bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antithrombotic Therapy Underutilization in Patients With Atrial Flutter
Authors: Lee Sanghun , Je Nam Kyung
Published: February 2018

Background:

Patients with atrial fibrillation not being adequately treated with oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy, with therapy underutilization or premature termination, have been commonly reported. However, studies on the utilization pattern of OAC therapy for patients with atrial flutter (AFL) are few. The aim of this study was to investigate the utilization of OAC therapy, and its influencing factors for patients with AFL in South Korea, as well as the types and percentages of anticoagulants used.

Methods:

We analyzed Aged Population Sample data compiled by the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service from 2011 to 2015. We identified patients with AFL having the KCD-6 code I48.1. Patients at high risk of stroke with a congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes mellitus, stroke (or transient ischemic attack), vascular disease, sex score of ≥2 and at low risk of bleeding with an anticoagulation and risk factors in atrial fibrillation score of ≤4 were included in the study. Oral anticoagulant therapy underutilization was estimated in these patients using anticoagulant underutilization (ACU) scales. Demographic and clinical factors associated with OAC therapy underutilization were investigated using a logistic regression model.

Results:

The mean ACU value was calculated as 67.4% between 2011 and 2015. Positive risk factors for ACU were identified as follows: female sex, aspirin utilization, and limited anticoagulant options. Negative risk factors included comorbidities, such as congestive heart failure and valvular heart disease, and a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrates that two-third of patients with AFL in South Korea failed to obtain adequate stroke prevention treatment, even in the era of direct OAC availability. This tendency was more profound in women or those on aspirin therapy.
Echocardiographic Guidance of AMPLATZER Amulet Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Device Placement
Authors: Subramaniam Kathirvel , Ibarra Andrea , Boisen Michael L.
Published: February 2018

In this report, we provided details of periprocedural echocardiographic guidance for patients undergoing Amplatzer-Amulet device left atrial closure. Familiarity with left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion devices and the required left atrial examination and measurements are key before device placement. Device placement is assisted by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and fluoroscopy, but TEE will be the main guide for patients with renal insufficiency in whom contrast dye use needs to be minimal. TEE is also used to confirm LAA occlusion with the device and finally detect complications throughout the procedure and into the postoperative period.
Sound transmission loss of sandwich plate with pyramidal truss cores
Authors: Wang Dong-Wei , Ma Li , Wang Xin-Tao , Qi Ge
Published: February 2018

This paper presents the theoretical model of sandwich plate with pyramidal truss cores to investigate the acoustic property of transmission loss. The two-dimensional periodic model is established based on the assumption that the trusses are regarded as Euler-Bernoulli beams. The fluid-structure interaction is considered by imposing velocity continuity condition at fluid-structure interfaces. The periodic governing equations are derived by using space harmonic expansions and the principle of virtual work. Meanwhile, the practical specimens are fabricated by slitting and snap-fit assembly to conduct sound insulation experiment via standing wave tube method. The theoretical result shows satisfactory agreement with experimental data. The numerical discussions are conducted to demonstrate the effects of incident angles and topological parameters which should be helpful for practical design.
Beyond the established categories: An alternative approach to feminist thought starting from debates about women and the rise of the market economy
Authors: MacLean Lee
Published: February 2018

Feminist thought is often articulated as a series of categories such as liberal feminism, socialist feminism, Marxist feminism, psychoanalytic feminism, etc. These categories have aided the development of feminist thought, but their prevalence limits discussion to predictable parameters. Meanwhile, feminists often have notably divergent responses to the rise of the market economy. In particular, we differ about the liberating possibilities of participating in a capitalist market economy. Some feminists emphasise that the market economy provides an opportunity for women to free themselves from gender restrictions expressed in family and kinship traditions. But many other feminists are sceptical, from varying perspectives, that participation in the capitalist market results in freedom for women (or in other benefits to women, men or the world). This article draws on work by Linda Nicholson and Karl Polanyi to show that thinking through the historically changing relations between market, kinship, family and politics provides a different way of conceptualising feminist thought. Unlike the older alternative, this new approach has the advantage that it is grounded directly in thinking about women’s experiences around the world.
Investigating Brand Verbal Fluency: When known brands do not come to mind
Authors: Lambert-Pandraud Raphaëlle , Laurent Gilles , Gourvennec Bernard
Published: February 2018

We define Brand Verbal Fluency as the ability of a consumer, when cued with a product category, to name the brands he or she knows in that category. We see that frequently not all the known brands come to the consumer’s mind (62% failure in our sample). Our analysis of which brands are named (and which ones are not) builds on findings from psychological research on Semantic verbal fluency (the ability to name items in a category, for example, animals). We adopt an innovative micro-analysis at the level of consumer–brand dyads to investigate the Brand Verbal Fluency of consumers aged 19–77 in the category of radio stations. Prior research would almost certainly have predicted a negative impact of consumer age on brand verbal fluency, mediated by declining cognitive ability, but this holds only for recent brands. Older brands appear to be less prone to the danger of not coming to the mind of older consumers.
Treating Expressive Affective Prosody in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Akbari Christina C. , Davis Andria H.
Published: February 2018

