bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rural entrepreneurial space and identity
Authors: Gorbuntsova Tatiana , Dobson Stephen , Palmer Nicola
Published: February 2018

The tourism industry is a capitalist activity concerned with the production, accumulation and distribution of wealth. Power is an important arena for research in this respect as diverse outcomes for the local economy in general, and its players specifically, provide important aspects to study when considering the lives of rural entrepreneurs. However, it may be argued that while Marxist theorists using critical approaches on power have tended to focus on issues around the equality of power relations between actors or stakeholders, the inherently spatial nature of power has received less emphasis. This article focuses on an exploration of the spatiality of power which surrounds entrepreneurship and tourism industry development.
Building consensus on user participation in social work: A conversation analysis
Authors: Leung Terry TF , Lam Barry CL
Published: February 2018

In order to understand how mutual understanding was achieved in discursive interactions between the welfare service users and service practitioners, conversation analysis was conducted in four discussion panels set up for building consensus on the appropriate structure for user participation in service management. Conversations in eight panel discussion meetings were audio-taped for analysing the talks-in-interaction therein. Drawing on the conversation analysis, the article uncovers the dynamics of consensus building among participants from different epistemic communities.

Findings

The study identifies the extent of divergence in views among stakeholders, which could have been obscured by the pressure to acquiesce in platform of face-to-face coordination. In the contest for truth between the welfare service users and service practitioners, personal experience has not been accepted as legitimate resource for supporting truth claims. Having limited argument resources on issues of service management, the welfare service users perceived argumentation in panel discussion a threatening venture that they chose to avoid. Avoidance was also a strategy that panel participants employed to maintain mundane interactions in the face of looming dissents. The article argues that the Habermasian communicative ethics are not panacea to the problem of coordination between the welfare service users and service practitioners. An agonistic model of democracy is called for to shift the objective of communication from gauging consensus to encouraging articulation of disagreements in the intricate user participation project.

Application

The article provides a new direction for developing the user participation imperative to address necessary pluralities among stakeholders of welfare services.
The micro-dynamics of power and performance in focus groups: an example from discussions on national identity with the South Sudanese diaspora in the UK
Authors: Ayrton Rachel
Published: February 2018

In recent years there has been an increasing recognition that both the content of focus group discussions and the interaction that takes place form indivisible facets of focus group data. Interaction, however, is not a neutral activity but one that is infused with the dynamics of power in wider society and in the immediate context of the discussion. I use Bourdieu’s notion of fields of power to analyse focus group discussions on national identity with South Sudanese diaspora in the UK. I argue that the micro-dynamics of power in focus group discussions have relevance to the relations of power in the population group from which participants are purposively sampled and, consequently, their observation enriches research findings. Further, I observe that the guidance literature on the conduct of focus group discussions encourages power-reduction strategies, and requires updating to allow space for the power-infused character of social interaction to manifest itself.
Luminance and pedestrians’ perceived ability to see after dark: Mapping the Netherlands using a citizen science network of smartphone users
Authors: Bierings RAJM , Jansonius NM
Published: February 2018

We studied pedestrians’ perception of their ability to see when outside after dark, the luminance of the pavement after dark and the association between perception and luminance. These data were captured by a citizen science network of smartphone users, with and without an eye disease. They used an app to report their ability to see when outside after dark in their own neighbourhood and measured the luminance of the pavement using the smartphone camera. Logistic regression was used to determine the influence of luminance, age, gender and eye disease on reported ability to see after dark. Amongst those respondents who did not report an eye disease, 11% reported visual conditions they perceived to make walking difficult; this increased to 40% for pedestrians who reported an eye disease. The recorded luminances were typically 0.01–0.1 cd/m2. For those respondents with healthy eyes, the percentage reporting difficult visual conditions increased especially below 0.01 cd/m2; for those with an eye disease, the increase started at higher luminances, which may limit their mobility after dark.
Physical Abuse, Emotional Abuse, and Neglect and Childhood Behavior Problems: A Meta-Analysis of Studies in Mainland China
Authors: Cui Naixue , Liu Jianghong
Published: February 2018

The relationship between three types of child maltreatment, including physical abuse, emotional abuse and neglect, and childhood behavior problems in Mainland China, has not been systematically examined. This meta-analysis reviewed findings from 42 studies conducted in 98,749 children in Mainland China and analyzed the pooled effect sizes of the associations between child maltreatment and childhood behavior problems, heterogeneity in study findings, and publication bias. In addition, this study explored cross-study similarities/differences by comparing the pooled estimates with findings from five existing meta-analyses. Equivalent small-to-moderate effect sizes emerged in the relationships between the three types of maltreatment and child externalizing and internalizing behaviors, except that emotional abuse related more to internalizing than externalizing behaviors. Considerable heterogeneity exists among the 42 studies. Weak evidence suggests that child gender and reporter of emotional abuse may moderate the strengths of the relationships between child maltreatment and behavior problems. No indication of publication bias emerged. Cross-study comparisons show that the pooled effect sizes in this meta-analysis are about equal to those reported in the five meta-analyses conducted in child and adult populations across the world. Findings urge relevant agencies in Mainland China to build an effective child protection system to prevent child maltreatment.
Association Between Dementia Severity and Recommended Lifestyle Changes: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Thoits Timothy , Dutkiewicz Alison , Raguckas Sarah , Lawrence Michael , Parker Jessica , Keeley Jacob , Andersen Nicholas , VanDyken Martha , Hatfield-Eldred Maegan
Published: February 2018

Objective:

Early diagnosis of dementia leads to early treatment which is beneficial to patients and the community. We reviewed initial evaluations from the Spectrum Health Medical Group Neurocognitive Clinic (SHMGNC) to evaluate dementia stage at the time of diagnosis.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 110 randomly chosen initial evaluations from September 2008 to December 2015 at the SHMGNC. Patients underwent a neurological examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and a battery of neuropsychological testing.

