bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ring-Opening Polymerization Reactions of ε-Caprolactone and Lactides Initiated by (Benzimidazolylmethyl)amino Magnesium(II) Alkoxides
Authors: Akpan Ekemini D. , Omondi Bernard , Ojwach Stephen O.
Published: March 2018

Reactions of (benzimidazolylmethyl)amine ligands N-((1H-benzo[s]imidazol-2-yl)methyl)-2,6-dimethylaniline (L1), N-((1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)methyl)-2,6-diisopropylaniline (L2), and N-((1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)methyl)-2,4,6-trimethylaniline (L3) with Mg(nBu)2 in the presence of either benzyl alcohol (BnOH) or tert-butyl alcohol (t-BuOH) afforded the respective MgII alkoxides [Mg(L1)(OBn)]2 (1), [(Mg(L2)(OBn)]2 (2), [Mg(L3)(OBn)]2 (3), [Mg(L2)(t-BuO)]2 (4). Complexes 1–4 formed efficient catalysts for the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL), d,l-lactide (d,l-LA) and l-lactide (l-LA) at 110°C. The catalytic activities of these complexes in the ROP reactions were influenced by the steric effect of the ligands. Kinetic studies showed pseudo-first-order dependency on monomer. Polycaprolactone and polylactides of moderate weight-average molecular weights of 15285 and 5200 g mol−1 and fairly narrow polydispersity indexes from 1.24 to 1.58 were produced.
Changes in health services usage associated with insulin initiation in primary care
Authors: Johnson Samuel , Thuraisingam Sharmala , Furler John , Nankervis Jo-Anne Manski
Published: March 2018

Insulin initiation is often delayed in primary care partly because of clinician concerns about the additional clinical work. This study describes health services usage (HSU) pre- and post-insulin initiation in people with type 2 diabetes and out-of-target glycaemic levels. Secondary analysis of participant data from the Stepping Up randomised controlled trial of a model of care for insulin initiation in general practice was undertaken. For 142 people who commenced insulin, HSU in the 6 months prior was compared to that in the 12 months following insulin initiation. Overall, HSU events increased in the 6 months following insulin initiation from a median (IQR) of 18 (15, 29) to 23 (16, 36); (P=0.05), mostly because of an increase in general practitioner (GP) consultations (6 (4, 10) to 8 (5, 11); (P=0.01)). HSU and GP consultations subsequently returned to baseline at 12 months. There was no effect on hospitalisations or specialist consultations. Insulin initiation is associated with a small increase in GP consultations that reverts to baseline after 12 months without affecting other health services. This study can inform health services planning and resource allocation at practice and health policy levels to support insulin initiation in general practice.
The influence of dopaminergic system inhibition on biosynthesis of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and GnRH receptor in anoestrous sheep; hierarchical role of kisspeptin and RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3)
Authors: Ciechanowska M. , Łapot M. , Paruszewska E. , Radawiec W. , Przekop F.
Published: March 2018

This study aimed to explain how prolonged inhibition of central dopaminergic activity affects the cellular processes governing gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and LH secretion in anoestrous sheep. For this purpose, the study included two experimental approaches: first, we investigated the effect of infusion of sulpiride, a dopaminergic D2 receptor antagonist (D2R), on GnRH and GnRH receptor (GnRHR) biosynthesis in the hypothalamus and on GnRHR in the anterior pituitary using an immunoassay. This analysis was supplemented by analysis of plasma LH levels by radioimmunoassay. Second, we used real-time polymerase chain reaction to analyse the influence of sulpiride on the levels of kisspeptin (Kiss1) mRNA in the preoptic area and ventromedial hypothalamus including arcuate nucleus (VMH/ARC), and RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3) mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus. Sulpiride significantly increased plasma LH concentration and the levels of GnRH and GnRHR in the hypothalamic–pituitary unit. The abolition of dopaminergic activity resulted in a significant increase in transcript level of Kiss1 in VMH/ARC and a decrease of RFRP-3 in PVN. The study demonstrates that dopaminergic neurotransmission through D2R is involved in the regulatory pathways of GnRH and GnRHR biosynthesis in the hypothalamic–pituitary unit of anoestrous sheep, conceivably via mechanisms in which Kiss1 and RFRP-3 participate.
Leaf and root production, decomposition and carbon and nitrogen fluxes during stand development in tropical moist forests, north-east India
Authors: Lalnunzira C. , Tripathi S. K.
Published: March 2018

In the present study we investigated the production and decomposition of leaves, branches and roots in two moist regenerating tropical forests (5 and 15 years old; RF-5 and RF-15 respectively) and a natural forest (NF) in north-east India. Total litter input increased during vegetation succession (759, 1089 and 1284 g m–2 year–1 in RF-5, RF-15 and NF respectively), whereas the contribution of soft litter decreased sharply. Decomposition over 450 days indicated significant seasonal (P < 0.001) patterns in mass loss of litter components, with greater rates during the wet period. Soil CO2 efflux was strongly seasonal. C stock loss followed patterns similar to those of mass loss, whereas N increased initially, followed by its gradual release. Rainfall explained 74–90% of the variability in mass loss rates. Concentrations of cellulose and N were significantly positively correlated with mass loss at an early stage of decomposition (r = 0.54–0.65, P < 0.05), whereas lignin : N and C : N ratios were negatively correlated with mass loss at later stages. Regenerating forests adapted ecosystem-level strategies that induced early leaf fall to reduce soil water loss, increase organic matter return to the soil and conserve N through immobilisation during the process of decomposition to speed up vegetation succession in the regenerating forest.
Das Menschenbild des Kallikles im platonischen Gorgias
Authors: Gutschmidt Holger
Published: March 2018

