bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Implications of Cross-Linked Actin Networks in Trabecular Meshwork Cells
Authors: Duffy Laura , O’Reilly Steven
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: The Trabecular meshwork (TM) is the tissue responsible for outflow resistance and therefore intraocular pressure. TM cells contain a contractile apparatus that is composed of actin stress fibres which run parallel to the axis of the cell and are responsible for facilitating contraction. Cross-Linked Actin Networks (CLANs) are polygonal arrangements of actin that form a geodesic network found predominantly in TM cells both in situ and in vitro. The aim of this work is to determine the functional significance of CLANs in TM cells and to assess the effect of mechanical stretch stimulation on the induction (or not) of CLANs. Methods: We used collagen gel contraction models to demonstrate functional impairment of cells when induced to express CLANs in situ. Cyclic mechanical stretch was used to stimulate cells and measure CLANs Results: CLANs inhibited contraction and cyclic mechanical stretch induced CLANs. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that using shape alone we could predict the appearance of CLANs using a simple light microscopy technique. Conclusion: Taken together we have now shown, for the first time, a functional deficit In TM cells with CLANs Furthermore that shape alone can predict the appearance of CLAN containing cells. CLANs can now be linked to a functional effect and may underlie the appearance of CLANs with the pathology of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).
КОРПОРАТИВНА КУЛЬТУРА ТА СОЦІАЛЬНО-ПСИХОЛОГІЧНИЙ КЛІМАТ У МЕДИЧНОМУ ЗАКЛАДІ
Authors: Skovronska I. H. , Tolokova T. I.
Published: February 2018

У статті проаналізовано взаємопов’язаність соціально-психологічного клімату в колективі лікувально-профілактичної установи та працездатності й продуктивності праці медичних працівників.
Práticas de visitação nas vinícolas da Serra Gaúcha: unindo vitivinicultura e turismo no sul do Brasil
Authors: Castro Virgínia Aparecida , Santos Glauber Eduardo de Oliveira , Gimenes-Minasse Maria Henriqueta Sperandio Garcia , Giraldi Janaina de Moura Engracia
Published: February 2018

No Brasil, o enoturismo surgiu como atividade regular a partir da década de 1990 e desde então tem crescido rapidamente. A principal região produtora de vinho e receptora de enoturistas no país é a Serra Gaúcha, no Rio Grande do Sul. Este artigo objetiva descrever as práticas de visitação turística das vinícolas da Serra Gaúcha com particular atenção em questões relacionadas ao histórico da visitação, à estrutura e organização receptiva, aos roteiros de visitação, aos produtos e serviços complementares, à comunicação e promoção, e à quantidade e perfil dos visitantes das vinícolas. Tais objetivos foram alcançados por meio de uma revisão bibliográfica, pesquisa documental e realização de entrevistas semiestruturadas com gestores de vinícolas que recebem visitantes, totalizando consultas a 14 propriedades. O trabalho revela o sucesso da atividade enoturística na Serra Gaúcha e detalhes sobre como tais resultados são alcançados. A simbiose entre turismo e a vitivinicultura é apontada como um dos principais fatores.
Madagopsina gen. n. and Gracilopsina gen. n. (Diptera: Diopsidae) from Madagascar with description of four new species
Authors: Feijen Hans R. , Feijen Frida A.A. , Feijen Cobi
Published: February 2018

Madagopsina gen. n. and Gracilopsina gen. n. are described as endemic Diopsidae taxa for Madagascar. Three Madagascan Diopsidae, earlier alternately placed in Diopsis, Eurydiopsis or Cyrtodiopsis (also as Teleopsis), are now referred to Madagopsina gen. n., while two of these three species proved to be conspecific. This gives rise to Madagopsina apollo (Brunetti) comb. n. and Madagopsina apographica (Séguy) comb. n. = anjahanaribei (Vanschuytbroeck) syn. n. The two species are redescribed. Madagopsina apographica proved to have a mixed type series. Three new species are allocated to the genus as Madagopsina freidbergi sp. n., Madagopsina parvapollina sp. n. and Madagopsina tschirnhausi sp. n. For Eurydiopsis vadoni Vanschuytbroeck (later also placed in Cyrtodiopsis and Teleopsis) the genus Gracilopsina gen. n. is erected, leading to Gracilopsina vadoni (Vanschuytbroeck) comb. n. Gracilopsina vadoni is redescribed and is shown to have a mixed type series. One new species is allocated to the genus as Gracilopsina sinespina sp. n. A key is presented to the two genera and seven species. Madagascar now counts five Diopsidae genera and 12 species, of which two genera and 11 species are endemic. The genus Cladodiopsis is no longer an endemic Madagascar genus as it also occurs in the Comoros. The phylogenetic position of Madagopsina gen. n. is discussed based on molecular data. The intra- and intergeneric phylogeny of both new genera is discussed based on morphology and geometric morphometrics analyses of wing shape. Data are presented on sexual dimorphism with respect to eye span in the genera. The resulting allometric lines (eye span/body length) are also included in the phylogenetic analysis. The allometric lines for the closely related M. parvapollina sp. n., and the much larger M. apollo are compared and discussed. Allometric slopes and intercepts are identical for females of both species, while in males allometric slopes are identical, but intercepts differ considerably. An identical phenomenon was found in two closely related East African Diopsis species with a small and a large species. Various morphological characters, including eggs, are discussed. The importance of intersternite 1–2 and synsternum 7+8 as differential characters is indicated.
Key for identification of the parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) of aphids infesting alfalfa in Europe
Authors: GHALIOW MUSTAFA E. , PETROVIĆ ANDJELJKO , KOCIĆ KORANA , ČKRKIĆ JELISAVETA , BOGDANOVIĆ ANA MITROVSKI , STARÝ PETR , KAVALLIERATOS NICKOLAS G. , TOMANOVIĆ ŽELJKO
Published: February 2018

