bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anatomical Predictors of Flared Limb Complications in Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Pini Rodolfo , Faggioli Gianluca , Indelicato Giuseppe , Gallitto Enrico , Mascoli Chiara , Abualhin Mohammad , Stella Andrea , Gargiulo Mauro
Published: May 2019

Purpose: To evaluate possible predictors of complications with flared iliac stent-graft limbs for ectatic common iliac arteries (CIAs) associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms treated with endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Materials and Methods: A retrospective comparative analysis was conducted of 533 EVAR patients (mean age 75 years; 442 men) treated between 2012 and 2017 who had complications associated with the stent-graft limbs (n=1066). Complications, including type Ib endoleak, type IIIa endoleak, and limb occlusion, were compared between patients with nondilated (<16 mm) CIAs treated with standard iliac limbs (SLs, n=808) vs patients with ectatic CIAs treated with flared limbs (FLs, n=258). Follow-up included a duplex scan at 3, 6, and 12 months and yearly thereafter; computed tomography angiography was performed in case of iliac complications. Risk factors for iliac complications in FLs were investigated using Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses; results of the regression analysis are presented as the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Overall, no iliac complications occurred at 30 days, but over a mean follow-up of 38±8 months, there were 10 (1%) events (4 limb occlusions, 6 type Ib endoleaks): 7 (3%) in FLs and 3 (0.4%) in SLs (p=0.20). Kaplan-Meier analysis found no differences at 5 years in SLs vs FLs for freedom from limb occlusion (99%±1% vs 98%±1%, respectively; p=0.30) or type Ib endoleak (96%±3% vs 97%±1%, respectively; p=0.44). Similarly, the overall 5-year iliac complication rates were similar in SLs vs FLs (96%±3% vs 95%±2%, p=0.21). Regression analysis found CIA length ≤30 mm (HR 4.7, 95% CI 1.02 to 21.6, p=0.04) and a diameter ≥20 mm (HR 7.8, 95% CI 1.05 to 64.8, p=0.03) to be independent predictors of iliac complications in FLs. Kaplan-Meier estimates of iliac complication–free survival in FLs were significantly worse when the CIA length was ≤30 mm (79%±9% vs 98%±1%, p=0.003) or the diameter was ≥20 mm (85%±7% vs 99%±1%, p=0.02). The combination of both risk factors produced significantly poorer iliac complication–free survival compared with cases in which there was one or no risk factor (67%±19% vs 96%±2% vs 99%±1%, respectively; p<0.001). Conclusion: Iliac limb complications are infrequent in EVAR, regardless of the type of iliac limb chosen; however, CIAs ≤30 mm in length or ≥20 mm in diameter significantly increased the risk of late iliac complications in FLs. If both characteristics were present, this risk was further elevated.
The New Spirit of Capitalism in the Game Industry
Authors: Whitson Jennifer R.
Published: May 2019

This article draws from ethnographic work in the game industry to challenge claims that digital platforms “democratize” cultural production by supporting small teams. I show how game developers exemplify the New Spirit of Capitalism in their search for creative autonomy outside of the risk-averse blockbuster console industry. Their risk of cultural production is ostensibly reduced by tools that leverage big data. By following one studio making free-to-play mobile games, I test the celebratory claims of democratization against the reality of implementing these now-essential analytics tools. The studio’s experiences demonstrate how mobile production for digital platforms intensifies game labor rather than facilitating its democratization in any straightforward way. It restricts creative autonomy, exacerbates the burden of risk on developers, and reinforces existing market and gender inequities. Rather than creatively liberating developers and expanding access to game development, data-driven design for digital platforms introduces new gatekeepers and literacies of exclusion.
Building Momentum for Collectivity in the Digital Game Community
Authors: Weststar Johanna , Legault Marie-Josée
Published: May 2019

Studies of digital game labor have tended to document problems in the working lives of developers while devoting relatively limited attention to solutions, or to collective representation as a step toward solutions. An increasing number of game developers are dissatisfied with their working conditions, and dissatisfaction is a necessary condition for workers to engage in collective action to gain the representational power needed to achieve change in the workplace. Noting that the landscape of collective mobilization in the game industry has not yet been systematically mapped, this article documents collective actions over the past five decades, and asks, “Are the collective actions of developers building momentum toward a viable, sustained mobilization?” The article presents a thematic survey of such actions, including the Quality of Life Movement, exposés of working conditions, gender equity struggles, and unionization efforts. In conclusion, the authors revisit John Kelly’s mobilization theory to assess developers’ capacity to engage in collective mobilization.
MiR-32 Inhibits Proliferation and Metastasis by Targeting EZH2 in Glioma
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Wang Jiangang , An Wenzhi , Chen Chen , Wang Wencheng , Zhu Chao , Chen Fangzhou , Chen Huizhao , Zheng Wei , Gong Jie
Published: May 2019

Purpose:

Glioma is identified as a broad category of brain and spinal cord tumors. MiR-32 is important in regulating the genesis of different cancers; however, the underlying mechanisms of miR-32 in glioma still largely unknown. This study aimed to elucidate pathobiological functions of miR-32 in glioma and verify its effect on the regulation of enhancer of zeste homolog 2.

