bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Randomised, Controlled Study of Different Glycaemic Targets during Gestational Diabetes Treatment: Effect on the Level of Adipokines in Cord Blood and ANGPTL4 Expression in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Popova P. , Vasilyeva L. , Tkachuck A. , Puzanov M. , Golovkin A. , Bolotko Y. , Pustozerov E. , Vasilyeva E. , Li O. , Zazerskaya I. , Dmitrieva R. , Kostareva A. , Grineva E.
Published: May 2018

Our aim was to study the expression of adipokine-encoding genes (leptin, adiponectin, and angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4)) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and adipokine concentration in cord blood from women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) depending on glycaemic targets. GDM patients were randomised to 2 groups per target glycaemic levels: GDM1 (tight glycaemic targets, fasting blood glucose < 5.1 mmol/L and <7.0 mmol/L postprandial, N=20) and GDM2 (less tight glycaemic targets, <5.3 mmol/L and < 7.8 mmol/L, respectively, N=21). The control group included 25 women with normal glucose tolerance. ANGPTL4 expression was decreased in the HUVECs from GDM patients versus the control group (23.11 ± 5.71, 21.47 ± 5.64, and 98.33 ± 20.92, for GDM1, GDM2, and controls; p<0.001) with no difference between GDM1 and GDM2. The level of adiponectin gene expression was low and did not differ among the groups. Leptin gene expression was undetectable in HUVECs. In cord blood, leptin/adiponectin ratio (LAR) was increased in GDM2 compared to controls and GDM1 (p=0.038) and did not differ between GDM1 and controls. Tight glycaemic targets were associated with normalisation of increased LAR in the cord blood. ANGPTL4 expression was downregulated in HUVECs of newborns from GDM mothers and was not affected by the intensity of glycaemic control.
BAVP: Blockchain-Based Access Verification Protocol in LEO Constellation Using IBE Keys
Authors: Wei Songjie , Li Shuai , Liu Peilong , Liu Meilin
Published: May 2018

LEO constellation has received intensive research attention in the field of satellite communication. The existing centralized authentication protocols traditionally used for MEO/GEO satellite networks cannot accommodate LEO satellites with frequent user connection switching. This paper proposes a fast and efficient access verification protocol named BAVP by combining identity-based encryption and blockchain technology. Two different key management schemes with IBE and blockchain, respectively, are investigated, which further enhance the authentication reliability and efficiency in LEO constellation. Experiments on OPNET simulation platform evaluate and demonstrate the effectiveness, reliability, and fast-switching efficiency of the proposed protocol. For LEO networks, BAVP surpasses the well-known existing solutions with significant advantages in both performance and scalability which are supported by theoretical analysis and simulation results.
Estimating Remaining Useful Life for Degrading Systems with Large Fluctuations
Authors: Du Dang-Bo , Zhang Jian-Xun , Zhou Zhi-Jie , Si Xiao-Sheng , Hu Chang-Hua
Published: May 2018

Remaining useful life (RUL) prediction method based on degradation trajectory has been one of the most important parts in prognostics and health management (PHM). In the conventional model, the degradation data are usually used for degradation modeling directly. In engineering practice, the degradation of many systems presents a volatile situation, that is, fluctuation. In fact, the volatility of degradation data shows the stability of system, so it could be used to reflect the performance of system. As such, this paper proposes a new degradation model for RUL estimation based on the volatility of degradation data. Firstly the degradation data are decomposed into trend items and random items, which are defined as a stochastic process. Then the standard deviation of the stochastic process is defined as another performance variable because standard deviation reflects the system performance. Finally the Wiener process and the normal stochastic process are used to model the trend items and random items separately, and then the probability density function (PDF) of the RUL is obtained via a redefined failure threshold function that combines the trend items and the standard deviation of the random items. Two practical case studies demonstrate that, compared with traditional approaches, the proposed model can deal with the degradation data with many fluctuations better and can get a more reasonable result which is convenient for maintenance decision.
Validity of Administrative Databases in Comparison to Medical Charts for Breast Cancer Treatment Data
Authors: Weerasinghe Ashini , Smith Courtney R. , Majpruz Vicky , Pandya Anjali , Blackmore Kristina M. , Holloway Claire M. B. , Segal-Nadlere Roanne , Paroschy Harris Cathy , Hendry Ashley , Hey Amanda , Kornecki Anat , Lougheed George , Maier Barbara-Anne , Marchand Patricia , McCready David , Rand Carol , Raphael Simon , Sehgal Neelu , Chiarelli Anna M.
Published: May 2018