Although prosodic deficits have been reported to occur with many different populations, little published research addresses treatment options for these deficits. This study was designed to examine one treatment’s impact, the six-step imitative approach, on the expressive affective prosody of an adolescent with autism who had average intelligence and good receptive/expressive language skills. As this approach has been successfully utilized in treating the affective prosody deficits in adults with acquired deficits, it was hypothesized that it could also be effective in treating individuals with prosody deficits associated with developmental disorders. A case study is presented to demonstrate the changes associated with the six-step imitative approach on the acoustic (fundamental frequency [F0], duration, and intensity) and the perceptual characteristics of speech. This study suggests that the six-step imitative approach may be beneficial in treating some expressive prosodic deficits in children with autism.
Two-Wire Technique With a Gooseneck Snare to Bail Out the Tip Separation of a Crosser Catheter
Authors: Kadoya Yoshito , Zen Kan , Oda Yohei , Matoba Satoaki
Published: February 2018

Tip separation of a Crosser catheter is a serious complication; however, there is limited information on bailout methods. Here, we describe a case of successful retrieval of the separated tip of a Crosser catheter using a 2-wire technique with a gooseneck snare. A 76-year-old woman with a history of hemodialysis and diabetes mellitus who developed ulcers on her right toes was diagnosed as having critical limb ischemia and underwent transfemoral antegrade endovascular treatment of the anterior tibial artery (ATA). A 0.014-inch guidewire was passed through the ATA chronic total occlusion, and then a Crosser catheter was advanced along the wire. During catheter withdrawal, the tip completely detached from the shaft and remained in the ATA. We passed another 0.014-inch guidewire into the distal ATA through the small space beside the tip. A gooseneck snare catheter was advanced to the distal side of the tip along the new wire, and subsequently the 2 wires were entrapped by the snare. The detached tip was finally retrieved with the entire system as a unit and successfully withdrawn into the guiding sheath with no complications. Interventionists should be familiar with the bailout method of this unfavorable complication. Our technique may be widely adapted for various situations involving this complication.
Endovascular Management of Ureteroarterial Fistula: Single Institution Experience and Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Subiela José D. , Balla Andrea , Bollo Jesús , Dilme Jaume F. , Soto Carricas Begoña , Targarona Eduard M. , Rodriguez-Faba Oscar , Breda Alberto , Palou Juan
Published: February 2018

Background:

Ureteroarterial fistula (UAF) represents an uncommon complication after urological surgery; however, this is a well-documented condition in patients with predisposing risk factors. The aim of the present study is to report and analyze the endovascular management of a series of patients with UAF, treated in authors’ hospital, and to report and analyze the same data concerning patients retrieved from a systematic literature review.

Methods:

Authors conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data and a systematic literature review. The research was carried out through PubMed database searching the following keywords: “uretero arterial fistula” and “uretero iliac fistula.” It includes only articles reporting the endovascular management.

Results:

Forty-six articles were included in the present study for a total of 94 patients. Risk factors were as follows: chronic indwelling ureteral stents, pelvic surgery, radiotherapy, iliac artery pseudo-aneurysm, and chemotherapy. All patients had gross hematuria at presentation. Stent graft placement was performed in 89 patients, embolization in 5 patients, and iliac internal artery embolization combined with stent graft placement was performed in 24 patients. Four postprocedural complications were observed (4.2%). During a median follow-up of 8 months, 10 complications related to UAF were observed (10.6%): rebleeding (7 cases) and stent thrombosis (3 cases). Two patients died for causes related to UAF (2.1%): rebleeding (1) and retroperitoneal abscess (1).

Conclusion:

Based on the present data, endovascular treatment is feasible and safe with low postprocedural complications and mortality rate. Considering the increase in surgery and radiotherapy performed, UAF should be always debated in patients with massive hematuria.
Adaptive access-point and channel selection method using Markov approximation
Authors: Kimura Tomotaka , Hirata Kouji , Muraguchi Masahiro
Published: February 2018

This article proposes an access-point and channel selection method for Internet of Things environments. Recently, the number of wireless nodes has increased with the growth of Internet of Things technologies. In order to accommodate traffic generated by the wireless nodes, we need to utilize densely placed wireless access-points. This article introduces a joint optimization problem of access-point and channel selection for such an environment. The proposed method deals with the optimization problem, using Markov approximation which adapts to dynamic changes in network conditions. Markov approximation is a distributed optimization framework, where a network is optimized by individual behavior of users forming a time-reversible continuous-time Markov chain. The proposed method searches optimal solution for the access-point and channel selection problem on the time-reversible continuous-time Markov chain. Simulation experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Incidental Flexor Carpi Radialis Tendinopathy on Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Stoop Nicky , van der Gronde Bonheur A. T. D. , Janssen Stein J. , Kuntz Michael T. , Ring David , Chen Neal C.
Published: February 2018

