bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Quality of Economic Evaluations of FDA Novel Drug Approvals
Authors: Woersching Alex L. , Borrego Matthew E. , Raisch Dennis W.
Published: August 2016

Objective: To systematically review and assess the quality of the novel drugs’ economic evaluation literature in print during the drugs’ early commercial availability following US regulatory approval. Data Sources: MEDLINE and the United Kingdom National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database were searched from 1946 through December 2011 for economic evaluations of the 50 novel drugs approved by the FDA in 2008 and 2009. Study Selection and Data Extraction: The inclusion criteria were English-language, peer-reviewed, original economic evaluations (cost-utility, cost-effectiveness, cost-minimization, and cost-benefit analyses). We extracted and analyzed data from 36 articles considering 19 of the 50 drugs. Two reviewers assessed each publication’s quality using the Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) instrument and summarized study quality on a 100-point scale. Data Synthesis: Study quality had a mean of 70.0 ± 16.2 QHES points. The only study characteristics associated with QHES score (with P < 0.05) were having used modeling or advanced statistics, 75.1 versus 61.9 without; using quality-adjusted life years as an outcome, 75.9 versus 64.7 without; and cost-utility versus cost-minimization analysis, 75.9 versus 58.7. Studies most often satisfied quality aspects about stating study design choices and least often satisfied aspects about justifying design choices. Conclusion: The reviewed literature considered a minority of the 2008-2009 novel drugs and had mixed study quality. Cost-effectiveness stakeholders might benefit from efforts to improve the quality and quantity of literature examining novel drugs. Editors and reviewers may support quality improvement by stringently imposing economic evaluation guidelines about justifying study design choices.
Suppressing the nonlinear vibrations of a compressor blade via a nonlinear saturation controller
Authors: Kandil Ali , El-Gohary Hany A
Published: August 2016

A nonlinear saturation controller (NSC) is applied in this work to reduce the oscillations of a rotating blade dynamical system running at unsteady rotating speed. The controller is coupled quadratically to the main system by designing its natural frequency to be one half of the main system natural frequency. This is done to setup an energy bridge between them to make use of saturation phenomenon. That phenomenon is advantageous when the excitation force increases; the whole energy in the main system is channeled to the controller. The two system modes of vibrations are found to be linearly coupled powerfully, so the controller is applied only to the first mode and, consequently, the second mode tracks it. The multiple scales perturbation technique (MSPT) is adopted to derive the steady state equations that describe the modulations of amplitudes and phases of the system before and after control. Then, a stability analysis is achieved via Lyapunov’s indirect method to determine the stable and unstable solutions depending on the real parts of the Jacobian matrix eigenvalues. Time history and different response curves of the controlled system are included for showing the controller effect. Eventually, validation curves and comparison with previously published work are included.
Perezhivanie and the study of role-playing games
Authors: Schmit Wagner Luiz
Published: August 2016

We propose the use of the concept of perezhivanie, from Cultural Historical Activity Theory, in the analysis of analog role-playing games. In the first section, we present perezhivanie as phenomena and as a concept in Vygotsky’s theory, then we relate the concept of perezhivanie to the theory of the higher mental functions development, and end up articulating perezhivanie to the concept of performance. In the second section, we identify the phenomena of perezhivanie in Role-playing games and its relation to the phenomena of immersion and bleed, proposing the use of the concepts from the first section to better understand role-playing games.
Reconsidering passivity and activity in children’s digital play
Authors: Mustola Marleena , Koivula Merja , Turja Leena , Laakso Marja-Leena
Published: August 2016

The discussion around children’s digital game culture has resulted in two contradictory images of children: the passive, antisocial children uncritically and mechanically consuming digital game content and the active, social children creatively using and interacting with digital game content. Our aim is to examine how these seemingly contradictory ideas of “active” and “passive” children could be considered. By means of empirical examples of children playing digital dress-up and makeover games, we will point out that for the successful use of these concepts, they need to be thoroughly contextualized. By discussing the context and referent of activity and passivity, it is possible to overcome the unnecessary polarization of the discourses on children’s digital game culture. If the purpose is to advance the multidisciplinary discussion on digital games and childhood, the naive or careless use of the concepts of activity and passivity should be avoided.
Modeling of soft tissues with damage
Authors: Ferreira João , Parente Marco , Jorge Renato
Published: August 2016

The characteristic highly non-linear biomechanics of soft tissues within their physiological range often involve degradation of the material properties. Some evidence shows that the stretch patterns induced in this (bio)structures lead to pathological conditions associated with the continuous degradation of the collagen fibres and ground substance of the material. In this work, a computational framework for modeling local anisotropic damage within non-linear geometrical considerations is proposed. Due to tissue and subject variability observed in the mechanical characterization of these types of materials, we adopt a strongly objective approach able to compute the material response for any functional form of the hyperelastic constitutive equations. The numerical examples of three-dimensional displacement and force-driven boundary value problems describe the capability to use multiple material models within the same computational framework. Particularities in the behaviour of the considered material models and the implications of considering damage effects to represent the Mullins effect are discussed.
Early History of the Fields of Practice of Training and Development and Organization Development
Authors: Torraco Richard J.
Published: August 2016

The Problem

While the time and place of the birth of the Academy of Human Resource Development are documented, the field of human resource development (HRD) has historical roots that began decades earlier with the emergence of training and development and organization development as fields of practice.