Objective. Medical chart abstraction is the gold standard for collecting breast cancer treatment data for monitoring and research. A less costly alternative is the use of administrative databases. This study will evaluate administrative data in comparison to medical charts for breast cancer treatment information.Study Design and Setting. A retrospective cohort design identified 2,401 women in the Ontario Breast Screening Program diagnosed with invasive breast cancer from 2006 to 2009. Treatment data were obtained from the Activity Level Reporting and Canadian Institute of Health Information databases. Medical charts were abstracted at cancer centres. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and kappa were calculated for receipt and type of treatment, and agreement was assessed for dates. Logistic regression evaluated factors influencing agreement.Results. Sensitivity and specificity for receipt of radiotherapy (92.0%, 99.3%), chemotherapy (77.7%, 99.2%), and surgery (95.8%, 100%) were high but decreased slightly for specific radiotherapy anatomic locations, chemotherapy protocols, and surgeries. Agreement increased by radiotherapy year (trend test,p<0.0001). Stage II/III compared to stage I cancer decreased odds of agreement for chemotherapy (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.48–0.91) and increased agreement for partial mastectomy (OR = 3.36, 95% CI: 2.27–4.99). Exact agreement in treatment dates varied from 83.0% to 96.5%.Conclusion. Administrative data can be accurately utilized for future breast cancer treatment studies.
Tipifarnib Inhibits HRAS-Driven Dedifferentiated Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Untch Brian R. , Dos Anjos Vanessa , Garcia-Rendueles Maria E.R. , Knauf Jeffrey A. , Krishnamoorthy Gnana P. , Saqcena Mahesh , Bhanot Umeshkumar K. , Socci Nicholas D. , Ho Alan L. , Ghossein Ronald , Fagin James A.
Published: May 2018

Of the three RAS oncoproteins, only HRAS is delocalized and inactivated by farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTI), an approach yet to be exploited clinically. In this study, we treat mice bearing Hras-driven poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancers (Tpo-Cre/HrasG12V/p53flox/flox) with the FTI tipifarnib. Treatment caused sustained tumor regression and increased survival; however, early and late resistance was observed. Adaptive reactivation of RAS–MAPK signaling was abrogated in vitro by selective RTK (i.e., EGFR, FGFR) inhibitors, but responses were ineffective in vivo, whereas combination of tipifarnib with the MEK inhibitor AZD6244 improved outcomes. A subset of tumor-bearing mice treated with tipifarnib developed acquired resistance. Whole-exome sequencing of resistant tumors identified a Nf1 nonsense mutation and an activating mutation in Gnas at high allelic frequency, supporting the on-target effects of the drug. Cell lines modified with these genetic lesions recapitulated tipifarnib resistance in vivo. This study demonstrates the feasibility of targeting Ras membrane association in cancers in vivo and predicts combination therapies that confer additional benefit.

Significance: Tipifarnib effectively inhibits oncogenic HRAS-driven tumorigenesis and abrogating adaptive signaling improves responses. NF1 and GNAS mutations drive acquired resistance to Hras inhibition, supporting the on-target effects of the drug. Cancer Res; 78(16); 4642–57. ©2018 AACR.
Nanoparticles That Reshape the Tumor Milieu Create a Therapeutic Window for Effective T-cell Therapy in Solid Malignancies
Authors: Zhang Fan , Stephan Sirkka B. , Ene Chibawanye I. , Smith Tyrel T. , Holland Eric C. , Stephan Matthias T.
Published: May 2018

A major obstacle to the success rate of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-) T-cell therapy against solid tumors is the microenvironment antagonistic to T cells that solid tumors create. Conventional checkpoint blockade can silence lymphocyte antisurvival pathways activated by tumors, but because they are systemic, these treatments disrupt immune homeostasis and induce autoimmune side effects. Thus, new technologies are required to remodel the tumor milieu without causing systemic toxicities. Here, we demonstrate that targeted nanocarriers that deliver a combination of immune-modulatory agents can remove protumor cell populations and simultaneously stimulate antitumor effector cells. We administered repeated infusions of lipid nanoparticles coated with the tumor-targeting peptide iRGD and loaded with a combination of a PI3K inhibitor to inhibit immune-suppressive tumor cells and an α-GalCer agonist of therapeutic T cells to synergistically sway the tumor microenvironment of solid tumors from suppressive to stimulatory. This treatment created a therapeutic window of 2 weeks, enabling tumor-specific CAR-T cells to home to the lesion, undergo robust expansion, and trigger tumor regression. CAR-T cells administered outside this therapeutic window had no curative effect. The lipid nanoparticles we used are easy to manufacture in substantial amounts, and we demonstrate that repeated infusions of them are safe. Our technology may therefore provide a practical and low-cost strategy to potentiate many cancer immunotherapies used to treat solid tumors, including T-cell therapy, vaccines, and BITE platforms.

Significance: A new nanotechnology approach can promote T-cell therapy for solid tumors. Cancer Res; 78(13); 3718–30. ©2018 AACR.
A Retrospective Cohort Study on Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Seyed Jafari S. Morteza , Knüsel Evelyne , Cazzaniga Simone , Hunger Robert E.
Published: May 2018

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is one of the most distressing conditions observed in dermatology and has a substantial negative effect on the quality of life of affected persons. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate different treatment strategies in patients with HS. Methods: In a retrospective cohort, all patients with HS (July 2015 to March 2017) were reviewed. Collected data consisted of patients’ demographics, clinical characteristics, psychosocial situation, and previous and current treatments. In addition, therapy response to the most recent prescribed treatments was assessed. Results: 102 patients (38 females, 64 males; median age 37.5 years) were included in this study. 68.4% of patients had BMI ≥25, and 76.5% of patients were current smokers. Hurley stages I, II, and III were detected in 13.5, 53.1, and 33.3% of patients, respectively. The most commonly administered treatments were surgery (67.6%), nonantibiotic topical therapies (72.5%), antibiotic topical therapies (55.9%), systemic antibiotics (88.2%), and biologics in 11.8% of the patients. 84.6% of the patients showed a response (27.5 and 47.1% partial and complete response, respectively) to the treatments. Conclusion: HS as a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disease is associated with smoking and obesity. Application of systemic antibiotics is the most frequent treatment strategy for this disease. However, surgical intervention seems to be the most effective treatment strategy.
Al-Jāḥiẓ on Misarticulation: Bayān 1.34.4-74.8
Authors: Montgomery James E.
Published: May 2018

