bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neonatal Chylothoraces: A 10-Year Experience in a Tertiary Neonatal Referral Centre
Authors: White Marie K. , Bhat Ravindra , Greenough Anne
Published: March 2019

Background. Neonatal chylothorax is a rare condition, but has a high mortality. Study Objectives. To analyse the outcomes of a series of neonates with chylothorax and review the literature to determine best practice. Design. A case series review and a literature review using electronic databases including the key words neonates and chylothorax. Results. Six cases of neonatal chylothorax were identified during a ten-year period, two had congenital chylothoraces and four iatrogenic chylothoraces after thoracic surgery or chest instrumentation. The neonates were ventilated for a median of 30 (range 13–125) days with a median maximum daily pleural fluid output of 218 (range 86–310) ml/kg/day. All the neonates were given medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) feeds which stabilised pleural fluid output in four and reduced it in another. Octreotide was used in three neonates, but the dosage used had no significant effect on pleural output. Two neonates required surgical intervention. The literature review demonstrated MCT feeds can reduce or stabilise pleural fluid output, but highlighted variable use of octreotide and inconsistent dosing regimens and outcomes. No consensus regarding indications for surgical intervention was identified. Summary and Conclusion. Neonatal chylothorax is uncommon, but affected neonates require high healthcare utilisation.
Short-, Mid-, and Long-Term Effect of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor/Stem Cell Factor and Fms-Related Tyrosine Kinase 3 Ligand Evaluated in an In Vivo Model of Hypoxic-Hyperoxic Ischemic Neonatal Brain Injury
Authors: Posod Anna , Wegleiter Karina , Neubauer Vera , Urbanek Martina , Huber Eva , Kiechl-Kohlendorfer Ursula , Keller Matthias , Griesmaier Elke
Published: March 2019

Hematopoietic growth factors are considered to bear neuroprotective potential. We have previously shown that delayed treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)/stem cell factor (SCF) and Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FL) ameliorates excitotoxic neonatal brain injury. The effect of these substances in combined-stressor neonatal brain injury models more closely mimicking clinical conditions has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the short-, mid-, and long-term neuroprotective potential of G-CSF/SCF and FL in a neonatal model of hypoxic-hyperoxic ischemic brain injury. Five-day-old (P5) CD-1 mice were subjected to unilateral common carotid artery ligation and subsequent alternating periods of hypoxia and hyperoxia for 65 minutes. Sixty hours after injury, pups were randomly assigned to intraperitoneal treatment with (i) G-CSF (200 μg/kg)/SCF (50 μg/kg), (ii) FL (100 μg/kg), or (iii) vehicle every 24 hours for three or five consecutive days. Histopathological and functional outcomes were evaluated on P10, P18, and P90. Baseline outcome parameters were established in sham-treated and healthy control animals. Gross brain injury did not significantly differ between treatment groups at any time point. On P10, caspase-3 activation and caspase-independent apoptosis were similar between treatment groups; cell proliferation and the number of BrdU-positive vessels did not differ on P18 or P90. Neurobehavioral assessment did not reveal significant differences between treatment groups in accelerod performance, open field behavior, or novel object recognition capacity on P90. Turning behavior was more frequently observed in G-CSF/SCF- and FL-treated animals. No sex-specific differences were detected in any outcome parameter evaluated. In hypoxic-hyperoxic ischemic neonatal brain injury, G-CSF/SCF and FL treatment does not convey neuroprotection. Prior to potential clinical use, meticulous assessment of these hematopoietic growth factors is mandated.
Estimation of Ask and Bid Prices for Geometric Asian Options
Authors: Chen Tao , Xiang Kaili , Luo Xuemei
Published: March 2019

Traditional derivative pricing theories usually focus on the risk-neutral price or the equilibrium price. However, in highly competitive financial markets, we observed two prices which are called bid and ask prices; then the unique risk-neutral price fails to hold. In this paper, within the framework of conic finance, we provide a useful approach to evaluate the ask and bid prices of geometric Asian options and obtain the explicit formulas for the ask and bid prices. Finally, numerical examples show that the higher the market liquidity parameter γ, the wider the spread and hence the less the liquidity.
Removal of Acidic Dyes from Aqueous Media Using Citrullus Lanatus Peels: An Agrowaste-Based Adsorbent for Environmental Safety
Authors: Latif Shoomaila , Rehman Rabia , Imran Muhammad , Iqbal Shahid , Kanwal Ayesha , Mitu Liviu
Published: March 2019

In this work, removal of fluorescein and eosin dyes using common agrowaste, i.e., peels of water melon (Citrullus lanatus) (WMP), has been studied in the batch mode. The sorbent material (WMP) was characterized by using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and elemental analysis. The sorbent was chemically modified by subjecting it to 0.1 N HNO3 and 0.1 N NaOH solutions. Different parameters such as sorbent dose, pH, temperature, and agitation speed were optimized to investigate the sorbent efficiency for fluorescein and eosin dyes. Among three forms (raw, base-treated, and acid-treated), the base-treated form exhibited higher removal efficiency, followed by acid-treated and then the raw form. Generally, range for the removal of fluorescein and eosin was found to be 48.06–88.08% and 48.47–79.31%, respectively. Mathematical modeling of sorption data by Langmuir and Freundlich sorption isotherms and thermodynamic investigations were carried out to check the suitability of these agrowaste materials on bulk scale. The promising results concluded that peel of water melon (common agrowaste) can be potentially utilized for the removal of toxins.
A Case of Spontaneous Spinal Subdural Hematoma Complicated by Cranial Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Spinal Adhesive Arachnoiditis
Authors: Go Taihei , Tsutsui Toshiyuki , Iida Yasuaki , Fukutake Katsunori , Fukano Ryoichi , Ishigaki Kosei , Tsuchiya Kazuaki , Takahashi Hiroshi
Published: March 2019