Background: Wrist pain is often nonspecific. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is regularly obtained to evaluate wrist pain. Variations and pathophysiology identified on MRI may not account for patient’s clinical symptoms. This study aims to quantify the prevalence of flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendinopathy on MRI and the coexistence of trapeziometacarpal (TMC) or scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) osteoarthritis. Methods: Using an institutional research database, we identified 3631 adult patients who obtained an MRI of the wrist during a 15-year period. Text search in the radiology reports identified 302 patients with possible FCR signal abnormalities. After reviewing the medical records, 98 patients were identified with FCR tendinopathy. Furthermore, medical records were used to identify pain located on the volar radial part of the wrist. In the absence of a documented examination consistent with FCR tendinopathy, we considered any signal change in the FCR incidental. Results: We identified 55 patients (55%) with incidental FCR tendinopathy. In a bivariate analysis, we found FCR signal changes on the MRI were associated with older age, white race, clinically suspected FCR tendinopathy, volar-radial sided wrist pain, and TMC and STT arthritis. Using multivariable logistic regression to account for confounding, older age and volar-radial sided wrist pain were independently associated with FCR signal changes on MRI. Conclusions: Signal changes in the FCR are infrequent and often incidental (asymptomatic) or associated with peritrapezial osteoarthritis.
Vibration analysis and optimization of a vertical disc stump grinder
Authors: Yao Lihong , Wang Yingxuan , Zeng Zechen , Kan Jiangming
Published: February 2018

The vibration of the handles of a vertical disc stump grinder causes significant damage to people who operate the machine for a long time. First, we tested the vibration of the handle of a vertical disc stump grinder. Second, we evaluated the allowable years of operating the vertical disc stump grinder according to the assessment standard ISO 5349 for human exposure to hand-transmitted vibration by the International Organization for Standardization. Third, we established a finite element model of the stump grinder based on the experience model of the engine and the power spectrum of the cutting force of the grinder. Finally, we proposed an optimization scheme for the vertical disc stump grinder according to the finite element model. The experimental results indicate that the output weighted acceleration of the existing handle of the vertical disc stump grinder is 47.89 m/s2 and the allowable years for operating the grinder are less than one. The simulation results indicate that the finite element model of the vertical disc stump grinder is useful for analyzing the vibration of the handle. The output weighted acceleration of the existing handle of the vertical disc stump grinder is 8.87 m/s2 after optimization, with the allowable years of operation increased to 3 years. Thus, the optimization scheme is feasible.
Too Much of a Good Thing? Self-Esteem and Latinx Immigrant Youth Academic Achievement
Authors: Lew Shim , Harklau Linda
Published: February 2018

Self-esteem is often invoked in scholarly literature and popular belief alike as contributing positively to academic achievement in immigrant youth. Yet, research exploring this link is sparse and findings are mixed. This article reports on a 5-year-long ethnographic case study exploring the educational path of a college-bound Latino adolescent in one southeastern U.S. new immigrant community in which the student’s high self-esteem appeared to have a negative influence on academic achievement. The study traces how high self-esteem caused the student to disregard negative feedback regarding his academic performance and focus his attention instead on excelling in extracurricular pursuits, particularly athletics. The study also finds that educators gave mixed messages about achievement that reinforced the student’s high self-esteem but contributed to low academic expectations and outcomes. In all, it suggests the need to reexamine the assumed link between high self-esteem and academic achievement in immigrant youth and to consider individual differences.
A rural gentrification theory debate for the Global South?
Authors: López-Morales Ernesto
Published: February 2018

Phillips and Smith’s attempt to refresh (rural) gentrification theory is successful as they provide a prolific set of epistemological comparative threads and substantiate this position via analysis of the UK, France and the US cases. Nevertheless, in my opinion, academia should go beyond the Western European/North American comfort zone and embrace theoretical and epistemological complexity, the currently extended and variegated planetary space presents.
Intraorbital ancient pilocytic astrocytoma of the optic nerve in neurofibromatosis type 1 patient presenting with sudden ocular pain
Authors: Motoyama Haesu Lee , Yamada Sohsuke , Nakada Satoko , Kurose Nozomu , Tanimoto Akihide
Published: February 2018

Optic nerve pilocytic astrocytoma is an uncommon but well-known entity; however, intraorbital ancient pilocytic astrocytoma of the optic nerve is extremely rarely reported. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed description regarding the intraorbital ancient pilocytic astrocytoma, reported in available English literature, to date. We presented an extremely unusual neurofibromatosis type 1 case of a 17-year-old male’s sudden ocular pain secondary to intraorbital pilocytic astrocytoma of the optic nerve with markedly cystic degeneration, fluid production, and hemorrhage, due to ancient and possibly ruptured glioma. Future prospective studies are required to validate the significance of intraorbital ancient pilocytic astrocytoma arising from the optic nerve and the close correlation with ruptured cystic degeneration and ocular pain, after collecting and investigating a larger number of its cases examined.
Wunder-women: Systematic review of causes, treatment and outcomes of Wunderlich syndrome during pregnancy
Authors: Ahn Thomas , Roberts Matthew J , Navaratnam Anojan , Chung Eric , Wood Simon T
Published: February 2018

Objective:

The objective of this article is to conduct a contemporary literature review on Wunderlich syndrome, or spontaneous renal haemorrhage (SRH), among pregnant women to describe contemporary aetiology, investigations and management patterns.

Methods:

A systematic review of MEDLINE and CENTRAL in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was performed. All articles, including case reports and case series on SRH published from 2000 to 2016, were included. Full-text manuscripts describing SRH among pregnant women were reviewed for clinical parameters, which were collated and analysed.