Results:

Of all, 78.9% had moderate or severe dementia at diagnosis. The SHMGNC recommended lifestyle changes (medication assistance, financial assistance, driving restrictions, and institutional care) in 75.8% of patients with dementia. The severity of dementia was associated with the number of lifestyle changes recommended. Cohabitation with a caregiver did not lead to an early diagnosis of dementia.

Conclusions:

Patients are not undergoing evaluation at the onset of the dementia process. Diagnosis is delayed. Home-based, patient-centered care may improve early screening and detection of dementia.
Indie Dreams: Video Games, Creative Economy, and the Hyperindustrial Epoch
Authors: Crogan Patrick
Published: February 2018

This essay draws on research undertaken as part of a research network project exploring the growth of independent game producers in recent years and the associated changes in the technological and economic conditions of the games industry in the UK, Europe, and the North American continent. It reflects on the possibilities of and challenges to a critical and creative maturing of video games as a cultural medium, evaluating these in the context of contemporary developments in global technoculture and the digital economy. Bernard Stiegler’s critical analysis of hyperindustrial consumer culture is mobilized in evaluating the dreams for an indie future of video games as a creative force in digital cultural transformation.
Effect of 12 weeks of once-daily tiotropium/olodaterol on exercise endurance during constant work-rate cycling and endurance shuttle walking in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Maltais François , O’Donnell Denis , Gáldiz Iturri Juan Bautista , Kirsten Anne-Marie , Singh Dave , Hamilton Alan , Tetzlaff Kay , Zhao Yihua , Casaburi Richard
Published: February 2018

Background:

The TORRACTO® study evaluated the effects of tiotropium/olodaterol versus placebo on endurance time during constant work-rate cycling and constant speed shuttle walking in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) after 12 weeks of treatment.

Methods:

The effects of once-daily tiotropium/olodaterol (2.5/5 and 5/5 μg) on endurance time during constant work-rate cycle ergometry (CWRCE) after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment were compared with placebo in patients with COPD in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial. Endurance time during the endurance shuttle walk test (ESWT) after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment was also evaluated in a subset of patients.

Results:

A total of 404 patients received treatment, with 165 participating in the ESWT substudy. A statistically significant improvement in endurance time during CWRCE was observed after 12 weeks (primary endpoint) with tiotropium/olodaterol 5/5 µg [14% ( p = 0.02)] but not with tiotropium/olodaterol 2.5/5 µg [9% ( p = 0.14)] versus placebo. In the ESWT substudy, a trend to improvement in endurance time during ESWT after 12 weeks (key secondary endpoint) was observed with tiotropium/olodaterol 5/5 µg [21% ( p = 0.055)] and tiotropium/olodaterol 2.5/5 µg [21% ( p = 0.056)] versus placebo.

Conclusion:

Tiotropium/olodaterol 5/5 µg improved endurance time during cycle ergometry versus placebo, with a strong tendency to also improve walking endurance time. [ ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01525615.]
Abrasion wear analysis in running shoes using a gridded methodology with CIE-L-a-b colour identification
Authors: Chun Yee Glen Lim , Hock Yeo Joon , Nishiwaki Tsuyoshi , Moriyasu Kenta , Harano Kenichi
Published: February 2018

Wear identification and projection have eluded shoe manufacturers due to the myriad of factors that affect the abrasion wear of shoes. Using a gridded three-dimensional cloud comparison in CloudCompare software, abrasion wear thickness of shoes was identified using the CIE-L-a-b colour system that is interpolated with the physical formula representation of colours. After obtaining the thickness lost, other wear factors like the material properties of the shoe sole, the runners’ personal profile and the running schedule were combined for wear projection. The methodological process from a non-destructive wear detection to wear projection allows shoe manufacturers to reduce the iterations of wear testing while maximizing the entire analysis of shoe wear. Shoe samples were kindly sponsored by ASICS Institute of Sport Science.
Numerical simulation of the deflagration-to-detonation transition of iso-octane vapor in an obstacle-filled tube
Authors: Ma Hu , Xia Zhenjuan , Gao Wei , Zhuo Changfei , Wang Dong
Published: February 2018