The sophist Callicles in Plato’s Gorgias is one of the few interlocutors of the Platonic Socrates who persistently refuses
to be refuted by Socrates’ arguments. In the contrary, he develops an alternative conception of man which he believes can show Socrates’
ideas about the good and man’s happiness wrong and illusory. This contribution analyses Callicles’ anthropology in the
Gorgias and argues that Callicles’ position indicates a systematic problem in Socrates’ conception of happiness.
Therefore, its function within the Gorgias is to introduce in to the conception of the Politeia where
Plato abandons his earlier individualistic (and Socratic) concept of happiness and replaces it by the idea of the philosopher’s state.
Aristotelian dialectic as midwifery
Authors: Weigelt Charlotta
Published: March 2018

In Topics I.2, Aristotle famously claims that dialectic, as a
critical inquiry, affords the path to the primary principles of science. This
article sets out from the assumption that Aristotle shares with Plato the
suspicion that dialectical critique cannot contribute to the advancement of
scientific knowledge as long as it is of the Socratic, elenctic kind, since its
only benefit is to refute false beliefs. But when Plato in the
Theaetetus has Socrates act as a midwife to his fellow men,
he offers an alternative picture of dialectical critique that also, it is
argued, captures the spirit of Aristotle’s dialectical work, especially as
pursued in the Metaphysics. In Aristotle, however, the mission
of Socratic midwifery, to help other individuals give birth to knowledge that
was already innate to them, is transformed into a project that centers on the
liberation of the as yet dormant and inarticulate truth of the tradition.
Salomon Maimons Maimonides-Rezeption im Kontext seiner
Auseinandersetzung mit Kants Konzept der Dinge an sich1
Authors: Elon Daniel
Published: March 2018

The 18th century philosopher Salomon Maimon, who originated from a small village
in Eastern Europe and who, despite having been destined to become a rabbi at a
young age, emigrated to Berlin and other German locations to study philosophy,
showed a strong bond to the medieval philosopher Moses Maimonides, most
obviously by his self selected surname. Besides this, Maimon’s philosophical
works have been significantly influenced by the rationalistic philosophy and
theology of Maimonides. Most importantly, Maimonides’ theory of divine reason,
which in turn refers to Aristotle’s Metaphysics, is
incorporated into the philosophy of Maimon, who decisively transformed this
conception into his own notion of an infinite intellect. In this article, it
shall be demonstrated that Maimon uses this concept, derived from Maimonides’
thought to a large extent, yet significantly differing from it in important
aspects, to argue against Immanuel Kant’s critical philosophy: At first by
rejecting the Kantian dualism of sensibility and intellect, then by trying to
uncover Kant’s notion of the thing in itself as meaningless and
eventually by trying to eliminate this notion from the system of transcendental
philosophy in general. To present this specific constellation of argumentation,
at first Maimon’s reception of central Maimonidean thoughts shall be examined in
a strongly selective manner. In a second step, the application of these thoughts
to the difficulties of Kant’s philosophy by Maimon has to be drafted. By
inquiring the multifaceted relation of Maimon to the medieval philosopher in
these important aspects, Maimonides’ particular relevance for German philosophy
in the late 18th century shall be revealed.
Frames of reference and the encoding of spatial location in Mandarin Chinese
Authors: Zhang Keding
Published: March 2018

This article attempts to account for how the static spatial relations of location between objects are encoded in Mandarin Chinese with Levinson’s notions of frames of reference and Talmy’s concept of Figure-Ground relations as theoretical guidance. Space is relational in nature, and spatial relations are embodied concepts that are at the heart of our conceptual system. That’s why they cannot be seen in the way physical objects are observed. Accordingly, I am inclined to propose that spatial relations are not natural entities in the physical world, but abstract ones that are construed and conceptualized subjectively by human beings. In accordance with the relational nature of space, Mandarin Chinese speakers usually encode the abstract spatial relationX Spatially Relates To Yinto a linguistic representation asX V Y(P) wherePis optional, when a pure static spatial relation of location between objects is construed, or into a linguistic representation asX VPzài Y PwhereVPstands for verbs of posture, when the object being located is conceived as being spatially related in a certain manner with respect to the reference object. Usually, such linguistic representations asX V Y(P) andX VPzài Y Pare usually realized in Mandarin Chinese as two types of locative constructions: spatial relation constructions of containment/enclosure and spatial relation constructions of proximity/adjacency. What’s more, though locative constructions are related in some way to existential constructions in Mandarin Chinese, they are actually distinct from each other in three ways from a cognitive linguistics perspective: (i) they encode different spatial relations, (ii) they reveal different Figure-Ground relations, and (iii) there is a difference in definiteness of the two nominals involved.
Effects of emotion information on processing pain-related words in visual word recognition
Authors: Duris Jessica , Kumpan Tamara , Duffels Brian , Matheson Heath E. , Pexman Penny M. , Siakaluk Paul D.
Published: March 2018

