bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Drip-and-drive’: shipping the neurointerventionalist to provide mechanical thrombectomy in primary stroke centers
Authors: Brekenfeld Caspar , Goebell Einar , Schmidt Holger , Henningsen Henning , Kraemer Christoffer , Tebben Jörg , Flottmann Fabian , Thomalla Götz , Fiehler Jens
Published: February 2018

Background

To satisfy the increasing demand of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke treatment, new organizational concepts for patient care are required. This study evaluates time intervals of acute stroke management in two stroke care models, including one based on transportation of the interventionalist from a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) to treat patients in two primary stroke centers (PSC). We hypothesized that time intervals were not inferior for the ‘drip-and-drive’ concept compared with the traditional ‘drip-and-ship’ concept.

Methods

Patients treated with MT at the PSC (‘drip-and-drive’, ‘D+D group’) were compared with patients transferred from PSC to CSC for MT (‘drip-and-ship’, ‘D+S group’) with regard to time delays. Time intervals assessed were: symptom onset to initial CT, to angiography, and to recanalization; time from initial CT to telephone call activation, to arrival, and to angiography; and time from telephone call activation to arrival and from arrival to angiography.

Results

42 patients were treated at the PSC after transfer of the interventionalist, and 32 patients were transferred to the CSC for MT. The groups did not differ with regard to median Onset–CT and CT–Phone times. Significant differences between the groups were found for the primary outcome measure CT–Arrival time (‘D+D group’: median 121 (IQR 108–134) min vs 181 (157–219) min for the ‘D+S group’; P<0.001). Time difference between the groups increased to more than 2 hours for median CT–Angio times (median 123 (IQR 93–147) min vs 252 (228–275) min; P<0.001).

Conclusion

Time intervals for the ‘D+D group’ were not inferior to those of the ‘D+S group’. Moreover, under certain conditions, the ‘drip-and-drive’ concept might even be superior.
A Casino goes smoke free: a longitudinal study of secondhand and thirdhand smoke pollution and exposure
Authors: Matt Georg E , Quintana Penelope J E , Hoh Eunha , Zakarian Joy M , Chowdhury Zohir , Hovell Melbourne F , Jacob Peyton , Watanabe Kayo , Theweny Teaba S , Flores Victoria , Nguyen Anh , Dhaliwal Narinder , Hayward Gary
Published: February 2018

Background

Secondhand smoke (SHS) in US casinos is common, but little is known about the residue of tobacco smoke pollutants left behind in dust and on surfaces, commonly referred to as thirdhand smoke (THS). We examined SHS and THS pollution and exposure before and during a casino smoking ban and after smoking resumed.

Methods

A casino was visited nine times over a 15-month period to collect dust, surface and air samples in eight locations. Finger wipe and urine samples were collected from non-smoking confederates before and after a 4-hour casino visit. Samples were analysed for markers of SHS and THS pollution and exposure.

Results

Exceptionally high levels of THS were found in dust and on surfaces. Although the smoking ban led to immediate improvements in air quality, surface nicotine levels were unchanged and remained very high for the first month of the smoking ban. Surface nicotine decreased by 90% after 1 month (P<0.01), but nicotine and tobacco-specific nitrosamines in dust decreased more slowly, declining by 90% only after 3 months (P<0.01). Exposure was significantly reduced after the ban, but the benefits of the ban were reversed after smoking resumed.

Conclusions

Long-term smoking in a casino creates deep THS reservoirs that persist for months after a smoking ban. A complete smoking ban immediately improves air quality and significantly reduces exposure to SHS and THS. However, THS reservoirs contribute to continued low-level exposure to toxicants. To accelerate the effect of smoking bans, remediation efforts should address specific THS reservoirs, which may require intensive cleaning as well as replacement of carpets, furniture and building materials.
Hydrocephalus, supratentorial diverticulum and agenesis of the interthalamic adhesion and corpus callosum in a cat: MRI findings, treatment and follow‐up
Authors: Boccanera Cinzia , Stabile Fabio , Corvi Roberta , Mariscoli Massimo , Mandara Maria Teresa
Published: February 2018

A four‐year‐old male neutered domestic shorthair cat was presented with a 48‐hour history of cluster of generalised tonic–clonic seizures. General examination revealed craniofacial and eye abnormalities, which were reported since birth. Epileptic seizure activity was controlled with parenteral administration of phenobarbital. The cat underwent MRI of the head, which showed hydrocephalus, supratentorial diverticulum and agenesis of the interthalamic adhesion and corpus callosum. At the time of writing (two years after diagnosis), the cat is still leading a normal life on antiepileptic treatment with phenobarbital. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report describing such a complex developmental abnormality in a cat.
Johne's disease: a successful eradication programme in a dairy goat herd
Authors: Gavin William G , Porter Catherine A , Hawkins Nathan , Schofield Michael J , Pollock John M
Published: February 2018

This retrospective analysis and report describes the successful eradication and posteradication surveillance programme for Johne's disease (Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP)) in a closed herd of dairy goats. In 1994, MAP's presence in the goat herd was first suspected through individual annual serological screening and then subsequently confirmed through faecal culture and histopathology in 1997 when implementation of a more aggressive programme of testing and eradication of the diseased animals began. This programme included frequent serological screening of all adult goats using ELISA and agar gel immunodiffusion assays. Faecal cultures for bacteria were performed on suspect or positive animals and for all goats found dead or euthanased, and tissues were submitted for histopathology and acid‐fast staining. Additional disease eradication measures included maintaining a closed herd and minimising faecal‐oral transmission of MAP. Following a more aggressive testing regimen and euthanasia of goats with positive faecal culture, the herd was first considered free of MAP in 2003 and has remained free to the present day.
Sex-related differences in fuel utilization and hormonal response to exercise: implications for individuals with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Brockman Nicole K. , Yardley Jane E.
Published: February 2018

