bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) Use Scent to Communicate Information about Food Resources?
Authors: Thompson Cynthia L. , Blanck Lauren M. , Pearson Meghan , Scheidel Caleb , Vinyard Christopher J.
Published: August 2018

Many animals use olfactory cues to signal information about food resources; however, this particular use of scent has received little attention in primates. Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are exudativores that gouge bark to elicit exudate production and frequently deposit scent marks at gouge holes. We conducted preliminary tests of the hypothesis that common marmosets use olfactory cues to communicate information about exudate value, with more desirable resources targeted for marking. We performed choice experiments on two captive male marmosets. The animals were presented with: (1) a urine scent-marked and unmarked food resource, and (2) a high and low value food resource (i.e., greater/lesser food volumes). Marmosets placed more scent marks on high, compared to low, value food resources. Animals also spent more time gouging, removed more bark and more frequently revisited high versus low value food resources. Lastly, scent-marked foods were gouged more often than unmarked foods. Our findings support the hypothesis that marmosets use scent marking and olfaction to convey information about food resources, although verification in a larger sample is needed. Nonetheless, the demonstrated link between food value and scent marking suggests that olfactory signals may aid marmoset foraging decisions.
Cardionephrology: Proposal for a Futuristic Educational Approach to a Contemporary Need
Authors: Kazory Amir , McCullough Peter A. , Rangaswami Janani , Ronco Claudio
Published: August 2018

The field of cardiorenal medicine is vast, rapidly expanding, and complex. Conventional nephrology training programs provide the fellows with the necessary core knowledge to provide general care for patients with renal and cardiovascular diseases. However, there is a need for focused training of interested physicians to master the specialized aspects of these exceedingly common clinical scenarios and optimize the care of such patients. A cardionephrology-focused training can add value to the nephrology subspecialty and potentially increase its attractiveness for a significant subset of trainees. Herein, we provide a proposal for the framework and content of such an educational activity. Creation of an international multidisciplinary workgroup to formulate a comprehensive curriculum for a dedicated cardionephrology track would be the first step. A variety of practical aspects such as implementation methods, the identification of the required skills, and the development of educational assessment tools are discussed. While this proposal primarily focuses on the integration of the curriculum into the training of nephrology fellows, it would also be appropriate (albeit in a modified and customized format) for a wider range of trainees, including cardiology fellows.
Nest-Building Behaviour by Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in the Non-Protected Area of Diaguiri (Kedougou, Senegal): Implications for Conservation
Authors: Ndiaye Papa Ibnou , Badji Landing , Lindshield Stacy Marie , Pruetz Jill D.
Published: August 2018

Diaguiri is a non-protected area situated in south-eastern Senegal. Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) have been living here since 1999 but information on the characteristics of their nest sites have been lacking until now. Furthermore, we implemented nest survey methods recently standardised to arid landscapes during a national chimpanzee survey. Variations in nest decay rates are poorly understood in savanna-woodland mosaic habitats. This study aims to describe in Diaguiri: (1) the distribution of chimpanzee nests and the location of their core sleeping area, (2) the tree species used for nest building, (3) the association between nests and nesting tree heights, and (4) differences in nest decay rates between habitats. We surveyed 43 km of chimpanzee nesting habitats and recorded 871 nests in gallery forest and woodland habitats between March 2015 and June 2016. Diaguiri chimpanzees used at least 17 tree species for nest building, and 58.8% of nests were in only 3 tree species: Pterocarpus erinaceus, Anogeissus leiocarpus and Diospyros mespiliformis. Nest decay rate was faster in gallery forests than in woodlands. These data are of great value for understanding habitat use by a Critically Endangered subspecies of savanna chimpanzee, for population density estimates of the species and for conservation programmes in this region and in savanna biomes.
Oropharyngeal Dysphagia and Diabetes Mellitus: Screening of 200 Type 1 and Type 2 Patients in Cairo, Egypt
Authors: Zakaria Donia Ayman , Bekhet Meram M. , Khodeir Mona S. , Bassiouny Samia S. , Saleh Marwa M.
Published: August 2018