A 76-year-old woman with a spinal subdural hematoma (SDH) was presented with severe back pain without headache. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed 4 days after onset showed SDH extending from Th2 to L3. She was diagnosed with spontaneous SDH without neurological manifestation, and conservative treatment was selected. Transient disturbance of orientation appeared 7 days after onset. Small subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) was detected on head CT, and strict antihypertensive therapy was started. Symptoms changed for the better. Back pain disappeared 4 weeks after onset. On follow-up MRI at 6 months after onset, the SDH had been resolved spontaneously. Although adhesive arachnoiditis was observed at Th4-6, the recurrence of clinical symptoms was not observed at one year and a half after onset. Spinal subdural space is almost avascular; a hematoma in a subdural space is considered to come from a subarachnoid space when it is a lot. A hemorrhage in subarachnoid space was flushed by cerebral spinal fluid; hematoma or arachnoiditis was not formed in general. In our case, hemorrhage was a lot and expansion of SDH was large enough to cause cranial SAH and arachnoiditis. But longitudinally expanded SDH did not show neurological manifestation and resolved spontaneously in our case.
Effects of Ginger (Zingiber officinale,Roscoe) Essential Oil on Growth and Laying Performances, Serum Metabolites, and Egg Yolk Antioxidant and Cholesterol Status in Laying Japanese Quail
Authors: Herve Tchoffo , Raphaël Kana Jean , Ferdinand Ngoula , Victor Herman Ngoumtsop , Willy Marvel Ngouozeu Moyo , Cyril D’Alex Tadondjou , Laurine Vitrice Folack Tiwa
Published: March 2019

This study aimed to investigate the effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale, Rosc.) essential oil on growth and laying performances, egg yolk antioxidant and cholesterol status, and serum metabolites in Japanese quail. Eighty 3-week-old Japanese quails weighing between 120 and 130 g were equally and randomly assigned to four groups receiving daily and orally, respectively, 100µl/kg body weight (bw) distilled water and 50, 100, and 150µl/kg bw of ginger rhizomes essential oil, respectively. The entire feeding trial for all groups lasted for 9 weeks and theZ. officinaleessential oil effects were studied on growth and laying performances, serum metabolites, and egg yolk antioxidant and cholesterol status. Results revealed that feed intake, live and body weights gain, feed conversion ratio, egg production, and weekly mass of eggs were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by oral administration of ginger rhizomes essential oil. Unlike the abdominal fat weight which decreased significantly (p<0.05) in all treated quails, the oral administration of ginger rhizomes essential oil had no significant effects (p> 0.05) on liver, intestine, heart, and gizzard relative weights as compared to the control. Egg weight markedly (P<0.05) increased in Japanese quails treated with ginger rhizomes essential oil whatever the dose with reference to the control. The serum content in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and transaminases (AST and ALT) decreased significantly (P<0.05) with 100 and 150µl/kg bw of ginger rhizomes essential oil compared to control group. In conclusion, oral administration of 100 to 150µl/kg bw of ginger rhizomes essential oil to laying Japanese quails positively influences egg weight and decreased serum and egg cholesterols without any adverse effect on feed intake and body weight gain.
Safety and Long-Term Efficacy of Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty following Rotational Atherectomy for Severely Calcified Coronary Lesions Compared with New Generation Drug-Eluting Stents
Authors: Ueno Katsumi , Morita Norihiko , Kojima Yoshinobu , Takahashi Hiroshi , Kawasaki Masanori , Ito Ryuta , Kondo Hiroki , Minatoguchi Shingo , Yoshida Tamami , Hashimoto Yasumasa , Tatsumi Tomohiko , Kitamura Tomoya
Published: March 2019