The Solution

This article addresses the early history of training and development and organization development, and begins with the influence of World War II on work-related education and training and ends in the mid-1990s. It traces the origins of the field up to, but not including, the founding of the Academy of Human Resource Development in 1994. The historical development of training and development and organization development is shown to be a confluence of historical events and the intellectual contributions of seminal thinkers.

The Stakeholders

Stakeholders for this article are researchers, practitioners, and others interested in the history of training and development and organization development.
A Bipartisan Election Reform? Explaining Support for Online Voter Registration in the American States
Authors: Hicks William D. , McKee Seth C. , Smith Daniel A.
Published: August 2016

Online voter registration (OVR) is an election reform that has recently taken hold in more than half of the American states. Election administration observers have marveled at both the rapid diffusion and bipartisan support associated with legislative passage of OVR. We examine the likelihood a lawmaker voted in favor or against OVR in legislatures approving the reform. Despite the leading narrative of both parties overwhelmingly embracing OVR, we find that lawmaker support is clearly rooted in political calculations. Most prominent is a partisan divide, with Republicans in polarized legislatures with a Democratic majority decidedly less supportive of OVR. In addition, a host of contextual factors tied to the variation in partisan and electoral power affect the probability a state legislator votes in favor of this reform. We argue that the near-consensus position of Democrats (more than 90% voted “yea” on OVR) and the impressive supermajority of Republicans backing OVR (greater than 70%) have diverted attention from the reasons why there is opposition to this seemingly noncontroversial reform.
Fade to Black? Exploring Policy Enactment and Termination Through the Rise and Fall of State Tax Incentives for the Motion Picture Industry
Authors: Thom Michael , An Brian
Published: August 2016

Policy termination has received less scholarly attention than policy diffusion, and empirical state-level studies that examine the rise and fall of the same policy are mostly absent from the literature. This study assesses the factors that led more than 45 states to enact and some to later repeal Motion Picture Incentive programs, a collection of tax incentives aimed at facilitating job creation and economic diversification. We find program enactments were driven by rising unemployment and national but not bordering state imitation. Falling unemployment and national trends drove subsequent terminations, but in many states, their impact was overwhelmed by the influence of incentive spending, which greatly reduced termination likelihood. These results not only shed light on policy enactments and terminations in general, but also inform scholarship on state tax incentives and the role of competitive factors in their creation and repeal—or lack thereof.
Testosterone Deficiency and Bone Metabolism Damage in Testicular Cancer Survivors
Authors: Ondrusova Martina , Spanikova Beata , Sevcikova Katarina , Ondrus Dalibor
Published: August 2016

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of therapeutic modalities and sexual hormone levels on changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in testicular cancer (TC) survivors. In a cross-sectional descriptive, long-term follow-up study, a total of 1,249 long-term TC survivors were evaluated according to treatment modality: orchiectomy (OE) only, OE + chemotherapy (CT), or OE + radiotherapy (RT). Luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone (TST), marker of bone resorption (β-carboxyl-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen—CTx), and BMD were evaluated. Standard statistical techniques were used to test the differences between groups of patients. TST decrease was observed in 46/313 TC survivors after OE alone, in 103/665 after OE + CT, and in 66/271 after OE + RT. LH increase was observed in 23/313 TC survivors after OE alone, in 154/665 after OE + CT, and in 43/271 after OE + RT. CTx increase was observed in 116/313 TC survivors after OE alone, in 324/665 after OE + CT, and in 82/271 after OE + RT. Osteopenia/osteoporosis occurred in 136/313 TC survivors after OE alone, in 298/665 after OE + CT, and in 139/271 after OE + RT. TC survivors after RT have statistically significant decreased TST levels, increased LH and nonsignificant worse BMD (osteopenia/osteoporosis) in comparison with TC survivors after OE alone or CT. TST decrease and LH increase were statistically significant, more frequently observed in patients with osteopenia/osteoporosis. Examination of TST is an important part of follow-up in TC survivors with bilateral as well as unilateral disease. The important part of standard examination algorithm should be also the osteological examination of TC survivors mainly in patients with androgen deficiency.
Fault feature extraction method based on local mean decomposition Shannon entropy and improved kernel principal component analysis model
Authors: Sheng Jinlu , Dong Shaojiang , Liu Zhu , Gao Haowei
Published: August 2016

To effectively extract the typical features of the bearing, a new method that related the local mean decomposition Shannon entropy and improved kernel principal component analysis model was proposed. First, the features are extracted by time–frequency domain method, local mean decomposition, and using the Shannon entropy to process the original separated product functions, so as to get the original features. However, the features been extracted still contain superfluous information; the nonlinear multi-features process technique, kernel principal component analysis, is introduced to fuse the characters. The kernel principal component analysis is improved by the weight factor. The extracted characteristic features were inputted in the Morlet wavelet kernel support vector machine to get the bearing running state classification model, bearing running state was thereby identified. Cases of test and actual were analyzed.
Tension pneumomediastinum: A literal form of chest tightness
Authors: Clancy David J , Lane Andrew S , Flynn Peter W , Seppelt Ian M
Published: August 2016