Results:

Twenty cases of SRH in pregnant women were identified. The median age and gestation were 32.1 years and 26.5 weeks, respectively, with SRH most commonly occurring in the third trimester (nine patients; 45%) and due to renal neoplasm, specifically angiomyolipoma (AML; 12 patients; 60%), followed by renal artery aneurysm (RAA; five patients; 25%). Surgical intervention (55%) was most commonly used for acute SRH. Foetal demise was not uncommon (15%).

Conclusions:

SRH in pregnant women is an uncommon but complex urological and obstetric emergency with potentially catastrophic consequences. A multidisciplinary approach is key to timely diagnosis and appropriate management considering the well-being both of mother and foetus. Pre-emptive diagnosis and intervention may reduce complications.

Level of evidence:

4
Terms and conditions still apply: A rejoinder to Hagopian et al
Authors: Spagat Michael , van Weezel Stijn
Published: February 2018

Spagat and van Weezel have re-analysed the data of the University Collaborative Iraq Mortality Study (UCIMS) and found fatal weaknesses in the headline-grabbing estimate of 500,000 excess deaths presented, in 2013, by Hagopian et al. The authors of that 2013 paper now defend their estimate and this is our rejoinder to their reply which, it is contended here, avoids the central points, addresses only secondary issues and makes ad hominem attacks. We use our narrow space constraint to refute some of the reply’s secondary points and indicate a few areas of agreement.
Levels of Patient Satisfaction on Integrative Medicine Before and After Implementation of Diagnosis-related Groups
Authors: Romeyke Tobias , Noehammer Elisabeth , Scheuer Hans Christoph , Stummer Harald
Published: February 2018

Objectives

The aim of this article is to study patient satisfaction with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in an in-hospital setting before and after the introduction of diagnosis-related groups (DRGs).

Methods

Patients were interviewed regarding a general evaluation of their hospital stay, the psychological talking therapy, the nutrition therapy, and the overall success of the treatment.

Results

The medical treatment was evaluated by 1158 patients. A very good success was reported by 347, a good by 609, a moderate by 181, and none by 21 patients. DRG implementation showed no significant effects. Psychological talking therapy was evaluated as “very good” ( P ≤ .05). With regard to the success of the medical talking and nutrition therapy, there were no significant differences ( P ≥ .05) between the time before and after DRG implementation.

Conclusion

Broadening conventional medical treatment with CAM practices can lead to a parallel treatment of DRGs in hospitals working with complementary medicine. This results in very patient-centered therapies, which may impact patient satisfaction.
Application of polyether amine, poly alcohol or KCl to maintain the stability of shales containing Na-smectite and Ca-smectite
Authors: Zhang Shifeng , He Yanfeng , Chen Zhixue , Sheng James J. , Fu Lipei
Published: February 2018

The stability of a shale containing smectite with different exchangeable cations (Na+, Ca2+) was improved using optimum solutions containing polyether amine (PA), poly-alcohol (PO) or KCl. Two types of shale samples with Na+ and Ca2+ as the main exchangeable cations, respectively, were used and the optimized solutions were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), an adsorption test, an oedometer swelling test, and an immersion test. The use of KCl prevented intercalation of PA or PO and maintained the stability of the Na-smectite-bearing shale. PA or PO adsorption reduced water adsorption sites on the clay layer, and K+ reduced hydration of exchangeable Na+, resulting in good shale stability in mixed solutions of KCl+PA, and KCl+PO. More stable shale was achieved in KCl+ PA mixed solution, whereas in the KCl+ PO solution the transport of water or solute molecules in the shale was reduced. In the shale containing mainly Ca-smectite, PA, PO and KCl maintained shale stability when applied separately or in common, as PA or PO cannot exchange Ca2+ in the smectite interlayer. As a result, PA or PO should be used together with KCl during drilling in shale formations containing Na-smectite, whereas in shales with Ca-smectite, PA, PO or KCl may be used separately.
Motukoreaite from the Kłodawa Salt Dome, Central Poland
Authors: Wachowiak Jacek , Pieczka Adam
Published: February 2018

Motukoreaite, Mg6Al3(OH)18[Na(H2O)6][SO4]2·6H2O, is a poorly-known, rare layered double hydroxide mineral belonging to the wermlandite group in the hydrotalcite supergroup. It was found in abundant quantities (at least hundreds of thousands of Mt) in the roof part the Younger Potash unit of the Leine cyclothem on the Kłodawa Salt Dome in central Poland (Permian–Mesozoic basin of Central Europe), outside its known typical environments like altered basalts and basaltic tuffs, including those deposited in submarine volcanic areas. The mineral displays varying SO2–4, Na+and H2O contents with negligible CO2–3, corresponding to the mean composition Mg5.75(Al3.20Fe3+0.04)∑3.25(OH)18.00{[Na(H2O)6]0.72□0.28}[(SO4)1.67(CO3)3.03(OH)0.57]·0.72H2O. It can be related to the partly dehydrated, hypothetical end-member Mg6Al3(OH)18[Na(H2O)6][(SO4)2]·6H2O. The Kł odawa motukoreaite represents the hexagonal, 3-layer polytype with the 3 × 3 superstructure in the xy plane, and unit cell a = b = 9.191(2)–9.199(2) Å, i.e. = 3 × 3.064–3.066 Å and c = 33.529(9)–33.562(7) Å, i.e. = 3 × 11.174–11.187 Å. The mineral was formed by alteration of clays delivered to the basin by an aeolian overprint and co-sedimented along with the evaporite sequence, initiated under the influence of Mg2+- and SO2–4-bearing brines at temperatures not exceeding 160–200°C, released from the evaporites during diagenetic/metamorphic processes.
Myosin 1f is specifically required for neutrophil migration in 3D environments during acute inflammation
Authors: Salvermoser Melanie , Pick Robert , Weckbach Ludwig T. , Zehrer Annette , Löhr Phillip , Drechsler Maik , Sperandio Markus , Soehnlein Oliver , Walzog Barbara
Published: February 2018