Although Aphidiinae parasitoids have been used as agents for biocontrol of alfalfa aphids for more than half a century and have been the subject of numerous ecological investigations, there is an evident lack of systematic studies on the parasitoids of aphids infesting alfalfa in Europe. Here we present an original and up-dated key for identification of both native and invasive Aphidiinae parasitoids attacking aphids that feed on alfalfa in Europe. In total, 20 species are keyed and illustrated with scanning electron micrographs and line drawings.
Synoptic Environments and Characteristics of Convection Reaching the Tropopause over Northeast China
Authors: Liu Nana , Liu Chuntao
Published: February 2018

Overshooting convection that penetrates the lapse rate tropopause is defined globally using 3 years of Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) observations and ERA-Interim data. Overshooting convection in the subtropics is mainly found over a few hot spot regions, including central North America and Argentina. A relatively high density of events with overshooting convection is also found over northeast China in the summer months, where 203 events are identified during 2014–16. These convective events extending above the tropopause occur under various synoptic conditions. The synoptic conditions during these events are categorized into three different types, namely, trough, cutoff low, and ridge types, with a subjective analysis based on the wind and pressure fields at 500 hPa. The precipitation systems with overshooting convection ahead of a deep trough have larger sizes than other types. Those in the cutoff low environment are mostly embedded within a large precipitation system. The ridge-type systems have a stable midtroposphere and a high moist instability at low levels and are mostly isolated convective systems, characterized by smaller sizes, higher radar echo top, and larger convective area and precipitation fraction than the other two types.
Comparison of 2 and 4 Intratympanic Steroid Injections in the Treatment of Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Suzuki Hideaki , Wakasugi Tetsuro , Kitamura Takuro , Koizumi Hiroki , Do Ba Hung , Ohbuchi Toyoaki
Published: February 2018

Objective:

We studied the effect of intratympanic steroid administration with different total injection times on hearing outcomes in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL).

Methods:

The subjects were 191 consecutive patients (192 ears) with ISSNHL (hearing level ≥40 dB, interval between onset and treatment ≤30 days). They received systemic prednisolone (100 mg followed by tapered doses) combined with intratympanic injection of dexamethasone (4 mg/ml). Intratympanic injection was performed 4 times (days 1, 2, 4, and 7) in 92 patients (92 ears) or 2 times (days 1 and 2) in 99 patients (100 ears). The hearing outcomes were evaluated at 1 week from the start of treatment and 1 to 2 months after the completion of treatment.

Results:

There was no significant difference in hearing outcomes between the 4- and 2-injection groups at either time point. Multiple regression analysis also showed that the hearing level after treatment did not depend on the total number of intratympanic steroid injections.

Conclusion:

These results indicate that a protocol using only 2 intratympanic steroid injections exerts a sufficient effect on the hearing outcomes of ISSNHL. This simplified treatment protocol would be greatly beneficial to relieve the physical and mental stress of patients.
Impact of the ambiance on GFRP composites and role of some inherent factors: A review report
Authors: Beura S , Thatoi DN , Chakraverty AP , Mohanty UK
Published: February 2018

A composite material scores over its metallic counter parts in many aspects and can be tailor-made to suit the specific purpose for which it is conceived. However, during functioning the composite is exposed to the severities of the surrounding ambiance and is damaged and degraded by the atmospheric deterrent-reagents like moisture and heat fluctuations. In order to ensure a safe, extended service life-span of the composite material, it is, therefore, pertinent that the behaviour of the material related to its physical, chemical and mechanical characteristics must be analysed and established under different fluctuating ambient conditions. The present report aims at analysing and presenting the degradation/damages caused to the glass-fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites under different ambient conditions and the role played by some inherent factors like the constituent components of the GFRP composites, its pre-existing flaws created during manufacturing/service-life, volume fraction fibres, length and distribution of the fibres in the matrix phase and the curing processes adopted for strengthening and stabilising the matrix structure.
Finite element models of natural fibers and their composites: A review
Authors: Xiong Xiaoshuang , Shen Shirley Z , Hua Lin , Liu Jefferson Z , Li Xiang , Wan Xiaojin , Miao Menghe
Published: February 2018

