bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copper coated multifunctional cotton fabrics
Authors: Ali Azam , Baheti Vijay , Militky Jiri , Khan Zaman , Tunakova Veronika , Naeem Salman
Published: September 2017

The present work deals with the development of electrically conductive cotton fabrics by in-situ deposition of copper particles. The dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscope, and X-ray diffraction techniques were employed to study the morphology of deposited copper particles. The utility of conductive fabrics was analyzed for electromagnetic shielding ability over frequency range of 30 MHz to 1.5 GHz. The electromagnetic interference shielding was found to increase with increase in number of dips, which was attributed to increased reflection of EM waves due to dense, uniform, and percolated network of conductive copper particles on the surface. The sample produced from 100 and 150 dips exhibited the maximum shielding ability of 10 dB and 13 dB, respectively. Furthermore, the role of deposited copper particles on antibacterial properties was examined against pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The S. aureus showed more sensitivity towards copper particles as zone of inhibitions increased from 9.5 to 15.5 mm. At the end, the durability of fabrics was examined against washing after application of binder. The fabrics showed good retention of the copper particles, proved by scanning electron microscopic microstructures and small loss in the conductivity of the material after washing.
Goal Setting and Action Planning for Health Behavior Change
Authors: Bailey Ryan R.
Published: September 2017

Health behavior change is challenging for most individuals, but there are many strategies that individuals can use to facilitate their behavior change efforts. Goal setting is one such strategy that assists individuals to identify specific behaviors to change and how to go about doing so. For many, however, simply setting a goal seldom leads to actual behavior change. For some, identifying an appropriate goal is difficult, while for others, putting goals into action is the roadblock. Two strategies may be of assistance for setting and achieving goals. First, consideration of key goal characteristics (eg, approach vs avoidance goals, performance vs mastery goals, level of difficulty) may result in selection of more appropriate and feasible goals. Second, action planning can help individuals put goals into action. Clinicians can help patients utilize these strategies to set and achieve goals for health behavior change.
Intellectual disability, hate crime and other social constructions: A view from South Yorkshire
Authors: McClimens Alex , Brewster Jacqui
Published: September 2017

The category of hate crime is a recent legislative response to the increasing levels of antisocial, criminal and discriminatory behaviours and practices that target a wide spectrum of individuals on the basis of their identification within certain minority sociological subcultures. People with intellectual disability are often targeted for this kind of behaviour. Here, we report on an evaluation of one English city’s efforts to instigate a street-based scheme to offer some security and protection to its intellectually disabled citizens. The physical location of the premises and the engagement of the staff employed therein have some bearing on their potential to be effective in offering shelter and support to distressed individuals. But even where premises are well situated with positive staffing, the absence of local records to list the uptake of the scheme leaves room for doubt about its overall effectiveness.
AltaRica 3.0 assertions: The whys and wherefores
Authors: Batteux Michel , Prosvirnova Tatiana , Rauzy Antoine
Published: September 2017

In discrete event simulations, the system is assumed to change of state when and only when an event occurs. This change of state can be more or less sophisticated depending on the modeling formalism. In this article, we discuss the whys and wherefores of the fixpoint assertion mechanism introduced in AltaRica 3.0 to perform changes of states. We show how it can be used to handle complex phenomena such as change in flow directions depending on the states of components. We propose an efficient implementation of this mechanism, thanks to ideas stemmed in theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence. We compare the AltaRica 3.0 approach with alternative ones, including those of the previous versions of the language.
Remediating the past: YouTube and Second World War memory in Ukraine and Russia
Authors: Makhortykh Mykola
Published: September 2017

This article examines how Second World War memory is circulated, reproduced, and challenged in the transnational space of digital media by Ukrainian and Russian Internet users. Using as a case study one episode of the war on the Eastern Front—the capture of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, by the Red Army in 1943—it investigates how this event is commemorated through YouTube, which is a popular online platform for uploading, viewing, and commenting on audiovisual materials. This article employs content analysis to assess audiovisual tributes to the Battle of Kyiv from two perspectives: that of representation (how the event is presented on YouTube) and that of interaction (how YouTube users interact with memory of the event). This article concludes that although YouTube is frequently used for the propagation of nationalistic interpretations of the past in Ukraine and Russia, it still has the potential to democratize collective remembrance of the Second World War.
Sleep disordered breathing controlled by CPAP and sFlt-1 in a pregnant patient with chronic hypertension: Case report and literature review
Authors: Daly Amy , Robertson Annette , Bobek Gabriele , Middleton Sally , Sullivan Colin , Hennessy Annemarie
Published: September 2017

Background

There is recent interest exploring the possible impact of sleep disordered breathing on the mechanisms of preeclampsia. A biomarker of preeclampsia, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, has come to prominence in recent years. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between continuous positive airway pressure treatment, sleep disordered breathing and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 concentrations during pregnancy.

Methods

A 38-year-old G1P0 presented at 20 + 5 weeks. She had a history of chronic hypertension. Sleep studies revealed she had sleep disordered breathing with an AHI of 7.3/h. She was commenced on continuous positive airway pressure. Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 concentrations and blood pressure recordings were taken at various points during her pregnancy.

