bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restoration of Peripheral Intermediate and Classical Monocytes Expressing HLA-DR in Patients With Lung Adenocarcinoma After Platinum-Based Chemotherapy
Authors: Rivas-Fuentes Selma , Higuera-Iglesias Anjarath , García-Trejo Ana , Yair Chavarría-Castro Daniel , Inclán-Figueroa Norma , Aguirre-Pérez Teresa , Báez-Saldaña Renata , Gorocica-Rosete Patricia
Published: April 2018

Lung adenocarcinoma represents one of the lung cancer subtypes with major prevalence. Accumulating evidence indicates that the immune system plays an important role in the evolution of the neoplastic process; additionally, several reports suggest that chemotherapy has an immunomodulatory effect. In order to identify the peripheral subpopulations of leukocytes that may change after chemotherapy, we evaluated several peripheral immune subpopulations of monocytes and lymphocytes by multicolor flow cytometry. In addition, we also measured cytokines and growth factors on plasma in order to evaluate the pro-inflammatory context in patients with lung adenocarcinoma after chemotherapy. We found that HLA-DR+ classical and intermediate monocytes were decreased in patients before chemotherapy, compared to controls. After chemotherapy, the relative percentage of those subpopulations was restored. In addition, interleukin 1β, interleukin 12, and interleukin 5 were increased after chemotherapy compared to prechemotherapy levels, while MIP-1β was decreased.
Effects of an Exercise Intervention on Cancer-Related Fatigue and Its Relationship to Markers of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Repka Chris P. , Hayward Reid
Published: April 2018

Background: Although the underlying mechanisms of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) are not fully characterized, treatment-associated oxidative stress may play a role. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an exercise intervention on the relationship between CRF and oxidative stress. Methods: Upon cessation of radiation or chemotherapy, 8 cancer patients participated in a 10-week exercise intervention (EX), while 7 continued standard care (CON). Blood draws and fatigue questionnaires were administered to cancer patients before and after the intervention as well as to 7 age-matched individuals with no cancer history. Changes in plasma 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), protein carbonyls, antioxidant capacity, and fatigue were compared between groups. Correlations between CRF and oxidative stress were evaluated. Results: Mean total fatigue scores decreased significantly (5.0 ± 2.2 to 2.6 ± 1.5, P < .05) in EX, but not in CON. Antioxidant capacity significantly increased (+41%; P < .05) and protein carbonyls significantly decreased (−36%; P < .05) in EX, but not in CON. Increases in antioxidant capacity were significantly correlated with reductions in affective ( r = −.49), sensory ( r = −.47), and cognitive fatigue ( r = −.58). Changes in total ( r = .46) and affective ( r = .47) fatigue exhibited significant correlations with changes in 8-OHdG over time, while behavioral ( r = .46) and sensory ( r = .47) fatigue changes were significantly correlated with protein carbonyls. Conclusions: Oxidative stress may be implicated in CRF, while improved antioxidant capacity following an exercise intervention may play a role in mitigating CRF in cancer survivors.
Complications Post Inferior Vena Cava Filter Placement
Authors: Altawan Anita , Golchian David , Patel Bipinchandra , Iljas John , Sohrabi Kimia
Published: April 2018

Duplex and color Doppler imaging have proved to be an excellent noninvasive modality for evaluating complications of percutaneous interventional vascular procedures. Complications including hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula (AVF), thrombosis, stenosis, and vessel occlusion are routinely diagnosed with duplex imaging. The most common complication of vena cava filter placement is bleeding and access site thrombosis. AVF is a rare complication of vena cava filters. Puncture-related AVFs are false vascular channels between an adjacent vein and artery that demonstrate low-resistance arterial signals, high velocity venous outflow, and variable flow patterns within themselves. Vena cava filter placement is a relatively low-risk alternative for prophylaxis against pulmonary embolism in patients with deep vein thrombosis who are not suitable for anticoagulation. There is an increasing trend in the number of vena cava filter implantation procedures performed each year. Vena cava filters are effective in preventing pulmonary embolism but have risks associated with implantation. Awareness of potential complications can lead to early detection as well as management of complications to improve clinical outcomes.
Ulnar Artery Aneurysm and Repair
Authors: Cardinale Maria T. , Posner Steven P. , Abernathy Kathyrn F.
Published: April 2018

This is a case study of a patient who was presented to the emergency room with ischemia of the left third, fourth and fifth fingers and a pulsatile mass in the hypothenar eminence. Non-invasive arterial exam of the upper extremities was performed bilaterally which resulted in normal pressures and normal blood flow velocities. The arterial duplex imaging was also normal in the subclavian, axillary, brachial, radial and ulnar arteries and also demonstrated triphasic Doppler flow velocities. The technologist scanned distal to the wrist where a branch of the ulnar artery along with the aspect of the palmer arch surface revealed a true aneuryms with both antegrade and retrograde flow. The patient was infused tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) for a total of 72 hours with eventual recanalization of the thrombosed aneurysm. Due to the high risk of limb threat the patient underwent a successful resection of the left ulnar artery aneurysm with vein patch.
IAC Vascular Testing Facility Accreditation Issues
Authors:   IAC Staff
Published: April 2018