Methods:

The expression of miR-32 and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot in glioma tissues and cells. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to examine the effects of miR-32 on human glioma cells proliferation. Transwell assay was used to examine cell metastasis, respectively. Two bioinformatics analysis software and luciferase reporter assay were chosen to confirm targeting association between miR-32 and enhancer of zeste homolog 2.

Results:

MiR-32 was downregulated in glioma tissues and cells. Furthermore, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 expression was upregulated and negatively correlated with miR-32 in clinical tissues. Ectopic expression of miR-32 inhibited glioma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 was identified as direct target gene of miR-32 in glioma. Overexpression of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 ablated the inhibitory effects of miR-32.

Conclusion:

In summary, our finding suggests that miR-32 acts an important role in inhibiting glioma cell proliferation and metastasis and suppresses the expression of ABCC4 by directly targeting its 3′-untranslated region. The miR-32/enhancer of zeste homolog 2 axis may provide new insights to the treatment for glioma.
Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis of the Hand: A Rare Pediatric Condition
Authors: Karunaratne Yasiru G. , Davies Jonathan , Carty Christopher P. , Graham David
Published: May 2019

Background: Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is a rare autoinflammatory condition characterized by bone pain and swelling, secondary to sterile bone osteolytic lesions. Estimated incidence is 1:1 000 000, with ~2% involving the hand. We present a case series of CRMO of the hand and review the available literature, with the aim of educating and raising awareness of this condition. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for all patients presenting to the institution diagnosed with CRMO involving the hands. Subsequently, a literature review was performed. Results/Case Series: Three cases of CRMO of the hand were identified. Age ranged from 20 months to 6 years, with 1 female. Time from presentation to diagnosis ranged from 3 to 15 months. Two had a single lesion, with the remaining patient having a second lesion on full-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Three lesions involved phalanges, and one involved a metacarpal. Two received antibiotics without improvement prior to diagnosis. After diagnosis of CRMO, two received intravenous pamidronate. They both later showed improvement on MRI. Conclusion: CRMO is a rare disease with scarce literature to guide management. We present a series of CRMO specifically of the hand. The cases educate key stakeholders, raise awareness of the diagnosis, and illustrate challenging aspects of managing these patients. This includes the special functional and anatomical consideration essential in managing cases involving the hand.
Autologous Osteoarticular Transfer From the Lateral Femoral Condyle to the Scaphoid Facet in the Treatment of a Malunited Pediatric Distal Radius Fracture With Physeal Bar
Authors: Aziz Keith T. , Patten Ian S. , Ingari John V.
Published: May 2019

Background: Injury to the articular surface of the distal radius commonly occurs after a fall onto an outstretched hand. Intra-articular fractures that cause joint depression require operative intervention and can be especially challenging in skeletally immature patients. Methods: This case report describes the use of an osteoarticular autograft in the treatment of a 13-year-old boy with a malunited distal radius fracture. Results: Osteoarticular transfer from the lateral femoral condyle provided definitive treatment of the malunion and physeal bar and resulted in significant improvement in range of motion. Conclusions: Osteoarticular autograft can be safely used to treat malunions of distal radius articular surface depression fractures in skeletally immature patients.
Making Children’s Nursing Practices Visible: Using Visual and Participatory Techniques to Describe Family Involvement in the Care of Hospitalized Children in Southern African Settings
Authors: North Natasha , Sieberhagen Stephanie , Leonard Angela , Bonaconsa Candice , Coetzee Minette
Published: May 2019

Much of the practice of nursing continues to be based on tacit rather than explicit knowledge, with children’s nursing practice worldwide nuanced by local cultures of caring. The development of Afrocentric nursing practice models and tools challenges researchers to find methods which enable promising local practices to be identified and described. Visual research methods are an emerging approach within nursing and health research. However, detailed accounts of the implementation of these methods in clinical nursing settings are scarce. Visual methods (graphic facilitation, sociograms, and photographic elicitation) formed a core part of the data collection strategy for a qualitative observational study of nursing practices in relation to the involvement of families in the care of their hospitalized children in Southern Africa. We draw on this experience to provide a detailed account of the implementation of these methods and reflect on their effectiveness. Practical suggestions for using visual methods applicable to a variety of clinical nursing settings are offered based on implementation experience. We advocate that the use of these methods within the context of health research requires better anticipation of specific ethical considerations. We conclude that visual methods can contribute usefully to the development of new models of nursing practice, with strengths that include helping to anchor dialogue, supporting the articulation of conceptually rich practice narratives and explanations, and acting as a useful adjunct to communication between nurses and researchers.
The influence of pipe length on explosion of flammable premixed gas in 90° bending pipe and dynamic response of the thin-walled pipe
Authors: Li Xue , Yu Qiaoyan , Zhou Ning , Liu Xuanya , Huang Weiqiu , Zhao Huijun
Published: May 2019