Tension pneumomediastinum is a rare and life-threatening complication of mediastinal emphysema which can occur with mechanical ventilation. We present a case of tension mediastinum associated with mechanical ventilation in a patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome due to Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. We discuss the mechanism and pathophysiology of tension pneumomediastinum, the potential association with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and recruitment manouvres, and its definitive emergency treatment.
Mildly raised tricuspid regurgitant velocity 2.5–3.0 m/s in pregnant women with sickle cell disease is not associated with poor obstetric outcome – An observational cross-sectional study
Authors: Soh May C , Sankaran Srividhya , Chung Natali YA , Nelson-Piercy Catherine , Howard Jo , Robinson Sue E , Oteng-Ntim Eugene
Published: August 2016

Pulmonary hypertension is associated with 36% mortality in pregnancy, and 6–10% of patients with sickle cell disease have pulmonary hypertension. Tricuspid regurgitant velocity ≥2.5 m/s on echocardiography is a well validated means of screening for pulmonary hypertension in the non-pregnant population. This is a pilot study to determine if this is a useful non-invasive screening test for pulmonary hypertension in pregnancy, and whether raised tricuspid regurgitant velocity ≥2.5 m/s was associated with poor outcomes. This is a cross-sectional study over a five-year period in a tertiary referral centre with a specialised multidisciplinary clinic for pregnant women with sickle cell disease. Women with sickle cell disease, no prior pulmonary hypertension and singleton pregnancies who had echocardiography with a measurable tricuspid regurgitant velocity in pregnancy were included. There were 34 pregnancies, of which eight had tricuspid regurgitant velocity ≥2.5 m/s. There were no significant differences in their characteristics, sickle cell-related complications or medical co-morbidities. The women with tricuspid regurgitant velocity ≥2.5 m/s had similar obstetric and perinatal outcomes as those with a tricuspid regurgitant velocity <2.5 m/s.
Hospitality in Jeopardy
Authors: Walker Marquita
Published: August 2016

This article explores United Needle Trades and Industrial Employees (UNITE) and Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees (HERE)’s strategic campaign to organize a diverse low-wage workforce of housekeepers in the hospitality industry in one Midwest city in Indiana. Organizers’ personal narratives provide examples of the challenges involved when creating relationships between low-wage workers from different racial and cultural backgrounds as part of a strategy to rebuff management’s continual efforts to exploit and undervalue its workforce, increase profits for the firm, and discredit the union as an effective intermediary for representation. The findings suggest UNITE-HERE’s organizing attempts realized gains for housekeepers in the form of wage and benefit increases and dismantled a covert blacklisting policy even though the hotel remains non-unionized.
How White Parents of Black and Multiracial Transracially Adopted Children Approach Racial Exposure and Neighborhood Choice
Authors: Sweeney Kathryn A.
Published: August 2016

Although past research on racial socialization tends to concentrate on providing cultural knowledge and pride, this paper focuses on exposure to environments as a means of understanding preparation for racial discrimination, specifically in regard to transracial adoption. This article looks at how 19 white adoptive parents of black and multiracial adopted children perceive their neighborhood choice and decisions of where to send their kids to school and whom to befriend in order to understand how they approach racial socialization. Analysis of data from in-depth interviews illustrates how those who adopted transracially both domestically and internationally stressed that they did not want their children to be in environments where they would be the only person of color because they were concerned about their child experiencing racism and feeling isolated. Even so, they tended to live in white neighborhoods and send their children to predominantly white schools. Parents expressed being conflicted by what they saw as opposing measures and perceptions of school quality and racial-ethnic diversity. The parents in this study said that they sought out social support through organizations and friendships to expand their social networks for themselves and their children. Findings are not meant to challenge or support transracial adoption but rather to gain insight into perceptions of racial diversity, neighborhood and school choices, and friendship networks as a way to understand aspects of racial socialization associated with environmental exposure and preparation for racism.
Rivaroxaban for secondary stroke prevention in patients with embolic strokes of undetermined source: Design of the NAVIGATE ESUS randomized trial
Authors: Hart Robert G , Sharma Mukul , Mundl Hardi , Shoamanesh Ashkan , Kasner Scott E , Berkowitz Scott D , Pare Guillaume , Kirsch Bodo , Pogue Janice , Pater Calin , Peters Gary , Davalos Antoni , Lang Wilfried , Wang Yongjun , Wang Yilong , Cunha Luis , Eckstein Jens , Tatlisumak Turgut , Shamalov Nikolay , Mikulik Robert , Lavados Pablo , Hankey Graeme J , Czlonkowska Anna , Toni Danilo , Ameriso Sebastian F , Gagliardi Rubens J , Amarenco Pierre , Bereczki Daniel , Uchiyama Shinichiro , Lindgren Arne , Endres Matthias , Brouns Raf , Yoon Byung-Woo , Ntaios George , Veltkamp Roland , Muir Keith W , Ozturk Serefnur , Arauz Antonio , Bornstein Natan , Bryer Alan , O’Donnell Martin J , Weitz Jeffrey , Peacock Frank , Themeles Ellison , Connolly Stuart J
Published: August 2016

Background

Embolic strokes of undetermined source comprise up to 20% of ischemic strokes. The stroke recurrence rate is substantial with aspirin, widely used for secondary prevention. The New Approach riVaroxaban Inhibition of Factor Xa in a Global trial versus ASA to prevenT Embolism in Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source international trial will compare the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban, an oral factor Xa inhibitor, versus aspirin for secondary prevention in patients with recent embolic strokes of undetermined source.