Key Points

Myo1f is critical for migration in 3D environments. Myo1f regulates the dynamic deformation of the nucleus during migration through physical barriers.
The interplay of leukemia cells and the bone marrow microenvironment
Authors: Duarte Delfim , Hawkins Edwin D. , Lo Celso Cristina
Published: February 2018

The interplay of cancer cells and surrounding stroma is critical in disease progression. This is particularly evident in hematological malignancies that infiltrate the bone marrow and peripheral lymphoid organs. Despite clear evidence for the existence of these interactions, the precise repercussions on the growth of leukemic cells are poorly understood. Recent development of novel imaging technology and preclinical disease models has advanced our comprehension of leukemia-microenvironment crosstalk and has potential implications for development of novel treatment options.
VIM-positive Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a large tertiary care hospital: matched case-control studies and a network analysis
Authors: Voor in ‘t holt Anne F. , Severin Juliëtte A. , Hagenaars Margot B. H. , de Goeij Inge , Gommers Diederik , Vos Margreet C.
Published: February 2018

Background

Emergence of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa is of global concern. We aimed to identify epidemiological relationships, the most common way of transmission, and risk factors for presence of Verona Integron-encoded Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM)-positive P. aeruginosa (VIM-PA).

Methods

We conducted a network analysis and matched case-control studies (1:2:2). Controls were hospital-based and matched with cases for ward, day of admission (control group 1 and 2) and time between admission and the identification of VIM-PA (control group 1). The network was visualized using Cytoscape, and risk factors were determined using conditional logistic regression.

Results

Between August 2003 and April 2015, 144 case patients and 576 control patients were recruited. We identified 307 relationships in 114 out of these 144 patients, with most relationships (84.7%) identified at the same department < 3 months after a previous case patient was discharged. In the multivariable model, having undergone ≥1 gastroscopy (odds ratio [OR] = 4.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.00 to 9.65 and OR = 2.47; 95% CI = 1.12 to 5.49), > 10 day use of selective digestive tract decontamination (SDD) (OR = 2.97; 95% CI = 1.02 to 8.68 and OR = 4.61; 95% CI = 1.22 to 17.37), and use of quinolones (OR = 3.29; 95% CI = 1.34 to 8.10 and OR = 3.95; 95% CI = 1.13 to 13.83 and OR = 4.47; 95% CI = 1.75 to 11.43) were identified as risk factors when using both control groups.

Conclusions

The network analysis indicated that the majority of transmissions occurred on the wards, but through unidentified and presumably persistent sources, which are most likely in the innate hospital environment. Previous use of certain antibiotic regimens made patients prone to VIM-PA carriage. Additionally, gastroscopy could be considered as a high-risk procedure in patients with risk factors. Our results add to the growing body of evidence that infection control measures targeting VIM-PA should be focused on reducing antibiotics and eliminating sources in the environment.
Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: genes, therapies and models
Authors: Kawasaki Kenta , Fujii Masayuki , Sato Toshiro
Published: February 2018

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) refer to a group of heterogeneous cancers of neuroendocrine cell phenotype that mainly fall into one of two subtypes: gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs; well differentiated) or gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (GEP-NECs; poorly differentiated). Although originally defined as orphan cancers, their steadily increasing incidence highlights the need to better understand their etiology. Accumulating epidemiological and clinical data have shed light on the pathological characteristics of these diseases. However, the relatively low number of patients has hampered conducting large-scale clinical trials and hence the development of novel treatment strategies. To overcome this limitation, tractable disease models that faithfully reflect clinical features of these diseases are needed. In this Review, we summarize the current understanding of the genetics and biology of these diseases based on conventional disease models, such as genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) and cell lines, and discuss the phenotypic differences between the models and affected humans. We also highlight the emerging disease models derived from human clinical samples, including patient-derived xenograft models and organoids, which may provide biological and therapeutic insights into GEP-NENs.
Use of zebrafish to study Shigella infection
Authors: Duggan Gina M. , Mostowy Serge
Published: February 2018

