bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distal Fusion Level Selection in Scheuermann’s Kyphosis: A Comparison of Lordotic Disc Segment Versus the Sagittal Stable Vertebrae
Authors: Kim Han Jo , Nemani Venu , Boachie-Adjei Oheneba , Cunningham Matthew E. , Iorio Justin A. , O’Neill Kevin , Neuman Brian J. , Lenke Lawrence G.
Published: April 2017

Study Design:

Retrospective study.

Objective:

To compare 2 methods of selecting the lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) on the rates of revision surgery for distal junctional kyphosis (DJK) following treatment for Scheuermann’s kyphosis (SK).

Methods:

A retrospective review of patients who have undergone surgical treatment for SK was performed. Forty-four patients were divided into 2 groups based on intervention: Group 1 (n = 26) included patients who had an LIV distal to or at the sagittal stable vertebrae (SSV), and Group 2 (n = 18) included patients who had an LIV proximal to the SSV. For each group, demographic, radiographic, and revision surgery data was analyzed.

Results:

The average follow-up was 3.1 years. There were no differences among demographic variables between the groups. Preoperative and postoperative thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and sagittal balance were not different between groups. Postoperatively, Group 1 demonstrated a significantly greater average lordotic disc angle below the LIV compared with Group 2 (Group 1, −6.2 ± 4.3° vs Group 2, −2.9 ± 5.8°; P = .02). In a subgroup analysis, extending fusions to the sagittal stable vertebra rather than the first lordotic disc resulted in fewer distal LIV complications necessitating revision surgery compared with fusing short of the SSV (5% vs 36.3%, P = .04).

Conclusion:

The SSV method may reduce complications secondary to distal junctional failure, but at the expense of incorporating additional motion segments in a typically young population.
Radiographic Risk Factors of Reoperation Following Minimally Invasive Decompression for Lumbar Canal Stenosis Associated With Degenerative Scoliosis and Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Kato Minori , Namikawa Takashi , Matsumura Akira , Konishi Sadahiko , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: April 2017

Study Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Objective:

Microsurgical bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach (MBDU), a minimally invasive surgical (MIS) decompression method, has been performed for numerous degenerative lumbar diseases, including degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) or degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS), at our institution. In this study, we evaluated the appropriateness of MBDU for DLS or DS patients.

Methods:

A total of 207 patients treated by MBDU were included (88 women and 119 men; mean age, 70 [40-86] years). Thirty-seven cases were diagnosed as DLS (group A), 51 as DS (group B), and 119 as lumbar canal stenosis (group C). Patient clinical status assessed by JOA score was evaluated preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. We evaluated the prevalence of cases that required reoperation among the groups and the radiographic risk factors related to reoperation.

Results:

There was no significant difference in recovery ratios of JOA scores among the groups. Reoperation after MBDU was needed in 13 cases (6.3%); the revision rate did not significantly differ among the groups. Reoperation was associated with poor clinical status, low visual analog scale score for low back pain, and low SF-36 mental component summary score. Reoperation was significantly associated with preoperative scoliotic disc wedging with Cobb’s angle ≥3° in L4-5 (odds ratio = 9.88) and lateral listhesis (odds ratio = 5.22 [total], 12.9 [L4-5]).

Conclusions:

When we are careful to indicate decompression for patients with these risk factors related to reoperation, MIS decompression alone can successfully improve DLS patients with a Cobb’s angle of ≤20° or DS patients.
What We’re Missing
Authors: Whitney Camille R. , Liu Jing
Published: April 2017

For schools and teachers to help students develop knowledge and skills, students need to show up to class. Yet absenteeism is prevalent, especially in secondary schools. This study uses a rich data set tracking class attendance by day for over 50,000 middle and high school students from an urban district in academic years 2007–2008 through 2012–2013. Our results extend and modify the extant findings on absenteeism that have been based almost exclusively on full-day absenteeism, missing class-by-class absences. Notably, part-day absenteeism is responsible for as many classes missed as full-day absenteeism, raising chronic absenteeism from 9% to 24% of secondary-grades students. Incorporating part-day absences sharply increases the chronic absenteeism gap between underrepresented minority students and their peers. Both full- and part-day absenteeism show a discrete jump at the point of transition from middle school to high school, but full-day absenteeism then declines whereas part-day absenteeism remains high in Grades 10 and 11 and increases again in Grade 12. Whereas 55% of full-day absences are unexcused, 92% of part-day absences are unexcused. Absenteeism from individual classes varies considerably by time of day but less by class subject matter.
Mandatory CSR Spending—Indian Experience
Authors: Kapoor G.K. , Dhamija Sanjay
Published: April 2017

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has received increased attention in the recent past as a means for sustainable development. CSR has largely been viewed as a voluntary exercise. However, the Companies Act, 2013 has made it mandatory for a certain category of companies to spend 2 percent of their average net profit in the past 3 years on CSR activities. If a company fails to spend the mandated amount on CSR activities, it is required to explain the reasons for the same in the Board’s report. India thereby became the first and the only country in the world to have mandatory CSR spending. The Act also prescribes the activities that would be eligible for this purpose.

