo Gómez Iván , Pérez Martínez Ricardo , Pović Mirjana , Sánchez-Portal Miguel
Published: May 2019

Aims. We take advantage of the capabilities of the OSIRIS Tunable Emission Line Object (OTELO) survey to select and study the AGN population in the field. In particular, we aim to perform an analysis of the properties of these objects, including their demography, morphology, and IR luminosity. Focusing on the population of Hαemitters atz ∼ 0.4, we also aim to study the environments of AGN and non-AGN galaxies at that redshift.

methods. We make use of the multiwavelength catalogue of objects in the field compiled by the OTELO survey, unique in terms of minimum flux and equivalent width. We also take advantage of the pseudo-spectra built for each source, which allow the identification of emission lines and the discrimination of different types of objects.

Results. We obtained a sample of 72 AGNs in the field of OTELO, selected with four different methods in the optical, X-rays, and mid-infrared bands. We find that using X-rays is the most efficient way to select AGNs. An analysis was performed on the AGN population of OTELO in order to characterise its members. Atz ∼ 0.4, we find that up to 26% of our Hαemitters are AGNs. At that redshift, AGNs are found in identical environments to non-AGNs, although they represent the most clustered group when compared to passive and star-forming galaxies. The majority of our AGNs at any redshift were classified as late-type galaxies, including a 16% proportion of irregulars. Another 16% of AGNs show signs of interactions or mergers. Regarding the infrared luminosity, we are able to recover all the luminous infrared galaxies (LIRGs) in the field of OTELO up toz ∼ 1.6. We find that the proportion of LIRGs and ultra-luminous infraed galaxies (ULIRGs) is higher among the AGN population, and that ULIRGs show a higher fraction of AGNs than LIRGs.
Inhibition-based relaxation oscillations emerge in resonator networks
Authors: Bel Andrea , Torresi Ana , Rotstein Horacio G.
Published: May 2019

We investigate the mechanisms responsible for the generation of oscillations in mutually inhibitory cells of non-oscillatory neurons and the transitions from non-relaxation (sinusoidal-like) oscillations to relaxation oscillations. We use a minimal model consisting of a 2D linear resonator, a 1D linear cell and graded synaptic inhibition described by a piecewise linear sigmoidal function. Individually, resonators exhibit a peak in their response to oscillatory inputs at a preferred (resonant) frequency, but they do not show intrinsic (damped) oscillations in response to constant perturbations. We show that network oscillations emerge in this model for appropriate balance of the model parameters, particularly the connectivity strength and the steepness of the connectivity function. For fixed values of the latter, there is a transition from sinusoidal-like to relaxation oscillations as the connectivity strength increases. Similarly, for fixed connectivity strength values, increasing the connectivity steepness also leads to relaxation oscillations. Interestingly, relaxation oscillations are not observed when the 2D linear node is a damped oscillator. We discuss the role of the intrinsic properties of the participating nodes by focusing on the effect that the resonator’s resonant frequency has on the network frequency and amplitude.
Leserbrief zum Artikel Lipödem – Mythen und Fakten Teil 4 (Liposuktion)
Authors: Baumgartner Axel , Frambach Yvonne , Meier-Vollrath Ilka , Schmeller Wilfried
Published: May 2019

Wir sind den Autoren dankbar, dass sie auf die Schwierigkeiten bei der Bewertung der Liposuktion beim Lipödem hinweisen. Ebenso stehen wir hinter der Einschätzung: „Trotz unklarer Studienlage hat die Liposuktion u. E. dennoch einen Stellenwert bei der Behandlung des Lipödems“. Und wir freuen uns über die Aussage: „Auch wir sehen Patienten, die nach einer Liposuktion eine deutliche Beschwerdebesserung erfahren haben.“ Wir sind uns allerdings nicht sicher, ob damit die Földiklinik nun auch zu den „Liposuktionsprotagonisten“ zählt.
Very Low Frequency of Drug Therapy of Alcohol Dependence in Germany – Analysis of Data of A Statutory Health Insurance
Authors: Scherbaum Norbert , Holzbach Rüdiger , Stammen Gunnar , Kirchof Ute , Bonnet Udo
Published: May 2019