Background: Although diabetes mellitus is a well-researched systemic endocrinal disease, literature is scarce addressing the co-occurrence of oropharyngeal dysphagia with diabetes. Objective: The aim of this work was to screen Egyptian diabetic patients for symptoms suggestive of oropharyngeal dysphagia using the validated Arabic version of the Eating Assessment Tool (A-EAT-10). Participants and Methods: 200 Egyptian adult diabetic patients, aged from 18 to 59 years participated in the study. The inclusion criteria were being diabetic patients of type 1 or type 2. Patients were asked to complete the A-EAT-10 questionnaire. Results: Age progression and being female were found to be risk factors for dysphagia among diabetic patients participating in this study. The most common symptom among diabetic patients who complained of dysphagia was “I cough when I eat.” Conclusion: The present study suggests the presence of oropharyngeal swallowing problems among patients with diabetes mellitus.
Inpatient Cost of Stroke in Beijing: A Descriptive Analysis
Authors: Yin Xuejun , Huang Lieyu , Man Xiaowei , Jiang Yan , Zhao Xuan , Zhao Liying , Cheng Wei
Published: August 2018

Background: Stroke has been the leading cause of death in China and contributed almost one-third to stroke deaths worldwide. The rising cost of stroke treatment is of great concern, but has not been thoroughly studied. This study aimed to analyze stroke in-hospital charges by subtypes, age, and sex and investigate potential factors associated with the cost of per stay. Methods: The research was a retrospective observational study based on patients with a primary diagnosis of stroke from 31 hospitals in Beijing. Characteristics of total treatment cost and cost of per stay were analyzed. The potential influences on hospital charges were explored using a stepwise multiple regression model. Results: A total of 16,111 stroke in-patient admissions were identified among which 8.3% was subarachnoid hemorrhage, 22.4% intracerebral hemorrhage, and 69.1% cerebral infarction. The average length of stay (LoS) was 14.5 (11.9) days. The cost of per stay was USD 4,423.9 (6,684.4) among which the out-of-pocket expenses were USD 1,640.2 (3,118.0). Stroke type, age, medical insurance, treatment results, and hospital level were significantly associated with the cost of stroke (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Hospitalization cost of stroke was substantial. These findings provide health policymakers and healthcare professionals with evidence to help guide future spending.
Altered Integrins Expression of Patients Affected by Cryptorchidism
Authors: Arena Salvatore , Favaloro Angelo , La Face Alessandro , Romeo Paola , Scalfari Gianfranco , Turiaco Nunzio , Antonuccio Pietro , Rizzo Giuseppina , Anastasi Giuseppe , Romeo Carmelo
Published: August 2018

Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the expression of the integrin isoforms α7A and β1A, expressed by myogenic precursor cells, and α7B and β1D, expressed by mature muscle cells in the cremaster of patients affected by an undescended testis. Methods: Fifteen samples of cremaster were obtained from patients undergoing surgery for an undescended testis. Thirty control specimens of cremaster were harvested from patients with congenital hydrocele or inguinal hernia. Immunofluorescent analysis was carried out using anti-α7A, β1A, α7B, and β1D integrin antibodies. Sections were observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results: As compared with controls, a significant loss of a α7B (p = 0.0355) and β1D (p = 0.0069) integrins and a higher expression of α7A (p = 0.0003) and β1A (p = 0.0150) was detected in the cremaster of patients affected by an undescended testis. Conclusions: Our data document a critical alteration of the cytoskeleton of cremasteric smooth muscle cells in patients with an undescended testis. This might explain the altered function in smooth muscle cells in cremaster implied during testicular descent. We therefore speculate that the postnatal splicing of α7A to α7B and of β1A to β1D integrins is delayed. This could account for the common clinical scenario of spontaneous descent of the testes in the first months of life.
Medição da autonomia em atividades da vida diária
Authors: Simões Ana Lúcia , Ferreira Pedro Lopes , Dourado Marília
Published: August 2018

