bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of xylosyltransferases I and II and their role in the pathogenesis of arthrofibrosis
Authors: Bernstein Anke , Reichert Sven N. A. , Südkamp Norbert P. , Hernandez Sergio Latorre , Nerlich Andreas G. , Kühle Jan , Mayr Hermann O.
Published: January 2020

Background

Arthrofibrosis is a painful and restraining complication that occurs after about 10% of total knee arthroplasty and cruciate ligament surgery. The pathogenesis of arthrofibrosis has not yet been fully understood. Stress signals stimulate immune cells, and fibroblast differentiates into myofibroblast, which produce a large amount of collagen. Xylosyltransferases also appear to be involved in these pathways. They catalyze proteoglycan biosynthesis, which is involved in tissue remodeling and myofibroblast differentiation. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the disease arthrofibrosis and the expression of the two isoforms of xylosyltransferases I and II.

Methods

Tissue samples from 14 patients with arthrofibrosis were compared with tissue samples from seven healthy controls. The xylosyltransferases were detected by immunohistochemistry. The tissues were divided into four different areas of interest: vessels, synovialis, cell-poor and cell-rich fibrosis, or cell-poor and cell-rich areas in the control group. A quantification of the results was performed by modification of the immunoreactive score according to Remmele and Stegner.

Results

Xylosyltransferase I was expressed in the various tissue types at varying rates. Xylosyltransferase I expression was considerably and significantly stronger than that of xylosyltransferase II. The following sequences of xylosyltransferase I and xylosyltransferase II expression were determined as follows: vessels >> cell-rich fibrosis > cell-poor fibrosis > synovialis. A positive correlation between the number of positive fibroblasts and the immunoreactive scoring system (IRS) was documented.

Conclusions

The significant positive correlation of xylosyltransferase -I expression with increasing number of fibroblasts demonstrates a high myofibroblast differentiation rate, which implies a gradual event as the pathogenesis of arthrofibrosis.
Interventional effects of the direct application of “Sanse powder” on knee osteoarthritis in rats as determined from lipidomics via UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS
Authors: Wu Peng , Huang Zhengquan , Shan Jinjun , Luo Zichen , Zhang Nongshan , Yin Songjiang , Shen Cunsi , Xing Runlin , Mei Wei , Xiao Yancheng , Xu Bo , Mao Jun , Wang Peimin
Published: January 2020

Background

Our previous clinical evidence suggested that the direct application of “Sanse powder” the main ingredient of “Yiceng” might represent an alternative treatment for knee osteoarthritis. However, the mechanism underlying its effect is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of the effect of direct “Sanse powder” application for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in rats by using lipidomics.

Methods

KOA rats were established by cutting the anterior cruciate ligament, and the cold pain threshold and mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) of seven rats from each group were measured before modelling (0 days) and at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after modelling. Histopathological evaluation of the synovial tissue was performed by haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining after modelling for 28 days. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), pro-interleukin-1β (pro-IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) proteins in synovial tissue were measured by western blot, and the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in synovial tissue were measured using Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in rat serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Serum lipid profiles were obtained by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS).

Results

The results confirmed that the direct application of “Sanse powder” had a significant protective effect against KOA in rats. Treatment with “Sanse powder” not only attenuated synovial tissue inflammation but also increased the levels of the cold pain threshold and MWT. In addition, the lipidomics results showed that the levels of diacylglycerol (DAG), triacylglycerols (TAGs), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), phosphatidylcholine (PC), fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) were restored almost to control levels following treatment.

Conclusions

Lipidomics provides a better understanding of the actions of direct application “Sanse powder” therapy for KOA.
Cytogenetic analysis of 3387 umbilical cord blood in pregnant women at high risk for chromosomal abnormalities
Authors: Sun Yanmei , Zhang Pingping , Zhang Ning , Rong Limin , Yu Xiaoping , Huang Xianghua , Li Yali
Published: January 2020

Background

Cordocentesis in our practice is most commonly indicated for rapid karyotyping in the second or third trimester and is regarded as the gold standard for foetal chromosomal aberration diagnosis in pregnancies at high risk for chromosomal abnormalities. In this study, we investigated 3387 umbilical cord blood samples for karyotyping from pregnant women who underwent cordocentesis and explored the pregnancy outcomes of foetal sex chromosome mosaicism and chromosomal polymorphism.

Results

Out of the 3387 samples, 182 abnormal karyotypes were detected. Ultrasound soft markers were the most common prenatal diagnostic indication, but the detection rate of abnormal karyotypes was 2.02%, while it was 46.97% in the genome-wide NIPT-positive group. The rate of aneuploidy was lower in the soft marker group than in the other groups. Out of 16 cases with sex chromosome mosaicism, three pregnant women with foetuses with a lower proportion of sex chromosome mosaicism delivered healthy foetuses; the foetus with karyotype 46,X,i(Y)(q10)[20]/45,X[6] showed unclear genitals. Three foetuses with chromosomal polymorphisms had postnatal disorders.