The year 2014–2015 was the first year of operations for these provisions. The article aims to critically review the requirements of the Companies Act, 2013 in this regard and assess the implementation of CSR spending requirements in the maiden year of operations.
Socio-demographic Factors, Contextual Factors, and Work Engagement: Evidence from India
Authors: Chaudhary Richa , Rangnekar Santosh
Published: April 2017

The study was carried out to examine the level of work engagement and whether socio-demographic and job-related characteristics influence work engagement level of Indian business executives. Study variables included gender, age, education, income, nature of organization, position in organizational hierarchy, and job tenure. A total of 404 business executives from select public and private sector organizations in India participated in the study. The study results suggest above-average level of work engagement among Indian business executives. Findings also suggest that there are significant differences in the work engagement level of employees with different demographic and job characteristics, such as age, nature of organization, position in the organizational hierarchy, income, etc. However, gender, education, and organizational tenure failed to contribute to our understanding of work engagement. By examining the level of work engagement among select Indian business executives and how it varies with respect to various socio-demographic and job-related variables, the study adds to the scarce literature on employee engagement, especially in Indian context, where little work has been undertaken in this direction.
Engage, participate, empower: Modelling power transfer in disadvantaged rural communities
Authors: Steiner Artur Adam , Farmer Jane
Published: April 2017

Abstract

This article explores a process meant to empower disadvantaged communities that have not previously engaged in government-instigated civic projects. Drawing on a large exploratory study of an empowerment project in seven Scottish rural communities, findings include that empowering communities should harness community development techniques that use both external actors and sources of support (i.e. exogenous practices), and those that utilise assets from within the community (i.e. endogenous practices).

The paper presents the Engagement-Participation-Empowerment Model showing stages in transferring power from external actors to local communities. The paper highlights that the process of community empowerment starts with engagement and follows with participation – both representing a precondition of community empowerment. The paper indicates that there are limits to which community members are capable of embracing current community empowerment policies and showing that even targeted ‘well-tailored’ community empowerment programmes might fail. Implications of the study for further research and policy are identified.
A functional DC cross talk promotes human ILC homeostasis in humanized mice
Authors: Lopez-Lastra Silvia , Masse-Ranson Guillemette , Fiquet Oriane , Darche Sylvie , Serafini Nicolas , Li Yan , Dusséaux Mathilde , Strick-Marchand Helene , Di Santo James P.
Published: April 2017

Key Points

A novel humanized mouse model to study human ILC biology. Human DC cross talk with ILCs in vivo.
Waveform inversion for microseismic velocity analysis and event location in VTI media
Authors: Jarillo Michel Oscar , Tsvankin Ilya
Published: April 2017

Waveform inversion (WI), which has been extensively used in reflection seismology, could provide improved velocity models and event locations for microseismic surveys. Here, we develop an elastic WI algorithm for anisotropic media designed to estimate the 2D velocity field along with the source parameters (location, origin time, and moment tensor) from microseismic data. The gradient of the objective function is obtained with the adjoint-state method, which requires just two modeling simulations at each iteration. In the current implementation the source coordinates and velocity parameters are estimated sequentially at each stage of the inversion to minimize trade-offs and improve the convergence. Synthetic examples illustrate the accuracy of the inversion for layered VTI (transversely isotropic with a vertical symmetry axis) media, as well as the sensitivity of the velocity-analysis results to noise, the length of the receiver array, errors in the initial model, and variability in the moment tensor of the recorded events.
Borderline intellectual functioning and psychosis: Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey evidence
Authors: Hassiotis A. , Noor M. , Bebbington P. , Afia A. , Wieland J. , Qassem T.
Published: April 2017

Borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) is associated with several neuropsychological deficits. We used national data to establish the prevalence of psychosis and psychotic symptoms, and the role of potential mediators. The BIF group were more than twice as likely to have probable psychosis (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.3, 95% CI 14−4.0) and to report hallucinations (adjusted OR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.9−44) but not persecutory ideation. Salient mediators were depressive symptoms and the cumulative total of life events. Our findings suggest mechanisms other than drug use that are contributing to the strong relationship between BIF and severe mental illness and that may be amenable to treatment.
Phase 1 Dose-Escalation Study of Pegylated Arginine Deiminase, Cisplatin, and Pemetrexed in Patients With Argininosuccinate Synthetase 1–Deficient Thoracic Cancers
Authors: Beddowes Emma , Spicer James , Chan Pui Ying , Khadeir Ramsay , Corbacho Javier Garcia , Repana Dimitra , Steele Jeremy P. , Schmid Peter , Szyszko Teresa , Cook Gary , Diaz Monica , Feng Xiaoxing , Johnston Amanda , Thomson Jim , Sheaff Michael , Wu Bor-Wen , Bomalaski John , Pacey Simon , Szlosarek Peter W.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Pegylated arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG 20) depletes essential amino acid levels in argininosuccinate synthetase 1 (ASS1) –negative tumors by converting arginine to citrulline and ammonia. The main aim of this study was to determine the recommended dose, safety, and tolerability of ADI-PEG 20, cisplatin, and pemetrexed in patients with ASS1-deficient malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) or non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Patients and Methods

Using a 3 + 3 + 3 dose-escalation study, nine chemotherapy-naïve patients (five MPM, four NSCLC) received weekly ADI-PEG 20 doses of 18 mg/m2, 27 mg/m2, or 36 mg/m2, together with pemetrexed 500 mg/m2and cisplatin 75 mg/m2which were given every three weeks (maximum of six cycles). Patients achieving stable disease or better could continue ADI-PEG 20 monotherapy until disease progression or withdrawal. Adverse events were assessed by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.03, and pharmacodynamics and immunogenicity were also evaluated. Tumor response was assessed by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 for NSCLC and by modified RECIST criteria for MPM.