Finite element method has been widely applied in modeling natural fibers and natural fiber reinforced composites. This paper is a comprehensive review of finite element models of natural fibers and natural fiber reinforced composites, focusing on the micromechanical properties (strength, deformation, failure, and damage), thermal properties (thermal conductivity), and macro shape deformation (stress–strain and fracture). Representative volume element model is the most popular homogenization-based multi-scale constitutive method used in the finite element method to investigate the effect of microstructures on the mechanical and thermal properties of natural fibers and natural fiber reinforced composites. The representative volume element models of natural fibers and natural fiber reinforced composites at various length scales are discussed, including two types of geometrical modeling methods, the computer-based modeling method and the image-based modeling method. Their modeling efficiency and accuracy are also discussed.
Variation modeling and analysis with interval approach for the assembly of compliant aeronautical structures
Authors: Mei Biao , Zhu Weidong , Zheng Pengyu , Ke Yinglin
Published: February 2018

Due to small production volume in aircraft industry, the available information of variation sources is often not enough to make assumptions on their probabilistic characteristics, especially in the stage of prototype manufacturing. To deal with the problem, an assembly variation modeling and analysis method based on the elasticity mechanics and interval approach is proposed for aircraft assembly. First, variation sources are modeled as bounded convex sets, which are defined as interval structural parameters in interval arithmetic. Then, variation modeling and analysis are successively implemented using the method of influence coefficient and interval arithmetic. After that, a uniform-splitting method is applied to achieve the refinement of the interval extension in variation analysis. To reduce the complexity of the finite element analysis and assembly variation computation, part deformation forms including warpage and torsion are concisely characterized with angle instead of the deviations of isolated key points on the part. The comparison of the assembly variations estimated with the proposed variation analysis method and actual experiment results verifies the effectiveness of the constructed assembly variation model and the proposed method. The interval approach–based assembly variation analysis method is a good complement to traditional probabilistic approach–based methods for compliant assembly systems, which is suited for linear and linearized nonlinear assembly systems. The proposed method provides an improved understanding of the application of compliant assembly variation analysis methods in aircraft manufacturing.
Prenatal Stress as a Risk—and an Opportunity—Factor
Authors: Hartman Sarah , Freeman Sara M. , Bales Karen L. , Belsky Jay
Published: February 2018

Two separate lines of research indicate (a) that prenatal stress is associated with heightened behavioral and physiological reactivity and (b) that these postnatal phenotypes are associated with increased susceptibility to both positive and negative developmental experiences. Therefore, prenatal stress may increase sensitivity to the rearing environment. We tested this hypothesis by manipulating prenatal stress and rearing-environment quality, using a cross-fostering paradigm, in prairie voles. Results showed that prenatally stressed voles, as adults, displayed the highest behavioral and physiological reactivity when cross-fostered to low-contact (i.e., low-quality) rearing but the lowest behavioral and physiological reactivity when cross-fostered to high-contact (i.e., high-quality) rearing; non-prenatally stressed voles showed no effect of rearing condition. Additionally, while neither prenatal stress nor rearing condition affected oxytocin receptor binding, prenatally stressed voles cross-fostered to high-contact rearing showed the highest vasopressin-1a receptor binding in the amygdala. Results indicate that prenatal stress induces greater environmental sensitivity, making it both a risk and an opportunity factor.
Can in-house use data of print collections shed new light on library practices? Statistical evidence from a five-year longitudinal study in China
Authors: Han Xi , Song Min , Li Chunqiu , Zhu Qinghua
Published: February 2018

Libraries worldwide are encountering limited budgets, rising e-collection prices and declining check-out use of print books. It is necessary for administrators to demonstrate physical library value to stakeholders and make empirically based collection development decisions. This five-year longitudinal study of the Southern Medical University Library in China was conducted based on the in-house use and the check-out use data of the whole collection from 2012 to 2016. We found that the in-house use of print materials was positively correlated with the check-out use. In-house use represented 26.78% of the total circulation, on average. Academic bound periodicals and reference books were rarely used in-house. The in-house use ratio differed greatly among subjects, and subjects with frequent check-out use approximated the average ratio. Collections with high check-out use also had a high in-house use ratio. Of the books, 46.1% of the titles were used only in-house, and titles of in-house use were 1.5 times that of check-out use, although the average frequency of in-house use was lower than check-out use. Check-out use data could not comprehensively represent in-house use. In-house use data provided important information for the physical library’s value estimation and collection weeding. We provide practical suggestions on in-house use data collection, collection development and weeding work.
Hypolipidemic Drugs and Diabetes Mellitus—Mechanisms and Data From Genetic Trials
Authors: Filippatos Theodosios D. , Panagiotopoulou Thalia , Tzavella Eleftheria , Elisaf Moses S.
Published: February 2018