Sex-related differences in metabolic and neuroendocrine response to exercise in individuals without diabetes have been well established. Men and women differ in fuel selection during exercise, in which women rely to a greater extent on fat oxidation, whereas males rely mostly on carbohydrate oxidation for energy production. The difference in fuel selection appears to be mediated by sex-related differences in hormonal (including catecholamines, growth hormone, and estrogen) response to different types and intensities of exercise. In general, men exhibit an amplified counter-regulatory response to exercise, with elevated levels of catecholamines compared with women. However, women exhibit greater sensitivity to the lipolytic action of the catecholamines and deplete less of their glycogen stores than men during exercise, which suggests that women may experience a greater defense in blood glucose control after exercise than men. Conversely, little is known about sex-related differences in response to exercise in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). A single study investigating sex-related differences in response to moderate aerobic exercise in individuals with T1D found sex-related differences in catecholamine response and fuel selection, but changes in blood glucose were not measured. To our knowledge, there are no studies investigating sex-related differences in blood glucose responses to different types and intensities of exercise in individuals with T1D. This review summarizes sex-related differences in exercise responses that could potentially impact blood glucose levels during exercise in individuals with T1D and highlights the need for further research.
Member distortional buckling behaviour of hybrid double-I-box beams
Authors: Deepak M.S. , Shanthi V.M.
Published: February 2018

This paper compiles the experimental and finite-element parametric study on member distortional buckling behaviour of new built-up metal hybrid double-I-box beams (HDIBBs). The cross-section of this built-up beam is unique and looks similar to the shape of a double-I-box fabricated using four channel sections. The flange plates were provided with an intermediate stiffener. In these built-up beams there is more material in the flange portions far away from the horizontal centroidal axis of their cross-section. Hence, there is an increase in the flexural rigidity that enhances the moment capacity of the beam, under major axis bending. The geometry consists of torsionally rigid closed-box web portion that provides high resistance to minor axis lateral-buckling. The varying parameters considered were the ratio of yield stresses of the flange to the web steel plates, the ratio of breadth to the depth of the section, and the flange plate thickness. In the experimental programme, all the HDIBB members failed due to kinds of distortional buckling which was identified by web buckling and flange twist along edges. The results revealed that when flange plate slenderness increases there is a drop in the moment resistance capacity of the beams. The numerical study was performed using ABAQUS software. In comparison, there was good agreement between experimental and numerical results. The validated finite element models were further extended to perform parametric studies on ideal HDIBB models. Both the experimental and parametric study results were compared with the predicted strengths using effective width method equations specified in the Euro code standards EN 3-1-3. It was found that the current Euro code design rules slightly over-estimate the distortional buckling resistance capacity of closed form built-up cold-formed steel members. A new design equation was formulated and recommended for estimating the reduction in distortional buckling moment resistance capacity for HDIBBs.
Lattice-Based Identity-Based Homomorphic Conditional Proxy Re-Encryption for Secure Big Data Computing in Cloud Environment
Authors: Ma Chunguang , Li Juyan , Ouyang Weiping
Published: February 2018

With the arrival of the era of big data, more and more users begin to adopt public cloud storage to store data and compute data. Sharing large amounts of sensitive data in the public cloud will arouse privacy concerns. Data encryption is a widely accepted method to prevent information leakage. How to achieve the cloud sharing and cloud computing of big data is a challenging problem. Conditional proxy re-encryption can solve cloud sharing, and homomorphic encryption can achieve cloud computing. In this paper, we combine conditional proxy re-encryption with homomorphic encryption to construct a lattice-based identity-based homomorphic conditional proxy re-encryption for secure big data computing in cloud environment. The scheme can not only realize the encrypted data sharing in the cloud, but also can realize the encrypted data computing in the cloud. That is, the homomorphic conditional proxy re-encryption scheme can homomorphically evaluate ciphertexts no matter ciphertexts are “fresh” or re-encrypted (re-encrypted ciphertexts can come from different identities). The constructed scheme modifies the homomorphic proxy re-encryption scheme of Ma et al. We also use the approximate eigenvector method to manage the noise level and decrease the decryption complexity without introducing additional assumptions. At last, we prove that the scheme is indistinguishable against chosen-plaintext attacks, key privacy secure and master secret secure.
Probably Secure Keyed-Function Based Authenticated Encryption Schemes for Big Data
Authors: Mazumder Rashed , Miyaji Atsuko , Su Chunhua
Published: February 2018

