bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Those Who Hear Music: Three Cases on Musical Hallucinations
Authors: Doluweera Yasira , Suraweera Chathurie
Published: June 2018

Musical hallucination carries no diagnostic significance on its own. However, it is an interesting phenomenon which can occur in various organic and psychiatric disorders. We report three patients who presented with musical hallucinations due to different aetiologies, namely, due to hearing impairment, intracerebral haemorrhage, and schizophrenia. The case series also highlights the fact that different aetiologies should be managed differently for the patients to be benefited.
Clinical Application of Split-Thickness Skin with Pedicle for Finger Wounds
Authors: Zhang Min-Xia , Tan Wei-Qiang , Fang Qing-Qing , Chen Chun-Ye , Yao Jian-Min
Published: June 2018

Background. Skin grafts and pedicled flaps are the traditional methods of reconstructing injuries; both have some disadvantages. Here, we introduce a new clinical application of split-thickness skin with pedicle for repairing finger wounds. Methods. We present the new method of split-thickness skin with pedicle used on 12 patients (18 fingers) between 2012 and 2016. The graft was sketched on the abdomen at random according to the shape of the wounds on a skin area of 1.0 × 1.0 cm–8.0 × 1.5 cm. The pedicle was divided at 7–22 days. Results. During the follow-up time of 13–20 months, there were no reported cases of skin necrosis; 17 fingers obtained primary healing except 1, which required a dressing change. Conclusion. The split-thickness skin with pedicle proved to be valuable in the treatment of finger wounds and has the advantages of both pedicled flaps and free skin grafting.
Simultaneous Study of Mechanical Stretch-Induced Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis on C2C12 Myoblasts
Authors: Feng Yu , Tian Xiang-Yang , Sun Peng , Cheng Ze-Peng , Shi Reng-Fei
Published: June 2018

Mechanical stretch may cause myoblasts to either proliferate or undergo apoptosis. Identifying the molecular events that switch the fate of a stretched cell from proliferation to apoptosis is practically important in the field of regenerative medicine. A recent study on vascular smooth muscle cells illustrated that identification of these events may be achieved by addressing the stretch-induced opposite cellular outcomes simultaneously within a single investigation. To define conditions or a model in which both proliferation and apoptosis can be studied at the same time, we exposed in vitro cultured C2C12 myoblasts to a cyclic mechanical stretch regimen of 15% elongation at a stretching frequency of 1 Hz for 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 h every day, consecutively, for 3 days. Both proliferation and apoptosis were observed. Moreover, as the duration of the stretch was prolonged, cell proliferation increased until it peaked at the optimal stretching duration. Afterwards, apoptosis gradually prevailed. Therefore, we established a model in which stretch-induced cell proliferation and apoptosis can be studied simultaneously.
Genome-Wide Identification of Circular RNAs as a Novel Class of Putative Biomarkers for an Ocular Surface Disease
Authors: Li Xiu-Miao , Ge Hui-Min , Yao Jin , Zhou Yun-Fan , Yao Mu-Di , Liu Chang , Hu Hai-Tao , Zhu Yun-Xi , Shan Kun , Yan Biao , Jiang Qin
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: Pterygium is a common ocular surface disease with an unknown etiology and threatens vision as it invades into the cornea. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of RNA transcripts that participate in several physiological and pathological processes. However, the role of circRNAs in pathogenesis of pterygium remains largely unknown. Methods: Genome-wide circRNA expression profiling was performed to identify pterygium -related circRNAs. GO analysis, pathway analysis, and miRNA response elements analysis was performed to predict the function of differentially expressed circRNAs in pterygium. MTT assays, Ki67 staining, Transwell assay, Hoechst 33342 staining, and Calcein-AM/PI staining were performed to determine the effect of circRNA silencing on pterygium fibroblast and epithelial cell function. Results: Approximately 669 circRNAs were identified to be abnormally expressed in pterygium tissues. GO analysis demonstrated that the host genes of differentially expressed circRNAs were targeted to extracellular matrix organization (ontology: biological process), cytoplasm (ontology: cellular component), and protein binding (ontology: molecular function). Pathway analysis showed that dysregulated circRNAs-mediated regulatory networks were mostly enriched in focal adhesion signaling pathway. Notably, circ_0085020 (circ-LAPTM4B) was shown as a potential biomarker for pterygium. circ_0085020 (circ-LAPTM4B) silencing affected the viability, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of pterygium fibroblast and epithelial cells in vitro. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that circRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of pterygium and might constitute promising targets for the therapeutic intervention of pterygium.
PKD Phosphorylation as Novel Pathway of KV11.1 Regulation
Authors: Steffensen Annette Buur , Bomholtz Sofia Hammami , Andersen Martin Nybo , Olsen Jesper Velgaard , Mutsaers Nancy , Lundegaard Pia Rengtved , Lundby Alicia , Schmitt Nicole
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: The voltage-gated potassium channel KV11.1 has been originally cloned from the brain and is expressed in a variety of tissues. The role of phosphorylation for channel function is a matter of debate. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the extent and role of protein kinase D mediated phosphorylation. Methods: We employed mass spectrometry, whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology, confocal microscopy, site-directed mutagenesis, and western blotting. Results: Using brain tissue from rat and mouse, we mapped several phosphorylated KV11.1 residues by LC-MS mass spectrometry and identified protein kinase D (PKD1) as possible regulatory kinase. Co-expression of KV11.1 with PKD1 reduced current amplitudes without altering protein levels or surface expression of the channel. Based on LC-MS results from in vivo and HEK293 cell experiments we chose four KV11.1 mutant candidates for further functional analysis. Ablation of the putative PKD phosphorylation site in the mutant S284A increased the maximal current indicating S284 as a main PKD target in KV11.1. Conclusions: Our data might help mitigating a long-standing controversy in the field regarding PKC regulation of KV11.1. We propose that PKD1 mediates the PKC effects on KV11.1 and we found that PKD targets S284 in the N-terminus of the channel.
A Novel Synonymous Variant in the AVP Gene Associated with Autosomal Dominant Familial Neurohypophyseal Diabetes Insipidus Causes Partial RNA Missplicing
Authors: Kvistgaard Helene , Christensen Jane H. , Johansson Jan-Ove , Gregersen Niels , Siggaard Rittig Charlotte , Rittig Søren , Corydon Thomas J.
Published: June 2018