An experimental platform of gas cloud deflagration is built in this study, and the propane–air premixed gas blasting experiment was carried out in curved pipes with different lengths. The effect of pipe length on combustible gas explosion and the influence of explosion shock wave on thin-walled pipe loading were also studied. The experimental device included photoelectric, pressure, and strain sensors which were used to evaluate the explosion parameters and stress of the thin-walled pipe. The result was that the longer the pipeline, the higher the wall overpressure and the bigger the maximum tube wall. The pressure time curve was consistent with the thin-walled strain time–history curve. The pipe bend accelerates the flame propagation to a certain extent, and the pipe length influenced the law of flame ignition and explosion in pipe integrally; the longer the pipe, the greater the pressure and the speed of the flame. The maximum explosion pressure appears at the end of the pipe, and the loading of the shock wave on pipe wall belongs to dynamic response.
Treatments for patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Tingting , Liao Jiehao , Dang Jun , Li Guang
Published: May 2019

Background:

It remains unknown which is the most effective regimen among the available therapies for advanced well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). We performed a network meta-analysis to address this important issue.

Methods:

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and major international scientific meetings were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Progression-free survival (PFS) data was the primary outcome of interest, and overall survival (OS) and serious adverse events (SAEs) were the secondary outcomes of interests, reported as hazard ratio (HR), or odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:

Included in the meta-analysis were 21 eligible articles reporting 15 RCTs with a total of 2922 patients randomized to receive 11 treatments. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) showed significant PFS advantage over somatostatin analogs (SSA) (HR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.11–0.41), everolimus (HR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.11–0.53), sunitinib (HR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.10–0.82), everolimus+SSA (HR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.12–0.54), and everolimus+bevacizumab (HR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.11–0.82). OS findings were not significantly different between treatments. In terms of treatment rankings of PFS, PRRT had the highest probability (96%) of being the most effective treatment, followed by SSA+bevacizumab (86%) and SSA+interferon-α (IFN-α) (78%). As for toxicity, risk of SAEs was similar between the three treatments. Based on the benefit–risk ratio, PRRT, SSA+bevacizumab, and SSA+IFN-α seemed to be the best, second-, and third-best treatment, respectively.

Conclusions:

PRRT is likely to be the most preferable treatment for patients with advanced well-differentiated NETs. SSA+bevacizumab and SSA+IFN-α also seem to be more effective regimens with limited risk of SAEs.
Exploring multicultural books through predictions and social interactions: A case study with kindergarteners in the United States
Authors: Kim So Jung , Wee Su-Jeong , Park Soyeon
Published: May 2019

Although previous studies have underlined the importance of social interactions, multicultural education, prediction/imagination, and bilingual/bi-literacy learning, the intersection of all these four areas is yet to be explored. This qualitative case study explored how young bilingual readers create meanings and develop literary responses through prediction, imagination, and social interaction while reading multicultural literature. As part of a larger longitudinal study, this study focused on kindergarten-age Korean-English bilingual children at a Korean Language School in a Midwestern city in the United States. The data were collected over five months using audio/video recordings, open-ended interviews, and children’s artifacts. The findings suggest that creative participation and social interactions using two languages help young bilingual readers to engage deeply with the reading and encourage multiple perspectives.
Zosteric Acid, a Bioactive Component in Eelgrass Zostera marina, Reduced Collagen I Expression in a Repaired Mouse Fibroblast Scratch
Authors: Taokaew Siriporn , Alghunaim Abdullah , Newby Bi-min Zhang
Published: May 2019

Zosteric acid (ZA), a bioactive component in Zostera marina eelgrass, was applied to assess closure of normal mouse fibroblast scratch and collagen I expression. The cytotoxicity of ZA on the fibroblast at different ZA concentrations was evaluated. ZA showed low toxicity with ~80% of cell viability at a concentration of ~1600 ppm. A single scratch (~1500 μm) was made on a layer of fibroblast, and collagen expression was determined after 72 hours when the scratch fully closed for both ZA-treated and untreated samples. Compared to control, the ZA-treated cells were slightly less dense and randomly oriented in the closure region and had lower actin and vinculin expressions. The total collagen expressions were comparable to the control, whereas collagen I expression of the mouse fibroblast treated with 1600 ppm of ZA was significantly lower than untreated fibroblasts.
Big Data in Hotel Revenue Management: Exploring Cancellation Drivers to Gain Insights Into Booking Cancellation Behavior
Authors: Antonio Nuno , de Almeida Ana , Nunes Luis
Published: May 2019