Security, privacy and data integrity are the critical issues in Big Data application of IoT-enable environment and cloud-based services. There are many upcoming challenges to establish secure computations for Big Data applications. Authenticated encryption (AE) plays one of the core roles for Big Data’s confidentiality, integrity, and real-time security. However, many proposals exist in the research area of authenticated encryption. Generally, there are two concepts of nonce respect and nonce reuse under the security notion of the AE. However, recent studies show that nonce reuse needs to sacrifice security bound of the AE. In this paper, we consider nonce respect scheme and probabilistic encryption scheme which are more efficient and suitable for big data applications. Both schemes are based on keyed function. Our first scheme (FS) operates in parallel mode whose security is based on nonce respect and supports associated data. Furthermore, it needs less call of functions/block-cipher. On the contrary, our second scheme is based on probabilistic encryption. It is expected to be a light solution because of weaker security model construction. Moreover, both schemes satisfy reasonable privacy security bound.
MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF BLOOD FLOW IN ARTERIES SUBJECT TO A VIBRATING ENVIRONMENT
Authors: MISRA J. C. , ADHIKARY S. D. , MALLICK B. , SINHA A.
Published: February 2018

A mathematical model has been developed in this paper with an aim to study arterial blood flow in a vibration environment. Blood is treated as a couple stress fluid. Oscillatory flow in a porous channel is considered in the study, when the flow takes place under the action of an external pressure gradient. The fluid flows between two porous plates lying parallel to each other. The fluid is considered to be injected on one plate with a constant velocity. The plates are considered to be oscillating with the same frequency in their own planes. However, the plate velocity of single-harmonic oscillation is not constant. The effects of various parameters representing couple stress, suction and magnitude of the oscillating pressure gradient on the velocity profile and wall shear stress are discussed. It is found that the presence of couple stress in the fluid enhances the velocity of the fluid in both axial and transverse directions, while a reverse phenomenon is observed for the wall shear stress.
In Vivo Intravascular Ultrasound-Based 3D Thin-Walled Model for Human Coronary Plaque Progression Study: Transforming Research to Potential Commercialization
Authors: Guo Jian , Wang Liang , Monoly David , Samady Habib , Zheng Jie , Guo Xiaoya , Maehara Akiko , Mintz Gary S. , Zhu Jian , Ma Genshan , Tang Dalin
Published: February 2018

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the world. Considerable research has been done linking various mechanical risk factors to plaque progression and rupture. However, methods transforming research results to clinical implementation are limited by time-consuming processes. In this study, a 3D thin-wall (TW) model was developed to approximate the 3D fluid–structure interaction (FSI) model to save time for clinical implementations. Results from one patient data (100 TW models) indicated that the relative errors of the average plaque wall stress (APWS) and strain were less than 7%, meanwhile the correlation results of the TW models were similar with that of the FSI models.
The Affordable Care Act: What's Next?
Authors: McClellan Mark , Japinga Mark
Published: February 2018

The postelection efforts to repeal, replace, or modify the Affordable Care Act (ACA) suggest that the debate over healthcare coverage will remain contentious, particularly because of the high and rising cost of health care. Feasible, potentially bipartisan approaches to improving access to coverage should emphasize reforming health care to achieve higher quality at a lower cost. In the individual market, where many enrollees face limited options and rising premiums, a combination of high-risk pools, reinsurance, and risk adjustment could improve coverage options while encouraging innovations in care for the highest-risk patients. State Medicaid programs, which are increasingly important sources of coverage but are crowding out other important budget priorities that affect population health, could achieve better results through federal reforms that provide more flexibility for states alongside greater emphasis on achieving better outcomes. Accelerating payment reforms and other policy changes to encourage more innovative and efficient care delivery models, along with developing better evidence on successful models, can also improve the prospects for coverage reform.
Recent Insights into the Pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Arab Juan Pablo , Arrese Marco , Trauner Michael
Published: February 2018

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a burgeoning health problem worldwide and an important risk factor for both hepatic and cardiometabolic mortality. The rapidly increasing prevalence of this disease and of its aggressive form nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) will require novel therapeutic approaches based on a profound understanding of its pathogenesis to halt disease progression to advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis and cancer. The pathogenesis of NAFLD involves a complex interaction among environmental factors (i.e., Western diet), obesity, changes in microbiota, and predisposing genetic variants resulting in a disturbed lipid homeostasis and an excessive accumulation of triglycerides and other lipid species in hepatocytes. Insulin resistance is a central mechanism that leads to lipotoxicity, endoplasmic reticulum stress, disturbed autophagy, and, ultimately, hepatocyte injury and death that triggers hepatic inflammation, hepatic stellate cell activation, and progressive fibrogenesis, thus driving disease progression. In the present review, we summarize the currently available data on the pathogenesis of NAFLD, emphasizing the most recent advances. A better understanding of NAFLD/NASH pathogenesis is crucial for the design of new and efficient therapeutic interventions.
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in Tumor Metastasis
Authors: Mittal Vivek
Published: February 2018

Metastasis is the major cause of cancer-related deaths; therefore, the prevention and treatment of metastasis are fundamental to improving clinical outcomes. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), an evolutionarily conserved developmental program, has been implicated in carcinogenesis and confers metastatic properties upon cancer cells by enhancing mobility, invasion, and resistance to apoptotic stimuli. Furthermore, EMT-derived tumor cells acquire stem cell properties and exhibit marked therapeutic resistance. Given these attributes, the complex biological process of EMT has been heralded as a key hallmark of carcinogenesis, and targeting EMT pathways constitutes an attractive strategy for cancer treatment. However, demonstrating the necessity of EMT for metastasis in vivo has been technically challenging, and recent efforts to demonstrate a functional contribution of EMT to metastasis have yielded unexpected results. Therefore, determining the functional role of EMT in metastasis remains an area of active investigation. Studies using improved lineage tracing systems, dynamic in vivo imaging, and clinically relevant in vivo models have the potential to uncover the direct link between EMT and metastasis. This review focuses primarily on recent advances in and emerging concepts of the biology of EMT in metastasis in vivo and discusses future directions in the context of novel diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities.
Hip position and sex differences in motor unit firing patterns of the vastus medialis and vastus medialis oblique in healthy individuals
Authors: Peng Yi-Ling , Tenan Matthew S. , Griffin Lisa
Published: February 2018