Objective: Autosomal dominant familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus (adFNDI) is characterized by severe polyuria and polydipsia and is caused by variations in the gene encoding the AVP prohormone. This study aimed to ascertain a correct diagnosis, to identify the underlying genetic cause of adFNDI in a Swedish family, and to test the hypothesis that the identified synonymous exonic variant in the AVP gene (c.324G>A) causes missplicing and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention of the prohormone. Design/Patients: Three affected family members were admitted for fluid deprivation test and dDAVP (1-deamino-8-d-arginine-vasopressin) challenge test. Direct sequencing of the AVP gene was performed in the affected subjects, and genotyping of the identified variant was performed in family members. The variant was examined by expression of AVP minigenes containing the entire coding regions as well as intron 2 of AVP. Methods/Results: Clinical tests revealed significant phenotypical variation with both complete and partial adFNDI phenotype. DNA analysis revealed a synonymous c.324G>A substitution in one allele of the AVP gene in affected family members only. Cellular studies revealed both normally spliced and misspliced pre-mRNA in cells transfected with the AVP c.324G>A minigene. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed collective localization of the variant prohormone to ER and vesicular structures at the tip of cellular processes. Conclusion: We identified a synonymous variant affecting the second nucleotide of exon 3 in the AVP gene (c.324G>A) in a family in which adFNDI segregates. Notably, we showed that this variant causes partial missplicing of pre-mRNA, resulting in accumulation of the variant prohormone in ER. Our study suggests that even a small amount of aberrant mRNA might be sufficient to disturb cellular function, resulting in adFNDI.
Hepatic and skeletal muscle glycogen content in rats treated with metformin and submitted to acute exercise by swimming
Authors: Pezolato Vitor Alexandre , Marques Marcos Almeida , Abreu Fabio Marcos , Silva Nataly Mendes , Baganha Ronaldo Júlio , Dias Rodrigo , Silva Carlos Alberto Da
Published: June 2018

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o comportamento das reservas glicogênicas de ratos, submetidos a uma condição de exercício agudo (50 minutos de natação na intensidade leve), após o tratamento com metformina. Quarenta ratos Wistar (180-200g) adultos foram divididos em quatro grupos (tratados ou não por quinze dias) e assim representados: Controle; Exercício agudo por natação (realizaram uma sessão de natação, sendo 50 minutos na intensidade leve); Tratado com metformina (receberam o fármaco metformina na dosagem de 1,4 mg/ml, durante o período experimental; Tratados com metformina e submetidos a condição exercício agudo por natação (receberam o fármaco metformina na dosagem de 1,4 mg/ml e realizaram uma sessão de natação, sendo 50 minutos na intensidade leve). O exercício agudo diminuiu as reservas glicogênicas, já os animais tratados com metformina, apresentaram um aumento em suas reservas glicogênicas musculares e hepáticas em relação ao grupo que realizou o exercício sem suplementação (p0,05). O tratamento com metformina promoveu melhora nas condições energéticas e menor resposta ao estresse, sugerindo ser uma importante ferramenta farmacológica para a potencialização da performance.
Optimization of fast and simple real-time PCR-based method for genotyping the angiotensin converting enzyme-I I/D polymorphism
Authors: Guilherme João Paulo Limongi França , Bueno Salomão , Silva Lucas Vinicius Machado da , Lancha Junior Antônio Herbert , Artioli Guilherrme Giannini
Published: June 2018