We examined the effects of emotion information (valence, arousal, and emotional experience) on lexical decision and semantic categorization (using a “Is the word pain-related or not?” decision criterion) performance for pain-related words. Using linear mixed-effects modeling, we observed facilitatory effects of emotional experience in both tasks, such that faster responses were associated with higher emotional experience ratings. We observed a marginally significant valence effect in the semantic categorization task, such that faster responses were associated with more unpleasantness ratings. These effects were observed even with several other predictor variables (e.g., frequency, age of acquisition, concreteness, physical pain experience ratings) included in the analyses. These results suggest that the dimensions of emotional experience and (to a lesser degree) valence underlie emotion conceptual knowledge of pain-related words; however, their influence appears to be dynamic, depending on task demands.
The unbounded productivity of (sign) language
Authors: Berent Iris , Dupuis Amanda
Published: March 2018

Unbounded productivity is a hallmark of linguistic competence. Here, we asked whether this capacity automatically applies to signs. Participants saw video-clips of novel signs in American Sign Language (ASL) produced by a signer whose body appeared in a monochromatic color, and they quickly identified the signs’ color. The critical manipulation compared reduplicative (αα) signs to non-reduplicative (αβ) controls. Past research has shown that reduplication is frequent in ASL, and frequent structures elicit stronger Stroop interference. If signers automatically generalize the reduplication function, then αα signs should elicit stronger color-naming interference. Results showed no effect of reduplication for signs whose base (α) consisted of native ASL features (possibly, due to the similarity of α items to color names). Remarkably, signers were highly sensitive to reduplication when the base (α) included novel features. These results demonstrate that signers can freely extend their linguistic knowledge to novel forms, and they do so automatically. Unbounded productivity thus defines all languages, irrespective of input modality.
Merkur on Jung on ethics, mysticism, and religion
Authors: Segal Robert A.
Published: March 2018

InJung’s Ethics, Dan Merkur, a psychoanalyst in Toronto and the author of many books on the Inuit, psychoanalytic theory, mysticism, and drug-induced religious experience, here writes for the first time on Jungian psychology. Merkur is not abandoning Freud for Jung. A Freudian he remains. But he seeks to contrast Jung positively to Freud. Merkur draws scores of contrasts. Some of them are already known, some not. But even when the contrasts are known, Merkur illuminates them. He is especially concerned with the difference between Freud and Jung on the relationship of psychology to religion. Where Freud seeks to replace religion by psychology, Jung seeks to make psychology itself religious. Whether Jung in fact succeeds in tying psychology so tightly to religion, as Merkur contends, is considered.
Developing the port of Belawan as a modern and international port
Authors: Many N
Published: March 2018

This study discusses the processes of government to pass the port development plan in Indonesia with the Port of Belawan and its port expansion as the study case. The study uses a descriptive approach by reviewing and analyzing some of relevant literature as the sources. It also reviews and examines the port development theoretical concepts and models giving attention to the international hub port models resulted from the previous studies. The international hub port aspects assessed to be further applied and compared to the actual situation of the Port of Belawan. This process draws the conclusion on which concept and model the port classified, followed by some recommendations concerning the necessary actions to be taken. The results show that: (1) The port planning regulated in port master plan is the guideline and foundation to implement the port development; (2) Spatial and zoning plan regulations are very important in the preparation, planning, and implementation of port development; (3) It has not provided the necessary facilities and criteria of the global hub port model has not been met completely. The port is strategic to be completely developed as the regional hub port to compete with the major ports of neighboring countries. Eventually, this study requires further analysis to examine the economic feasibility of the Port of Belawan in more comprehensive way functioning as an international hub port along with the ongoing development of Kuala Tanjung Port to achieve its ultimate objectives, among other things, the port effectiveness, efficiency, and competitiveness.
Structural and functional analyses of microbial metabolic networks reveal novel insights into genome-scale metabolic fluxes
Authors: Li Gaoyang , Cao Huansheng , Xu Ying
Published: March 2018

We present here an integrated analysis of structures and functions of genome-scale metabolic networks of 17 microorganisms. Our structural analyses of these networks revealed that the node degree of each network, represented as a (simplified) reaction network, follows a power-law distribution, and the clustering coefficient of each network has a positive correlation with the corresponding node degree. Together, these properties imply that each network has exactly one large and densely connected subnetwork or core. Further analyses revealed that each network consists of three functionally distinct subnetworks: (i) a core, consisting of a large number of directed reaction cycles of enzymes for interconversions among intermediate metabolites; (ii) a catabolic module, with a largely layered structure consisting of mostly catabolic enzymes; (iii) an anabolic module with a similar structure consisting of virtually all anabolic genes; and (iv) the three subnetworks cover on average ∼56, ∼31 and ∼13% of a network’s nodes across the 17 networks, respectively. Functional analyses suggest: (1) cellular metabolic fluxes generally go from the catabolic module to the core for substantial interconversions, then the flux directions to anabolic module appear to be determined by input nutrient levels as well as a set of precursors needed for macromolecule syntheses; and (2) enzymes in each subnetwork have characteristic ranges of kinetic parameters, suggesting optimized metabolic and regulatory relationships among the three subnetworks.
Reactivation of the Nkx2.5 cardiac enhancer after myocardial infarction does not presage myogenesis
Authors: Deutsch Marcus-André , Doppler Stefanie A , Li Xinghai , Lahm Harald , Santamaria Gianluca , Cuda Giovanni , Eichhorn Stefan , Ratschiller Thomas , Dzilic Elda , Dreßen Martina , Eckart Annekathrin , Stark Konstantin , Massberg Steffen , Bartels Anna , Rischpler Christoph , Gilsbach Ralf , Hein Lutz , Fleischmann Bernd K , Wu Sean M , Lange Rüdiger , Krane Markus
Published: March 2018

Aims

The contribution of resident stem or progenitor cells to cardiomyocyte renewal after injury in adult mammalian hearts remains a matter of considerable debate. We evaluated a cell population in the adult mouse heart induced by myocardial infarction (MI) and characterized by an activated Nkx2.5 enhancer element that is specific for multipotent cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) during embryonic development. We hypothesized that these MI-induced cells (MICs) harbour cardiomyogenic properties similar to their embryonic counterparts.

Methods and results

MICs reside in the heart and mainly localize to the infarction area and border zone. Interestingly, gene expression profiling of purified MICs 1 week after infarction revealed increased expression of stem cell markers and embryonic cardiac transcription factors (TFs) in these cells as compared to the non-mycoyte cell fraction of adult hearts. A subsequent global transcriptome comparison with embryonic CPCs and fibroblasts and in vitro culture of MICs unveiled that (myo-)fibroblastic features predominated and that cardiac TFs were only expressed at background levels.

Conclusions

Adult injury-induced reactivation of a cardiac-specific Nkx2.5 enhancer element known to specifically mark myocardial progenitor cells during embryonic development does not reflect hypothesized embryonic cardiomyogenic properties. Our data suggest a decreasing plasticity of cardiac progenitor (-like) cell populations with increasing age. A re-expression of embryonic, stem or progenitor cell features in the adult heart must be interpreted very carefully with respect to the definition of cardiac resident progenitor cells. Albeit, the abundance of scar formation after cardiac injury suggests a potential to target predestinated activated profibrotic cells to push them towards cardiomyogenic differentiation to improve regeneration.
Innovative assembly strategy contributes to understanding the evolution and conservation genetics of the endangered Solenodon paradoxus from the island of Hispaniola
Authors: Grigorev Kirill , Kliver Sergey , Dobrynin Pavel , Komissarov Aleksey , Wolfsberger Walter , Krasheninnikova Ksenia , Afanador-Hernández Yashira M , Brandt Adam L , Paulino Liz A , Carreras Rosanna , Rodríguez Luis E , Núñez Adrell , Brandt Jessica R , Silva Filipe , Hernández-Martich J David , Majeske Audrey J , Antunes Agostinho , Roca Alfred L , O'Brien Stephen J , Martínez-Cruzado Juan Carlos , Oleksyk Taras K
Published: March 2018

Solenodons are insectivores that live in Hispaniola and Cuba. They form an isolated branch in the tree of placental mammals that are highly divergent from other eulipothyplan insectivores The history, unique biology, and adaptations of these enigmatic venomous species could be illuminated by the availability of genome data. However, a whole genome assembly for solenodons has not been previously performed, partially due to the difficulty in obtaining samples from the field. Island isolation and reduced numbers have likely resulted in high homozygosity within the Hispaniolan solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus). Thus, we tested the performance of several assembly strategies on the genome of this genetically impoverished species. The string graph–based assembly strategy seemed a better choice compared to the conventional de Bruijn graph approach due to the high levels of homozygosity, which is often a hallmark of endemic or endangered species. A consensus reference genome was assembled from sequences of 5 individuals from the southern subspecies (S. p. woodi). In addition, we obtained an additional sequence from 1 sample of the northern subspecies (S. p. paradoxus). The resulting genome assemblies were compared to each other and annotated for genes, with an emphasis on venom genes, repeats, variable microsatellite loci, and other genomic variants. Phylogenetic positioning and selection signatures were inferred based on 4,416 single-copy orthologs from 10 other mammals. We estimated that solenodons diverged from other extant mammals 73.6 million years ago. Patterns of single-nucleotide polymorphism variation allowed us to infer population demography, which supported a subspecies split within the Hispaniolan solenodon at least 300 thousand years ago.
A toolkit to study seabird–fishery interactions
Authors: Le Bot Tangi , Lescroël Amélie , Grémillet David
Published: March 2018

Seabirds and fisheries have been interacting from ancient times, sometimes with mutual benefits: Seabirds provided fishermen with visual cues of fish aggregations, and also fed upon food subsids generated by fishing activities. Yet fisheries and seabirds may also compete for the same resources, and their interactions can lead to additional seabird mortality through accidental bycatch and diminishing fishing efficiency, threatening vulnerable seabird populations. Understanding these complex relationships is essential for conservation strategies, also because it could enhance and ease discussion between stakeholders, towards a common vision for marine ecosystem management. As an aid in this process, we reviewed 510 scientific publications dedicated to seabirds–fisheries interactions, and compiled a methodological toolkit. Methods employed therein serve four main purposes: (i) Implementing distribution overlap analyses, to highlight areas of encounter between seabirds and fisheries (ii) Analysing movement and behavioural patterns using finer-scale information, to characterize interaction types (iii) Investigating individual-scale feeding ecology, to assess fisheries impacts at the scale of bird populations, and (iv) Quantifying the impacts of seabird–fishery interactions on seabird demography and population trends. This latter step allows determining thresholds and tipping points with respect to ecological sustainability. Overall, we stress that forthcoming studies should integrate those multiple approaches, in order to identify and promote best practices towards ecosystem-based fisheries management and ecologically sound marine spatial planning.
Sensitivity of modelled North Sea cod larvae transport to vertical behaviour, ocean model resolution and interannual variation in ocean dynamics
Authors: Kvile Kristina Øie , Romagnoni Giovanni , Dagestad Knut-Frode , Langangen Øystein , Kristiansen Trond
Published: March 2018

Transport with ocean currents affects the spatial distribution and survival of fish eggs and larvae and thereby population connectivity. Biophysical models are commonly used to understand these dynamics. Advancements such as implementing vertical swimming behaviour and higher resolution ocean circulation models are known to improve model performance, however, the relative importance of vertical behaviour vs. ocean model resolution is elusive. Here, we use North Sea cod (Gadus morhua) as a case study to assess how vertical movement, ocean model resolution and interannual variation in ocean dynamics influence drift patterns and population connectivity. We couple a fine (1.6 km, 3 h) and coarser (4 km, 24 h) ocean model to an individual-based model for cod eggs and larvae, and compare simulations with and without vertical movement of eggs and larvae. The results are moderately influenced by vertical movement and ocean model resolution but differ substantially between years. While ocean model resolution is consistently more influential than vertical movement, the effect of vertical movement strongly depends on the spatiotemporal scale of the analyses. This study highlights which aspects of biophysical modelling of connectivity that most critically affect the results, allowing better investing computational resources and proposing goal-based guidelines for future studies.
Crystallization of Random Matrix Orbits
Authors: Gorin Vadim , Marcus Adam W
Published: March 2018

Three operations on eigenvalues of real/complex/quaternion (corresponding to $\beta =1,2,4$) matrices, obtained from cutting out principal corners, adding, and multiplying matrices, can be extrapolated to general values of $\beta>0$ through associated special functions. We show that the $\beta \to \infty $ limit for these operations leads to the finite free projection, additive convolution, and multiplicative convolution, respectively. The limit is the most transparent for cutting out the corners, where the joint distribution of the eigenvalues of principal corners of a uniformly-random general $\beta $ self-adjoint matrix with fixed eigenvalues is known as the $\beta $-corners process. We show that as $\beta \to \infty $ these eigenvalues crystallize on an irregular lattice consisting of the roots of derivatives of a single polynomial. In the second order, we observe a version of the discrete Gaussian Free Field put on top of this lattice, which provides a new explanation as to why the (continuous) Gaussian Free Field governs the global asymptotics of random matrix ensembles.
Contribution of Intrasellar Pressure Elevation to Headache Manifestation in Pituitary Adenoma Evaluated With Intraoperative Pressure Measurement
Authors: Hayashi Yasuhiko , Sasagawa Yasuo , Oishi Masahiro , Kita Daisuke , Misaki Koichi , Fukui Issei , Tachibana Osamu , Nakada Mitsutoshi
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Headache frequently occurs in patients with pituitary adenoma and is reported in large as well as small adenomas. However, the exact mechanism of headache derived from pituitary adenoma remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the contribution of intrasellar pressure (ISP) to headache manifestation by using intraoperative ISP measurement.

METHODS

The records of 108 patients who had first-time transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma were reviewed retrospectively. Measurement of intraoperative ISP was undergone using intracranial pressure monitoring sensors and compared with radiological assessment.

RESULTS

Among 30 patients with headache, 29 (96.7%) presented with significant headache (Headache Impact Score-6, 50 or greater). Intraoperative ISP measurement was conducted successfully in all cases, and revealed higher ISP in patients with headache (35.6 ± 9.2 mm Hg) than in those without headache (15.8 ± 5.2 mm Hg). The ISP reduction after sella floor decompression was greater in patients with headache than that in patients without headache. In patients with headache, the frequency of invasion into the cavernous sinus or sphenoid sinus was significantly lower, and the diameter of the foramen at the diaphragm sellae was narrower. In addition, intratumoral cyst or hematoma was more common in patients with headache. Postoperatively, headache was either diminished or improved in 28 patients (93.3%).