Weakness of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) has been proposed to explain the high prevalence of knee pain in female subjects. Clinicians commonly use exercises in an attempt to preferentially activate the VMO. Recently, our group found evidence to support clinical theory that the VMO is neurologically distinct from the vastus medialis (VM). However, the ability to voluntarily activate these muscle subsections is still disputed. The aim of this study was to determine if VM and VMO activation varies between sexes and if control of the two muscles is different between rehabilitation exercises. Thirteen men and 13 women performed isometric straight leg raises in two hip positions, neutral hip rotation and 30 degrees lateral hip rotation. Bipolar intramuscular fine-wire electrodes were inserted into the VM and VMO to obtain motor unit recruitment thresholds and initial firing rates at recruitment. Linear mixed models and Tukey post hoc tests were used to assess significant differences in 654 motor units. Women demonstrated faster motor unit firing rate at recruitment, 1.18 ± 0.56 Hz higher than men. Motor units fired 0.47 ± 0.19 Hz faster during neutral hip rotation compared with lateral hip rotation. The VMO motor units were recruited 2.92 ± 1.28% earlier than the VM. All motor units were recruited 3.74 ± 1.27% earlier during neutral hip rotation than lateral hip rotation. Thus the VM and the VMO can be activated differentially, and their motor unit recruitment properties are affected by sex and hip position.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to reveal differential activation of the vastus medialis oblique from the vastus medialis in clinical exercise protocols. Our research group used fine-wire electrodes to examine EMG signals of the vastus medialis oblique and vastus medialis to avoid possible cross talk. We also consider the effect of sex on motor unit firing patterns because of higher prevalence of knee pain in women, and yet few studies evaluating the sex differences in neuromuscular control.
Patients’ and Health Professionals’ Experiences of Using Virtual Reality Technology for Upper Limb Training after Stroke: A Qualitative Substudy
Authors: Pallesen Hanne , Andersen Mette Brændstrup , Hansen Gunhild Mo , Lundquist Camilla Biering , Brunner Iris
Published: February 2018

Background. In recent years, virtual reality (VR) therapy systems for upper limb training after stroke have been increasingly used in clinical practice. Therapy systems employing VR technology can enhance the intensity of training and can also boost patients’ motivation by adding a playful element to therapy. However, reports on user experiences are still scarce. Methods. A qualitative investigation of patients’ and therapists’ perspectives on VR upper limb training. Semistructured face-to-face interviews were conducted with six patients in the final week of the VR intervention. Therapists participated in two focus group interviews after the completion of the intervention. The interviews were analyzed from a phenomenological perspective emphasizing the participants’ perceptions and interpretations. Results. Five key themes were identified from the patients’ perspectives: (i) motivational factors, (ii) engagement, (iii) perceived improvements, (iv) individualization, and (v) device malfunction. The health professionals described the same themes as the patients but less positively, emphasizing negative technical challenges. Conclusion. Patients and therapists mainly valued the intensive and motivational character of VR training. The playful nature of the training appeared to have a significant influence on the patients’ moods and engagement and seemed to promote a “gung-ho” spirit, so they felt that they could perform more repetitions.
Double Native Valve Infective Endocarditis due to Capnocytophaga canimorsus: First Reported Case Caused by a Lion Bite
Authors: Barry Mazin
Published: February 2018

Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a Gram-negative bacilli that is part of the normal oral flora of dogs and some cats; it is well known to cause septicemia and endocarditis after their bite. This is the first reported case of infective endocarditis affecting both native mitral and aortic valves after a lion bite in a patient with heavy ethanol consumption, who ultimately died after valve replacements.
Autophagy Stimulus Promotes Early HuR Protein Activation and p62/SQSTM1 Protein Synthesis in ARPE‐19 Cells by Triggering Erk1/2, p38MAPK, and JNK Kinase Pathways
Authors: Marchesi Nicoletta , Thongon Natthakan , Pascale Alessia , Provenzani Alessandro , Koskela Ali , Korhonen Eveliina , Smedowski Adrian , Govoni Stefano , Kauppinen Anu , Kaarniranta Kai , Amadio Marialaura
Published: February 2018

RNA‐binding protein dysregulation and altered expression of proteins involved in the autophagy/proteasome pathway play a role in many neurodegenerative disease onset/progression, including age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). HuR/ELAVL1 is a master regulator of gene expression in human physiopathology. In ARPE‐19 cells exposed to the proteasomal inhibitor MG132, HuR positively affects at posttranscriptional level p62 expression, a stress response gene involved in protein aggregate clearance with a role in AMD. Here, we studied the early effects of the proautophagy AICAR + MG132 cotreatment on the HuR‐p62 pathway. We treated ARPE‐19 cells with Erk1/2, AMPK, p38MAPK, PKC, and JNK kinase inhibitors in the presence of AICAR + MG132 and evaluated HuR localization/phosphorylation and p62 expression. Two‐hour AICAR + MG132 induces both HuR cytoplasmic translocation and threonine phosphorylation via the Erk1/2 pathway. In these conditions, p62 mRNA is loaded on polysomes and its translation in de novo protein is favored. Additionally, for the first time, we report that JNK can phosphorylate HuR, however, without modulating its localization. Our study supports HuR’s role as an upstream regulator of p62 expression in ARPE‐19 cells, helps to understand better the early events in response to a proautophagy stimulus, and suggests that modulation of the autophagy‐regulating kinases as potential therapeutic targets for AMD may be relevant.
Modeling and Analysis of Safety Messages Propagation in Platoon‐Based Vehicular Cyber‐Physical Systems
Authors: Qiao Liqiang , Shi Yan , Chen Shanzhi , Gao Wei
Published: February 2018