In the hospitality industry, demand forecast accuracy is highly impacted by booking cancellations, which makes demand-management decisions difficult and risky. In attempting to minimize losses, hotels tend to implement restrictive cancellation policies and employ overbooking tactics, which, in turn, reduce the number of bookings and reduce revenue. To tackle the uncertainty arising from booking cancellations, we combined the data from eight hotels’ property management systems with data from several sources (weather, holidays, events, social reputation, and online prices/inventory) and machine learning interpretable algorithms to develop booking cancellation prediction models for the hotels. In a real production environment, improvement of the forecast accuracy due to the use of these models could enable hoteliers to decrease the number of cancellations, thus, increasing confidence in demand-management decisions. Moreover, this work shows that improvement of the demand forecast would allow hoteliers to better understand their net demand, that is, current demand minus predicted cancellations. Simultaneously, by focusing not only on forecast accuracy but also on its explicability, this work illustrates one other advantage of the application of these types of techniques in forecasting: the interpretation of the predictions of the model. By exposing cancellation drivers, models help hoteliers to better understand booking cancellation patterns and enable the adjustment of a hotel’s cancellation policies and overbooking tactics according to the characteristics of its bookings.
Gray Correlation Analysis of Energy Consumption, Environmental Pollution, and Economic Growth in Subtropical Regions of China: Guangxi and Zhejiang as Examples
Authors: Luo Xiaochun , Lu Lin , Wang Zilong , Yang Liguo
Published: May 2019

Energy usage strongly supports economic growth while also resulting in serious environmental problems. How to effectively use energy to achieve economic growth on the premise of environmental friendliness is an important topic on which to focus in the new century. China is the largest developing country in the world in terms of population. Its subtropical population is close to one half of its total population. The subtropical region is representative of China’s regions with delayed economic development. However, the region has a small share of energy resources, including coal, oil, and gas. At the same time, the rapid economic growth of the region in the past three decades has deviated from the theory of resource endowment. Therefore, it is necessary to study the relationship among energy consumption, environmental pollution, and economic growth in China’s subtropical regions. The study should be conducive to healthy economic development in China and in the world as a whole. This article calculates the degree of correlation among energy consumption, environmental pollution, and economic growth by means of a gray correlation analysis. The results show that energy consumption drives the development of the economy and causes environmental pollution. Environmental pollution also has negative effects on economic development. With regard to reconciling energy consumption, environmental pollution, and economic growth, technology can be used to improve energy use efficiency and reduce pollutant emissions. Energy consumption structure should be optimized to achieve clean, high-quality energy consumption. Policies should be established to encourage green production, and laws should be enacted to support these policies.
Algae and oxygen, humans and carbon: A Precambrian analogue for the Anthropocene
Authors: Carson James Taylor
Published: May 2019

In 2003 Paul Crutzen and Will Steffen asserted that across Earth’s 4.5-billion-year history no analogue could be found for the Anthropocene. An analogue can, however, be located in the dim Precambrian past when, through oxygenic photosynthesis, cyanobacteria produced enough oxygen to alter the composition and character of the Earth System. The ‘Great Oxygenation Event’ that followed wiped out much of Earth’s anaerobic life while giving rise to all subsequent aerobic life. It also offers a clear comparison with the Anthropocene that implicates how we think about our current predicament.
Correlation of serum CF6 with blood lipid and glucose in patients with type 2 diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Yan Xiaoling , Zou Chen , Liu Dongsheng
Published: May 2019

This study was to investigate the relationship of serum mitochondrial coupling factor 6 (CF6) with blood lipid and glucose in patients with type 2 diabetic retinopathy. A total of 180 patients with type 2 diabetes enrolled in our hospital from January 2015 to September 2017 were selected as the research objects. They were divided in accordance with fundus fluorescence angiography (FFA) into normal diabetic retinopathy (NDR) group, background diabetic retinopathy (BDR) group as well as proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), with 60 cases in each group, and at the same time, another 60 healthy subjects were selected as normal control (NC) group. Serum CF6, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2 h postprandial plasma glucose (2hPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol as well as triglyceride were measured in the groups and the relationship of serum CF6 with related indicators was analyzed. The level of serum CF6 in type 2 diabetes group was higher than that in NC group and there was statistically significant difference among the groups with the occurrence and aggravation of retinopathy ( P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that serum CF6 was positively correlated with FPG, 2hPG, HbA1c, and LDL-C of statistical significance ( P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with HDL-C of statistical significance ( P < 0.05). The results of multiple step regression analysis showed that HbA1c and LDL-C were independent risk factors for CF6. In conclusion, the serum CF6 of patients with diabetic retinopathy increases with aggravation of the disease, taking a part in the occurrence and development of retinopathy together with the disorder of blood glucose and lipid metabolism.
Delay to Surgery of Less Than 12 Hours Is Associated With Improved Short- and Long-Term Survival in Moderate- to High-Risk Hip Fracture Patients
Authors: Hongisto Markus T. , Nuotio Maria S. , Luukkaala Tiina , Väistö Olli , Pihlajamäki Harri K.
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

The effect of delays before surgery of 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours on short- and long-term survival has been investigated comprehensively in hip fracture patients, but with controversial results. However, there is only limited evidence for how a threshold of 12-hour delay before hip fracture surgery affects survival.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective observational study of 884 consecutive hip fracture patients (age ≥ 65 years) undergoing surgery was carried out in terms of 30- and 365-day survival. A Cox hazard regression survival model was constructed for 724 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥3 with adjustments of age, gender, cognition, number of medications on admission, hip fracture type, and prior living arrangements.