Clinical trials and meta-analyses have shown that statins can dose dependently increase the incidence of new-onset diabetes mellitus (DM) especially in patients with underlying abnormalities of carbohydrate homeostasis. Mendelian randomization studies support these findings since genetic variants in the gene encoding the target of statins, the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, are associated with increased incidence of new-onset DM, suggesting that the so-called diabetogenic effect of statins is an “on-target effect” possibly related to their main mechanism of action, that is the increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor expression. Additionally, Mendelian randomization studies have shown that genetic variants as proxies of other drugs that increase LDL receptor expression (ezetimibe and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 [PCSK9] inhibitors) also increase the risk of new-onset DM. This concept is supported by the fact of decreased DM prevalence in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia who have decreased LDL receptor expression. In contrast, hypolipidemic drugs, such as the cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors, that decrease LDL cholesterol without directly interfering with the LDL receptor expression do not seem to detrimentally affect carbohydrate homeostasis. However, the clinical trials of ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors have not shown an increased DM risk, possibly suggesting that other potential non-well-defined “off-target effects” of hypolipidemic drugs may affect carbohydrate homeostasis. Thus, the long-term effect of hypolipidemic drugs on DM risk depends not only on their final mechanism of hypolipidemic action but also on other “on-target” and “off-target” effects of these drugs.
Moving towards novel multidisciplinary approaches for improving elderly quality of life: The emerging role of telemedicine in Sicily
Authors: Maresca Giuseppa , De Cola Maria C , Caliri Santina , De Luca Rosaria , Manuli Alfredo , Scarcella Ileana , Silvestri Giuseppe , Bramanti Placido , Torrisi Michele , Calabrò Rocco S , Bramanti Alessia ,   the Sicilian Teleneurology Group
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Elderly care is a worldwide social and economic challenge for the public health system, and it requires the development of new management strategies. Telemedicine provides an innovative approach towards elderly care, especially for those with chronic diseases. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential role of a multidisciplinary telemedicine approach for improving elderly quality of life.

Methods

Twenty-two participants received weekly vital parameter monitoring and nutritional counselling, biweekly psychological counselling and a monthly consultation with a neurologist. The neuropsychological assessment included the Mini Mental State Examination, the Activities of Daily Living, the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Short-Form Health Survey, and was administered at enrolment (T0) and at the end of the study (T3). The nutritional evaluation included haematochemical examinations of glycaemia, total cholesterol, and triglycerides at baseline (T0) and every four months (T1, T2, T3).

Results

Significant differences in Activities of Daily Living, Geriatric Depression Scale and all domains of the Short-Form Health Survey were observed between baseline and the end of the study. The haematochemical parameters showed obvious changes over time, especially in cholesterol values, and the patients with hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia showed a reduction in body mass index. Moreover, we found that the haematochemical values were moderately correlated with the Activities of Daily Living, Geriatric Depression Scale and Short-Form Health Survey scores.

Conclusion

Telemedicine can be a suitable tool for caring for elderly people more efficiently by promoting the remission of depressive symptoms and improving social functioning, cognitive levels and nutritional habits to prevent vascular diseases and exacerbations of pre-existing chronic illness.
The impact of life story work on person-centred care for people with dementia living in long-stay care settings in Ireland
Authors: Cooney Adeline , O’Shea Eamon
Published: February 2018

The potential of life story work to add quality to dementia care is widely acknowledged. Whether this potential is always realised in practice and under what circumstances is less clear. This paper explores whether knowing the person’s life story enhances healthcare professionals’ understanding of the person with dementia and whether this understanding impacts on the person’s care. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 registered nurses and 12 healthcare assistants who had used life story work with people with dementia living in long-stay care settings. Data were analysed using the constant comparative technique. Engaging in life story work enabled staff to see the person behind the dementia. Understanding (as opposed to knowing) the person with dementia’s life story changed staff’s thinking on what is important when delivering care to people with dementia, with staff giving concrete examples of changes in how they delivered care to the person with dementia and what they considered important when delivering that care. It was concluded that life story work can facilitate a shift to person centred dementia care but how it is implemented matters if this outcome is to be achieved.
A new selection method to increase the health benefits of CVD prevention strategies
Authors: Lagerweij Ghizelda R , de Wit G Ardine , Moons Karel GM , van der Schouw Yvonne T , Verschuren WM Monique , Dorresteijn Jannick AN , Koffijberg Hendrik ,   the CREW consortium
Published: February 2018

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention is commonly focused on providing individuals at high predicted CVD risk with preventive medication. Whereas CVD risk increases rapidly with age, current risk-based selection of individuals mainly targets the elderly. However, the lifelong (preventable) consequences of CVD events may be larger in younger individuals. The purpose of this paper is to investigate if health benefits from preventive treatment may increase when the selection strategy is further optimised.

Methods

Data from three Dutch cohorts were combined (n = 47469, men:women 1:1.92) and classified into subgroups based on age and gender. The Framingham global risk score was used to estimate 10-year CVD risk. The associated lifelong burden of CVD events according to this 10-year CVD risk was expressed as quality-adjusted life years lost. Based on this approach, the additional health benefits from preventive treatment, reducing this 10-year CVD risk, from selecting individuals based on their expected CVD burden rather than their expected CVD risk were estimated. These benefits were expressed as quality-adjusted life years gained over lifetime.