Acamprosate and naltrexone are medications of proven efficacy in the treatment of alcohol dependence. In order to investigate the prescription of these drugs in outpatient routine treatment in Germany (frequency of prescription, duration, medical specialty of prescribing physician), data of a large statutory health insurance were analyzed. Persons were included who were discharged from inpatient treatment with an alcohol-related disorder among their diagnoses during a one year observation period and with no diagnosed additional substance-related disorder (apart from nicotine- and cannabis-related disorders). Thus 12.958 patients were identified (mainly male, 77.9%; at average 51.4 years [+/−12.7] of age). 44.3% of these patients were treated in a psychiatric hospital, the remaining patients in hospitals of other specialties (e. g. 9.2% in departments of surgery). During an observation period of 6 months after discharge, acamprosate or naltrexone were prescribed at least once to 98 persons (0.76% of 12.958 patients; acamprosate n=80, 0.62%; naltrexone n=18, 0.14%). 16 (0.12%) patients were prescribed acamprosate or naltrexone for more than 3 months. Half of the prescriptions were issued by general practitioners. Possible reasons for this under-prescription are lack of knowledge about the drug treatment of alcohol dependence outside of addiction psychiatry, neglect of biological aspects (including medication) regarding etiology and treatment of substance-related disorders, and stigma of patients with substance-related disorders.
One-Pot Synthesis of Polysubstituted Imidazoles Based on Pd(OAc)2/Ce(SO4)2/Bi(NO3)3 Trimetallic Cascade of Decarboxylation/Wacker-Type Oxidation/Debus–Radziszewski Reaction
Authors: Sun Wei , Zhang Mingjuan , Li Peilang , Li Yiqun
Published: May 2019

A novel and highly efficient one-pot synthesis of polysubstituted imidazoles from α-hydroxyphenylacetic acids, diphenylacetylene, and amines has been achieved by Pd(OAc)2/Ce(SO4)2/Bi(NO3)3 trimetallic catalytic system. A series of control experiments showed that this overall reaction occurs through a one-pot cascade process combining the steps of decarboxylation of α-hydroxyphenylacetic acids, Wacker-type oxidation of diphenylacetylene, and Debus–Radziszewski annulation of aryl aldehydes and benzil generated in situ, as well as amines. This reaction represents a novel multicomponent reaction using α-hydroxyphenylacetic acids and diphenylacetylene as sources of aryl aldehydes and a β-diketone. This process exhibits a broad substrate scope and a good functional group tolerance to assemble the corresponding polysubstituted imidazoles in excellent yields (72–88%) under mild conditions.
Fcγ Receptor IIA H/R131 Polymorphism in Patients with Antiphospholipid Antibodies
Authors: Atsumi Tatsuya , Caliz Rafael , Amengual Olga , Khamashta Munther A. , Hughes Graham R. V.
Published: May 2019

A role for Fcγ receptor in the pathophysiology of thrombosis in APS has been hypothesized. The polymorphism of this receptor, FcγRIIA H/R131, is associated with the binding affinity for human IgG2 (i.e. FcγRIIA-H131 isoform has a higher affinity than FcγRIIA-R131). Since anti-β2 glycoprotein I antibodies (anti β2GPI), which play a major pathogenic role in APS, show IgG2 dominant distribution, we investigated the prevalence of receptor isoforms in patients with anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL) by a PCR-RFLP method. We studied 100 Caucasian patients with aPL (57 primary APS, 32 secondary APS to SLE and 11 other diseases with aPL) and 41 healthy controls. H131/H131, H131/R131 and R131/R131 genotypes were found in 21 (21%), 50 (50%) and 29 (29%) in the patient group, and 9 (22%), 23 (56%) and 9 (22%) in control group, respectively. Thus there was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of each genotype in these groups. None of the clinical manifestations of primary APS (arterial/venous thrombosis, recurrent pregnancy loss and thrombocytopenia) was significantly correlated with any FcγRIIA genotype. In conclusion, FcγRIIA polymorphism did not correlate with the manifestations of APS, and FcγRIIA genotype is not a genetic marker of APS.
Detection of Platelets Activated during Acetylcholine-Induced Coronary Vasospasm
Authors: Inoue Teruo , Fujito Tsuneo , Hoshi Kazuhiro , Sakai Yoshihiko , Morooka Shigenori , Sohma Ryoichi
Published: May 2019