Introdução: As atividades da vida diária constituem o nível mais básico de autonomia, que permitem a participação no dia-a-dia em termos de sobrevivência e bem-estar básicos. Neste trabalho, focaremos a necessidade de avaliar as atividades da vida diária em cuidados continuados e paliativos. Objetivo: Descrever e comparar instrumentos de medição de atividades da vida diária. Material e métodos: Pesquisa bibliográfica de instrumentos de medição de atividades de vida diária, em inglês e português, entre 1980 e 2017, nas bases de dados científicas reconhecidas para este efeito. Resultados: Encontraram-se seis instrumentos de medição e, para cada um, identificou-se o número de perguntas e dimensões avaliadas, as propriedades psicométricas e a exis­tência de versão portuguesa validada. Discussão: Todos os instrumentos são preenchidos pelo profissional, por observação direta, e avaliam os autocuidados. Vestir/despir, alimentação e mobilidade são atividades comuns a todos, havendo outras específicas de apenas uma escala. Conclusão: As dimensões vestir/despir, alimentação e mobilidade são as mais avaliadas. Apenas o índice de Barthel está validado para a população portuguesa. Quanto a critérios de qualidade, uma escala apresenta fiabilidade para o acidente vascular cerebral. A maioria das escalas apresenta boa correlação com outras escalas de avaliação da autonomia.
The Rarity of Realpolitik: What Bismarck's Rationality Reveals about International Politics
Authors: Rathbun Brian
Published: August 2018

Realpolitik, the pursuit of vital state interests in a dangerous world that constrains state behavior, is at the heart of realist theory. All realists assume either that states engage in such behavior or, at the very least, are highly incentivized to do so by the structure of the international system. Classical realists remind us, however, that Realpolitik presupposes rational thinking, which should not be taken for granted. Some leaders act more rationally than others because they think more rationally than others. Research in cognitive psychology provides a strong foundation for classical realist claims that Realpolitik requires a commitment to objectivity and deliberation, a particular psychology that few leaders exhibit. A case study of Otto von Bismarck's role in German reunification demonstrates that rationality is the exception, rather than the norm. Even though Prussia was under enormous structural constraints that should have incentivized Realpolitik, the man who would become the Iron Chancellor was isolated because of his foreign policy views. Bismarck consistently disagreed with conservative patrons and allies at home, disagreements that can be reduced largely to his higher degree of rationality.
Nonhuman Animals as Fictitious Commodities: Exploitation and Consequences in Industrial Agriculture
Authors: Stuart Diana , Gunderson Ryan
Published: August 2018

This article examines how nonhuman animals, along with land and labor, represent fictitious commodities as described by Karl Polanyi. Animals in agriculture are examined as an extreme example of animal commodification whose use resembles the exploitation of land and labor. Conceptual frameworks developed from Marxist theory, including the subsumption of nature, the second contradiction of capitalism, and alienation, are applied to illustrate how the negative impacts to animals, the environment, and public health associated with animal agriculture are caused by attempts to overcome the incomplete commodification of animals. This article illustrates how social theory can be extended to apply to animals, especially animals who are deeply embedded in human society. The inclusion of animals in social analyses also serves to strengthen our overall understanding of exploitation and oppression under capitalism.
Playing with Luxury: Dolls as Ambassadors for the Florentine Business Community in Sixteenth-Century Spain?
Authors: Orlandi Angela
Published: August 2018

Through the analysis of a doll made in Florence and destined for a family of Florentine merchants active in Seville, this paper outlines the patterns of consumption and the concept of luxury to be found amongst members of the Florentine economic elite of the sixteenth century. The doll is evidence for a lifestyle which was the culmination of a typically Renaissance intellectual sophistication and aesthetic sense, but also of the multiplicity of artistic and cultural influences which a merchant with a lengthy trading presence in one of the wealthiest and most important cities of the day came into contact with.
Lasianthus yalaensis (Rubiaceae), a new species from peninsular Thailand
Authors: NAPIROON TIWTAWAT , POOPATH MANOP , DUANGJAI SUTEE , BALSLEV HENRIK , VAJRODAYA SRUNYA
Published: August 2018

Lasianthus yalaensis Napiroon, Duangjai & Poopath is described and illustrated with notes on its conservation, and phylogenetic placement. The new species is morphologically similar to L. pilosus from which it differs in: its strigose branches (vs pilose), leaf blade 5–8 × 2–2.5 cm (vs 10–12.5 cm), 7–8 pairs of nerves (vs 9–15), stipules 5–7 mm long (vs <3 mm) and lanceolate (vs triangular-lanceolate), bracts 4–10 mm long (vs 4–5 mm) and covered with strigose hairs (vs pilose), flowers with cupular calyx (vs tubular), the lobes five and lanceolate (vs 5–7 and lanceolate-linear), corolla tube hirsute external surface (vs pilose) and glabrous internal surface (vs puberulous), drupes crowned by five calyx lobes (vs six), the lobes 1 mm long and strigose (vs 3 mm and pilose). Molecular analysis based on nuclear and plastid markers revealed that L. yalaensis is nested within the Asian clade and is closely related to L. pilosus.
Amanita griseofusca: A new species of Amanita in section Vaginatae from Malam Jabba, Swat, Pakistan
Authors: KIRAN MUNAZZA , KHAN JUNAID , SHER HASSAN , PFISTER DONALD H. , KHALID ABDUL NASIR
Published: August 2018