Accreditation is often viewed as a gatekeeper of quality. The Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) began accrediting vascular testing facilities in 1991. Currently, there are 2918 accredited sites in the United States. The IAC offers accreditation in 6 vascular testing areas: extracranial cerebrovascular (extracranial), peripheral arterial (arterial), peripheral venous (venous), visceral vascular (visceral), intracranial cerebrovascular, and screening.
The Neuroprotective Effects of Thymoquinone: A Review
Authors: Farkhondeh Tahereh , Samarghandian Saeed , Shahri Ali Mohammad Pourbagher , Samini Fariborz
Published: April 2018

Thymoquinone (TQ), one of the main components active of Nigella sativa, exhibited very useful biomedical effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anticancer, hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, and antiasthmatic effects. There are several studies about pharmacological activities of TQ but its neuroprotection effects are not fully described. The literature search has indicated many studies pertaining to the effects of TQ in neurological problems such as epilepsy, parkinsonism, anxiety, and improvement of learning and memory, and so on. In addition, TQ protected brain cells from various injuries due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and apoptotic effects in cell line and experimental animal models. The present study has been designed to review the scientific literature about the pharmacological activities of TQ to the neurological diseases. This study purposed that although experimental studies indicated the beneficial effects of TQ against nervous system problems, better designed clinical trials in humans are needed to confirm these effects.
Lifestyle Medicine Education Collaborative (LMEd): “Champions of Change” Medical School Leaders Workshop
Authors: Muscato Dennis , Phillips Edward M. , Trilk Jennifer L.
Published: April 2018

The Lifestyle Medicine Education Collaborative (LMEd) hosted the “Champions of Change” Medical School Leaders workshop at the 2017 American College of Lifestyle Medicine annual conference. Presentations focused on the following: (1) accelerating adoption and implementation of lifestyle medicine (LM) education in medical schools through collaboration and action networks that produce positive results, (2) showcasing medical school champions and their work in LM education leadership, and (3) helping participants create a roadmap for how to engage with LMEd and implement LM education in their own medical school.
Principals’ leadership styles and teachers’ job performance: Evidence from Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Imhangbe OS , Okecha RE , Obozuwa J
Published: April 2018

This study investigated the relationship between principals’ leadership styles and secondary school teachers’ job performance in Edo Central Senatorial District, Nigeria. A correlational design was adopted for the study. Two adapted questionnaires titled “Principals’ Leadership Style Questionnaire” (PLESQUE) and “Teachers’ Job Performance Questionnaire” (TEJOPAQ) were administered to teachers and principals drawn from a population of 397 senior secondary school teachers and 69 principals in the Senatorial District respectively. The Cronbach alphas for the three sub-scales in PLESQUE were .710, .883 and .848 for democratic, autocratic and laissez-faire leadership styles respectively, while the Cronbach alpha for TEJOPAQ was .882 for teachers’ job performance. Percentages, multiple regression and Pearson product-moment correlation were used to test the hypotheses at the .05 level of significance. Results showed that democratic, autocratic and laissez-faire leadership styles jointly contributed about 68.3% variations in the job performance of teachers, while democratic and laissez-faire leadership styles had the most prominent positive influence on teachers’ job performance in the area of study. It was recommended, amongst other things, that the use of a democratic leadership style should be encouraged among the principals of senior secondary schools in the district.
An integrated motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioural intervention promoting physical activity maintenance for adults with chronic health conditions: A feasibility study
Authors: Scott Sarah E , Breckon Jeff D , Copeland Robert J
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Physical activity is recommended for managing chronic health conditions but is rarely maintained. This feasibility study aimed to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of a motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioural intervention for long-term physical activity for adults with chronic health conditions.

Methods

Participants ( N = 37) with stable conditions (e.g. diabetes) were randomized into a three-month motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioural group ( N = 20) or usual care ( N = 17) after completing a physical activity referral scheme. Participants completed physical activity (e.g. average steps per day and kilocalorie expenditure), psychological (e.g. self-efficacy) and epidemiological (e.g. body mass index) standardized measures at baseline, three- and six-month follow-up. Treatment fidelity and feasibility were assessed.

Results

Thirty-five participants completed the study (96% retention). The motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioural group maintained kilocalorie expenditure at three ( p = 0.009) and six months ( p = 0.009). Exercise barrier self-efficacy ( p = 0.03), physical ( p = 0.02) and psychological ( p = 0.01) physical activity experiences were increased at three months only. No difference was found for average steps/day, social support, coping skills and epidemiological factors.