Conclusions

NIPT should not be recommended as the first-tier screening for chromosomal aberration for pregnancies with ultrasound soft markers or pathological ultrasound findings, but NIPT can be considered an acceptable alternative for pregnancies with contraindications to cordocentesis or the fear of procedure-related foetal loss. Mosaicism found in amniotic fluid cell culture requires further cordocentesis for karyotype confirmation, and the continuation of pregnancy is safe when a normal karyotype is identified in foetal blood culture. Further genetic testing and parental karyotype analysis are needed for foetal chromosomal polymorphisms.
Point OutWords: protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial of a motor skills intervention to promote communicative development in non-verbal children with autism
Authors: McKinney Ailbhe , Hotson Kathryn L. , Rybicki Alicia , Weisblatt Emma J. L. , Días Claudia , Foster Juliet , Villar Sofía S. , Murphy Suzanne , Belmonte Matthew K.
Published: January 2020

Background

Point OutWords is a caregiver-delivered, iPad-assisted intervention for non-verbal or minimally verbal children with autism. It aims to develop prerequisite skills for communication such as manual and oral motor skills, sequencing, and symbolic representation. This feasibility trial aims to determine the viability of evaluating the clinical efficacy of Point OutWords.

Methodology

We aim to recruit 46 non-verbal or minimally verbal children with autism and their families, approximately 23 per arm. Children in the intervention group will use Point OutWords for half an hour, five times a week, for 8 weeks. Children in the control group will have equal caregiver-led contact time with the iPad using a selection of control apps (e.g. sensory apps, drawing apps). Communication, motor, and daily living skills are assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Parents will keep diaries during the intervention period and will take part in focus groups when the intervention is completed.

Discussion

Point OutWords was developed in collaboration with children with autism and their caregivers, to provide an intervention for a subgroup of autism that has been historically underserved. As autism is a heterogeneous condition, it is unlikely that one style of intervention will address all aspects of its symptomatology; the motor skills approach of Point OutWords can complement other therapies that address core autistic symptoms of social cognition and communication more directly. The current feasibility trial can inform the selection of outcome measures and design for future full-scale randomised controlled trials of Point OutWords and of other early interventions in autism.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN12808402. Prospectively registered on 12 March 2019.
The efficacy and safety of 'antianxiety granule' for anxiety disorder: a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial
Authors: Sha Zhongwei , Hou Yiping , Xue Chunchun , Li Ou , Li Zhimin , Wang Huiru , Zhang Wenjing , Xu Jian
Published: January 2020

Background

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent class of lifetime disorders in China, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most common but frequently overlooked anxiety disorders. Conventional pharmacological treatments for GAD have varying degrees of side effects, dependency, and/or withdrawal syndromes. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is considered a valuable therapeutic option for anxiety disorders and a potentially effective technique to reduce the side effects associated with antipsychotic drugs. This trial aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Antianxiety Granule, a granular Chinese medicine compound, for treatment of GAD.

Methods/design

The current work is a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial with a 6-week treatment schedule. The study consists of three periods: a 1–7-day screening period, a 6-week primary treatment period, and a 1-week follow-up period. Follow-up assessments will be conducted 1 week after the last visit with a face-to-face interview or by telephone. The clinical efficacy of Antianxiety Granule for the treatment of GAD will be evaluated by examining the change in the Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) score, state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) score, and TCM symptom scale in patients with GAD who receive daily TCM treatment. Moreover, an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis will also be used in this randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Discussion

Our study is a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Antianxiety Granule for the treatment of GAD. The results of this trial will provide valuable clinical evidence for the treatment of GAD.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800016039. Registered on 8 May 2018.
Spontaneous inflammation and necrosis of the falciform and round ligaments: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Bhatt Astha , Robinson Emmanuel , Cunningham Steven C.
Published: January 2020

Background

Necrosis of the falciform and round ligaments is extremely rare, thus making the diagnosis challenging. It is often misdiagnosed as gallbladder pathology due to the presenting symptoms. Due to the rarity of this pathology, there is limited literature available.

Case presentation

A 53-year-old white man presented to our hospital with signs and symptoms of gallbladder pain but turned out to have the rare entity of necrosis of the falciform and round ligaments. An extensive review of the world literature was performed using PubMed. Manual cross-referencing of reference lists was performed to obtain all available articles. The personal operative log of the senior author was also searched to reveal one additional case. Statistical analysis was descriptive only, given the small number of reported cases. Thirty-nine articles were found, among which forty-three case were identified, and one additional case was extracted from the operative log of the senior author. Unlike previous reports, we found that isolated inflammation and necrosis of the ligaments occurs at nearly the same frequency in both men and women, not predominantly in women as previously reported in smaller series. The mean age at presentation was 59.5 years old, and cases were typically initially diagnosed as gallbladder pathology, most commonly acute cholecystitis. Computed tomography more frequently than ultrasound revealed the falciform and round-ligament pathology.