Results

She did not develop preeclampsia or require an escalation in her antihypertensives. Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 concentrations rose 16% from a low baseline. She remained compliant with her continuous positive airway pressure. She progressed to birth a well, live, term baby.

Conclusion

Continuous positive airway pressure treatment controlled sleep disordered breathing in a high risk pregnant woman with chronic hypertension with no increase in soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 concentrations.
Intra-articular hyaluronic acid in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a Canadian evidence-based perspective
Authors: Bhandari Mohit , Bannuru Raveendhara R. , Babins Eric M. , Martel-Pelletier Johanne , Khan Moin , Raynauld Jean-Pierre , Frankovich Renata , Mcleod Deanna , Devji Tahira , Phillips Mark , Schemitsch Emil H. , Pelletier Jean-Pierre
Published: September 2017

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition characterized by a loss of joint cartilage and is a major cause of disability in Canada, with an estimated CN$195 billion annual cost. Knee OA leads to persistent pain and loss of function, and treatment goals primarily focus on symptom relief and retention of function. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid (IAHA) has therapeutic benefits, and numerous recently published meta-analyses (MAs) and commentaries have highlighted new evidence on the role of IAHA therapy for knee OA. A diverse, multidisciplinary group of specialists met independently in closed sessions to review findings from eight MAs with literature search end dates no earlier than 2012 to address controversies surrounding IAHA therapy for mild-to-moderate knee OA within the Canadian treatment context. Outcomes from a total of eight MAs were reviewed, and consistent and statistically significant improvements in pain, function and stiffness up to 26 weeks were found with IAHA therapy compared with IA placebo or controls, regardless of MA size or trial quality. These findings are in line with those of a Cochrane review, another recent systematic review and patient satisfaction survey. Overall, three MAs reported outcomes based on molecular weight (MW), with the two reporting effect sizes showing significantly improved pain outcomes for higher compared with lower MW HAs. Recent evidence suggests that HA therapy is well tolerated with no increased risk of serious adverse events compared with placebo and the full therapeutic effect of IAHA therapy appears to have considerable clinical importance, consisting of the combined IA placebo and HA therapeutic effects. IAHA therapy is a well-tolerated and effective option for patients with mild-to-moderate knee OA failing first-line pharmacological therapy.
Imbuing Futures and Time with Agency and Urgency: Reframing Concepts for a Planetary Emergency
Authors: Gidley Jennifer M.
Published: September 2017

The relationship between concepts of time and concepts of futures has been in an ever-changing and dynamic evolution for thousands of years. Yet, time has been relatively underexplored in the futures studies literature until recently. Furthermore, the transdisciplinary fields of “time studies” and “futures studies” have operated in relative isolation within the siloism of twentieth- and twenty-first-century academia. This article draws substantially from my recent book The Future: A Very Short Introduction, which places this piece into the larger historical context of what we humans have done in the past with these deeply interwoven concepts. I discuss here how we relate to them today, and what is emerging regarding new concepts of futures and time in our current era. By understanding how humans in the past have storied and framed both time and the future, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the significance of time consciousness on futures thinking.
Diagnosis of mesial temporal sclerosis: sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of the quantitative analysis of magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Granados Sánchez Ana María , Orejuela Zapata Juan Felipe
Published: September 2017

In the diagnosis of mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS), sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of qualitative assessment using conventional magnetic resonance imaging are low, mainly in mild or bilateral atrophy. Quantitative analysis may improve this performance. We evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of quantitative analysis using the hippocampal volumetric index (HVI) and hippocampal asymmetry index (HAI) compared with qualitative assessment in the MTS diagnosis. Twenty-five patients diagnosed with MTS, and 25 healthy subjects underwent conventional magnetic resonance imaging. Hippocampal volumes were obtained using an automated software (FreeSurfer); HVI and HAI were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to obtain the optimal threshold values. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were calculated. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for qualitative analysis were 44.00%, 96.00%, 91.67% and 63.16%, respectively. In the quantitative analysis, a threshold value of K = 0.22 for HVI provided a sensitivity value of 76.00%, specificity value of 96.00%, PPV of 95.00% and NPV of 80.00%. A threshold value of K = 0.06 for HAI provided the minimum C1 and C2 errors, with a sensitivity value of 88.00%, specificity value of 100%, PPV of 100% and NPV of 89.30%. A statistically significant difference was observed for HAI ( P < 0.0001), and ipsilateral HVI (left MTS, P = 0.0152; right MTS, P < 0.0001), between MTS and healthy groups. The HVI and HAI, both individually and in conjunction, improved the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of MTS compared to the qualitative analysis and other quantitative techniques. The HAI is highly accurate in the diagnosis of unilateral MTS, whereas the HVI may be better for bilateral MTS cases.
Pegloticase in gout treatment - safety issues, latest evidence and clinical considerations
Authors: Guttmann Allison , Krasnokutsky Svetlana , Pillinger Michael H. , Berhanu Adey
Published: September 2017