Flame acceleration and deflagration-to-detonation transition of an iso-octane vapor–air mixture in an obstacle-filled detonation tube were simulated by solving Navier–Stokes equations with a single-step reaction mechanism. A variable specific heat ratio was used in these simulations. Detonation cell size was successfully simulated for the iso-octane vapor–air mixture. Two methods for initiating detonation waves were revealed in a detonation tube with obstacles. Pressure and flame parameters, such as the temporal variation of total energy release rate, flame front location, propagation velocity of the flame front, and flame front area, were investigated during the flame acceleration and deflagration-to-detonation transition process. According to the variation of these parameters, flame acceleration and deflagration-to-detonation transition processes could be divided into four stages, i.e. the early stage of flame acceleration, the middle stage of flame acceleration, the end stage of flame acceleration, and the detonation transition stage. The effects of activation energy and pre-exponential factor on deflagration-to-detonation transition processes were examined. The results indicate that the pre-exponential factor and activation energy influence the flame parameters, but not the development law of flame acceleration or deflagration-to-detonation transition processes. For lower reactants activity, detonation wave is easy to fail in couple while bypassing obstacles in the obstacle-filled detonation tube, which causes a large fluctuation in flame propagation velocity and total energy release rate. The length of detonation tube filled by obstacles should not be more than deflagration-to-detonation transition distance. These investigations are conducive to understanding the flame acceleration and deflagration-to-detonation transition and developing detonation combustion chamber of pulse detonation engine.
Using exploratory factor analysis and Bourdieu’s concept of the illusio to examine inequality in an English school
Authors: Griffiths Austin
Published: February 2018

This article examines how exploratory factor analysis and Bourdieu’s concept of the illusio were applied to a study of an English secondary school in a disadvantaged area of the West Midlands. It examined the attitudes of the school’s entire cohort of 156 students during their first year at the school. By comparing the students’ self-reported attitudes to school and school practitioners’ perceptions of students’ attitudes to school, the study found that students from poorer backgrounds and those with a lower level of cultural capital were viewed more negatively than others by teachers and pastoral managers. Exploratory factor analysis was used to create robust economic and cultural capital profiles that reflected the capital within the field of the school. Exploratory factor analysis also created thematic factor scores from the data collected from both the students and the practitioners. The study found that the school, through ability grouping, created an elite group of high-capital students who practitioners perceived more positively than other students. However, this was not reflected in the students’ self-reported views of the school. The findings suggested that although the outward appearance of the schooling had changed considerably since the tripartite system was introduced, the nature of the illusio, and the students advantaged and disadvantaged by it, remained fundamentally the same.
Imaging and classification of osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum: X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography?
Authors: van den Ende Kimberly I. M. , Keijsers Renée , van den Bekerom Michel P. J. , Eygendaal Denise
Published: February 2018

Background

Diagnosing capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) can be difficult, causing delay in treating young athletes. The main aim of this retrospective diagnostic study was to determine which radiological technique is preferred to identify and classify elbow OCD.

Methods

We identified young patients who underwent elbow arthroscopy because of symptomatic OCD. We included all patients who had pre-operative radiographs, a computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) available. We assessed whether the osteochondral lesion could be identified using the various imaging modalities. All lesions were classified according to previous classifications for X-ray, CT and MRI, respectively. These results were compared with findings at arthroscopy.

Results

Twenty-five patients had pre-operative radiographs as well as CT scans and MRI. In six patients, the lesion was not visible on standard X-ray. In 20 patients, one or two loose bodies were found during surgery, consistent with an unstable lesion. Pre-operatively, this was seen on 11 X-rays, 13 MRIs and 18 CT scans.

Conclusions

Capitellar OCD lesions are not always visible on standard X-rays. A CT appears to be the preferred imaging technique to confirm diagnosis of OCD. Loose bodies are often missed, especially on standard X-rays and MRIs.
High Rate of Return to Yoga for Athletes After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome
Authors: Frank Rachel M. , Ukwuani Gift , Allison Bradley , Clapp Ian , Nho Shane J.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is most commonly diagnosed in patients who perform activities that require repetitive hip flexion and rotational loading. Yoga is an activity growing in popularity that involves these motions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients’ ability to return to yoga after hip arthroscopy for FAIS.

Hypothesis:

There would be a high rate of return to yoga after hip arthroscopy.

Study Design:

Retrospective analysis.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Methods:

Consecutive patients with FAIS who had identified themselves as participating in yoga and had undergone hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAIS between 2012 and 2015 were reviewed. Demographic data were collected and assessed for all patients, as well as preoperative physical examination, imaging, and patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores, including the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL) and Sports-Specific (HOS-SS) subscales, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Postoperatively, examination and PRO data were collected at a minimum 1 year after surgery, including a yoga-specific questionnaire.

