bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention of exacerbations in patients with stable non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies
Authors: Abu Dabrh Abd Moain , Hill Adam T , Dobler Claudia C , Asi Noor , Farah Wigdan H , Haydour Qusay , Wang Zhen , Benkhadra Khalid , Prokop Larry J , Murad Mohammad Hassan
Published: April 2018

Background

Several pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies are used to treat stable bronchiectasis of non-cystic fibrosis (CF) aetiology.

Objective

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the evidence of the effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options in patients with stable non-CF bronchiectasis with a focus on reducing exacerbations.

Study selection

Multiple databases were searched through September 2017. Outcomes included the number of patients with exacerbation events, mean number of exacerbations, hospitalisations, mortality, quality of life measures, and safety and adverse effects. Meta-analysis was conducted using the random effects model.

Findings

30 randomised controlled trials enrolled subjects with non-CF bronchiectasis using different interventions. Moderate-quality evidence supported the effect of long-term antibiotics (≥3 months) on lowering the number of patients experiencing exacerbation events (relative risk 0.77 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.89)), reducing number of exacerbations (incidence rate ratio 0.62 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.78)), improving forced expiratory volume (litre) in the first second (FEV1) (weighted mean difference (WMD); 0.02 (95% CI 0.00 to 0.04)), decreasing sputum purulence scores (numerical scale of 1-8) (WMD −0.90 (95% CI −1.58 to −0.22)) and improving quality of life scores assessed by the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (WMD −6.07 (95% CI −10.7 to −1.43)). Bronchospasm increased with inhaled antibiotics while diarrhoea increased particularly with oral macrolide therapy.

Conclusions

Moderate-quality evidence supports long-term antibiotic therapy for preventing exacerbations in stable non-CF bronchiectasis. However, data about the optimum agent, mode of therapy and length of treatment are limited. There is paucity of high-quality evidence to support the management of stable non-CF bronchiectasis including prevention of exacerbations.
To work despite chronic health conditions: a qualitative study of workers at the Swedish Public Employment Service
Authors: Hjärtström Carina , Lindahl Norberg Annika , Johansson Gun , Bodin Theo
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Achieving a sustainable, healthy and long working life is key prerequisite for meeting the demographic challenge posed by an ageing population so that more people can work on into their later years. The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between work and chronic health conditions in a group of employees aged 50–64 years with a focus on factors that enable them to continue to work.

Methods

Ten white-collar workers with one or more chronic health conditions at the Swedish Public Employment Service participated in the study. A qualitative method with semistructured in-depth interviews was used to collect data.

Results and conclusions

This study shows that factors enabling people with chronic health conditions to work include adaptation of the work situation by task-shifting as well as provision of physical aids. Our study suggest that the changes often come at the employee’s initiative; hence, there is potential for greater involvement from the employer, healthcare agencies and the social insurance fund in making it easier for employees to adapt their work situation and in providing information regarding available support. It confirms findings in earlier studies that health plays an important part and also that self-confidence and motivation are significant factors contributing to workers being able and wanting to continue working.
Outcomes for patients with rheumatic heart disease after cardiac surgery followed at rural district hospitals in Rwanda
Authors: Rusingiza Emmanuel K , El-Khatib Ziad , Hedt-Gauthier Bethany , Ngoga Gedeon , Dusabeyezu Symaque , Tapela Neo , Mutumbira Cadet , Mutabazi Francis , Harelimana Emmanuel , Mucumbitsi Joseph , Kwan Gene F , Bukhman Gene
Published: April 2018

Background

In sub-Saharan Africa, continued clinical follow-up, after cardiac surgery, is only available at urban referral centres. We implemented a decentralised, integrated care model to provide longitudinal care for patients with advanced rheumatic heart disease (RHD) at district hospitals in rural Rwanda before and after heart surgery.

Methods

We collected data from charts at non-communicable disease (NCD) clinics at three rural district hospitals in Rwanda to describe the outcomes of 54 patients with RHD who received cardiac valve surgery during 2007–2015.

Results

The majority of patients were adults (46/54; 85%), and 74% were females. The median age at the time of surgery was 22 years in adults and 11 years in children. Advanced symptoms—New York Heart Association class III or IV—were present in 83% before surgery and only 4% afterwards. The mitral valve was the most common valve requiring surgery. Valvular surgery consisted mostly of a single valve (56%) and double valve (41%). Patients were followed for a median of 3 years (range 0.2–7.9) during which 7.4% of them died; all deaths were patients who had undergone bioprosthetic valve replacement. For patients with mechanical valves, anticoagulation was checked at 96% of visits. There were no known bleeding or thrombotic events requiring hospitalisation.