Safety messages propagation is the major task for Vehicular Cyber‐Physical Systems in order to improve the safety of roads and passengers. However, reducing traffic and car accidents can only be achieved by disseminating safety messages in a timely manner with high reliability. Although mathematical modeling of the delay of safety messages is extremely beneficial, analyzing the safety messages propagation is considerably complex due to the high dynamics of vehicles. Moreover, most previous works assume vehicles drive independently and the interaction between vehicles is not taken into consideration. In this paper, we proposed an analytical model to describe the performance of safety messages propagation in the VCPSs under platoon‐based driving pattern. Infrastructure‐less and RSU‐supported scenarios are evaluated independently. The analytical model also takes into account different transmission situations and various system parameters, such as communication range, traffic flow, and platoon size. The effectiveness of the analytical model is verified through simulation and the impacts of different parameters on the expected transmission delay are investigated. The results will help determine the system design parameters to satisfy the delay requirement for safety applications in VCPSs.
Perinatal Programming of Circadian Clock-Stress Crosstalk
Authors: Astiz Mariana , Oster Henrik
Published: February 2018

An intact communication between circadian clocks and the stress system is important for maintaining physiological homeostasis under resting conditions and in response to external stimuli. There is accumulating evidence for a reciprocal interaction between both—from the systemic to the molecular level. Disruption of this interaction by external factors such as shiftwork, jetlag, or chronic stress increases the risk of developing metabolic, immune, or mood disorders. From experiments in rodents, we know that both systems maturate during the perinatal period. During that time, exogenous factors such as stress or alterations in the external photoperiod may critically affect—orprogram—physiological functions later in life. This developmental programming process has been attributed to maternal stress signals reaching the embryo, which lastingly change gene expression through the induction of epigenetic mechanisms. Despite the well-known function of the adult circadian system in temporal coordination of physiology and behavior, the role of maternal and embryonic circadian clocks during pregnancy and postnatal development is still poorly defined. A better understanding of the circadian-stress crosstalk at different periods of development may help to improve stress resistance and devise preventive and therapeutic strategies against chronic stress-associated disorders.
Investigation of Rheological Properties of Blended Cement Pastes Using Rotational Viscometer and Dynamic Shear Rheometer
Authors: Kim Yoo Jae , Cho Bum-Yean , Lee Soon-Jae , Hu Jiong , Wilde James W.
Published: February 2018

To successfully process concrete, it is necessary to predict and control its flow behavior. However, the workability of concrete is not completely measured or specified by current standard tests. Furthermore, it is only with a clear picture of cement hydration and setting that full prediction and control of concrete performance can be generalized. In order to investigate the rheological properties of blended cement pastes, a rotational viscometer (RV) was used to determine the flow characteristics of ordinary and blended pastes to provide assurance that it can be pumped and handled. Additionally, a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) was used to characterize both the viscous and elastic components of pastes. Ordinary Portland cement paste and blended pastes (slag, fly ash, and silica fume) were investigated in this study. The stress and strain of the blended specimens were measured by the DSR, which characterizes both viscous and elastic behaviors by measuring the complex shear modulus (the ratio of total shear stress to total shear strain) and phase angle (an indicator of the relative amounts of recoverable and nonrecoverable deformation) of materials. Cement pastes generally exhibit different rheological behaviors with respect to age, mineral admixture type, and cement replacement level.
Cross-Sectional Serological Survey of Human Fascioliasis in Canutama Municipality in Western Amazon, Brazil
Authors: Maciel Marcel Gonçalves , Lima Walter dos Santos , Almeida Francisco Lazaro Moreira de , Coelho Leila Inês Aguiar Raposo Câmara , Araújo Guilherme Alfredo Novelino , Lima Mariana Gomes , Maciel Luiz Henrique Gonçalves , Pereira Cíntia Aparecida de Jesus , Maciel Thaís Costa da Silva , Guerra Jorge Augusto de Oliveira , Santana Rosa Amélia Gonçalves , Guerra Maria das Graças Vale Barbosa
Published: February 2018

Background. Fascioliasis is an important parasitic disease. In the northern region of Brazil, a human parasite infection has been reported through a coprological survey. Eggs of Fasciola hepatica were found in fecal samples of 11 individuals. Knowledge of the infection in animals or the presence of snails is necessary to address the possibility of the parasite cycle occurrence in that region. The aim of this study was to describe the transmission of human fascioliasis in Canutama, Amazonas, in Western Amazonia, Brazil. Methods. Serological (ELISA and Western Blot, WB) and parasitological analyses were carried out in humans. In addition, the presence of the intermediate snail host within the community was examined. Results. A total of 434 human samples were included in the study, of which 36 (8.3%) were reactive by ELISA and 8 (1.8%) were reactive by WB. Fasciola hepatica eggs were found in one human sample. The occurrence of the intermediated host was recorded and 31/43 specimens were identified as Lymnaea columella. Conclusion. Canutama constitutes a focus of transmission of human fascioliasis. This study describes the first serological survey for human fascioliasis, as well as its simultaneous occurrence in human hosts and possible intermediates performed in northern Brazil.
The Association of Digit Ratio (2D : 4D) with Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bunevicius Adomas
Published: February 2018