A inserção ou deleção de 288 pb no íntron 16 do gene que codifica a enzima conversora de angiotensina (ECA) foi a primeira variante genética associada com o desempenho físico e uma das mais estudadas nos últimos 15 anos. Carreadores da deleção em pelo menos um dos alelos, podem apresentar maior atividade enzimática, resultando em uma maior resposta vasoconstritora. Estes indivíduos podem também possuir uma melhor resposta ao treinamento de força e potência, assim como carreadores da inserção podem possuir uma melhor predisposição ao treinamento de endurance. Tradicionalmente, para determinar o genótipo do indivíduo (I/I, I/D ou D/D), o método utilizado é o PCR convencional. Este método envolve dois estágios; primeiramente a reação da PCR é realizada e depois o gel de agarose contendo o produto da PCR é submetido à eletroforese tornando possível visualizar por luz UV as bandas de DNA indicando o genótipo. Para o uso desta metodologia em larga escala, como no caso de estudos de associação, utilizados para avaliar a influência da genética no esporte, este duplo processo consumo muito tempo. Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar um protocolo rápido e eficiente para a genotipagem deste polimorfismo por meio da PCR em tempo real, utilizando DNA genômico coletado de células bucais. O protocolo discutido no texto foi inicialmente proposto em 2001, contudo a sua configuração original apresenta limitações e utiliza uma quantidade grande de material. Variáveis do protocolo, tais como: concentração do primer, volume de reação e resolução da curva de dissociação que indica o genótipo foram ajustadas. Após este ajustamento, o protocolo permaneceu efetivo com uma quantidade reduzida de custo, adequado para o uso em estudos em larga-escala envolvendo genética e esporte.
Effects of timeout calling in team performance in handball as a function of game status
Authors: Gomes Fernando , Volossovitch Anna , Ferreira António Paulo
Published: June 2018

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar o efeito do pedido de timeout de equipa (TOE) nos indicadores de performance coletiva (eficácia defensiva, eficácia ofensiva e alteração da diferença pontual) em função dos factores contextuais (local do jogo, período de jogo e resultado corrente). Foram analisados 286 TOE, solicitados em 120 jogos da liga ASOBAL da época 2010/2011. Os indicadores de performance foram registados em três momentos; a) no momento do pedido de TOE, b) na terceira posse de bola e c) na quinta posse de bola posterior ao TOE. O teste de ANOVA de medidas repetidas mista foi utilizado para avaliar o efeito de TOE sobre os indicadores de performance em diferentes contextos competitivos. O TOE revelou um efeito positivo de 1ª ordem de baixa magnitude sobre a eficácia defensiva. O efeito interativo positivo de TOE com o período de jogo foi registado sobre a eficácia ofensiva. O impacto de TOE sobre a diferença pontual variou em função do período do jogo e do resultado corrente no momento da solicitação de TOE. O efeito foi positivo e significativo no intervalo de tempo [31’-50’] e significativamente negativo entre os 21 minutos e os 30 minutos.
Barriers faced by brazilian female coaches
Authors: Ferreira Heidi Jancer , Anjos Luiza Aguiar dos , Drigo Alexandre Janotta , Mourão Ludmila Nunes , Salles José Geraldo Do Carmo
Published: June 2018

No Brasil, a representatividade de mulheres como treinadoras esportivas é muito baixa. Diante desse cenário, este estudo teve como objetivo identificar e analisar as barreiras encontradas por treinadoras brasileiras em sua carreira. As participantes da pesquisa foram treze técnicas esportivas de oito modalidades. O método empregado foi a análise de conteúdo proposta por Bardin. A produção de dados foi realizada através de entrevistas semiestruturadas. As principais barreiras identificadas foram a apropriação majoritária do espaço pelos homens, o preconceito, o conflito entre vida pessoal e a vida profissional, e a baixa remuneração. Concluiu-se que as treinadoras enfrentam muitas dificuldades, as quais limitam a presença de mulheres no comando esportivo brasileiro.
Turnen beyond gymnastics: dynamic figurations in a space of sport practices
Authors: Assmann Alice Beatriz , Mazo Janice Zarpellon
Published: June 2018

A Tunrverein Santa Cruz (Sociedade Ginástica Santa Cruz) foi fundada em 1893, no atual município de Santa Cruz do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul. Este estudo investiga como a Sociedade Ginástica Santa Cruz se configurou em um espaço de representações de práticas esportivas e identidades étnicas, entre as décadas de 1880 e 1910. A partir da análise documental de fontes impressas foi evidenciado que, no período abarcado pelo estudo, esta associação esportiva foi um espaço singular de configurações dinâmicas, promovendo o culto ao corpo como meio de identificação do ser alemão, bem como, a sociabilidade e a diferenciação social de uma parcela etnicamente determinada de santa-cruzenses.
Correlational analysis of physical activity levels and sport participation: research with twins and families
Authors: Barbosa João Paulo Dos Anjos Souza , Gomes Thayse Natacha Q. F. , Forjaz Cláudia Lúcia de Moraes , Maia José António Ribeiro
Published: June 2018

Este ensaio inventariou a diversidade terminológica do conceito de atividade física (AF) e participação esportiva (PE), bem como a variedade na sua operacionalização em estudos de agregação familiar, além de descrever os resultados disponíveis em pesquisas com delineamentos familiar e gemelar. As bases Pubmed, Scopus, SportsDiscus, Web of Science e Scielo foram utilizadas na busca da informação, além das referências bibliográficas identificadas a partir dos artigos encontrados. Foram excluídos estudos de revisão sistemática sobre efeitos genéticos na AF e PE com informação quantitativa de heritabilidade, estudos de genomewide linkage, estudos de associação com genes candidatos, estudos de genomewide association, editoriais, cartas ao editor, relatos de caso, estudos laboratoriais, artigos que não reportassem a temática AF e PE em estudos de famílias e gêmeos, bem como pesquisa sobre pleiotropia. Os resultados mostram uma grande diversidade terminológica na expressão do conceito de AF e PE, bem como uma ampla variação em sua operacionalização. Além disto, a magnitude da agregação familiar na AF e PE varia, indicando a presença de fatores ambientais (físico e/ou social) que podem e devem ser considerados importantes para explicar a variação desses fenótipos numa população. Entretanto, é necessária uma maior padronização de terminologias e técnicas nesse tipo de estudo. Do mesmo modo, pesquisas futuras precisam identificar o tipo de influência exercida pelas diferentes variantes genéticas e fatores ambientais nesses fenótipos.
Avaliação da prevalência de células de Haller e sua relação com alterações maxilofaciais
Authors: Albuquerque Cesar B. , Zambrana Nataly R. M. , Zambrana Jéssica R. M. , Ribeiro Rodrigo A. , Salgado Daniela M. R. A. , Costa Claudio
Published: June 2018

Introdução: As células de Haller são descritas como células etmoidais aeradas, localizadas na margem inferior da órbita, próximas aos óstios dos seios maxilares. A tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) tem amplo uso na odontologia, permitindo aquisição de imagens da região craniofacial. Objetivo: Identificar, em exames de TCFC, a relação da célula de Haller com as seguintes condições: sinusopatia, desvio de septo nasal ósseo, tratamento endodôntico e lesões periapicais. Materiais e métodos: Foram utilizados 99 exames de TCFC, sendo 51 incluídos nos critérios da pesquisa. As imagens foram analisadas no software Xelis Dental®, de maneira a identificar a presença ou não da célula de Haller, bem como sua relação com as condições citadas. Resultados: Dentre os 51 exames de TCFC avaliados, 35,3% apresentaram célula de Haller do lado direito e 23,5% no lado esquerdo. Levando-se em conta a relação das células de Haller com uma ou mais alterações aqui citadas, no lado direito a tivemos em 72% dos casos, enquanto no lado esquerdo tal relação se fez presente em 75% dos casos. Conclusão: Exames de TCFC que apresentam a margem infraorbital permitem verificar a presença ou ausência da célula de Haller. Nessa amostra, verificamos maior presença de casos de endodontia, desvio de septo e sinusopatia nos indivíduos que apresentaram células de Haller.
Active Inference, Belief Propagation, and the Bethe Approximation
Authors: Schwöbel Sarah , Kiebel Stefan , Marković Dimitrije
Published: June 2018

When modeling goal-directed behavior in the presence of various sources of uncertainty, planning can be described as an inference process. A solution to the problem of planning as inference was previously proposed in the active inference framework in the form of an approximate inference scheme based on variational free energy. However, this approximate scheme was based on the mean-field approximation, which assumes statistical independence of hidden variables and is known to show overconfidence and may converge to local minima of the free energy. To better capture the spatiotemporal properties of an environment, we reformulated the approximate inference process using the so-called Bethe approximation. Importantly, the Bethe approximation allows for representation of pairwise statistical dependencies. Under these assumptions, the minimizer of the variational free energy corresponds to the belief propagation algorithm, commonly used in machine learning. To illustrate the differences between the mean-field approximation and the Bethe approximation, we have simulated agent behavior in a simple goal-reaching task with different types of uncertainties. Overall, the Bethe agent achieves higher success rates in reaching goal states. We relate the better performance of the Bethe agent to more accurate predictions about the consequences of its own actions. Consequently, active inference based on the Bethe approximation extends the application range of active inference to more complex behavioral tasks.
Wide-awakeness in the World
Authors: Blier Helen , Stanton Graham
Published: June 2018

Maxine Greene’s aesthetic pedagogy speaks to the sense of purposelessness felt by many young people today. Greene’s pedagogy cultivates the moral life defined as a sense of ‘wide-awakeness in the world’ through promoting the work of the imagination through engagement with the creative arts. Imagination creates community by being a precondition of empathy. Greene’s philosophy calls religious educators to create dialogic spaces of mutual concern. Theological engagement with Greene asks how the quest for meaning making is not simply a pedagogical version of sin. Charles Taylor’s analysis of authenticity identifies the ethical core in the pursuit of meaning-making. Greene’s challenge to Christian theology to give young people freedom in their spiritual choices is answered with David Bentley Hart’s notion of Christian persuasion as ‘the martyr’s gift’. Youth ministries pursue the kingdom vision of shalom in hope grounded in the resurrection of Christ.
Plant bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae) associated with pastures in Colombia
Authors: BARRETO-TRIANA NANCY , FERREIRA PAULO SERGIO F. , OSORIO-MEJÍA PABLO ANDRÉS , FERREIRA LUCIANO S. FIUZA
Published: June 2018