A new species, Amanita griseofusca in section Vaginatae is described and illustrated here from Pakistan. Distinguishing characters of the new species include medium-sized basidiomata, greyish brown pileus surface with white to beige, membranous volval remnants present as one (large) to a few (small) warts, close lamellae which are cream colored with a pink tone, striations one third of the total pileus radius, broadly ellipsoidal to ellipsoidal basidiospores and white loose saccate volva turning beige at maturity. Molecular data inferred from partial nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), partial nuc rDNA larger subunit region (LSU) and partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) confirms the novelty of the present taxon.
A new species in the water mite subgenus Majumderatax Vidrine, 1993 from Sri Lanka (Acari: Hydrachnidia)
Authors: PEŠIĆ VLADIMIR , ZAWAL ANDRZEJ
Published: August 2018

Majumderatax was originally established by Vidrine (1993) as a subgenus of Unionicola Haldeman, 1842 with U. hankoi Szalay, 1927 as type species. It is probably a monophyletic clade (Gerecke et al. 2016), characterized by the following features: (i) I-L-5 with a characteristic, blade-like distoventral seta, and (ii) P-5 short and stocky, with a strong, bifurcated claw.
Nuconarius gen. n. and Hengconarius gen. n., two new genera of Coelotinae (Araneae, Agelenidae) spiders from Southwest China
Authors: LI BING , ZHAO ZHE , ZHANG CHUNTIAN , LI SHUQIANG
Published: August 2018

Two new genera of Coelotinae F.O.Pickard-Cambridge, 1893 from Southwest China are described: Nuconarius Z. Zhao & S. Li gen. n. and Hengconarius Z. Zhao & S. Li gen. n. The type species of Nuconarius Z. Zhao & S. Li gen. n. is N. brevipatellatus Z. Zhao & S. Li sp. n. and two additional species also belong here: N. capitulatus (Wang, 2003) comb. n. and N. pseudocapitulatus (Wang, 2003) comb. n. The type species of Hengconarius Z. Zhao & S. Li gen. n. is H. exilis (Zhang, Zhu & Wang, 2005) comb. n. and this genus includes seven additional species: H. dedaensis Z. Zhao & S. Li sp. n., H. falcatus (Xu & Li, 2006) comb. n., H. incertus (Wang, 2003) comb. n., H. latusincertus (Wang, Griswold & Miller, 2010) comb. n., H. longipalpus Z. Zhao & S. Li sp. n., H. longpuensis Z. Zhao & S. Li sp. n. and H. pseudobrunneus (Wang, 2003) comb. n. All species are from Southwest China and their distributions are mapped. New combinations are all ex-Draconarius Ovtchinnikov, 1999. The male of N. capitulatus is matched correctly for the first time and the DNA barcodes of all species are documented.
Taxonomy of Litoria graminea (Anura: Hylidae), with descriptions of two closely related new species
Authors: KRAUS FRED
Published: August 2018

I clarify the correct provenance and taxonomic identity of the poorly known canopy-dwelling frog, Litoria graminea, from New Guinea. I base my redescription upon analysis of relevant historical material as well as upon more recently obtained specimens from several localities in Papua New Guinea. Determining the correct identity of L. graminea makes clear that one recently named species (L. dux Richards & Oliver) is a junior synonym of that taxon and that additional close relatives of that species remain undescribed, two of which I describe here. The first is known from a series of localities along the southern versant of the Central Dividing Range and the Owen Stanley Mountains. The second is known from a single site in the foothills of the Owen Stanley Mountains in Central Province, Papua New Guinea. Differences among the species are largely confined to pigmentation features and the shape of the male nuptial pads. Further, I show that several morphometric and color-pattern features earlier thought to distinguish among members of this complex are encompassed by natural variation within true L. graminea, making the characters taxonomically uninformative. The two newly described species share the unusual feature of having green oral mucosa, although their bones were white in life. This coloration is presumably due to sequestration of biliverdin, as seen in a few other tropical treefrogs, but the function of this sequestration remains unknown.
Remarkable new Australian mothflies (Diptera, Psychodidae)
Authors: WAGNER RÜDIGER
Published: August 2018