Discussion

This is the first study to demonstrate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioural interventions for promoting physical activity maintenance in a clinical population. A large-scale trial with a longer follow-up (≥6 months) is warranted with treatment fidelity assessment.
Chronic migraine: A process of dysmodulation and sensitization
Authors: Su Min , Yu Shengyuan
Published: April 2018

Chronic migraine is a common chronic daily headache featured by frequent headache attacks with at least 15 headache days per month, which brings great disease burden to both the sufferers and the society. Transformed from episodic migraine, the pathophysiology of chronic migraine is not fully understood, even though several risk factors have been associated with migraine progression. Recent studies have identified both structural and functional alterations in some brain regions of chronic migraine patients indicating that maladaptation of the top-down pain modulation and subsequent sensitization of trigeminal system may be important in the pathogenesis of chronic migraine. Moreover, biochemical analysis has confirmed several molecules related to chronic migraine, which may serve as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. Chronic migraine is undertreated because of its poor treatment response and limited therapy options. In this article, we reviewed the latest data to outline the clinical feature, pathophysiological mechanism, and management of chronic migraine, in the expectation to provide direction for future research and finally to take good care of chronic migraine patients.
Women’s sexual dysfunction associated with psychiatric disorders and their treatment
Authors: Basson Rosemary , Gilks Thea
Published: April 2018

Impairment of mental health is the most important risk factor for female sexual dysfunction. Women living with psychiatric illness, despite their frequent sexual difficulties, consider sexuality to be an important aspect of their quality of life. Antidepressant and antipsychotic medication, the neurobiology and symptoms of the illness, past trauma, difficulties in establishing relationships and stigmatization can all contribute to sexual dysfunction. Low sexual desire is strongly linked to depression. Lack of subjective arousal and pleasure are linked to trait anxiety: the sensations of physical sexual arousal may lead to fear rather than to pleasure. The most common type of sexual pain is 10 times more common in women with previous diagnoses of anxiety disorder. Clinicians often do not routinely inquire about their patients’ sexual concerns, particularly in the context of psychotic illness but careful assessment, diagnosis and explanation of their situation is necessary and in keeping with patients’ wishes. Evidence-based pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are available but poorly researched in the context of psychotic illness.
The interaction of notional number and morphophonology in subject–verb agreement: A role for working memory
Authors: Lorimor Heidi , Jackson Carrie N , van Hell Janet G
Published: April 2018

Research shows that cross-linguistically, subject–verb agreement with complex noun phrases (e.g., The label on the bottles) is influenced by notional number and the presence of homophony in case, gender, or number morphology. Less well-understood is whether notional number and morphophonology interact during speech production, and whether the relative impact of these two factors is influenced by working memory capacity. Using an auditory sentence completion task, we investigated the impact of notional number and morphophonology on agreement with complex subject noun phrases in Dutch. Results revealed main effects of notional number and morphophonology. Critically, there was also an interaction between morphophonology and notional number because participants showed greater notional effects when the determiners were homophonous and morphophonologically ambiguous. Furthermore, participants with higher working memory scores made fewer agreement errors when the subject noun phrase contained homophonous determiners, and this effect was greater when the subject noun phrase was notionally singular. These findings support the hypothesis that cue-based retrieval plays a role in agreement production, and suggests that the ability to correctly assign subject–verb agreement—especially in the presence of homophonous determiners—is modulated by working memory capacity.
Differential coactivation in a redundant signals task with weak and strong go/no-go stimuli
Authors: Minakata Katsumi , Gondan Matthias
Published: April 2018

When participants respond to stimuli of two sources, response times (RTs) are often faster when both stimuli are presented together relative to the RTs obtained when presented separately (redundant signals effect [RSE]). Race models and coactivation models can explain the RSE. In race models, separate channels process the two stimulus components, and the faster processing time determines the overall RT. In audiovisual experiments, the RSE is often higher than predicted by race models, and coactivation models have been proposed that assume integrated processing of the two stimuli. Where does coactivation occur? We implemented a go/no-go task with randomly intermixed weak and strong auditory, visual, and audiovisual stimuli. In one experimental session, participants had to respond to strong stimuli and withhold their response to weak stimuli. In the other session, these roles were reversed. Interestingly, coactivation was only observed in the experimental session in which participants had to respond to strong stimuli. If weak stimuli served as targets, results were widely consistent with the race model prediction. The pattern of results contradicts the inverse effectiveness law. We present two models that explain the result in terms of absolute and relative thresholds.
Operation reliability evaluation of cutting tools based on singular value decomposition transform and support vector space
Authors: Chen Baojia , Shen Baoming , Zhang Fajun , Xiao Wenrong , Chen Fafa , Tian Hongliang , Chen Shu
Published: April 2018