Gout is a common rheumatic condition, with increasing prevalence in recent decades. The mainstay of treatment for gout is oral urate-lowering therapy (ULT), typically with xanthine oxidase inhibitors (XOIs). Unfortunately, a proportion of patients have persistent gout that is refractory to ULT. Pegloticase, a recombinant pegylated uricase, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of refractory gout. However, concern has been raised regarding the risk of infusion reactions, which are now understood to be largely due to the development of antipegloticase antibodies. Discontinuation of pegloticase upon failure to lower serum urate has been shown to markedly reduce infusion reaction risk, but deprives patients of what, in many cases, is a last-resort treatment. In this manuscript, we review the rationale, mechanism of action, efficacy and safety of pegloticase. Additionally, we focus on potential strategies to reduce pegloticase immunogenicity and potentially make this important agent available to a wider group of patients requiring treatment.
Galectin-3, a marker of cardiac remodeling, is inversely related to serum levels of marine omega-3 fatty acids. A cross-sectional study
Authors: Laake K , Seljeflot I , Schmidt EB , Myhre P , Tveit A , Norseth J , Arnesen H , Solheim S
Published: September 2017

Objective

Marine polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) may have cardioprotective effects and beneficial influence on the fibrotic process. We evaluated the associations between serum marine n-3 PUFA and selected biomarkers of fibrosis and cardiac remodeling in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Setting

From the ongoing OMega-3 fatty acids in Elderly patients with Myocardial Infarction (OMEMI) trial, 299 patients were investigated. Soluble ST2 (sST2), Galectin-3 (Gal-3) and the serum content of major marine n-3 and n-6 PUFA were analyzed 2–8 weeks after the index acute myocardial infarction.

Results

Gal-3 was inversely correlated to eicosapentaenoic acid (r = −.120, p = .039) and docosahexaenoic acid (r = −.125, p = .031) and positively correlated to the n-6/n-3 ratio (r = .131, p = .023). Gal-3 levels were significantly higher in diabetics vs non-diabetics (12.00 vs 9.61 ng/mL, p = .007) and in patients with NYHA class ≥III for dyspnea at inclusion (11.33 vs 9.75 ng/mL, p = .006).

Conclusions

The associations between the marine n-3 PUFA and levels of Gal-3 indicate beneficial effects of n-3 PUFA on cardiac remodeling in an elderly population with acute myocardial infarction.
Empire, Tianxia and Great Unity: A historical examination and future vision of China’s international communication
Authors: Zhang Lei , Hu Zhengrong
Published: September 2017

A theoretical imagination of the world order and global landscape is necessary for China’s international communication. ‘Empire – nation state’, the dominant structure in the contemporary world entails the logic of imperialism. However, the perspective of ‘the world’ (Tianxia; 天下) in ancient China introduced alternative theoretical challenges. Chinese scholars have been devoted to developing a vision of a society of ‘Great Unity’ (Datong; 大同) over the past century. Based on historical exanimation, this article aims to explore new approaches of China’s international communication.
Low-Dose Computed Tomographic Imaging of Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection in Children
Authors: Türkvatan Aysel , Tola Hasan Tahsin , Kutlutürk Neşe , Güzeltaş Alper , Ergül Yakup
Published: September 2017

Background:

In this study, we aimed to determine lobar distribution, drainage sites, and associated cardiovascular anomalies of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection in pediatric patients using low-dose multidetector computed tomographic angiography.

Methods:

Sixty-one cases (27 female, mean age: 4.7 years) with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection diagnosed by multidetector computed tomographic angiography were included in this study. In all patients, multidetector computed tomographic angiography examinations were performed using dual-source 256-slice scanner without sedation.

Results:

In 61 patients, 73 anomalous pulmonary veins were detected, 56 (77%) of them were right-sided and 17 (23%) were left-sided. Of 56 right-sided anomalous pulmonary veins in 49 patients, 38 (68%) drained into superior vena cava, eight (14%) into atriocaval junction, six (11%) into inferior vena cava, three (5%) into right atrium, and one (2%) into levoatriocardinal vein. Of 17 left-sided anomalous pulmonary veins in 12 patients, 16 (94%) drained into left innominate vein, and one (6%) into coronary sinus. Only seven (12%) patients had isolated partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection, whereas 54 (88%) patients had additional cardiovascular anomalies. The most common (66%) associated anomaly is atrial septal defect. The overall mean effective radiation dose was 1.12 mSv (range: 0.15-7.41 mSv), and it was 0.58 mSv (range: 0.15-0.73) in the patients younger than one-year old.

Conclusions:

The presence and course of the anomalous pulmonary veins and associated cardiovascular anomalies can be reliably detected by dual-source 256-slice multidetector computed tomographic angiography with low radiation doses.
Single-Stage Repair of Coarctation of the Aorta and Ventricular Septal Defect: A Comparison of Surgical Strategies and Resource Utilization
Authors: Callahan Connor , Saudek David , Shillingford Amanda , Creighton Sara , Hill Garick , Johnson William , Tweddell James S. , Mitchell Michael E. , Woods Ronald K.
Published: September 2017

Background:

We sought to compare clinical outcomes and resource utilization for two surgical approaches for single-stage repair of coarctation of the aorta and ventricular septal defect (VSD).