Results

When using the current selection strategy (10% risk threshold), 32% of the individuals were selected for preventive treatment. When the same proportion was selected based on burden, more younger and fewer older individuals would receive treatment. Across all individuals, the gain in quality-adjusted life years was 217 between the two strategies, over a 10-year time horizon. In addition, when combining the strategies 5% extra eligible individuals were selected resulting in a gain of 628 quality-adjusted life years.

Conclusion

Improvement of the selection approach of individuals can help to reduce further the CVD burden. Selecting individuals for preventive treatment based on their expected CVD burden will provide more younger and fewer older individuals with treatment, and will reduce the overall CVD burden.
The ambiguity of physical activity, exercise and atrial fibrillation
Authors: Morseth Bente , Løchen Maja-Lisa , Ariansen Inger , Myrstad Marius , Thelle Dag S
Published: February 2018

Although commonly associated with cardiovascular disease or other medical conditions, atrial fibrillation may also occur in individuals without any known underlying conditions. This manifestation of atrial fibrillation has been linked to extensive and long-term exercise, as prolonged endurance exercise has shown to increase prevalence and risk of atrial fibrillation. In contrast, more modest physical activity is associated with a decreased risk of atrial fibrillation, and current research indicates a J-shaped association between atrial fibrillation and the broad range of physical activity and exercise. This has led to the hypothesis that the mechanisms underlying an increased risk of atrial fibrillation with intensive exercise are different from those underlying a reduced risk with moderate physical activity, possibly linked to distinctive characteristics of the population under study. High volumes of exercise over many years performed by lean, healthy endurance trained athletes may lead to cardiac (patho)physiological alterations involving the autonomic nervous system and remodelling of the heart. The mechanisms underlying a reduced risk of atrial fibrillation with light and moderate physical activity may involve a distinctive pathway, as physical activity can potentially reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation through favourable effects on cardiovascular risk factors.
“Occupying” the Internet: State media and the reinvention of official culture online
Authors: Guo Shaohua
Published: February 2018

The second decade of the new millennium in China has witnessed official media’s high-profile endeavors to “occupy” online sphere. Existing scholarship has examined, for instance, how the government at both the central and local levels assumes an increasingly proactive role in experimenting with new modes of e-governance. However, little critical attention has been paid to the reinvention of official culture that aims at having a stronger voice online, already a dynamic space occupied by numerous players competing for user attention and market share. This article fills this gap in literature and engages in a close reading of the Leon Dai incident in 2016. A renowned Taiwanese actor and director, Leon Dai’s role in Zhao Wei’s film No Other Love was replaced on July 15, 2016 because of his alleged ideological support of Taiwanese independence. The state media, as represented by the Weibo account of the Communist Youth League of China, played a crucial role in arousing nationalistic sentiments among Internet users and mobilizing collective actions online. Drawing on discourse analysis and online ethnographic work, I argue that official media’s appropriation of fan culture and capitalization on digital populism are some of the key strategies to approach patriotic netizens. In so doing, state media sectors not only experiment with online media logic that focuses on attracting and sustaining user attention, thereby cultivating their own fan base, they also foster an alliance between the nation and its citizens.
The effect of a medication reconciliation program in two intensive care units in the Netherlands: a prospective intervention study with a before and after design
Authors: Bosma Liesbeth B. E. , Hunfeld Nicole G. M. , Quax Rogier A. M. , Meuwese Edmé , Melief Piet H. G. J. , van Bommel Jasper , Tan SiokSwan , van Kranenburg Maaike J. , van den Bemt Patricia M. L. A.
Published: February 2018

Background

Medication errors occur frequently in the intensive care unit (ICU) and during care transitions. Chronic medication is often temporarily stopped at the ICU. Unfortunately, when the patient improves, the restart of this medication is easily forgotten. Moreover, temporal ICU medication is often unintentionally continued after ICU discharge. Medication reconciliation could be useful to prevent such errors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of medication reconciliation at the ICU.

Methods

This prospective 8-month study with a pre- and post-design was carried out in two ICU settings in the Netherlands. Patients were included when they used ≥ 1 chronic medicine and when the ICU stay exceeded 24 h. The intervention consisted of medication reconciliation by pharmacists at the moment of ICU admission and prior to ICU discharge. Medication transfer errors (MTEs) were collected and the severity of potential harm of these MTEs was measured, based on a potential adverse drug event score (pADE = 0; 0.01; 0.1; 0.4; 0.6). Primary outcome measures were the proportions of patients with ≥ 1 MTE at ICU admission and after discharge. Secondary outcome measures were the proportions of patients with a pADE score ≥ 0.01 due to these MTEs, the severity of the pADEs and the associated costs. Odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, by using a multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

In the pre-intervention phase, 266 patients were included and 212 in the post-intervention phase. The proportion of patients with ≥ 1 MTE at ICU admission was reduced from 45.1 to 14.6% (ORadj 0.18 [95% CI 0.11–0.30]) and after discharge from 73.9 to 41.2% (ORadj 0.24 [95% CI 0.15–0.37]). The proportion of patients with a pADE ≥ 0.01 at ICU admission was reduced from 34.8 to 8.0% (ORadj 0.13 [95% CI 0.07–0.24]) and after discharge from 69.5 to 36.2% (ORadj 0.26 [95% CI 0.17–0.40]). The pADE reduction resulted in a potential net cost–benefit of € 103 per patient.