The Kitāb al-Bayān wa-l-Tabyīn (The Book of Clear Communication) by Abū ʿUthmān al-Jāḥiẓ (d. 255/868) is an encyclopaedic study of communication and its place within human societies—specifically of communication through Arabic, the language of divine revelation, and its place within the ʿAbbasid polity. God’s use of Arabic in the Qurʾān endowed the community of Muslims with a special status. The proper use of Arabic was central to how man fully and appropriately thanked God for His gift of creation. It was also central to how the Qurʾān was properly recited and explicated. This article presents a translation of the majority of a chapter from the first volume of Kitāb al-Bayān wa-l-Tabyīn in which al-Jāḥiẓ explores the phenomenon of misarticulation (luthghah). His exploration of this phenomenon touches on phonetics, physiology and anatomy, speech disorders (considered by al-Jāḥiẓ to be ‘defects’), linguistic barbarisms, and mimicry, and thus it becomes an exposition of what clear communication is not.
Where Do We Stand and Where Do We Go
Authors: Mayr Teresa F
Published: May 2018

The value of resorting to the flexible concept of experts on mission is strongly engrained in the United Nations’ pursuit of its institutional mandate. However, the discretion left to the Organization in the process is a potential source of disputes with its member states. Besides the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, both the protection and the accountability system of experts has undergone little development since the creation of the United Nations. This article attempts to build the necessary framework for such a system, including by discussing its theoretical underpinnings as well as creating a hierarchy of authorities to settle disputes involving experts on mission. It departs from current ad hoc practices and advocates for a more robust approach that is based on the treaty text of the 1946 Convention but guided by a more realistic understanding of the role of experts.
Abdullahi dan Fodio and Muhammad Bello’s Debate over the Torobbe-Fulani: Case Study for a New Methodology for Arabic Primary Source Material from West Africa
Authors: Naylor Paul
Published: May 2018

This paper explores the conflict between Abdullahi dan Fodio and his nephew, Muhammad Bello, over the origin of their ethnic group, the Torobbe-Fulani. Initially open to his uncle’s theories of an Arabocentric migration narrative, Bello went on to change his views abruptly and undermine his uncle’s work. Through sketching the background to the conflict followed by a close reading of the documents themselves–Abdullahi’s īdāʿ al-nusūkh and Bello’s critical commentary to it, the ḥāshiya–I suggest these documents offer different models for political legitimacy. Prefaced by a critical analysis of the use of the Fodiawa’s Arabic writings in Sokoto historiography, I suggest that future approaches must take into account the political nature of these documents, the specific contexts in which they were produced and the personal relationships of their authors.
In Search of an “Argentine Philology”: The Instituto de Filología at the Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1923-1929
Authors: Gramuglia Pablo Martínez
Published: May 2018

The Instituto de Filología at the Universidad de Buenos Aires owed its creation in 1922 to an eminent intellectual, Ricardo Rojas, dean of the Facultad de Filosofía y Letras at the time, who expected that the development of the humanities would help to reinvigorate and nationalise a society considered too materialistic and without identity. The first directors of the Institute were part of Ramón Menéndez Pidal’s school in Madrid, who went to Buenos Aires to collaborate with the new institution, but with their own research interests and a political neo-colonialist agenda. The expected encounter between an Argentine nationalist institution and a group of well-trained philologists from another country was forceful and had a different outcome, giving birth to a centre of scientific excellence, but with different goals and tasks.
Tellings of an Encounter: A Meeting between Muḥammad ʿAbduh, Herbert Spencer and Wilfrid Blunt (1903)
Authors: Kateman Ammeke
Published: May 2018

In 1903, the Islamic reformist Muḥammad ʿAbduh (1849-1905), the English philosopher Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) and the English writer Wilfrid Scawen Blunt (1840-1922) met in Spencer’s home in Brighton. This article focuses on the history of the various tellings of this encounter that brought together three intellectuals from a globalizing and colonial world. It shows that the various renditions were creative negotiations of the encounter’s meaning across times, places and languages in the twentieth century. Specifically, this article’s comparison of the content, form and role of the accounts in Rashīd Riḍā’sAl-Manār(1915 and 1922), Blunt’sMy Diaries(1920), Riḍā’s biography of ʿAbduh (theTārīkh, 1931) and ʿImārah’s collection of ʿAbduh’s works (Al-Aʿmāl al-Kāmilah, 1972), and the way these accounts relate to each other through creative borrowing and translation, demonstrate the way European dominance in the global political and intellectual realm was confronted, negotiated and reiterated in the various tellings of the encounter.
Development of vibration-assisted micro-milling device and effect of vibration parameters on surface quality and exit-burr
Authors: Li Guo , Wang Bo , Xue Jiadai , Qu Da , Zhang Peng
Published: May 2018