Eight species of the family Miridae found in Colombian pastures belong to four genera: Collaria, Cynodonmiris, Neotropicomiris and Stenodema. All species are included in the tribe Stenodemini and are associated with Poaceae grasses. Diagnosis, keys to species and genera, and distribution in Colombian regions as well as the principal host of these species are presented. Habitus and male genital structures illustrations for each species are provided to facilitate their recognition.
Inventorizing the modern benthic foraminiferal assemblage from marginal marine environments across the North West coast of Bay of Bengal
Authors: SEN AREEN , SAHA RATUL , SIVAKUMAR KUPPUSWAMY , BHADURY PUNYASLOKE
Published: June 2018

Modern benthic foraminiferal assemblages are instrumental in providing information regarding changes in relative sea level as well as prevailing environmental conditions in marine environments. Marginal marine environments are coastal environments that are in most cases characterized by high influx of terrestrially originated nutrients. Inventorizing of modern benthic foraminiferal assemblages from such habitats can act as biotic indicators of water quality variations along with any changes in relative sea level. The present study documents the modern benthic foraminiferal assemblage from three major marginal marine habitats located along the North West coast of Bay of Bengal, in the Indian Ocean. Sediment samples for the purpose were thus collected from the Indian Sundarbans Delta, Chilika lagoon and the Gautami Godavari estuarine zone which encompasses the Kakinada bay. A total of 32 species of benthic foraminifera were documented during the study. The present observations were compared with previous reports of benthic foraminiferal diversity from these habitats and exhibited variability.
Multigenerational Attainments, Race, and Mortality Risk among Silent Generation Women
Authors: Wolfe Joseph D. , Bauldry Shawn , Hardy Melissa A. , Pavalko Eliza K.
Published: June 2018

This study extends health disparities research by examining racial differences in the relationships between multigenerational attainments and mortality risk among “Silent Generation” women. An emerging literature suggests that the socioeconomic attainments of adjacent generations, one’s parents and adult children, provide an array of life-extending resources in old age. Prior research, however, has demonstrated neither how multigenerational resources are implicated in women’s longevity nor how racial disparities faced by Silent Generation women may differentially structure the relationships between socioeconomic attainments and mortality. With data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Mature Women, the analysis provided evidence of a three-generation model in which parent occupation, family wealth, and adult child education were independently associated with women’s mortality. Although we found evidence of racial differences in the associations between parental, personal, and spousal education and mortality risk, the education of adult children was a robust predictor of survival for black and white women.
High dose psilocybin is associated with positive subjective effects in healthy volunteers
Authors: Nicholas Christopher R , Henriquez Kelsey M , Gassman Michele C , Cooper Karen M , Muller Daniel , Hetzel Scott , Brown Randall T , Cozzi Nicholas V , Thomas Chantelle , Hutson Paul R
Published: June 2018

Aim:

The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between escalating higher doses of psilocybin and the potential psilocybin occasioned positive subjective effects.

Methods:

Healthy participants ( n=12) were given three escalating doses of oral psilocybin (0.3 mg/kg; 0.45 mg/kg; 0.6 mg/kg) or (18.8–36.6 mg; 27.1–54.0 mg; 36.3–59.2 mg) a minimum of four weeks apart in a supervised setting. Blood and urine samples, vital signs, and electrocardiograms were obtained. Subjective effects were assessed using the Mystical Experience Questionnaire and Persisting Effects Questionnaire.

Results:

There was a significant linear dose-related response in Mystical Experience Questionnaire total score and the transcendence of time and space subscale, but not in the rate of a complete mystical experience. There was also a significant difference between dose 3 compared to dose 1 on the transcendence of time and space subscale, while no dose-related differences were found for Mystical Experience Questionnaire total scores or rate of a mystical experience. Persisting Effects Questionnaire positive composite scores 30 days after completion of the last dose were significantly higher than negative composite scores. Persisting Effects Questionnaire results revealed a moderate increase in sense of well-being or life satisfaction on average that was associated with the maximum Mystical Experience Questionnaire total score. Pharmacokinetic measures were associated with dose but not with Mystical Experience Questionnaire total scores or rate of a mystical experience.

Conclusions:

High doses of psilocybin elicited subjective effects at least as strong as the lower doses and resulted in positive persisting subjective effects 30 days after, indicating that a complete mystical experience was not a prerequisite for positive outcomes.
Psychological, clinical, and therapeutic predictors of the outcome of detoxification in a large clinical population of medication-overuse headache: A six-month follow-up of the COMOESTAS Project
Authors: Bottiroli Sara , Allena Marta , Sances Grazia , De Icco Roberto , Avenali Micol , Fadic Ricardo , Katsarava Zaza , Lainez Miguel JA , Goicochea Maria Teresa , Bendtsen Lars , Jensen Rigmor Højland , Nappi Giuseppe , Tassorelli Cristina ,   the COMOESTAS Consortium
Published: June 2018

Aim

To identify factors that may be predictors of the outcome of a detoxification treatment in medication-overuse headache.

Methods

Consecutive patients entering a detoxification program in six centres in Europe and Latin America were evaluated and followed up for 6 months. We evaluated anxious and depressive symptomatology (though patients with severe psychiatric comorbidity were excluded), quality of life, headache-related disability, headache characteristics, and prophylaxis upon discharge.