Objectives. This study sought to assess the safety and long-term efficacy of drug-coated balloons (DCB) following aggressive intracoronary image-guided rotational atherectomy (iRA) for severe coronary artery calcification (CAC), and to compare this strategy with new generation drug-eluting stents (nDES) following iRA. Background. Ischemic events following the treatment of CAC is still relatively high. Thus, more innovative strategies are required. Methods. We evaluated 123 consecutive patients (166 lesions) with de novo CAC undergoing an iRA (burr size; 0.7 of the mean reference diameter by intracoronary imaging) followed by DCB (DCB-iRA; 54 patients, 68 lesions) or nDES (nDES-iRA; 69 patients, 98 lesions). Follow-up angiography was obtained at > 6 months. Results. The target vessels (right coronary and circumflex), bifurcation (67.6% versus 47.9%), reference diameter (2.28mm versus 2.49mm), and lesion length (11.89mm versus 18.78mm) were significantly different between the two groups. The median follow-up was 732 days. TLR and TVR in DCB-iRA and nDES-iRA at 3 years were similar: 15.6% versus 16.3% (P=0.99) and 15.6% versus 23.3% (P=0.38). In 41 well-matched lesion pairs after propensity score analysis, the cumulative incidence of TLR and TVR in DCB-iRA and nDES-iRA at 3 years was 12.9% versus 16.3% (P=0.70) and 12.9% versus 26.1% (P=0.17), respectively. On QCA analysis, although the acute gain was smaller in DCB-iRA (0.85 mm versus 1.53 mm, P<0.001), the minimum lumen diameter at follow-up was similar (1.69 mm versus 1.87 mm, P=0.29). The late lumen loss was lower (0.09 mm versus 0.52 mm, P=0.009) in DCB-iRA. Conclusions. DCB-iRA is feasible for CAC.
Directional Solidification of Sn-Cu6Sn5 In Situ Composites
Authors: Fornaro Osvaldo
Published: March 2019

The Sn-Cu system presents an important interest from academic and technological point of view because it is part of the family of alloys proposed as lead-free solder alloys for electronic components and also due to the mechanisms involved during the growth of the different phases. Sn-Cu system has two intermetallic phases, i.e., ε-Cu3Sn and η-Cu6Sn5, and η can be used as the negative (anode) electrode in Li-ion batteries, alone or as part of (Co,Ni)xCu6−xSn5-type composites. Obtaining this η phase from liquid with the appropriate chemical composition is a very difficult task because it has a formation temperature lower than liquidus for such a composition. In this way, the η phase appears as a consequence of a solid-solid transformation from the ε phase However, it is possible to find the η phase as the primary or secondary phase after a eutectic reaction for lower concentrations of Cu. On the other side, the Cu6Sn5 phase shows a hexagonal to monoclinic solid-solid transformation around 187°C, which could affect the mechanical system stability when it is used as solder. In this work, directional solidification at different growth velocities of hypereutectic Sn-Cu samples was performed. The resultant microstructure varies with the growth velocity, but it is formed for a fibber-like primary phase Cu6Sn5 which is projected towards the liquid phase. Behind this region, these fibbers are rounded by a two-phase Sn-Cu6Sn5 structure. In this way, three zones could to be defined in the sample during the directional growth: (i) an entirely solid two-phase region, formed by η rounded by β(Sn) + η eutectic-like structure, (ii) a two-phase solid (η) + liquid, and (iii) the remnant liquid in front of the interface.
Intestinal Perforation in ACTH-Dependent Cushing’s Syndrome
Authors: Shahidi Mariam , Phillips Richard A. , Chik Constance L.
Published: March 2019

Previous studies have linked systemic glucocorticoid use with intestinal perforation. However, the association between intestinal perforation and endogenous hypercortisolism has not been well described, with only 14 previously published case reports. In this study, we investigated if intestinal perforation occurred more frequently in patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome and in those with a greater than 10-fold elevation of 24-hour urinary free cortisol level. Of 110 patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome followed in two clinics in Canada, six cases with intestinal perforation were identified over 15 years. Age of patients ranged from 52 to 72, five females and one male, four with Cushing’s disease and two with ectopic ACTH production, one from a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and one from medullary carcinoma of the thyroid. Five had diverticular perforation and one had intestinal perforation from a stercoral ulcer. All cases had their lower intestinal perforation when the cortisol production was high, and one patient had diverticular perforation 15 months prior to the diagnosis of Cushing’s disease. As in previously reported cases, most had hypokalemia and abdominal pain with minimal or no peritoneal symptoms and this occurred during the active phase of Cushing’s syndrome. Whereas all previously reported cases occurred in patients with 24-hour urinary free cortisol levels greater than 10-fold the upper limit of normal when measured and 11 of 14 patients had ectopic ACTH production, only one of our patients had this degree of hypercortisolism and four of our six patients had Cushing’s disease. Similar to exogenous steroid use, patients with endogenous hypercortisolism also have a higher risk of intestinal, in particular diverticular, perforation and should be monitored closely for its occurrence with a low threshold for investigation and surgical intervention. Elective colonoscopy probably should be deferred until Cushing’s syndrome is under control.
Unexpected Activities in Regulating Ciliation Contribute to Off-target Effects of Targeted Drugs
Authors: Kiseleva Anna A. , Korobeynikov Vladislav A. , Nikonova Anna S. , Zhang Peishan , Makhov Petr , Deneka Alexander Y. , Einarson Margret B. , Serebriiskii Ilya G. , Liu Hanqing , Peterson Jeffrey R. , Golemis Erica A.
Published: March 2019

Purpose:

For many tumors, signaling exchanges between cancer cells and other cells in their microenvironment influence overall tumor signaling. Some of these exchanges depend on expression of the primary cilium on nontransformed cell populations, as extracellular ligands including Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), PDGFRα, and others function through receptors spatially localized to cilia. Cell ciliation is regulated by proteins that are themselves therapeutic targets. We investigated whether kinase inhibitors of clinical interest influence ciliation and signaling by proteins with ciliary receptors in cancer and other cilia-relevant disorders, such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD).