Results:

Patients who underwent surgery within 12 hours had better chances of survival than did those with 12 to 24 hours (hazard ratio [HR]: 8.30; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-61.4), 24 to 48 hours (HR: 7.21; 95% CI: 0.98-52.9), and >48 hours (HR: 11.75; 95% CI: 1.53-90.2) delay before surgery. Long-term survival was more influenced by nonadjustable patient features, but the adverse effect of >48 hours delay before surgery was noticed with HR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.08-3.80. Increased age and male gender were significantly associated with worse short- and long-term survival.

Discussion/Conclusions:

Early hip fracture surgery within 12 hours of admission is associated with improved 30-day survival among patients with ASA score ≥3. Delay to surgery of more than 48 hours has an adverse effect on 365-day survival, but factors related to patients’ comorbidities have a great influence on long-term survival.
“We All Go Through It”: Media Depictions of Mental Illness Disclosures From Star Athletes DeMar DeRozan and Kevin Love
Authors: Parrott Scott , Billings Andrew C. , Buzzelli Nicholas , Towery Nathan
Published: May 2019

Mental illness remains stigmatized in the United States and abroad, with the mass media often blamed for perpetuating stereotypes about people who experience mental health issues. 2018 witnessed two professional basketball players—star athletes DeMar DeRozan and Kevin Love—disclosing personal experiences with depression and anxiety. Informed by social cognitive and framing theories, the present study examined how news stories characterized the disclosures, examining ways in which journalists presented the athletes as mental health advocates and models for pro-health attitudes and behavior. News stories generally framed the athletes as demonstrating character strength for disclosing mental illness in an athletic culture that often stigmatizes any potential weakness. Journalists often permitted the athletes to directly share their message concerning mental health with readers, as DeRozan and Love discussed (a) the experience of coming out; (b) the positive reception of teammates, coaches, and the public; and (c) the need for an end to mental health–oriented stigma. Stories often called for action, communicating to readers that people with mental illness are “not alone” and should share their experiences with others. The results provide the foundation for research into the relationship between media exposure and mental health-related attitudes, particularly how news framing of athletes’ disclosures shape fan attitudes toward mental health treatment, mental illness, and people who experience mental illness.
Prevalence and correlates of multimorbidity among adults in border areas of the Central Highland Region of Vietnam, 2017
Authors: Ba Nguyen Van , Minh Hoang Van , Quang Le Bach , Chuyen Nguyen Van , Ha Bui Thi Thu , Dai Tran Quoc , Duc Duong Minh , Quynh Nguyen Thuy , Khanh Pham Gia
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

The objectives of this study are to estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity (MM) among adults in the Central Highland Region (a poor region) of Vietnam in 2017 and to identify the sociodemographic correlates of these conditions.

Methods:

We used data from a cross-sectional study conducted in 2018 on health status among people in four provinces in the Central Highlands Region (Tay Nguyen) of Vietnam. A sample of 1680 adults (aged 15 years and older) were randomly selected for this study. Respondents were asked whether they had been told by a health worker that they had cancer, heart and circulatory conditions, chronic joint problems, chronic pulmonary diseases, chronic kidney problems, chronic digestive problems, psychological illness, diabetes, and/or other chronic conditions.

Results:

The prevalence of MM among the study participants was 16.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 14.6%–18.2%). By looking at the 95% CIs, the differences in MM prevalence between the groups classified by gender, age, education, and occupation were not statistically significant. Only the difference in MM prevalence between farmers and government staff was statistically significant. Multivariate logistic analyses show education and occupations were shown to be significant correlates of MM.