Main hypothesis

In patients with recent embolic strokes of undetermined source, rivaroxaban 15 mg once daily will reduce the risk of recurrent stroke (both ischemic and hemorrhagic) and systemic embolism (primary efficacy outcome) compared with aspirin 100 mg once daily.

Design

Double-blind, randomized trial in patients with embolic strokes of undetermined source, defined as nonlacunar cryptogenic ischemic stroke, enrolled between seven days and six months from the qualifying stroke. The planned sample size of 7000 participants will be recruited from approximately 480 sites in 31 countries between 2014 and 2017 and followed for a mean of about two years until at least 450 primary efficacy outcome events have occurred. The primary safety outcome is major bleeding. Two substudies assess (1) the relative effect of treatments on MRI-determined covert brain infarcts and (2) the biological underpinnings of embolic strokes of undetermined source using genomic and biomarker approaches.

The New Approach riVaroxaban Inhibition of Factor Xa in a Global trial versus ASA to prevenT Embolism in Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source trial is evaluating the benefits and risks of rivaroxaban for secondary stroke prevention in embolic strokes of undetermined source patients. Main results are anticipated in 2018.
Blockade of interleukin-27 signaling reduces GVHD in mice by augmenting Treg reconstitution and stabilizing Foxp3 expression
Authors: Belle Ludovic , Agle Kimberle , Zhou Vivian , Yin-Yuan Cheng , Komorowski Richard , Eastwood Daniel , Logan Brent , Sun Jie , Ghilardi Nico , Cua Daniel , Williams Calvin B. , Gaignage Melanie , Marillier Reece , van Snick Jacques , Drobyski William R.
Published: August 2016

Key Points

Blockade of IL-27 signaling mitigates the severity of GVHD by recalibrating the effector and regulatory arms of the immune system. Inhibition of IL-27 augments the reconstitution of CD4+ and CD8+ regulatory T cells and increases the stability of Foxp3 expression.
Significant improvement of direct reprogramming efficacy of fibroblasts into progenitor endothelial cells by ETV2 and hypoxia
Authors: Van Pham Phuc , Vu Ngoc Bich , Nguyen Hoa Trong , Huynh Oanh Thuy , Truong Mai Thi-Hoang
Published: August 2016

Background

Endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) transplantation is a promising therapy for ischemic diseases such as ischemic myocardial infarction and hindlimb ischemia. However, limitation of EPC sources remains a major obstacle. Direct reprogramming has become a powerful tool to produce EPCs from fibroblasts. Some recent efforts successfully directly reprogrammed human fibroblasts into functional EPCs; however, the procedure efficacy was low. This study therefore aimed to improve the efficacy of direct reprogramming of human fibroblasts to functional EPCs.

Methods

Human fibroblasts isolated from foreskin were directly reprogrammed into EPCs by viral ETV2 transduction. Reprogramming efficacy was improved by culturing transduced fibroblasts in hypoxia conditions (5 % oxygen). Phenotype analyses confirmed that single-factor ETV2 transduction successfully reprogrammed dermal fibroblasts into functional EPCs.

Results

Hypoxia treatment during the reprogramming procedure increased the efficacy of reprogramming from 1.21 ± 0.61 % in normoxia conditions to 7.52 ± 2.31 % in hypoxia conditions. Induced EPCs in hypoxia conditions exhibited functional EPC phenotypes similar to those in normoxia conditions, such as expression of CD31 and VEGFR2, and expressed endothelial gene profiles similar to human umbilical vascular endothelial cells. These cells also formed capillary-like networks in vitro.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates a new simple method to increase the reprogramming efficacy of human fibroblasts to EPCs using ETV2 and hypoxia.
M2-polarized and tumor-associated macrophages alter NK cell phenotype and function in a contact-dependent manner
Authors: Krneta Tamara , Gillgrass Amy , Poznanski Sophie , Chew Marianne , Lee Amanda J , Kolb Martin , Ashkar Ali A
Published: August 2016