Shigella is a leading cause of dysentery worldwide, responsible for up to 165 million cases of shigellosis each year. Shigella is also recognised as an exceptional model pathogen to study key issues in cell biology and innate immunity. Several infection models have been useful to explore Shigella biology; however, we still lack information regarding the events taking place during the Shigella infection process in vivo. Here, we discuss a selection of mechanistic insights recently gained from studying Shigella infection of zebrafish (Danio rerio), with a focus on cytoskeleton rearrangements and cellular immunity. We also discuss how infection of zebrafish can be used to investigate new concepts underlying infection control, including emergency granulopoiesis and the use of predatory bacteria to combat antimicrobial resistance. Collectively, these insights illustrate how Shigella infection of zebrafish can provide fundamental advances in our understanding of bacterial pathogenesis and vertebrate host defence. This information should also provide vital clues for the discovery of new therapeutic strategies against infectious disease in humans.
Divergent effects of adrenaline in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes obtained from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Prajapati Chandra , Ojala Marisa , Aalto-Setälä Katriina
Published: February 2018

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common inherited cardiac disease that affects the heart muscle with diverse clinical outcomes. HCM can cause sudden cardiac death (SCD) during or immediately after mild to rigorous physical activity in young patients. However, the mechanism causing SCD as a result of exercise remains unknown, but exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmias are thought to be responsible for this fatal consequence. To understand the disease mechanism behind HCM in a better way, we generated patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) from HCM patients carrying either the MYBPC3-Gln1061X or TPM1-Asp175Asn mutation. We extensively investigated the effects of low to high concentrations of adrenaline on action potential characteristics, and the occurrence of arrhythmias in the presence of various concentrations of adrenaline and in wash-out condition. We classified and quantified different types of arrhythmias observed in hiPSC-CMs, and found that the occurrence of arrhythmias was dependent on concentrations of adrenaline and positions of mutations in genes causing HCM. In addition, we observed ventricular tachycardia types of arrhythmias in hiPSC-CMs carrying the TPM1-Asp175Asn mutation. We additionally examined the antiarrhythmic potency of bisoprolol in HCM-specific hiPSC-CMs. However, bisoprolol could not reduce the occurrence of arrhythmias during administration or during the wash-out condition of adrenaline in HCM-specific hiPSC-CMs. Our study demonstrates hiPSC-CMs as a promising tool for studying HCM. The experimental design used in this study could be suitable and beneficial for studying other components and drugs related to cardiac disease in general.
Hydrolytic activity of human Nudt16 enzyme on dinucleotide cap analogs and short capped oligonucleotides
Authors: Grzela Renata , Nasilowska Karolina , Lukaszewicz Maciej , Tyras Michal , Stepinski Janusz , Jankowska-Anyszka Marzena , Bojarska Elzbieta , Darzynkiewicz Edward
Published: February 2018

Human Nudt16 (hNudt16) is a member of the Nudix family of hydrolases, comprising enzymes catabolizing various substrates including canonical (d)NTPs, oxidized (d)NTPs, nonnucleoside polyphosphates, and capped mRNAs. Decapping activity of theXenopus laevis(X29) Nudt16 homolog was observed in the nucleolus, with a high specificity toward U8 snoRNA. Subsequent studies have reported cytoplasmic localization of mammalian Nudt16 with cap hydrolysis activity initiating RNA turnover, similar to Dcp2. The present study focuses on hNudt16 and its hydrolytic activity toward dinucleotide cap analogs and short capped oligonucleotides. We performed a screening assay for potential dinucleotide and oligonucleotide substrates for hNudt16. Our data indicate that dinucleotide cap analogs and capped oligonucleotides containing guanine base in the first transcribed nucleotide are more susceptible to enzymatic digestion by hNudt16 than their counterparts containing adenine. Furthermore, unmethylated dinucleotides (GpppG and ApppG) and respective oligonucleotides (GpppG-16nt and GpppA-16nt) were hydrolyzed by hNudt16 with greater efficiency than were m7GpppG and m7GpppG-16nt. In conclusion, we found that hNudt16 hydrolysis of dinucleotide cap analogs and short capped oligonucleotides displayed a broader spectrum specificity than is currently known.
Identification of microsatellite loci in sea anemones Aulactinia stella and Cribrinopsis albopunctata (family Actiniidae)
Authors: Bocharova Ekaterina S. , Sergeev Alexey A. , Volkov Aleksandr A.
Published: February 2018

From the DNA libraries enriched by the repeat motifs (AAAC)6, (AATC)6, (ACAG)6, (ACCT)6, (ACTC)6, ACTG)6, (AAAT)8, (AACT)8, (AAGT)8, (AGAT)8, for two viviparous sea anemones Aulactinia stella and Cribrinopsis albopunctata, 41 primer pairs were developed. These primer pairs resulted in the identification of 41 candidate microsatellite loci in either A. stella or C. albopunctata. Polymorphic loci were identified in both sea anemone species for 13 of the primer pairs and can be applicable for population genetics researches.
Predicting ionizing radiation exposure using biochemically-inspired genomic machine learning
Authors: Zhao Jonathan Z.L. , Mucaki Eliseos J. , Rogan Peter K.
Published: February 2018

Background: Gene signatures derived from transcriptomic data using machine learning methods have shown promise for biodosimetry testing. These signatures may not be sufficiently robust for large scale testing, as their performance has not been adequately validated on external, independent datasets. The present study develops human and murine signatures with biochemically-inspired machine learning that are strictly validated using k-fold and traditional approaches.