Conclusion

Outcomes of postoperative patients with RHD tracked in rural Rwanda health facilities were generally good. With appropriate training and supervision, it is feasible to safely decentralise follow-up of patients with RHD to nurse-led specialised NCD clinics after cardiac surgery.
l-Carnitine-induced amelioration of HFD-induced hepatic dysfunction is accompanied by a reduction in hepatic TNF-α and TGF-β1
Authors: Abd Eldaim Mabrouk Attia , Ibrahim Fatma Mohamed , Orabi Saher Hassan , Hassan Azza , El Sabagh Hesham Saad
Published: April 2018

In this study, we evaluated the possible mechanisms through which l-carnitine ameliorates the adverse effects from obesity in rats, induced with a high-fat diet (HFD). For this, 56 albino Wister rats were randomly assigned to 7 groups. The control group was fed a basal diet and injected with saline. The second group was fed the basal diet and injected with l-carnitine (200 mg/kg body mass, by intraperitoneal injection; i.p.). The third group were fed the HFD. The fourth group was fed the HFD and injected with l-carnitine (200 mg/kg body mass, i.p.) for 8 weeks. The fifth group was fed the HFD for 10 weeks. The sixth group were fed the HFD for 10 weeks and were also injected with l-carnitine (200 mg/kg body mass, i.p.) during the final 2 weeks. The seventh group was fed the HFD diet for 8 weeks then the basal diet for 2 weeks. The HFD induced significantly increased levels of hyperglycemia, lipid peroxidation, pathological changes, TNF-α and TGF-β1 protein expression in hepatic tissue, food intake, body weight gain, serum levels of total and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, ketone bodies, triacylglycerol, urea, creatinine, AST, and ALT. However, the HFD diet significantly decreased serum levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and hepatic levels of reduced glutathione. l-Carnitine ameliorated the effects of the HFD on the above-mentioned parameters. This study indicated that l-carnitine had protective and curative effects against HFD-induced hepatosteatosis by reducing hepatic oxidative stress and protein expression of TNF-α and TGF-β1.
Establishing the fundamental period of light-frame wood buildings on the basis of ambient vibration tests
Authors: Hafeez Ghazanfarah , Doudak Ghasan , McClure Ghyslaine
Published: April 2018

This research project deals with dynamic field testing of light-frame wood buildings with wood-based shear walls. The primary objective of the investigation is to evaluate the building code formula for estimating light-frame wood building’s fundamental period for seismic analysis, through intensive field testing and numerical modeling. The project also aims to propose an alternative simplified rational approach to seismic analysis of these structures. The paper presents ambient vibration testing results of light-frame wood buildings in Canada. The dynamic characteristics of the measured buildings, such as natural frequency, mode shapes, and equivalent structural damping were obtained from frequency domain analysis of ambient motion records. Using a simplified method of period estimation based on the Rayleigh approximation while using the building mass and replacing the stiffness of shear walls by their length showed reasonable fit when compared with the finite element model results and ambient vibration testing measured periods. A formula was developed based on the regression analysis of the tested buildings. The expression is a function of building height, floor area, and shear wall length and it was shown to provide a reasonably good fit with the measured results.
Continued decline of a collapsed population of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) due to predation-driven Allee effects
Authors: Neuenhoff Rachel D. , Swain Douglas P. , Cox Sean P. , McAllister Murdoch K. , Trites Andrew W. , Walters Carl J. , Hammill Mike O.
Published: April 2018

Most stocks of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in the Northwest Atlantic collapsed in the early 1990s, with little sign of recovery since then. In the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (sGSL), the failed recovery is due to severe increases in the natural mortality of adult Atlantic cod. We examined the role of predation by grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) in this failed recovery by directly incorporating grey seal predation in the population model for Atlantic cod via a functional response. Estimated predation mortality of adult Atlantic cod increased sharply during the cod collapse and has continued to increase, comprising the majority of mortality since the late 1990s. While predation by grey seals appeared to play a minor role in the collapse of Atlantic cod, we found it to be the main factor preventing recovery. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that failed recovery is due to predation-driven Allee effects, a demographic effect due to the decline in cod abundance and an emergent effect resulting from increasing grey seal abundance. Under current conditions, extirpation of sGSL Atlantic cod appears likely unless there is a large decline in the abundance of grey seals.
Lethal and sublethal responses of native mussels (Unionidae: Lampsilis siliquoidea and Lampsilis higginsii) to elevated carbon dioxide
Authors: Waller Diane L. , Bartsch Michelle R. , Bartsch Lynn A. , Jackson Craig A.
Published: April 2018

Levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) that have been proposed for aquatic invasive species control (24 000 – 96 000 μatm partial pressure of CO2 (PCO2); 1 atm = 101.325 kPa) were tested on two juvenile mussels, the fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea) and the US federally endangered Higgins’ eye (Lampsilis higginsii). A suite of responses (survival, growth, behavior, and gene expression) were measured after 28 days of exposure to CO2 and 14 days postexposure. The 28-day LC20 (concentration lethal to 20% of organisms) was lower for L. higginsii (31 800 μatm PCO2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 15 000 – 42 800 μatm) than for L. siliquoidea (58 200 μatm PCO2, 95% CI 45 200 – 68 100 μatm). Treatment-related reductions occurred in all measures of growth and condition. Expression of chitin synthase, key for shell formation, was downregulated at 28 days of exposure. Carbon dioxide caused narcotization and movement to the substrate surface of mussels, behaviors that could increase mortality by predation and displacement. We conclude that survival and growth of juvenile mussels could be reduced by continuous exposure to elevated CO2, but recovery may be possible with shorter-duration exposure.
Structural, electronic and optical properties of LiNbO3 using GGA-PBE and TB-mBJ functionals: A DFT study
Authors: Arshad Javid M. , Khan Zafar Ullah , Mehmood Zahid , Nabi Azeem , Hussain Fayyaz , Imran M. , Nadeem Muhammad , Anjum Naeem
Published: April 2018