Experimental Design:

We screened a library of clinical and preclinical kinase inhibitors, identifying drugs that either prevented or induced ciliary disassembly. Specific bioactive protein targets of the drugs were identified by mRNA depletion. Mechanism of action was defined, and activity of select compounds investigated.

Results:

We identified multiple kinase inhibitors not previously linked to control of ciliation, including sunitinib, erlotinib, and an inhibitor of the innate immune pathway kinase, IRAK4. For all compounds, activity was mediated through regulation of Aurora-A (AURKA) activity. Drugs targeting cilia influenced proximal cellular responses to SHH and PDGFRα. In vivo, sunitinib durably limited ciliation and cilia-related biological activities in renal cells, renal carcinoma cells, and PKD cysts. Extended analysis of IRAK4 defined a subset of innate immune signaling effectors potently affecting ciliation.

Conclusions:

These results suggest a paradigm by which targeted drugs may have unexpected off-target effects in heterogeneous cell populations in vivo via control of a physical platform for receipt of extracellular ligands.
Imaging Features Predictive of Recurrence in Pediatric Intracranial Germ-Cell Tumors
Authors: Juliano Joseph , Melamed Edward , Christian Eisha , Tamrazi Benita , Krieger Mark D.
Published: March 2019

Background/Aims: Intracranial germ-cell tumors (GCTs) are a heterogeneous group of tumors that vary in their response to treatment. Standard treatment consists of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, with the consideration of second-look surgery in resistant disease. The present study aims to inform therapy by characterizing features on pretreatment imaging associated with recurrence. Methods: Children with intracranial GCTs treated at a single institution between January 2000 and October 2016 were retrospectively reviewed under an Institutional Review Board-approved protocol. Imaging variables identified on pretreatment imaging were calciﬁcations, cysts, heterogeneity of enhancement, blood products, hydrocephalus, gradient echo susceptibility, restricted diffusion, invasiveness, and extent of edema. Tumor recurrence was used as the primary outcome variable. Results and Conclusion: Fifty-two patients (39 males, mean age at diagnosis: 13 ± 5 years, 34 germinoma, 18 nongerminomatous GCT [NGGCT]) were reviewed. Thirty-three percent of the patients reviewed had recurrence (7 germinoma, 11 NGGCT). Recurrence was associated with invasiveness as seen on preoperative imaging (p = 0.0385) and cystic tumor (p = 0.048).
A Systematic Review of Controlled Trials of Homeopathy in Bronchial Asthma
Authors: Qutubuddin Mohammad , Singh Shiv Murty , Nayak Chaturbhuja , Koley Munmun , Saha Subhranil
Published: March 2019

Homeopathy is a controversial form of complementary therapy, but is widely practised to treat asthma. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the controlled trials of homeopathy in bronchial asthma. Relevant trials published between Jan 1, 1981, and Dec 31, 2016, were considered. Substantive research articles, conference proceedings, and master and doctoral theses were eligible. Methodology was assessed by Jadad’s scoring, internal validity by the Coch­rane tool, model validity by Mathie’s criteria, and quality of individualization by Saha’s criteria. Sixteen trials were eligible. The majority were positive, especially those testing complex formulations. Methodological quality was diverse; 8 trials had “high” risk of bias. Model validity and individualization quality were compromised. Due to both qualitative and quantitative inadequacies, proofs supporting individualized homeopathy remained inconclusive. The trials were positive (evidence level A), but inconsistent, and suffered from methodological heterogeneity, “high” to “uncertain” risk of bias, incomplete study reporting, inadequacy of independent replications, and small sample sizes.
Most Important Prognostic Values to Predict Major Adverse Cardiovascular, Cerebrovascular, and Renal Events in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Including Hemodialysis for 2 Years
Authors: Toyama Takuji , Kasama Shu , Sato Makito , Sano Hirokazu , Ueda Tetsuya , Sasaki Toyoshi , Nakahara Takehiro , Higuchi Tetsuya , Tsushima Yoshito , Kurabayashi Masahiko
Published: March 2019

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular/cerebrovascular events. The aim of this study is to clarify whether stress myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) could predict cardiovascular/cerebrovascular events. In the Gunma-CKD SPECT Study, a multicenter prospective cohort trial, 311 patients with CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 min/mL/1.73 m2) including 50 patients on hemodialysis underwent stress 99mTc-tetrofosmin SPECT for suspected ischemic heart disease and were followed for 2 years. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of cardiac death (CD), while the secondary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular/cerebrovascular and renal events (MACCRE). MACCRE occurred in 91 out of 286 patients (CD in 13 and other MACCRE in 78 patients). According to a multivariate Cox analysis, hemoglobin (Hb) and end-systolic volume (ESV) were associated with CD (p < 0.05), while the summed difference score, diabetes mellitus (DM), and Hb were associated with MACCRE (p < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the CD-free rate was higher in patients with ESV < 105 mL (log-rank, p = 0.0013), Hb > 12 g (log-rank, p = 0.0036), and a summed stress score < 6 (log-rank, p = 0.0058). The MACCRE-free rate was higher in patients with SDS = 0 (log-rank, p = 0.0097), without DM (log-rank, p = 0.0091), and with Hb > 12 g (log-rank, p = 0.0023). Myocardial perfusion SPECT parameters as well as renal anemia and DM can be reliable prognostic markers in patients with CKD including hemodialysis.
Hematopoietic Growth Factors in the Management of Anemia and Febrile Neutropenia
Authors: Link Hartmut
Published: March 2019

Chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA) in cancer patients correlates with poor performance status and decreased quality of life. Currently recommended causal therapies are erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (epoetins), iron substitution, or a combination of both. Guidelines recommend considering red blood cell (RBC) transfusions for symptomatic anemia at a hemoglobin (Hb) level of <8 g/dl. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is recommended if the risk of febrile neutropenia (FN) following from the chosen chemotherapy protocol is ≥20%. If a chemotherapy is planned that induces a moderate FN risk (10-20%), the individual overall FN risk should be assessed prior to each chemotherapy cycle, taking into account patient- or tumor-related risk factors. G-CSF is required when risk factors such as age ≥ 65 years, advanced disease or relevant comorbidity, or previous neutropenia complications are present. Neutropenia that required a shift in chemotherapy is also an indication for G-CSF prophylaxis in subsequent cycles, in order to maintain the planned dose intensity. The use of G-CSF improves patient survival and reduces the rate of neutropenia complications.
Etiology and Risk Factors of Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Weiss Frank Ulrich , Laemmerhirt Felix , Lerch Markus M.
Published: March 2019

Based on the recognition of common etiological and genetic risk factors, acute and chronic pancreatitis are increasingly regarded as a continuum of the same disease, with a significant overlap of clinical manifestations and phenotypes but distinct morphological and imaging appearances. Recent population-based and cohort studies have found that tobacco smoke conveys a greater risk than immoderate alcohol consumption for the development of chronic pancreatitis, and hypertriglyceridemia has been identified as a risk factor for acute pancreatitis – even when plasma levels are only mildly elevated. Hereditary pancreatitis, in its autosomal dominant form, is associated with mutations in the cationic trypsinogen gene (PRSS1), whereas a number of germline variations in other genes have been found to represent risk factors for chronic as well as acute pancreatitis. For now, most of these involve the pancreatic digestive protease/antiprotease system. Oftentimes, affected patients are burdened with multiple or accumulating risk factors, and genetic traits when combined with environmental toxins compound the chance of developing the disease. Determining the underlying etiology of pancreatitis is worth the effort since formerly intractable varieties such as autoimmune pancreatitis are now becoming increasingly treatable, and subtype-specific therapeutic modalities may become available.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Diffusion in Achilles Tendon: Relationship with Therapeutic Outcomes
Authors: Abate Michele , Di Carlo Luigi , Salini Vincenzo
Published: March 2019

Objective: The therapeutic efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy is controversial. Among the variables which can explain the discrepant results, little attention has been paid to the distribution of platelet-rich plasma inside the tendon. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether this factor is related to the clinical outcome of treatment. Subjects and Methods: Forty patients suffering from mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy were studied. At baseline, pain and function were measured by means of a visual analogue scale and the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire. Thereafter, an ultrasound examination was performed, and platelet-rich plasma was injected. Immediately after injection, the plasma distribution was assessed visualizing the material in the tendon. The patients were re-evaluated at 3 and 6 months, computing pain and function values and the percentage of satisfactory outcomes in relation to the distance reached by the plasma from the point of injection. Results: The diffusion inside the tendon was longitudinal in all cases and cross-sectional only in 9. The mean distance from the tip of the needle increased significantly according to the severity of tendon damage. At follow-up, no relationship was found between plasma diffusion and clinical outcomes. Conclusions: Platelet-rich plasma diffusion has no effect on clinical outcome, which mainly depends on the metabolic activation of the whole structure of the tendon.
A Novel Na
+
-K
+
-Cl
−
Cotransporter 1 Inhibitor STS66* Reduces Brain Damage in Mice After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Huang Huachen , Bhuiyan Mohammad Iqbal H. , Jiang Tong , Song Shanshan , Shankar Sandhya , Taheri Taraneh , Li Eric , Schreppel Philipp , Hintersteininger Michael , Yang Sung-Sen , Lin Shih-Hua , Molyneaux Bradley J. , Zhang Zhongling , Erker Thomas , Sun Dandan
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose—

Inhibition of brain NKCC1 (Na
+
-K
+
-Cl
−
cotransporter 1) with bumetanide (BMT) is of interest in ischemic stroke therapy. However, its poor brain penetration limits the application. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of 2 novel NKCC1 inhibitors, a lipophilic BMT prodrug STS5 (2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl 3-(butylamino)-4-phenoxy-5-sulfamoyl-benzoate;hydrochloride) and a novel NKCC1 inhibitor STS66 (3-(Butylamino)-2-phenoxy-5-[(2,2,2-trifluoroethylamino)methyl]benzenesulfonamide), on reducing ischemic brain injury.