Vibration-assisted cutting is an important technology with better performance in manufacturing micro-scaled components, compared with conventional cutting technology. This article first illustrates the development of vibration-assisted micro-milling device which is made based on piezoelectric plates and shows different vibration types with vibration principle of this device. It is then tested stable to output vibration with a frequency accuracy of 100 Hz and an amplitude accuracy of 100 nm. Two groups of experiments in micro-milling 6061 aluminum alloy are carried out. Compared with conventional micro-milling, using vibration assist is verified more effective in improving surface integrity and quality. Furthermore, with a proposed method of characterizing exit-burr size, the influences of vibration frequency and amplitude on surface roughness and exit-burr size are discussed. As a result, the mean surface roughness is found positive related to vibration frequency and negative related to vibration amplitude in most of the study range. To make guidance on optimizing vibration machining parameters, cubic polynomial fitting with 95% prediction interval is of enough accuracy.
Factors affecting running performance in 6–12-year-olds: The Health Oriented Pedagogical Project (HOPP)
Authors: Fredriksen Per Morten , Mamen Asgeir , Gammelsrud Heidi , Lindberg Morten , Hjelle Ole Petter
Published: May 2018

Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine factors affecting running performance in children. Method: A cross-sectional study exploring the relationships between height, weight, waist circumference, muscle mass, body fat percentage, relevant biomarkers, and the Andersen intermittent running test in 2272 children aged 6 to 12 years. Parental education level was used as a non-physiological explanatory variable. Results: Mean values (SD) and percentiles are presented as reference values. Height (β = 6.4, p < .0001), high values of haemoglobin (β = 18, p = .013) and low percentage of body fat (β = –7.5, p < .0001) showed an association with results from the running test. In addition, high parental education level showed a positive association with the running test. Conclusion: Boys display better running performance than girls at all age ages, except 7 years old, probably because of additional muscle mass and less fatty tissue. Height and increased level of haemoglobin positively affected running performance. Lower body fat percentage and high parental education level correlated with better running performance.
The effects of a school-based physical activity intervention programme on children’s executive control: The Health Oriented Pedagogical Project (HOPP)
Authors: Konijnenberg Carolien , Fredriksen Per Morten
Published: May 2018

Aims: To assess the effects of a large school-based physical activity intervention on children’s ability to resist distractions and maintain focus, known as executive control. Methods: A quasi-experimental design with seven intervention and two control primary schools. The Health Oriented Pedagogical Project (HOPP) intervention consisted of 45 min of physical activity a day during school time for 6–8 months in addition to the regular weekly physical education lessons. A total of 1173 children, spanning from second grade (age 7 years) to sixth grade (age 12 years) were included in the analysis. Main outcome measures were executive control was measured at baseline and 1 year after using a modified Eriksen flanker task for the younger children (second and third grades) and a computerised Stroop task for the older children (fourth, fifth, and sixth grades). Results: Both the intervention and control group showed improvements in executive control after 1 year. However, the children in the intervention group did not improve their performance more than those in the control group. Conclusions: No positive effect of the physical activity intervention programme on children’s task performance was found, suggesting that the intervention did not affect children’s executive control.
Reference intervals for serum lipids and prevalence of dyslipidaemia in 6–12-year-old children: The Health Oriented Pedagogical Project (HOPP)
Authors: Strand Martin Frank , Fredriksen Per Morten , Hjelle Ole Petter , Lindberg Morten
Published: May 2018

Aims: Elevated serum lipid concentrations in childhood are thought to be risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease later in life. The present study aims to provide age- and gender-related reference intervals for total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol in healthy school children. We also investigated the prevalence of dyslipidaemia using the published criteria for these biomarkers. Methods: Venous blood and anthropometric data were collected from 1340 children in the HOPP study, aged between 6 and 12 years. Age- and gender-related reference intervals (2.5th and 97.5th percentiles) were established according to the IFCC recommendations, using the software RefVal 4.10. Results: Gender differences were observed for total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol, but not for HDL cholesterol. Age differences were observed for total cholesterol. The reference intervals were in the range of 3.1–5.9 mmol/L for total cholesterol, 1.0–2.4 mmol/L for HDL cholesterol and 1.4–4.2 mmol/L for non-HDL cholesterol. Dyslipidaemia prevalence was as follows: increased TC 9.6%, decreased HDL 1.6%, and increased non-HDL 5.6%. Conclusions: Age- and gender-related reference intervals in a Norwegian population are similar to those reported in other countries. The prevalence of dyslipidaemia among Norwegian children is significant, emphasising the importance of appropriate reference intervals in clinical practice.
Handgrip strength in 6–12-year-old children: The Health Oriented Pedagogical Project (HOPP)
Authors: Fredriksen Per Morten , Mamen Asgeir , Hjelle Ole Petter , Lindberg Morten
Published: May 2018