In the present work, first-principles calculations were performed to obtain the structural, electronic and optical properties of lithium niobate crystal using two exchange-correlation functionals (GGA-PBE and TB-mBJ). The calculated structural parameters were very close to the experimental values. TB-mBJ functional was found to be good when compared to LDA and GGA functionals in case of bandgap energy of 3.715 eV of lithium niobate. It was observed that the upper valence and lower conduction bands consist mainly the O-2p and Nb-4[Formula: see text] states, respectively. Furthermore, calculations for real and imaginary parts of frequency-dependent dielectric function [Formula: see text] of lithium niobate crystal were performed using TD-DFT method. The ordinary refractive index n[Formula: see text], extraordinary refractive index n[Formula: see text], its birefringence and absorption peaks in imaginary dielectric function [Formula: see text] were also calculated.
Influence of gamma irradiation on the surface morphology, XRD and thermophysical properties of silicide hexoboride
Authors: Mirzayev Matlab N. , Mehdiyeva Ravan N. , Garibov Ramin G. , Ismayilova Narmin A. , Jabarov Sakin H.
Published: April 2018

In this study, compounds of B6Si were irradiated using a [Formula: see text]Co gamma source that have an energy line of 1.25 MeV at the absorbed dose rates from 14.6 kGy to 194.4 kGy. Surface morphology images of the sample obtained by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) show that the crystal structure at a high absorbed doses [Formula: see text] starts to be destroyed. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that with increasing radiation absorption dose, the spectrum intensity of the sample was decreased 1.96 times compared with the initial value. Thermal properties were studied by Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) method in the temperature range of 30–1000[Formula: see text]C.
Soliton solutions, conservation laws and modulation instability for the discrete coupled modified Korteweg–de Vries equations
Authors: Guo Rui , Song Jiang-Yan , Zhang Hong-Tao , Qi Feng-Hua
Published: April 2018

In this paper, the discrete coupled modified Korteweg–de Vries equations are systematically investigated. Based on the Lax pair, N-fold discrete Darboux transformation, discrete soliton solutions, conservation laws and modulation instability are analyzed and presented.
VHE observations of binary systems performed with the MAGIC telescopes
Authors: López-Oramas Alicia , Blanch Oscar , de Oña Wilhelmi Emma , Fernández-Barral Alba , Hadasch Daniela , Moretti Elena , Munar-Adrover Pere , Paredes Josep Maria , Ribó Marc , Torres Diego F. , Bordas Pol , Brun François , Casares Jorge , Zanin Roberta
Published: April 2018

The improvement on the Imaging Air Cherenkov Technique (IACT) led to the discovery of a new type of sources that can emit at very high energies: the gamma-ray binaries. Only six systems are part of this exclusive class. We summarize the latest results from the observations performed with the MAGIC telescopes on different systems as the gamma-ray binary LS I [Formula: see text]303 and the microquasars SS 433, V404 Cygni and Cygnus X-1, which are considered potential VHE gamma-ray emitters. The binary system LS I [Formula: see text] 303 has been observed by MAGIC in a long-term monitoring campaign. We show the newest results of our search for super-orbital variability also in context of contemporaneous optical observations. Besides, we will present the results of the only super-critical accretor known in our galaxy: SS 433. We will introduce the VHE results achieved with MAGIC after 100[Formula: see text]h of observations on the microquasar Cygnus X-1 and report on the microquasar V404 Cyg, which has been observed with MAGIC after it went through a series of exceptional X-ray outbursts in June 2015.
Why Is China Unwelcome in Taiwan? Cultural Alienation, Democratic Anxiety or Economic Loss in Explaining Taiwanese Resistance to China
Authors: TZENG WEI-FENG , LEE KUAN-CHEN , MACAULAY CHRISTOPHER
Published: April 2018

This paper explores the factors that affect Taiwanese citizens’ resistance to closer relations with China. Elements in Taiwanese society have recently exhibited a strong sense of anxiety in the face of a rising China. Distinct from the past military confrontation between China and Taiwan, more recently, Taiwanese citizens have been subject to a strengthening of cross-Strait relations and interactions, which makes their rising resistance to China puzzling. To empirically and theoretically explain why Taiwanese are resistant to closer ties with the mainland, we discuss three potential sources: cultural alienation, democratic anxiety, and economic interest. We test the effects of these three attitudinal factors on Taiwanese resistance to Chinese tourists, students, and workers using the China Impact Survey 2012 data set. The findings suggest that democratic anxiety, economic interest, and cultural alienation are all strong predictors in accounting for the public’s resistance to Chinese tourists and students, while economic interest is the most powerful factor in Taiwanese attitudes toward policies regarding Chinese workers. The findings provide important policy implications for policy makers in dealing with cross-Strait relations.
ADVERSE REACTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH A NON-SURGICAL CHEMICAL STERILANT IN FOUR DOGS
Authors: Miller Scott O. , Stern Adam W. , Pieper Jason B.
Published: April 2018