Results

No dose-limiting toxicities were reported; nine of 38 reported adverse events (all grade 1 or 2) were related to ADI-PEG 20. Circulating arginine concentrations declined rapidly, and citrulline levels increased; both changes persisted at 18 weeks. Partial responses were observed in seven of nine patients (78%), including three with either sarcomatoid or biphasic MPM.

Conclusion

Target engagement with depletion of arginine was maintained throughout treatment with no dose-limiting toxicities. In this biomarker-selected group of patients with ASS1-deficient cancers, clinical activity was observed in patients with poor-prognosis tumors. Therefore, we recommend a dose for future studies of weekly ADI-PEG 20 36 mg/m2plus three-weekly cisplatin 75 mg/m2and pemetrexed 500 mg/m2.
The Association of Frailty With Outcomes and Resource Use After Emergency General Surgery: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: McIsaac Daniel I. , Moloo Husein , Bryson Gregory L. , van Walraven Carl
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND:

Older patients undergoing emergency general surgery (EGS) experience high rates of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Studies focused primarily on elective surgery indicate that frailty is an important predictor of adverse outcomes in older surgical patients. The population-level effect of frailty on EGS is poorly described. Therefore, our objective was to measure the association of preoperative frailty with outcomes in a population of older patients undergoing EGS.

METHODS:

We created a population-based cohort study using linked administrative data in Ontario, Canada, that included community-dwelling individuals aged >65 years having EGS. Our main exposure was preoperative frailty, as defined by the Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups frailty–defining diagnoses indicator. The Adjusted Clinical Groups frailty–defining diagnoses indicator is a binary variable that uses 12 clusters of frailty-defining diagnoses. Our main outcome measures were 1-year all-cause mortality (primary), intensive care unit admission, length of stay, institutional discharge, and costs of care (secondary).

RESULTS:

Of 77,184 patients, 19,779 (25.6%) were frail. Death within 1 year occurred in 6626 (33.5%) frail patients compared with 11,366 (19.8%) nonfrail patients. After adjustment for sociodemographic and surgical confounders, this resulted in a hazard ratio of 1.29 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25–1.33). The risk of death for frail patients varied significantly across the postoperative period and was particularly high immediately after surgery (hazard ratio on postoperative day 1 = 23.1, 95% CI 22.3–24.1). Frailty was adversely associated with all secondary outcomes, including a 5.82-fold increase in the adjusted odds of institutional discharge (95% CI 5.53–6.12).

CONCLUSIONS:

After EGS, frailty is associated with increased rates of mortality, institutional discharge, and resource use. Strategies that might improve perioperative outcomes in frail EGS patients need to be developed and tested.
Generative Retrieval Improves Learning and Retention of Cardiac Anatomy Using Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Kleiman Amanda M. , Forkin Katherine T. , Bechtel Allison J. , Collins Stephen R. , Ma Jennie Z. , Nemergut Edward C. , Huffmyer Julie L.
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND:

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a valuable monitor for patients undergoing cardiac and noncardiac surgery as it allows for evaluation of cardiovascular compromise in the perioperative period. It is challenging for anesthesiology residents and medical students to learn to use and interpret TEE in the clinical environment. A critical component of learning to use and interpret TEE is a strong grasp of normal cardiovascular ultrasound anatomy.

METHODS:

Fifteen fourth-year medical students and 15 post-graduate year (PGY) 1 and 2 anesthesiology residents without prior training in cardiac anesthesia or TEE viewed normal cardiovascular anatomy TEE video clips; participants were randomized to learning cardiac anatomy in generative retrieval (GR) and standard practice (SP) groups. GR participants were required to verbally identify each unlabeled cardiac anatomical structure within 10 seconds of the TEE video appearing on the screen. Then a correctly labeled TEE video clip was shown to the GR participant for 5 more seconds. SP participants viewed the same TEE video clips as GR but there was no requirement for SP participants to generate an answer; for the SP group, each TEE video image was labeled with the correctly identified anatomical structure for the 15 second period. All participants were tested for intermediate (1 week) and late (1 month) retention of normal TEE cardiovascular anatomy. Improvement of intermediate and late retention of TEE cardiovascular anatomy was evaluated using a linear mixed effects model with random intercepts and random slopes.