Conclusions

Isolated falciform and round-ligament inflammation and necrosis is a rare condition that is difficult to diagnose because it can present mimicking a wide variety of intra-abdominal pathologies, particularly gallbladder pathologies. It is often best treated by laparoscopic resection. Unlike prior reports, our review of the literature, which is the largest that we know of to date, shows that males and females are equally affected. Greater awareness of this entity will aid in future diagnosis.
Live vaccine consisting of attenuated Salmonella secreting and delivering Brucella ribosomal protein L7/L12 induces humoral and cellular immune responses and protects mice against virulent Brucella abortus 544 challenge
Authors: Senevirathne Amal , Hewawaduge Chamith , Lee John Hwa
Published: January 2020

The present study employs the Brucella abortus L7/L12 antigen in a Salmonella secretion platform and investigates its ability to induce protective immune responses against wild type challenge in BALB/c mice. The highly conserved L7/L12 open reading frame was PCR amplified from B. abortus and cloned into a prokaryotic expression vector, pJHL65, directly under the beta-lactamase secretory signal. The plasmid constructs pJHL65::L7/L12 was then transformed into an attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium strain, JOL1800 (∆lon, ∆cpxR, ∆asd, and ∆rfaL), and protein secretion was verified by Western blot. Three mice groups were inoculated with either phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), vector-only control, or the vaccine strain secreting L7/L12 antigen. Assessment of humoral and cell-mediated immune responses revealed successful elicitation of Brucella antigen-specific Th1 and Th2 immune responses that were significantly higher than PBS and vector control groups. The immune responses were confirmed by splenocyte proliferation assay, flow cytometry analysis for CD4+ and CD8+ markers, and RT-PCR based cytokine profiling upon restimulation with L7/L12 purified antigen. Results indicate that immunization with Salmonella secreting L7/L12 antigen demonstrated significant enhancement of cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses in immunized mice. The overall effectiveness of the immunization was evaluated by challenging with virulent B. abortus that revealed significant reduction in Brucella colonization in spleen and liver tissues in Salmonella L7/L12 immunized mice. Delivery of Brucella protective antigen L7/L12 using the Salmonella secretion system can effectively accomplish immunogenic advantages of both Salmonella and L7/L12 to derive robust CMI responses and induce humoral immunity to protect against Brucella infection in the mouse model.
Multimodal strategy in surgical site infections control and prevention in orthopaedic patients – a 10-year retrospective observational study at a Polish hospital
Authors: Kołpa Małgorzata , Słowik Roża , Wałaszek Marta , Wolak Zdzisław , Różańska Anna , Wójkowska-Mach Jadwiga
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most common healthcare-associated infections. They are associated with longer post-operative hospital stays, additional surgical procedures, risk of treatment in intensive care units and higher mortality.

Material and methods

SSIs were detected in patients hospitalized in a 40-bed orthopaedics ward in 2009–2018. The total number of study patients was 15,678. The results were divided into two 5-year periods before and after the introduction of the SSI prevention plan. The study was conducted as part of a national Healthcare-Associated Infections Surveillance Programme, following the methodology recommended by the HAI-Net, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Program (ECDC).

Results

One hundred sixty eight SSIs were detected in total, including 163 deep SSIs (SSI-D). The total SSI incidence rate was 1.1%, but in hip prosthesis: 1.2%, in knee prosthesis: 1.3%, for open reduction of fracture (FX): 1.3%, for close reduction of fracture (CR): 1.5, and 0.8% for other procedures. 64% of SSI-D cases required rehospitalisation. A significantly reduction in incidence was found only after fracture reductions: FX and CR, respectively 2.1% vs. 0.7% (OR 3.1 95%CI 1.4–6.6, p < 0.01) and 2.1 vs. 0.8% (OR 2.4 95%CI 1.0–5.9, p < 0.05). SSI-Ds were usually caused by Gram-positive cocci, specially Staphylococcus aureus, 74 (45.7%); Enterobacteriaceae bacillis accounted for 14.1% and Gram-negative non-fermenting rods for 8.5%.

Conclusions

The implemented SSI prevention plan demonstrated a significant decrease from 2.1 to 0.7% in SSI-D incidence only in fracture reductions, without changes in epidemiology SSI incidence rates in other procedures. Depending on the epidemiological situation in the ward, it is worthwhile to surveillance of SSIs associated to different types of orthopaedic surgery to assess the risks of SSI and take preventive measures.
Reproductive performance of pandemic influenza A virus infected sow herds before and after implementation of a vaccine against the influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 virus
Authors: Gumbert Sophie , Froehlich Sebastian , Rieger Anna , Stadler Julia , Ritzmann Mathias , Zoels Susanne
Published: January 2020

Background

Reproductive failure in sow herds due to infection with influenza A viruses has been described in the literature, but only a few studies have focused on the pathogenesis and the clinical signs of the infection. Case reports indicate an association between infections with influenza A viruses and reduced reproductive performance, although it has been difficult to experimentally reproduce the clinical outcome of poor reproductive performance. The aim of the present longitudinal field study was to compare the reproductive performance parameters before and after the implementation of vaccination against the influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 virus in sow herds infected with pandemic influenza A virus. Therefore, farm-specific data of 137 sow herds in Germany, including 60,153 sows, as well as the clinical presentation of the infection were surveyed via questionnaire. Furthermore, average performance parameters (return to oestrus rate, abortion rate, stillbirth rate, number of piglets born alive per litter, preweaning mortality rate and number of piglets weaned per sow per year) were recorded for 6 months before vaccination and 6 months after completion of primary vaccination.