Results

Of the 492 patients who completed the six-month follow up, 407 ceased overuse following the detoxification (non overusers), another 23 ceased overuse following detoxification but relapsed during the follow-up. In the 407 non-overusers, headache acquired an episodic pattern in 287 subjects (responders). At the multivariate analyses, lower depression scores (odds ratio = 0.891; p = 0.001) predicted ceasing overuse. The primary headache diagnosis – migraine with respect to tension-type headache (odds ratio = 0.224; p = 0.001) or migraine plus tension-type headache (odds ratio = 0.467; p = 0.002) – and the preventive treatment with flunarizine (compared to no such treatment) (odds ratio = 0.891; p = 0.001) predicted being a responder. A longer duration of chronic headache (odds ratio = 1.053; p = 0.032) predicted relapse into overuse. Quality of life and disability were not associated with any of the outcomes.

Conclusions

Though exploratory in nature, these findings point to specific factors that are associated with a positive outcome of medication-overuse headache management, while identifying others that may be associated with a negative outcome. Evaluation of the presence/absence of these factors may help to optimize the management of this challenging groups of chronic headache sufferers.
Life Course Transitions and Changes in Alcohol Consumption Among Older Irish Adults: Results From The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA)
Authors: Holton Alice , Boland Fiona , Gallagher Paul , Fahey Tom , Kenny Roseanne , Cousins Gráinne
Published: June 2018

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether trajectories of older adults’ alcohol consumption are influenced by the following life course transitions, relationship status, employment status, and self-rated health. Method: Volume and frequency of drinking were harmonized across first three waves of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA; N = 4,295). Multilevel regression models were used to model frequency, average weekly consumption, and heavy episodic drinking. Results: Men and women drank more frequently over time, with frequency decreasing with age for women. Average weekly consumption decreased over time and with increasing age. Transitions in self-rated health, particularly those reflecting poorer health, were associated with lower frequency and weekly consumption. Heavy episodic drinking decreased with age. Men who were retired across all waves were more likely to engage in heavy episodic drinking at baseline. Discussion: Despite the decline in average weekly consumption and heavy episodic drinking, the observed quantities consumed and the increase in frequency of consumption suggest that older Irish adults remain vulnerable to alcohol-related harms.
Natural and forced convection heat transfer coefficients of various finned heat sinks for miniature electronic systems
Authors: Pua SW , Ong KS , Lai KC , Naghavi MS
Published: June 2018

Downward lighting light-emitting diodes require cooling with cylindrical fin heat sinks to be mounted on top and cooled under natural convection air cooling mode. Performance simulation would involve specification of the heat transfer coefficient. Numerous methods are available to simulate the performance of conventional plate fin heat sinks including computational fluid dynamics packages. It would be feasible to perform simulation based on conventional flat plate fin heat sinks. A cylindrical fin heat sinks could be simply treated as a plate fin heat sink, if we imagine it cut open and laid out horizontally. A theoretical model is proposed in this paper. An experimental investigation is conducted here to validate its accuracy. Convective heat transfer coefficients were experimentally determined for a horizontally and vertically inclined bare plate operating under natural and forced air cooling modes. In addition, a vertical plate fin heat sink and a vertical cylindrical fin heat sink under natural convection were investigated. Power inputs were kept from 5 to 40 W in order to keep operating temperatures below 100 ℃. Comparison of the experimental heat transfer coefficients and those obtained from well-known existing Nusselt number correlations show that agreement was poor for the bare plate but satisfactory for the plate and cylindrical fin heat sinks. Although they are within the generally accepted range, it would be advisable for actual measurements to be carried out in order to provide more accurate sizing for thermal measurements.
Common Determinants of the Likelihood of Currency Crises in BRICS
Authors: Rao Balaga Mohana , Padhi Puja
Published: June 2018

We consider a panel of quarterly data for five BRICS countries for the period 1996: Q1 through 2015: Q4 to examine the currency crises. In this article, we construct an exchange market pressure index using Kaminsky, Lizondo and Reinhart (KLR) methodology to identify the crisis periods. Upon identifying the crisis periods, we examine the common determinants of the currency crises in these five counties using a panel probit model with random effects. Among the 22 identified periods across five BRICS countries, Russia has seen a currency stress quite often followed by Brazil, South Africa, China and India. Our main finding is that variables such as base money to broad money, broad money growth, current account balance, exports, imports, inflation, real interest rate and real effective exchange rate (REER) work as leading indicators of the crises and major contributing factors in a country’s vulnerability to crisis. We also find that the prediction of crises is robust at cut-off probability of 50 per cent.
Efficacy of bevacizumab and temozolomide therapy in locally advanced, recurrent, and metastatic malignant solitary fibrous tumour: A population-based analysis
Authors: de Lemos Mário L , Kang Isabell , Schaff Kimberly
Published: June 2018

Background

Patients with locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic solitary fibrous tumour are often treated with bevacizumab and temozolomide based on the clinical efficacy reported in a case series of 14 patients. Given the rarity of solitary fibrous tumour, large trials are not feasible. We report the efficacy of this regimen based on a population-based analysis.