Aims: The aim of the study was to describe the natural course of handgrip strength development in primary school children and to establish a reference material to be used in future screening studies. In addition, the study aims to investigate a possible association between handgrip strength and cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: Anthropometric measures along with results for handgrip strength, endurance tests, blood pressure and cholesterol were measured on 2272 children of both sexes. An ROC analysis was used to estimate the suitability of handgrip strength as a predictor for known cardiometabolic risk factors. Results: A reference material for handgrip strength is presented for boys and girls aged 6–12 years. The results indicate that handgrip strength is unsuitable as a predictor for cardiometabolic risk factors in children. Conclusions: The results may be used as reference values for handgrip strength in 6–12-year-old children of both sexes. Handgrip strength may not be used as a screening tool for cardiometabolic risk factors in pre-pubertal children.
Cardiovascular risk factors in a child population: The Health Oriented Pedagogical Project (HOPP)
Authors: Deng Wei Hai , Lindberg Morten , Hjelle Ole Petter , Mamen Asgeir , Fredriksen Per Morten
Published: May 2018

Aims: The main aim of the present study was to investigate the clustering of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome in a large, healthy representative Norwegian child population. Methods: From a population of 2817, parents of 2297 children agreed to participate. Values of waist circumference (WC), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), systolic blood pressure (sysBP), haemoglobin-A1c (HbA1c) and Andersen aerobic fitness test were used to test clustering of cardiometabolic risk factors in this sample. Expected distributions of probability for zero to five risk factors are, respectively, 23.7%, 39.6%, 26.4%, 8.8%, 1.5% and 0.1%. A cardiometabolic risk score from zero to five for each individual was derived by adding the number of variables in the least desirable quartile (highest for WC, sysBP, TC and HbA1c; lowest for aerobic fitness and HDL). Results: A risk ratio of 5.8 (95% confidence interval 0.7–46.9) was found for five risk factors, though the small sample size rendered the results non-significant. An explorative analysis combining children with four and five risk factors did not reveal any significant clustering either. Conclusions: No clustering of risk factors was found among Norwegian children aged 6–12 years.
Cross-Sectional Assessment of Achievement of Therapeutic Goals in a Canadian Multidisciplinary Clinic for Patients With Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Rinfret Félix , Lambert France , Youmbissi Joseph Tchetagni , Arcand Jean-François , Turcot Richard , Bessette Maral Alimardani , Bourque Solange , Moreau Vincent , Tousignant Karine , Deschênes Diane , Cloutier Lyne
Published: May 2018

Background:

The implementation of advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) multidisciplinary clinics has now demonstrated their effectiveness in delaying and even avoiding dialysis for patients with CKD. However, very little has been documented on the management and achievement of targets for a number of parameters in this context.

Objective:

Our goal was to assess our multidisciplinary clinic therapy performance in relation to the targets for hypertension, anemia, and calcium phosphate assessment.

Methods

Design and setting:

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with a cohort including all patients followed up in our multidisciplinary clinic in July 2014.

Measurements:

Comorbidity, laboratory, and clinical data were collected and compared with the recommendations of scientific organizations.

Results:

The cohort included 128 patients, 37.5% of whom were women. Mean follow-up time was 26.6 ± 25.1 months and mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 14.0 ± 4.7 mL/min/1.73 m2. A total of 24.2% of patients with diabetes achieved blood pressure targets of <130/80 mm Hg, while 56.5% of patients without diabetes achieved targets of <140/90 mm Hg. Hemoglobin of patients treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents was 100 to 110 g/L in 36.2% of the patients, below 100 for 39.7% of them, and above 110 for 24.1%, whereas 67.2% were within the acceptable limits of 95 to 115 g/L. In addition, 63.4% of patients had a serum phosphate of <1.5 mmol/L, and 90.9% of patients had total serum calcium <2.5 mmol/L.

Limitations:

Our study is a single center study with the majority of our patients being Caucasian. This limits the generalizability of our findings.

Conclusion:

The control rates of various parameters were satisfactory given the difficult clinical context, but could be optimized. We publish these data in the hope that they are helpful to others engaged in quality improvement in their own programs or more generally.
CDC Activities to Enhance Training in Cancer Prevention and Control in Field Epidemiology Training Programs in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Senkomago Virginia , Joseph Rachael , Sierra Monica , Van Dyne Elizabeth , Endeshaw Meheret , Duran Denise , Sugerman David E. , Saraiya Mona
Published: May 2018

Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In 2012, there were > 14 million new cancer cases and > 8 million cancer deaths, with 70% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Part of the success of cancer prevention and control efforts requires the development and strengthening of the public health workforce, particularly in LMICs where the cancer burden is the greatest. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports workforce capacity development globally through Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) established in ministries of health in > 70 countries. To enhance training in cancer prevention and control in FETPs, the CDC has developed an open-access curriculum in applied cancer epidemiology and supports FETP trainees who conduct cancer-related planned projects. The curriculum contains modules on cancer registration, screening, and comprehensive cancer control that are particularly relevant to current cancer control efforts in many LMICs. Pilot testing of the curriculum showed an increase in trainees’ cancer knowledge and covered content trainees found to be relevant to their field epidemiology training and projects and future work in cancer prevention and control. Since 2013, the CDC has supported 13 trainees with cancer-related projects; two have published articles, two have presented their results at international conferences, and others are writing manuscripts on their project outcomes. Through the development of an open-access applied cancer epidemiology curriculum and by supporting cancer-related projects for FETP trainees, the CDC provided technical assistance for LMICs to build capacity for cancer prevention and control efforts.
Phase I Trial of Dabrafenib and Pazopanib in BRAF Mutated Advanced Malignancies
Authors: Haraldsdottir Sigurdis , Janku Filip , Poi Ming , Timmers Cynthia , Geyer Susan , Schaaf Larry J. , Sexton Jennifer , Wei Lai , Thurmond Jennifer , Velez-Bravo Vivianne , Stepanek Vanda M. , Bertino Erin M. , Kendra Kari , Mortazavi Amir , Subbiah Vivek , Phelps Mitch , Shah Manisha H.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Several tumor types carry BRAF mutations and vascular endothelial growth factor pathway upregulation. Resistance mechanisms to BRAF inhibitors can include platelet-derived growth factor-β upregulation. Dabrafenib, a BRAF inhibitor, and pazopanib, a multikinase inhibitor that targets vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor, have not been combined previously. This phase I study was designed to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of the combination.

Patients and Methods

Patients with any advanced BRAF mutated malignancy with adequate organ function were eligible. Prior use of dabrafenib or pazopanib was not allowed. Dosages started at dabrafenib 50 mg twice a day and pazopanib 400 mg daily on dose level (DL) 1, with maximum dosages of 150 mg twice a day and 800 mg daily on DL5. Pharmacokinetics and BRAF V600E plasma clone were measured, and efficacy was evaluated by imaging and tumor markers every 8 weeks.

Results

Twenty-three patients with 11 different tumor histologies were enrolled in five DLs. Two dose-limiting toxicities were observed—a grade 3 bowel perforation on DL3 and grade 3 arthralgia on DL5. Common drug-related adverse events included nausea (52%), skin papules (43%), diarrhea (39%), hand-foot syndrome (30%), anemia (26%), rash (22%), vomiting (22%), hypophosphatemia (22%), and transaminitis (22%). Five patients (22%) experienced a partial response, including low-grade ovarian serous carcinoma, thyroid cancer, and glioblastoma multiforme, and two patients (appendiceal and thyroid cancer) had stable disease > 6 months. Pharmacokinetic measurements revealed pazopanib levels < 17.5 μg/mL in 80% of treated patients at steady state, particularly at DL5. BRAF V600E plasma copies correlated with response and progression.

Conclusion

Combination dabrafenib and pazopanib had no unexpected toxicities, and durable partial responses were observed at DL3 or greater. Dose escalation beyond DL5 may be considered as pazopanib levels were suboptimal as a result of drug interaction with dabrafenib.
Getting carried away with seeds
Authors: Garner Lynne
Published: May 2018

This is the first in a new four-part series that will explore the sometimes mysterious but always wonderful world of plants, opening up a hidden world of knowledge.
Improving working memory
Authors: Reeve Margaret
Published: May 2018

Achieving effective differentiation in the classroom and improving your pupils' working memories are key priorities for teachers. Margaret Reeve offers some quick CPD ideas
Low-cost Pupil Premium strategies
Authors: Dabell John
Published: May 2018

Some schools are using the Pupil Premium to plug holes in their general funding. John Dabell warns against this approach and offers 25 low-cost ways to spend the Pupil Premium and make maximum impact
Your teaching ecosystem…
Authors: Aubrey-Smith Fiona
Published: May 2018

When dealing with teachers' practice, do you know what you are looking at? The Ecosystem approach has been created as part of an on-going research project. Fiona Aubrey-Smith explains
Inattentive ADHD
Authors: Sobel Daniel
Published: May 2018

The hyperactive version of ADHD is well-known and often spotted, but students with inattentive ADHD frequently go undiagnosed, as Daniel Sobel knows from his own experience
Engaging with digital facilities
Authors: Oldman Crystal
Published: May 2018

The potential of new user-friendly IT systems should not be underestimated in terms of the efficiency and productivity gains for community health services, says Crystal Oldman.
FeverTags: engaging technology in the battle against bovine respiratory disease
Authors: Mahendran Sophie A
Published: May 2018

Tackling the successful treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a challenging problem in clinical practice, with application of drug therapy often occurring quite late down the line of clinical progression, and so resulting in poor treatment outcomes. Temperature detecting technology such as TempVerified FeverTags has been utilised in a set of studies to allow early detection of BRD, and therefore comparison of different treatments and their outcomes in pre-weaning calves. The studies compared antimicrobial and NSAID treatments for BRD, and found that while NSAIDs did allow a potential ~30% reduction in antimicrobial usage, this treatment choice must be accompanied by continuous close monitoring of calves for the occurrence of future cases of BRD.
The mark of success: Part 2
Authors: Bromley Matt
Published: May 2018

In part two of his seven-part series on effective feedback techniques and practices, Matt Bromley looks at making marking meaningful, manageable and motivating
A systematic review of surgical methods to restore articular cartilage in the hip
Authors: Hotham W. E. , Malviya A.
Published: May 2018

This systematic review examines the current literature regarding surgical techniques for restoring articular cartilage in the hip, from the older microfracture techniques involving perforation to the subchondral bone, to adaptations of this technique using nanofractures and scaffolds. This review discusses the autologous and allograft transfer systems and the autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) technique, as well as a summary of the previously discussed techniques, which could become common practice for restoring articular cartilage, thus reducing the need for total hip arthroplasty. Using the British Medical Journal Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (BMJ GRADE) system and Grade system. Comparison of the studies discussed shows that microfracture has the greatest quantity and quality of research, whereas the newer AMIC technique requires more research, but shows promise.

Cite this article: W. E. Hotham, A. Malviya. A systematic review of surgical methods to restore articular cartilage in the hip. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:336–342. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.75.BJR-2017-0331.
Review
Authors: Bushway Sara
Published: May 2018

The game you don’t play

The Last of Us: Remastered, Sony Computer Entertainment (2014)
Why are non-player characters not creepy anymore? The effect of schema creation on the perception of uncanniness in Oblivion
Authors: Lee Michael Sangyeob
Published: May 2018

Non-player characters (NPCs) in most role-playing games (RPGs) are often creepy and eerie since they look like player characters but act like machines. However, the perception of uncanniness is often used deliberately in video game genres to create fantasy depictions. Despite providing empirical data to better understand human reactions, studies or actual measurements regarding what makes NPCs uncanny have been rare. In this article, the concept of NPC uncanniness was first reviewed using several theoretical frameworks. Then levels of uncanny perception were measured through human subject interactions. For measurement purposes, four NPCs were selected randomly from a commercial RPG focusing on two categories: character gender and hostility. Participants reported the sensation of uncanniness was evoked quickly and strongly at the beginning but significantly decreased over time and that female NPCs were creepier than male NPCs.
The effect of intervention program on nursing students attitudes regarding ageism
Authors: A. Awad Lamia , Osman Zainab Hassan Hassan , Osman Safaa Abdlazem
Published: May 2018

Background: Nursing positions for older students can affect the quality of care provided to them. The values, perceptions, and beliefs of health care nurses towards the elderly are considered among the underlying causes of prejudice against the elderly.Objective: This study aimed to study the effect of intervention program on the attitudes of students towards Ageism.Methodology: The study was conducted at the Faculty of Nursing -MansouraUniversity using semi-experimental design with prior evaluation of the other to conduct this study. A total number of 110 nursing students attendingMansouraUniversity were included in the study. A self-administered questionnaire and the educational background on aging and care of the elderly using the attitude of Kogan towards the elderly scale were used. A structured educational intervention with gerontology content for students was designed and implemented to raise students ' knowledge, and improve their attitudes toward the ageism. The study was conducted from February 2016 to May 2016.Results: There was a statistically significant difference in total score of negative attitude scale items before and after implementation of gerontology nursing course.Conclusion & recommendation: The educational intervention with gerontology content is valuable in humanizing nursing students' negative attitude toward the ageism. Nurse educators strengthen gerontological content in the nursing curriculum and provide tailored nursing education to reduce ageism among professional nurses as well as dissemination of educational intervention with gerontology content to other nursing students in all specialties inEgypt for further confirmation of the findings.
Dolor y tacto en Francisco Suárez
Authors: Heider Daniel
Published: May 2018

Este trabajo tiene dos propósitos. Por un lado, el autor advierte de una (cuando menos) potencial incoherencia doctrinal en las afirmaciones de Suárez concernientes a la cuestión del sensible propio del tacto. Mientras que en el contexto de su tratamiento del tacto en DA VII, 13-14, Suárez restringe el objeto total del tacto a las cualidades (tangibles) externas, en DA XI, 2, al tratar de las emociones, el autor jesuita incluye también la qualitas dolorifera, i.e. una cualidad inherente al cuerpo de quien percibe. El autor sostiene que esta inconsistencia de Suárez es tanto más apremiante si se comparan sus formulaciones con las de Francisco de Oviedo. En segundo lugar, se indica que la «versión compuesta del dolor» que combina tanto aspectos perceptibles como afectivos en la experiencia unificada del dolor, es un tipo de teoría que podría considerarse como contemporánea en el debate actual entre filósofos analíticos.
La facticidad de la filosofía política de Francisco Suárez: un camino hacia otra Modernidad
Authors: Font Oporto Pablo
Published: May 2018

Es posible defender que el pensamiento político de Suárez se halla en tránsito desde lo medieval a una Modernidad diferente. El núcleo de dicha interpretación es la tesis de que la consecución del bien común inserto en la facticidad de la realidad humana concreta es el motor de la teoría política suareciana. Desde ahí se analizan sus elementos fundamentales: primero, el origen comunitario del poder político a partir de la naturaleza social de la persona, creada así por Dios. Segundo, la articulación operativa de dicho poder a través de su entrega absoluta a un gobernante y la preferencia (relativa) por la Monarquía como forma de gobierno. Tercero, la aceptación de la resistencia al tirano en determinados casos y condiciones. Así, cabe sostener que la flagrante contradicción entre la translatio total del poder político y la simultánea admisión de la resistencia a este supone, en última instancia, negar la primera, erigir esta última como límite del poder, y abrir la puerta a un modelo de democracia directa.
La cláusula suareciana sobre la esclavitud de los negros
Authors: Amezúa Amezúa Luis-Carlos
Published: May 2018

Los teólogos y juristas españoles de la primera modernidad criticaron duramente las condiciones de la trata de esclavos africanos. Fueron pioneros en rechazar las condiciones de venta, aunque todavía admitieron la institución de la esclavitud. También Francisco Suárez opinó al respecto, limitando la esclavitud de los negros por razones del bien común y compensando con un salario justo por sus trabajos en las minas. Hasta ahora se desconocía esta opinión de Suárez porque no hay escritos directos sino referencias de autores coetáneos. En este artículo seleccionamos argumentos de teólogos y juristas del siglo XVI y exponemos la solución de Suárez, rastreando las atribuciones. El probabilismo facilita conciliar la libertad de conciencia con la estabilidad de las instituciones sociales, en concreto con la institución de la esclavitud.
Francisco Suárez y los no creyentes
Authors: Fastiggi Robert
Published: May 2018

El descubrimiento del «Nuevo Mundo» llevó a muchos teólogos en los siglos XVI y XVII a discutir la posibilidad de salvación para los no creyentes. Entre estos se encontraba el jesuita Francisco Suárez (1548-1617). Este artículo muestra cómo Suárez distinguió entre tres órdenes de infieles (tres ordines infidelium): 1) aquellos a quienes se les propuso creer de manera suficiente pero que se negaron a creer: 2) aquellos que nunca escucharon nada acerca de la fe; 3) aquellos que escucharon algo de la fe, pero de manera insuficiente. Aunque Suárez cree que los infieles de la primera orden no pueden salvarse, sí cree que aquellos en la segunda y tercera orden se pueden salvar si: a) no son culpables de rechazar la fe; b) no son culpables de los pecados contra la ley natural; c) buscan la verdad; y d) tienen un deseo de pertenecer a la Iglesia, al menos en el deseo y el anhelo. El artículo concluye mostrando cómo la visión de Suárez condujo al desarrollo teológico en la Iglesia Católica que condujo a la enseñanza del Vaticano II en Lumen gentium, 16.
Study of Pyrolysis Behavior of Shenhua Coal Pretreated by Ionic Liquid 1-Ethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Acetate
Authors: Yu Wenhao , Zhu Ping , Lei Zhiping , Shui Hengfu , Kang Shigang , Wang Zhicai , Ren Shibiao , Pan Chunxiu
Published: May 2018

The pyrolysis behaviors of Shenhu subbituminous coal (SSBC) after pretreated with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EMIA) were studied in this paper. It is found that the pretreatment of SSBC with ionic liquid EMIA has a significant effect on the pyrolysis behavior of SSBC. The pretreatment temperature significantly affects tar yield of SSBC pyrolysis. The pretreatment SSBC with EMIA at 100 °C, 150 °C, 200 °C results in the increase of pyrolysis tar yield by 26.8 %, 32.8 %, and 35.7 %, respectively, compared to that of SSBC coal pyrolysis. FTIR and TG analysis show that EMIA pretreatment changed oxygen-containing functional groups in SSBC, in particular, increased the content of a carboxyl group and ether bond in SSBC. Also, it is found that pretreatment of coal with ionic liquid EMIA has a significant desulfurization effect.
The Use of Ochre and Painting During the Upper Paleolithic of the Swabian Jura in the Context of the Development of Ochre Use in Africa and Europe
Authors: Wolf Sibylle , Conard Nicholas J. , Floss Harald , Dapschauskas Rimtautas , Velliky Elizabeth , Kandel Andrew W.
Published: May 2018

While the earliest evidence for ochre use is very sparse, the habitual use of ochre by hominins appeared about 140,000 years ago and accompanied them ever since. Here, we present an overview of archaeological sites in southwestern Germany, which yielded remains of ochre. We focus on the artifacts belonging exclusively to anatomically modern humans who were the inhabitants of the cave sites in the Swabian Jura during the Upper Paleolithic. The painted limestones from the Magdalenian layers of Hohle Fels Cave are a particular focus. We present these artifacts in detail and argue that they represent the beginning of a tradition of painting in Central Europe.
Large-Scale True Triaxial Apparatus for Geophysical Studies in Fractured Rock
Authors: Garcia A. V. , Rached R. M. , Santamarina J. C.
Published: May 2018

The study of fractured rock masses in the laboratory remains challenging because of the large specimen sizes and bulky loading systems that are required. This article presents the design, structural analysis, and operation of a compact and self-reacting true triaxial device for fractured rock. The frame subjects a 50 cm by 50 cm by 50 cm fractured rock specimen to a maximum stress of 3 MPa along three independent axes. Concurrent measurements include long-wavelength P-wave propagation, passive acoustic emission monitoring, deformations, and thermal measurements. The device can accommodate diverse research, from rock mass properties and geophysical fractured rock characterizations, to coupled hydro-chemo-thermo-mechanical processes, drilling, and grouting. Preliminary wave propagation data gathered under isotropic and anisotropic stress conditions for an assembly of 4,000 rock blocks demonstrate the system’s versatility and provide unprecedented information related to long-wavelength propagation in fractured rock under various stress anisotropies.