RESULTS:

There was no statistically significant difference in baseline score between GR (49% ± 11) and SP (50% ± 12), with mean difference (95% CI) -1.1% (-9.5, 7.3%). At 1 week following the educational intervention, GR (90% ± 5) performed significantly better than SP (82% ± 11), with mean difference (95% CI) 8.1% (1.9, 14.2%); P = .012. This significant increase in scores persisted in the late posttest session at one month (GR: 83% ± 12; SP: 72% ± 12), with mean difference (95% CI) 10.2% (1.3 to 19.1%); P = .026. Mixed effects analysis showed significant improvements in TEE cardiovascular anatomy over time, at 5.9% and 3.5% per week for GR and SP groups respectively (P = .0003), and GR improved marginally faster than SP (P = .065).

CONCLUSIONS:

Medical students and anesthesiology residents inexperienced in the use of TEE showed both improved learning and retention of basic cardiovascular ultrasound anatomy with the incorporation of GR into the educational experience.
Change Amid Continuity, Innovation within Tradition: Wampum Diplomacy at the Treaty of Greenville, 1795
Authors: Harrison Daniel F.
Published: April 2017

The Treaty of Greenville (1795) was noteworthy for the extensive use of wampum by both Western Confederacy leaders and the American negotiator, Anthony Wayne. Analysis of the rhetoric of the negotiations and the wampum article used reveals structural correspondences with traditional Iroquoian diplomacy. Evidence suggests that the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, while not officially in attendance, exerted significant influence on the treaty process. Amid this continuity, however, the Native negotiators put wampum to innovative uses. Examination of specific wampum presentations offers an interpretation of a surviving belt and insight into a design now known as the Two-Row Wampum.
Ethnohistory in the Making: Guido Marlière and the Circulation of Knowledge About Jê Peoples of Minas Gerais, Brazil, 1760–1840
Authors: Bieber Judy
Published: April 2017

This article analyzes the evolution of ethnographic texts written about Jê-speaking peoples of the interior of Minas Gerais, Brazil, from the 1760s through the 1830s. It interprets both the timing and content of these sources with reference to the emergence of Enlightenment thought, the development of a transatlantic community of letters, and the intervention of an idiosyncratic French military officer, Guido Marlière, who participated in Brazil’s Botocudo War of 1808–31. Marlière’s writing, informed by his long association with Jê peoples, mastery of their languages, and advocacy for more humane indigenous policy, was unprecedented in its cultural specificity. Marlière also contributed directly and indirectly to the production of canonical texts authored by European scientists. In this article, Bieber recovers Marlière’s vivid, humanizing observations about Jê peoples and uses him as an example of how local actors contributed to the circulation of ideas and production of ethnographic knowledge.
LncATLAS database for subcellular localization of long noncoding RNAs
Authors: Mas-Ponte David , Carlevaro-Fita Joana , Palumbo Emilio , Hermoso Pulido Toni , Guigo Roderic , Johnson Rory
Published: April 2017

The subcellular localization of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) holds valuable clues to their molecular function. However, measuring localization of newly discovered lncRNAs involves time-consuming and costly experimental methods. We have created “lncATLAS,” a comprehensive resource of lncRNA localization in human cells based on RNA-sequencing data sets. Altogether, 6768 GENCODE-annotated lncRNAs are represented across various compartments of 15 cell lines. We introduce relative concentration index (RCI) as a useful measure of localization derived from ensemble RNA-seq measurements. LncATLAS is accessible through an intuitive and informative webserver, from which lncRNAs of interest are accessed using identifiers or names. Localization is presented across cell types and organelles, and may be compared to the distribution of all other genes. Publication-quality figures and raw data tables are automatically generated with each query, and the entire data set is also available to download. LncATLAS makes lncRNA subcellular localization data available to the widest possible number of researchers. It is available at lncatlas.crg.eu.
MRSA decolonisation using polyhexanide 0.1 % with application where necessary of systemic antibiotics
Authors: Lorenz M. B. , Gkogkolou P. , Köck R. , Goerge T.
Published: April 2017

Background: Increasing infections and drug resistances lead to new treatment concepts in terms of MRSA decolonisation. An antibiotic-free decolonisation treatment with topical antiseptics is of great clinical interest. We investigated the effectiveness of MRSA decolonisation therapy using the topical antiseptic agent polyhexanide 0.1 %. If needed, a systemic antibiotic was added in case of hospitalisation, abscess formation, chronic wounds and others.

Patients and methods: 63 patients were introduced to our outpatient clinic within a period of record of 15 months. 42 (66.7 %) of them were confirmed MRSA-positive and 27 (64.3 %) of these colonised patients were included to the protocol of decolonisation. Patients who followed the protocol of decolonisation (n=27) were investigated in terms of the site of MRSA-colonisation, parameters that minimize the effect of decolonisation, spa types as well as the effectiveness of the topical antiseptic agent polyhexanide 0.1 %.

Results: 22 patients (81.5 %) were successfully decolonised within the group that followed the decolonisation protocol (n=27). Using polyhexanide 0.1 % as single treatment regime seven people (31.8 %) were successfully decolonised, whereas 15 patients (68.2 %) were in need of an additional systemic treatment with antibiotics in order to be decolonised. The implementation of one topical eradication cycle with polyhexanide 0.1 % was effective in case of an exclusive colonisation of the nose (n=3). At maximum, three decolonisation runs were necessary. Within six months of post-eradication investigations no relapses of MRSA were registered.