Results

In 79.8% of the farms, the clinical presentation of the infection was characterised by a reduced reproductive performance. These findings were confirmed by analysis of the performance parameters, which revealed a significant decline in the return to oestrus rate (p < 0.001), abortion rate (p < 0.001) and preweaning mortality rate (p = 0.023) and a significant increase of the number in piglets born alive (p = 0.001) and piglets weaned per sow per year (p < 0.001) after immunisation. The stillbirth rate did not change significantly.

Conclusion

The present study represents the first attempt to demonstrate the association of influenza A virus infection, vaccination and the alteration in reproductive performance parameters, investigating a large number of cases. The results show that by vaccinating against the influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 virus, an improvement in reproductive performance can be achieved in sow herds infected with pandemic influenza A virus. Additionally, the large number of herds that were affected by poor reproductive performance after infection with the aforementioned virus confirms the assumption of an association between pandemic influenza A virus and reproductive losses.
High periprosthetic bone mineral density measured in immediate postoperative period may not guarantee less periprosthetic bone loss in the proximal femur after cementless total hip arthroplasty – A retrospective study
Authors: Fu Guangtao , Ma Yuanchen , Liao Junxing , Xue Yunlian , Li Mengyuan , Li Qingtian , Deng Zhantao , Zheng Qiujian
Published: January 2020

Background

Total hip arthroplasty is the most common orthopaedic procedure for the end-stage hip diseases. Periprosthetic bone loss is closely related to the increased risk of implant loosening and periprosthetic fractures, but the predictive value of periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) measured immediately after surgery has not yet been investigated.

Methods

From April 2015 to October 2017, 64 patients with femoral neck fracture, hip osteoarthritis, femoral head necrosis, or developmental dysplasia of the hip underwent unilateral total hip arthroplasty. Demographic data, bone mineral density of the hip and spine, periprosthetic BMD of 7 Gruen zones, and radiographic parameters measured preoperatively, 1 week, 3 months, and 12 months after surgery were collected. Apvalue < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

Significant decreases of the periprosthetic BMD were found in Gruen zone 1 (− 8.0%;p < 0.05), Gruen zone 2 (− 6.3%;p < 0.05), Gruen zone 7 (− 8.6%;p < 0.05), and total Gruen zone (− 4.7%;p < 0.05) in the first postoperative year, compared with the values measured 1 week after surgery. The relationship between the preoperative BMD of the hip/spine and the BMD of Gruen zone 1 and Gruen zone 7 measured 1 week after surgery did not reach statistical significance. The multiple linear regression analysis illustrated that the bone loss in Gruen zone 7 at the end of the follow-up period was negatively affected (β = − 0.703) by the BMD of Gruen zone 7 measured 1 week after surgery, with a R2of 0.486 (p < 0.05). Similar results were also found in Gruen zone 1 (β = − 0.448, R2 = 0.186;p < 0.05).

Conclusion

There were marked decreases in periprosthetic BMD of the proximal femur in the first postoperative year. The predictive values of preoperative BMD of hip and spine on periprosthetic bone loss after THA were limited. Higher periprosthetic BMD measured in immediate postoperative period may not guarantee less periprosthetic bone loss in the proximal femur after cementless THA.
Modeling in the Classroom: Making Relationships and Systems Visible
Authors: Wilson Kristy J. , Long Tammy M. , Momsen Jennifer L. , Bray Speth Elena
Published: January 2020

As an instructional tool, models can transform the student experience from the static to the dynamic, the flat to the 3D, and the siloed to the integrated. Few practical resources exist to help instructors transition toward model-based classroom practices. The Modeling in the Classroom evidence-based teaching guide provides instructors with a tool kit for incorporating models and modeling into their classrooms ( https://lse.ascb.org/evidence-based-teaching-guides/modeling-in-the-classroom ). The guide discusses the underpinnings of modeling as a core scientific practice, one that can enable student development of systems thinking skills and understanding of biological concepts. The guide describes a variety of model types, including phylogenetic trees, simulations, animations, diagrams, conceptual models, concept maps, and tactile models supported by summaries of and links to articles and resources. In this paper, we will introduce key findings describing why and how to use models in the classroom. We also describe open research questions needed to address classroom implementation, instructional design, and development of students’ knowledge and skills. It is our hope that the guide will provide a suitable combination of research-based findings and practical suggestions that instructors will be supported and encouraged to thoughtfully incorporate modeling to support learning goals.
The Rise of the Sea and the Novel
Authors: Ravindranathan Thangam
Published: January 2020

This essay is a speculative reflection on literary fiction’s—and notably the contemporary French novel’s—ability to register the effects of climate change. The first half engages with Amitav Ghosh’s thinking on this question in his 2016 book The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable. The second examines Marguerite Duras’s Un barrage contre le Pacifique (1950) as a novel about rising sea levels and discusses what it might mean to read this classic in these terms. The essay then considers which works today might be Duras’s successors and what such a refocusing of our sights on the material effects on the earth of fossil-fueled capitalism and empire implies for reading today.
“A book that all have heard of . . . but that nobody reads”
Authors: Simonova Natasha
Published: January 2020