The traditional reliability evaluation method based on large sample statistics is inefficient for a single or a small batch computer numerical control turning cutting tool due to the inadequate description of time, dynamic process, inaccurate model and individualization. To solve the problem, a new operation reliability evaluation method based on singular value decomposition transform and support vector space is proposed. In this new method, the singular value decomposition is used for the dimensionality reduction of high-dimensional feature data so as to reduce the computational complexity and the redundant components. The hypersphere space of the similar data is established based on the dimension reduction data. The relative distance between the sample points and the hypersphere is then calculated and used to describe the performance of the tool. The semi-normal function is introduced to define the mapping relationship of the relative distance and the operation reliability of the tool. Finally, two cutting tools in the experiment are taken as the research example to verify the effectiveness of the method. The result shows that this method can evaluate the operation reliability of the tool effectively and the singular value decomposition dimensionality reduction improves the accuracy of the evaluation. It provides a new theoretical and practical support for the reliability evaluation of small sample data.
Negotiating consensus in simulated decision-making meetings without designated chairs: A study of participants’ discourse roles
Authors: Du-Babcock Bertha , Chan Angela CK
Published: April 2018

Decision-making is an integral part of business meetings in an organization. Research has suggested that a participant’s engagement in the decision-making process has direct relevance to his or her role(s) in the team or organization. This study extends the investigation of communicative behavior in decision-making to a special meeting setting where all participants assume similar organizational roles and where there is no designated chair. In particular, it draws on conversation analytic methods and a recently developed framework of participant roles to examine discursive strategies and discourse roles on a moment-by-moment basis in the process of consensus negotiation. Findings show that participants’ choices of discursive strategies and the display of discourse roles vary as the discussion proceeds. A limited range of discursive strategies and discourse roles are identified when the discussion fails to lead to consensus. Our analysis also suggests that certain discourse roles appear to have a greater impact on reaching consensus decisions.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) or Blood Glucose Monitoring (BGM): Interactions and Implications
Authors: Heinemann Lutz
Published: April 2018

At the 2017 10th annual International Conference on Advanced Technologies and Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) in Paris, France, four speakers presented their perspectives on the roles of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and of blood glucose monitoring (BGM) in patient management within one symposium. These presentations included discussions of the differences in the accuracy of CGM and BGM, a clinical perspective on the physiological reasons behind differences in CGM and BGM values, and an overview of the impact of variations in device accuracy on patients with diabetes. Subsequently a short summary of these presentations is given, highlighting the value of good accuracy of BGM or CGM systems and the ongoing need for standardization. The important role of both BGM and CGM in patient management was a theme across all presentations.
Short- to Mid-Term Outcomes Following the Use of an Arthroereisis Implant as an Adjunct for Correction of Flexible, Acquired Flatfoot Deformity in Adults
Authors: Walley Kempland C. , Greene Gearin , Hallam Jesse , Juliano Paul J. , Aynardi Michael C.
Published: April 2018

Background. The use of an arthroereisis implant for the treatment of adolescent flatfoot deformity has been described. However, data that address the outcomes of patients treated with an arthroereisis implant in adults are limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the radiographic and clinical outcomes and complications following the use of a subtalar arthroereisis implant as an adjunct for correction acquired flatfoot deformity secondary to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Methods. A retrospective case-control study was performed querying all patients undergoing surgical flatfoot correction between January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2015. The experimental group included patients undergoing arthroereisis augmentation at the time of flatfoot correction. Patients undergoing the same flatfoot correction without the use of an arthroereisis implant were used as controls. Radiographic measurements were evaluated preoperatively and at final radiographic follow-up and included talonavicular (TN) coverage angle, and lateral talar–first metatarsal angle (T1MA). Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores and postoperative Short Form–36, VAS, and satisfaction at final orthopedic follow-up. Results. A total of 15 patients underwent flatfoot correction and were augmented with an arthroereisis implant and were matched with 30 controls. Postoperative, mid-term T1MA and regional analysis was found to be improved in the experimental group versus control. Patients undergoing adjunct subtalar arthroereisis demonstrated an increased likelihood of achieving radiographically normal talonavicular coverage <7° compared with our control group at follow-up. Conclusions. The adjunct use of an arthroereisis implant resulted in improved and maintained radiographic and clinical measurements in patients undergoing stage II flatfoot. Clinical Significance. These results suggest utility of a subtalar arthroereisis implant as an adjunct to flatfoot correction with little additional risk of harm to the patient.