Conclusions: One third of the decolonised patients were successfully treated with the topical antiseptic polyhexanide 0.1 %, whereas two thirds of the patients that followed the decolonisation protocol were in need of an additional systemic antibiotic.
Operative and postoperative risks of combined interventions by phlebectomy and foam sclerotherapy
Authors: Frendel A. , Kahle B. , Recke A. L.
Published: April 2017

Background: Insufficiency of anterior accessory great saphenous vein (AASV) with a competent great saphenous vein (GSV) is frequently encountered in patients referred for phlebological evaluation. The classic therapeutic approach to treat AASV insufficiency consists of crossectomy and stripping of GSV and all tributaries. In isolated AASV insufficiency, stripping of the AASV combined with foam sclerotherapy of the proximal AASV section is a useful alternative to preserve the GSV. Historically, the combination of phlebectomy and sclerotherapy in a single session was avoided given the perceived and reported risk of complications

Aim: A retrospective analysis of the side effects and complications following phlebectomy of the AASV combined with foam sclerotherapy in one session.

Patients and method: Case records of all patients with isolated AASV insufficiency, who underwent a combined procedure (phlebectomy of the AASV and foam sclerotherapy) between 01.01.2013 and 30.11.2016, were evaluated.

Results: 28 patients (29 legs) were included. There were no severe side effects or complications in any case. Complete occlusion of the proximal AASV could be demonstrated sono-graphically.

Conclusion: The combination of phlebectomy and foam sclerotherapy in one session is an effective and safe treatment option in cases of isolated AASV insufficiency.
Foam sclerotherapy of segments of the saphenous vein with adjuvant hyaluronan compression
Authors: Despa O. R. , Brüggemann U. , El-Chamali S. , Stoyanova K. , Ragg J. C.
Published: April 2017

Background: Thermal, mechano-chemical and chemical methods of vein closure are increasingly less effective in saphenous veins with diameters above 10 mm. Furthermore, increasing vein size is associated with unpleasant inflammatory reactions, in particular in locations close to sensitive structures like the skin. External compression media are not able to prevent these unwanted sequela in a tolerable way. As a possible solution, perivenous hyaluronan compression was evaluated combined with microfoam sclero-therapy.

Methods: 34 patients (25 f, 9 m, 43–71 yr/o) with saphenous insufficiency (GSV), dia -meters 10.1–23.1 mm (M: 14.1 mm), distance to skin: >10 mm, received a vein lumen compression oft thigh- or calf segments by perivenous injection of a NASHA gel mediated by a coaxial paravenous catheter prior to catheter-applied microfoam sclerotherapy (aethoxysklerol 1 %). Injection of both, hyaluronan and microfoam, were performed during catheter withdrawal. The aim of hyaluronan compression was a 2/3 reduction oft the native vein cross section. For comparison, adjacent segments were compressed with common tumescent fluid. Segments for both modalities had similar diameter and were randomized. Due to department rules, the junction segment was closed with endovenous lasers to warrant elimination of reflux. No textile compression media were applied. Clinical controls including ultrasound were performed after 2, 8, 26 and 54 weeks.

Results: All treated vein segments showed total occlusion after 2 weeks (first visit). The lumen reduction was 54–81 % (M: 68.4 %) in segments with hyaluronan compression and 8–29 % (M: 19.2 %) in segments with tumes-cent fluid. Time needed for hyaluronan compression was 1.1–3.5 min (M: 2.2 min) and for tumescence 0.8–2.7 min (M: 1.8 min) per 10 cm-segment. Clinical investigations up to 8 weeks did not reveal any symptoms, visible inflammations or stainings in segments covered with hyaluronan, while tumescent-compressed segments had such findings in 20/34 cases (58.8 %). Perivenous hyaluronan did not induce any discomfort or side effects during follow-up.

Conclusions: Even large saphenous veins can be effectively and safely treated by microfoam sclerotherapy without any postinterventional symptoms when the vein lumen is reduced by perivenous injection of hyaluronan gel. However, it takes additional interventional effort to achieve this goal. Future applications could also include combinations with thermal or gluing device or support novel foams like Varithena or biomatrix sclerofoam when treating very large veins or venous aneurysms, and furthermore serve in vein shaping fort the purpose of establishing laminar flow or modifying pressure relations (venoplasty).
Myelin-specific T helper 17 cells promote adult hippocampal neurogenesis through indirect mechanisms
Authors: Niebling Johannes , E. Rünker Annette , Schallenberg Sonja , Kretschmer Karsten , Kempermann Gerd
Published: April 2017