In 1804, The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia was described as “a book that all have heard of, that some few possess, but that nobody reads.” Indeed, the usual critical narrative has Philip Sidney’s romance falling sharply out of fashion in the eighteenth century from its height in the mid-seventeenth, before being rediscovered within a limited academic context. This essay, however, finds value in charting the circulation and reception of this apparently “unpopular” and “outdated” work. Focusing on how Sidney’s Arcadia was published, refashioned, and read in the eighteenth century, rather than on how it was not, means more than simply disproving the absence of evidence. Rather, it sheds light on questions about the reception of Renaissance literature (beyond Shakespeare) in this period, the generic relationship between the romance and the novel, and the way that individual readers’ experiences help to transform and transmit particular texts forward through time.
CSB cooperates with SMARCAL1 to maintain telomere stability in ALT cells
Authors: Feng Emily , Batenburg Nicole L. , Walker John R. , Ho Angus , Mitchell Taylor R. H. , Qin Jian , Zhu Xu-Dong
Published: January 2020

Elevated replication stress is evident at telomeres of about 10-15% of cancer cells, which maintain their telomeres via a homologous recombination (HR)-based mechanism, referred to as alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). How ALT cells resolve replication stress to support their growth remains incompletely characterized. Here, we report that CSB (also known as ERCC6) promotes recruitment of HR repair proteins (MRN, BRCA1, BLM and RPA32) and POLD3 to ALT telomeres, a process that requires the ATPase activity of CSB and is controlled by ATM- and CDK2-dependent phosphorylation. Loss of CSB stimulates telomeric recruitment of MUS81 and SLX4, components of the structure-specific MUS81-EME1-SLX1-SLX4 (MUS-SLX) endonuclease complex, suggesting that CSB restricts MUS-SLX-mediated processing of stalled forks at ALT telomeres. Loss of CSB coupled with depletion of SMARCAL1, a chromatin remodeler implicated in catalyzing regression of stalled forks, synergistically promotes not only telomeric recruitment of MUS81 but also the formation of fragile telomeres, the latter of which is reported to arise from fork stalling. These results altogether suggest that CSB-mediated HR repair and SMARCAL1-mediated fork regression cooperate to prevent stalled forks from being processed into fragile telomeres in ALT cells.
Dosimetric impact of organ at risk daily variation during prostate stereotactic ablative radiotherapy
Authors: Devlin Lynsey , Dodds David , Sadozye Azmat , McLoone Philip , MacLeod Nicholas , Lamb Carolynn , Currie Suzanne , Thomson Stefanie , Duffton Aileen
Published: January 2020

Objective:

Prostate stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) delivers large doses using a fast dose rate. This amplifies the effect geometric uncertainties have on normal tissue dose. The aim of this study was to determine whether the treatment dose–volume histogram (DVH) agrees with the planned dose to organs at risk (OAR).

Methods:

41 low–intermediate risk prostate cancer patients were treated with SABR using a linac based technique. Dose prescribed was 35 Gy in five fractions delivered on alternate days, planned using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) with 10X flattening filter free (FFF). On treatment, prostate was matched to fiducial markers on cone beam CT (CBCT). OAR were retrospectively delineated on 205 pre-treatment CBCT images. Daily CBCT contours were overlaid on the planning CT for dosimetric analysis. Verification plan used to evaluate the daily DVH for each structure. The daily doses received by OAR were recorded using the D%.

Results:

The median rectum and bladder volumes at planning were 67.1 cm3 (interquartile range 56.4–78.2) and 164.4 cm3 (interquartile range 120.3–213.4) respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in median rectal volume at each of the five treatment scans compared to the planning scan (p = 0.99). This was also the case for median bladder volume (p = 0.79). The median dose received by rectum and bladder at each fraction was higher than planned, at the majority of dose levels. For rectum the increase ranged from 0.78–1.64Gy and for bladder 0.14–1.07Gy. The percentage of patients failing for rectum D35% < 18 Gy (p = 0.016), D10% < 28 Gy (p = 0.004), D5% < 32 Gy (p = 0.0001), D1% < 35 Gy (p = 0.0001) and bladder D1% < 35 Gy (p = 0.001) at treatment were all statistically significant.

Conclusion:

In this cohort of prostate SABR patients, we estimate the OAR treatment DVH was higher than planned. This was due to rectal and bladder organ variation.

Advances in knowledge:

OAR variation in prostate SABR using a FFF technique, may cause the treatment DVH to be higher than planned.
Diagnostic accuracy of signal loss in in-phase gradient-echo images for differentiation between small renal cell carcinoma and lipid-poor angiomyolipomas
Authors: Lima Francisco V.A. , Elias Jorge , Chahud Fernando , Reis Rodolfo B. , Muglia Valdair F.
Published: January 2020

Objectives:

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of signal loss on in-phase (IP) gradient-echo (GRE) images for differentiation between renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) and lipid-poor angiomyolipomas (lpAMLs).