Levels of Evidence: Level III: Case-control study
Integrating the Characteristics of the New Coming Technological Age by a Meta-Study
Authors: Torkaman Amin
Published: April 2018

Human beings have passed through different technological ages, from the Agricultural Age to the Industrial Age to the Information Age. Now, a new paradigm is developing called the “Conceptual Age,” which is known as the last technological age. There are many studies about paradigm change; this article aims to integrate these studies and categorize their characteristics. One of the most famous studies on technology paradigm changing has been named the “Conceptual Age.” It has been divided into seven main categories. By using meta-study method, other related studies were collected and the results were added to the base study so that the main seven senses of Conceptual Age were expanded. An expanded and integrated framework of characteristics of a new coming technological age was written that could be used as the basis for any other research on this field.
Pharmacies as potential providers of harm reduction services: A preliminary online survey
Authors: James Edward , Robertshaw Thomas L , Westwell Andrew D , Smith Andrew P
Published: April 2018

Background

Recreational drug use is a major cause of disease, injury, physical and mental impairment and death in developed countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States. Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and psilocybe mushrooms are recreational drugs with capacity to cause harm. Cannabis, MDMA and psilocybin have reported therapeutic applications.

Objectives

The primary purpose of this study was to determine which of the three types of vendor (pharmacy, shop and the black market) are perceived to be the most suitable for selling the substances discussed according to a general population sample.

Methods

A sample of 105 UK nationals was selected for the survey. Participants were presented information regarding reported relative dangers of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, MDMA and psilocybin and potential therapeutic applications. Participants were then asked to review harm reduction strategies.

Results

It was found that participants concluded that pharmacists with available NHS support from GPs and mental health workers are the most suitable vendors of cannabis, MDMA and psilocybin as opposed to regulated shops or the black market (p < 0.001). There was a high level of support for selling cannabis in pharmacies both for therapeutic use and for harm reduction purposes with a mean score of 7.0 out of 10. Participants (60) with a university education were found to be more in favour of the substances being sold primarily in pharmacies (alcohol 5.6, tobacco 6.7, cannabis 7.6, MDMA 6.5 and psilocybin 6.5) than participants (45) with no university qualification (alcohol 5.0, tobacco 4.8, cannabis 6.3, MDMA 5.0 and psilocybin 5.1).

Conclusions

The data suggest that the university-educated participants are supportive of treating recreational drug use as a health issue with GPs, mental health workers and pharmacists taking on roles.
When Notes Start to Speak: An Investigation of Footnotes and Interlinear Notes in Contemporary Chinese Bible Versions
Authors: Yi An-Ting
Published: April 2018

This article investigates an often-neglected element in Bible translations, namely footnotes and interlinear notes. The notes in Mark from five contemporary Chinese versions are examined through an analytical framework based on Skopostheorie. These notes serve as test cases to illustrate how different versions deal with difficult translational and text-critical issues. In particular the example of the shorter and longer endings of Mark shows the tension between present-day New Testament textual criticism and the conservative mentality of Chinese churches. On the basis of six selected examples, this article concludes that notes should not merely be seen as trivial information but, on the contrary, they can offer a fresh look at the contexts of Bible versions, their skopoi, and their translation decisions. Therefore, in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Bible versions, investigation of paratextual elements should receive more attention than it presently does.
Hypomonē as “Enduring Resistance”: Finding Nonviolence in the Book of Revelation
Authors: Meyers Jeffrey D.
Published: April 2018

The Greek word hypomonē frequently has a more active quality than translations such as “patience” or “endurance” suggest. This is particularly the case in the book of Revelation, where some scholars have suggested translating it as “resistance” or “nonviolent resistance.” This article argues that “enduring resistance” is the most appropriate way of rendering this word in John’s Apocalypse. This translation highlights hypomonē as part of Revelation’s call for its audience to engage in nonviolent resistance to the evils and seductions of the Roman Empire.
In a broken world: Towards an ethics of repair in the Anthropocene
Authors: McLaren Duncan P
Published: April 2018

With the power to break Earth Systems comes responsibility to care for them, and arguably to repair them. Climate geoengineering is one possible approach. But repair is under-researched and underspecified in this context. In a first attempt to establish basic principles for the obligations of repair in the Anthropocene, five disciplines of repair are briefly reviewed: reconstruction of historic buildings; remediation of human bodies; restoration of ecosystems; reconfiguration of cultural materials and artifacts; and reconciliation of broken relationships. In each case ethical practices and debates are described to help identify key themes and challenges in understanding repair. Three interlinked pragmatic ethics or virtues of repair in the Anthropocene are suggested: care, integrity, and legibility. Implications for climate geoengineering, climate politics, and the possibilities of climate justice are explored. Climate repair is defended against objections that it would exacerbate a moral hazard effect, or frame climate responses as politically conservative.
Popularizing party journalism in China in the age of social media: The case of Xinhua News Agency
Authors: Xin Xin
Published: April 2018

The phenomenon of the “popularization” of journalism has become widespread in the process of media marketization, globalization and digitalization. This phenomenon has been studied mostly in the Anglo-American context. This article instead draws attention to China, where the tendency toward popularizing (party) journalism is also occurring but taking a rather different form. It focuses on the case of Xinhua News Agency—the pioneer as well as the most representative case of traditional party journalism in the country. The article considers to what extent Xinhua’s online media content concerning the ruling party since 1949—the Communist Party of China—has been popularized both in terms of content and style. The changes to online media content made by Xinhua are indicative of the extent to which it is possible to combine the status of a state-owned central news organization with a new journalistic orientation that seeks to make the messages from and about the party more appealing to technology-savvy and entertainment-driven audiences in the new media environment in mainland China.
Population Growth and CO2 Emission in Nigeria: A Recursive ARDL Approach
Authors: Sulaiman Chindo , Abdul-Rahim A. S.
Published: April 2018