Methods—

Large-vessel transient ischemic stroke in normotensive C57BL/6J mice was induced with 50-min occlusion of the middle cerebral artery and reperfusion. Focal, permanent ischemic stroke in angiotensin II (Ang II)–induced hypertensive C57BL/6J mice was induced by permanent occlusion of distal branches of middle cerebral artery. A total of 206 mice were randomly assigned to receive vehicle DMSO, BMT, STS5, or STS66.

Results—

Poststroke BMT, STS5, or STS66 treatment significantly decreased infarct volume and cerebral swelling by ≈40% to 50% in normotensive mice after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, but STS66-treated mice displayed better survival and sensorimotor functional recovery. STS5 treatment increased the mortality. Ang II–induced hypertensive mice exhibited increased phosphorylatory activation of SPAK (Ste20-related proline alanine-rich kinase) and NKCC1, as well as worsened infarct and neurological deficit after permanent distal middle cerebral artery occlusion.

Conclusions—

The novel NKCC1 inhibitor STS66 is superior to BMT and STS5 in reducing ischemic infarction, swelling, and neurological deficits in large-vessel transient ischemic stroke, as well as in permanent focal ischemic stroke with hypertension comorbidity.
ADHD symptoms are associated with the modular structure of intrinsic brain networks in a representative sample of healthy adults
Authors: Hilger Kirsten , Fiebach Christian J.
Published: March 2019

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders with significant and often lifelong effects on social, emotional, and cognitive functioning. Influential neurocognitive models of ADHD link behavioral symptoms to altered connections between and within functional brain networks. Here, we investigate whether network-based theories of ADHD can be generalized to understanding variations in ADHD-related behaviors within the normal (i.e., clinically unaffected) adult population. In a large and representative sample, self-rated presence of ADHD symptoms varied widely; only 8 out of 291 participants scored in the clinical range. Subject-specific brain network graphs were modeled from functional MRI resting-state data and revealed significant associations between (nonclinical) ADHD symptoms and region-specific profiles of between-module and within-module connectivity. Effects were located in brain regions associated with multiple neuronal systems including the default-mode network, the salience network, and the central executive system. Our results are consistent with network perspectives of ADHD and provide further evidence for the relevance of an appropriate information transfer between task-negative (default-mode) and task-positive brain regions. More generally, our findings support a dimensional conceptualization of ADHD and contribute to a growing understanding of cognition as an emerging property of functional brain networks.
Myrmeicus or Myrmecius?
Authors: Woudhuysen George
Published: March 2019

In this article, I examine the name of a friend and correspondent of the fourth-century poet Rufius Festus Avienius, commonly identified hitherto as Flavianus Myrmeicus. After summarising the current state of research and translating the verse epistle which he received, I argue that, for a variety of reasons, Myrmeicus cannot be his name. Instead, it should be emended to Myrmecius, which was his signum: an example of a type of nickname which many Romans of elevated status in late antiquity bore in addition to their birth names. I examine Myrmecius as a signum within the context of late-Roman supernomina more generally, in the process clarifying how and in what circumstances and combinations they were used, and suggesting several sources from which they might be derived. I then explain how Myrmecius’ signum might have been mangled in the course of transmission, and conclude by noting that while the bulk of attested signa are found on inscriptions, Myrmecius suggests that many more may currently lie concealed in literary texts.
SHG s and SHG Banking in Odisha
Authors: Nayak Akhaya Kumar , Pattnaik Binay Kumar
Published: March 2019

The SHG-based micro-finance programme for income generation and empowerment is extremely popular and has a wide reach in India. SHG s have been playing a key mediating role to empower a socially, economically, and politically deprived section comprising mostly women. Scholars have investigated the phenomenon of SHG, but largely from development perspectives. The present paper is an earnest and novel attempt to examine the evolution and development of the phenomenon of SHG in the eastern Indian state of Odisha from the social movement perspective. Based on both secondary and primary data, it discusses whether the phenomenon is a social movement at all and examines the applicability of resource mobilisation theory to study it.
A resident-nepotistic-tolerant dominance style in wild white-nosed coatis (Nasua narica)?
Authors: de la O Claudio , Fürtbauer Ines , King Andrew J. , Valenzuela-Galván David
Published: March 2019

Dominance relationships imply consistent asymmetries in social relationships. Socioecological models predict that resource distribution determines the mode of competition that animals will face and, ultimately, the nature of their social relationships. Here, we provide the first systematic investigation of dominance style in white-nosed coatis (Nasua narica). Coatis live in cohesive female-resident groups, and have a diet based on clumped (fruits) and dispersed (insects) food items, which are predicted to favour despotic and egalitarian social styles, respectively. Our results revealed moderate linearity and steepness in dominance relationships over time, with variations attributed to stages of reproductive season, rather than presumed variations in food resources. Primary social bonds and coalitions were found to mediate dominance rank. Overall, our results suggest some similarities between coatis and despotic-tolerant primate species, at least under particular ecological circumstances, and we discuss their potential for affording a deeper understanding on the sources of variation in mammal social systems.
Distribution and density of lobsters in the Brazilian oceanic ecosystem Rocas Atoll
Authors: Gaeta Juliana , Cruz Raúl
Published: March 2019