Objective. Intrauterine sex hormone environment as indicated by the second to the fourth digit ratio (2D : 4D) can be associated with cancer risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association of 2D : 4D with cancer diagnosis, malignancy, and age at presentation. Methods. Studies that evaluated the association of 2D : 4D with cancer risk were collected from Pubmed/MEDLINE and Clarivate Analytics databases. Nineteen studies were included in the qualitative analysis. Results. The 2D : 4D ratio was studied in prostate cancer, breast cancer, testicular cancer, gastric cancer, oral cancer, brain tumors, and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Low 2D : 4D was associated with prostate cancer, gastric cancer, and brain tumors, while high 2D : 4D, with breast cancer risk and cervical dysplasia. The 2D : 4D ratio was not associated with prostate, breast, and gastric cancer stage. Greater 2D : 4D ratio was associated with younger presentation of breast cancer and brain tumors. The meta-analyses demonstrated that testicular cancer was not associated with right-hand 2D : 4D ratio (p=0.74) and gastric cancer was not associated with right-hand (p=0.15) and left-hand (p=0.95) 2D : 4D ratio. Conclusions. Sex hormone environment during early development is associated with cancer risk later in life. Further studies exploring the link between intrauterine hormone environment and cancer risk are encouraged.
Serum Presepsin Levels Are Not Elevated in Patients with Controlled Hypertension
Authors: Biyik Ismail , Caglar Fatma Nihan Turhan , Isiksacan Nilgun , Kocamaz Nursel , Kasapoglu Pınar , Gedikbasi Asuman , Akturk Faruk
Published: February 2018

Introduction. Hypertension (HT) is a common serious condition associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis of HT is multifactorial and has been widely investigated. Besides the vascular, hormonal, and neurological factors, inflammation plays a crucial role in HT. Many inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, cytokines, and adhesion molecules have been studied in HT, which supported the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of HT. Presepsin (PSP) is a novel biomarker of inflammation. Therefore, the potential relationship between PSP and HT was investigated in this study. Methods. Forty-eight patients with controlled HT and 48 controls without HT were included in our study. Besides routine clinical and laboratory data, PSP levels were measured in peripheral venous blood samples from all the participants. Results. PSP levels were significantly lower in patients with HT than in controls (144.98±75.98 versus 176.67±48.12 pg/mL, p=0.011). PSP levels were positively correlated with hsCRP among both the patient and the control groups (p=0.015 and p=0.009, resp.). However, PSP levels were not correlated with WBC among both groups (p=0.09 and p=0.67, resp.). Conclusions. PSP levels are not elevated in patients with well-controlled HT compared to controls. This result may be associated with anti-inflammatory effects of antihypertensive medicines.
Characterizing the Potency and Impact of Carbon Ion Therapy in a Primary Mouse Model of Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Brownstein Jeremy M. , Wisdom Amy J. , Castle Katherine D. , Mowery Yvonne M. , Guida Peter , Lee Chang-Lung , Tommasino Francesco , Tessa Chiara La , Scifoni Emanuele , Gao Junheng , Luo Lixia , Campos Lorraine Da Silva , Ma Yan , Williams Nerissa , Jung Sin-Ho , Durante Marco , Kirsch David G.
Published: February 2018

Carbon ion therapy (CIT) offers several potential advantages for treating cancers compared with X-ray and proton radiotherapy, including increased biological efficacy and more conformal dosimetry. However, CIT potency has not been characterized in primary tumor animal models. Here, we calculate the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of carbon ions compared with X-rays in an autochthonous mouse model of soft tissue sarcoma. We used Cre/loxP technology to generate primary sarcomas in KrasLSL-G12D/+; p53fl/fl mice. Primary tumors were irradiated with a single fraction of carbon ions (10 Gy), X-rays (20 Gy, 25 Gy, or 30 Gy), or observed as controls. The RBE was calculated by determining the dose of X-rays that resulted in similar time to posttreatment tumor volume quintupling and exponential growth rate as 10 Gy carbon ions. The median tumor volume quintupling time and exponential growth rate of sarcomas treated with 10 Gy carbon ions and 30 Gy X-rays were similar: 27.3 and 28.1 days and 0.060 and 0.059 mm3/day, respectively. Tumors treated with lower doses of X-rays had faster regrowth. Thus, the RBE of carbon ions in this primary tumor model is 3. When isoeffective treatments of carbon ions and X-rays were compared, we observed significant differences in tumor growth kinetics, proliferative indices, and immune infiltrates. We found that carbon ions were three times as potent as X-rays in this aggressive tumor model and identified unanticipated differences in radiation response that may have clinical implications. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(4); 858–68. ©2018 AACR.
MEF2C Phosphorylation Is Required for Chemotherapy Resistance in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Brown Fiona C. , Still Eric , Koche Richard P. , Yim Christina Y. , Takao Sumiko , Cifani Paolo , Reed Casie , Gunasekera Shehana , Ficarro Scott B. , Romanienko Peter , Mark Willie , McCarthy Craig , de Stanchina Elisa , Gonen Mithat , Seshan Venkatraman , Bhola Patrick , O'Donnell Conor , Spitzer Barbara , Stutzke Crystal , Lavallée Vincent-Philippe , Hébert Josée , Krivtsov Andrei V. , Melnick Ari , Paietta Elisabeth M. , Tallman Martin S. , Letai Anthony , Sauvageau Guy , Pouliot Gayle , Levine Ross , Marto Jarrod A , Armstrong Scott A. , Kentsis Alex
Published: February 2018