Theoretically, population growth is believed to increase greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2 emissions through the increase in human activities. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate this assertion in Nigeria using an autoregressive distributed lag model covering periods from 1971-2000, 1971-2005, and 1971-2010 recursively. The results indicated that population was not a determinant of CO2 emissions in all the three periods in the long run. However, economic growth was found to be the only long-run CO2 emissions determining factor within the studied periods. However, in the short run, virtually all the explanatory variables and their lags, that is, population growth, economic growth, and energy consumption, were significant in determining CO2 emissions. The findings suggested that population growth, which is the focal point of the study, could only determine CO2 emissions in the short run. Therefore, population checking measures could be a short-run effective measure to lower the emissions level. Also, further research should be conducted on how to effectively and efficiently manage the population growth–CO2 emissions relationship.
“There’s Plenty More Clunge in the Sea”: Boyhood Masculinities and Sexual Talk
Authors: Clark Jessica
Published: April 2018

This article sets out to analyze the dominant sexual discourses embedded and negotiated within the television sitcom The Inbetweeners. Sex is a highly visible element of the program, marking it as a prevailing feature of the life of the teenage boy, paradoxically natural yet problematic. The performances draw upon and reproduce governing discourses of sexuality and gender. Of the potential themes, three are considered here. First, sex is represented as ubiquitous within the boys’ narratives, an assumed attribute of (the transition to) the performance of successful adult masculinity. Second, individual (hetero) sexuality is policed through peer-led homophobic banter and humor. Third, girls are objectified by boys, demonstrating the role of gendered relations in the governance of femininity and the discursive sanctions, which define masculinity through objects of desire. This article reveals some of the sexual subjecthoods made available to young men through televised representation, and considers their position within the wider sexual landscapes of boyhood.
De Novo KCNQ2 Mutation in One Case of Epilepsy of Infancy With Migrating Focal Seizures That Evolved to Infantile Spasms
Authors: Duan Haolin , Peng Jing , Kessi Miriam , Yin Fei
Published: April 2018

Epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS) is a rare type of early-onset epileptic encephalopathy that is characterized by refractory migratory multifocal seizures that migrate between hemispheres. Its etiology is not well known although it is postulated to occur due to channelopathy. The authors report the first case of EIMFS due to a de novo heterozygous mutation in exon 4(c.881C>T missense mutation, p.Ala294Val, NM_172107.2) in KCNQ2 gene which later evolved into infantile spasms. However, it is the second case of EIMFS with KCNQ2 mutation. He presented with multifocal migratory partial seizures which started at the age of 8 days. Electroencephalogram examination revealed multifocal interictal spikes that migrated from one hemisphere to the other within a seizure. It was intractable with antiepileptic drugs and adrenocorticotropic hormone. He later developed spasms from the age of 8 months. Consequently, our case supports the new association between EIMFS and KCNQ2 mutations. Moreover, it enriches the disease phenotype because of transformation.
Modeling creep behavior of carbon nanotube/fiber/polymer composite cylinders
Authors: Ghasemi Ahmad Reza , Hosseinpour Komeil , Mohandes Masood
Published: April 2018

In this research, the effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the distribution of long-term creep strains in thick-walled multi-walled carbon nanotube/fiber/polymer three-phase laminated composites are studied. In the first step, micromechanical models are developed to calculate the elastic properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube/vinylester and multi-walled carbon nanotube/E-glass fiber/vinylester composites. Using classical lamination plate theory, equilibrium and compatibility equations and strain–displacement relations, the distribution of effective stresses is considered. Moreover, utilizing Schapery single-integral model for nonlinear viscoelastic materials, Prandtl–Reuss relations and Mendelson’s approximation method, not only the distribution of circumferential and radial strains is investigated but also the effects of fiber orientation and weight fraction (wt.%) of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the way of distribution are studied. The results demonstrated that the addition of the multi-walled carbon nanotube to the vinylester can reduce absolute values of the radial and circumferential creep strains and dimensionless effective stresses. Moreover, most reduction occurred in the inner wall of the cylindrical shell when fiber orientation was α = 90°.
Medico-legal aspects of cosmetic dentistry
Authors: Nichols Lucy
Published: April 2018