Lobsters are recognizable faunal elements that play an important role as top predator in the trophic webs in benthic ecosystems and have an economic importance due to the intensive and valuable fishery. In Rocas Atoll (03°51′S 33°48′W) the presence of five species of lobsters in low tide pools was observed by visual census. These were: Enoplometopus antillensis Lütken, 1865; Palinurellus gundlachi Von Martens, 1878; Panulirus argus (Latreille, 1804); Panulirus echinatus Smith, 1869; and Parribacus antarcticus (Lund, 1793). This atoll appears to be dominated by P. echinatus followed by P. argus, P. antarcticus, P. gundlachi and E. antillensis, respectively. We also observed the presence of some potential predators that perhaps feed on lobster species and control these populations in the atoll. This work and future information could help to better understand the variability of lobster diversity and density in this unique atoll.
Winning status of regenerated-clawed males in contests with original-clawed males in Austruca perplexa (Brachyura, Ocypodidae)
Authors: Tina Fahmida Wazed , Keeratipattarakarn Kanitta
Published: March 2019

This study determines the winning status of regenerated-clawed males (regenerated males) in contests with original-clawed males (original males) in Austruca perplexa (H. Milne Edwards, 1852), and how they deal with original opponents. We observed that the numbers of regenerated and original winners were not different. The regenerated contestants, who were either burrow owners, or larger than their opponents, or avoided escalated contests (claw-interlock/fling), had the same chance of winning in comparison to their original opponents, and had a higher winning chance than regenerated contestants, who were either intruders, or smaller than their opponents, or did engage in escalated contests. Regenerated intruders tended to challenge opposite-handed opponents for avoiding claw-interlock (the risk of injury is high during claw-interlock), because claw-interlock is mechanically difficult between opposite-handed contestants. This study shows that regenerated contestants, who are either residents, or larger than opponents, or avoid fighting escalation, are able to compensate for the detrimental effect of regenerated claws during contests.
“In an Unbounded Way”
Authors: Benjamin Andrew
Published: March 2019

The project of this paper is present a specific engagement with Kant’s account of genius in the Critique of the Power of Judgment. Genius is a theory of production. Moreover, once genius is linked to production (and not to a personified agent) the philosophical moves way from the centrality of both the given and the subject and thus towards the produced. Such a possibility locates Kant’s engagement with genius at the threshold between aesthetics and a philosophy of art. The latter only emerges when centrality is attributed to the object: the object as the locus of presentation. This necessitates a move beyond the cognitive. Kant on genius is therefore at that threshold, on the other side of which is Hegel.
Cages and Crises: A Marxist Analysis of Mass Incarceration
Authors: Jay Mark
Published: March 2019

Since the mid-1960s, the carceral population in the US has increased around 900%. This article analyses that increase from a Marxist framework. After interrogating the theories of Michelle Alexander and Loïc Wacquant, I lay out a theoretical framework for a Marxist theory of mass incarceration. I then offer a historical analysis of mass incarceration in keeping with this theoretical framework, emphasising the carceral system’s relationship to the class struggle and the large-scale economic dislocations of post-Fordism. Finally, I emphasise how private prison companies, increasingly central to the story of mass incarceration, are influencing current efforts to reform the prison system and shift to ‘alternatives to incarceration’.
Concatenation in Ancient Near East Literature, Hebrew Scripture and Rabbinic Literature
Authors: Yona Shamir , Pasternak Ariel Ram
Published: March 2019

This paper follows the development of concatenation from its early use in Ancient Near Eastern literature through its use in the Hebrew Bible, in Hebrew Ben-Sira, and ultimately in Rabbinic literature. We demonstrate that the Rabbis adopted this rhetorical pattern for stylistic purposes and also used it as an editing device. The latter use of the rhetorical device in question is only rarely attested in the Hebrew Bible.
Two Medieval Necromantic Practices: Maimonides versus Nachmanides and R. Joseph Albo concerning Ob and Yidoni
Authors: Shemesh Abraham Ofir
Published: March 2019

Medieval literature documents two main commentaries on the biblical terms ob and yedoni. Maimonides claims that these are separate necromantic practices. This is based on rabbinic descriptions, but he adds the use of incense and holding a myrtle branch. This was carried out to contact the deceased or for ecstatic goals, namely, to heighten the fervidness of the magician. Nachmanides and Joseph Albo introduce independent traditions that originate from Spain. Ob and yedoni, they say, are a single necromantic practice, performed in a cemetery or church. It entails a woman (ob) and a man (yedoni), because they have different talents of mediumship. Nachmanides claims that using clappers during funerals is a relic of the ceremony of mediumship. But the historical reasons for using clappers during funerals are different.
Enlarging the Negotiation Table with Business Sector Actors: Who, How and with What Effect?
Authors: Cuhadar C. Esra
Published: March 2019

This article examines the inclusion of business sector actors in peace and political transition negotiations. Looking across twenty-two cases, this study examines who has been included as business sector representatives in these negotiations and through which inclusion modalities. The study finds that business sector actors were included primarily through consultation modalities in officially mandated meetings running parallel to negotiations, informal consultations, or as part of public consultations. Second most common is direct representation of business sector actors at the negotiation table. Less common is business sector inclusion in high-level track one-and-a-half workshops and inclusive commissions. The article then focuses on the impact of business actors on negotiations. Four cases of business inclusion are discussed in detail – Somalia, Kenya, Guatemala and El Salvador – comparing and contrasting supportive and obstructive examples.
A Quiet Transformation? Efficiency Building in the “Fall” of International Criminal Justice
Authors: Jones Annika
Published: March 2019