Conclusion:

MMs were quite common among the adult populations in the study area, especially among people with lower socioeconomic status. Given the evidence, actions to reduce levels of MM in the setting are clearly urgent. The interventions should address all people in society, with focus on disadvantaged groups, like those with lower education and farmers.
Value Relevance of Accounting Information: A Review of Empirical Evidence Across Continents
Authors: Bhatia Meena , Mulenga Mwila J.
Published: May 2019

In the last two decades, accounting literature has focused increasingly on examining value relevance of accounting information. After the announcement of IFRS adoption, there has been a growth in the literature, which links value relevance of accounting information with IFRS adoption. This study aims to provide a brief literature and presents empirical findings. The purpose is to help future researchers to have the understanding of this nature of the study and identify gaps in the current literature. The article covered 90 empirical research papers published between 1993 and 2016 from various countries across continents, and the majority of them concluded that accounting information is relevant across continents before and after IFRS adoption, while few hold the opposite view. Few studies show no evidence in the improvement of accounting information after IFRS adoption.
Addition of ceftaroline fosamil or vancomycin to PMMA: An in vitro comparison of biomechanical properties and anti-MRSA efficacy
Authors: Haseeb Amber , Ajit Singh Vivek , Teh Cindy Shuan Ju , Loke Mun Fai
Published: May 2019

Background:

Ceftaroline is a cephalosporin that is effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of using ceftaroline-loaded Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as antibiotic cement against MRSA versus vancomycin-loaded PMMA in an in vitro setting.

Methods:

PMMA pellets were prepared with three separate concentrations of each of the two antibiotics tested. They were tested to determine the effect of increasing concentration of antibiotics on the biomechanical properties of PMMA and antibiotic activity by measuring the zone of inhibition and broth elution assay.

Results:

Ceftaroline PMMA at 3 wt%, three-point bending was 37.17 ± 0.51 N ( p < 0.001) and axial loading was 41.95 N ± 0.51 ( p < 0.001). At 5-wt% vancomycin-PMMA, three-point bending was 41.65 ± 0.79 N ( p = 0.02) and axial loading was 49.49 ± 2.21 N ( p = 0.01). Stiffness of ceftroline-loaded PMMA in low and medium concentration was significantly higher than the vancomycin. The zone of inhibition for ceftaroline was higher than vancomycin. Ceftaroline at 3 wt% eluted up to 6 weeks (0.3 ± 0.1 μg/ml) above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and vancomycin at 2.5 wt% eluted up to 3 weeks, same as MIC, that is, 0.5 ± 0.0 μg/ml.

Conclusions:

Ceftaroline, loaded at similar concentrations as vancomycin into PMMA, is a more potent alternative based on its more favourable bioactivity and elution properties, while having a lesser effect on the mechanical properties of the cement. The use of 3-wt% ceftaroline as antibiotic laden PMMA against MRSA is recommended. It should be noted that this was an in vitro study and to determine the clinical efficacy would need prospective, controlled and randomized studies.
Metal artifact reduction by monoenergetic extrapolation of dual-energy CT in patients with metallic implants
Authors: Lee Ka Yin Gregory , Cheng Hei Man Joyce , Chu Chi Yeung , Tam Chi Wai Annie , Kan Wai Kuen
Published: May 2019

Purpose:

The objective of this study is to assess artifact reduction and image quality using dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) and metal artifact reduction techniques in patients with metallic implants.

Methods:

Forty patients with metallic implants, who had targeted CT performed by DECT during March to September 2018, were prospectively recruited. Post-processing with monoenergetic extrapolation at 70 and 150 keV was performed. Forty matched controls with metallic implants with single-energy CT (SECT) performed were selected. Attenuation value, noise, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the site of maximal artifact were measured at muscle and fat areas. Image quality of three sets of images (70 keV, 150 keV, and SECT) was assessed by two independent reviewers using a 5-point Likert-type scale. Statistical analysis of measured values, Likert-type scales, and radiation doses (volume CT dose index (CTDIvol)) of DECT and SECT were performed with Mann–Whitney U test.

Results:

As compared to SECT, high keV reconstruction of DECT show (1) significantly higher values within muscle and fat surrounding the implant (DECT vs. SECT—muscle: −96 Hounsfield units (HU) vs. −405 HU, fat: −115 HU vs. −301 HU; p < 0.001), (2) significantly lower mean image noise (75 HU vs. 129 HU; p = 0.02), and (3) higher SNR (−0.8 vs. −4.3; p < 0.001). In addition, image quality of high keV reconstruction was rated superior to the other two groups on Likert-type scales ( p < 0.001). The mean radiation doses (CTDIvol) were comparable between DECT and SECT (14.2 mGy vs. 19.3 mGy; p = 0.08).