Cosmetic dentistry has undergone enormous change over the last 10 years, with a move away from drilling teeth back in order to place veneers to a move towards techniques to orthodontically align and whiten the front teeth. Whilst this is a positive move, it is important that general dentists providing orthodontic treatment work within their competency. Where claims arise, they are made against individual dentists. Key issues to consider in deciding where there may or may not be a claim would include the following: were all the options given, including the most conservative/least destructive, was the patient given an opportunity to see the expected cosmetic outcome before treatment started, were they adequately informed of all risks, and any necessary compromises to the ideal aesthetic outcome, was there adequate case planning recorded in the notes with all pre-operative photographs and X-rays as necessary, where adverse events occur, would it have been reasonable to expect anything to have been done differently, does the patient have unrealistic expectations of what is achievable? When seeking the advice of a dental expert witness, the appropriate expert may need to have experience in cosmetic, restorative and orthodontic treatment, depending on the case.
Sonographic Findings of Midgut Malrotation With Volvulus: A Case of Upper Intestinal Obstruction in a Neonate
Authors: Chandler Courtney , Fisher Kelsy L.
Published: April 2018

Midgut malrotation is a congenital condition resulting from incomplete normal intestinal rotation after physiologic gut herniation. While it can remain asymptomatic over an entire lifetime, midgut volvulus is most likely to occur during early life. While an upper gastrointestinal series is the imaging modality of choice for definitive diagnosis, sonography is a safe and effective modality capable of indicating midgut malrotation, especially in pediatric patients. This case study illustrates the sonographic findings associated with intestinal malrotation with volvulus and discusses the etiology, signs, symptoms, and treatment of the condition. In addition, the sonographic findings are correlated with upper gastrointestinal results, which confirmed midgut malrotation. The diagnosis of volvulus secondary to midgut malrotation was confirmed by a laparoscopic Ladd procedure performed to treat the neonate.
Conditions of formation of Au–Se–Te mineralization in the Gaching ore occurrence (Maletoyvayam ore field), Kamchatka, Russia
Authors: Tolstykh Nadezhda , Vymazalová Anna , Tuhý Marek , Shapovalova Mariya
Published: April 2018

The Gaching high-sulfidation epithermal deposit in the Maletoyvayam ore field features a wide range of Se-containing minerals and selenides, as well as complex gold oxides, Au tellurides (calaverite, krennerite) and native gold typical for epithermal deposits. Pyrite included in quartzites and quartz-alunite rocks was probably formed during an early stage of the ore-forming process. During the following Au-rich stage, the$f_{{\rm S}{\rm e}_{\rm 2}}$/$f_{{\rm S}_{\rm 2}}$increased with$f_{{\rm O}_{\rm 2}}$being relatively high, resulting in the formation of very rare compounds that have not been previously described in nature. These include Au2Te4(Se,S)3, Se3Te2, AuSe and Au(Te,Se,S) phases. The Au2Te4(Se,S)3compounds have some variations in composition: the complete isomorphic series between Au2Te4Se3and Au2Te4S3was observed. The gold and Au-minerals at the main ore stage can be stable within a range of log$f_{{\rm O}_{\rm 2}}$of −27.3 and atmospheric oxygen (?); log$f_{{\rm S}{\rm e}_{\rm 2}}$between −12.4 and −5.7; log$f_{{\rm T}{\rm e}_{\rm 2}}$between −10.5 and −7.8; and log$f_{{\rm S}_{\rm 2}}$between −12.8 and −6.8 (at 250°C). The increasing oxygen fugacity during the final stage of mineralization resulted in the formation of complex Sb,As,Te,S-bearing Au oxides. Gold-oxide formation occurs due to oxidation of Au-tellurides. The final products of this process are newly-formed secondary mustard gold and Te–Se solid solutions.
Low-dose computed tomography for the diagnosis of pneumonia in elderly patients: a prospective, interventional cohort study
Authors: Prendki Virginie , Scheffler Max , Huttner Benedikt , Garin Nicolas , Herrmann François , Janssens Jean-Paul , Marti Christophe , Carballo Sebastian , Roux Xavier , Serratrice Christine , Serratrice Jacques , Agoritsas Thomas , Becker Christoph D. , Kaiser Laurent , Rosset-Zufferey Sarah , Soulier Valérie , Perrier Arnaud , Reny Jean-Luc , Montet Xavier , Stirnemann Jérôme
Published: April 2018

The diagnosis of pneumonia is challenging. Our objective was to assess whether low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) modified the probability of diagnosing pneumonia in elderly patients.

We prospectively included patients aged over 65 years with a suspicion of pneumonia treated with antimicrobial therapy (AT). All patients had a chest radiograph and LDCT within 72 h of inclusion. The treating clinician assessed the probability of pneumonia before and after the LDCT scan using a Likert scale. An adjudication committee retrospectively rated the probability of pneumonia and was considered as the reference for diagnosis. The main outcome was the difference in the clinician's pneumonia probability estimates before and after LDCT and the proportion of modified diagnoses which matched the reference diagnosis (the net reclassification improvement (NRI)).