Although platelet activation may play a role in coronary artery spasm, platelets activated following coronary vasospasm have not been clinically detected. We performed flow cytometric analysis of activation-dependent granular proteins, CD62P (P-selectin), CD63, PAC-1 (activated glycoprotein [GP] IIb/IIIa) and thrombospondin on the platelet plasma membrane in patients who exhibited acetylcholine-induced coronary vasospasm and compared findings with those in control patients without vasospasm. We simultaneously investigated the plasma levels of thrombin anti-thrombin III complex (TAT), plasmin α2-plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC), and thrombomodulin. In patients with vasospasm, the expression of CD62P, CD63 and PAC-1 on the platelet membrane surface increased in coronary sinus blood samples following coronary vasospasm, although the expression in aortic samples did not change. The TAT level also increased in the coronary sinus after vasospasm. Platelets might be activated by coronary vasospasm within the coronary circulation. The platelet activation process may be modulated by thrombin generation.
The Prominent Pioneering ‘Plateleteer’: Reflections on and Personal Reminiscences of Gustav V. R. Born (1921–2018)
Authors: Scharf Rüdiger E.
Published: May 2019

Among the pioneers in platelet research, Gustav Born was perhaps the most prominent representative, just a real “plateleteer”. He achieved scientific fame for the invention and application of light transmission aggregometry. Importantly, he paved the way for contemporary antiplatelet therapy. Integrating his fundamental knowledge of platelet biology into the pathology of vascular disorders, Born provided seminal contributions to the understanding of atherogenesis and thrombogenesis. He also generated visions for pharmacological strategies that, nowadays, are translated into reality. Inside and outside of science, Born was a great man. He had a deeply held belief in humanity. In this article, his life, scientific career and achievements are appreciated together with personal reminiscences of this outstanding personality.
Individual identification via remote video verified by DNA analysis: a case study of the American black bear
Authors: Ramsey Alan B. , Sawaya Michael A. , Bullington Lorinda S. , Ramsey Philip W.
Published: May 2019

Context
Researchers and managers often use DNA analysis and remote photography to identify cryptic animals and estimate abundance. Remote video cameras are used less often but offer an increased ability to distinguish similar-looking individuals as well as to observe behavioural patterns that cannot be adequately captured with still photography. However, the use of this approach in species with minimally distinguishing marks has not been tested.

Aims
To determine the utility and accuracy of distinguishing characteristics of American black bears, Ursus americanus, observed on remote video for identifying individuals in an open population.

Methods
We compared individuals identified on video with individuals and their sex identified by DNA analysis of hairs collected from hair traps visited by the bears.

Key results
We found that remote video could be used to determine the number of male and female black bears sampled by the video cameras. Specifically, we matched 13 individual bear genotypes with 13 video identifications, one genotype for each individual. We correctly matched ~82% of video identifications with all 38 genotypes collected from hair traps.

Conclusions
We demonstrated that distinguishing characteristics of a cryptic animal in remote video can be used to accurately identify individuals. Remote video complements genetic analysis by providing information about habitat use and behaviour.

Implications
When remote video cameras can be used to identify individuals, a wealth of other information will subsequently be obtained. Multi-year video-based studies can show sex ratios, and relative physical condition; shed light on fine-scale habitat use, such as when and where animals feed and what they eat; and display social interactions and rare behaviours.
What is ‘global’ in an ELT global coursebook?
Authors: Gerday Laura
Published: May 2019

The adjective ‘global’ has become a buzzword in recent years, not least in academia. Within the area of English Language Teaching (ELT) in particular, ‘global coursebooks’ have aroused a great deal of interest, but also much suspicion, as their content turns out not to be as universal as the adjective ‘global’ might literally mean. In this paper, I investigate the 2014New Headway Upper-Intermediate Student’s Bookand bring to light some of the ideological constructions underpinning this supposedly global course material. As a result of this analysis, I provide an expanded characterisation of the ELT global textbook, regarding it as a course built upon standard language ideologies rather than, as suggested by previous studies, as an artefact shaped by a predominantly neoliberal agenda.
Between empires
Authors: Hanes William F.
Published: May 2019