Chemical sterilization is an alternative method to traditional surgical castration for means of canine population control. Zinc gluconate neutralized with arginine is an easy and cost-effective intratesticular chemical sterilant for use in male dogs. Rare adverse reactions have been reported and include scrotal ulceration, scrotal necrosis, testicular necrosis and orchitis. Here we present four additional cases of adverse reactions following administration of zinc gluconate neutralized with arginine that include ulcerative scrotal dermatitis, testicular necrosis, orchitis and vasculitis.
Unraveling the Complex Interplay Between T Cell Metabolism and Function
Authors: Klein Geltink Ramon I. , Kyle Ryan L. , Pearce Erika L.
Published: April 2018

Metabolism drives function, on both an organismal and a cellular level. In T cell biology, metabolic remodeling is intrinsically linked to cellular development, activation, function, differentiation, and survival. After naive T cells are activated, increased demands for metabolic currency in the form of ATP, as well as biomass for cell growth, proliferation, and the production of effector molecules, are met by rewiring cellular metabolism. Consequently, pharmacological strategies are being developed to perturb or enhance selective metabolic processes that are skewed in immune-related pathologies. Here we review the most recent advances describing the metabolic changes that occur during the T cell lifecycle. We discuss how T cell metabolism can have profound effects on health and disease and where it might be a promising target to treat a variety of pathologies.
Systems Immunology: Learning the Rules of the Immune System
Authors: Villani Alexandra-Chloé , Sarkizova Siranush , Hacohen Nir
Published: April 2018

Given the many cell types and molecular components of the human immune system, along with vast variations across individuals, how should we go about developing causal and predictive explanations of immunity? A central strategy in human studies is to leverage natural variation to find relationships among variables, including DNA variants, epigenetic states, immune phenotypes, clinical descriptors, and others. Here, we focus on how natural variation is used to find patterns, infer principles, and develop predictive models for two areas: (a) immune cell activation—how single-cell profiling boosts our ability to discover immune cell types and states—and (b) antigen presentation and recognition—how models can be generated to predict presentation of antigens on MHC molecules and their detection by T cell receptors. These are two examples of a shift in how we find the drivers and targets of immunity, especially in the human system in the context of health and disease.
Complement and the Regulation of T Cell Responses
Authors: West Erin E. , Kolev Martin , Kemper Claudia
Published: April 2018

The complement system is an evolutionarily ancient key component of innate immunity required for the detection and removal of invading pathogens. It was discovered more than 100 years ago and was originally defined as a liver-derived, blood-circulating sentinel system that classically mediates the opsonization and lytic killing of dangerous microbes and the initiation of the general inflammatory reaction. More recently, complement has also emerged as a critical player in adaptive immunity via its ability to instruct both B and T cell responses. In particular, work on the impact of complement on T cell responses led to the surprising discoveries that the complement system also functions within cells and is involved in regulating basic cellular processes, predominantly those of metabolic nature. Here, we review current knowledge about complement's role in T cell biology, with a focus on the novel intracellular and noncanonical activities of this ancient system.
RIG-I and Other RNA Sensors in Antiviral Immunity
Authors: Chow Kwan T. , Gale Michael , Loo Yueh-Ming
Published: April 2018

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) survey intra- and extracellular spaces for pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) within microbial products of infection. Recognition and binding to cognate PAMP ligand by specific PRRs initiates signaling cascades that culminate in a coordinated intracellular innate immune response designed to control infection. In particular, our immune system has evolved specialized PRRs to discriminate viral nucleic acid from host. These are critical sensors of viral RNA to trigger innate immunity in the vertebrate host. Different families of PRRs of virus infection have been defined and reveal a diversity of PAMP specificity for wide viral pathogen coverage to recognize and extinguish virus infection. In this review, we discuss recent insights in pathogen recognition by the RIG-I-like receptors, related RNA helicases, Toll-like receptors, and other RNA sensor PRRs, to present emerging themes in innate immune signaling during virus infection.
Multidomain Control Over TEC Kinase Activation State Tunes the T Cell Response
Authors: Andreotti Amy H. , Joseph Raji E. , Conley James M. , Iwasa Janet , Berg Leslie J.
Published: April 2018

Signaling through the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) activates a series of tyrosine kinases. Directly associated with the TCR, the SRC family kinase LCK and the SYK family kinase ZAP-70 are essential for all downstream responses to TCR stimulation. In contrast, the TEC family kinase ITK is not an obligate component of the TCR cascade. Instead, ITK functions as a tuning dial, to translate variations in TCR signal strength into differential programs of gene expression. Recent insights into TEC kinase structure have provided a view into the molecular mechanisms that generate different states of kinase activation. In resting lymphocytes, TEC kinases are autoinhibited, and multiple interactions between the regulatory and kinase domains maintain low activity. Following TCR stimulation, newly generated signaling modules compete with the autoinhibited core and shift the conformational ensemble to the fully active kinase. This multidomain control over kinase activation state provides a structural mechanism to account for ITK's ability to tune the TCR signal.
Unfinished Business: Evolution of the MHC and the Adaptive Immune System of Jawed Vertebrates
Authors: Kaufman Jim
Published: April 2018