Results:

A total of 42 patients (90% female; mean age, 35 ± 9 years; mean body mass index, 23.1 ± 3.2 kg/m2) were included. Thirty patients (71%) had to discontinue their yoga routine preoperatively because of hip-related symptoms at a mean 9.5 ± 8.2 months before surgery. After surgery, 39 patients (93%) were able to return to yoga at a mean 5.3 ± 2.2 months after surgery. Two of the 3 patients who did not return to yoga noted loss of interest as their reason for stopping, while 1 patient was unable to return because of persistent hip pain. Nineteen patients (45%) returned to a higher level of yoga practice, 17 patients (40%) returned to the same level, and 3 patients (7%) returned to a lower level. There was no difference in the number of hours spent practicing yoga per week pre- and postoperatively (2.7 ± 1.9 vs 2.5 ± 1.3 hours; P = 0.44). All patients demonstrated significant improvement in all PROs as well as pain scores after surgery (HOS-ADL, 67.4 ± 18.3 to 93.1 ± 6.9 [ P < 0.001]; HOS-SS, 45.6 ± 24.7 to 81.5 ± 18.8 [ P < 0.001]; mHHS, 62.3 ± 11.3 to 86.8 ± 12.3 [ P < 0.0001]; VAS pain, 6.3 ± 2.2 to 0.90 ± 1.1 [ P < 0.001]).

Conclusion:

Patients participating in yoga return to yoga 93% of the time and at a mean 5.3 ± 2.2 months after hip arthroscopy for FAIS.

Clinical Relevance:

Information regarding surgical outcomes is critical in counseling patients, particularly female athletes, on their expectations with respect to returning to yoga after hip arthroscopy for FAIS.
Skull Base Metastasis Revealed by Bone Scintigraphy in a Patient With Hypoglossal Nerve Palsy
Authors: Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Sioka Chrissa , Chondrogiorgi Maria , Papadopoulos Athanasios , Fotopoulos Andreas , Kyritsis Athanassios P. , Ragos Vasileios
Published: February 2018

Even though different imaging modalities are available in sole or in combination for the optimal detection of bone metastases, whole-body bone scintigraphy (BS) in a single session seems to be advantageous. We present an 80-year-old male with unilateral left hypoglossal nerve palsy (HNP) and no other focal deficits on neurological examination. Initial brain computed tomography (CT) scan revealed no pathological findings, while the subsequent cranial CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans uncovered only mild nonspecific sclerotic lesions in left occipital condyle. All laboratory examinations were within normal limits, except for an elevated alkaline phosphatase (170 U/L) and a markedly increased prostate-specific antigen (609 ng/mL). The patient underwent whole-body BS with technetium-99m that revealed increased radiotracer deposition compatible with metastases in multiple foci, including the left occipital condyle. Prostate biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of prostate adenocarcinoma. Our case suggests that a complete and thorough workup for hidden malignancies should be performed in all patients with HNP, even in the absence of a finding in brain neuroimaging. Bone scintigraphy is an essential investigation that should be considered in uncertain cases of HNP, and especially in those with negative CT and MRI scans.
Public opinion and the end of apartheid
Authors: Carrión Julio F , Kaufman Stuart J
Published: February 2018

Why did whites in South Africa come to support the dismantling of the apartheid system that gave them a monopoly of political power? We use a reformulated version of symbolic politics to address this puzzle, showing that white attitudes toward political change were primarily driven by symbolic predispositions regarding race, ideology, party, and specific leaders, as well as various sorts of threat perceptions. Strong attachments to the National Party and de Klerk, low perceptions of threat, more tolerant racial attitudes, and more socially and politically liberal values increased the likelihood of whites supporting policies consistent with the ending of apartheid. We also find that assessments of the economy, both personal and national, have no influence on this attitude. We use South Africa’s Human Sciences Research Council data collected during the crucial 1991–1992 period.
Severe Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis With Significantly Elevated Ferritin Levels in an Immunocompetent Host in Pennsylvania: A Case Report
Authors: Camacci Mona L. , Panganiban Ronaldo Paolo , Pattison Zachary , Haghayeghi Kamyar , Daly Alexander , Ojevwe Cindy , Munyon Ryan J.
Published: February 2018

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a tick-borne, infectious disease caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum that generally presents with nonspecific symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, malaise, and myalgia. If not treated immediately, HGA can cause hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a well-documented but underrecognized sequela of severe HGA. In this article, we report a case of severe HGA with hyperferritinemia in a 74-year-old male from Central Pennsylvania who initially presented with recurrent fevers, nausea, and malaise to our emergency department and was subsequently discharged home that same day. Ten days later, the patient returned with acute kidney injury, elevated liver transaminases, and profound hyperferritinemia to 5130 ng/mL. Empiric doxycycline was administered for suspected tick-borne disease and serologies eventually came back positive for anti– Anaplasma phagocytophilum antibodies. The patient returned to baseline status 15 days after discharge. Our case shows the challenges in the timely diagnosis of HGA and highlights the role of serum ferritin in aiding this diagnosis. Although our patient did not fulfill the HLH diagnostic criteria, our report demonstrates the importance of recognizing HGA as a reversible cause of HLH.
Evidence of Early Emergence of the Primary Dentition in a Northern Plains American Indian Population
Authors: Dawson D.V. , Blanchette D.R. , Douglass J.M. , Tinanoff N. , Kramer K.W.O. , Warren J.J. , Phipps K.R. , Starr D.E. , Marshall T.A. , Mabry T.R. , Pagan-Rivera K. , Banas J.A. , Drake D.R.
Published: February 2018