CONCLUSION

Headache in patients with pituitary adenomas associated with ISP elevation, results from compromised dural integrity at the sella and intratumoral hemorrhage. The increased stretch force of the sella dura may be a notable etiology of headache in patients with pituitary adenoma.
Impact of a Residency-Integrated Wellness Program on Resident Mental Health, Sleepiness, and Quality of Life
Authors: Spiotta Alejandro M , Fargen Kyle M , Patel Sunil , Larrew Thomas , Turner Raymond D
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Physicians are poorly trained in balancing the demands of a career in medicine and maintaining personal health. Physician burnout occurs due to demanding hours and psychological conditions unique to the field. Programs that address overall well-being early in residency are necessary to prevent physician burnout and promote physician mental health.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of a wellness initiative on anxiety, depression, quality of life, and sleepiness among the resident participants.

METHODS

A wellness program was initiated and available to resident physicians in the Medical University of South Carolina Department of Neurosurgery. Participants attended weekly group workout sessions with biweekly lectures on mental health and sleep hygiene. Eight resident participants underwent baseline and final psychological testing in July 2015 and June 2016 including the Personal Health Questionnaire Depression Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale, the Quality of Life Scale, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Participant perceptions of the program were also assessed with an anonymous survey.

RESULTS

At the conclusion of the pilot year, improvements were observed in anxiety scores (4 to 2.1; P = .039), quality-of-life scores (82.4 to 95.4; P = .007), and sleepiness (8.3 to 5.7; P = .019). In general, resident perceptions of the program were favorable.

CONCLUSION

Residency-incorporated wellness programs are achievable and can benefit resident mental health. Lack of a control group limits the interpretation of the results. Programs such as these may be implemented to promote well-being and combat physician burnout and its associated mental health abnormalities.
Toward Functional Restoration of the Central Nervous System: A Review of Translational Neuroscience Principles
Authors: Krucoff Max O , Miller Jonathan P , Saxena Tarun , Bellamkonda Ravi , Rahimpour Shervin , Harward Stephen C , Lad Shivanand P , Turner Dennis A
Published: March 2018

Injury to the central nervous system (CNS) can leave patients with devastating neurological deficits that may permanently impair independence and diminish quality of life. Recent insights into how the CNS responds to injury and reacts to critically timed interventions are being translated into clinical applications that have the capacity to drastically improve outcomes for patients suffering from permanent neurological deficits due to spinal cord injury, stroke, or other CNS disorders. The translation of such knowledge into practical and impactful treatments involves the strategic collaboration between neurosurgeons, clinicians, therapists, scientists, and industry. Therefore, a common understanding of key neuroscientific principles is crucial. Conceptually, current approaches to CNS revitalization can be divided by scale into macroscopic (systems-circuitry) and microscopic (cellular-molecular). Here we review both emerging and well-established tenets that are being utilized to enhance CNS recovery on both levels, and we explore the role of neurosurgeons in developing therapies moving forward. Key principles include plasticity-driven functional recovery, cellular signaling mechanisms in axonal sprouting, critical timing for recovery after injury, and mechanisms of action underlying cellular replacement strategies. We then discuss integrative approaches aimed at synergizing interventions across scales, and we make recommendations for the basis of future clinical trial design. Ultimately, we argue that strategic modulation of microscopic cellular behavior within a macroscopic framework of functional circuitry re-establishment should provide the foundation for most neural restoration strategies, and the early involvement of neurosurgeons in the process will be crucial to successful clinical translation.
Twenty-Year Evolution of Hepatitis B Virus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevalence and Incidence in Voluntary Blood Donors in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Seri Benjamin , Minga Albert , Gabillard Delphine , Dembele Bamori , Konate Seidou , Le Carrou Jérôme , Dohoun Lambert , Abo Yao , Karcher Sophie , Coffie Patrick , N’Dri-Yoman Thérèse , Attia Alain , Eholié Serge P , Danel Christine , Lacombe Karine , Anglaret Xavier , Boyd Anders
Published: March 2018

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) share common risk factors. The parallel description of their frequency over time may help capture their similarities and differences.

Methods

Using data from the National Transfusion Center of Abidjan, we estimated the following over a 20-year period: (1) the prevalence of HIV and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity at first contact; and (2) the incidence of HIV and HBsAg seroconversion in negative first-time blood donors.

Results

Between 1992 and 2012, 422319 donors (men [M] = 74%) provided 1063825 blood donations. For first-time donors, HIV prevalence decreased from 7.1% (M = 5.9%, women [W] =11.0%) in 1992–1994 to 1.1% (M = 0.8%, W = 2.0%) in 2010–2012. Prevalence of HBsAg positivity remained stable at 10.8% (M = 11.7%, W = 7.3%) in 1992–1994 to 11.1% (M = 12.5%, W = 7.1%) in 2010–2012. Among regular donors (N = 129256), the incidence of becoming HIV or HBsAg positive, respectively, decreased from 4.9 per 100 (M = 4.5, W = 8.6) and 7.3 per 100 person-years (M = 7.8, W = 2.3) in 1992–1994 to 0.07 (M = 0.06, W = 0.11) and 0.2 per 100 person-years (M = 0.2, W = 0.2) in 2010–2012.