Methods:

This was a retrospective chart review of 21 consecutive neonates and infants undergoing single-stage repair of coarctation of the aorta and VSD. Group 1 included 13 patients with both arch repair and VSD repair completed via sternotomy. Group 2 included eight patients with off-pump arch repair via left thoracotomy followed by repositioning and VSD repair via sternotomy. Primary clinical outcome was arch reintervention. Secondary outcomes included various measures of resource utilization.

Results:

Group 1 patients demonstrated younger age at repair (median of 10 days vs 57 days for group 2; P = .05) and lower proximal arch z scores (−4.2 vs −2.3 for group 2; P = .003). Arch reintervention occurred in 0 of 8 patients in group 2 and 1 (7.7%) of 13 patients in group 1 ( P = nonsignificant). Group 2 was associated with lower total charges (US$68,301 vs US$211,723 for group 1; P = .0007), shorter length of stay (8 days vs 23 days for group 1; P = .004), and shorter duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation (0.5 days vs 4.0 days for group 1; P = .0008). Group 2 was also associated with shorter total cardiopulmonary bypass time (86 minutes vs 201 minutes for group 1; P = .0009).

Conclusion:

Single-stage two-incision repair of coarctation and VSD in appropriately selected patients may be associated with higher value of care. Confirmation of this finding will require further study based on larger numbers of patients.
Do Persons Living with HIV Continue to Fill Prescriptions for Antiretroviral Drugs during a Gap in Care? Analysis of a Large Commercial Claims Database
Authors: Byrd Kathy K. , Bush Tim , Gardner Lytt I.
Published: September 2017

The significance of a gap in HIV care depends, at least partially, on whether patients continue to fill prescriptions for antiretroviral (ARV) drugs during the gap in care. We used a billing claims database to determine the proportion of persons who filled ≥1 prescription for ARV drugs during a gap in care (no clinic visit in >6 months). Persons were stratified into 3 groups: “never” (prescriptions never filled), “sometimes” (prescriptions filled >0%-<100% of months), and “always” (prescriptions filled monthly). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with “never” filling ARV drugs. Of 14 308 persons, 69% (n = 9817), 13% (n = 1928), and 18% (n = 2563) “never,” “sometimes,” and “always” filled ARV drugs during the gap in care. Persons aged 18 to 29 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39-1.74), women (OR = 1.67, CI 1.52-1.83), and persons from the Northeast region of the United States (OR = 1.86, CI 1.69-2.03) were more likely to never fill ARV drugs than persons aged ≥30 years, men, and persons outside the Northeast, respectively. Efforts should be made to minimize gaps in care, emphasize importance of therapy, and provide adherence support.
The potential for chemotherapy-free strategies in mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Martin Peter , Ruan Jia , Leonard John P.
Published: September 2017

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) may be 1 of the few cancers for which multiple chemotherapy and nonchemotherapy regimens are considered as standard. Despite the significant activity of chemotherapy in the first-line setting and beyond, its limitations are reflected in the relatively poor ultimate outcomes of patients with MCL treated in the real world. Patients with highly proliferative MCL and those with TP53 mutations tend to respond poorly despite intensive cytotoxic therapies. Patients with comorbidities and those who are geographically isolated may not have access to the regimens that may appear most promising in clinical trials. Thoughtfully directed, nonchemotherapy agents might overcome some of the factors associated with a poor prognosis, such at TP53 mutation, and might resolve some of the challenges related to the toxicity and deliverability of standard chemotherapy regimens. Several clinical trials have already demonstrated that combinations of nonchemotherapy plus chemotherapy drugs can impact outcomes, whereas data with nonchemotherapy agents alone or in combination have suggested that some patients might be well suited to treatment without chemotherapy at all. However, challenges including chronic or unexpected toxicities, the rational vs practical development of combinations, and the financial acceptability of new strategies abound. The nonchemotherapy era is here: how it unfolds will depend on how we meet these challenges.
Bronchial hyperresponsiveness and obesity in middle age: insights from an Australian cohort
Authors: Burgess John A. , Matheson Melanie C. , Diao Fei , Johns David P. , Erbas Bircan , Lowe Adrian J. , Gurrin Lyle C. , Lodge Caroline J. , Thomas Paul S. , Morrison Stephen , Thompson Bruce R. , Feather Iain , Perret Jennifer L. , Abramson Michael J. , Giles Graham G. , Hopper John L. , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Walters Eugene H.
Published: September 2017

The association between obesity and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) is incompletely characterised. Using the 2006 follow-up of the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study, we measured the association between obesity and BHR and whether it was mediated by small airway closure or modified by asthma and sex of the patient.

A methacholine challenge measured BHR. Multivariable logistic regression measured associations between body mass index (BMI) and BHR, adjusting for sex, asthma, smoking, corticosteroid use, family history and lung function. Mediation by airway closure was also measured.

Each increase in BMI of 1 kg·m−2was associated with a 5% increase in the odds of BHR (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01–1.09) and 43% of this association was mediated by airway closure. In a multivariable model, BMI (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.00–1.16) was associated with BHR independent of female sex (OR 3.26, 95% CI 1.95–5.45), atopy (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.34–3.94), current asthma (OR 5.74, 95% CI 2.79–11.82), remitted asthma (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.27–4.35), low socioeconomic status (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.03–4.31) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.82–0.91). Asthma modified the association with an increasing probability of BHR as BMI increased, only in those with no or remitted asthma.

An important fraction of the BMI/BHR association was mediatedviaairway closure. Conflicting findings in previous studies could be explained by failure to consider this intermediate step.
A Laser-Based Optical Sensor for Broad-Band Measurements of Building Earthquake Drift
Authors: McCallen David , Petrone Floriana , Coates Jason , Repanich Nicholas
Published: September 2017

Accurate measurements of the time-dependent deformations of a building during earthquake excitation are essential for interpretation of the dynamic response of the as-built system and for quantifying the seismic demands. Traditional approaches for monitoring building systems are based on strong motion accelerometers mounted at selected elevations. However, accelerometer-based systems do not directly measure the deformations of the structure, and can have significant limitations that make it challenging to correctly measure deformations, particularly permanent deformations from inelastic response. In the study described herein, computational simulations and experiments were combined to evaluate the potential of a new optically based sensor to directly measure time-dependent deformations of a building, including inelastic deformations. The sensor methodology includes corrections for localized structural member rotations and can provide estimates of the absolute accelerations at each floor. A laser-based system utilizing a recently developed discrete diode position sensor (DDPS) is evaluated, and the ability of such a system to measure earthquake induced transient deformations characterized by building interstory drift is demonstrated.
Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation for Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Matutino Adriana , Mak Milena P. , Takahashi Tiago K. , Bitton Rafael C. , Nakazato Denyei , Fraile Natalia M.P. , Guimarães Roger G.R. , Gabrielli Flávia C.G. , Vasconcelos Karina G.M.C. , Carvalho Heloísa de A. , de Castro Gilberto
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (esSCLC) is an incurable disease and represents a therapeutic challenge because of its poor prognosis. Studies in prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) in esSCLC have shown a decreased incidence of symptomatic brain metastases in patients who respond to systemic chemotherapy. However, its effect on overall survival is debatable. We evaluated the benefit of PCI in patients with esSCLC in terms of overall survival, progression-free survival, incidence of brain metastases, recurrence rate, and exposure to postrecurrence therapies.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed electronic charts from patients diagnosed with esSCLC from 2008 to 2014 at our institution. All patients had negative baseline brain imaging before chemotherapy and PCI and received at least 4 cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy in the first-line setting without progressive disease on follow-up. PCI was performed at the discretion of the treating physician. Analyses were based on descriptive statistics. Survival curves were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

Among 46 eligible patients, 16 (35%) received PCI and 30 (65%) did not. Compared with no PCI, PCI led to improved progression-free survival (median, 10.32 v 7.66 months; hazard ratio, 0.4521; 95% CI, 0.2481 to 0.8237; P < .001) and overall survival (median, 20.94 v 11.05 months; hazard ratio, 0.2655; 95% CI, 0.1420 to 0.4964; P < .001) as well as lower incidence of brain metastases (19% v 53%; P = .0273) and higher exposure to second-line chemotherapy (87% v 57%; P = .0479).

Conclusion

Careful patient selection for PCI can improve not only brain metastases control and higher second-line chemotherapy exposure but also patient survival.
Dexmedetomidine Maintains Its Direct Cardioprotective Effect Against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Hypertensive Hypertrophied Myocardium
Authors: Yoshikawa Yusuke , Hirata Naoyuki , Kawaguchi Ryoichi , Tokinaga Yasuyuki , Yamakage Michiaki
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND:

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has a direct cardioprotective effect against ischemia/reperfusion injury through endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation via α2-adrenoreceptor (α2-AR). By using spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat models, the cardioprotective effect of DEX in hypertrophied myocardium and the differential characteristics of cardiac α2-AR and the I1 imidazoline receptor (I1R) were examined.

METHODS:

Langendorff-perfused rat hearts underwent 40 minutes of global ischemia followed by 120 minutes of reperfusion in the presence or absence of DEX before ischemia. Infarct size was measured, and eNOS phosphorylation was assessed by Western blotting. The presence and expression of the receptors were assessed by immunohistochemistry, real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting.

RESULTS:

In WKY, DEX significantly decreased infarct size and increased phosphorylated-eNOS/eNOS. These effects were counteracted by yohimbine (α2-AR antagonist) and efaroxan (α2-AR and I1R antagonist). In SHR, DEX significantly decreased infarct size, and the effect was counteracted by efaroxan but not yohimbine. DEX did not alter phosphorylated-eNOS/eNOS in SHR. α2-AR and I1R were observed in WKY and SHR hearts. Although alpha2A-AR and alpha2B-AR messenger RNA and protein levels were upregulated in SHR, I1R expression was comparable between the 2 species.