CD4+ T cells provide a neuro-immunological link in the regulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, but the exact mechanisms underlying enhanced neural precursor cell proliferation and the relative contribution of different T helper (Th) cell subsets have remained unclear. Here, we explored the pro-proliferative potential of interleukin 17-producing T helper (Th17) cells, a developmentally and functionally distinct Th cell subset that is a key mediator of autoimmune neurodegeneration. We found that base-line proliferation of hippocampal precursor cells in a T cell-deficient mouse model of impaired hippocampal neurogenesis can be restored upon adoptive transfer with homogeneous Th17 populations enriched for myelin-reactive T cell receptors (TCR). In these experiments, enhanced proliferation was independent of direct interactions of infiltrating Th17 cells with precursor cells or neighboring cells in the hippocampal neurogenic niche. Complementary studies in immunocompetent mice identified several receptors for Th17 cell-derived cytokines with mRNA expression in hippocampal precursor cells and dentate gyrus tissue, suggesting that Th17 cell activity in peripheral lymphoid tissues might promote hippocampal neurogenesis through secreted cytokines.
PARV4 prevalence, phylogeny, immunology and coinfection with HIV, HBV and HCV in a multicentre African cohort
Authors: Sharp Colin P. , Gregory William F. , Hattingh Louise , Malik Amna , Adland Emily , Daniels Samantha , van Zyl Anriette , Carlson Jonathan M. , Wareing Susan , Ogwu Anthony , Shapiro Roger , Riddell Lynn , Chen Fabian , Ndung'u Thumbi , Goulder Philip J.R. , Klenerman Paul , Simmonds Peter , Jooste Pieter , Matthews Philippa C.
Published: April 2017

Background: The seroprevalence of human parvovirus-4 (PARV4) varies considerably by region. In sub-Saharan Africa, seroprevalence is high in the general population, but little is known about the transmission routes or the prevalence of coinfection with blood-borne viruses, HBV, HCV and HIV. 

Methods: To further explore the characteristics of PARV4 in this setting, with a particular focus on the prevalence and significance of coinfection, we screened a cohort of 695 individuals recruited from Durban and Kimberley (South Africa) and Gaborone (Botswana) for PARV4 IgG and DNA, as well as documenting HIV, HBV and HCV status. 

Results: Within these cohorts, 69% of subjects were HIV-positive. We identified no cases of HCV by PCR, but 7.4% were positive for HBsAg. PARV4 IgG was positive in 42%; seroprevalence was higher in adults (69%) compared to children (21%) (p<0.0001) and in HIV-positive (52%) compared to HIV-negative individuals (24%) (p<0.0001), but there was no association with HBsAg status. We developed an on-line tool to allow visualization of coinfection data (https://purl.oclc.org/coinfection-viz). We identified five subjects who were PCR-positive for PARV4 genotype-3. Ex vivo CD8+ T cell responses spanned the entire PARV4 proteome and we propose a novel HLA-B*57:03-restricted epitope within the NS protein. 

Conclusions: This characterisation of PARV4 infection provides enhanced insights into the epidemiology of infection and co-infection in African cohorts, and provides the foundations for planning further focused studies to elucidate transmission pathways, immune responses, and the clinical significance of this organism.
La génesis de la Constitución Política de Colombia de 1991 a la luz de la discusión sobre el Mito Político
Authors: Garzón Martínez Camilo Andrés
Published: April 2017

El presente artículo busca analizar y hacer un aporte a la comprensión del proceso de formación de la Constitución Política de Colombia de 1991 a la luz de los debates que se han realizado en torno al concepto de mito político. Para cumplir ese propósito, en el primer aparte se presenta una panorámica acerca de algunas de las posiciones que se han asumido frente al fenómeno del mito y cómo se ha estudiado desde la reflexión política. A partir de los conceptos expuestos, en la segunda sección, se analiza el caso concreto de la génesis de la Constitución Política de 1991, para responder si en su formación hubo narrativas mítico-políticas implicadas y hasta dónde el resultado del proceso, la Constitución promulgada, fue producto de la puesta en escena de esas narrativas.
Procesos organizativos de mujeres y víctimas del conflicto armado y sus relaciones con la democracia local en el Oriente Antioqueño
Authors: Hoyos Gómez Diana Rocío , Nieto García Angélica
Published: April 2017

El artículo examina procesos organizativos de mujeres y víctimas del conflicto armado en el Oriente Antioqueño en aras de analizar sus relaciones con los discursos y expresiones de la democracia local. Para esto se toman como puntos de partida los significados que estas organizaciones le atribuyen a la democracia. En el documento se proponen que estas relaciones pueden ser analizadas en dos direcciones. Por un lado, estos procesos organizativos han apropiado y redefinido los discursos institucionales de ciudadanía y participación, y han buscado encontrar apoyos e interactuar con las instituciones en la esfera política formal, como una estrategia para que sus voces sean escuchadas y posicionar sus reivindicaciones en el espacio de lo público. De otro lado, se evidencia una apropiación de los discursos sobre la ciudadanía y la participación por parte de estas organizaciones para incidir y tener un impacto en la cotidianidad, en un contexto que ha sido fuertemente afectado por la violencia política.  Los procesos organizativos en los que se centra este artículo son la experiencia de la Asociación Provincial de Víctimas a Ciudadanas, el Centro de Acercamiento para la Reconciliación y Reparación, y la Asociación de Mujeres del Oriente Antioqueño.
Examining the relationship between leader-member exchange (LMX) and objective performance within higher education: An exploratory empirical study
Authors: Peterson Tim O. , Aikens Shontarius D.
Published: April 2017