Conclusions

Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence and incidence decreased dramatically over time, whereas HBV prevalence remained stable. Incidence of HBsAg seroconversion, although decreasing, still reached unexpected levels, suggesting that the risk of HBV infection in adults may be higher than expected. Hepatitis B surface antigen-negative blood-donors should be offered HBV vaccination.
Situational and Contextual Factors Sustaining Police Impersonation in Nigeria
Authors: Ojedokun Usman Adekunle
Published: March 2018

Police impostors are not only undermining the performance of the Nigeria Police Force, but they are also impinging on the image of the organization. In view of this, this article examined the situational and contextual factors sustaining police impersonation in Nigeria. Situational choice theory was employed as conceptual framework. The existence of six major conditions in Nigeria is encouraging criminally-minded individuals to illegally take-up police identity. Police impersonation is inhibiting the service delivery capacity of the Nigerian police officials in a number of ways. Therefore, it becomes highly imperative for the Nigeria Police Force to design a holistic framework to effectively control the physical and cyber activities of impersonators using police identity to perpetrate different forms of crime.
‘A Little Time Woud Compleat the Cure’: Broken Bones and Fracture Experiences of the Working Poor in London’s General Hospitals During the Long Eighteenth Century
Authors: Mant Madeleine
Published: March 2018

This article draws upon admission and discharge records from four of London’s voluntary general hospitals (St Thomas’, Guy’s, Middlesex and London) to examine the fracture causes and experiences of the working poor. The article reveals that in-patients generally spent sufficient time in the hospital for significant fracture healing to occur. The diagnosis of fracture is considered within the context of Enlightenment medical education, pathological collections and contemporary clinical nosology. Using surgeons’ and physicians’ clinical notebooks, this article illustrates the fracture treatment received in the voluntary general hospitals and the range of risk factors encountered by the working poor.
Bioinformatic Analysis of Potential Biomarkers for Spinal Cord–injured Patients with Intractable Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Wang Yimin , Ye Fang , Huang Chanyan , Xue Faling , Li Yingyuan , Gao Shaowei , Qiu Zeting , Li Si , Chen Qinchang , Zhou Huaqiang , Song Yiyan , Huang Wenqi , Tan Wulin , Wang Zhongxing
Published: March 2018

Background:

Neuropathic pain is one of the common complications after spinal cord injury (SCI), affecting individuals’ quality of life. The molecular mechanism for neuropathic pain after SCI is still unclear. We aimed to discover potential genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) related to neuropathic pain by the bioinformatics method.

Methods:

Microarray data of GSE69901 were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Peripheral blood samples from individuals with or without neuropathic pain after SCI were collected. Twelve samples from individuals with neuropathic pain and 13 samples from individuals without pain as controls were included in the downloaded microarray. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the neuropathic pain group and the control group were detected using the GEO2R online tool. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed using the DAVID database. Protein-protein interaction network was constructed from the STRING database. MiRNAs targeting these DEGs were obtained from the miRNet database. A merged miRNA-DEG network was constructed and analyzed with Cytoscape software.

Results:

In total, 1134 DEGs were identified between individuals with or without neuropathic pain (case and control), and 454 biological processes were enriched. We identified 4 targeted miRNAs, including mir-204-5p, mir-519d-3p, mir-20b-5p, mir-6838-5p, which may be potential biomarkers for SCI patients.

Conclusion:

Protein modification and regulation of the biological process of the central nervous system may be a risk factor in SCI. Certain genes and miRNAs may be potential biomarkers for the prediction of and potential targets for the prevention and treatment of neuropathic pain after SCI.
Expression of Pain Behaviors and Perceived Partner Responses in Individuals With Chronic Pain
Authors: Mohammadi Somayyeh , Chambers Christine T. , Rosen Natalie O.
Published: March 2018

Objective:

Expressions of pain by individuals with chronic pain may encourage solicitous and distracting responses from some partners and punishing responses from others. Partners’ responses can impact the well-being of individuals with chronic pain. Yet information about factors that can explain the link between expression of pain behaviors and different partners’ responses is scarce. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of perceived partner burden and relationship quality in the link between expressions of pain behaviors and perceived partner responses (ie, solicitous, distracting, and punishing responses).

Materials and Methods:

Participants were 158 individuals with chronic pain (ie, experiencing pain on most days for at least 6 months before participating in the study) who completed questionnaires about pain behaviors, as well as perceptions of partner burden, relationship quality, and partners’ solicitous, distracting, and punishing responses. The link between expressing pain and each type of partner response was investigated by serial mediation analysis. Partner burden and relationship quality were entered into all analyses as the first and the second mediator, respectively.

Results:

Expressing more pain was related to higher levels of perceived partner burden, which in turn, was associated with poorer relationship quality. Poorer relationship quality was associated with reporting fewer solicitous and distracting partner responses and more punishing responses.