Queenslandomyia cannula gen. nov. et sp. nov. from Queensland, and Theischingerus imbricatus gen. nov. et sp. nov. (Diptera, Psychodidae) from New South Wales, are described and figured. Queenslandomyia is characterized by the shape of the basal 4 flagellomeres with digitate lateral extensions, and an afferent sclerotized thin channel to flagellomere 4; parameres connate to a large central sclerite with apical setae. Theischingerus is conspicuous by the unusual furcation of the Radius sector vein in R2 and R3+4 so that between radial and medial forks only a single vein (R5) occurs. Rotundopteryx notata (Duckhouse, 1966) is redescribed and the genus diagnosis of Rotundopteryx Duckhouse 1990 is expanded, based on a remarkable connection of the basiphallus, with the distiphallus and the parameres, and of the subepandrial plate with the surstyli and the hypoproct. Records of other 6 species are provided.
Two new species and key to the salina group of the genus Rhagovelia Mayr, 1865 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae) from Colombia
Authors: MOLANO FREDY , MORALES IRINA , MOREIRA FELIPE FERRAZ FIGUEIREDO
Published: August 2018

Two new species of the salina group of the genus Rhagovelia Mayr, 1865 (Veliidae) from Colombia are described, illustrated, and included in an updated key. Rhagovelia nuqui sp. nov. is described from the Pacific Region of Colombia and Rhagovelia tintipan sp. nov., is described from the Caribbean Region of the country. The new species are diagnosed by body length and conditions of the male hind femoral spines, paramere shape, and antenna and fore femur color. Additionally, R. colombiana (Polhemus & Manzano, 1992) is redescribed and its range is extended to Chocó departament. Finally, R. plumbea Uhler, 1894 is recorded for the first time from Colombia.
Four new species of the digger wasp genus Ammophila W. Kirby, 1798 (Hymenoptera, Sphecidae) from Central Asia
Authors: DANILOV YURIY N.
Published: August 2018

Four new species of Ammophila from Central Asia are described and illustrated: A. antoninae (Tajikistan), A. kondarensis (Tajikistan), A. nemkovi (Uzbekistan), and A. yaroslavi (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan).
Experimental and theoretical study on the strain rate dependence of the mechanical properties of Twaron fiber tows with different fiber fineness
Authors: Zhu Lvtao , Marriam Ifra , Xu Fujun
Published: August 2018

In this study, the tensile impact property of Twaron fiber tows with different fiber fineness were characterized and compared. A self-designed split Hopkinson tension bar apparatus and MTS materials tester (MTS 810.23) were used to determine the tension behavior of Twaron fiber tows under different strain rates (quasi-static: 0.001 s–1, dynamic: 800–2400 s–1). The results showed that the mechanical properties of the Twaron fiber tows were sensitive to strain rate; the stiffness and failure stress of the fiber tows increased distinctly as the strain rate increased, whereas the failure strain decreased. The scanning electron microscope photographs showed that a fibrillated end of a Twaron single fiber failed at both quasi-static and high strain rates. The observations reaffirmed that the fiber fibrillation was more severe as the strain rate increases. In addition, the fiber of 220 dtex exhibited higher strength and stiffness than that of 1680 dtex. Combined with the aligned fiber bundle model and the statistical theory, a single Weibull distribution function is adapted to evaluate the strength distribution, and the Weibull plot for Twaron fiber tows under different strain rates provided a more accurate agreement with the experimental results.
Barrier Lyapunov functions-based localized adaptive neural control for nonlinear systems with state and asymmetric control constraints
Authors: Zhang Jun , Li Guosheng , Li Yahui , Dai Xiaokang
Published: August 2018

A barrier Lyapunov functions (BLFs)-based localized adaptive neural network (NN) control is proposed for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with state and asymmetric control constraints to track the reference trajectory. To handle system constraints, BLFs are used in the backstepping procedure, and the control input is considered as an extended state variable. This extends current research on BLFs-based control for systems with state and output constraints to systems with state and asymmetric control constraints. A locally weighted learning NN with projection modification is designed to estimate and compensate for the system uncertainty. The use of projection modification ensures the NN estimator is contained in a given bounded area and prevents the absolute value of NN output from being near to or larger than the bound of the tracking error. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control have been demonstrated by formal proof and simulation results.
Edge dynamics-based consensus control for multi-agent systems with actuator and sensor faults
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Yang Tingting
Published: August 2018