Methods: Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets of exposed human and murine lymphocytes were preprocessed via nearest neighbor imputation and expression of genes implicated in the literature to be responsive to radiation exposure (n=998) were then ranked by Minimum Redundancy Maximum Relevance (mRMR). Optimal signatures were derived by backward, complete, and forward sequential feature selection using Support Vector Machines (SVM), and validated using k-fold or traditional validation on independent datasets.

Results: The best human signatures we derived exhibit k-fold validation accuracies of up to 98% (DDB2,  PRKDC, TPP2, PTPRE, and GADD45A) when validated over 209 samples and traditional validation accuracies of up to 92% (DDB2,  CD8A,  TALDO1,  PCNA,  EIF4G2,  LCN2,  CDKN1A,  PRKCH,  ENO1,  and PPM1D) when validated over 85 samples. Some human signatures are specific enough to differentiate between chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Certain multi-class murine signatures have sufficient granularity in dose estimation to inform eligibility for cytokine therapy (assuming these signatures could be translated to humans). We compiled a list of the most frequently appearing genes in the top 20 human and mouse signatures. More frequently appearing genes among an ensemble of signatures may indicate greater impact of these genes on the performance of individual signatures. Several genes in the signatures we derived are present in previously proposed signatures.

Conclusions: Gene signatures for ionizing radiation exposure derived by machine learning have low error rates in externally validated, independent datasets, and exhibit high specificity and granularity for dose estimation.
AROMATIC STEROIDS BIOMARKERS APPLIED TO HIGH RESOLUTION STRATIGRAPHY: IRATI FORMATION, SOUTHERN OF PARANÁ BASIN, BRAZIL
Authors: Osorio Lina Liliana , Reis Darlly Erika Silva dos , Rodrigues René
Published: February 2018

The use of aromatic steroids in geochemical studies is almost absent in Brazilian sedimentary basins. For this reason, it is intended to test the application of these compounds in high-resolution stratigraphy in the relatively well known Lower Permian Irati Formation. The Irati Formation is about 40 meters thick. It is thermally immature, and comprise two lithological distinct members: the lower siliciclastic Taquaral Member and the upper calcareous-siliciclastic Assistência Member. Based on the whole rock data, mostly TOC, total sulfur, Rock-Eval pyrolysis and alkanes biomarkers, was possible to split the Irati Formation into seven chemostratigraphic units, named from A to C in the Taquaral Member and from D to G in the Assistência Member. Each of these units represents: distinct inputs of land derived organic matter type (chemostratigraphic units C and F) and/or; the response of living organisms to salinity changing of the water system (chemostratigraphic unit D) and; anoxia (chemostratigraphic unit E) during sedimentation. The methodology applied in this work can be used in other sedimentary basins but considering the lithology and sedimentary environment particularities.
Serviço Social em Portugal no fascismo: oposição, resistência e ação sindical
Authors: Martins Alcina
Published: February 2018

Resumo – Partilha-se a concepção de que o Serviço Social, enquanto profissão, é indissociável do desenvolvimento das relações sociais capitalistas, não se constituindo num bloco homogêneo. Na senda de Netto, os projectos societários em disputa pela manutenção ou transformação das estruturas sociais vigentes têm expressão nos projectos profissionais. Desse modo, com este trabalho procura-se contribuir para a análise da construção do Serviço Social em Portugal, apreendendo o significado atribuído pelo fascismo à profissão no processo de institucionalização, de 1930 a 1950. Pretende-se também identificar assistentes sociais[1] que se foram envolvendo em movimentos de oposição e resistência ao regime e perceber como, nos anos 1960 e 1970, a profissão se foi distanciando do significado inicialmente atribuído, a partir da organização sindical corporativista. Palavras-Chave: fascismo; Portugal; oposição; resistência; Serviço Social; distanciamento; ação sindical; assistentes sociais.  Abstract – The concept of social work as a profession is inseparable from the development of capitalist social relations, and does not constitute a homogeneous bloc. According to Netto, the corporate projects in dispute for the maintenance or transformation of the existing social structures are expressed in professional projects. In this way, this work seeks to contribute to the analysis of the construction of social work in Portugal, grasping the meaning attributed by fascism to the profession in the process of institutionalization, from 1930 to 1950. It is also intended to identify social workers[2] who have been involved in movements of opposition and resistance to the regime and to perceive how, in the 1960s and 1970s, the profession was distanced of the initially attributed meaning, from the corporatist trade union organization. Keywords: fascism in Portugal; opposition; resistance; social work; distancing; union action; social workers. [1] Entrevistas realizadas pela autora a: Maria Eugénia Varela Gomes (26 de junho de 2000), Maria Gabriela Figueiredo Ferreira (15 e 22 de janeiro de 2001) e Maria Teresa Abrantes Pereira Ávila (20 de junho de 2000). [2] Interviews conducted by the author to: Maria Eugénia Varela Gomes (June 26, 2000), Maria Gabriela Figueiredo Ferreira (January 15 and 22, 2001) and Maria Teresa Abrantes Pereira Avila (June 20, 2000).
NOVAS REALIDADES DO ENSINO SUPERIOR A DISTÂNCIA: A INCLUSÃO DE UNIVERSITÁRIOS COM DEFICIÊNCIA
Authors: Dillenburg Andreia Ines , Cecchin Andrea Forgiarini
Published: February 2018