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a large genetic region with many genes, including the highly polymorphic classical class I and II genes that play crucial roles in adaptive as well as innate immune responses. The organization of the MHC varies enormously among jawed vertebrates, but class I and II genes have not been found in other animals. How did the MHC arise, and are there underlying principles that can help us to understand the evolution of the MHC? This review considers what it means to be an MHC and the potential importance of genome-wide duplication, gene linkage, and gene coevolution for the emergence and evolution of an adaptive immune system. Then it considers what the original antigen-specific receptor and MHC molecule might have looked like, how peptide binding might have evolved, and finally the importance of adaptive immunity in general.
Walter B. Cannon’s World War I experience: treatment of traumatic shock then and now
Authors: Ryan Kathy L.
Published: April 2018

Walter B. Cannon (1871–1945), perhaps America’s preeminent physiologist, volunteered for service with the Army Expeditionary Force (AEF) during World War I. He initially served with Base Hospital No. 5, a unit made up of Harvard clinicians, before moving forward to the front lines to serve at a casualty clearing station run by the British. During his time there, he performed research on wounded soldiers to understand the nature and causes of traumatic shock. Subsequently, Cannon performed animal experimentation on the causes of traumatic shock in the London laboratory of Dr. William Bayliss before being assigned to the AEF Central Medical Laboratory in Dijon, France, where he continued his experimental studies. During this time, he also developed and taught a curriculum on resuscitation of wounded soldiers to medical providers. Although primarily a researcher and teacher, Cannon also performed clinical duties throughout the war, serving with distinction under fire. After the war, Cannon wrote a monograph entitled Traumatic Shock (New York: Appleton, 1923), which encapsulated the knowledge that had been gained during the war, both from direct observation of wounded soldiers, as well as laboratory experimentation on the causes and treatment of traumatic shock. In his monograph, Cannon elucidates a number of principles concerning hemorrhagic shock that were later forgotten, only to be “rediscovered” during the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. This paper summarizes Cannon’s wartime experiences and the knowledge gained concerning traumatic shock during World War I, with a comparison of current combat casualty care practices and knowledge to that which Cannon and his colleagues understood a century ago.
Development of a Breast Cancer Risk Prediction Model for Women in Nigeria
Authors: Wang Shengfeng , Ogundiran Temidayo , Ademola Adeyinka , Olayiwola Oluwasola A. , Adeoye Adewunmi , Sofoluwe Adenike , Morhason-Bello Imran , Odedina Stella , Agwai Imaria , Adebamowo Clement , Obajimi Millicent , Ojengbede Oladosu , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Huo Dezheng
Published: April 2018

Background: Risk prediction models have been widely used to identify women at higher risk of breast cancer. We aimed to develop a model for absolute breast cancer risk prediction for Nigerian women.

Methods: A total of 1,811 breast cancer cases and 2,225 controls from the Nigerian Breast Cancer Study (NBCS, 1998–2015) were included. Subjects were randomly divided into the training and validation sets. Incorporating local incidence rates, multivariable logistic regressions were used to develop the model.

Results: The NBCS model included age, age at menarche, parity, duration of breastfeeding, family history of breast cancer, height, body mass index, benign breast diseases, and alcohol consumption. The model developed in the training set performed well in the validation set. The discriminating accuracy of the NBCS model [area under ROC curve (AUC) = 0.703, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.687–0.719] was better than the Black Women's Health Study (BWHS) model (AUC = 0.605; 95% CI, 0.586–0.624), Gail model for white population (AUC = 0.551; 95% CI, 0.531–0.571), and Gail model for black population (AUC = 0.545; 95% CI, 0.525–0.565). Compared with the BWHS and two Gail models, the net reclassification improvement of the NBCS model were 8.26%, 13.45%, and 14.19%, respectively.

Conclusions: We have developed a breast cancer risk prediction model specific to women in Nigeria, which provides a promising and indispensable tool to identify women in need of breast cancer early detection in Sub-Saharan Africa populations.

Impact: Our model is the first breast cancer risk prediction model in Africa. It can be used to identify women at high risk for breast cancer screening. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(6); 636–43. ©2018 AACR.
Adjuvant Therapy for Colon Cancer: Genes, Genes… and the Patient in the Center
Authors: Rodriguez Javier , Vicent Silvestre , Chopitea Ana , Ponz-Sarvisé Mariano
Published: April 2018

Although molecular subtype–based stratification and genomic signatures of increasing complexity are becoming a new strategy to guide therapeutic decisions in stage II/III colon cancer, several prognostic factors that can be easily obtained from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens should be considered to create combined models that better define individual patients' needs. Clin Cancer Res; 24(16); 3787–9. ©2018 AACR.