In this paper the simultaneous distributed consensus and fault-tolerance controls of linear multi-agent systems utilizing edge dynamics are proposed. We show that based on the edge dynamics, the effects of faults and disturbances on the state consensus are eliminated, and the edge dynamics with the proposed algorithms are asymptotically stable under the assumption that the matching conditions hold. A lower-order state observer is designed belonging to the edge dynamics, and the states of the observer are prevented from becoming infinite, which can reduce the burden on the actuators. Finally, a numerical simulation example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of the Brief-BESTest in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Leung Regina Wai Man , Alison Jennifer A , McKeough Zoe J
Published: August 2018

Objective:

To investigate the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of the Brief Balance Evaluation System Test (Brief-BESTest) in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its correlation between the Brief-BESTest score and lung function, functional exercise capacity, functional lower limb strength, and fear of falling.

Design:

Prospective, single-group, observational study.

Setting:

Outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program.

Subjects:

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who were attending a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

Intervention:

Participants performed three Brief-BESTests on two separate days, assessed by two independent physiotherapists. Participants also performed a lung function test, two 6-minute walk tests, the five sit-to-stand test and completed the Fall Efficacy Scale International questionnaire.

Results:

Thirty participants (mean (SD) age was 72 (7), forced expiratory volume in 1 second % predicted was 47 (16%), and baseline 6-minute walk distance was 427 (90) meters) completed the study. The interclass coefficients of the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability were 0.86 and 0.96, respectively. The Brief-BESTest score was moderately correlated with the 6-minute walk distance ( r = 0.49, P < 0.01) and the five sit-to-stand test time ( r =−0.54, P < 0.01). No adverse events were reported after the completion of 90 tests in this study.

Conclusion:

The Brief-BESTest was shown to have good inter- and intra-rater reliability for measuring balance in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A moderate correlation was demonstrated between the Brief-BESTest balance score with functional exercise capacity and functional lower limb strength in this population.
The role of argyrophilic nucleolar organizing region-associated proteins in clinical exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Turan Sönmez Feruza , Eröz Recep
Published: August 2018

Objective

To investigate whether argyrophilic nucleolar organizing region-associated protein (AgNOR) parameters can be used as a biomarker that could potentially help with the management and clinical prognosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation.

Methods

This case–control study enrolled patients with COPD who were admitted to the Emergency Department and healthy sex- and age-matched control subjects. Peripheral blood samples were collected at hospital admission and the peripheral lymphocytes were silver-stained to investigate the quantity and distribution of AgNOR proteins. Fifty nuclei per patient were viewed and the total AgNOR area/total nuclear area (TAA/TNA) ratio and the mean AgNOR number for each patient were calculated.

Results

A total of 20 patients with COPD exacerbation and 17 healthy control subjects were recruited to the study. The TAA/TNA ratio and the mean AgNOR number were significantly higher in the patients with COPD exacerbation compared with the healthy control subjects. The mean AgNOR number showed a positive correlation with the pCO2 levels on admission.

Conclusion

AgNOR protein levels were elevated during a COPD exacerbation compared with healthy control subjects and there was a positive correlation between pCO2 levels and mean AgNOR number.
Practice of cervical end-esophageal exteriorization in patients with severe intrathoracic anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy
Authors: Wang Huijuan , Zhang Yanshan , Zhang Yinguo , Liu Wenling , Wang Jihong , Liu Guowei , Li Chao , Ding Wanshen
Published: August 2018

Objective

This study aimed to summarize the clinical experience of severe intrathoracic anastomotic leakage encountered in clinical practice by using cervical end-esophageal exteriorization.

Methods

We undertook a retrospective review of four patients who developed severe anastomotic leakage after subtotal esophagectomy at our department. Four patients with a life-threatening condition and failed conservative management were re-operated on from the original incision using an exteriorized cervical end-esophageal gastric conduit. We returned the gastric conduit to the abdomen and placed a feeding jejunostomy or gastrostomy catheter. Until inflammation was controlled, we re-established intestinal continuity with the gastric or colon conduit, pulled up to the neck by a retrosternal channel.