Methods:

We retrospectively searched our institutional database for histologically proven small RCCs (<5.0 cm) and AMLs without visible macroscopic fat (lpAMLs). Two experienced radiologists assessed MRIs qualitatively, to depict signal loss foci on IP GRE images. A third radiologist drew regions of interest (ROIs) on the same lesions, on IP and out-of-phase (OP) images to calculate the ratio of signal loss. Diagnostic accuracy parameters were calculated for both techniques and the inter-reader agreement for the qualitative analysis was evaluated using the κ test.

Results:

15 (38.4%) RCCs lost their signal on IP images, with a sensitivity of 38.5% (95% CI = 23.4–55.4), a specificity of 100% (71.1–100), a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% (73.4–100), a negative predictive value (NPV) of 31.4% (26.3–37.0), and an overall accuracy of 52% (37.4–66.3%). In terms of the quantitative analysis, the signal intensity index (SII= [(SIIP – SIOP) / SIOP] x 100) for RCCs was −0.132 ± 0.05, while for AMLs it was −0.031 ± 0.02, p = 0.26. The AUC was 0.414 ± −0.09 (0.237–0.592). Using 19% of signal loss as the threshold, sensitivity was 16% and specificity was 100%. The κappa value for subjective analysis was 0.63.

Conclusion:

Signal loss in “IP” images, assessed subjectively, was highly specific for distinction between RCCs and lpAMLs, although with low sensitivity. The findings can be used to improve the preoperative diagnostic accuracy of MRI for renal masses.

Advances in knowledge:

Signal loss on “IP” GRE images is a reliable sign for differentiation between RCC and lpAMLs.
Διαλεκτικές σχέσεις του Νεοελληνικού Διαφωτισμού με επτανησιακή μουσική παραγωγή και εκπαίδευση
Authors: Περιστέρης Φίλιππος
Published: January 2020

The French and European idea of Enlightenment inspired in a way the “Modern Greek Enlightenment” in a strange and peculiar reflection of the original idea of a man free from superstitions, prejudices and fears. The whole idea visited Greece due to spiritual people who have usually experienced this climate. In this “Greek version”, the Ionian Islands were found at this critical point in Europe's history among different trends and versions of the main idea. This period of European Enlightenment is connected to Baroque and then the Classical music. Greece has never actually synchronized with the source of this music, however, in the Ionian Islands, there is an almost immediate transmutation of new musical ideas in the music composition and education.
Verification in theory and in the sciences
Authors: Papageorgiou Konstantinos , Lekkas Demetrios
Published: January 2020

In this work, we undertake the task of laying out some basic considerations towards straightening out the foundations of an abstract logical system. We venture to explain what theory is as well as what is not theory, to discriminate between the roles of truth in theory and in reality, as well as to open the road towards clarifying the relationship between theory and the real world. Etymological, cultural and conceptual analyses of truth are brought forth in order to reveal problems in modern approaches and to set the stage for more consistent solutions. One such problem addressed here is related to negation per se, to its asymmetry towards affirmative statements and to the essential ramifications of this duality with respect to the common perceptual and linguistic aspects of words indicating concepts akin to truth in various languages and to attitudes reflected and perpetuated in them and to their consequent use in attempted informal or formal logic and its understanding. Finally, a case study invoking the causes or “causes” of gravity both clarifies and reinforces the points made in this paper.
Health inequities in unscheduled healthcare for children with intellectual disabilities in Ireland: a study protocol
Authors: Nicholson Emma , Doherty Edel , Somanadhan Suja , Guerin Suzanne , Schreiber James , Bury Gerard , Kroll Thilo , Raley Meredith , McAuliffe Eilish
Published: January 2020

Background: Health inequities for children with intellectual disabilities (ID) are prevalent within different health systems, and children with ID have shorter life expectancies than the general population, higher mortality rates before the age of 17 and have a greater risk of potentially preventable hospitalisations. A health systems approach to research in this area provides a useful means through which research can inform policy and practice to ensure people with ID receive equitable healthcare; however, there is a paucity of evidence regarding how to address differences that have been described in the literature to date. The overall aim of this research is to establish the extent of health inequities for children with ID in Ireland compared to children without ID with respect to their utilisation of primary care and rates of hospitalisation, and to gain a better understanding of what influences utilisation of primary care and ED services in this population.

Methods and analysis: The design of this research adopts a mixed-methods approach: statistical analysis of health data to determine the extent of health inequities in relation to healthcare utilisation; discrete choice experiments to explore General Practitioners’ decision making and parental preferences for optimal care; and concept mapping to develop consensus between stakeholders on how to address current healthcare inequities.