Conclusion:

For patients with metallic implants, monoenergetic extrapolation of DECT at high keV can reduce metal artifacts, increase SNR, and improve qualitative image quality at comparable radiation dose.
Introduction to Special Topic: Serving Children With Disabilities Within Multitiered Systems of Support
Authors: Miller Brett , Taylor Katherine , Ryder Ruth E.
Published: May 2019

Since the conception of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act in 1975, there has been substantial progress regarding the education of learners with disabilities. Nevertheless, significant challenges remain for addressing the diverse needs of these learners and improving in- and out-of-school outcomes. This special topic focuses on an approach that holds promise for the delivery of interventions that are aligned to learners’ social, emotional, behavioral, and learning needs—multitiered systems of support (MTSS). The four articles that comprise the special topic highlight the need for actionable information for schools implementing MTSS, early intervention for children with or at risk for disabilities, and an enhanced focus on intensive interventions. This introduction to the special topic provides information on the meeting that motivated the special topic, a summary of each of the four articles, and paths forward for early and sustained intervention for learners with or at risk for disabilities.
Prediction for swelling deformation of fractal-textured bentonite and its sand mixtures in salt solution
Authors: Xiang Guo-sheng , Yu Feng , Xu Yong-fu , Fang Yuan , Xie Sheng-hua
Published: May 2019

Swelling deformation tests of Kunigel bentonite and its sand mixtures were performed in distilled water and NaCl solution. The salinity of NaCl solution has a significant impact on the swelling properties of bentonite, but not on its surface structure. The surface structure was characterized using the fractal dimension Ds. Based on the fractal dimension, a unique curve of the em–pe relationship (em is the void ratio of montmorillonite and pe is the effective stress) at full saturation was introduced to express the swelling deformation of bentonite–sand mixtures. In mixtures with a large bentonite content, the swelling deformation always followed the em–pe relationship. In mixtures with a small bentonite content, when the effective stress reached a threshold, the void ratio of montmorillonite em deviated from the unique em–pe curve due to the appearance of a sand skeleton. The threshold of vertical pressure for mixtures in different solutions and the maximum swelling strains were estimated using the em–pe relationship. The good agreement between estimates and experimental data suggest that the em–pe relationship might be an alternative method for predicting the swelling deformation of bentonite–sand mixtures in salt solution.
Regimens to treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: past, present and future perspectives
Authors: Pontali Emanuele , Raviglione Mario C. , Migliori Giovanni Battista
Published: May 2019

Over the past few decades, treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR)/extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis (TB) has been challenging because of its prolonged duration (up to 20–24 months), toxicity, costs and sub-optimal outcomes.

After over 40 years of neglect, two new drugs (bedaquiline and delamanid) have been made available to manage difficult-to-treat MDR-/XDR-TB cases. World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines published in March 2019 endorsed the possibility of treating MDR-TB patients with a full oral regimen, following previous guidelines published in 2016 which launched a shorter regimen lasting 9–10 months.

The objectives of this article are to review the main achievements in MDR-TB treatment through the description of the existing WHO strategies, to discuss the main ongoing trials and to shed light on potential future scenarios and revised definitions necessary to manage drug-resistant TB.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Effect of Acacia hydaspica R. Parker extract on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant status, liver function test and histopathology in doxorubicin treated rats
Authors: Afsar Tayyaba , Razak Suhail , Almajwal Ali
Published: May 2019

Background

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline agent mostly prescribed for various cancers. However, its treatment is contiguous with toxic effects. Acacia hydaspica prevented drug-induced hepatic-toxicity in animals with anti-oxidative mechanisms. We intended to study the efficacy of A. hydaspica ethyl acetate extract (AHE) for inhibiting DOX- induced liver damage.

Methods

Normal control group received saline; Drug control group received 3 mg/kg b.w. dose of DOX for 6 weeks (single dose/week, intraperitoneal injection) to study the effect of chronic DOX treatment. In co-treatment groups, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w AHE was given orally for 6 weeks in concomitant with DOX (3 mg/kg b.w, i.p. injection per week). The standard drug group received silyamrin 100 mg/kg b.w (2 doses/week: 12 doses/6 weeks) in conjunction with DOX (single dose/week). Lipid profile, liver function tests (LFTs), antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress enzymes and morphological alterations were studied to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of AHE.

Results

DOX treatment inhibits body weight gain and upturn liver index. DOX considerably upset serum cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL concentration. On the contrary, it reduced serum HDL amount. DOX induced marked depreciation in serum LFTs, diminish hepatic antioxidant enzymes; however, raised tissue oxidative stress markers accompanied by morphological damages. Co-treatment with AHE dose dependently adjusted DOX-prompted fluctuations in lipid profile, AST, ALP, ALT, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin concentrations and hepatic weight. Likewise, AHE usage enhanced total protein and hepatic tissue antioxidant enzyme quantities whereas declined oxidative stress markers in hepatic tissue. Correspondingly histopathological examinations aid the biochemical results. The influence of AHE 400 mg/kg b.w dose is analogous to silymarin.

Conclusion

Acacia hydaspica possibly serve as adjuvant therapy that hampers DOX inveigled liver damage due to the underlying antioxidant mechanism of secondary metabolites.
Clinically relevant phenotypes in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Grayson Jessica W. , Cavada Marina , Harvey Richard J.
Published: May 2019

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a complex disease that incorporates many different conditions. Currently, primary CRS is considered a disease of broad airway inflammation, however, the previous classification of CRS with and without nasal polyposis fails to adequately classify patients based upon their etiology of illness. Our aim with this review is discuss the clinical presentation, radiology, endoscopy, histopathology, and treatment algorithm of three different phenotypes of primary CRS: central compartment atopic disease, eosinophilic CRS, and non-eosinophilic CRS.