While the common suggestion in leader-member exchange (LMX) research is that there is a strong relationship between LMX and performance, a closer look at these studies reveal that the performance measures in the majority of studies are primarily subjective in nature such as performance reviews. Relatively few studies examine the LMX-objective performance (OP) relationship. The findings from those studies are not consistent subjective performance studies. While most LMX studies are conducted in a work environment, this paper adds to the literature by examining this in a higher education. The findings indicated a significantly positive regression coefficient between Professional Respect and midterm grades. Based on the results, the authors introduce the idea of the “peer leader effect” and discussed the development of peer leaders.
Price of Identical Product with Gray Market Sales: An Analytical Model and Empirical Analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhongju , Feng Juan
Published: April 2017

The sale of genuinely branded products through unauthorized channels (also known as gray markets) is a growing problem for many firms that operate in separate markets. It is generally believed that the existence of such unauthorized sales will cannibalize the profits of brand owners. In this paper, we develop a pricing model for a firm that sells an identical product in two distinct markets but faces the threat of potential gray market sales. The firm chooses prices in each market. A consumer chooses whether to buy the product from one of the markets including a gray market. We derive the optimal prices in the two markets and examine their effects on consumer demand and the total profit. We show that the higher price in one market transfers part of its demand into the gray market, thus influencing the consumer demand in the low-priced market as well. Additionally, the price gap between the two separate markets positively influences gray market sales and, under certain conditions, can lead to an increase in firm profit. Using authorized sales data from a Fortune 100 company and a separate data set on online gray market sales, we find empirical evidence in support of our model results.
Note on Cournot Competition Under Yield Uncertainty
Authors: Jansen Maria C. , Özaltın Osman Y.
Published: April 2017

Inspired by the U.S. influenza vaccine market, we formulate a Cournot competition model with asymmetric firms facing capacity constraints and yield uncertainty. We derive the equilibrium of this model by defining a score that ranks firms based on their capacity, unit production cost, random yield mean, and variance. In particular, we show a threshold structure. Firms that have scores above a threshold produce at full capacity, while other firms produce less than their capacities in the equilibrium. Finally, for the case of symmetric firms, we correct mistakes in the analysis of Deo and Corbett [Deo S, Corbett CJ (2009) Cournot competition under yield uncertainty: The case of the U.S. influenza vaccine market. Manufacturing Service Oper. Management 11(4):563–576], showing that society can benefit from supplier diversification under weaker conditions.

The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2016.0610 .
Redundancy-d: The Power of d Choices for Redundancy
Authors: Gardner Kristen , Harchol-Balter Mor , Scheller-Wolf Alan , Velednitsky Mark , Zbarsky Samuel
Published: April 2017

Redundancy is an important strategy for reducing response time in multi-server distributed queueing systems. This strategy has been used in a variety of settings, but only recently have researchers begun analytical studies. The idea behind redundancy is that customers can greatly reduce response time by waiting in multiple queues at the same time, thereby experiencing the minimum time across queues. Redundancy has been shown to produce significant response time improvements in applications ranging from organ transplant waitlists to Google’s BigTable service. However, despite the growing body of theoretical and empirical work on the benefits of redundancy, there is little work addressing the questions of how many copies one needs to make to achieve a response time benefit, and the magnitude of the potential gains.

In this paper we propose a theoretical model and dispatching policy to evaluate these questions. Our system consists of k servers, each with its own queue. We introduce the Redundancy-d policy, under which each incoming job makes copies at a constant number of servers, d, chosen at random. Under the assumption that a job’s service times are exponential and independent across servers, we derive the first exact expressions for mean response time in Redundancy-d systems with any finite number of servers, as well as expressions for the distribution of response time which are exact as the number of servers approaches infinity. Using our analysis, we show that mean response time decreases as d increases, and that the biggest marginal response time improvement comes from having each job wait in only d = 2 queues.

The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/opre.2016.1582 .
Errors and identifying valvular disease…
Authors: Richley Dave , Denn Padraig
Published: April 2017

In response to an article in our February issue about typical stable angina in a nurse-led chest pain assessment unit, a reader wrote in with his comments and highlighted some inaccuracies
Risk factors in a cohort of young adults who developed a myocardial infarction
Authors: O'Connor Sheila Marie , Wedgeworth Katie
Published: April 2017

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death globally ( WHO, 2016 ).

Aim:

This study determined the most prevalent risk factors for developing a myocardial infarction in a cohort of adults younger than 45 years.

Method:

A retrospective study was carried out in a large Dublin university hospital. This cross-sectional quantitative study involved convenience sampling (n=92).

Results:

Abnormal fasting glucose on admission, smoking and obesity were the most prevalent risk factors. Males were more at risk than females. No single type of myocardial infarction was significantly more common than any other. Single vessel disease was the most prevalent angiographic finding. Chest pain was the most common presenting symptom and the majority of adults had three risk factors.