The crosstalk between NK cells and M1 macrophages has a vital role in the protection against infections and tumor development. However, macrophages in the tumor resemble an M2 phenotype, and, at present, their effect on NK cells is less clear. This study investigated whether tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have a role in altering NK cell function and phenotype using in vitro cocultures of murine NK cells with peritoneal or bone marrow-derived, M2-polarized macrophages or TAMs isolated from spontaneous mouse breast tumors. We report here that both peritoneal and bone marrow-derived M2 macrophages, as well as TAMs, substantially inhibit NK cell activation and concordant cytotoxicity against tumor cells. The mechanism for this inhibition was found to require contact between the respective cell types. Both M2 macrophages and TAMs are producers of the immunosuppressive cytokine TGF-β. The inhibition of TGF-β restored the cytotoxicity of NK cells in contact with M2 macrophages, implicating TGF-β in the mechanism for NK cell inhibition. In addition to affecting NK cell function, TAMs also induced a CD27lowCD11bhigh-exhausted NK cell phenotype, which corresponds with the reduced activation and cytotoxicity observed. This study reveals a novel implication of TAMs in the tumor-associated inhibition of NK cell function by demonstrating their capacity to directly alter NK cell cytotoxicity and phenotype in a contact-dependent mechanism involving TGF-β. These findings identify the interaction between NK cells and TAMs as a prospective therapeutic target to enhance NK cell effector function for effective NK cell cancer therapies.
Autophagy in leukocytes and other cells: mechanisms, subsystem organization, selectivity, and links to innate immunity
Authors: Deretic Vojo
Published: August 2016

Autophagy is a fundamental biologic process that fulfills general and specialized roles in cytoplasmic homeostasis. The cell-autonomous antimicrobial functions of autophagy have been established in the macrophage. These cells and other leukocytes continue to be the cells of choice in studying autophagy in immunity and inflammation. This review uses several model examples that will be of interest to leukocyte and cell biologists alike. Furthermore, it comprehensively covers the subsystems in autophagy as they apply to all mammalian cells and incorporates the recent progress in our understanding of how these modules come together—a topic that should be of interest to all readers.
A feasibility study of CO2geologic sequestration integrating reservoir simulation, rock-physics theory, and seismic modeling
Authors: Hao Yanjun , Yang Dinghui , Zhou Yanjie
Published: August 2016

[Formula: see text] capture and sequestration is a promising approach to reduce carbon emission and mitigate the greenhouse effect. We have developed a methodology combining reservoir simulation, rock-physics theory, and seismic modeling to simulate the [Formula: see text] sequestration and monitoring process, based on an idealized geologic model of the Sleipner field. First, we simulated a constant-rate [Formula: see text] injection into the idealized geologic model to study the basics of the two-phase flow involved in [Formula: see text] sequestration. The main features of the [Formula: see text] plume evolution and pressure build-up are captured in the simulation results. In any [Formula: see text] sequestration project, an important part is monitoring [Formula: see text] distribution using seismic methods. The seismic response of the injected [Formula: see text] is controlled by its effect on elastic properties of the reservoir rock. We built a rock-physics model to assess the effect of [Formula: see text] on wave properties. For unconsolidated sand, a sensitivity study found that [Formula: see text] saturation and effective pressure can strongly affect wave properties. Based on the reservoir simulation results and the rock-physics model, seismic modeling is performed at different stages of the injection using the symplectic stereomodeling method. The synthetic seismograms found that the seismic responses of the reservoir are strongly affected by the saturation and pressure change induced by the injection of [Formula: see text], and the seismic response of [Formula: see text] is strong enough to be resolved from seismic data.
Advanced seismic processing/imaging techniques and their potential for geothermal exploration
Authors: Schmelzbach Cédric , Greenhalgh Stewart , Reiser Fabienne , Girard Jean-François , Bretaudeau François , Capar Laure , Bitri Adnand
Published: August 2016

Seismic reflection imaging is a geophysical method that provides greater resolution at depth than other methods and is, therefore, the method of choice for hydrocarbon-reservoir exploration. However, seismic imaging has only sparingly been used to explore and monitor geothermal reservoirs. Yet, detailed images of reservoirs are an essential prerequisite to assess the feasibility of geothermal projects and to reduce the risk associated with expensive drilling programs. The vast experience of hydrocarbon seismic imaging has much to offer in illuminating the route toward improved seismic exploration of geothermal reservoirs — but adaptations to the geothermal problem are required. Specialized seismic acquisition and processing techniques with significant potential for the geothermal case are the use of 3D arrays and multicomponent sensors, coupled with sophisticated processing, including seismic attribute analysis, polarization filtering/migration, converted-wave processing, and the analysis of the diffracted wavefield. Furthermore, full-waveform inversion and S-wave splitting investigations potentially provide quantitative estimates of elastic parameters, from which it may be possible to infer critical geothermal properties, such as porosity and temperature.
A Probabilistic Model for Cushing’s Syndrome Screening in At-Risk Populations: A Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: León-Justel Antonio , Madrazo-Atutxa Ainara , Alvarez-Rios Ana I. , Infantes-Fontán Rocio , Garcia-Arnés Juan A. , Lillo-Muñoz Juan A. , Aulinas Anna , Urgell-Rull Eulàlia , Boronat Mauro , Sánchez-de-Abajo Ana , Fajardo-Montañana Carmen , Ortuño-Alonso Mario , Salinas-Vert Isabel , Granada Maria L. , Cano David A. , Leal-Cerro Alfonso ,   for the Spanish CRISALIDA Study Group
Published: August 2016

Context:

Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is challenging to diagnose. Increased prevalence of CS in specific patient populations has been reported, but routine screening for CS remains questionable. To decrease the diagnostic delay and improve disease outcomes, simple new screening methods for CS in at-risk populations are needed.