Discussion:

Enhanced partner burden and reduced relationship quality may be one pathway through which pain behaviors relate to partner responses.
Stiffness Matters
Authors: Peterson Joshua M. , Chlebek Carolyn , Clough Ashley M. , Wells Alexandra K. , Ledet Eric H.
Published: March 2018

Study Design.

In vitro biomechanical testing of human cadaveric cervical and goat cervical motion segments.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to measure the effects of plate stiffness on load-sharing, instantaneous axis of rotation (IAR), and posterior element loading after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Summary of Background Data.

ACDF is intended to create an environment, which facilitates sufficient stability and biomechanical conditions to promote bone formation. The relationship between cervical plate stiffness, load-sharing, and the IAR is complex. The ideal cervical plate is sufficiently stiff to limit interbody motion but is compliant enough to facilitate load-sharing rather than stress-shielding.

Methods.

Anterior cervical plates of distinct bending stiffnesses were applied to human and goat cervical motion segments following ACDF. A validated custom force-sensing interbody implant was placed in the disc space to measure load-sharing in the spine. Interbody loads, posterior element strain, and the IAR were measured during flexion/extension for each plate.

Results.

Load-sharing in the interbody space, posterior element strain, and the location of the IAR were all significantly affected by plate stiffness. More compliant plates resulted in more load sharing, less posterior element strain, and a more dorsally located IAR relative to stiffer plates.

Conclusion.

A more compliant plate fosters more consistent load-sharing through the entire range of flexion/extension, which may promote faster bone formation and better fusion. A more compliant plate causes less posterior element strain, which may reduce facet joint loads and in turn reduce facet joint arthrosis. An ideal plate may be one that is stiff enough to minimize interbody motion and yet compliant enough to allow consistent load-sharing and minimal increase in posterior element strain.

Level of Evidence: N/A
Recent advances in the management of metastatic prostate cancer: optimizing use of existing therapies, while searching for novel interventions
Authors: Gourdin Theodore
Published: March 2018

Purpose of review

Summarizes recent advances in the treatment of metastatic castration-sensitive and castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Recent findings

New randomized data suggest a survival advantage to early abiraterone in castration-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer. Prospective and retrospective studies are examining sequencing of existing cytotoxic and androgen-receptor-targeted therapies in both castration-sensitive and castration-resistant disease. Genomic analysis of both circulating tumor cells and circulating tumor nucleic acids is being examined as a potential method for selecting existing therapies and identifying novel therapeutic targets. Finally, immunotherapy combinations are being evaluated in the setting of advanced prostate cancer.

In this review, we hope to summarize the recent data supporting the use of early abiraterone in castration-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer and discuss how this data might be incorporated with previous trials showing a survival advantage to early docetaxel. We present recent series examining sequencing of approved therapies as well as trials evaluating novel biomarkers and genomic analyses designed to help choose from among approved therapies or evaluate drugs in development. Lastly, we review ongoing trials examining novel immunotherapy combinations in advanced prostate cancer.
CONBERCEPT IN PATIENTS WITH TREATMENT-NAIVE NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION IN REAL-LIFE SETTING IN CHINA
Authors: Li Xun , Luo Hongmei , Zuo Cheng , Zhang Zirong , Zhang Junjun , Zhang Meixia
Published: March 2018

Purpose:

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal conbercept in patients with treatment-naive neovascular age-related macular degeneration in real-life setting.

Methods:

Three consecutive intravitreal injections of conbercept following a pro re nata protocol. The main outcomes were the changes of Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study best-corrected visual acuity and central retinal thickness between the baseline and the 12th month.

Results:

Mean best-corrected visual acuity was improved from 39.39 ± 24.91 letters at the baseline to 44.26 ± 22.89 letters at the final follow-up (P < 0.001). At the 12th month, the proportion of optimal response was 43.48% compared with 36.96% of poor response and 19.56% of nonresponse. A mean central retinal thickness of 480.94 ± 178.47 μm at the baseline was significantly reduced to 366.33 ± 173.52 μm at the 12th month. Patients received a median of 5.32 intravitreal injections. At the 12th month, the mean change in best-corrected visual acuity of eyes with intraretinal cystoid fluid from the baseline was markedly lower than that of eyes without intraretinal cystoid fluid. No adverse events were attributed to conbercept.

Conclusion:

With 12-month follow-up, conbercept was proved to be an effective and safety treatment for patients with treatment-naive neovascular age-related macular degeneration in real-life setting.
Orbital Plates and Screws Causing Globe Fixation: A Rare and Delayed Complication of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery
Authors: Chandra Varun , Buck Danielle , Chakrabarti Rahul , McNab Alan
Published: March 2018

A 24-year-old woman presented with a 1-year history of gradually increasing pain on eye movements, worse on the right. She had a significant background of undergoing intracranial correction of orbital hypertelorism with internal fixation of the lateral orbital rims at the age of 6 years. Imaging was consistent with bilateral metallic foreign bodies from both lateral orbital rims protruding into the globes. The patient underwent removal of bilateral plates and screws, with a significant improvement of symptoms and ocular motility postoperatively. This case demonstrates the need to consider orbital screw/plate migration in the setting of reduced ocular motility and painful eye movements.