In recent years, international criminal justice mechanisms have come under increasing pressure to improve their efficiency, i.e. to reduce costs and increase their speed of operation. Drawing from semi-structured interviews with staff and stakeholders in proceedings at the International Criminal Court, the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, this article argues that pressure for efficiency and related reform is supporting ‘quiet transformation’ in the balance between conflicting goals that underpin the international criminal justice process; in particular, between the pursuit of accountability, on the one hand, and demand for fairness and victim satisfaction, on the other. It highlights the need for greater engagement with the underlying policy issues that efficiency building raises and for ongoing, sustained empirical research into the impact of efficiency building on the ability of international criminal courts and tribunals to realise their goals.
Producing Precariousness: ‘Safety Elsewhere’ and the Removal of International Protection Status under EU Law
Authors: Neylon Anne
Published: March 2019

This article examines recent trends in EU refugee law. It argues that within the EU there is a complex and technical set of rules and procedures that maintain the refugee in a position where protection can be easily denied or revoked. Engaging with the work of Judith Butler, I argue that this constant threat of removal exists on a ‘continuum of precariousness’. Mapping a number of EU legal practices, I argue that the EU has expanded this precariousness in order to manage the movement of people, transforming laws, which were ostensibly for the protection of persecuted people, into a form of post hoc immigration control. I track how this process is deeply rooted in bureaucratic practices, which construct place, space and attachment through the law.
Does the Right to Migration Security Already Exist? Considerations from the Perspective of the EU’s Legal System
Authors: Kosińska Anna Magdalena , Mikołajczyk Barbara
Published: March 2019

The aim of this article is to attempt constructing a conceptual framework and define the right to migration security and include it in the Europe-wide discourse on the migration crisis. In the adopted approach, the right to migration security is a third-generation right, i.e. a solidarity right in the doctrine of human rights. This right protects primarily the receiving society against the threats resulting from migration flows. On the other hand, non-voluntary immigrants have the right to seek protection in a secure way. The study analyses the range of the right to security in the context of human security and points out the necessity of ensuring the security of migration processes, which poses a special challenge to the international system of human rights. The authors also focus on highlighting the strengths of third-generation rights as a remedy to the problems faced by the international community. Finally, the authors propose to include the right to migration security in the EU’s system for the protection of fundamental rights and the guarantees functioning within the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice.
Where Next After Coman?
Authors: Spalding Amanda
Published: March 2019

This article considers the impact of the recent judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union in Case C-673/16 Coman and Others in which same-sex marriages where found to fall under the definition of ‘spouse’ in the Citizenship Directive. In light of recent societal and case law developments in Europe it is possible that Coman may come to be an important foundational case which will form part of the groundwork for the CJEU to advance the rights of unmarried couples in the EU migration context. This article examines the current position of unmarried couples (including registered or civil partners) under EU migration legislation as well as recent developments under the European Convention of Human Rights to argue that there are clear indications that EU migration laws need to be adapted to better suit a wider range of relationships than marriage.
Local Safety: An Analysis of Minor Offences in the Largest Slovenian Cities – A Case Study on Ljubljana and Maribor
Authors: Tičar Bojan
Published: March 2019

In accordance with the regulations in force in Slovenia, a minor offence is an act that entails a violation of a law, a Government decree, or an ordinance of a self-governing local community that is determined to constitute a minor offence and for which a sanction is prescribed.

In the Slovenian legal order, minor offence law consists of a general part (i.e. general provisions) and a specific part (i.e. provisions on individual minor offences). While the provisions on individual minor offences are scattered over numerous laws and executive regulations containing descriptions of individual minor offences, the general provisions are provided in one law, i.e. the Minor Offences Act. The Minor Offences Act is a systemic act that determines the general conditions for determining individual minor offences and prescribes sanctions for such, the general conditions as to accountability for committing a minor offence, the general conditions for imposing and enforcing sanctions for minor offences, minor offence proceedings, and the bodies and courts that decide in such proceedings.

The contribution focuses on the issue of how sanctions for minor offences are imposed in large Slovenian towns (i.e. urban municipalities). In order to ascertain actual revenue from fines imposed for minor offences at the local level, the annual reports on the operations of the municipal warden service and the inspection service of the two largest municipalities in Slovenia, i.e. the Urban Municipality of Ljubljana and the Urban Municipality of Maribor, were analysed.

Data that could answer the question of whether municipalities impose sanctions for minor offences for safety and security reasons, which is the ratio legis of minor offence regulations, or primarily for fiscal reasons in order to strengthen municipal budgets, are also analysed. If the examples reviewed demonstrate that the latter reason is in the foreground, the legitimacy and legality of the extent to which sanctions are imposed are questionable.

The primary focus of the analysis is sanctions imposed at the municipal level for minor offences violating public order and traffic regulations.