Conclusions

Medication reconciliation by pharmacists at ICU transfers is an effective safety intervention, leading to a significant decrease in the number of MTE and a cost-effective reduction in potential harm.

Trial registration Dutch trial register: NTR4159, 5 September 2013, retrospectively registered
Deep sustained response to daratumumab monotherapy associated with T-cell expansion in triple refractory myeloma
Authors: Usmani Saad Z. , Khan Imran , Chiu Christopher , Foureau David , Druhan Lawrence J. , Rigby Katherine , Casneuf Tineke , Sasser A. Kate
Published: February 2018

Background

Daratumumab, a human CD38 monoclonal antibody that has direct on-tumor and immunomodulatory mechanisms of action, demonstrated clinical benefit as monotherapy or in combination with established regimens in patients with multiple myeloma with one or more prior lines of therapy.

Case presentation

A male patient, who was 70 years of age at the time of diagnosis of multiple myeloma in 2011, relapsed after five lines of therapy, including autologous stem cell transplantation. The patient’s disease, which was considered high risk with a deletion of chromosome 17p, advanced quickly and was triple refractory 2 years after diagnosis leaving few treatment options. He was treated with daratumumab monotherapy in the SIRIUS clinical trial resulting in a stringent complete response and clearance of minimal residual disease. The duration of the patient’s clinical response is now over 3.5 years without relapse, compared with a median of 7.6 months for similarly treated patients. The patient’s immunophenotype revealed CD8+ T-cell expansion, clonal expansion of the T-cell receptor repertoire, and decreases in regulatory T cells during daratumumab therapy, suggesting a robust adaptive immune response. This immune response was still present 32 months into daratumumab therapy.

Conclusions

The results from this case report showed that a patient with advanced multiple myeloma, who had exhausted all treatment options with existing regimens, mounted an ongoing, deep, and durable response to daratumumab monotherapy. Further investigation of the immunologic profile provided additional patient-level evidence of an immunomodulatory mechanism of action of daratumumab.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier number NCT01985126. Submitted 22 July 2013
Long-term outcomes of trauma-focused treatment in psychosis
Authors: van den Berg David , de Bont Paul A. J. M. , van der Vleugel Berber M. , de Roos Carlijn , de Jongh Ad , van Minnen Agnes , van der Gaag Mark
Published: February 2018

We present 12-month follow-up results for a randomised controlled trial of prolonged exposure and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in 85 (78.8%) participants with psychotic disorder and comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Positive effects on clinician-rated PTSD, self-rated PTSD, depression, paranoid-referential thinking and remission from schizophrenia were maintained up to 12-month follow-up. Negative post-traumatic cognitions declined in prolonged exposure and were stable in EMDR. A significant decline in social functioning was found, whereas reductions in interference of PTSD symptoms with social functioning were maintained. These results support that current PTSD guidelines apply to individuals with psychosis.

Declaration of interest

M.v.d.G. and D.v.d.B. receive income for published books on psychotic disorders and for the training of postdoctoral professionals in the treatment of psychotic disorders. A.d.J. receives income for published books on EMDR therapy and for the training of postdoctoral professionals in this method. A.v.M. receives income for published book chapters on PTSD and for the training of postdoctoral professionals in prolonged exposure. C.d.R. receives income for the training of postdoctoral professionals in EMDR therapy.
Retinoblastoma in Sub-Saharan Africa: Case Studies of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Lukamba Robert M. , Yao Jean-Jacques A. , Kabesha Theophile A. , Budiongo Aleine N. , Monga Ben B. , Mwembo Albert T. , Bey Pierre , Chenge Gabrielle B. , Desjardins Laurence , Luboya Oscar N. , Doz François , Stefan Cristina D.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

In most low-income countries, the diagnosis of retinoblastoma is delayed, resulting in a severe prognosis. The objectives of this study were to describe the access to diagnosis and care of children diagnosed with retinoblastoma and the challenges in two sub-Saharan African countries: the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Patients and Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected from the medical records of patients admitted during the period of January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2014. Data were entered and analyzed using Epi Info7.1 software and SAS 9.3.

Results

One hundred sixteen cases of retinoblastoma were collected, including 60 boys and 56 girls. The median diagnosis age was 3 years for both countries. Ninety-eight patients (84%) had unilateral retinoblastoma. Most of the patients presented with advanced disease (76% had extraocular retinoblastoma). Median time between initial symptoms and diagnosis was 8.5 months (range, 0.4 to 116.7 months). Median time between diagnosis and treatment initiation was 31 days (range, 0 to 751 days). The median cost for the treatment of the disease was estimated at $1,954 per patient.