Methods

A narrative review of a tertiary rhinology center's research themes and how they are applied to clinical protocols and practice was assessed.

Discussion

Diagnosis and treatment of upper and lower airway conditions become increasingly important as phenotypes and endotypes are being described. There are well-described therapies to treat the different phenotypes of CRS, based upon the presumed underlying cause of the inflammatory process. Research continues to shed more light on different endotypes and phenotypes of airway inflammation, however, clinical differentiation of CRS can be applied in clinic practice with three simple phenotypes of CRS. Understanding these different phenotypes and their etiologies allows for further management beyond the ‘maximum medical therapy and then surgery’ approach that has often been used in the management of CRS.
Wavelet-domain reverse time migration image enhancement using inversion-based imaging condition
Authors: Liang Hong , Zhang Houzhu
Published: May 2019

Reverse time migration (RTM) is implemented by solving the two-way wave equation using recorded data as boundary conditions. The full wave equation can simulate wave propagation in all directions; thus, RTM has no dip limitations and is capable of imaging complex structures. Because wavefields are allowed to travel in all directions, the source and receiver wavefields can be scattered back from strong velocity contrasts. The crosscorrelation of head waves, diving waves, and backscattered waves along a raypath can lead to strong artifacts in the RTM image. These artifacts degrade the final image quality. An inversion-based imaging condition that computes the weighted sum of a time derivative image and a spatial gradient image can significantly reduce the RTM artifacts. Based on the multiscale directional selectivity property of the wavelet transform, we have developed a new method to compute the weighting function for the inversion-based imaging condition in the wavelet domain. The unique property of this approach is that the weighting function depends on the spatial locations, wavenumber, and local directions. This multidimensional property allows us to selectively remove the RTM image artifacts while preserving useful energy. We determine the effectiveness of our method for attenuating RTM artifacts using synthetic examples.
Multimodal Markov chain Monte Carlo method for nonlinear petrophysical seismic inversion
Authors: de Figueiredo Leandro Passos , Grana Dario , Roisenberg Mauro , Rodrigues Bruno B.
Published: May 2019

One of the main objectives in the reservoir characterization is estimating the rock properties based on seismic measurements. We have developed a stochastic sampling method for the joint prediction of facies and petrophysical properties, assuming a nonparametric mixture prior distribution and a nonlinear forward model. The proposed methodology is based on a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method specifically designed for multimodal distributions for nonlinear problems. The vector of model parameters includes the facies sequence along the seismic trace as well as the continuous petrophysical properties, such as porosity, mineral fractions, and fluid saturations. At each location, the distribution of petrophysical properties is assumed to be multimodal and nonparametric with as many modes as the number of facies; therefore, along the seismic trace, the distribution is multimodal with the number of modes being equal to the number of facies power the number of samples. Because of the nonlinear forward model, the large number of modes and as a consequence the large dimension of the model space, the analytical computation of the full posterior distribution is not feasible. We then numerically evaluate the posterior distribution by using an MCMC method in which we iteratively sample the facies, by moving from one mode to another, and the petrophysical properties, by sampling within the same mode. The method is extended to multiple seismic traces by applying a first-order Markov chain that accounts for the lateral continuity of the model properties. We first validate the method using a synthetic 2D reservoir model and then we apply the method to a real data set acquired in a carbonate field.
Impacts of diagenesis of tight sandstone gas reservoir on reservoir physical properties: A case study, Sulige gas field, Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Ma Shuwei , Ren Dazhong , Zhou Lifa , Dong Fengjuan , Shi Shi , Amadu Mumuni , Sheng Jun
Published: May 2019

Diagenesis is one of the most important factors impacting the performance of many reservoirs and is perhaps the most important factor impacting the performance of tight sandstone reservoirs, such as those of the Sulige gas field in the Ordos Basin of China. However, the relationship between diagenesis and related parameters determining reservoir physical properties remains unclear. Therefore, we have analyzed experimental data from high-pressure mercury intrusion porosimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and thin sections in addition to using a porosity recovery calculation model to investigate microscopic characteristics, diagenesis, and pore-evolution processes of the low-permeability tight gas reservoir of the He-8 unit of the Sulige gas field in the Ordos Basin. In addition, we have identified the impacts of diagenesis on reservoir characteristics and established the relationship between diagenesis and reservoir quality evolution. We also used the Beard primary porosity model to recover the primary porosity, and to built the reducing and enhancing calculation models for intergranular pore, dissolution pore, and intercrystalline pore during diagenesis. Based on the quantitative relationship between diagenesis processes and porosity evolution, we found that the results of simulation calculation and experimental works were in close agreement with minimal error.