The purposes of this study were to describe primary tooth emergence in an American Indian (AI) population during the first 36 mo of life to compare 1) patterns of emergence between male and female children and 2) tooth emergence between these AI children and other U.S. ethnic groups. Data were derived from a birth cohort of 239 AI children from a Northern Plains tribe participating in a longitudinal study of early childhood caries, with examination data at target ages of 8, 12, 16, 22, 28, and 36 mo of age (±1 mo). Patterns of emergence in AI children were characterized and sex comparisons accomplished with interval-censored survival methodology. Numbers of erupted teeth in AI children at each age were compared via Kruskal-Wallis tests against those in children of the same age, as drawn from a cross-sectional study of dental caries patterns in Arizona; these comparisons were based on the dental examinations of 547 White non-Hispanic and 677 Hispanic children. Characterization of time to achievement of various milestones—including emergence of the anterior teeth, the first molars, and the complete primary dentition—provided no evidence of sex differences among AI children. AI children had significantly more teeth present at 8 mo (median, 3) than either White non-Hispanic ( P < 0.0063) or Hispanic ( P < 0.0001) children (median, 2 each). This was also true at 12 mo ( P < 0.001; medians, 8 vs. 6 and 7, respectively) and 16 mo ( P < 0.001; medians, 12 vs. 11 each). Less pronounced differences were seen at 22 mo ( P < 0.0001). White non-Hispanic and Hispanic children did not differ at any time considered ( P > 0.05). These results provide evidence of earlier tooth emergence in AI children than in the other 2 ethnicities. Although the underlying etiology of the severity of early childhood caries in AI children is likely to be multifactorial, earlier tooth emergence may be a contributing factor.

Knowledge Transfer Statement: The findings of this study have practical implications for practitioners providing childhood oral health care to ethnic groups with early tooth emergence. It may be important to provide parents with information on toothbrushing, dentist visits, and other practices supportive of good oral health as early as possible to protect their children’s primary dentition.
Drip and ship versus direct to endovascular thrombectomy: The impact of treatment times on transport decision-making
Authors: Holodinsky Jessalyn K , Patel Alka B , Thornton John , Kamal Noreen , Jewett Lauren R , Kelly Peter J , Murphy Sean , Collins Ronan , Walsh Thomas , Cronin Simon , Power Sarah , Brennan Paul , O’hare Alan , McCabe Dominick JH , Moynihan Barry , Looby Seamus , Wyse Gerald , McCormack Joan , Marsden Paul , Harbison Joseph , Hill Michael D , Williams David
Published: February 2018

Introduction

In ischaemic stroke care, fast reperfusion is essential for disability free survival. It is unknown if bypassing thrombolysis centres in favour of endovascular thrombectomy (mothership) outweighs transport to the nearest thrombolysis centre for alteplase and then transfer for endovascular thrombectomy (drip-and-ship). We use conditional probability modelling to determine the impact of treatment times on transport decision-making for acute ischaemic stroke.

Materials and methods

Probability of good outcome was modelled using a previously published framework, data from the Irish National Stroke Register, and an endovascular thrombectomy registry at a tertiary referral centre in Ireland. Ireland was divided into 139 regions, transport times between each region and hospital were estimated using Google’s Distance Matrix Application Program Interface. Results were mapped using ArcGIS 10.3.

Results

Using current treatment times, drip-and-ship rarely predicts best outcomes. However, if door to needle times are reduced to 30 min, drip-and-ship becomes more favourable; even more so if turnaround time (time from thrombolysis to departure for the endovascular thrombectomy centre) is also reduced. Reducing door to groin puncture times predicts better outcomes with the mothership model.

Discussion

This is the first case study modelling pre-hospital transport for ischaemic stroke utilising real treatment times in a defined geographic area. A moderate improvement in treatment times results in significant predicted changes to the optimisation of a national acute stroke patient transport strategy.

Conclusions

Modelling patient transport for system-level planning is sensitive to treatment times at both thrombolysis and thrombectomy centres and has important implications for the future planning of thrombectomy services.
Hypoxia-inducible KDM3A addiction in multiple myeloma
Authors: Ikeda Sho , Kitadate Akihiro , Abe Fumito , Takahashi Naoto , Tagawa Hiroyuki
Published: February 2018

Key Points

Under hypoxia, KDM3A, but not IRF4, leads myeloma cells to acquire an antiapoptotic phenotype. KDM3A regulates a long noncoding RNA, MALAT1, leading to upregulation of glycolytic genes under hypoxia.
Acute vitamin C improves cardiac function, not exercise capacity, in adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Scalzo Rebecca L. , Bauer Timothy A. , Harrall Kylie , Moreau Kerrie , Ozemek Cemal , Herlache Leah , McMillin Shawna , Huebschmann Amy G. , Dorosz Jennifer , Reusch Jane E. B. , Regensteiner Judith G.
Published: February 2018

Background

People with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have impaired exercise capacity, even in the absence of complications, which is predictive of their increased cardiovascular mortality. Cardiovascular dysfunction is one potential cause of this exercise defect. Acute infusion of vitamin C has been separately shown to improve diastolic and endothelial function in prior studies. We hypothesized that acute vitamin C infusion would improve exercise capacity and that these improvements would be associated with improved cardiovascular function.