Discussion: By applying a systems lens to the issue of health inequities for children with ID, the research hopes to gain a thorough understanding of the varying components that can contribute to the maintenance of such healthcare inequities. A key output from the research will be a set of feasible solutions and interventions that can address health inequities for this population.
ANALYSIS OF THE PROCESS OF PROCESSING MERCURY-CONTAINING WASTE AND DEVELOPMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES
Authors: Zvyaginceva Alla , Sazonova Svetlana , Kul'neva V.
Published: January 2020

The environmental impact of the LLC «EVO» company in Voronezh was assessed and the process of processing mercury-containing waste was analyzed. The characteristics of storage devices for storage and storage of industrial waste are considered. Comprehensive environmental protection measures aimed at reducing the negative impact of mercury-containing wastes that emit mercury vapor on air and water are proposed.
RESULTS OF RELIABILITY EVALUATION OF THE 1921VK028 CHIP
Authors: Zolnikov Vladimir , Evdokimova Svetlana , Grosheva Ekaterina , Yankov A.
Published: January 2020

The article considers a model for evaluating the reliability of integrated circuits (IC) depending on the temperature of the crystal and the environment. The calculation and experimental prediction of the reliability of the 1921VK028 chips was carried out, the dependences of the minimum time to failure of the product on the temperature of the 1921VK028 IC crystal and the gamma-percent life of the IC on the ambient temperature were obtained. The obtained values of these chip parameters meet the requirements of ISO 11 0998-99
DETERMINATION OF STRUCTURES IN CHIPS THAT ARE SENSITIVE TO COSMIC PARTICLES
Authors: Savchenko Andrey , Kulay A. , Strukov I. , Chubur K. , Grechanyy Sergey
Published: January 2020

The article considers the influence of scaling effects on the stability of integrated circuits (IC) under the influence of cosmic particles. There are two directions of scaling: reduction of topological dimensions of IC elements and optimization of energy consumption due to design and technological solutions. The paper analyzes the main effects (SEU, SEL, SEHE, SEGR and MBU) on the sensitivity of the IC to single events (SE)
La aceptabilidad de las acciones wrongful birth en el marco de la Teoría Discursiva del Derecho de Jürgen Habermas
Authors: Bastidas Goyes Luis Guillermo , Rueda Barrera Eduardo Alfonso
Published: January 2020

En este artículo se examina la aceptabilidad de las acciones wrongful birth (WB) a partir de la teoría discursiva del derecho de Jürgen Habermas. Inicialmente, se describe el alcance que tienen hoy diversas pruebas genéticas para informar decisiones reproductivas. En un segundo momento, se delimitan reclamaciones judiciales presentadas en ordenamientos jurídicos que admiten la interrupción voluntaria del embarazo (IVE), debido a afectaciones en el embrión y el feto que no fueron conocidas por los padres por no seguirse la lex artis ad hoc en el diagnóstico preconceptivo, preimplantatorio y prenatal. En tercer lugar, se explican los puntos con base en los cuales Habermas, en debate con Thomas McCarthy, propone la evaluación de la legitimidad de normas y fallos judiciales en términos de discursos de fundamentación y aplicación. Finalmente, se plantean las consecuencias que surgen de estos argumentos para valorar la admisibilidad de este tipo de demandas.
La violación como práctica de guerra: hacia una tipología de la violencia política
Authors: Wood Elisabeth Jean
Published: January 2020

Cuando una organización armada comete frecuentes violaciones, a menudo se considera que se trata de una estrategia de guerra. Pero en algunos casos, las violaciones asociadas a un conflicto se podrían interpretar mejor como una práctica, es decir, un tipo de violencia que no ha sido adoptado explícitamente como política por la organización, pero que es tolerada por los comandantes. En este artículo, la tipología de la violación relacionada con el conflicto examina no solo las relaciones verticales entre los comandantes (principales) y combatientes (agentes), sino también las interacciones sociales horizontales entre los combatientes. Analiza en qué casos es probable que la violación sea una práctica prevalente, enfocándose no solo en las normas y creencias de género de los combatientes, sino también en la forma en que estas son transformadas por los procesos sociales de las organizaciones. Como conclusión, sugiero que esta tipología es relevante para el análisis de todas las formas de violencia política, y también para los fiscales, defensores de derechos y los encargados de diseñar políticas sobre violaciones relacionadas con el conflicto.
Cómo debemos entender el concepto de “patrón de violencia política”: repertorio, objetivo, frecuencia y técnica
Authors: Gutiérrez-Sanín Francisco , Wood Elisabeth Jean
Published: January 2020

Para poder interpretar la amplia variabilidad de patrones de violencia observados con el fin de desarrollar y probar teorías sobre la violencia política, los investigadores requieren de bases conceptuales adecuadas: ¿Qué significa decir que una organización armada tiene un patrón de violencia? Los investigadores a menudo distinguen entre los grados, o niveles o tipos de violencia de las diferentes organizaciones y conflictos, pero las definiciones y mediciones presentan amplia variabilidad. Sostenemos que los patrones de violencia no son reducibles en la forma en que a menudo se asume en la literatura: la violencia letal no necesariamente es un buen indicador del patrón general, y las diferencias entre patrones no son adecuadamente representadas por el binomio de “terror” versus “moderación”. Con el fin de abordar estos temas, proponemos una nueva conceptualización de la violencia política, definiendo el patrón de violencia de una organización como la configuración de su repertorio, objetivos, frecuencia y técnica que utiliza regularmente. Este enfoque aporta mayor precisión a la documentación y análisis de la violencia política, clarifica la evaluación de teorías rivales, y presenta nuevos interrogantes de investigación. Demostramos su utilidad por medio del análisis de la violencia contra civiles en Colombia, utilizando una base de datos original sobre masacres, procesos judiciales y otras fuentes, y demostramos que el concepto de “patrón” permite reincorporar los conceptos de ideología y política en el análisis de la violencia organizada.
Editorial
Authors: Peña-Huertas Rocío Del Pilar
Published: January 2020