CONCLUSIONS:

In the hypertrophied heart, DEX maintains its direct cardioprotective effect against ischemia/reperfusion injury via I1R in an eNOS-nondependent manner despite upregulation of α2-AR.
Strategy of personnel management
Authors: Вдовина Ольга , Vdovina Olga , Резник Семен , Reznik Semen , Сазыкина Ольга , Sazykina Ol'ga
Published: September 2017

The manual is developed in accordance with the curriculum in the field of training 38.04.02 Management (master's level). The key concepts of the discipline "Strategy of personnel management" are considered, theoretical aspects of strategic personnel management are revealed. To consolidate the material, the publication contains control questions and practical assignments for each topic, as well as methodological recommendations for the implementation of practical tasks and the preparation of coursework. At the end of the book is a bibliographic list of literature for further study.
It meets the requirements of the Federal State Educational Standard of Higher Education of the last generation.
For students of higher educational institutions studying in the field of training 38.04.02 Management (master's level), as well as in the areas of 38.03.02 "Management" and 38.03.03 "Human Resource Management".
Contribuição de ambientes antrópicos como habitats para formigas de solo de Floresta Estacional Decidual no Sul do Brasil
Authors: Lemes José Ricardo Assmann , Köhler Andreas
Published: September 2017

Resumo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a contribuição de dois ambientes antrópicos (monocultura de Eucalyptus e pastagem de bovinos) como habitats para espécies de formigas edáficas de Floresta Estacional Decidual (mata nativa). Foram realizadas coletas semanais entre outubro de 2009 e março de 2010 utilizando armadilhas de solo do tipo Pitfall, no município de Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brasil. Duas hipóteses foram testadas: (1) a diversidade de formigas é maior na mata nativa em relação a pastagem de bovinos e a monocultura de Eucalyptus; (2) ambientes florestais (mata nativa e monocultura de Eucalyptus) apresentam assembleias de formigas mais similares entre si do que com ambientes abertos (pastagem de bovinos). Foi observado 930 espécimes de formigas, distribuídas em seis subfamílias, 17 gêneros e 28 espécies. As curvas geradas pelos estimadores de espécies indicam que a amostragem foi suficiente. A mata nativa foi mais rica que as outras fitofisionomias, corroborando com a hipótese (1). Embora a pastagem de bovinos tenha sido estatisticamente mais semelhante com a monocultura de Eucalyptus, possivelmente por serem ambientes mais impactados que a mata nativa, houve um alto compartilhamento de espécies entre os ambientes florestais. Esses resultados demonstram a importância da preservação de ambientes naturais como repositórios da mirmecofauna.Contribution of anthropogenic environments as habitats for soil ant from Deciduous Seasonal Forest in Southern BrazilAbstract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of two anthropic environments (Eucalyptus monoculture and cattle pasture) as habitats for edaphic ant species of Deciduous Seasonal Forest (native forest). Weekly collections were conducted between October 2009 and March 2010 using Pitfall traps, in the municipality of Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brazil. Two hypotheses were tested: (1) the diversity of ants is greater in the native forest in relation to cattle pasture and a monoculture of eucalyptus; (2) forest environments (native forest and Eucalyptus monoculture) present ant mounts more similar to each other and with open environments (pasture area). It was observed 930 occurrences of ants, distributed in six subfamilies, 17 genera and 28 species. Curves generated by species estimators indicate that sampling was sufficient. The native forest was richer than the other phytophysiognomies, corroborating with the hypothesis (1). Although the pasture area has been established statistically with the Eucalyptus monoculture, possibly for being environments more impacted than the native forest, there was a high species sharing among the forest environments. These results demonstrate the importance of the preservation of natural environments as repositories of ant fauna.
A new species of Ianthorntonia García Aldrete, from Bolivia, and description of the female Ianthorntonia marshalli García Aldrete (Psocodea: Psocomorpha: Epipsocetae: Epipsocidae)
Authors: García Aldrete Alfonso Neri
Published: September 2017

Abstract. A species of Ianthorntonia García Aldrete from the Department of La Paz, Bolivia, is here described and illustrated. It is based on a male, and differs from the other five species in the genus on hypandrium and phallosome characters. Also, the female Ianthorntonia marshalli García Aldrete, 2004, collected at the type locality of the species, is described and illustrated. It is the first female known in the genus; as expected, it is similar to the females of Goja Navás and Gojaoides García Aldrete.Uma nova espécie de Ianthorntonia García Aldrete, para a Bolívia, e descrição da fêmea de Ianthorntonia marshalli García Aldrete (Psocodea: Psocomorpha: Epipsocetae: Epipsocidae)Resumo.  Uma espécie de Ianthorntonia García Aldrete, proveniente do departamento de La Paz, Bolívia, é aqui descrita e ilustrada. Esta espécie é baseada em um macho e difere das outras cinco espécies deste gênero pelas características do hipândrio e do falossomo. Além disso, a fêmea de Ianthorntonia marshalli García Aldrete, 2004, coletada na localidade tipo desta espécie, é descrita e ilustrada. Esta é a primeira fêmea conhecida para este gênero; como previsto, ela é similar as fêmeas de Goja Navás e Gojaoides García Aldrete.
Appropriate Reconciliation of Cardiovascular Medications After Elective Surgery and Postdischarge Acute Hospital and Ambulatory Visits
Authors: Lee Jonathan S. , Gonzales Ralph , Vittinghoff Eric , Corbett Kitty K. , Fleischmann Kirsten E. , Sehgal Neil , Auerbach Andrew D.
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Few studies have assessed the quality and impact of postoperative cardiovascular medication reconciliation.