In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chemotherapy resistance remains prevalent and poorly understood. Using functional proteomics of patient AML specimens, we identified MEF2C S222 phosphorylation as a specific marker of primary chemoresistance. We found that Mef2cS222A/S222A knock-in mutant mice engineered to block MEF2C phosphorylation exhibited normal hematopoiesis, but were resistant to leukemogenesis induced by MLL–AF9. MEF2C phosphorylation was required for leukemia stem cell maintenance and induced by MARK kinases in cells. Treatment with the selective MARK/SIK inhibitor MRT199665 caused apoptosis and conferred chemosensitivity in MEF2C-activated human AML cell lines and primary patient specimens, but not those lacking MEF2C phosphorylation. These findings identify kinase-dependent dysregulation of transcription factor control as a determinant of therapy response in AML, with immediate potential for improved diagnosis and therapy for this disease.

Significance: Functional proteomics identifies phosphorylation of MEF2C in the majority of primary chemotherapy-resistant AML. Kinase-dependent dysregulation of this transcription factor confers susceptibility to MARK/SIK kinase inhibition in preclinical models, substantiating its clinical investigation for improved diagnosis and therapy of AML. Cancer Discov; 8(4); 478–97. ©2018 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 371
ERK Inhibition: A New Front in the War against MAPK Pathway–Driven Cancers?
Authors: Smalley Inna , Smalley Keiran S.M.
Published: February 2018

Summary: ERK inhibitors have enormous therapeutic potential against tumors that are BRAF mutant, BRAF–MEK inhibitor resistant, or RAS mutant. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Sullivan and colleagues report on the first-in-human dose-escalation study of the ERK inhibitor ulixertinib, which they show to be well tolerated with clinical activity against a wide range of tumor types. Cancer Discov; 8(2); 140–2. ©2018 AACR.

See related article by Sullivan et al., p. 184.
What's the FOX Got to Do with the KITten? Regulating the Lineage-Specific Transcriptional Landscape in GIST
Authors: Lee Donna M. , Duensing Anette
Published: February 2018

Summary: Transcriptional regulation of the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase, a master regulator in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and their precursors, the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), is part of a positive feedback loop involving the transcription factor ETV1. A new study now shows that the forkhead box (FOX) family transcription factor FOXF1 not only is an upstream regulator of ETV1 and hence ICC/GIST lineage-specific gene transcription, but also functions as lineage-specific pioneer factor with an active role in chromatin rearrangement to facilitate ETV1 binding and transcriptional activity. Cancer Discov; 8(2); 146–9. ©2018 AACR.

See related article by Ran et al., p. 234.
Ileum Histoplasmosis Mimicking Intestinal Tuberculosis and Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Ai Xin-Bo , Wang Zhen-Jiang , Dong Qi-Chao , Lin Xu , Chen Yu-Ping , Gong Fei-Yue , Liang Hui
Published: February 2018

Gastrointestinal histoplasmosis (GIH) without pulmonary and bone marrow involvement is very rare worldwide. It can be misdiagnosed as intestinal tuberculosis or Crohn’s disease. There are just few case reports of GIH in patients with a positive HIV antibody test. Here, we report a patient who presented to our hospital with repeated intestinal obstruction. The suspicious diagnosis was intestinal tuberculosis or Crohn’s disease due to unspecific clinical manifestations and radiologic images. Our patient’s HIV antibody test was negative. She had no medical prescriptions. Therefore, our differential diagnosis needed to include ileum histoplasmosis besides intestinal lymphoma, intestinal tuberculosis, and Crohn’s disease. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with ileum histoplasmosis due to surgical resection. It is important to be aware of potential infectious diseases, such as ileum histoplasmosis, when making a differential diagnosis. Moreover, surgical resection might be the final approach for small-intestine stricture with fibrosis.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Its Factors of Hemodialysis Patients in Suzhou, China
Authors: Pan Chen-Wei , Wu Yin , Zhou Hui-Jun , Xu Bin-Xian , Wang Pei
Published: February 2018

Background: To identify factors of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of Chinese end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Methods: In all, 315 HD patients were recruited from a tertiary hospital in Suzhou, ­China. Each patient completed the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form. It generated 4 types of HRQOL scores: PCS score, MCS score, kidney disease component summary (KDCS) score, and SF-6D index score. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to identify the factors associated with each of the scores. Results: Factors associated with poorer HRQOL were determined including: middle age and above (≥45 years), without partner, presence of complication, long dialysis vintage (≥4.5 years) with physical component summary; low education level, presence of comorbidity, long dialysis vintage, low hemoglobin level with mental component summary; without partner, presence of comorbidity, long dialysis vintage with KDCS; middle age and above, without partner, low education level; long dialysis vintage, more frequent dialysis (≥2 times/week) with SF-6D. Conclusion: The study evaluated the HRQOL of HD patients in mainland China.
Robotic Endoscopy
Authors: Li Zheng , Chiu Philip Wai-Yan
Published: February 2018