El volumen 22(1) de 2019, de la revista Estudios Socio-jurídicos compila artículos relacionados con los estudios socio-jurídicos en general. En esta edición, el lector encontrará, tres secciones: autor extranjero invitado, artículos de investigación y reseñas.
Traffic Priority Mechanisms
Authors: Zakharenko Roman
Published: January 2020

In the future world of self-driving vehicles, intersections will be managed by computers that send individual commands to each passing vehicle. This paper proposes to make traffic priority contingent on the self-reported value of time of vehicle occupants. A model of two merging roads with stochastic traffic is developed. Algorithms for calculation of optimal exit sequences, accounting for time value heterogeneity, are characterized. Welfare costs of a limited planning horizon are assessed. An incentive-compatible scheme of payment for priority is calculated. Under mild conditions, the mechanism is Pareto improving, that is, benefits all parties. The optimality of the traffic volume and composition under the optimal exit regulation is established.
Historical Records and Collections
Authors: Southgate Emily W. B. Russell
Published: January 2020

This chapter introduces the use of historical documents and other forms of information that depend on written explanation, such as natural history collections and historical photographs. After a general explanation of the unique values of these data for establishing historical baselines and trajectories, it gives a brief introduction to the methods used to assess the validity of the sources, including consideration of various biases that are integral to written documents. These include a consideration of scale. The chapter then describes a variety of sources, including historical data, maps, photographs, government documents, and plant and animal collections, with examples of how each has been used to establish some condition or process in the past.
The Sedimentary Record
Authors: Southgate Emily W. B. Russell
Published: January 2020

This chapter introduces the use of materials found in sediments for reconstructing the past. After summarizing methods for collecting, processing and dating sediment, it presents a variety of organisms, minerals and other chemicals useful for interpreting the history of both the surroundings of a sedimentary basin and of the basin itself. A critical part of this analysis is understanding the processes by which materials get to the basin and the sediment and are changed after sedimentation. The relationship between the evidence, for example, pollen, and the organisms or landscapes that produce the evidence is illustrated by examples taken from different types of landscapes. The chapter discusses multidisciplinary studies and models that integrate independent indicators of climate and vegetation to arrive at a composite picture of landscape change and allows interpretation of causes of changes seen in the sediment.
Fire: Mimicking Nature
Authors: Southgate Emily W. B. Russell
Published: January 2020

This chapter opens with a discussion naturally ignited fires and fire adaptations, which have evolved over millions of years. It then considers the role people have played over time in manipulating fire regimes, both locally and on a broad scale. Examples from diverse biomes such as the savannas and grasslands of South Africa and Madagascar, the forests of northern Europe and the grasslands and forests of North America provide evidence of the interactions between climate and human-set ignitions. The studies of the systems include analysis of a diverse range of evidence, including sediments, documents, and field evidence, analyzed using models that focus on patterns and processes of fire regimes under differing climates and human activities. The importance of perceptions of the role of fire is also discussed in terms of using fire for management, with examples of changes in attitude in North America from the 19th to the 21st centuries, which have led from seeing all fires as bad to valuing fire as a management tool. Analysis of the historical importance of human-set and natural fires has been critical to arriving at current management decisions.
The Aramean Heritage
Authors: Toorn Karel van der
Published: January 2020

This chapter explores the Aramean heritage of the Elephantine Jews. They had Jewish names, and their temple was devoted to the ancestral Jewish god. Yet they spoke Aramaic, used Aramaic wisdom literature to hone their scribal skills, venerated several Aramean gods besides Yaho, and referred to themselves as Arameans. In terms of culture, they seem to have been as much Aramean as Jewish, if not more. They apparently had a mixed heritage. In order to reflect this double identity, several scholars call them “Judeo-Arameans.” The binomial serves as a reminder of the complex background of the Elephantine Jews. They have come to be defined as Jews, but this chapter considers that perhaps they were not so Jewish during an earlier period of their existence.
The Aramean Diaspora in Egypt
Authors: Toorn Karel van der
Published: January 2020

This chapter focuses on the origins of the Arameans of Syene (Aswan) and their relations with the Jews. These Arameans were their neighbors on the mainland and their colleagues in the garrison at Syene, a city neighboring Elephantine. The Arameans were pastoralists, who moved their flocks from place to place and set up their camps for only a few months at a time. It was a lifestyle that has been called seminomadic. The corresponding social structures were those of the clan and the tribe. Most Aramean kingdoms, however, were dimorphic. This meant that some inhabitants were settled, while others continued to be “wandering Arameans.” The Aramean soldiers garrisoned in Syene had come to Egypt at the same time as most of the Jews. Their number was higher than that of the Jews, and yet their story is largely unknown compared to their Elephantine neighbors.