See related article by Kandimalla et al., p. 3867
Mitochondrial Morphological and Functional Reprogramming Following CD137 (4-1BB) Costimulation
Authors: Teijeira Alvaro , Labiano Sara , Garasa Saray , Etxeberria Iñaki , Santamaría Eva , Rouzaut Ana , Enamorado Michel , Azpilikueta Arantza , Inoges Susana , Bolaños Elixabet , Aznar Maria Angela , Sánchez-Paulete Alfonso R. , Sancho David , Melero Ignacio
Published: April 2018

T and NK lymphocytes express CD137 (4-1BB), a costimulatory receptor of the TNFR family whose function is exploitable for cancer immunotherapy. Mitochondria regulate the function and survival of T lymphocytes. Herein, we show that CD137 costimulation provided by agonist mAb and CD137L (4-1BBL) induced mitochondria enlargement that resulted in enhanced mitochondrial mass and transmembrane potential in human and mouse CD8+ T cells. Such mitochondrial changes increased T-cell respiratory capacities and were critically dependent on mitochondrial fusion protein OPA-1 expression. Mass and function of mitochondria in tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells from cancer-bearing mice were invigorated by agonist mAb to CD137, whereas mitochondrial baseline mass and function were depressed in CD137-deficient tumor reactive T cells. Tumor rejection induced by the synergistic combination of adoptive T-cell therapy and agonistic anti-CD137 was critically dependent on OPA-1 expression in transferred CD8+ T cells. Moreover, stimulation of CD137 with CD137 mAb in short-term cultures of human tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes led to mitochondria enlargement and increased transmembrane potential. Collectively, these data point to a critical link between mitochondrial morphology and function and enhanced antitumor effector activity upon CD137 costimulation of T cells. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(7); 798–811. ©2018 AACR.
47 Consecutive Cases of Pipeline Flex Flow Diversion Utilizing a Novel Large-Bore Intracranial Intermediate Catheter: Nuances and Institutional Experience with the Syphontrak
Authors: Lin Li-Mei , Jiang Bowen , Bender Matthew T. , Westbroek Erick M. , Campos Jessica K. , Tamargo Rafael J. , Huang Judy , Coon Alexander L. , Colby Geoffrey P.
Published: April 2018

Background: The increasing complexity of modern neurointerventions has necessitated a shift in intracranial access techniques towards more robust distal support platforms. Here we present our experience with the Syphontrak Support Catheter (Codman Neuro, Raynham, MA, USA) in the triaxial platform for the implantation of the second-generation Pipeline Flex embolization device (PED Flex; Medtronic Neurovascular, Irvine, CA, USA). Methods: We retrospectively identified patients who underwent PED Flex treatment utilizing the Syphontrak at a single institution. The procedural data collected included parent artery tortuosity, patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, other equipment utilized, and catheter-related complications. Results: A total of 47 consecutive aneurysm flow diversions were successfully performed using the Syphontrak. The patients’ age ranged from 25 to 80 years (mean 57.3 ± 11.6) and 85% were women. The average aneurysm size was 4.8 ± 2.7 mm (range 2–14). All cases were in the anterior circulation, with 6 (12%) aneurysms located beyond the internal carotid artery termination. Significant cervical carotid tortuosity was present in 23% (11/47) of the cases and moderate-to-severe cavernous tortuosity (cavernous grade ≥2) in 51% (24/47) of the cases. The mean fluoroscopy time was 36.6 ± 14.8 min. In 12/47 cases (26%), vasospasm prophylaxis with intra-arterial verapamil infusion was performed. The Syphontrak was tracked to the intended distal position in all cases, with a 100% technical success of PED Flex implantation. Forty-six (98%) of the 47 patients were discharged home after an average length of stay of 1.38 days. No iatrogenic catheter-related vessel injury occurred. Transient, minor neurological morbidity occurred in 3 cases (6%) and 1 patient had a minor ischemic event (NIHSS score < 4) in the periprocedural period. Conclusion: The Syphontrak is a new large-bore, multi-durometer intermediate catheter (IC) designed for use in modern neurointerventional procedures. We have shown its utility in 47 successful cases of PED Flex flow diversion of a wide range of complexity. The IC provides robust and atraumatic distal intracranial access while also providing an enhanced image quality with its large 0.060″ inner diameter.
Giant Symptomatic Rectal Mucocele following Subtotal Colectomy
Authors: Schneider Romano , Kraljević Marko , von Flüe Markus , Füglistaler Ida
Published: April 2018

Introduction: Rectal mucoceles rarely occur and only a few cases are described in the literature. They usually appear after subtotal colectomy or Hartmann procedure originating from persisting rectal mucus production and simultaneous stenosis of the anal canal. Case Presentation: A 74-year-old female patient presented with the feeling of an abdominal growing mass. Complex medical history included a subtotal colectomy with an end ileostomy and a mucous fistula at the descending colon due to Crohn disease at the age of 16 years. MRI showed a massive dilatation of the remaining colon and the rectum. Endoscopy failed due to complete anal stenosis and stenosis of the descending colon at the stoma site. A total proctocolectomy was performed. The pathology report showed a dilated rectum and sigma with large amounts of partly calcified mucus. There was no evidence of dysplasia, malignancy, or Crohn manifestation in the completely obliterated proximal colon and the anus. Conclusion: Our case report underlines the importance of active endoscopic surveillance of the remaining colon and rectum in patients with diverting stomas and inflammatory bowel disease in order to detect stenosis. If endoscopic control is not possible due to obliteration, surgical therapy must be discussed due to the risk of developing cancer.
Catalogue of Lygistorrhinidae (Diptera: Bibionomorpha) types housed in the collection of the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: OLIVEIRA SARAH SIQUEIRA , FALASCHI RAFAELA LOPES , LAMAS CARLOS JOSÉ EINICKER
Published: April 2018