Com o presente artigo pretende-se apresentar ações, desafios e legislações que tem permeado os processos de inclusão no Curso de Pedagogia a distância da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. A instituição de ensino está localizada no interior do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil a partir implementação da Resolução 011\2007.Na atual conjuntura a EAD tem assumido novos desafios como a inclusão educacional de acadêmicos com deficiência nos cursos a distância. Atualmente o curso possui seis estudantes incluídos em um universo de 399 alunos. A equipe do curso - coordenação, professores e tutores - tem empenhado esforços para que o processo de inclusão dê conta, não só da permanência como também da qualidade dos processos de ensino desses sujeitos. Compreende-se que, uma vez garantido o acesso ao deficiente, é necessário pensar ações e debates que busquem a permanência e a efetiva aprendizagem desses alunos, assegurando a formação de um profissional apto ao mercado de trabalho. Este artigo procura tratar dos desafios encontrados pela coordenação do curso para a inclusão destes estudantes e das estratégias adotadas para dar conta desse processo.  O principal expediente utilizado foi a tentativa de despertar um olhar atento aos estudantes que acessam a universidade respeitando as suas demandas e peculiaridades, evitando considerá-lo como um número,  um dado estatístico.
ACESSIBILIDADE AO CURRÍCULO ATRAVÉS DO USO DO COMPUTADOR PARA ESTUDANTES COM AUTISMO
Authors: Cruz Mara Monteiro , Nascimento Fabiana Ferreira do
Published: February 2018

O presente artigo se propõe a discutir a utilização de recursos da Informática para promover acessibilidade ao currículo a partir de uma pesquisa de mestrado (AUTOR, 2017). A investigação aborda o uso da tecnologia na escolarização de dois estudantes com autismo, em uma escola pública do Rio de Janeiro, no Ensino Fundamental. As atividades realizadas na pesquisa são analisadas tendo em vista os pressupostos sobre acessibilidade ao currículo e Desenho Universal para a Aprendizagem (DUA). Conclui-se que a acessibilidade ao currículo não deve estar pautada em possíveis déficits ou dificuldades dos estudantes, sua concepção deve ser ampla o suficiente para que este considere as características de todo o alunado.
A ELABORAÇÃO CONCEITUAL EM ALUNOS COM DEFICIÊNCIA INTELECTUAL: APONTAMENTOS A PARTIR DAS PROVAS DE LURIA
Authors: Corrêa Roberta Pires
Published: February 2018

O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar reflexões sobre a elaboração de conceitos em alunos com deficiência intelectual a partir das indicações do método de investigação de conceitos de Luria. A investigação é um recorte da dissertação de mestrado concluída, vinculada ao “Observatório de Educação Especial e inclusão escolar: práticas curriculares e processos de ensino e aprendizagem”– (OBEDUC/CAPES) fundamentada na perspectiva histórico-cultural. Adotamos a pesquisa de campo de cunho qualitativo, optamos por utilizar o estudo de caso, realizado na Baixada Fluminense, em Belford Roxo, município do Rio de Janeiro, pela possibilidade de descrever e interpretar os dados de maneira reflexiva. Como instrumentos de coleta de dados utilizamos as indicações do método de investigação de conceitos de Luria. Evidenciamos que a relação de ensino e aprendizagem deste alunado, que foge do modelo de “aluno ideal”, está calcada em práticas pedagógicas a eles dirigidas, que, muitas vezes, são esvaziadas de sentidos, oportunizando menos experiências de aprendizagem e ofertando menos possibilidades de desenvolvimento. O envolvimento escasso com as atividades demostra que as funções psicológicas superiores não estão sendo desenvolvidas de maneira satisfatória para que haja apropriação dos conceitos científicos. Todavia, os dados também revelam as possibilidades e os caminhos a serem seguidos para que estes alunos tenham acesso aos conhecimentos historicamente construídos.
Cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention: assessing patient satisfaction
Authors: Wilson Teena M , Peng Zilin , Clark Robyn A , Tirimacco Rosy
Published: February 2018

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and secondary prevention programmes are pivotal to the recovery and ongoing health of patients who experience a cardiac event. While these programmes have been shown to enhance quality of life and reduce hospital admissions, inadequate uptake persists in Australia, the UK, and around the world. Patient satisfaction is strongly associated with adherence to CR and secondary prevention strategies. The current paper explores patient satisfaction of face-to-face and telehealth models of CR and secondary prevention programmes offered across metropolitan and rural areas. The aim of the survey was to identify strengths and weaknesses of these programmes. Overall satisfaction was high, with completion rates noted to be greater in the telehealth group compared with face-to-face models. Given the positive satisfaction of CR and secondary prevention programmes, it would be advantageous to further investigate what is preventing the initial uptake of programmes.
The Somerset Integrated Diabetes Foot Service: Saving money and saving feet
Authors: Thomas Julia
Published: February 2018

Julia Thomas outlines the formation of the Somerset Integrated Diabetes Foot Service, explaining the thinking behind it and the dramatic effect that it has had on care and costs