Objective:

To develop and validate a simple scoring system to predict CS based on clinical signs and an easy-to-use biochemical test.

Design:

Observational, prospective, multicenter.

Setting:

Referral hospital.

Patients:

A cohort of 353 patients attending endocrinology units for outpatient visits.

Interventions:

All patients were evaluated with late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC) and a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test for CS.

Main Outcome Measures:

Diagnosis or exclusion of CS.

Results:

Twenty-six cases of CS were diagnosed in the cohort. A risk scoring system was developed by logistic regression analysis, and cutoff values were derived from a receiver operating characteristic curve. This risk score included clinical signs and symptoms (muscular atrophy, osteoporosis, and dorsocervical fat pad) and LNSC levels. The estimated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.93, with a sensitivity of 96.2% and specificity of 82.9%.

Conclusions:

We developed a risk score to predict CS in an at-risk population. This score may help to identify at-risk patients in non-endocrinological settings such as primary care, but external validation is warranted.
Progressive neurologic and somatic disease in a novel mouse model of human mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIC
Authors: Marcó Sara , Pujol Anna , Roca Carles , Motas Sandra , Ribera Albert , Garcia Miguel , Molas Maria , Villacampa Pilar , Melia Cristian S. , Sánchez Víctor , Sánchez Xavier , Bertolin Joan , Ruberte Jesús , Haurigot Virginia , Bosch Fatima
Published: August 2016

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIC (MPSIIIC) is a severe lysosomal storage disease caused by deficiency in activity of the transmembrane enzyme heparan-α-glucosaminide N-acetyltransferase (HGSNAT) that catalyses the N-acetylation of α-glucosamine residues of heparan sulfate. Enzyme deficiency causes abnormal substrate accumulation in lysosomes, leading to progressive and severe neurodegeneration, somatic pathology and early death. There is no cure for MPSIIIC, and development of new therapies is challenging because of the unfeasibility of cross-correction. In this study, we generated a new mouse model of MPSIIIC by targeted disruption of the Hgsnat gene. Successful targeting left LacZ expression under control of the Hgsnat promoter, allowing investigation into sites of endogenous expression, which was particularly prominent in the CNS, but was also detectable in peripheral organs. Signs of CNS storage pathology, including glycosaminoglycan accumulation, lysosomal distension, lysosomal dysfunction and neuroinflammation were detected in 2-month-old animals and progressed with age. Glycosaminoglycan accumulation and ultrastructural changes were also observed in most somatic organs, but lysosomal pathology seemed most severe in liver. Furthermore, HGSNAT-deficient mice had altered locomotor and exploratory activity and shortened lifespan. Hence, this animal model recapitulates human MPSIIIC and provides a useful tool for the study of disease physiopathology and the development of new therapeutic approaches.
A knockin mouse model for human ATP4aR703C mutation identified in familial gastric neuroendocrine tumors recapitulates the premalignant condition of the human disease and suggests new therapeutic strategies
Authors: Calvete Oriol , Varro Andrea , Pritchard D. Mark , Barroso Alicia , Oteo Marta , Morcillo Miguel Ángel , Vargiu Pierfrancesco , Dodd Steven , Garcia Miriam , Reyes José , Ortega Sagrario , Benitez Javier
Published: August 2016

By whole exome sequencing, we recently identified a missense mutation (p.R703C) in the human ATP4a gene, which encodes the proton pump responsible for gastric acidification. This mutation causes an aggressive familial type I gastric neuroendocrine tumor in homozygous individuals. Affected individuals show an early onset of the disease, characterized by gastric hypoacidity, hypergastrinemia, iron-deficiency anemia, gastric intestinal metaplasia and, in one case, an associated gastric adenocarcinoma. Total gastrectomy was performed as the definitive treatment in all affected individuals. We now describe the generation and characterization of a knockin mouse model for the ATP4aR703C mutation to better understand the tumorigenesis process. Homozygous mice recapitulated most of the phenotypical alterations that were observed in human individuals, strongly suggesting that this mutation is the primary alteration responsible for disease development. Homozygous mice developed premalignant condition with severe hyperplasia, dysplasia and glandular metaplasia in the stomach. Interestingly, gastric acidification in homozygous mice, induced by treatment with 3% HCl acid in the drinking water, prevented (if treated from birth) or partially reverted (if treated during adulthood) the development of glandular metaplasia and dysplasia in the stomach and partially rescued the abnormal biochemical parameters. We therefore suggest that, in this model, achlorhydria contributes to tumorigenesis to a greater extent than hypergastrinemia. Furthermore, our mouse model represents a unique and novel tool for studying the pathologies associated with disturbances in gastric acid secretion.
Modern LED lighting: Advantages, Energy Efficiency, Optical Systems
Authors: Байнева  , Bayneva I. , Байнев  , Baynev V.
Published: August 2016

The universal introduction of energy efficient and energy saving technologies is

characteristic for the present stage of development of the Russian economy. This

article defines the main benefits of LED lighting in terms of energy conservation

and efficiency. The requirements to be met by optical elements LEDs to provide

high quality lighting are formulated.
Influence of Rationing of Work and Labor Legislation on the Organization of Working Hours of Personnel of the Enterprises
Authors: Сухова  , Sukhova O. , Попова  , Popova Kristina
Published: August 2016

Most employers circumvent the law, go to the grave violations, increasing the

duration of working time, involving overtime unpaid work of its employees, who

are not aware of their rights, work above the norm, do not receive the legal

holiday, or perform work, without receiving proper compensation. This article

discusses the effect of labor regulation and labor legislation on the organization

of working time staff of enterprises.
Recommendations on Writing Business Plan for Web Development Center
Authors: Новакович  , Novakovich I. , Филатова  , Filatova N. , Умецкий  , Umetskiy A.
Published: August 2016

This article is about general business plan writing steps for web development

center, advantages of work in this field and causes of demand for such

services. It also includes basic theory of business planning and

recommendations on setting goals and development corporate strategy.
Midwifery preceptorship: The next chapter
Authors: Power Alison , Ewing Kate
Published: August 2016

At the point of registration, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (2009: 23) states that student midwives should be able to ‘practise safely and effectively without the need for direct supervision’. However, newly qualified midwives should have a preceptorship period where knowledge and skills are consolidated while confidence in practice is developed. This period is not designed to meet shortfalls in pre-registration education; rather, it is to support registrants during the transition from student to autonomous and accountable practitioner ( Department of Health, 2010 ); in other words, the journey from novice to expert ( Benner, 2001 ). This article describes preceptorship in the context of midwifery practice and summarises the roles and responsibilities of the ‘new registrant’, the preceptor and the employer. It discusses a case study preceptorship programme, with comments from current preceptees and the practice development midwife.
Taking time for self-care
Authors: Stone Heidi
Published: August 2016

Within her first few weeks as a preceptee midwife, Heidi Stone began to realise that to provide quality care to women and families, she first had to take care of herself.
Long-term variability of zooplankton community under climate warming in tropical eutrophic man-made lake
Authors: SUNARDI SUNARDI , YOSHIMATSU TAKAO , JUNIANTO NIKO , ISTIQAMAH NADIA , DEWEBER TYRELL
Published: August 2016

Sunardi, Yoshimatsu T, Junianto N, Istiqamah N, DeWeber T. 2016. Long-term variability of zooplankton community under climate warming in tropical eutrophic man-made lake. Biodiversitas 17: 634-641. The climate warming is increasingly acknowledged as an important driver of lake ecosystems. However, there are no generic patterns of how the aquatic species/community responds the warming climate; instead the changes are complicated by interactions of many factors. To regard the important role of zooplankton in the lake ecosystems, this paper questions whether the climate warming affects their community structure in tropical eutrophic man-made lake. We analyzed a series of data resulted from a long water quality monitoring activities in the Cirata Lake, Indonesia. We anticipated that there would be a strong association between the climates warming with the response of zooplankton community after 19 years. Our result suggested that the lake has been becoming slightly warmer following the atmospheric temperature. Instead of decreasing, the shifting water temperature tend promotes a greater species richness, density, and diversity of the zooplankton. Relevant changes inspecies composition have been observed. It seems that the magnitude of the shift of the temperature, and the eutrophication status played an important role in shaping the changes of the zooplankton community structure.
Surgical management of complex intra-articular distal femoral and bicondylar Hoffa fracture
Authors: Giotikas D , Nabergoj M , Krkovic M
Published: August 2016

Bicondylar Hoffa’s fractures of distal femur are rare. We report the case of an 18-year-old male who sustained a closed complex fracture of both femoral condyles of the left femur on the sagittal plane (Hoffa fracture), combined with distal metaphyseal fracture. He was treated using parallel plates and interdigitating screws, with our technique based on an extrapolation of the principles of distal humerus fixation. The fracture united clinically and radiologically at 16 weeks. Twelve months postoperatively, the range of movement in the knee was 5°–115°. In this complex case, our technique provided stable fixation of the fragments and a satisfactory final functional outcome.
Hemoglobin profiles of siblings of thalassemia patients
Authors: Riza Muhammad , Widiretnani Septin
Published: August 2016

Background Thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies are themost common inherited disorders in many areas of the world,including South East Asia. The siblings of thalassemia major is agroup of high risk to carry the gene of thalassemia. Determiningthe carrier is useful for early treatment planning and preventionto the next child.Objective To determine carrier status among siblings ofthalassemia patients using a capillary electrophoresis system.Methods A cross-sectional study on the siblings of thalassemiamajor patients was performed from January 2011 to February2012 at Dr. Moewardi Hospital. Complete blood counts wereperformed in the siblings. Subjects with mean corpuscular volume(MCV) <80 fl and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) <27pg were subjected to analize hemoglobin fraction by capillaryelectrophoresis.Results Of the 26 subjects, there were 12 males and 14 females.The mean age was 9.38 (SD 6.8) years (range 1 to 29 years). Fromthe siblings, 10 were identified as normal, 5 were identified as ßthalassemia carriers and 5 were hemoglobin E (HbE) carriers. Sixsiblings were diagnosed with ß thalassemia/ HbE.Conclusion There are high occurrence of the two common typesof thalassemia carriers (ß and HbE) in our small group of subjectswho had a family history of thalassemia. Most of the siblingsof thalassemia had low MCV and MCH.
The accuracy of a clinical parameters-based scoring system to predict spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage in children under one year old
Authors: Alfan Harris , Arifin Rita Dewi , Bahar Erial , Ansori Syarif Darwin
Published: August 2016

Background Previous studies show that most children aged less than 1 year had intracranial hemorrhage without any history of trauma. The sign and symptoms of spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage (SIH) in children varies. To minimize morbidity and mortality, early detection and accurate diagnosis are required. Head CT scans area widely used for diagnosing SIH. Unfortunately, not all health facilities in Indonesia have CT scans.Objective To determine the accuracy of a clinical parameters-based scoring system in predicting spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage (SIH) in children under one year old.Methods This diagnostic study included children aged under one year who were admitted to Mohammad Hoesin Hospital, Palembang. Patients who showed any signs of increased intracranial pressure were recruited. Data were collected from medical records from January 2007 to September 2013. Through the use of logistic regression analysis, clinical parameters showing significant relationships with computerized tomography (CT)-scan confirmed SIH were selected as predictors. Each predictor was given a score based on an adjusted ratio. The cut-off point of the total scores from all patients was determined using a receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. The accuracy of the total scores was calculated using a 2x2 validity test.Results Of the 186 children included in this study, 98 (52.7%) had SIH and 93 (94.8%) were under 3 month-old. The predictors for SIH used included age (>3 months: score 0; 1-3 months: score 3), gender (female: score 0; male: score 1), pallor (no: score 0; yes: score 1), bulging fontanel (no: score 0; yes: score 1), pupil (isocoria: score 0; anisocoria: score 2) and history of shaken baby (no: score 0; yes: score 3). The ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) was 95.3% with a cut-off point of 4.5, had a sensitivity of 88.7% and a specificity of 93.1%Conclusion This scoring system based on clinical parameters had good accuracy for predicting SIH in children under 1 year of age who exhibited signs of increased intracranial pressure.
Reticulocyte hemoglobin content as a predictor of iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Suari Ni Made Rini , Ariawati Ketut , Adiputra Nyoman
Published: August 2016

Background Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common form of anemia in developing countries, such as Indonesia. Iron deficiency anemia in children is a serious problem because it affects their growth and development. Early detection of IDA and subsequent treatment in childhood may prevent future health problems.Objective To assess the use of reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr) to detect IDA in children aged 6-60 months.Methods We performed a cross-sectional study to measure the sensitivity and specificity of CHr compared to serum ferritin which is considered to be the gold standard for IDA diagnosis. The study was conducted from September 2011 to March 2013 in children aged 6-60 months who visited the Pediatric Outpatient Clinic, Sanglah Hospital, and Puskesmas II in West Denpasar. Data analysis was performed by 2x2 table. The results were assessed by area under the curve (AUC) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC).Results Of 121 children underwent blood testing during the study period, 69 children were excluded because they did not have hypochromic microcytic anemia, leaving 52 subjects eligible for the study. The prevalence of IDA in this study was 31%. Reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr) ≤ 23.1 pg had 88% (95%CI 71 to 100%) sensitivity and 25% (95%CI 11 to 39%) specificity.Conclusion Reticulocyte hemoglobin content < 23.1 pg may be a good predictor of IDA.
Effect of intravenous gentamicin on urinary calcium excretion in newborns
Authors: Tan Kurniawan , Umboh Adrian , Runtunuwu Ari
Published: August 2016

Background Studies in newborns and animals have shown that gentamicin increases urinary calcium excretion. New recommendation for gentamicin in newborns is administered intravenously 36-48 hourly. Subsequent to this new recommendation, there have been no further studies on the effects of extended gentamicin dosage on urinary calcium excretion in newborns.Objective To assess the effect of intravenous gentamicin on urinary calcium excretion in newborns.Methods This pretest – posttest study was done in the Neonatology Division of Prof. DR. R. D. Kandou Hospital, Manado, from August to November 2013. Subjects were full-term newborns who received intravenous gentamicin every 36 hours and whose parents provided informed consent. We excluded newborns with asphyxia and cardiovascular shock, also those who received diuretics or steroids. Urine spot collection was done before, after the first dose, and after the second dose of intravenous gentamicin. Urinary calcium and creatinine levels were measuerd. Urine calcium excretion was defined as the ratio of urinary calcium to creatinine level.Results Of 28 newborns, there were 16 males and 12 females. The median of urine calcium creatinine ratio before intravenous gentamicin was 0.021 (range 0.004 to 0.071) mg/mg. After first dose of gentamicin, the median ratio was 0.043 (range 0.009 to 0.156) mg/mg, and after the second dose of gentamicin, the median ratio was 0.144 (range 0.015 to 1.160) mg/mg.Conclusion There is a significant increase in urinary calcium excretion after the first and second doses of intravenous gentamicin. Furthermore, a cumulative effect of gentamicin on urinary calcium excretion is observed after the second dose.