This paper provides a catalogue of the type specimens of Lygistorrhinidae (Diptera: Bibionomorpha) held in the collection of the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil (MZUSP). Label information and type condition of the six type specimens (three holotypes and three paratypes) of four species are provided, along with high resolution images of the types and their labels.
Factors Affecting the Inland and Orographic Enhancement of Lake-Effect Precipitation over the Tug Hill Plateau
Authors: Veals Peter G. , Steenburgh W. James , Campbell Leah S.
Published: April 2018

The factors affecting the inland and orographic enhancement of lake-effect precipitation are poorly understood, yet critical for operational forecasting. Here we use nine cool seasons (16 November–15 April) of radar data from the Montague/Ft. Drum, New York (KTYX), WSR-88D, the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR), and observations from the Ontario Winter Lake-effect Systems (OWLeS) field campaign to examine variations in lake-effect precipitation enhancement east of Lake Ontario and over the Tug Hill Plateau (hereafter Tug Hill). Key factors affecting the inland and orographic enhancement in this region include the strength of the incident boundary layer flow, the intensity of the lake-induced convective available potential energy (LCAPE), and the mode of the lake-effect system. Stronger flow favors higher precipitation rates, a precipitation maximum displaced farther downwind, and greater inland and orographic enhancement. The effects of LCAPE depend upon the strength of the flow. During periods of weak flow, higher LCAPE favors lower precipitation rates, a maximum closer to the shoreline, and lesser inland and orographic enhancement. During periods of strong flow, higher LCAPE favors higher precipitation rates, a maximum displaced farther downwind, and greater inland and orographic enhancement. Banded (nonbanded) modes favor higher (lower) precipitation rates, lesser (greater) inland and orographic enhancement, and a maximum closer to the shoreline (over Tug Hill). These results, for both manually measured and radar-estimated precipitation, are robust when many lake-effect events are considered, but substantial variability exists during individual events.
Major court and tribunal decisions in Australia in 2017
Authors: Allen Dominique , Landau Ingrid
Published: April 2018

This annual survey of significant court and tribunal decisions in Australia in 2017 covers changes to the award safety net implemented through the 4-yearly review, including in relation to penalty rates and casual employment. It outlines developments in collective bargaining, focusing on agreement-making, protected industrial action, the good faith bargaining provisions and the rise in successful applications by employers for termination of agreements. A Queensland decision considering community pickets and the interaction between state peaceful assembly legislation and the Fair Work Act is also noted. Decisions on workplace discrimination show that the courts are still grappling with Fair Work Act provisions in this area, and taking divergent approaches. The survey also discusses a successful accessorial liability action taken by the Fair Work Ombudsman, which is significant for both internal and external business advisors.
Australian industrial relations in 2017
Authors: Wright Chris F
Published: April 2018

This article introduces the Journal of Industrial Relations Annual Review of Industrial Relations in 2017. It discusses the Fair Work Commission's decision to reduce Sunday and public holiday penalty rates for workers in the retail and hospitality industries, the growing problem of low wages, and the Turnbull government's policy changes relating to the employment of temporary migrant workers. It then provides an overview of the other articles contained in the Annual Review issue.
Applying a gender lens to employment relations: Revitalisation, resistance and risks
Authors: Rubery Jill , Hebson Gail
Published: April 2018

Employment relations is on the defensive. A gender lens provides opportunities for revitalisation through bringing in social reproduction alongside production, introducing intersectional identities alongside class, developing gendered critiques of ‘neutral’ markets and recognising the ‘doing of gender’ within the workplace. However, resistance within research and practice is evident in gender blindness, marginalisation of gender issues or preference for male interests. Three risks associated with a gender lens are identified: first, feminist critiques may be used by employers or neoliberal policymakers to deregulate employment; second, by making gender visible, gender differences may be used to legitimise gender inequalities; and third, in representing workers’ interests many pitfalls need to be navigated in steering a path between excessive fragmentation and reproducing hierarchy, whether by class, gender or race. Nevertheless, the costs of not embracing a gender perspective go beyond missed opportunities for renewal and leave employment relations at risk of further decline.
“What a Loser That Guy Was”: Norm Macdonald’s Humorous Critique of the Romantic/Warrior Narrative
Authors: Iannarino Nicholas T.
Published: April 2018

