bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intergenerational differences in the personal and professional values of nurses
Authors: Şenyuva Emine
Published: July 2018

Objectives:

This study was conducted descriptively for the purpose of determining the differences in the personal and professional values of nurses according to their generation.

Methods:

The study was planned according to the descriptive research method. The population of the research consisted of nurses carrying out their duties in Istanbul, and the sample consisted of 718 nurses. The number of nurses to be included in the sample was determined by stratified sampling, and the nurses to be included in the sample were determined through random sampling. The data were collected using an information form, the Value Preferences Scale, Professional Value Order of Priority Scale, and the Nurses’ Professional Values Scale.

Ethical considerations:

Ethics committee approval for the study was received from the Ethics Committee Presidency of the I.U. Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty of Clinical Studies. The study began after the participants were informed that they could decide to withdraw from the study at any time during the data collection process. In order to use the Nurses Professional Values Scale, written permission was received from Nuray Sahin Orak.

Findings:

The primary value preference is social value for nurses from the Baby Boomers generation, Y and Z generations, and political value for nurses from X generation. It is the nurses from every generation who prioritized human dignity among professional values, which is follow by activation and responsibility. It is determined that a great majority of nurses from the Baby Boomers generation, X, Y, and Z generations prioritized human dignity among professional values, which was followed by the values of equality, justice, and freedom.

Conclusion:

These results indicate that nurses from all generations agree on the professional values required by their profession and thus carry out their duties in accordance with the ethical principles and the values of their profession.
The potential of leg-foot chest compression as an alternative to conventional hands-on compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: Takahashi Yoshiaki , Saitoh Takeji , Okada Misaki , Satoh Hiroshi , Akai Toshiya , Mochizuki Toshiaki , Hozumi Hironao , Saotome Masao , Urushida Tsuyoshi , Katoh Hideki , Hayashi Hideharu , Yoshino Atsuto
Published: July 2018

Background:

Conventional hands-on chest compression, in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is often inadequate, especially when the rescuers are weak or have a small physique.

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the potential of leg-foot chest compression, with and without a footstool, during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Methods and Results:

We prospectively enrolled 21 medical workers competent in basic life support. They performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a manikin for 2 min using conventional hands-on compression (HO), leg-foot compression (LF), and leg-foot compression with a footstool (LF + FS). We analyzed the compression depths, changes in the rescuers’ vital signs, and the modified Borg scale scores after the trials. The compression depth did not differ between the cases using HO and LF. In the case of LF + FS, compression depths ⩾5 cm were more frequently observed (median, inter-quartile range: 93%, 81%–100%) than in HO (9%, 0%–57%, p < 0.01) and LF (28%, 11%–47%, p < 0.01). The increase in the heart rate or modified Borg scale scores, after the trials, did not differ between the HO and LF group; however, the values were the lowest in the case of LF + FS (49 ± 18 beats/min and 5 (4–7) in HO, 46 ± 18 and 6 (5–7) in LF, and 32 ± 11 and 2 (1–3) in LF + FS, respectively, p < 0.01). However, the increase in blood pressure, SpO2, and respiratory rate were not different among each group. The increases in the heart rate and modified Borg scale scores negatively were correlated with the rescuers’ body size, in the case of HO and LF, but not LF + FS.

Conclusion:

LF can be used as an alternative to HO, when adequate HO is difficult. LF + FS could be used when rescuers are weak or have a small physique and when the victims are bigger than the rescuers.
Cervical spinal epidural abscess following needle‐knife acupotomy, with an initial presentation that mimicked an acute stroke: A case report
Authors: Tsai Sheng‐Ta , Huang Wei‐Shih , Jiang Shin‐Kuang , Liao Hsien‐Yin
Published: July 2018

Introduction: A spinal epidural abscess is difficult to diagnose and it can sometimes mimic an acute ischemic stroke.Case presentation: We report a 69‐year‐old woman attended our emergency department because of gross hematuria for 1 week, with fever and bilateral flank pain. Two weeks earlier, she had received needle‐knife acupotomy (a more invasive procedure than the traditional acupuncture) for chronic neck pain. Acute pyelonephritis was diagnosed; however, 4 h later, she developed weakness of both right limbs. Acute lacunar infarction was tentatively diagnosed. After admission, weakness of the left limbs developed, with a feeling of fullness and discomfort around the entire T6 dermatome with urinary retention. Neck magnetic resonance imaging showed extensive cervical epidural abscesses from C3 to T1. After an operation, her neck pain and the weakness of the four limbs gradually improved.Discussion: Spinal epidural abscess is a rare complication, and which should be considered for patients who have undergone invasive cervical procedures. Needle‐knife acupotomy is a more invasive procedure than the traditional acupuncture. Conclusion: Although it is considered safe and effective for cervical spondylosis, it can be complicated by spinal infection. Careful disinfection should therefore be performed, and disposable needleknives should be used.
Hematology reference intervals for adult cows in France using the Sysmex XT-2000iV analyzer
Authors: Herman Nicolas , Trumel Catherine , Geffré Anne , Braun Jean-Pierre , Thibault Marion , Schelcher François , Bourgès-Abella Nathalie
Published: July 2018

In order to develop bovine hematology reference intervals (RIs) in accordance with new international recommendations, we analyzed 156 blood specimens of healthy adult dairy and beef cows from 32 farms with a Sysmex XT-2000iV analyzer, and by manual scoring of platelet clumps and white blood cell (WBC) differential. We established RIs by the nonparametric method, and examined effects of age, production type (beef vs. dairy), and stage of lactation. RIs could not be determined for platelet count and indices because clumps were observed in 80% of specimens. Optical and impedance red blood cell (RBC) counts were similar, although statistically different. RIs for analyzer and manual WBC differentials were not different except for lymphocyte concentration, the subpopulations of which were counted manually. Hematocrit was higher in beef than dairy cattle, and hemoglobin was lower in early lactation. Increases in RBC count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and RBC distribution width were noted with increasing age, along with decreases in WBC count, neutrophils, and lymphocytes. Most RIs in our study, with the exception of neutrophils, were similar to those previously reported using a flow cytometry analyzer.
Clinical Course and Complications of Catheter and Non-Catheter-Related Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients with Cancer
Authors: Mansour Asem , Saadeh Salwa S. , Abdel-Razeq Nayef , Khozouz Omar , Abunasser Mahmoud , Taqash Ayat
Published: July 2018

Patients with cancer have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism. Upper extremity venous system is a peculiar site, and little is known about the clinical course in patients with cancer. Electronic medical records were searched for patients with cancer with a diagnosis of upper extremity venous thrombosis. Individual patient data were reviewed. Eighty-seven patients were identified, and the median age was 52.4. The most common underlying malignancies were breast (23.0%), colorectal (18.4%), and gastroesophageal (18.4%). Median time from cancer diagnosis to upper extremity venous thromboembolism (UEDVT) was 3.44 months. Subclavian vein was the most common involved site (56.3%) and 54.0% patients had a central venous catheter; 50.6% of patients developed a complication; pulmonary embolism (PE) in 9.2%, superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome in 14.9%, and 26.4% had postthrombotic syndrome. In patients with isolated single vein thrombosis, complications were higher in the subset with internal jugular vein involvement compared to other sites (68.2% vs 52.2%) as were complications in patients with non-catheter-related thrombosis compared to patients with a central venous catheter in place (55% vs 27.7%). Median overall survival from time of cancer and UEDVT diagnoses was 29.6 and 13.25 months, respectively. In conclusion, UEDVT is an uncommon event. Around 50% developed a complication including PE, SVC or postthrombotic syndromes. Larger studies are needed to better identify risks associated with thrombosis and the best therapeutic approach and duration in this unique subset of patients with cancer.
Exploring Physician Attitudes Regarding Electronic Documentation of E-cigarette Use: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hurst Samantha , Conway Mike
Published: July 2018

Background:

In this article, we present qualitative work designed to explore physicians’ attitudes toward and knowledge of electronic cigarettes (or Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems—ENDS), particularly focusing on personal attitudes held by physicians regarding ENDS use, physician beliefs regarding the relative safety of ENDS, attitudes regarding the efficacy of ENDS as a smoking cessation tool, and how physicians’ document ENDS use in the electronic health record (EHR).

Methods:

We completed a total of 17 semistructured qualitative interviews with physicians in 4 different outpatient clinic locations. Clinics were selected with the goal of reaching patient panels across a diversity of socioeconomic and local geographic locations.

Results:

The findings from our qualitative analysis suggest that physicians feel uninformed about the long-term health risks of ENDS and believe that they lack the critical medical knowledge required for discussing ENDS with their patients who smoke. Although physician responses did not endorse the view that ENDS use is a safer alternative to combustible tobacco use, approximately one-third of our physician sample did not hold strong objections to ENDS usage. Physicians placed varying degrees of importance on the issue of ENDS documentation practices.

Discussion:

Three overarching themes were revealed from our analysis. These themes included (1) physicians’ attitudes regarding the use of ENDS for smoking cessation, (2) physicians’ guidance and advisement to patients in the use of ENDS for smoking cessation, and (3) current practices of clinical documentation of ENDS use in an EHR. Our qualitative results indicate that physicians in our study rarely screen patients for ENDS use, even for those patients who are both documented smokers and recipients of physician-led tobacco cessation counseling. However, most physicians agreed that the prospect of creating a structured data field specifically for the documentation of ENDS use within the EHR would result in the likelihood of increased screening and documentation of ENDS use patterns.
How trainee physical education teachers in England write, use and evaluate lesson plans
Authors: Capel Susan , Bassett Sophy , Lawrence Julia , Newton Angela , Zwozdiak-Myers Paula
Published: July 2018

Traditionally, all physical education initial teacher training (PEITT) courses in England, and in many other countries, require trainee teachers to complete detailed lesson plans for each lesson they teach in their school-based practicum and then to evaluate those lessons. However, there has been a limited amount of research on lesson planning in PEITT generally or in England specifically. The purpose of this study therefore was to gain an initial insight into how trainee physical education teachers write, use and evaluate lesson plans. Two-hundred-and-eighty-nine physical education trainees in England completed a questionnaire about lesson planning after finishing a block school-based practicum. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for the limited-choice questions on the questionnaires and open-ended questions were analysed using thematic analysis. Results showed mixed responses, with no one method followed by all trainees. Some trainees stated they planned and/or evaluated lessons as taught. Some stated they completed the plan and/or evaluation proforma to ‘tick a box’. The highest percentage of trainees stated it took between half an hour and one-and-a-half hours to plan each lesson. Although most trainees stated they found the plan useful in the lesson, others stated they found it too detailed to use. Some stated they did not deviate from the plan in the lesson, whereas others adapted the plan. The majority of trainees stated that evaluation enabled them to see if objectives had been achieved. Results are discussed in relation to teaching trainees how to plan lessons in PEITT in England.
Antitumor Effects of DC Vaccine With ALA-PDT-Induced Immunogenic Apoptotic Cells for Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Mice
Authors: Zhang Haiyan , Wang Peiru , Wang Xiaojie , Shi Lei , Fan Zhixia , Zhang Guolong , Yang Degang , Bahavar Cody F. , Zhou Feifan , Chen Wei R. , Wang Xiuli
Published: July 2018

Targeted immunotherapy using dendritic cell vaccine has been employed for the treatment of solid tumors. Topical 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy, an established approach for topical cancers, can induce an effective antitumor immune response. We have previously shown that 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy–induced tumor lysates could considerably enhance antigen-presenting capacity of ex vivo-generated dendritic cells. The current study further demonstrates that 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy dendritic cell vaccine can induce immune responses against cancers. Dendritic cells pulsed by photodynamic therapy–treated skin squamous cell carcinoma cells inhibited squamous cell carcinoma to a greater extent than tumor lysates treated by photodynamic therapy alone or dendritic cells pulsed by freeze–thawed treated tumor cells. Immunohistochemistry showed that photodynamic therapy dendritic cell vaccine could increase the activity of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the tumor implantation sites. Flow cytometry assays showed that CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the spleens of photodynamic therapy dendritic cell vaccine immunized mice increased significantly. Furthermore, we observed increased amounts of interleukin 12 and Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and decreased amounts of interleukin 10 in the splenocytes and peripheral blood of photodynamic therapy dendritic cell vaccine immunized mice by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Taken together, our findings suggest that photodynamic therapy dendritic cell vaccination is an effective prophylactic therapy for squamous cell carcinoma.
Political Ontology and Race Research: A Response to “Critical Race Theory, Afro-pessimism, and Racial Progress Narratives”
Authors: Weddington George
Published: July 2018

This article is a critical response to a previous article by Victor Ray, Antonia Randolph, Megan Underhill, and David Luke that sought to incorporate lessons from Afro-pessimism for sociological research on race. Specifically, in their article, the authors emphasize conclusions from Afro-pessimism in their assessment of its lessons for theories of racial progress and labor-market research. In reviewing the work of key thinkers in the approach of Afro-pessimism—namely, Frantz Fanon, Saidiya Hartman, Frank Wilderson, and Jared Sexton—the author argues that Ray and his fellow authors, in focusing on conclusions about race and politics from Afro-pessimism, overlook key foundational assumptions of Afro-pessimist thought. The author clarifies such assumptions, particularly that blackness exists on an ontological register and that slavery persists as a social phenomenon, to argue that the four authors have essentially understated the implications from an Afro-pessimist approach. The author engages criticisms from Hartman, Wilderson, and P. Khalil Saucier, who argue that empiricist sociological approaches are antithetical to Afro-pessimist analysis. The author extends these criticisms to Ray and his fellow authors’ interventions, arguing that their rejection of racial progress narratives is not necessarily Afro-pessimist and that their prescriptions for labor-market research overlook the implications of slavery as a means to understand the racialization of labor. The author concludes by urging sociologists to earnestly engage with such criticisms and challenges from Afro-pessimism in conducting research on black populations.
Contesting deep sea oil: Politicisation–depoliticisation–repoliticisation
Authors: Bond Sophie , Diprose Gradon , Thomas Amanda C
Published: July 2018

Between 2010 and 2017, the New Zealand Government undertook a range of subtle yet disturbing tactics to create a legislative environment that enabled deep sea oil exploration. This included forms of public endorsement, policy documents and legislative change that prioritised further oil development in the country to create a certain common-sense around increased fossil fuel extraction. In response, a range of communities and autonomous Oil Free groups have emerged to contest both the legislative changes and this underlying common-sense. We draw on this example to respond to calls within geography and political science literature to situate analysis of contemporary politics in empirical contexts. We use Rancière’s thought combined with the frames of politicisation, depoliticisation and repoliticisation to explore the entangled nature of government and oil industry actions, and community climate change activism. We argue that while there were clearly attempts by government and the oil industry to close down spaces of dissent and limit debate around fossil fuel development to technocratic questions of health and safety, the effects of attempts at closure are paradoxical. Such attempts at closure are always incomplete and at times, mobilise people to contestatory action. We show how activists have strategically drawn on certain discourses to exert claims of, and for, equality in public debates around the pressing issue of climate change.
Antibiotic resistance in Swiss nursing homes: analysis of National Surveillance Data over an 11-year period between 2007 and 2017
Authors: Kohler Philipp , Fulchini Rosamaria , Albrich Werner C. , Egli Adrian , Balmelli Carlo , Harbarth Stephan , Héquet Delphine , Kahlert Christian R. , Kuster Stefan P. , Petignat Christiane , Schlegel Matthias , Kronenberg Andreas
Published: July 2018

Background

We evaluated data from isolates of nursing home (NH) patients sent to the Swiss centre for antibiotic resistance (ANRESIS). We focussed on carbapenem-resistance (CR) among Gram-negative pathogens, extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant (ESC-R) Escherichia coli/Klebsiella pneumoniae, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and glycopeptide-resistant enterococci (GRE).

Methods

NH patient isolates from 01/2007 to 10/2017 were extracted. Temporal trends in resistance were described and risk factors associated with ESC-R and MRSA were assessed. For every administrative subdivision in Switzerland (i.e. canton), we calculated a coverage rate, defined as number of beds of governmentally-supported nursing homes, which sent ≥1 isolate in each 2014, 2015, and 2016, divided by the total number of supported beds.

Results

We identified 16′804 samples from 9′940 patients. A majority of samples (12′040; 71.6%) originated from the French/Italian speaking part of Switzerland. ESC-R E. coli increased from 5% (16/299) in 2007 to 22% (191/884) in 2017 (P < 0.01), whereas MRSA decreased from 34% (35/102) to 26% (21/81) (P < 0.01). Provenience from the German (vs. French/Italian) speaking part of Switzerland was associated with decreased risk for ESC-R (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.4–0.7) and for MRSA (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.1–0.2). CR among Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 10% (105/1096) and showed an increasing trend over time; CR among Enterobacteriaceae (37/12′423, 0.3%) and GRE (5/1′273, 0.4%) were uncommon. Overall coverage rate was 9% (range 0–58% per canton). There was a significant difference between the French/Italian (median 13%, interquartile range [IQR] 4–43%) and the German speaking cantons (median 0%, IQR 0–5%) (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

ESC-R among E. coli is emerging in Swiss NHs, whereas MRSA show a declining trend over time. A minority of NHs are represented in ANRESIS, with a preponderance of institutions from the French/Italian speaking regions. Efforts should be undertaken to improve resistance surveillance in this high-risk setting.
Consultation diagnoses and procedures billed among recent graduates practicing general otolaryngology – head & neck surgery in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Eskander Antoine , Campisi Paolo , Witterick Ian J. , Pothier David D.
Published: July 2018

Background

An analysis of the scope of practice of recent Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) graduates working as general otolaryngologists has not been previously performed. As Canadian OHNS residency programs implement competency-based training strategies, this data may be used to align residency curricula with the clinical and surgical practice of recent graduates.

Methods

Ontario billing data were used to identify the most common diagnostic and procedure codes used by general otolaryngologists issued a billing number between 2006 and 2012. The codes were categorized by OHNS subspecialty. Practitioners with a narrow range of procedure codes or a high rate of complex procedure codes, were deemed subspecialists and therefore excluded.

Results

There were 108 recent graduates in a general practice identified. The most common diagnostic codes assigned to consultation billings were categorized as ‘otology’ (42%), ‘general otolaryngology’ (35%), ‘rhinology’ (17%) and ‘head and neck’ (4%). The most common procedure codes were categorized as ‘general otolaryngology’ (45%), ‘otology’ (23%), ‘head and neck’ (13%) and ‘rhinology’ (9%). The top 5 procedures were nasolaryngoscopy, ear microdebridement, myringotomy with insertion of ventilation tube, tonsillectomy, and turbinate reduction. Although otology encompassed a large proportion of procedures billed, tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy were surprisingly uncommon.

Conclusion

This is the first study to analyze the nature of the clinical and surgical cases managed by recent OHNS graduates. The findings demonstrated a prominent representation of ‘otology’, ‘general’ and ‘rhinology’ based consultation diagnoses and procedures. The data derived from the study needs to be considered as residency curricula are modified to satisfy competency-based requirements.
Boundary violations in therapy: the patient's experience of harm
Authors: Hook John , Devereux Dawn
Published: July 2018

Harm in talking therapies, and in healthcare professionals’ relationships with patients generally, has received little attention in comparison with harm by medication and other treatments. There has been little research into causes, types and effects. Professionals behave as if it does not happen and tend to react defensively to complaints. We believe that it is essential for professionals to understand the potential for harm and evaluate their actions in order to make them safer. This article defines harm in the therapeutic context, discusses its prevalence and then focuses on adverse idealising transference: the adverse effects that may arise when a patient transfers idealising feelings onto the professional.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

•

Develop a greater understanding of the problem of harm in psychotherapy

•

Be aware of adverse idealising transference and its possible harmful implications

•

Be aware of therapist actions that may encourage the development of an adverse idealising transference

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

None.
Against the Stream: lowering the age of sexual consent
Authors: Graham Philip
Published: July 2018

Lowering the legal age of sexual consent would decriminalise a large number of ‘underage’ young people engaging in sexual intercourse. The arguments against such a change in the law are summarised and shown to lack validity.

Declaration of interest

None.
Randomised clinical trial of community-based peer-led and psychologist-led group treatment for hoarding disorder
Authors: Mathews Carol A. , Mackin Robert Scott , Chou Chia-Ying , Uhm Soo Y. , Bain Larry David , Stark Sandra J. , Gause Michael , Vigil Ofilio R. , Franklin John , Salazar Mark , Plumadore Julian , Smith Lauren C. , Komaiko Kiya , Howell Gillian , Vega Eduardo , Chan Joanne , Eckfield Monika B. , Tsoh Janice Y. , Delucchi Kevin
Published: July 2018

Background

Treatment for hoarding disorder is typically performed by mental health professionals, potentially limiting access to care in underserved areas.

Aims

We aimed to conduct a non-inferiority trial of group peer-facilitated therapy (G-PFT) and group psychologist-led cognitive–behavioural therapy (G-CBT).

Method

We randomised 323 adults with hording disorder 15 weeks of G-PFT or 16 weeks of G-CBT and assessed at baseline, post-treatment and longitudinally (≥3 months post-treatment: mean 14.4 months, range 3–25). Predictors of treatment response were examined.

Results

G-PFT (effect size 1.20) was as effective as G-CBT (effect size 1.21; between-group difference 1.82 points,t= −1.71, d.f. = 245,P= 0.04). More homework completion and ongoing help from family and friends resulted in lower severity scores at longitudinal follow-up (t= 2.79, d.f. = 175,P= 0.006;t= 2.89, d.f. = 175,P= 0.004).

Conclusions

Peer-led groups were as effective as psychologist-led groups, providing a novel treatment avenue for individuals without access to mental health professionals.

Declaration of interest

C.A.M. has received grant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and travel reimbursement and speakers’ honoraria from the Tourette Association of America (TAA), as well as honoraria and travel reimbursement from the NIH for serving as an NIH Study Section reviewer. K.D. receives research support from the NIH and honoraria and travel reimbursement from the NIH for serving as an NIH Study Section reviewer. R.S.M. receives research support from the National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Aging, the Hillblom Foundation, Janssen Pharmaceuticals (research grant) and the Alzheimer's Association. R.S.M. has also received travel support from the National Institute of Mental Health for Workshop participation. J.Y.T. receives research support from the NIH, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and the California Tobacco Related Research Program, and honoraria and travel reimbursement from the NIH for serving as an NIH Study Section reviewer. All other authors report no conflicts of interest.
A realist approach to the evaluation of complex mental health interventions
Authors: Duncan Craig , Weich Scott , Fenton Sarah-Jane , Twigg Liz , Moon Graham , Madan Jason , Singh Swaran P. , Crepaz-Keay David , Parsons Helen , Bhui Kamaldeep
Published: July 2018

Conventional approaches to evidence that prioritise randomised controlled trials appear increasingly inadequate for the evaluation of complex mental health interventions. By focusing on causal mechanisms and understanding the complex interactions between interventions, patients and contexts, realist approaches offer a productive alternative. Although the approaches might be combined, substantial barriers remain.

Declaration of interest

All authors had financial support from the National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research Programme while completing this work. The views and opinions expressed therein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Health Service, the National Institute for Health Research, the Medical Research Council, Central Commissioning Facility, National Institute for Health Research Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre, the Health Services and Delivery Research Programme or the Department of Health. S.P.S. is part funded by Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care West Midlands. K.B. is editor of the British Journal of Psychiatry.
Statistical Framework in Support of a Revised Children's Oncology Group Neuroblastoma Risk Classification System
Authors: Naranjo Arlene , Irwin Meredith S. , Hogarty Michael D. , Cohn Susan L. , Park Julie R. , London Wendy B.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The International Neuroblastoma Risk Group (INRG) Staging System (INRGSS) was developed through international consensus to provide a presurgical staging system that uses clinical and imaging data at diagnosis. A revised Children's Oncology Group (COG) neuroblastoma (NB) risk classification system is needed to incorporate the INRGSS and within the context of modern therapy. Herein, we provide statistical support for the clinical validity of a revised COG risk classification system.

Patients and Methods

Nine factors were tested for potential statistical and clinical significance in 4,569 patients diagnosed with NB who were enrolled in the COG biology/banking study ANBL00B1 (2006-2016). Recursive partitioning was performed to create a survival-tree regression (STR) analysis of event-free survival (EFS), generating a split by selecting the strongest prognostic factor among those that were statistically significant. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was applied to obtain the most parsimonious model for EFS. COG patients were risk classified using STR, LASSO, and per the 2009 INRG classification (generated using an STR analysis of INRG data). Results were descriptively compared among the three classification approaches.

Results

The 3-year EFS and overall survival (± SE) were 72.9% ± 0.9% and 84.5% ± 0.7%, respectively (N = 4,569). In each approach, the most statistically and clinically significant factors were diagnostic category (eg, NB, ganglioneuroblastoma), INRGSS, MYCN status, International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification, ploidy, and 1p/11q status. The results of the STR analysis were more concordant with those of the INRG classification system than with LASSO, although both methods showed moderate agreement with the INRG system.

Conclusion

These analyses provide a framework to develop a new COG risk classification incorporating the INRGSS. There is statistical evidence to support the clinical validity of each of the three classifications: STR, LASSO, and INRG.
Pilot Dose Comparison of Apatinib in Chinese Patients With Progressive Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Zhang Xin , Wang Chen , Lin Yansong
Published: July 2018

Context

Apatinib has shown overwhelming efficacy in progressive radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC) starting at a 750-mg dosing protocol; however, a relatively high incidence of treatment-associated adverse events (TAAEs) was observed, which reduced quality of life and interrupted the treatment.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of apatinib with two different dosing schedules [750 or 500 mg once a day (q.d.)] in RAIR-DTC.

Participants and Methods

Twenty patients were sequentially recruited to receive apatinib beginning at 750 (n = 10) or 500 (n = 10) mg q.d. Efficacy and safety were compared in each 28-day cycle at the beginning two cycles and every two cycles thereafter.

Results

After six treatment cycles, the best disease control rates were 100% for the 750- and 500-mg schedules, respectively, and the best objective response rates were 90.0% and 70.0% (P = 0.58), respectively. The two dosing schedules did not differ regarding greatest reduction in target lesion size (−42.7% vs −40.5% for the 750- vs 500-mg schedule, P = 0.48) and thyroglobulin level (−82.5% vs −94.3% for the 750- vs 500-mg schedule, P = 0.14). All patients experienced TAAEs, and the two dosing schedules showed similar incidence in TAAEs of grade ≥3 (100% vs 70% for 750 vs 500 mg, P = 0.21). However, the frequency of TAAEs was much higher in the 750-mg schedule (26.8 ± 6.5 vs 18.1 ± 6.5 in any grades, P = 0.01; 5.2 ± 3.0 vs 1.6 ± 1.3 in grade ≥3, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Within six cycles of follow-up, the 500-mg starting dose protocol might be less toxic than the 750-mg protocol, whereas the efficacy was similar between the two dosages.
Understanding eukaryotic chromosome segregation from a comparative biology perspective
Authors: Oliferenko Snezhana
Published: July 2018

A long-appreciated variation in fundamental cell biological processes between different species is becoming increasingly tractable due to recent breakthroughs in whole-genome analyses and genome editing techniques. However, the bulk of our mechanistic understanding in cell biology continues to come from just a few well-established models. In this Review, I use the highly diverse strategies of chromosome segregation in eukaryotes as an instrument for a more general discussion on phenotypic variation, possible rules underlying its emergence and its utility in understanding conserved functional relationships underlying this process. Such a comparative approach, supported by modern molecular biology tools, might provide a wider, holistic view of biology that is difficult to achieve when concentrating on a single experimental system.
THE ATALANTI ACTIVE FAULT: RE-EVALUATION USING NEW GEOLOGICAL DATA
Authors: Παυλίδης Σ. B. , Βαλκανιώτης Σ. , Γκανάς A. , Κεραμυδάς Δ. , Σμπόρας Σ.
Published: July 2018

The Northern Gulf of Evoia is a region with an intense neotectonic activity, dominated by characteristic and impressive active faults. The only fault in the region which is connected with a strong historical earthquake, is the Atalanti fault, with the well-known earthquake sequence of 1894. For an accurate mapping of the fault trace, the 1894 surface ruptures investigation and the estimation of the area's seismic hazard, there has been made a detailed geological - neotectonic investigation of the Atalanti city area. The results of this investigation show that the Atalanti fault comprises a 20- 30km long fault zone, divided in at least 4 segments: Atalanti, Kiparissi-Almyra, Tragana-Proskyna, Martino and possibly Larymna segment. The maximum earthquake magnitude is estimated in Msmax=6.8, and the recurrence interval, concerning the same magnitude, for Atalanti fault is larger than 1000 years, possibly even more than 2000 years. Paleoseismological trenching in Agios Konstantinos area excludes the connection of this fault with the earthquake sequence of 1894.
NEOTECTONIC DEFORMATION OF NORTH PARNIS
Authors: Χατούπης Θ. , Φουντούλης I.
Published: July 2018

The morphotectonic analysis in the eastern part of Biotic Asopos river catchment, results to an explicit picture of a new drainage network with individual abnormalities that are focused mainly in phenomena of "piracy" and abrupt knick points. Topographic sections along the main streams and correlation between rose diagrams of faults and stream network reveal an influence of the drainage network (E-W and N-S direction) from the active tectonic structure of E-W to WNW-ESE direction, which is accompanied by phenomena of intense depth erosion transversely to the main active tectonic faults. The important dextral slip component of the main active fault zones (Sfendali-Avlona and Milesi Oropos) has influenced the alpine tectonic structure, determining the current NE-SW spread of Upper Cretaceous limestones and changing the direction of flysch axes from NNE-SSW in mountainous Parnis area to ENE-WSW in the flat area of Malakasa. The distribution of planation surfaces in combination with the presence of en echelon oblique slip faults of WNW-ESE direction, reveal a complex kinematic evolution, with main characteristics the progressive rotation of tectonic blocks to the WNW for the mountainous south area and to the SSW for the NE area of low relief.
TECTONIC EVOLUTION OF THE BETIC CORDILLERA: AN OVERVIEW
Authors: Alonso-Chaves F. , Soto J. I. , Orozco M. , Kilias A. A. , Tranos M. D.
Published: July 2018

The Betic (Southern Spain) and the Rif (Morocco) mountain chains, connected through the Gibraltar Strait, shapes a W-E elongated and arcuate Alpine orogenic belt. The Alborân Sea, in continuity to the east with the South Balearic Basin, is located in the inner part of this alpine belt. The Iberian and African continental forelands bound the region as a whole to the north and south, respectively, and to the east it is connected to the oceanic Sardine-Balearic Basin. The peculiarities of these westernmost Mediterranean chains result from: (1) its position between two large convergent plates -Africa and Europe- that have had variable directions of relative motion since the late Cretaceous; and (2) the Neogene westward migration of the orogenic hinterland and its simultaneous "back-arc"-like extension, generating the Alborén Sea basin. The complexes and large paleogeographic terrains traditionally recognized in the Betic and Rif chains belong to four pre-Neogene crustal domains: the South-Iberian and Maghrebian passive continental paleomargins (External Zones of the orogen), the Flysch Units, and the Alborân Crustal Domain composed mainly of a pre- Miocene metamorphosed thrust-stack (Nevado-Filabride, Alpujârride, and Malaguide complexes, from bottom to top). The boundaries between the main metamorphic complexes of the Alborân Domain are extensional detachments, which finally developed under brittle conditions and are commonly sealed by middle-to-late Miocene marine-to-continental sediments. They, nonetheless, are not the most recent structures in the Alborân Domain, because upright, E-W open folds warp the extensional detachments, and finally, high-angle normal faults and strike-slip faults, many of which are still active, offset folds and extensional detachments. The tectonic evolution of the Betic  Alborân orogenic system shows close similarities with the one depicted in other arcuate-shaped, Alpine mountain ranges in the Mediterranean, such as the Hellenic Arc and the Aegean Sea. Like in the westernmost Mediterranean, a thickened (pre Miocene) crust is bounding there a thinned, continental (?) basin. Extension is also formed here in a "back-arc" setting, being developed simultaneously with the N-S convergence between the African and European plates.
KOSMAS-GYTHIO UNIT: A METAMORPHIC CARBONATE SEQUENCE OVERLYING THE PHYLLITES-QUARTZITES UNIT IN SOUTHERN PELOPONNESUS, GREECE.
Authors: Skourtsos E. , Lekkas S.
Published: July 2018

New data from southern Peloponnesus show the presence of a metamorphic carbonate sequence sandwiched between the Phyllites Quartzites and the Tyros beds, the permothassic base of the Tripolitza unit. The lithostratigraphic members of this sequence, named Kosmas Gythio unit, are comparable to that of the Plattenkalk unit in Taygetos and Parnon mountains. It is suggested that palaeogeographically the unit belongs to the Ionian basin and its position was between the Plattenkalk unit and the Tripolitza carbonate platform. As for the Phyllites-Quartzites unit it is suggested that this unit is not a metamorphic equivalent to the Tyros Beds or the basement of the Tripolitza platform, but the base or the basement of the Kosmas-Gythio unit, and therefore of the Ionian basin.
ENGINEERING GEOLOGICAL STUDY FOR THE LOCALIZATION OF SITES SUITABLE FOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN LAND SLIDING MOUNTAINOUS SETTLEMENTS OF AITOLOAKARNANIA PROVINCE
Authors: Konstantopoulou G.
Published: July 2018

The villages of Houni, Kampos, Busduneika, Rio and Skaideika, which belong to the township ofParakampilia of the Aitoloakarnania province, have been characterised as land sliding, according toearlier assessments and decisions. Nevertheless these locations continued to be inhabited. Additionallythere is a great interest for construction currently. According to the findings of this study,even if the geotechnical properties of the region are generally poor, the land sliding phenomena inthe populated regions are of limited range and thus the broad characterisation as land sliding regioncannot be justified. There are designated zones in all of these villages, where sustainable constructionaldevelopment can be assured, provided that all the proposed safety measures are to be taken.
THE USE OF GEOLOGICAL STRENGTH INDEX GSI. RECOMMENDATIONS, LIMITATIONS AND RANGES OF VALUES IN MOST COMMON ROCK TYPES
Authors: Μαρίνος Β. , Μαρίνος Π. , Hoek E.
Published: July 2018

After one decade of application of the Geological Strength Index, GSI, and its extensions, in the quantitative characterisation of the rock mass, the present paper attempts to answer the questions that have been raised by the users about the determination of the GSI for various qualities of rock masses and various conditions. Recommendations are given and cases are discussed where GSI is not applicable. The paper also gives general guidance on the field of GSI values of rock masses for the most common rock types based on their pétrographie and their most usual structural characteristics.
DIELECTRIC SPECTROSCOPY IN CRUSTAL ROCKS: PRELIMINARY RESULTS FROM NORTHEASTERN SICILY (ITALY) AND THE GULF OF CORINTH (GREECE)
Authors: Triantis D. , Stavrakas I. , Anastasiadis C. , Vallianatos F. , Kershaw S.
Published: July 2018

Dielectric response was studied on two samples of manganese- and iron bearing rock materials of two different geological origins, one from Northeastern Sicily (Italy) and one from the Southern Gulf of Corinth (Greece). The study of the dielectric properties is a flexible non destructive testing method. The technique is based on the application of a single- frequency AC electric field to the sample and the measurement of the amplitude and phase of its response. In the present work the broadband dielectric relaxation spectroscopy technique was applied in the frequency range from 1kHz to 1MHz. The hydrated samples, of the above rock materials, that give rise to high values of both the real and imaginary part of the complex dielectric permittivity function are due to interfacial polarization mechanisms attributed to pore water. The two dry samples exhibit much lower values with respect to the hydrated ones while they have a big differentiation between their own permittivityvalues as well as between the shapes of their dielectric responses. This can be attributed to different origins of geotectonic deformation of the samples.
ENGINEERING GEOLOGICAL PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH KARST TERRAINS: THEIR INVESTIGATION. MONITORING, AND MITIGATION AND DESIGN OF ENGINEERING STRUCTURES ON KARST TERRAINS
Authors: Xeidakis G. S. , Torok A. , Skias S. , Kleb B.
Published: July 2018

The design and construction of civil engineering structures in karst regions confronts many problems due to unpredictable location, dimensions and geometry of the karst structure and voids. Karst terrain is one of the most intricate grounds to be assessed for civil engineering purposes. Conventional methods of site exploration like desk studies, site reconnaissance, borings, test pits, geophysical techniques, have their advantages and disadvantages; none of them are 100% accurate; therefore they should be used in concert, adapted to each project, the available budget and the undertaken risk. As not two sides are identical in karst, site investigation should be tailored to each site. Factors that should be considered when designing site investigation in karst are: maturity of karst landforms, depth of the karst features, overburden thickness, lateral extent of the karst features, hydrogeology of the area, laoding, etc. The main problems confronted by engineers designing structures on or in karst terrain are: difficulties in excavation and grading the ground over pinnacled rockheads; collapse of the roof over subsurface voids, subsidence of cover soil over sinkhole, difficulties in founding a structure over an irregular or pinnacled rockhead, loss of water from dam reservoirs, pollution of groundwater, etc. A number of solutions have been practiced by engineers to solve these problems like: relocating the structure on a safer site, filling the voids and the fractures with concrete, improving the foundation ground with grouting and/or geogrids, replacing foundation soil, bridging the voids with rigid mats orbeams, using deep foundations (piling, drilled shafts, etc.), minimizing future sinkhole development by controlling surface and ground water, etc.
CONTRIBUTION ΤO THE STUDY OF THE RECHARGE - OPERATION MECHANISM OF THE ARAVISSOS' SPRINGS AND TO THE STUDY OF THE WATER SUPPLY'S POTENTIAL OF THE HOMONYMOUS AQUIFER.
Authors: Δημόπουλος Γ. , Λουπασάκης C.
Published: July 2018

The springs of Aravissos gush out at the south foot of mount Paiko. The water resources of these springs are used mainly for covering the necessities of the city of Thessaloniki. For this purpose Thessaloniki Water Supply & Sewerage Company (ΕΥΑΘ) constructed, two decades ago, the pumping-station of Aravissos. This paper presents the results of the research conducted for the study of the recharge - operation mechanism of the springs and the potential of the water supplying aquifer. For the study of the recharge - operation mechanism of the springs we evaluated data coming from the extensive drilling programs conducted in the area and from the substantial bibliographical references. Respectively, for the study of the water supply potential of the aquifer we evaluated the data coming from gradual pumping of the pumping-station's drillings and from the flow measurements of the spring gushing out at the study area. The contribution of this study on the management of the water supplies of the karstic aquifer of Aravissos can become determi natively important.
HYDRO GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS AND GROUNDWATER QUALITY DEGRADATION IN MESSINI REGION
Authors: Παναγόπουλος Γ. , Πυτικάκης E. , Κατσάνου K. , Λαμπράκης N.
Published: July 2018

The aquifers of the Messini region were categorized on the basis of lithology of different geological formations and are presented in this study. They are classified in two main categories: the porous media aquifers, in which are included the alluvial deposits and the Pleio-pleistocene formations, and the karst aquifers of carbonate rocks. Based on field and laboratorial chemical analyses, a relatively increased salinity of the karst aquifer was confirmed and is attributed to natural mixing mechanisms between fresh and seawater. Also, high concentrations of nitrates and nitrites were determined in the groundwater of the Pleiopleistocene aquifer, as a consequence of intensive fertilization with ammonium and sulfate fertilizers.
Ο κοινωνικός ανθρωπολόγος και η υπό μελέτη κοινωνία. Διερευνώντας τη δυναμική των σχέσεων διαντίδρασης
Authors: Πέτρου Μιχάλης
Published: July 2018

Το παρόν άρθρο,  βασισμένο σε εμπειρικό ερευνητικό υλικό που συλλέχθηκε από μακροχρόνια επιτόπια έρευνα σε μια αγροτική κοινότητα, εστιάζει σε ορισμένες από τις βασικές πτυχές των σχέσεων που αναπτύσσονται ‒σε όλα τα στάδια της επιτόπιας έρευνας‒ ανάμεσα στον κοινωνικό ανθρωπολόγο και την υπό παρατήρηση κοινωνία, ανάμεσα τον «παρατηρητή» και τον «παρατηρούμενο», στον «οικείο» και τον «ξένο». Διερευνώντας τη δυναμική των διαπροσωπικών επαφών ανάμεσα στους πρωταγωνιστές της εθνογραφικής έρευνας, επιχειρείται ν’ αναδειχθεί η αξία και η μοναδικότητα που έχει ‒για την κατανόηση ενός διαφορετικού τρόπου ζωής‒ η συμμετοχή «από τα μέσα» του ερευνητή στη συλλογική ζωή της υπό μελέτης κοινωνίας.