Methods

Adults with T2D (n = 31, 7 female, 24 male, body mass index (BMI): 31.5 ± 0.8 kg/m2) and BMI-similar healthy adults (n = 21, 11 female, 10 male, BMI: 30.4 ± 0.7 kg/m2) completed two randomly ordered visits: IV infusion of vitamin C (7.5 g) and a volume-matched saline infusion. During each visit peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD), reactive hyperemia (RH; plethysmography), and cardiac echocardiography were measured. General linear mixed models were utilized to assess the differences in all study variables.

Results

Acute vitamin C infusion improved diastolic function, assessed by lateral and septal E:E’ (P < 0.01), but did not change RH (P = 0.92), or VO2peak (P = 0.33) in any participants.

Conclusion

Acute vitamin C infusion improved diastolic function but did not change FMD, forearm reactive hyperemia, or peak exercise capacity. Future studies should further clarify the role of endothelial function as well as other possible physiological causes of exercise impairment in order to provide potential therapeutic targets.

Trial registration NCT00786019. Prospectively registered May 2008
Successful treatment of extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii ventriculitis with polymyxin B and tigecycline- a case report
Authors: Guo Wei , Guo Shao-Chun , Li Min , Li Li-Hong , Qu Yan
Published: February 2018

Background

Acinetobacter baumannii nosocomial ventriculitis/meningitis, especially those due to drug-resistant strains, has substantially increased over recent years. However, limited therapeutic options exist for the Acinetobacter baumannii ventriculitis/meningitis because of the poor penetration rate of most antibiotics through the blood-brain barrier.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old male patient developed ventriculitis from an extensively drug-resistant strain of Acinetobacter baumannii after the decompressive craniectomy for severe traumatic brain injury. The patient was successfully treated with intraventricular and intravenous polymyxin B together with intravenous tigecycline.

Conclusions

The case illustrates intraventricular polymyxin B can be a therapeutic option against extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii ventriculitis.
Efficacy of Chemotherapy for ER-Negative and ER-Positive Isolated Locoregional Recurrence of Breast Cancer: Final Analysis of the CALOR Trial
Authors: Wapnir Irene L. , Price Karen N. , Anderson Stewart J. , Robidoux André , Martín Miguel , Nortier Johan W.R. , Paterson Alexander H.G. , Rimawi Mothaffar F. , Láng István , Baena-Cañada José Manuel , Thürlimann Beat , Mamounas Eleftherios P. , Geyer Charles E. , Gelber Shari , Coates Alan S. , Gelber Richard D. , Rastogi Priya , Regan Meredith M. , Wolmark Norman , Aebi Stefan ,   on behalf of the International Breast Cancer Study Group,   NRG Oncology, GEICAM Spanish Breast Cancer Group, BOOG Dutch Breast Cancer Trialists' Group,   Breast International Group
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Isolated locoregional recurrence (ILRR) predicts a high risk of developing breast cancer distant metastases and death. The Chemotherapy as Adjuvant for LOcally Recurrent breast cancer (CALOR) trial investigated the effectiveness of chemotherapy (CT) after local therapy for ILRR. A report at 5 years of median follow-up showed significant benefit of CT for estrogen receptor (ER)–negative ILRR, but additional follow-up was required in ER-positive ILRR.

Patients and Methods

CALOR was an open-label, randomized trial for patients with completely excised ILRR after unilateral breast cancer. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive CT or no CT and stratified by prior CT, hormone receptor status, and location of ILRR. Patients with hormone receptor–positive ILRR received adjuvant endocrine therapy. Radiation therapy was mandated for patients with microscopically involved margins, and anti–human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 therapy was optional. End points were disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival, and breast cancer-free interval.

Results

From August 2003 to January 2010, 162 patients were enrolled: 58 with ER-negative and 104 with ER-positive ILRR. At 9 years of median follow-up, 27 DFS events were observed in the ER-negative group and 40 in the ER-positive group. The hazard ratios (HR) of a DFS event were 0.29 (95% CI, 0.13 to 0.67; 10-year DFS, 70% v 34%, CT v no CT, respectively) in patients with ER-negative ILRR and 1.07 (95% CI, 0.57 to 2.00; 10-year DFS, 50% v 59%, respectively) in patients with ER-positive ILRR ( Pinteraction= .013). HRs were 0.29 (95% CI, 0.13 to 0.67) and 0.94 (95% CI, 0.47 to 1.85), respectively, for breast cancer-free interval ( Pinteraction= .034) and 0.48 (95% CI, 0.19 to 1.20) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.32 to 1.55), respectively, for overall survival ( Pinteraction= .53). Results for the three end points were consistent in multivariable analyses adjusting for location of ILRR, prior CT, and interval from primary surgery.