OBJECTIVE

To describe appropriate discharge reconciliation of cardiovascular medications and assess associations with postdischarge healthcare utilization in surgical patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study from January 2007 to December 2011.

SETTING

An academic medical center.

PATIENTS

Seven hundred and fifty‐two adults undergoing elective noncardiac surgery and taking antiplatelet agents, beta‐blockers, renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors, or statin lipid‐lowering agents before surgery.

MEASUREMENTS

Primary predictor: appropriate discharge reconciliation of preoperative cardiovascular medications (continuation without documented contraindications). Primary outcomes: acute hospital visits (emergency department visits or hospitalizations) and unplanned ambulatory visits (primary care or surgical) at 30 days after surgery.

RESULTS

Preoperative medications were appropriately reconciled in 436 (58.0%) patients. For individual medications, appropriate discharge reconciliation occurred for 156 of the 327 patients on antiplatelet agents (47.7%), 507 of the 624 patients on beta‐blockers (81.3%), 259 of the 361 patients on renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors (71.8%), and 302 of the 406 patients on statins (74.4%). In multivariable analyses, appropriate reconciliation of all preoperative medications was not associated with acute hospital (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63‐1.41) or unplanned ambulatory visits (AOR, 1.48; 95% CI, 0.94‐2.35). Appropriate reconciliation of statin therapy was associated with lower odds of acute hospital visits (AOR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.26‐0.85). There were no other statistically significant associations between appropriate reconciliation of individual medications and either outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Although large gaps in appropriate discharge reconciliation of chronic cardiovascular medications were common in patients undergoing elective surgery, these gaps were not consistently associated with postdischarge acute hospital or ambulatory visits.
Dr Kailash Chand
Authors: Chand Kailash
Published: September 2017

We caught up with the BMA's deputy chair just after the General Election. Here, he considers the future of primary care in light of the result
Release of the tourniquet immediately after the implantation of the components reduces the incidence of deep vein thrombosis after primary total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Zan P. , Mol M. O. , Yao J. J. , Fan L. , Yang D. , Liu K. , Li G.
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The length of the tourniquet time during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is related to the incidence of post-operative deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Our aim in this study was to investigate the effect of the early release of the tourniquet on the incidence of DVT in patients undergoing TKA.

Methods

A total of 200 patients who underwent TKA between November 2015 and November 2016 were prospectively enrolled. The tourniquet was inflated before surgery and released immediately after the introduction of the components (early release group). This group was compared with a retrospective cohort of 200 primary TKAs, in which the tourniquet was released after the dressings had been applied (late release group). The presence of a DVT was detected using bilateral lower limb ultrasonography. Peri-operative clinical and follow-up data were collected for analysis.

Results

The incidence of DVT in the early release group (9 of 196, 4.6%) was significantly lower compared with the late release group (24 of 200, 12%; odds ratio (OR) 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.16 to 0.78, p = 0.008). The incidence of proximal DVT in the early release group (1 of 196 (0.5%)) was significantly lower than in the late release group (8 of 196, 4%; OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.99, p = 0.020). Although the mean intra-operative blood loss was higher in the early release group, the mean post-operative drainage, total blood loss, transfusion requirements and complications were not significantly different in the two groups.

Conclusion

In patients who undergo TKA, releasing the tourniquet early is associated with a decreased incidence of DVT, without increasing the rate of complications. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2017;6:535–541.
Spatiotemporally Non-Uniform Ca2+ Dynamics of Cardiac Purkinje Fibers in Mouse Myocardial Infarct
Authors: Matsuyama Taka-aki , Tanaka Hideo , Ishibashi-Ueda Hatsue , Takamatsu Tetsuro
Published: September 2017

Surviving Purkinje fibers in myocardial infarct are regarded as an important substrate in arrhythmogenesis. However, poorly understood are functional properties of Purkinje fibers in the infarcted heart. We sought to visualize intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) dynamics of Purkinje fiber networks in the mouse myocardial infarct. Using 3- to 4-day-old or 7- to 9-day-old infarcted hearts after the left coronary-artery ligation corresponding, respectively, to acute or healing phase, we conducted rapid fluo4-fluorescence imaging on the endocardial surface of the left ventricular septum by macro-zoom fluorescence microscopy and rapid-scanning confocal microscopy. In contrast with the intact heart, where uniform Ca2+ transients propagated rapidly, the infarcted heart exhibited slow, non-uniform impulse propagations. On confocal microscopy, Purkinje fibers in the peri-infarct zone exhibited non-uniform [Ca2+]i dynamics: beat-to-beat alternans of the Ca2+ transient amplitude in and among the individual fibers, whereas the intact fibers exhibited uniform Ca2+ transients. Such non-uniform [Ca2+]i dynamics were more conspicuous in the acute infarcted hearts than in the healing ones. In accordance with [Ca2+]i dynamics, fixed fluo4-loaded heart preparations exhibited definitive connexin-40 plaques in the peri-infarct Purkinje fibers, whereas the subjacent myocardium presented coagulative necrosis and granulation tissues, respectively. The surviving Purkinje fibers in the peri-infarct zone exhibited non-uniform [Ca2+]i dynamics, which may lead to arrhythmogenesis.
«Filosofía» de Rubén Darío, emblema de la renovación modernista
Authors: Roses Joaquín
Published: September 2017