Endoscopes extend the eyes of the physician into the patient's body. They are widely used in gastrointestinal (GI) diagnostics and minimally invasive surgery. Endoscopes can be classified into 3 types: rigid, flexible, and capsule endoscopes. Rigid and flexible endoscopes are traditionally held and manipulated by the physician to visualize the region of interest, while capsule endoscopes move passively along with the GI peristalsis. With the advancement of technology, robotic endoscopy has been increasingly developed and accepted. In this work, robotic endoscopy from 3 categories (robot-assisted rigid endoscopy, robot-assisted flexible endoscopy, and active GI endoscopy including active flexible colonoscopy and active capsule endoscopy) is reviewed by PubMed search with the criteria (‘Robotics' OR ‘Robot') and (‘Endoscopy' OR ‘Endoscope').
High Incidence of Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in Slovenia in 2015: A Case Series
Authors: Rus Tomaž , Lorber Bogdan , Trošt Maja , Dobrecovič Srečko , Čakš Jager Nuška , Popović Mara , Kramberger Milica G.
Published: February 2018

Background: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare fatal neurodegenerative disorder presenting with rapid cognitive decline and additional signs. The clinical characteristics of an increasing number of sporadic CJD (sCJD) patients admitted to the Ljubljana University Medical Centre are presented as well as the incidence of sCJD in Slovenia in 2015 compared to previous years. Methods: We investigated patients presenting with rapidly progressive dementia and at least one additional sign. The diagnosis was made based on clinical diagnostic criteria and an autopsy was performed in all cases. Data on definite sCJD cases in Slovenia since 1999 were obtained and its incidence was calculated. Results: Eight patients with definite sCJD died in 2015 in Slovenia (incidence: 3.89 cases per million). The long-term incidence 1999 was 1.67 per million. Conclusions: The incidence of sCJD was considerably higher in 2015. It reflects fluctuations in sporadic cases of this rare disease. The rising trend might indicate a previous underestimation and better recognition of the disease.
ГЛУХОТА ТА ТУГОВУХІСТЬ У ДІТЕЙ: ПРИЧИНИ, ДІАГНОСТИКА, ЛІКУВАННЯ ТА ПРОФІЛАКТИКА
Authors: Kozhushko G. M. , Prokopovych O. A.
Published: February 2018

У статті проаналізовано види зниження слуху у дітей, а також методи лікування та профілактики даного захворювання.
ДО ТЕМИ ПРО РОЛЬ МЕДСЕСТРИ за УМОВ СТВОРЕННЯ ТЕРИТОРІАЛЬНИХ ТА ГОСПІТАЛЬНИХ ОКРУГІВ ЧЕРЕЗ ПРИЗМУ РЕФОРМИ ОХОРОНИ ЗДОРОВʼЯ
Authors: Lytvynova O. N. , Demus R. A.
Published: February 2018

У статті проаналізовано правову базу створення госпітальних округів та перспективи вивчення розвитку медсестринства в ракурсі цієї реформи.
МОДЕЛЬ КОМУНІКАЦІЙНОГО КОНСУЛЬТУВАННЯ СІМ’Ї В РОБОТІ МЕДИЧНОЇ СЕСТРИ
Authors: Bryk O. I.
Published: February 2018

Розглянуто сутність комунікаційної моделі сімейного консультування. Визначено етапи реалізації цієї моделі з метою визначення можливостей її використання у професійній діяльності медичної сестри.
ПІДГОТОВКА ФАХІВЦІВ У СИСТЕМІ ХОСПІСНОЇ ТА ПАЛІАТИВНОЇ ДОПОМОГИ НА ПРИКЛАДІ КОМУНАЛЬНОГО ЗАКЛАДУ «БЕРИСЛАВСЬКИЙ МЕДИЧНИЙ КОЛЕДЖ» ХЕРСОНСЬКОЇ ОБЛАСНОЇ РАДИ
Authors: Shevchenko A. O.
Published: February 2018

У статті виявлено проблему підготовки фахівців у системі хоспісної та паліативної допомоги, проаналізовано готовність студентів до надання такої допомоги на прикладі Комунального закладу «Бериславський медичний коледж» Херсонської обласної ради. Викладач повинен донести до студентів усвідомлення мети паліативної допомоги, яка полягає в підтримці якості життя у його фінальній стадії, максимальному полегшенні фізичних та моральних страждань пацієнта та його близьких, а також збереження людської гідності пацієнта наприкінці життя.
ПРОФІЛАКТИКА ВНУТРІШНЬОЛІКАРНЯНИХ ІНФЕКЦІЙ У ВІДДІЛЕННЯХ ХІРУРГІЧНОГО ПРОФІЛЮ
Authors: Romanenko I. I.
Published: February 2018

У статті розглянуто питання профілактики внутрішньолікарняних інфекцій у відділеннях хірургічного  профілю. Висвітлено основні аспекти проведення профілактичних заходів щодо попередження виникнення внутрішньолікарняних інфекцій, а також боротьба з ними.
СИНКРЕТИЧНИЙ ЕТАП ВЗАЄМОВІДНОСИН ФІЛОСОФІЇ ТА МЕДИЦИНИ
Authors: Popovych Y. M.
Published: February 2018

У статті наведено історичні взаємозв’язки філософії та медицини, а також висвітлено думки видатних філософів та лікарів минулого.