Conclusion

The final analysis of CALOR confirms that CT benefits patients with resected ER-negative ILRR and does not support the use of CT for ER-positive ILRR.
Management of Immune-Related Adverse Events in Patients Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline
Authors: Brahmer Julie R. , Lacchetti Christina , Schneider Bryan J. , Atkins Michael B. , Brassil Kelly J. , Caterino Jeffrey M. , Chau Ian , Ernstoff Marc S. , Gardner Jennifer M. , Ginex Pamela , Hallmeyer Sigrun , Holter Chakrabarty Jennifer , Leighl Natasha B. , Mammen Jennifer S. , McDermott David F. , Naing Aung , Nastoupil Loretta J. , Phillips Tanyanika , Porter Laura D. , Puzanov Igor , Reichner Cristina A. , Santomasso Bianca D. , Seigel Carole , Spira Alexander , Suarez-Almazor Maria E. , Wang Yinghong , Weber Jeffrey S. , Wolchok Jedd D. , Thompson John A. ,   in collaboration with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
Published: February 2018

Purpose

To increase awareness, outline strategies, and offer guidance on the recommended management of immune-related adverse events in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICPi) therapy.

Methods

A multidisciplinary, multi-organizational panel of experts in medical oncology, dermatology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, pulmonology, endocrinology, urology, neurology, hematology, emergency medicine, nursing, trialist, and advocacy was convened to develop the clinical practice guideline. Guideline development involved a systematic review of the literature and an informal consensus process. The systematic review focused on guidelines, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and case series published from 2000 through 2017.

Results

The systematic review identified 204 eligible publications. Much of the evidence consisted of systematic reviews of observational data, consensus guidelines, case series, and case reports. Due to the paucity of high-quality evidence on management of immune-related adverse events, recommendations are based on expert consensus.

Recommendations

Recommendations for specific organ system–based toxicity diagnosis and management are presented. While management varies according to organ system affected, in general, ICPi therapy should be continued with close monitoring for grade 1 toxicities, with the exception of some neurologic, hematologic, and cardiac toxicities. ICPi therapy may be suspended for most grade 2 toxicities, with consideration of resuming when symptoms revert to grade 1 or less. Corticosteroids may be administered. Grade 3 toxicities generally warrant suspension of ICPis and the initiation of high-dose corticosteroids (prednisone 1 to 2 mg/kg/d or methylprednisolone 1 to 2 mg/kg/d). Corticosteroids should be tapered over the course of at least 4 to 6 weeks. Some refractory cases may require infliximab or other immunosuppressive therapy. In general, permanent discontinuation of ICPis is recommended with grade 4 toxicities, with the exception of endocrinopathies that have been controlled by hormone replacement. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/supportive-care-guidelines and www.asco.org/guidelineswiki .
Negative Association Between Sclerostin and INSL3 in Isolated Human Osteocytes and in Klinefelter Syndrome: New Hints for Testis–Bone Crosstalk
Authors: Di Nisio Andrea , De Toni Luca , Rocca Maria Santa , Ghezzi Marco , Selice Riccardo , Taglialavoro Giuseppe , Ferlin Alberto , Foresta Carlo
Published: February 2018

Context

The regulation of bone mass by the testis is a well-recognized mechanism, but the role of Leydig-specific marker insulin-like 3 peptide (INSL3) on the most abundant bone cell population, osteocytes, is unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between INSL3 and sclerostin, an osteocyte-specific protein that negatively regulates bone formation.

Design

Serum sclerostin and INSL3 levels were evaluated in Klinefelter syndrome (KS) and healthy controls. In vitro effect of INSL3 on sclerostin production was evaluated in human cultured osteocytes.

Patients

A total of 103 KS patients and 60 age- and sex-matched controls were recruited.

Main Outcome Measures

Serum sclerostin and INSL3 levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Osteocytes were isolated by fluorescence-assisted cell sorting. Sclerostin expression was evaluated by western blot, immunofluorescence, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Measurement of bone mineral density was done by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at lumbar spine (L1–L4) and femoral neck.

Results

Sclerostin levels were significantly increased in KS subjects, and negatively correlated with INSL3 levels in both cohorts and with bone mineral density in the KS group. Stimulation of cultured osteocytes with INSL3 at 10−7 M significantly decreased both sclerostin messenger RNA and protein expression.

Conclusions

We report a negative association between the testicular hormone INSL3 and the osteocytic negative regulator of bone formation, sclerostin. We further explored this association in vitro and showed that INSL3 was able to reduce sclerostin expression. These results add further knowledge on the emerging role of sclerostin as a therapeutic target for osteoporosis treatment.
INFLUENCE OF SOIL TILLAGE METHODS AND FERTILIZER ON CROP PRODUCTIVITY AND CORPORATION OF CORN SOWINGS
Authors: Фомин Владимир , Fomin Vladimir , Нафиков Макарим , Nafikov Makarim , Медведев Вячеслав , Medvedev Vyacheslav
Published: February 2018

The article presents the results of studies, conducted from 2014 to 2016 in the Western Kama region of the Republic of Tatarstan, for the purpose of comparative study the basic soil cultivation methods and the introduction of various types of nitrogen fertilizers for crop, cultivated for silage. Predecessor - annual grasses (vetch + oats). The dynamics of weediness of crops, its air-dry mass and green mass yield of corn in the phase of milk-wax ripeness were determined. For three years of research, the highest corn yield of green mass was obtained in the sixth variant (background + N120) - 406.6 centner per hectare. Economically advantageous was the dose of ammonia N120, where payment of one kilogram of active matter of fertilizers for the dumping of plowing amounted to 159 kg of green mass.
Numerical analysis of transcritical carbon dioxide compression cycle: a case study
Authors: Keshtkar Mohammad Mehdi
Published: February 2018

This study deals with thermodynamic investigation of a refrigeration compression cycle with carbon dioxide refrigerant and two stage compression. In this paper, the effect of intercooler in the two-stage compression system at different pressures of gas cooler is investigated. In addition, the performance of one stage compression cycle and two-stage compression cycle are compared and eventually, the performance of system is investigated under the influence of the change of variables such as gas coolerÂ  pressure, isentropic efficiency of the compressors, the intercooling rate between the two stages of compression, the refrigerant gas cooler outlet temperature is examined. Due to evaporation temperature in the evaporator Â and refrigeration capacity (kW) results show that the coefficient of performance in the two-stage compression with intercooler is increased compared to the single-stage compression cycle.
Aproximaciones epistemológicas y conceptuales de la conducta prosocial
Authors: Correa Duque María Cristina
Published: February 2018

Este artículo presenta una revisión del campo de la Conducta Prosocial y su incidencia en contextos de Infancia, a partir de aportes de investigaciones relacionadas con sus antecedentes históricos, conceptos básicos, modelos teórico-explicativos y la influencia de los procesos cognitivos y afectivos en la acción moral, aparte de otras variables que influyen en su aparición. Se considera que la Conducta Prosocial surge de una demanda social producto del aumento de manifestaciones agresivas y delincuenciales. Diversas investigaciones intentan dar respuesta a la pregunta por cómo el ser humano puede socializarse para llegar a ser un miembro positivo de su comunidad, concluyendo que la prosocialidad y la agresividad son extremos de una conducta modulada por procesos cognitivos y emocionales, en los que los estilos de crianza contribuyen a su desarrollo. Finalmente, asumir la prosocialidad como una herramienta para la prevención de las violencias, implica generar factores que incidan en su aparición.
The Effect of Addition of Antioxidant to The Stability of Green Tea Water Extract As Anti Acne
Authors: Saib Nadya Fadila
Published: February 2018

There are so many potential effects that green tea, such as antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes, that caused acne. In the previous study, green tea had been made in gel. In this study, formula of green tea water extract gel is developed with addition of antioxidant so that stability of the gel would increase. Gel of green tea water extract were made using Carbopol 940 with glycerin as the solvent. The chosen antioxidant was sodium sulfite. It is also combined with chelating agent, EDTA (Edetic Acid). The activity of green tea water extract gel was determined and tetracycline HCl gel was used as the reference. The addition of sodium sulfite 1% w/w into gel with Carbopol 940 1% w/w as the base prevent the change of color in more than eight weeks. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of green tea water extract without either sodium sulfite or EDTA was 1.20 ± 0.11 cm against Propionibacterium acne. MIC of green tea water extract with addition of sodium sulfite 1% w/w was 1.19 ± 0.28 cm. MIC of green tea water extract with addition of sodium sulfite 1% w/w and EDTA 0.1% w/w was 1.25 ± 0.22 cm. The addition of sodium sulfite 1% w/w caused viscosity of gel decrease 42.1%. The addition of sodium sulfite 1% w/w increased the color stability of green tea water extract. The addition of sodium sulfite 1% w/w didn’t decrease its antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes.Keywords: green tea, anti acne, Propionibacterium acnes, gel, antioxidant
Molecular Docking of Lunacridine from Lunasia amara to DNA : Its Inhibition And Interaction Study Correlated With The Cytotoxic Activity on P388 Murine Leukemia Cells
Authors: Zubair M. Sulaiman , Subehan Subehan
Published: February 2018

DNA Topoisomerase II inhibitors are a type of anticancer drugs. These drugs perform their biological activity either by forming a DNA-intercalator-topoisomerase II ternary complex or by inhibiting other enzymes and/or transcription factors that act on DNA. The strong interactions with DNA play a crucial role for their pharmacological properties. Lunacridine, the active principle from Lunasia amara, was known as DNA intercalating Topoisomerase II inhibitor. With the aims to explore the affinity and molecular interaction of lunacridine compound isolated from Lunasia amara with DNA, molecular docking study has been carried out with DNA model using Autodock 4.0 software. Cytotoxicity test on P388 murine leukemia cells was done also using 100, 30, 10, 3 and 1 μg/ml series of lunacridine concentration. The docking result shows that Lunacridine itself could to dock intercalatively between base pairs of DNA and the possibility interaction with adenine, thymine and cytosine by dipole-dipole interaction.  The lowest predicted binding  energy of lunacridine is –6,22 kcal/mol, whereas original ligand bis thiazole is -16,37 kcal/mol. Lunacridine compound itself has less cytotoxic activity on P388 murine leukemia cells with the IC50 value of 39,52 μg/ml or 129,41 μM. The binding energy of lunacridine on DNA higher than original ligand show that the interaction of lunacridine with DNA is not stable afford the less cytotoxic activity. However, based on the IC50 value, lunacridine could be depeloved as anticancer.Key words: docking, lunacridine,  Lunasia amara, cytotoxic, P388 murine leukimia cells.