«Filosofía» es uno de los poemas más breves y enigmáticos de Rubén Darío. El texto fue publicado por vez primera en Cantos de vida y esperanza (1905). En este artículo se propone una lectura de este poema disidente en la que se atienda a diversos niveles de análisis: configuración métrica, recepción crítica y creativa, estructuras lógicas, simbolismo y sentido.
Variable phenotype of pseudohypoparathyroidism in children
Authors: Makazan Nadezhda V. , Orlova Elizaveta M. , Tozliyan Elena V. , Melikyan Maria A. , Kareva Maria A. , Kalinchenko Natalia Yu. , Peterkova Valentina A.
Published: September 2017

Background. Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) is a heterogeneous group of disorders associated with tissue insensitivity to parathyroid hormone. PHP is characterized by genetic heterogeneity and variable phenotype. In addition to the hypocalcemic syndrome and resistance to parathyroid hormone, PHP is also characterized by phenotypic features and resistance to other hormones (TSH, LH, FSH, and GHRH), which are known as Albright Hereditary Osteodystrophy (AHO). Until recently, no analysis of large cohorts of patients with PHP has been performed in Russian literature.
Objective — to examine a large cohort of patients with PHP and assess the clinical features of PHP.
Material and methods. A group consisting of 32 patients with different variants of course of the disease who had been examined at the Endocrinology Research Center in 2014—2016 was analyzed.
Results. Features of AHO phenotype in addition to hormonal resistance were identified in 16 (50%) patients; one of them had one feature (brachydactyly) and 15 patients had two and more features of AHO. Besides insensitivity to PTH, TSH resistance was found in 22 (68.75%) patients and one patient had resistance to PTH, TSH and LH/FSH. Hypothyroidism manifested before hypocalcaemia in 4 patients. Obesity was the first complaint in 8 patients; 5 of them had subclinical hypocalcaemia and the remaining 3 patients had an elevated PTH level with the normal level of calcium at the time of first examination. The most typical clinical signs of hypocalcaemia in 23 (72%) patients were seizures. Thirteen of them were misdiagnosed with epilepsy and had been followed by a neurologist for a period ranging between 2 months and 7 years before hypocalcaemia was revealed.
Conclusions. Pseudohypoparathyroidism is a rare genetic disorder associated with resistance to parathyroid hormone, which can have a lot of other clinical features in addition to the symptoms of PTH resistance. Obesity or hypothyroidism can be the earliest manifestation of PHP preceding hypocalcaemia. Evaluation of serum calcium level is important for all pediatric patients with seizures to timely diagnose hypocalcaemia and avoid misdiagnosing.
The case of Crohn's disease in a child with congenital growth hormone deficiency.
Authors: Bashnina Elena B. , Berseneva Olga S. , Korytko Tatyana E. , Turkunova Mariia E.
Published: September 2017

A female patient with congenital hypopituitarism is followed up at the Children’s Endocrinology Centre (St. Petersburg, Russia). Growth hormone deficiency was confirmed by the diagnostic stimulation test; the maximum peak value of growth hormone was 8.3 ng/ml. At the moment of diagnosis, the growth deficit was –3.9 SDS. MRI showed the «empty Turkish saddle», the heterogeneous structure of the pituitary gland. No dysfunction of the other endocrine glands was identified. Bone age lagged behind the chronological age and was 9 years. The somatogenic causes of growth delay and chromosomal abnormalities were ruled out. Molecular genetic testing of the genes associated with hypopituitarism revealed no mutations. Growth hormone therapy was started in a daily dose of 0.033 mg/kg body weight. Two months after the growth hormone therapy had been started, the patient was admitted to the Surgical Department with the symptoms of «acute abdomen». The growth hormone therapy was suspended. The patient was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease upon further examination. After surgical treatment and prescription of specific therapy with Remicade, treatment with growth hormone was resumed after the 6-month break. Now the patient is receiving replacement therapy with growth hormone and permanent therapy of the concomitant Crohn’s disease.
Are the Intentions to Entrepreneurship of Men and Women Shaped Differently? The Impact of Entrepreneurial Role-Model Exposure and Entrepreneurship Education
Authors: Entrialgo M. , Iglesias V.
Published: September 2017

How the exposure to role models and entrepreneurship education shape perceptions and attitudes toward entrepreneurship differently in men and women is analyzed in the context of Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior. To this end, structural equation modeling is applied to data from a sample of 338 final-year undergraduates. The results show that external factors seem to be more critical in the case of women to generate entrepreneurial behavior. In particular, exposure to parental role models has a significantly more favorable influence on attitude toward entrepreneurship in women than men, and exposure to entrepreneurship education has a greater effect over their perceived entrepreneurial behavior control in women than in men.