While Tropical Medicine developed as a new discipline at the turn of the 20th century, Rio de Janeiro’s Instituto Oswaldo Cruz was the only major center not directly linked with neocolonialism, although through a program of multilingual study, personnel exchange and an avant-garde translation policy in its journal Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, it parlayed with the science of the colonial powers and made important discoveries. However, political developments led to increasing isolation for the Institute and increasing monolingualism in its journal. By the late 1970s, Memórias had suspended publication and the Institute was on the verge of collapse. Nevertheless, new leadership and a drive towards globalized English helped form Memórias into the most-cited scientific journal in Latin America. This narrative holds important lessons for Translation Studies, the first of which is that the international scientific community, which has historically depended on translation, is worth more careful consideration as an object of study. In this peripheral institute, translation effected international self-projection, which consolidated national prestige through recognition from authorities abroad. Moreover, the questions of power involved in the literature’s current English-language hegemony, faced even by former European colonizers, are removed only circumstantially from those dealt with in the periphery a century ago.
Deteriorated Cardiometabolic Risk Profile in Individuals With Excessive Blood Pressure Response to Submaximal Exercise
Authors: Côté Charles-Emanuel , Rhéaume Caroline , Poirier Paul , Després Jean-Pierre , Alméras Natalie
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Early identification of individuals at increased cardiometabolic risk is an essential step to improve primary preventive interventions. Excessive maximal exercise blood pressure (EBP) has been associated with several adverse outcomes. We examined how submaximal EBP could help us to identify individuals with a deteriorated cardiometabolic risk profile.

METHODS

Data from an observational study of 3,913 participants from a convenience sample were used. Subjects included in the analyses completed a comprehensive cardiometabolic health assessment (resting blood pressure [BP]; waist circumference; lipid profile; HbA1c; submaximal treadmill exercise test including a standardized stage [3.5 mph and 2% slope] with BP and heart rate measurements). Participants were classified on BP response at the standardized stage (Normal or Excessive Response). Excessive response was defined as systolic BP ≥ 80th percentile or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg. Subjects were also classified into five resting BP subgroups according to current guidelines.

RESULTS

The Excessive Response group had more deteriorated cardiometabolic and cardiorespiratory profiles than the Normal Response group (P ≤ 0.01). The Excessive Response group also showed a greater proportion of carriers of the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype in most resting BP subgroups (P ≤ 0.05). Finally, excessive BP response to submaximal exercise showed an independent contribution on cardiometabolic and cardiorespiratory factors beyond age, sex, and resting BP.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that an excessive BP response to a submaximal exercise is associated with a deteriorated cardiometabolic risk profile beyond resting BP profile. Therefore, submaximal EBP represents a simple screening tool to better identify at-risk individuals requiring aggressive preventive lifestyle interventions.
Full-length de novo viral quasispecies assembly through variation graph construction
Authors: Baaijens Jasmijn A , Van der Roest Bastiaan , Köster Johannes , Stougie Leen , Schönhuth Alexander
Published: May 2019

Motivation

Viruses populate their hosts as a viral quasispecies: a collection of genetically related mutant strains. Viral quasispecies assembly is the reconstruction of strain-specific haplotypes from read data, and predicting their relative abundances within the mix of strains is an important step for various treatment-related reasons. Reference genome independent (‘de novo’) approaches have yielded benefits over reference-guided approaches, because reference-induced biases can become overwhelming when dealing with divergent strains. While being very accurate, extant de novo methods only yield rather short contigs. The remaining challenge is to reconstruct full-length haplotypes together with their abundances from such contigs.

Results

We present Virus-VG as a de novo approach to viral haplotype reconstruction from preassembled contigs. Our method constructs a variation graph from the short input contigs without making use of a reference genome. Then, to obtain paths through the variation graph that reflect the original haplotypes, we solve a minimization problem that yields a selection of maximal-length paths that is, optimal in terms of being compatible with the read coverages computed for the nodes of the variation graph. We output the resulting selection of maximal length paths as the haplotypes, together with their abundances. Benchmarking experiments on challenging simulated and real datasets show significant improvements in assembly contiguity compared to the input contigs, while preserving low error rates compared to the state-of-the-art viral quasispecies assemblers.