Results

Four patients with esophagectomy and severe intrathoracic anastomotic leakage underwent re-operation. The gastric conduit was returned to the abdomen and cervical end-esophageal exteriorization was performed. Inflammation was rapidly controlled after surgery. Three patients received a second re-operation to re-establish intestinal continuity on days 63, 63, and 16 after the first re-operation. One patient refused re-operation to re-establish intestinal continuity. All four patients survived.

Conclusion

Cervical end-esophageal exteriorization in patients with severe intrathoracic anastomotic leakage results in rapid control of inflammation. This creates an opportunity to re-establish gastrointestinal continuity, leading to survival of patients.
Lamellar keratoplasty using femtosecond laser intrastromal lenticule for limbal dermoid: case report and literature review
Authors: Pant Om Prakash , Hao Ji-long , Zhou Dan-dan , Wang Fan , Zhang Bing-jie , Lu Cheng-wei
Published: August 2018

Small incision refractive lenticule extraction (SMILE) is a femtosecond laser technique to correct myopia and myopic astigmatism. Herein, we report a technique where intrastromal lenticule obtained from the SMILE procedure served as a graft for lamellar keratoplasty in the management of a limbal dermoid. An 18-year-old woman presented to the clinic with a corneal-limbal mass in the right eye. Slit-lamp examination revealed a vascularized circular mass of approximately 6 mm × 5 mm, which was attached at 7 o’clock in the inferotemporal region of the corneal limbus; this suggested limbal dermoid. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography revealed superficial involvement of the cornea. The patient was treated with excision and lamellar keratoplasty by using femtosecond intrastromal lenticule. The lenticule was sutured over the cornea with 10-0 interrupted nylon sutures. On postoperative follow-up, best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20; there was no corneal neovascularization and no sign of rejection. This case of limbal dermoid was managed by simple surgical excision and lamellar keratoplasty with a SMILE-extracted lenticule. This method may serve as an alternative surgical approach for management of limbal dermoid.
Survival after second and subsequent recurrences in osteosarcoma: a retrospective multicenter analysis
Authors: Tirtei Elisa , Asaftei Sebastian D. , Manicone Rosaria , Cesari Marilena , Paioli Anna , Rocca Michele , Ferrari Stefano , Fagioli Franca
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone tumor. Despite complete surgical removal and intensive chemotherapeutic treatment, 30%-35% of patients with OS have local or systemic recurrence. Some patients survive multiple recurrences, but overall survival after OS recurrence is poor. This analysis aims to describe and identify factors influencing post-relapse survival (PRS) after a second OS relapse.

Methods:

This is a retrospective analysis of 60 patients with a second relapse of OS of the extremities in 2 Italian centers between 2003 and 2013.

Results:

Treatment for first and subsequent relapses was planned according to institutional guidelines. After complete surgical remission (CSR) following the first recurrence, patients experienced a second OS relapse with a median disease-free interval (DFI) of 6 months. Lung disease was prevalent: 44 patients (76%) had pulmonary metastases. Survival after the second relapse was 22% at 5 years. Lung disease only correlated with better survival at 5 years (33.6%) compared with other sites of recurrence (5%; p = 0.008). Patients with a single pulmonary lesion had a better 5-year second PRS (42%; p = 0.02). Patients who achieved a second CSR had a 5-year second PRS of 33.4%. Chemotherapy (p<0.001) benefited patients without a third CSR.

Conclusions:

This analysis confirms the importance of an aggressive, repeated surgical approach. Lung metastases only, the number of lesions, DFI and CSR influenced survival. It also confirms the importance of chemotherapy in patients in whom surgical treatment is not feasible.
Denosumab in patients with aneurysmal bone cysts: A case series with preliminary results
Authors: Palmerini Emanuela , Ruggieri Pietro , Angelini Andrea , Boriani Stefano , Campanacci Domenico , Milano Giuseppe M. , Cesari Marilena , Paioli Anna , Longhi Alessandra , Abate Massimo E. , Scoccianti Guido , Terzi Silvia , Trovarelli Giulia , Franchi Alessandro , Picci Piero , Ferrari Stefano , Leopardi Martina Piccinni , Pierini Michela
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a rare skeletal tumor usually treated with surgery/embolization. We hypothesized that owing to similarities with giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB), denosumab was active also in ABC.

Methods:

In this observational study, a retrospective analysis of ABC patients treated with denosumab was performed. Patients underwent radiologic disease assessment every 3 months. