bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spiraea fangii (Rosaceae), a new species from Sichuan, China
Authors: HU HAO-YU , TAN JIN-BO , XIE DENG-FENG , ZHANG JIAN , HE XING-JIN
Published: July 2016

Spiraea fangii (Rosaceae) is described and illustrated from Sichuan Province, China. The difference on habitat and morphology characters between S. fangii and morphologically related species S. myrtilloides are presented.
Lectotypification of Heliocarya monandra Bunge (Boraginaceae)
Authors: NEGARESH KAZEM , KHOSHROO SAYED MOHAMMAD REZA
Published: July 2016

Heliocarya monandra is lectotypified here. Photos of the species in its natural habitat and a distribution map are provided.
Immature biology and morphology of an obligate myrmecophilous butterfly Catapaecilma major moltrechti (Wileman) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) from Taiwa
Authors: HSU YU-FENG , HUANG CHIA-LUNG , HUANG HANG-CHI
Published: July 2016

The immature biology and morphology of Catapaecilma major moltrechti (Wileman) from Taiwan are reported. The larva of this taxon is proven to be largely predacious on a few scale insect species attended by ant Crematogester rogenhoferi in satellite nests constructed by the ants, but it also consumes plant material within or near ants’ satellite nests in elder instars. The discovery of the food habit of this taxon is interesting as the larva of C. major is known to be phytophagous in India and Sri Lanka.
New species, redescription and taxonomic notes in the Dichotomius (Luederwaldtinia) batesi (Harold) species-group (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae)
Authors: VAZ-DE-MELLO FERNANDO Z. , NUNES RAFAEL V.
Published: July 2016

This paper deals with taxonomic issues of the Dichotomius (Luederwaldtinia) batesi (Harold) species-group. We describe Dichotomius benesi n. sp. from Panama, and redescribe and designate a lectotype for Dichotomius ocellatopunctatus (Felsche) from Venezuela, both hemi-brachypterous species. We also do brief comments on the taxonomy of this species-group. Dichotomius joelus, previously assigned to this group, is here considered to be a new synonym of D. opacipennis and then to belong to Dichotomius geminatus species-group.
New Neanurinae (Collembola: Neanuridae) from Central China
Authors: WANG YA-RU , WANG WEN-BIN , JIANG JIGANG
Published: July 2016

Three new species, two of Vitronura and one of Lobellina of subfamily Neanurinae (Neanuridae, Collembola) from Central China are described. In addition a key for valid Lobellina species is included.
Ampharetidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) from cold seeps off Pakistan and hydrothermal vents off Taiwan, with the description of three new species
Authors: REUSCHER MICHAEL G. , FIEGE DIETER
Published: July 2016

The new ampharetid species Eclysippe yonaguniensis sp. nov. and Glyphanostomum bilabiatum sp. nov. from the Yonaguni Knoll IV hydrothermal field off the coast of Taiwan and Pavelius makranensis sp. nov. from the cold seeps in the Makran accretionary prism off the coast of Pakistan are described. Amage cf. ehlersi Reuscher, Fiege & Imajima, 2015 and Anobothrus dayi Imajima, Reuscher & Fiege, 2013 are newly recorded from the Yonaguni Knoll IV hydrothermal field.
A new species of wedgefish Rhynchobatus cooki (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinidae) from the Indo–West Pacific
Authors: LAST PETER R. , KYNE PETER M. , COMPAGNO LEONARD J.V.
Published: July 2016

A new dwarf wedgefish, Rhynchobatus cooki sp. nov. is described from a single female from a Jakarta fish market (Indonesia) and 11 specimens collected at Jurong fish market (Singapore). First collected in 1934, the broader ichthyological community have been aware of this distinctive but little known ray since the late 1990’s. Rhynchobatus cooki is the smallest of the wedgefishes (to 81 cm TL) and has the lowest vertebral count (fewer than 107 centra). It is also distinguishable from its congeners based on its long, hastate snout, very strongly undulate anterior pectoral-fin margin, coloration and aspects of its squamation. The dorsal coloration is mainly dark and distinctively marked with white blotches, spots and streaks, and has a dark cruciate marking on the interorbit and a prominent white border around the body margin. Unlike most other wedgefish species, the snout tip lacks dark blotches and there is no black pectoral-fin marking. It shares well-developed rostral spines with a much larger Atlantic species (Rhynchobatus luebberti), but these spines are confined to the snout tip (rather than being more numerous and extending in paired rows along the rostral ridges nearly to the eyes). No additional specimens have been observed since 1996, despite an increased recent effort to survey the chondrichthyan fauna of South-East Asia and collect biological data for species, raising concerns over its conservation status.
A new species of Pseudogekko (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Romblon Island Group, Central Philippines
Authors: SILER CAMERON D. , DAVIS DREW R. , DIESMOS ARVIN C. , GUINTO FAITH , WHITSETT COLLIN , BROWN RAFE M.
Published: July 2016

We describe a new species of lizard in the genus Pseudogekko from Sibuyan and Tablas islands in the Romblon Island Group of the central Philippines. The new species is diagnosed from other Philippine Pseudogekko by body size and shape, color pattern, and multiple differences in scale characteristics. Pseudogekko isapa sp. nov. has been collected only twice from leaves of shrubs in forested habitat on Sibuyan and Tablas islands. The distinctive new species of false gecko is undoubtedly endemic to this single, isolated island group. The fact that populations of such a distinctive new species of Pseudogekko has escaped notice of herpetologists on the reasonably well-studied and largely protected Sibuyan Island further emphasizes the secretive and forest-dependent habits of Philippine false geckos. These characteristics of their behavior and natural history render them difficult to study and challenge biologists’ efforts to accurately assess their conservation status.
Relative Roles of Background Moisture and Vertical Shear in Regulating Interannual Variability of Boreal Summer Intraseasonal Oscillations
Authors: Deng Li , Li Tim
Published: July 2016

The interannual variability of the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO) is investigated using observed outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) and ERA-Interim data for the period of 1980–2012. It is found that the interannual variability of BSISO intensity is much stronger in the tropical western Pacific (TWP) than the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO). A BSISO intensity index is defined based on a multivariate EOF analysis in TWP. It is found that strong BSISO years are associated with El Niño–like sea surface temperature anomalies in the tropical Pacific, anomalous easterly shear, and enhanced background moisture condition in the region. Using a 2.5-layer atmospheric model with a specified idealized background mean state, the authors further examine the relative roles of background moisture and vertical shear fields in modulating the BSISO intensity. Sensitivity numerical experiments indicate that the background moisture change is most important in regulating the BSISO intensity, whereas the background vertical shear change also plays a role.
Regionalizing Rainfall at Very High Resolution over La Réunion Island: A Case Study for Tropical Cyclone Ando
Authors: Pohl Benjamin , Morel Béatrice , Barthe Christelle , Bousquet Olivier
Published: July 2016

Ensemble simulations of Tropical Cyclone (TC) Ando (31 December 2000–9 January 2001) are performed over the southwest Indian Ocean using the nonhydrostatic WRF Model. Nested domains centered over the island of La Réunion allow for the simulation of local rainfall amounts associated with TC Ando at very high resolution (680-m grid spacing). The model is forced by and nudged toward ERA-Interim during the first (1–6) day(s) of the TC’s life cycle. The nudging ends at various dates to constrain either the whole life cycle or only parts of it.

As expected, results show weakened member dispersion, as the relaxation lasts longer, with more members producing similar cyclone tracks and intensities. The model shows reasonable skill to simulate local rainfall amounts and distribution, as soon as the simulated TC approaches La Réunion with a realistic distance and azimuth. Strong lower-level wind associated with the TC is forced to ascend over the slopes of the island. The model is able to successfully simulate the extreme daily precipitation amounts (>1200 mm) and their distribution over the highest parts of La Réunion. Nevertheless, smaller-scale features of the rainfall field are less realistic in the simulations. The wind speed and direction upstream of the island are the main drivers of such local uncertainties and errors, and they appear as an important issue to assess the local impacts of the TC over such a complex terrain.
Presentation to Emergency Departments for Acute Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Bergmark Regan W. , Sedaghat Ahmad R.
Published: July 2016

Objective

Medicaid and self‐pay insurance statuses and race are associated with emergency department (ED) presentation for uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis (ARS). We investigated whether ARS symptomatology could explain this disproportionate ED use.

Study Design

2006‐2010 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys.

Setting

EDs in the United States.

Subjects and Methods

The data comprise 1,632,826 adult visits for uncomplicated ARS at hospital EDs. Patient‐reported reasons for presentation included constitutional symptoms, facial pain or headache, sinonasal symptoms, head cold or flu‐like symptoms, cough or sputum production, and sore throat. Patient‐reported pain level was also included. Symptoms were assessed for associations with insurance status and race after controlling for clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic characteristics.

Results

Medicaid patients had similar symptomatology and levels of pain when compared with privately insured patients. Self‐pay patients reported higher pain levels (P =. 033) and were less likely to report head cold or flu‐like symptoms (P =. 018) but were equally likely to report other symptomatology. Relative to white patients, Hispanic patients were more likely to complain of facial pain and headaches (P =. 033) and less likely to complain of other classical ARS symptoms, such as cough or sputum production (P =. 013), sinonasal symptoms (P =. 019), or head cold or flu‐like symptoms (P =. 019). Black patients were also less likely to complain of sinonasal symptoms (P =. 038).

Conclusion

Symptomatology does not explain disproportionate ED use for ARS by Medicaid patients, while higher self‐reported pain levels may explain self‐pay patients’ disproportionate ED utilization. Likewise, ED presentation for ARS among Hispanic patients may be related to symptomatology that is less specific for ARS, such as headache and facial pain.
Pharmacotherapy of conduct disorder: Challenges, options and future directions
Authors: Hambly Jessica L , Khan Sohil , McDermott Brett , Bor William , Haywood Alison
Published: July 2016

There is a critical need for evaluation of the pharmacotherapies used in conduct disorder (CD), due to the high incidence of off-label prescribing. The aim of this review was to identify concerns associated with the safety, efficacy and impact on quality of life (QOL) that pharmacotherapy has in children and adolescents with CD. A systematic review was undertaken using pre-defined search criteria and four databases, including reference searches. We assessed these studies using the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation, and Review Manager Risk of Bias (RevMan®) tools. There were 12 randomised controlled trials that met our inclusion criteria. Studies included: antipsychotics, atomoxetine, lithium, clonidine, divalproex sodium and psychostimulants. The antipsychotics demonstrated efficacy, but were associated with adverse effects. Other agents demonstrated mixed responses, highlighting the lack of clinical significance and increased incidence of adverse effects. The management of related adverse effects was addressed to assist with clinical gaps. Overall, there is limited evidence regarding the role of pharmacotherapy in CD. More research is needed that takes into account the heterogeneity of CD and analysis of pharmacotherapy in pure CD.
The NMDA receptor partial agonist d-cycloserine does not enhance motor learning
Authors: Günthner Jan , Scholl Jacqueline , Favaron Elisa , Harmer Catherine J , Johansen-Berg Heidi , Reinecke Andrea
Published: July 2016

Rationale:

There has recently been increasing interest in pharmacological manipulations that could potentially enhance exposure-based cognitive behaviour therapy for anxiety disorders. One such medication is the partial NMDA agonist d-cycloserine. It has been suggested that d-cycloserine enhances cognitive behaviour therapy by making learning faster. While animal studies have supported this view of the drug accelerating learning, evidence in human studies has been mixed. We therefore designed an experiment to measure the effects of d-cycloserine on human motor learning.

Methods:

Fifty-four healthy human volunteers were randomly assigned to a single dose of 250mg d-cycloserine versus placebo in a double-blind design. They then performed a motor sequence learning task.

Results:

D-cycloserine did not increase the speed of motor learning or the overall amount learnt. However, we noted that participants on d-cycloserine tended to respond more carefully (shifting towards slower, but more correct responses).

Conclusion:

The results suggest that d-cycloserine does not exert beneficial effects on psychological treatments via mechanisms involved in motor learning. Further studies are needed to clarify the influence on other cognitive mechanisms.
Signs of enhanced sleep and sleep-associated memory processing following the anti-inflammatory antibiotic minocycline in men
Authors: Besedovsky Luciana , Schmidt Eva-Maria , Linz Barbara , Diekelmann Susanne , Lange Tanja , Born Jan
Published: July 2016

Pro-inflammatory cytokines can promote sleep and neuronal processes underlying memory formation. However, this has mainly been revealed in animal studies. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled within-subject designed study, we examined how changes in the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory signalling affect sleep and sleep-associated memory consolidation in humans. After learning declarative memory tasks (word pairs, texts) and a procedural memory task (finger tapping) in the evening, 21 healthy young men orally received either 200 mg of the anti-inflammatory antibiotic minocycline or placebo shortly before nocturnal sleep. Sleep was allowed between 23:00 and 07:00 h and recorded polysomnographically. Retrieval of memories was tested two days later. Because of outliers or missing data, final sample size was reduced to n = 14–19. Our data suggest that rather than weakening sleep as expected based on animal studies, the anti-inflammatory agent promoted sleep and memory consolidation. Specifically, minocycline increased slow-wave activity (0.68–4.0 Hz) during non-rapid eye movement sleep stage 2 and selectively enhanced episodic aspects in memory (i.e. memory for the temporal order of events in the texts). In combination with previous results, our findings indicate that, in humans, reducing pro-inflammatory signalling can act towards deepening non-rapid eye movement sleep and enhancing its memory forming efficacy.
Multimodality imaging of blood–brain barrier impairment during epileptogenesis
Authors: Breuer Heike , Meier Martin , Schneefeld Sophie , Härtig Wolfgang , Wittneben Alexander , Märkel Martin , Ross Tobias L , Bengel Frank M , Bankstahl Marion , Bankstahl Jens P
Published: July 2016

Insult-associated blood–brain barrier leakage is strongly suggested to be a key step during epileptogenesis. In this study, we used three non-invasive translational imaging modalities, i.e. positron emission tomography, single photon emission computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, to evaluate BBB leakage after an epileptogenic brain insult. Sprague-Dawley rats were scanned during early epileptogenesis initiated by status epilepticus. Positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography scans were performed using the novel tracer [68Ga]DTPA or [99mTc]DTPA, respectively. Magnetic resonance imaging included T2 and post-contrast T1 sequence after infusion of Gd-DTPA, gadobutrol, or Gd-albumin. All modalities revealed increased blood–brain barrier permeability 48 h post status epilepticus, mainly in epileptogenesis-associated brain regions like hippocampus, piriform cortex, thalamus, or amygdala. In hippocampus, Gd-DTPA-enhanced T1 magnetic resonance imaging signal was increased by 199%, [68Ga]DTPA positron emission tomography by 37%, and [99mTc]DTPA single photon emission computed tomography by 56%. Imaging results were substantiated by histological detection of albumin extravasation. Comparison with quantitative positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography shows that magnetic resonance imaging sequences successfully amplify the signal from a moderate amount of extravasated DTPA molecules, enabling sensitive detection of blood–brain barrier disturbance in epileptogenesis. Imaging of the disturbed blood–brain barrier will give further pathophysiologic insights, will help to stratify anti-epileptogenic treatment targeting blood–brain barrier integrity, and may serve as a prognostic biomarker.
Ramipril + amlodipine and ramipril + hydrochlorothiazide fixed-dose combinations in relation to patient adherence
Authors: Simonyi Gábor , Ferenci Tamás , Alföldi Sándor , Farsang Csaba
Published: July 2016

Objective

To compare 1-year treatment adherence of ramipril + amlodipine and ramipril +hydroclorothiazide fixed-dose combination therapies in patients with hypertension.

Methods

Data were extracted from the database of the National Health Insurance Fund of Hungary. Treatment adherence was modelled using survival analysis.

Results

At 2 months after initiation of treatment, 42% of patients using ramipril +hydrochlorothiazide ( n = 28,800) had discontinued treatment, compared with 0% of patients using ramipril + amlodipine ( n = 10,295). At 1 year, treatment adherence was 29% in the ramipril + hydrochlorothiazide group and 54% in the ramipril + amlodipine group. The hazard ratio for discontinuing ramipril + hydrochlorothiazide vs ramipril + amlodipine was 2.318 (95% confidence intervals 2.246, 2.392).

Conclusion

Ramipril + amlodipine had significantly higher 1-year treatment adherence than ramipril + hydrochlorothiazide in patients with hypertension.
Anaphylaxis Knowledge Among Pediatric Intensivists in Brazil: A Multicenter Survey
Authors: Colleti Junior José , de Carvalho Werther Brunow
Published: July 2016

Objective:

To assess the knowledge and practice preferences of anaphylaxis treatment among pediatric intensivists in 5 Brazilian pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) settings.

Study Design:

The cohort was a cross-sectional sample from 5 PICUs; a 7-question survey was personally applied to participants regarding their professional clinical experience and the first-line drug choices when treating an anaphylaxis episode.

Results:

Of 43 participant physicians, the majority (83.8%) correctly identified epinephrine as the treatment of choice for anaphylaxis, yet only 41.9% chooses the intramuscular route of administration.

Conclusion:

This study shows that the knowledge of anaphylaxis treatment is deficient among pediatric intensivists in Brazil. The dissemination of recent World Allergy Organization guidelines on anaphylaxis should be encouraged.
Bullied by Siblings and Peers: The Role of Rejecting/Neglecting Parenting and Friendship Quality Among Korean Children
Authors: Kim Jingu , Kim Eunha
Published: July 2016

The primary aim of this study was to examine the direct and indirect links of rejecting/neglecting parenting, sibling victimization, and friendship quality with peer victimization using a convenience sample of 584 Korean children in Grades 3 to 6. In addition, we tested whether these associations differed between male and female students. Structural equation modeling was performed to analyze the data. The results revealed rejecting/neglecting parenting indirectly influenced peer victimization through sibling victimization for both males and females, although such effects were stronger for females than males. Sibling victimization had a direct effect on peer victimization across both sexes, although it indirectly influenced peer victimization through poor friendship quality only for males. Therefore, bullying prevention and intervention programs must involve parents to make them aware of the important role they play in this process and to improve their parenting styles and involvement in sibling conflicts. Furthermore, while the role of friendship quality needs to be highlighted to prevent peer victimization among males, future research continues to explore other peer variables that are related to decreased peer victimization for females.
Endobronchial Pagetoid Spread of a Breast Carcinoma Metastatic to the Lung
Authors: Monica Melissa A. T. , Baccarini Paola , Cucchi Maria C. , Lacava Nicola , Foschini Maria P.
Published: July 2016

A case of endobronchial pagetoid spread of a breast carcinoma metastatic to the lung is described. A 73-year-old woman underwent wedge lung resection after the cytological diagnosis of lung metastasis from ductal invasive breast carcinoma. The breast carcinoma had been surgically removed 6 years previously; at the time of diagnosis it was a T1N0, grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma, with HER-2 amplification. The lung metastasis measured 1,9 cm and showed the same histology and biological profile of the primary tumor. In addition, numerous neoplastic cells, with large cytoplasm and atypical nuclei, appear to spread along the mucosa of the bronchi adjacent to the metastatic lesion as well as that of the main lobar bronchus, intermingled with the columnar ciliated cells. The neoplastic elements were negative for TTF-1 and strongly HER-2 positive; these features appeared consistent with endobronchial pagetoid spread by the metastatic breast carcinomatous cells.
Masculinity: Assigned–Reassigned–Socially Constructed
Authors: Kłonkowska Anna M.
Published: July 2016

The presentation of this article is to address in detail the situational experiences and social circumstances of trans men living in Poland today. Based on results arrived at through the author’s research, this article focuses on a number of accounts by transgender people of social reception of trans masculinity in Poland. The arising problems which trans men face in these situations are highlighted by the severity of the kinds of social pressure which are placed upon them, most of which are aimed at teaching them to conform according to the normative patterns of masculinity as commonly acknowledged in Polish society. Polish trans men’s attitudes to these pressures and their subsequent responses oscillate between passive conformity and conscious, performative resistance, which is herein analyzed.
Semi-parametric frailty model for clustered interval-censored data
Authors: Yavuz Aysun Çetinyürek , Lambert Philippe
Published: July 2016

Abstract:

The shared frailty model is a popular tool to analyze correlated right-censored time-to-event data. In the shared frailty model, the latent frailty is assumed to be shared by the members of a cluster and is assigned a parametric distribution, typically a gamma distribution due to its conjugacy. In the case of interval-censored time-to-event data, the inclusion of frailties results in complicated intractable likelihoods. Here, we propose a flexible frailty model for analyzing such data by assuming a smooth semi-parametric form for the conditional time-to-event distribution and a parametric or a flexible form for the frailty distribution. The results of a simulation study suggest that the estimation of regression parameters is robust to misspecification of the frailty distribution (even when the frailty distribution is multimodal or skewed). Given sufficiently large sample sizes and number of clusters, the flexible approach produces smooth and accurate posterior estimates for the baseline survival function and for the frailty density, and it can correctly detect and identify unusual frailty density forms. The methodology is illustrated using dental data from the Signal Tandmobiel[Formula: see text] study.
The present becomes us: embodying the archive
Authors: Bennett Emma , Linsley Johanna
Published: July 2016

The following text is a dialogue between Johanna Linsley and Emma Bennett on the possibility of translating a performance on which they collaborated into text. The performance, a lecture titled The Present Becomes Us, is based on a science fiction premise: what if the Future is a geographical location which derives its materiality by stealing potentiality from the Present? The premise was created by Johanna, but the lecture was performed by Emma, using the subjunctive mood, and opening with the lines ‘This is a performance lecture by Johanna Linsley, or it would be if she were here’. The text explores questions about temporality, geography and the places where histories are made, so that a complex and embodied notion of the archive subtly emerges. The voices of the two writers(/performers) are not strictly delineated, so that in this dialogue as in the performance, a porous and ambiguous understanding of presence and identity remains.
Women’s Health Leadership to Enhance Community Health Workers as Change Agents
Authors: Ingram Maia , Chang Jean , Kunz Susan , Piper Rosie , de Zapien Jill Guernsey , Strawder Kay
Published: July 2016

Objectives. A community health worker (CHW) is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. While natural leadership may incline individuals to the CHW profession, they do not always have skills to address broad social issues. We describe evaluation of the Women’s Health Leadership Institute (WHLI), a 3-year training initiative to increase the capacity of CHWs as change agents. Methods. Pre-/postquestionnaires measured the confidence of 254 participants in mastering WHLI leadership competencies. In-depth interviews with CHW participants 6 to 9 months after the training documented application of WHLI competencies in the community. A national CHW survey measured the extent to which WHLI graduates used leadership skills that resulted in concrete changes to benefit community members. Multivariate logistic regressions controlling for covariates compared WHLI graduates’ leadership skills to the national sample. Results. Participants reported statistically significant pre-/postimprovements in all competencies. Interviewees credited WHLI with increasing their capacity to listen to others, create partnerships, and initiate efforts to address community needs. Compared to a national CHW sample, WHLI participants were more likely to engage community members in attending public meetings and organizing events. These activities led to community members taking action on an issue and a concrete policy change. Conclusions. Leadership training can increase the ability of experienced CHWs to address underlying issues related to community health across different types of organizational affiliations and job responsibilities.
The Efficacy of CIK-Based Immunotherapies for Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Chu Hongjin , Du Fengcai , Jiang Lixin , Wang Zhixin , Gong Zhaohua , Lian Peiwen , Li Peng , Chen Jian
Published: July 2016

Objective:

To investigate the efficacy of cytokine-induced killer cell-based immunotherapies in patients with advanced malignant solid tumors and the difference in clinical efficiency among 3 kinds of cytokine-induced killer cell-based immunotherapies.

Methods:

One hundred forty-six cases with advanced solid tumor, 230 cycles of cytokine-induced killer cell-based immunotherapies, were involved in this study. T-lymphocyte subsets, carcinoembryonic antigen, and adverse reactions were recorded.

Results:

CD3+ T lymphocyte, Th, NKT, and Th/Tc were increased after cytokine-induced killer cell-based treatment, from 55.67 ± 3.64 to 84.12 ± 5.15, 26.56 ± 4.47 to 42.76 ± 3.68, 1.82 ± 0.58 to 7.08 ± 0.92, 0.79 ± 3.64 to 1.35 ± 0.20, respectively ( P < .001). Carcinoembryonic antigen was decreased from 398.39 ± 219.16 to 127.26 ± 153.41 ( P < .001). Difference values were greater than 0 ( P < .001). Difference value of carcinoembryonic antigen was obviously less than 0 ( P < .001). There was no obvious difference in all variations between cytokine-induced killer cell and DC+CIK groups ( P > .05). The highest amount of CD3+ T lymphocyte and Th was recorded after at least 4 cycles of immunotherapy. And CD8+ T/CD4+ T also began to decrease after 4 cycles of immunotherapy. Difference value of T lymphocyte and Tc of patients with surgery is higher than that of patients without surgery.

Conclusion:

Cytokine-induced killer cell-based immunotherapy is capable of increasing T-lymphocyte subsets, recovering cellular immunity without severe side effects, and is suitable for different kinds of solid cancer. Clinical efficiency of cytokine-induced killer cell-based immunotherapy is influenced by many factors such as surgery, stage.
A numerical study of flow characteristics in a helical pipe
Authors: Tang Lingdi , Tang Yue , Parameswaran Siva
Published: July 2016

Flow characteristics and loss mechanism inside the helical pipe with large-caliber and large-scale Dean number were analyzed in this study. Numerical simulation was carried out for exploring velocity distribution, pressure field, and secondary flow by varying coil parameters such as Dean number, curvature radius, and coil pitch. The velocity gradient in the cross-section increases along the pipe and causes unsteady flow in the pipe. Large pressure differences in the 180° and 315° cross-section generate centrifugal forces on the pipe. The secondary flow is the major factor resulting in flow loss, presented obviously by the streamlines to analyze the effects of pipe parameters on the vortices. The vortex center shifts toward the upper wall with the increase in Dean number and takes a slight deflection with the increase in coil pitch. Meanwhile, a correlation of the flow loss extent inside the pipe as a function of friction factor was presented. The increases in curvature radius and coil pitch can diminish the friction factor to reduce flow losses. The accuracy of the numerical methodology was also validated by conducting corresponding experiments and empirical mathematical analysis. The maximum deviation between the experimental values and the simulated results of the pressure drop is just 2.9%.
Methimazole-induced insulin autoimmune syndrome
Authors: Jain Nidhi , Savani Malvi , Agarwal Manyoo , Kadaria Dipen
Published: July 2016

Background:

Hypoglycemia in a critical care setting is often multifactorial with iatrogenic insulin use, sulfonylurea (SU) use, sepsis, adrenal insufficiency and insulinoma among the common causes. Insulin autoimmune syndrome (IAS) is a rare cause of hypoglycemia characterized by the presence of insulin-binding autoantibodies to the sulfhydryl group-containing agents. We report a case of methimazole-induced IAS managed in the intensive care unit.

Case presentation:

A 76-year-old woman with a history of primary hyperthyroidism was sent from a nursing home for unresponsiveness. Vital signs were significant for hypotension (74/46) and low blood sugars. Fluid resuscitations with normal saline and 50% dextrose stabilized the blood pressure (BP) to 135/75 and her blood glucose to 264. Due to respiratory distress and septic appearance, she required emergency intubation. Nursing home medications were noted for methimazole and absence of any insulin or SU use. Empiric antibiotic treatment was started and fluid resuscitation was continued while home medications were held. Her laboratory values were significant for elevated creatinine, lactic acid, serum cortisol, C-peptide, and insulin. Her cultures, SU screen and computerized tomography (CT) scan were negative for significant findings. On day 2, in addition to 10% dextrose, octreotide was initiated for recurrent hypoglycemia. Her blood glucose (BG) continued to drop throughout the day for which she required glucagon support and a D20 infusion. By day 4, the rate of infusion was titrated up and her BG continued to drop to <60 mg/dl despite D20, octreotide and tube feeds with concentrated calories (1.5 cal/ml). Due to her declining health, her family endorsed palliative care and she was extubated. After day 11, her hypoglycemic episodes resolved and she remained endogenously euglycemic.

Conclusions:

IAS is associated with methimazole use due to formation of autoantibodies to insulin after its interaction with Sulfhydryl (SH) group in methimazole. While IAS is a rare entity, it demands consideration in hypoglycemia in patients with autoimmune conditions.
Observed medical and surgical complications of prolonged barbiturate coma for refractory status epilepticus
Authors: Newey Christopher R. , Wisco Dolora , Nattanmai Premkumar , Sarwal Aarti
Published: July 2016

Background:

Refractory status epilepticus is often treated with third-line therapy, such as pentobarbital coma. However, its use is limited by side effects. Recognizing and preventing major and minor adverse effects of prolonged pentobarbital coma may increase good outcomes. This study retrospectively reviewed direct and indirect medical and surgical pentobarbital coma.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of all patients with refractory status epilepticus treated with pentobarbital over a 1 year period at a large tertiary care center. We collected baseline data, EEG data, and complications that were observed.

Results:

Overall, nine patients [median age 46.4 (IQR 21.7, 75.5) years] were induced with pentobarbital coma median 11 (IQR 3, 33) days after seizure onset for a median of 9 (IQR 3.5, 45.4) days. A total of four to eight concurrent antiepileptics were tried prior to the pentobarbital coma. Phenobarbital, due to recurrence of seizures on weaning pentobarbital coma, was required in seven patients. Observed complications included peripheral neuropathy (77.8%), cerebral atrophy (33.3%), volume overload (44.4%), renal/metabolic (77.8%), gastrointestinal (66.6%), endocrine (55.6%), cardiac/hemodynamic/vascular (77.8%), respiratory (100%), and infectious (77.8%). The number of complications trended with duration of induced coma but was nonsignificant. Median ICU length of stay was 40 (IQR 28, 97.5) days. Overall, five patients were able to follow commands after a median 37 (IQR 25.5, 90) days from coma onset. There were eight patients that were discharged from hospital with three remaining in a prolonged unresponsive state. There was one patient that died prior to discharge.

Conclusions:

This study highlights the high morbidity in patients with refractory status epilepticus requiring pentobarbital coma. Anticipating and addressing the indirect and direct complications in prolonged pentobarbital coma may improve survival and functional outcomes in patients with refractory status epilepticus.
In Vivo Antitumor Effect of Supercritical CO2 Extract of Mango Ginger (Curcuma amada Roxb) in U-87MG Human Glioblastoma Nude Mice Xenografts
Authors: Ramachandran Cheppail , Portalatin Gilda M. , Prado Adriana M. , Quirin Karl-Werner , Escalon Enrique , Melnick Steven J.
Published: July 2016

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one the most aggressive and lethal human neoplasms with poor prognosis and very limited positive treatment options. The antitumor effect of supercritical CO2 extract of mango ginger ( Curcuma amada Roxb) (CA) with and without irinotecan (IR) was analyzed in U-87MG human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells in vitro and in nude mice xenografts. CA is highly cytotoxic to GBM cells and is synergistic with IR as indicated by the combination index values of <1 in the CompuSyn analysis. CA inhibits tumor growth rate in GBM xenografts, the inhibition rate being higher than in IR treated group. GBM xenograft mice treated with IR + CA combination showed almost complete inhibition of tumor growth rate. Gene expression analysis of xenograft tumors indicated that IR + CA treatment significantly downregulated anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2 and mutant p53), inflammation-associated (COX-2) and cell division–associated (CCNB2) genes and upregulated pro-apoptotic genes (p21 and caspase-3). These results confirmed the therapeutic efficiency of IR + CA combination against GBM and the need for further clinical investigations.
Food Art Does Not Reflect Reality
Authors: Wansink Brian , Mukund Anupama , Weislogel Andrew
Published: July 2016

Can the frequency with which a food is depicted in paintings give historical insight into family meals over the years and across countries? To initially explore this question, 750 food-related paintings were screened down to 140 paintings from Western Europe and the United States depicting small, family meals. Quantitative content analyses showed the most frequently eaten foods (such as chicken, eggs, and squash) were least frequently depicted in paintings. In contrast, the most aspirational foods such as shellfish were commonly painted in countries with the smallest coastlines (Germany), and more than half (51.4%) of the paintings from the seafaring Netherlands contained non-indigenous tropical lemons. Moreover, although bread and apples have been commonly available over time, bread has been painted 74% less frequently and apples painted 302% more frequently. In general, paintings tend to feature meals with foods that were either aspirational to the commissioning family, aesthetically pleasing or technically difficult for the painter, or that encoded cultural, religious, or political information for informed viewers. Care should be taken to not project food depictions in paintings as indicative of what was actually served or eaten in that country at the time.
Understanding ‘Empowerment’
Authors: Chaudhuri Ajit
Published: July 2016

The term ‘empower’ has become ubiquitous within the social development sector. Empowerment has become the answer to most problems, and it is a rare development initiative that does not overtly seek to empower somebody. And yet, the term is used loosely, without regard to the variety of meanings and flavours of power that make it up, rendering it as a standardised and meaningless jargon instead of a subtle and nuanced word with deep implications for development policy and practice. This article looks to understand empowerment in the social development context by exploring its roots in the term ‘power’. It delves into power in its abstract form, in its relationship with structure and agency, in its role in participatory processes and in its function in governance and development. It also goes into the multiple ways by which communities resist power and its imposition upon them. In the process, it explores the thinking of intellectuals such as Riker, Dahl, Lukes, Foucault, Giddens, Olson, de Certeau, Scott and Havel on power and brings these multiple understandings and meanings into a single narrative. It concludes that a single universal definition of power may not be possible given the multiplicity of contexts within which it is used, and that each of these contexts and their underlying assumptions has implications on the usage of the term ‘empower’. It goes on to suggest that those using the term ‘empower’ would be well advised to state their own assumptions on power and the context within which they use it such as, inter alia, is it transferrable via empowerment. Does it exist in an act, or is it universal and always there? Does the empowerment of one necessarily mean the disempowerment of another so that the sum total of power in a community is constant? In the process, the article looks to provide development practitioners with a broad perspective on power so that they use the term ‘empower’ with specificity and precision.
Using social network analysis of human aspects for online social network software: a design methodology
Authors: Ghafoor Faiza , Niazi Muaz A.
Published: July 2016

Background

Online social networks share similar topological characteristics as real-world social networks. Many studies have been conducted to analyze the online social networks, but it is difficult to link human interests with social network software design.

Purpose

The goal of this work is to propose a methodology involving the analysis of human interactions for use in designing online social network software.

Methods

We propose a novel use of social network analysis techniques to elicit requirements in order to design better  online Social network-based software. The validation  case study involved the collection of real-world data by means of a questionnaire to perform a network design construction and analysis. The key idea is to examine social network to  help in the identification of  behaviors and interests of people for better software requirements elicitation.

Results

The validation case study demonstrates how unexpected centrality measures can emerge in real world networks. Our case study can thus conducted as a baseline for better requirement elicitation studies for online social network software design. This work also indicates how sociometric methods may be used to analyze any social domain as a possible standard practice in online social network software design. Overall, the study proved the effectiveness of the proposed novel methodology for the design of online social network software.  The methodology specifically improves upon traditional methods for software design by involving social network modeling and analysis to first study the behavior and elicit requirements to develop more resilient online social network sites.
High quality, small molecule-activity datasets for kinase research
Authors: Sharma Rajan , Schürer Stephan C. , Muskal Steven M.
Published: July 2016

Kinases regulate cell growth, movement, and death. Deregulated kinase activity is a frequent cause of disease. The therapeutic potential of kinase inhibitors has led to large amounts of published structure activity relationship (SAR) data. Bioactivity databases such as the Kinase Knowledgebase (KKB), WOMBAT, GOSTAR, and ChEMBL provide researchers with quantitative data characterizing the activity of compounds across many biological assays. The KKB, for example, contains over 1.8M kinase structure-activity data points reported in peer-reviewed journals and patents. In the spirit of fostering methods development and validation worldwide, we have extracted and have made available from the KKB 258K structure activity data points and 76K associated unique chemical structures across eight kinase targets. These data are freely available for download within this data note.
Research roundup: July 2016
Authors: Lally Sheila , Murray Joy , Brook Judy
Published: July 2016

In this section, a range of brief synopses of recently published articles that may be of interest to health visitors is presented. The aim of this roundup is to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary, of the research papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided.
Weighing the benefits of early years teachers
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: July 2016

While practitioners who undertake Initial Teacher Training to achieve Early Years Teacher Status are equipped to empower the sector, numbers remain low. Karen Hart hears an employer's perspective.
Lost and found
Authors: Hampshire Vivien
Published: July 2016

Children will be able to relate to Dave's anguish when his favourite toy dog, Dogger, goes missing in this enduring story by Shirley Hughes. Find out how they would react to losing a favourite toy.
Sequence-Related Amplified Polymorphism (SRAP) analysis for studying genetic characterization of Bouea macrophylla
Authors: KAEWPONGUMPAI SOMBHAT , POEAIM SUPATTRA , VANIJAJIVA ONGKARN
Published: July 2016

Kaewpongumpai S, Poeaim S, Vanijajiva O. 2016. Sequence-Related Amplified Polymorphism (SRAP) analysis for studying genetic characterization of Bouea macrophylla. Biodiversitas 17: 539-543. Bouea macrophylla Griff. is well-known as one of native typical fruits in Southeast Asia which needs to be preserved and continuously cultivated because of economical and ecological significances. More recently, sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers have been developed, which are used to amplify coding regions of DNA with primers targeting open reading frames. This technique has proven to be robust and highly variable and is attained through a significantly less technically demanding process. In this research, SRAP method was preliminary applied to assess genetic characterization of B. macrophylla. Genomic DNA was extracted from fresh leaf samples. The result clearly showed that at 100 ng template DNA and MgCl2 5 mM concentration are suitable for further PCR analysis. Thirty SRAP primer combinations were initially screened for analysis and 26 primer combinations were chosen for further analysis. A total of 222 DNA fragments, varying from 90-2500 bp, were amplified. The produced band number for each optimal primer set ranged from 3 to 12 with a percentage of polymorphic bands spanning from 33.33 to 80.00%. Therefore, SRAP analysis is suitable for further analysis method on genetic study of Bouea species and related genera.
Serum Cortisol: An Up-To-Date Assessment of Routine Assay Performance
Authors: Hawley James M , Owen Laura J , Lockhart Stephen J , Monaghan Phillip J , Armston Annie , Chadwick Carrie A , Wilshaw Heather , Freire Maisa , Perry Leslie , Keevil Brian G
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

Accurate serum cortisol quantification is required for the correct diagnosis and management of adrenal pathologies. Presently, most laboratories use immunoassay to measure serum cortisol with proficiency schemes demonstrating a wide dispersion of results. Here, we investigate the effects of sex, matrix, and antibody specificity on serum cortisol quantification in 6 routine assays.

METHODS

Surplus serum was obtained before disposal and the following cohorts were created: males, nonpregnant females, pregnant patients, and patients prescribed either metyrapone or prednisolone. Samples were anonymized and distributed to collaborating laboratories for cortisol analysis by 6 routine assays. Cortisol was also measured in all samples using an LC-MS/MS candidate reference measurement procedure (cRMP); cortisol-binding globulin (CBG) was measured in the nonpregnant and pregnant female cohorts.

RESULTS

Considerable inter- and intraassay variation was observed across the male and nonpregnant female cohorts relative to the cRMP. Four immunoassays underrecovered cortisol in the pregnancy cohort, and CBG was found to be significantly higher in this cohort than in the nonpregnant females. In the metyrapone and prednisolone cohorts, all immunoassays overestimated cortisol. The first generation Roche E170 and Siemens Centaur XP were particularly prone to overestimation. In all cohorts the routine LC-MS/MS assay aligned extremely well with the cRMP.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the clinical importance of serum cortisol, the performance of routine immunoassays remains highly variable. Accurate quantification is compromised by both matrix effects and antibody specificity. Underpinning this study with a cRMP has highlighted the deficiencies in standardization across routine cortisol immunoassays.