Conclusion

Late diagnosis of retinoblastoma, with extraocular disease, occurs frequently in both African countries. It is associated with delay in initiating treatment, and the cost of the treatment remains unaffordable for most of the families. Support groups for parents of affected children and the support of the Franco-African Pediatric Oncology Group remain important in improving early diagnosis and providing treatment in sub-Saharan African countries.
Building Oncofertility Core Competency in Developing Countries: Experience From Egypt, Tunisia, Brazil, Peru, and Panama
Authors: Salama Mahmoud , Ataman Lauren , Taha Tamer , Azmy Osama , Braham Marouen , Douik Fatma , Khrouf Mohamed , Rodrigues Jhenifer Kliemchen , Reis Fernando M. , Sánchez Flor , Romero Sergio , Vega Mario , Woodruff Teresa K.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Little is known about oncofertility practice in developing countries that usually suffer from a shortage of health services, especially those related to cancer care.

Materials and Methods

To learn more about oncofertility practice in developing countries, we generated a survey to explore the barriers and opportunities associated with oncofertility practice in five developing countries from Africa and Latin America within our Oncofertility Consortium Global Partners Network. Responses from Egypt, Tunisia, Brazil, Peru, and Panama were collected, reviewed, and discussed.

Results

Common barriers were identified by each country, including financial barriers (lack of insurance coverage and high out-of-pocket costs for patients), lack of awareness among providers and patients, cultural and religious constraints, and lack of funding to help to support oncofertility programs.

Conclusion

Despite barriers to care, many opportunities exist to grow the field of oncofertility in these five developing countries. It is important to continue to engage stakeholders in developing countries and use powerful networks in the United States and other developed countries to aid in the acceptance of oncofertility on a global level.
Expansão organizacional: o caso Totvs
Authors: Prim Alexandre Luis , Pereira Luis Henrique
Published: February 2018

Com a abertura do mercado brasileiro para a instalação de multinacionais estrangeiras, a Totvs, uma empresa de pequeno porte que distribui, nacionaliza e comercializa no Brasil softwares estrangeiros, passou a competir com grandes players do mercado internacional como a SAP e Oracle. Além disso, pequenos players domésticos começaram a ameaçar a Totvs com produtos e serviços de custos inferiores, tornando o ambiente mais competitivo. Nesse cenário, quais são as alternativas mais prudentes para o crescimento sustentado da Totvs?
The interplay between immunity and aging in Drosophila
Authors: Garschall Kathrin , Flatt Thomas
Published: February 2018

Here, we provide a brief review of the mechanistic connections between immunity and aging—a fundamental biological relationship that remains poorly understood—by considering two intertwined questions: how does aging affect immunity, and how does immunity affect aging? On the one hand, aging contributes to the deterioration of immune function and predisposes the organism to infections (“immuno-senescence”). On the other hand, excessive activation of the immune system can accelerate degenerative processes, cause inflammation and immunopathology, and thus promote aging (“inflammaging”). Interestingly, several recent lines of evidence support the hypothesis that restrained or curbed immune activity at old age (that is, optimized age-dependent immune homeostasis) might actually improve realized immune function and thereby promote longevity. We focus mainly on insights from Drosophila, a powerful genetic model system in which both immunity and aging have been extensively studied, and conclude by outlining several unresolved questions in the field.
Improving student nurses' confidence in managing the acutely ill patient
Authors: Smith Joyce , Rushton Melanie
Published: February 2018

Aim:

the Acute Illness Management (AIM) course was introduced into NHS trusts across Greater Manchester in 2002/03 for registered nurses. In preparation for the transition from student to registered nurse, the AIM course was then included in the final year of the undergraduate nursing programme. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the AIM course on student nurses' confidence in managing the acutely ill patient.

Method:

a quantitative approach was adopted. Ethical approval was granted by the Research and Ethics committee at the University of Salford.

Results:

a total of 192 student nurses attended the AIM course; 94% of the students completed a pre-course questionnaire and 100% completed the post-course questionnaire.

Conclusion:

the evidence suggests a significant increase in the student nurses' confidence in recognising, responding and managing an acutely ill patient following the one-day course.
Information for clinical staff considering writing for a professional journal
Authors: Glasper Alan , Peate Ian
Published: February 2018

Alan Glasper, Editor in Chief, Comprehensive Child and Adolescent Nursing, and Ian Peate, Editor in Chief, British Journal of Nursing, describe a systematic approach to writing for publication
Patient pathway: the ideal approach
Authors: Corless Lynsey , Brew Iain
Published: February 2018

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) can be a devastating complication of cirrhosis, affecting patients and their families. Multidisciplinary community and specialist teams must work together with patients and their families to recognise HE, identify and treat problems early, and minimise time spent unwell or in hospital. Primary care provides an ideal setting for patient education and reinforcement of the salient points on self-care. In the acute setting, the use of care pathways can ensure that the critical aspects of pharmacological, dietetic and supportive care are offered in a timely fashion to reduce morbidity and mortality. This article discusses strategies that can be used in primary and secondary care to help teams deliver excellent practice in HE management.
Diagnosis and management of hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Shawcross Debbie L
Published: February 2018