A total of 200 patients with a median age of 84 years were included. After LDCT, the estimated probability of pneumonia changed in 90 patients (45%), of which 60 (30%) were downgraded and 30 (15%) were upgraded. The NRI was 8% (NRI event (−6%) + NRI non-event (14%)).

LDCT modified the estimated probability of pneumonia in a substantial proportion of patients. It mostly helped to exclude a diagnosis of pneumonia and hence to reduce unnecessary AT.
Personalised medicine in interstitial lung diseases
Authors: Kokosi Maria A. , Margaritopoulos George A. , Wells Athol U.
Published: April 2018

Interstitial lung diseases in general, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in particular, are complex disorders with multiple pathogenetic pathways, various disease behaviour profiles and different responses to treatment, all facets that make personalised medicine a highly attractive concept. Personalised medicine is aimed at describing distinct disease subsets taking into account individual lifestyle, environmental exposures, genetic profiles and molecular pathways. The cornerstone of personalised medicine is the identification of biomarkers that can be used to inform diagnosis, prognosis and treatment stratification. At present, no data exist validating a personalised approach in individual diseases. However, the importance of the goal amply justifies the characterisation of genotype and pathway signatures with a view to refining prognostic evaluation and trial design, with the ultimate aim of selecting treatments according to profiles in individual patients.
A European regulatory perspective on cystic fibrosis: current treatments, trends in drug development and translational challenges for CFTR modulators
Authors: Ponzano Stefano , Nigrelli Giulia , Fregonese Laura , Eichler Irmgard , Bertozzi Fabio , Bandiera Tiziano , Galietta Luis J.V. , Papaluca Marisa
Published: April 2018

In this article we analyse the current authorised treatments and trends in early drug development for cystic fibrosis (CF) in the European Union for the time period 2000–2016. The analysis indicates a significant improvement in the innovation and development of new potential medicines for CF, shifting from products that act on the symptoms of the disease towards new therapies targeting the cause of CF. However, within these new innovative medicines, results for CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators indicate that one major challenge for turning a CF concept product into an actual medicine for the benefit of patients resides in the fact that, although pre-clinical models have shown good predictability for certain mutations, a good correlation to clinical end-points or biomarkers (e.g.forced expiratory volume in 1 s and sweat chloride) for all mutations has not yet been achieved. In this respect, the use of alternative end-points and innovative nonclinical models could be helpful for the understanding of those translational discrepancies. Collaborative endeavours to promote further research and development in these areas as well as early dialogue with the regulatory bodies available at the European competent authorities are recommended.
Transgenic Mice Overexpressing SREBP-1a in Male ob/ob Mice Exhibit Lipodystrophy and Exacerbate Insulin Resistance
Authors: Ohno Hiroshi , Matsuzaka Takashi , Tang Nie , Sharma Rahul , Motomura Kaori , Shimura Takuya , Satoh Aoi , Han Song-iee , Takeuchi Yoshinori , Aita Yuichi , Iwasaki Hitoshi , Yatoh Shigeru , Suzuki Hiroaki , Sekiya Motohiro , Nakagawa Yoshimi , Sone Hirohito , Yahagi Naoya , Yamada Nobuhiro , Higami Yoshikazu , Shimano Hitoshi
Published: April 2018

Sterol regulatory element–binding protein (SREBP)-1a is a key transcription factor that activates the expression of genes involved in the synthesis of fatty acids, triglycerides (TGs), and cholesterol. Transgenic mice that overexpress the nuclear form of SREBP-1a under the control of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase promoter (Tg-1a) were previously shown to display a lipodystrophic phenotype characterized by enlarged and fatty livers, diminished peripheral white adipose tissue (WAT), and insulin resistance. In the current study, we crossed these Tg-1a mice with genetically obese (ob/ob) mice (Tg-1a;ob/ob) and examined change in fat distribution between liver and adipose tissues in severe obesity and mechanism underlying the lipodystrophic phenotype in mice with Tg-1a. Tg-1a;ob/ob mice developed more severe steatohepatitis but had reduced WAT mass and body weight compared with ob/ob mice. The reduction of WAT mass in Tg-1a and Tg-1a;ob/ob mice was accompanied by enhanced lipogenesis and lipid uptake in the liver, reduced plasma lipid levels, impaired adipocyte differentiation, reduced food intake, enhanced energy expenditure, and extended macrophage infiltration and fibrosis in WAT. Despite the improved glucose tolerance, Tg-1a;ob/ob mice showed severe peripheral insulin resistance. Adenoviral hepatic expression of SREBP-1a mimicked these phenotypes. The “fat steal”-like lipodystrophy phenotype of the Tg-1a;ob/ob model demonstrates that hepatic SREBP-1a activation has a strong impact on the partition of TG accumulation, resulting in adipose-tissue remodeling by inflammation and fibrosis and insulin resistance.