Methods

This was a population-based retrospective, multi-centre analysis using patient data from a provincial cancer registry and treatment database. Cases from June 2006 through October 2016 were identified for patients receiving bevacizumab and temozolomide for locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic solitary fibrous tumour or hemangiopericytoma, which is sometimes used to describe tumours arising from the meninges. The primary outcome was overall response rate. Secondary outcomes included time to response, progression free survival and overall survival estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Fourteen patients were identified: median age 59 (range 44–70), male 78.6%. Diagnoses were solitary fibrous tumour in 10 (71.4%) and hemangiopericytoma in four (28.6%), with metastatic disease in 10 (72.7%) patients. The most common primary sites were meninges in four (28.6%) and pelvis in three (21.4%) patients. The median follow-up was 15.5 months, with median treatment of four months. Overall response rate was 21.4% (no complete response, 3 partial response), with median time to response of four months. Median progression free survival, six-month progression free survival and overall survival were 17 months, 65.0%, and 45 months, respectively.

Conclusions

Efficacy of bevacizumab and temozolomide in solitary fibrous tumour appeared to be similar to that previously reported. Our findings confirmed that bevacizumab and temozolomide is an effective and tolerated treatment for this patient population.
Dynamic analysis, active and passive vibration control of double-layer hourglass lattice truss structures
Authors: Guo Zhen-Kun , Yang Xiao-Dong , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2018

Although single-layer sandwich materials have been extensively studied in the engineering field, multilayered sandwich structures have rarely been concerned, especially on their dynamic analysis or vibration control. In this study, the dynamics of a double-layer hourglass sandwich beam is investigated by an improved method developed to simplify the calculations. The active vibration control is also analyzed. By using Hamilton’s principle, the governing equations are derived and the natural frequencies are calculated by our improved method. The results have been validated by comparing with the data obtained by traditional method, and finite element method. The contributions of both structural and material parameters on the dynamics of the double-layer sandwich beam are also investigated. The velocity feedback control method is employed to act as controllers on vibration suppressing of the sandwich structure actively. Further, nonlinear energy sink is used to control the vibration of the sandwich structure passively.
Conflict chatnography: Instant messaging apps, social media and conflict ethnography in Ukraine
Authors: Käihkö Ilmari
Published: June 2018

Social media and instant messaging are fast becoming an integral part of contemporary life, and subsequently of ethnographic research. As ethnography is essentially a process defined by relations between people, this article investigates how online interaction influenced my relationships with the people I studied: Ukrainian volunteer battalions. Framed in a broader context of conflict ethnography, the resulting chatnography made access to informants tremendously easier, and allowed for remote data collection. Chatnography nevertheless exacerbated ethical challenges posed by study of armed conflict. The blending of offline and online also led to despatialization, and the blurring of personal and professional. This questions the traditional notion of the ‘field’, while more immediately threatening to limit my private life. While not a magic bullet, the convenience of chatnography means that it will be here for years to come. This article offers an attempt to investigate what this entails in practice.
A cohort study examining the factors influencing changes in physical activity levels following an acute coronary syndrome event
Authors: McKee Gabrielle , Mooney Mary , O’Donnell Sharon , O’Brien Frances , Biddle Martha J. , Moser Debra K
Published: June 2018

Background:

Low physical activity has long been identified as a risk factor for coronary heart disease.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to determine the factors that influence changes in the physical activity of patients following an acute coronary syndrome event.

Methods:

The prospective, inferential cohort design recruited patients admitted to hospital following an acute coronary syndrome event across five research sites. Physical activity was assessed using the short form international physical activity questionnaire.

Results:

Data were collected at baseline and 3 months on 380 patients. The sample profile was: 21% women; body mass index 28 ± 4.6; unstable angina 36%; ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction 25%; non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction 39% and a mean age of 63 ± 11.8. There was a significant improvement in physical activity at 3 months ( n=380, t=−3.704, P≤0.001). All regression models, baseline, 3 months and change in physical activity were significant ( p≤0.001). Low physical activity was associated with: at baseline not having health insurance, older age and depression; at 3 months not having health insurance, not in employment and low baseline physical activity; and improvement in physical activity was associated with low physical activity at baseline and not being in employment.

Conclusions:

While physical activity improved significantly, 45% did not reach guideline recommendation levels at 3 months post-event. Physical activity change was little influenced by sociodemographic, clinical, psychological and behavioural factors, suggesting the need to look elsewhere such as behavioural change and improved processes across the care divide to improve physical activity in this at-risk population.
A Longitudinal Investigation of Posttraumatic Growth and Quality of Life in Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Gangeri Laura , Scrignaro Marta , Bianchi Elisabetta , Borreani Claudia , Bhoorie Sherrie , Mazzaferro Vincenzo
Published: June 2018

Background:

What does it mean to adjust to a liver transplant? Quality of life research has offered an impairment model, defining adjustment as the absence of diagnosed psychological disorder or of limitations in physical functioning. Recently emerging research on posttraumatic growth testifies the prevalence of positive life changes following the life-threatening illnesses. The present study aimed to verify the presence of the posttraumatic growth process in liver transplant patients and its relationship with traditional quality of life.

Methods:

The research was a longitudinally descriptive study. A sample of 233 liver transplant patients were assessed with the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy General.

Results:

Over 50% of patients showed moderate-high levels in all dimensions of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. Further posttraumatic growth is correlated with the functional and social dimensions of quality of life construct and not with physical and emotional functioning.

Conclusion:

These results confirmed that posttraumatic growth is related to a different definition of well-being than the one traditionally used in the assessment of quality of life. Adjustment to liver transplant is a complex and systemic process, which requires a multidisciplinary approach to be able to support and encourages adaptation through all the needed functional elements. An interesting perspective is offered by the narrative medicine approach, that highlighted the importance to pay specific attention to the words and expression used by patients related to changes in life and not only to traditional words reporting physical status.
The Association Between Lung Recipient Travel Distance and Posttransplant Survival
Authors: Tsuang Wayne M. , Lin Songhua , Valapour Maryam , Udeh Belinda L. , Budev Marie , Schold Jesse D.
Published: June 2018

Introduction:

Recipient travel distance may be an unrecognized burden in lung transplantation.

Design:

Retrospective single-center cohort study of all adult (≥18 years) first-time lung-only transplants from January 1, 2010, until February 28, 2017. Recipient distance to transplant center was calculated using the linear distance from the recipient’s home zip code to the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.

Results:

569 recipients met inclusion criteria. Posttransplant graft survival was 85%, 88%, 91%, and 91% at 1 year and 49%, 52%, 57%, and 56% at 5 years posttransplant for recipient travel distances of ≤50, >50 to ≤250, >250 to ≤500, and >500 miles, respectively ( P = .10).

Discussion:

We found no significant relationship between recipient travel distance and posttransplant graft survival. In carefully selected recipients, travel distance is not a significant barrier to successful posttransplant outcomes which may be important for patient decision-making and donor allocation policy. These data should be validated in a national cohort.
What Can We Learn From Studio Studies Ethnographies?: A “Messy” Account of Game Development Materiality, Learning, and Expertise
Authors: Whitson Jennifer R.
Published: June 2018

This article illustrates a gap between popular narratives of game development in design texts and the reality of day-to-day development, drawing from an ethnographic account of intern developers to highlight the potential contributions of studio studies to Game Studies. It describes three takeaways. The first is that the difficulty developers have in articulating their work to others has implications for how we learn, teach, and talk about development, including how we share knowledge across domains. The second is that, at least for newer developers, negotiation with technology rather than mastery characterizes daily work, and the third is that problems frequently arise in articulating and aligning the normally black-boxed work of individual developers. Resolution of these issues commonly depends on “soft” social skills; yet external pressures on developers mean they tidy up and professionalize accounts of their daily practice, thus both social conflict and soft skills have a tendency to disappear.
Voxel-based virtual manufacturing simulation for three-dimensional printing
Authors: Ueng Shyh-Kuang , Chen Lu-Guan , Jen Szu-Yao
Published: June 2018

This article presents a simulation program for previewing and emulating three-dimensional printing. The proposed simulator adopts a voxel-based virtual manufacturing approach to fabricate the target model in a virtual volume space. A mass-diffusion procedure coupling with adaptive filament deposition is used to generate the printing roads of the virtual manufacturing model. Thus, the resultant virtual model resembles the printed object better. As the virtual model has been built, the simulator performs line-drawing, animation and volume rendering to reveal the progression of the printing and the geometric features of the model, including its outer appearance, surface roughness and internal structures. Hence, more geometrical features of the model are shown. During the virtual manufacturing process, semantic error checking is also carried out to detect potential printing errors which may cause supporting problems, collisions, over- and under-extrusion, and other printing failures. Two efficient algorithms, using three rasters of voxels, are developed to conduct the kernel computations such that the run-time semantic error checking is simplified and the memory usage is reduced. Equipped with advanced modelling, debugging and graphics techniques, the proposed simulator can be used as a virtual three-dimensional printer as well as a debugger in additive manufacturing procedures. Users can utilize it to preview the resultant model and to evaluate the printing process such that potential errors can be prevented and the quality of the printed parts can be enhanced.
Numerical investigation of a small water turbine used for the power supply of underwater vehicles
Authors: Mao Zhaoyong , Bai Jingang
Published: June 2018

The development of underwater vehicles is facing the problem of sustainable energy supply. This study introduces a small water turbine, the Lenz turbine, for energy generation from the ocean currents which will provide energy for the underwater vehicles. Computational fluid dynamics simulations of the effect of geometric parameters, including the blade radius, chord length, and pitch angle, on the performance of the turbine are conducted. The Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes equations are numerically solved with a sliding mesh method. Thirteen sets of tests in total are performed at different values of tip-speed ratios. The tests are divided into three groups to study the effect of the three parameters mentioned above, separately. The obtained power coefficients, coefficient of torque, and the dynamic torque on a blade are then compared in each group of tests. Pressure contours and velocity contours are given to explain the reason how the geometric parameters affect the rotor performance.