Overt and covert hepatic encephalopathy (HE) are debilitating complications of cirrhosis. HE results in a poor quality of life for patients and their caregivers and, unless there is access to liver transplantation, the prognosis is poor. The development of overt HE is often unpredictable, and its management, particularly in the ward, remains challenging. There is an urgent need for novel approaches to treat HE. Until recently, therapies for this complication were disappointing, with frequently intolerable side effects such as diarrhoea and faecal incontinence. However, a non-absorbable antibiotic, rifaximin, * has been approved for the prevention of recurrent overt HE. It aims to reduce hospitalisation and resource use, as well as improve patients' quality of life. This article describes the practical aspects of diagnosing, classifying and managing HE. It reviews the pharmacological options for the treatment and prophylaxis of overt HE, and explores the evidence base demonstrating that rifaximin reduces the recurrence of overt HE
Reviews DVD/Blu-ray
Authors: Frangos Constantine , Carr Kim , Jackson Jessica P. , Kmosko Leah Rae
Published: February 2018

The Confession (L’aveu, 1970) France/Italy Director Costa-Gavras Runtime 138 minutes

Blu-ray USA, 2015 Produced and distributed by The Criterion Collection (region A/1)

Woman of the Year (1942) USA Director George Stevens Runtime 114 minutes

Blu-ray USA, 2017 Distributed by The Criterion Collection (region A/1)

Nightcrawler (2014) USA Director Dan Gilroy Runtime 117 minutes

DVD USA, 2015 Distributed by Universal Studios Home Entertainment (region 1)

“Just a Boy Who Made Me Laugh Once”

Revolutionary Road (2008) USA Director Sam Mendes Runtime 119 minutes

DVD USA, 2009 Distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment (region 1)
The apple sorting site: A case of design of living things
Authors: Kleinert Johanna
Published: February 2018

This article describes the apple as a designed product, while the process of sorting apples is viewed as design: In this process, an unclear mix of apples is turned into categories of neatly describable homogeneous apples. The course of action of apple sorting in an automated site is described, where digital datasets of images of the fruit are analysed automatically and serve as the basis for categorizing the fruit into sorting groups. The aim is to determine the underlying values that shape the process of apple sorting, comparing the requirements of the EU marketing standards to the more differentiated and demanding sorting groups observable in practice. Sorting as a control step becomes necessary to assign the contingent fruit taken from the plant into precisely specified categories. The analysis of the visual appearance of the fruit leads to conclusions about their quality and economic value. Here, apple sorting is viewed as a case of the design of living things in order to investigate the values that guide human intervention in living organisms. Additionally, apple sorting is also a case of Food Design that shows how even the most ‘natural’ food products are designed.
Sense, substance, fruit: Examining poetic descriptions of how people experience fruits as input for design considerations
Authors: Lee Thomas
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the intimate sensory relations between humans and fruit. It articulates a view that the dynamically interrelated characteristics of microstructural complexity, sweetness and extreme malleability make the experiential dimensions of fruit distinctive in anthropological experience. The article draws on the work of Steven Connor for theoretical support. Particular focus is given to his concept of ‘senstance’, which emphasizes the important role substances have in the human imagination, and inversely, the way imagination allows humans to make explicit the seductive but often obscure properties of substances. It proposes Connor is a worthy inheritor of the place held by thinkers such as Roland Barthes and Gaston Bachelard, whose work has been an enduring influence for design theorists and historians. Fruit-focused examples from poetry, art and design are discussed with the view of elaborating a suitably rich and multifaceted account of the anthropological importance of this mundane but pervasive thing.
Book Reviews
Authors: Schifferstein Hendrik N. J. , Parham Susan , Carta Silvio , Parasecoli Fabio
Published: February 2018

Katja Gruijters Food Design: Exploring the Future of Food, Ed van Hinte (2016)

Houten, the Netherlands: Uitgeverij Terra, 216 pp.,

ISBN: 9789089896889, p/bk, €40

Food and Architecture: At the Table, Samantha L. Martin-McAuliffe (ed.) (2016)

London and New York: Bloomsbury Academic, 304 pp.,

ISBN: 9780857857347, p/bk, £24.99

Food Democracy: Critical Lessons in Food, Communication, Design and Art, Oliver Vodeb (ed.) (2017)

Bristol: Intellect, 500 pp.,

ISBN: 9781783207961, p/bk, £30
‘Doing–listening’ with Deranged’s Struck by a Murderous Siege: An  auto-ethnography of death metal vinyl consumption
Authors: Zenerian Eleftherios
Published: February 2018

This article deals with vinyl records from the perspective of the cultural study of everyday life. It focuses on the author’s rituals of vinyl consumption, using as a case study Deranged’s Struck by a Murderous Siege (2016). It is shown that in an era of media convergence listening to vinyl records is an activity in which a variety of media participate in ‘doing–listening’, a process that involves the invocation of a unique secret knowledge developed over social relationships with people and things, and memories of past experiences, through which the intertextual nature of death metal texts is revealed and the doer–listener produces his or her own culture. In that sense, the value of vinyl records cannot be estimated in advance, based on ‘objective’ attributes – such as size of artwork, distinctiveness of sound, aura attribution or feelings of technostalgia – but, instead, accrues through the process of co-production through doing–listening with texts.