Availability and implementation

Virus-VG is freely available at https://bitbucket.org/jbaaijens/virus-vg.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Deep brain stimulation has state-dependent effects on motor connectivity in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Kahan Joshua , Mancini Laura , Flandin Guillaume , White Mark , Papadaki Anastasia , Thornton John , Yousry Tarek , Zrinzo Ludvic , Hariz Marwan , Limousin Patricia , Friston Karl , Foltynie Tom
Published: May 2019

How DBS affects information flow along basal ganglia pathways is unclear. Kahan et al. model fMRI data, revealing differences in the neuromodulatory effects of DBS during different behavioural states. The results suggest that DBS has both behaviour-independent effects on basal ganglia connectivity as well as behaviour-dependent neuromodulatory effects.
Sexual Identity, Gender, and Human Fulfillment: Analyzing the “Middle Way” Between Liberal and Traditionalist Approaches
Authors: Moschella Melissa
Published: May 2019

In this essay, I outline fundamental anthropological and moral principles related to human sexuality and gender identity and then apply these principles to analyze and evaluate the views of several authors who attempt to carve out a “middle way” between liberal and traditionalist approaches to these issues. In doing so, I engage especially with the claim that gender dysphoria, rather than being a psychological issue, is a type of biological intersex condition in which one’s “brain sex” is out of line with one’s genital and chromosomal sex. I argue that understanding the human person as a unity of body and soul and recognizing human sexuality as ordered toward the human good of marriage understood as inseparably unitive and procreative reveals the flaws in this position and helps to show why hormonal or surgical gender reassignment therapy is not a medically or ethically appropriate response to gender dysphoria. I also offer an alternative characterization of gender dysphoria and suggestions for responding with true compassion to those who suffer from it.
Rethinking professionalization: A generative dialogue on CSR practitioners1
Authors: Brès Luc , Mosonyi Szilvia , Gond Jean-Pascal , Muzio Daniel , Mitra Rahul , Werr Andreas , Wickert Christopher
Published: May 2019

Studies of emerging professions are more and more at the crossroad of different fields of research, and field boundaries thus hamper the development of a full-fledged conversation. In an attempt to bridge these boundaries, this article offers a ‘generative dialogue’ about the redefinition of the professionalization project through the case of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practitioners. We bring together prominent scholars from two distinct academic communities—CSR and the professions—to shed light on some of the unsolved questions and dilemmas around contemporary professionalization through an example of an emerging profession. Key learnings from this dialogue point us toward the rethinking of processes of professionalization, in particular the role of expertise, the unifying force of common normative goals, and collaborative practises between networks of stakeholders. As such, we expand the research agenda for scholars of the professions and of CSR.
Epistemologies of bordering: Domestic violence advocacy with marriage migrants in the shadow of deportation
Authors: Bhuyan Rupaleem , Bragg Bronwyn
Published: May 2019

Drawing on interviews with service providers and legal advocates in Canada, this article explores how bordering practices shape front-line service delivery with immigrant women seeking safety from domestic violence. Our research examines the implementation of ‘conditional permanent residence’ (conditional PR) between 2012 and 2017. Conditional PR applied to some newly sponsored spouses and partners who were required to cohabit with their sponsoring spouse/partner for two years following their arrival in Canada in order to retain their permanent resident status. We illustrate how conditional PR exacerbated the vulnerabilities already facing spousal immigrants by linking deportation to the failure to cohabit with their spouse. In particular, we examine the implementation of an ‘exception for abuse and neglect’, whereby victims of domestic violence could apply to remove the condition on their permanent resident status. We argue that when service providers mobilized their ‘ways of knowing’ about domestic violence to verify a sponsored spouse’s claims of abuse, they inadvertently took part in regulating ‘deserving’ versus deportable immigrants. This research develops a gendered analysis of deportability towards theorizing how bordering practices operate through the shadow state to regulate racialized immigrant women.