Illness narratives are stories that focus on, or are inspired by, the sometimes life-altering experience of illness. Most narrative constructions of these illness experiences are built upon one of three broad narrative “skeletons.” One skeletal subform, the romantic/warrior narrative, is critiqued by comedian Norm Macdonald in a humorous anecdote that mocks the expectation that cancer patients must wage an epic and heroic battle against their pernicious cancer to have a chance to survive. Macdonald explicates that such a mentality produces heroes and villains, winners and losers, and places additional burden on cancer patients. In this analysis, I argue that Macdonald’s effective use of humor and fulfillment of the five functions of health-related narration enable his story to gain narrative rationality and serve as effective rhetorical tools in encouraging the audience to accept the narrator’s critique of the romantic/warrior subform.
Media coverage of climate change information by the Tanzania Guardian and Daily News in 2015
Authors: Elia Emmanuel
Published: April 2018

The study examined the reportage of information on climate change in the Guardian and the Daily News, two leading broadsheet newspapers in Tanzania. Data were collected and analysed using the informetrics method. Content analysis was used to delineate themes. Quantitative data generated was analysed using Microsoft Office Excel Software 2007 to generate graphs and charts. In all, 338 articles from 728 newspaper issues from January to December 2015 were collected and analysed. Key findings indicate that climate change impacts and adaptation, climate change conferences and policy, politics and development were themes mostly covered in the two newspapers under review. Findings also indicate an increased coverage of international and local climate change news. The study concludes that the access of journalists to relevant and reliable Internet resources influenced the climate change information appearing in the two newspapers. Thus, the study recommends for climate scientists and policy-makers to train journalists on proper analysis and reporting of climate related information. Moreover, the study suggests establishing a communication policy framework designed to enhance journalists’ and media owners’ access to and effective dissemination of climate change information.
Systematic review of the pharmacological agents that have been tested against spreading depolarizations
Authors: Klass Anna , Sánchez-Porras Renan , Santos Edgar
Published: April 2018

Spreading depolarization (SD) occurs alongside brain injuries and it can lead to neuronal damage. Therefore, pharmacological modulation of SD can constitute a therapeutic approach to reduce its detrimental effects and to improve the clinical outcome of patients. The major objective of this article was to produce a systematic review of all the drugs that have been tested against SD. Of the substances that have been examined, most have been shown to modulate certain SD characteristics. Only a few have succeeded in significantly inhibiting SD. We present a variety of strategies that have been proposed to overcome the notorious harmfulness and pharmacoresistance of SD. Information on clinically used anesthetic, sedative, hypnotic agents, anti-migraine drugs, anticonvulsants and various other substances have been compiled and reviewed with respect to the efficacy against SD, in order to answer the question of whether a drug at safe doses could be of therapeutic use against SD in humans.
Technological and Human Factor Considerations for Priced Managed Lane Traveler Information Systems
Authors: Wood Nicholas S. , Simek Chris , Chrysler Susan T. , Kaufman Jeff , Turner Shawn , Fink David
Published: April 2018

Travelers have many unique informational requirements to be able to navigate priced managed lanes. These demands often relate to specific managed lane features (e.g., access points, toll price) in addition to information about major traffic incidents and lane closures. Accommodating these needs with traditional roadway signage is a particular challenge given concerns about overloading and distracting drivers. This paper summarizes an investigation into traveler information systems for managed lanes, by considering a national review of current agency practices, a traveler survey, and an assessment for integrating advancing technologies. The national review found that many agencies vary considerably in pricing structure, number, and placement of priced destination points, and online availability of real-time toll information. A travel survey of 866 Texas-based respondents indicated that drivers prioritize information about traffic incidents and lane closures over toll price data (94% and 88% versus 41%, respectively). A higher share of respondents wanted to see travel time and incident alerts on in-vehicle devices, compared with a more statistically significant desire for destination and toll rate information on roadway signs. Most respondents use smartphone applications and mapping websites for pre-trip planning purposes (79% and 65%, respectively) compared with TV and radio reports (13%). Comparatively, prior research published 5 years earlier found that radio was a highly influential media in influencing behavior. This paper suggests a pathway for agencies to adopt a flexible approach for sharing essential data with third-party entities, based on the general transit-feed specification used for transit.
Examining Structure in Scientific Research Articles: A Study of Thematic Progression and Thematic Density
Authors: Leong Alvin Ping , Toh Audrey Lin Lin , Chin Soo Fun
Published: April 2018

While scholars in the field of writing studies have examined scientific writing from multiple perspectives, interest in its thematic structure has been modest. Recent studies suggest that the themes in scientific writing tend to be anchored on one or a few points of departure. There has also been an attempt at quantification using the thematic-density index (TDI), although this has only been tested on abstracts. In this study, we investigated the thematic structure and TDIs of 30 research articles in biology. The results revealed a progressive thematic pattern in the introduction section, followed by an anchored development in the subsequent sections. The anchoring was realized by the pervasive use of the first-person pronoun “we.” The mean TDI was lowest in the introduction section (2.593) and highest in the results section (7.095). The results were consistent across the articles in the corpus, underscoring the uniform way in which the articles were thematically structured, and in turn suggesting a core thematic pattern for scientific research writing in general. Based on these findings, the authors suggest that future studies compare the thematic structure of the introduction section vis-à-vis the other sections, and investigate the possible factors resulting in such a structure.