Conclusion:

Risk factors associated with a myocardial infarction in young adults are essentially modifiable. Prevention must be kept at the forefront of primary care, and prioritised and driven by health-care policy.
Research with subjects who lack decision-making capacity
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: April 2017

People who lack decision-making capacity should be able to benefit from properly conducted research into conditions they are living with. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 introduced safeguards that enable researchers to investigate the care and treatment of people who lack capacity while protecting this vulnerable patient group. This article outlines the requirements that must be met when conducting research with subjects who lack decision-making capacity.
Cord blood donation
Authors: Winter George F
Published: April 2017

Advances in cell culture led to the first umbilical cord blood banks 25 years ago, but now the NHS only accepts donations at six hospitals. George Winter explores the practical and ethical difficulties
What midwives need to know about NMC Fitness to Practise hearings
Authors: Hathaway Jo
Published: April 2017

Less than 1% of the 687, 000 nurses and midwives on the NMC register are considered under their fitness to practise procedures. Fewer still find their case progresses to a hearing. But what does it mean for you if you do find yourself before a panel? Former panellist Jo Hathaway tries to demystify and humanise the processes, to encourage more registrants to engage positively to defend their pin.
Propess versus Prostin: There is an alternative way to induce labour
Authors: Lennon Roisin
Published: April 2017

Background

Following a shortage of Prostin gel in 2015, an alternative method of inducing labour was required. The Propess® pessary was sourced, a guideline adapted for local use and the method introduced into the local unit. There was a perception that this means of induction took longer than the traditional Prostin but with a higher vaginal birth rate.

Aims

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Propess® as a method of induction compared with Prostin.

Methods

A retrospective audit to compare the labour and mode of birth of all women who were induced in the Directorate over a specific time period. The NICE Clinical Guideline no. 70 (2008) was used as the audit standard.

Findings

Only 28.5% women in the Propess® group required the use of oxytocin to artificially initiate contractions, versus 43% in the Prostin group. The Prostin group took slightly longer overall from the start of the induction process to the birth of the baby. There was a similar vaginal birth rate in both groups and similar clinical outcomes for the babies.

Conclusions

Propess® is a safe, effective means to induce labour with its use to be continued locally. Results have been disseminated within the wider hospital group and a new audit planned for 2017.
Monogenic diabetes: could this be your patient?
Authors: Murphy Anita
Published: April 2017

A correct diagnosis of monogenic diabetes can transform treatment options, writes Anita Murphy
Different Patterns of Cartilage Mineralization Analyzed by Comparison of Human, Porcine, and Bovine Laryngeal Cartilages
Authors: Claassen Horst , Schicht Martin , Fleiner Bernd , Hillmann Ralf , Hoogeboom Sebastian , Tillmann Bernhard , Paulsen Friedrich
Published: April 2017

Laryngeal cartilages undergo a slow ossification process during aging, making them an excellent model for studying cartilage mineralization and ossification processes. Pig laryngeal cartilages are similar to their human counterparts in shape and size, also undergo mineralization, facilitating the study of cartilage mineralization. We investigated the processes of cartilage mineralization and ossification and compared these with the known processes in growth plates. Thyroid cartilages from glutaraldehyde-perfused male minipigs and from domestic pigs were used for X-ray, light microscopic, and transmission electron microscopic analyses. We applied different fixation and postfixation solutions to preserve cell shape, proteoglycans, and membranes. In contrast to the ossifying human thyroid cartilage, predominantly cartilage mineralization was observed in minipig and domestic pig thyroid cartilages. The same subset of chondrocytes responsible for growth plate mineralization is also present in thyroid cartilage mineralization. Besides mineralization mediated by matrix vesicles, a second pattern of cartilage mineralization was observed in thyroid cartilage only. Here, the formation and growth of crystals were closely related to collagen fibrils, which served as guide rails for the expansion of mineralization. It is hypothesized that the second pattern of cartilage mineralization may be similar to a maturation of mineralized cartilage after initial matrix vesicles–mediated cartilage mineralization.
Potassium solubilization in phonolite rock by diazotrophic bacteria
Authors: Florentino Ligiane Aparecida , Rezende Adauton Vilela , Miranda Cássia Cristina Bachião , Mesquita Aline Carvalho , Mantovani José Ricardo , Bianchini Hudson Carvalho
Published: April 2017

Some strains of nitrogen fixing bacteria, besides fixing the N2, can produce phytohormones, control pathogens, act in solubilization of minerals containing phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), contributing to plant growth. However, the solubilization of minerals containing K has been little exploited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate potassium solubilization (K) of phonolite rock by strains of associative nitrogen fixing bacteria supplied with two different carbon sources. Twelve bacterial strains were cultured for seven days at 25°C in Aleksandrov medium supplemented with phonolite rock powder. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized factorial design, 13 x 2 (12 bacterial strains and a control without inoculation) and two carbon sources (glucose and sucrose) with four repetitions. After the growth, the supernatant was separated by centrifugation and analyzed for the final pH value and the content of K. All diazotrophic bacteria strains contributed to increase the release of K when compared to the control treatment. The strain UNIFENAS 100-94 solubilized 130 mg L-1 K in the presence of the two carbon sources, indicating the potential use of these diazotrophic bacterial strains for K solubilization from minerals.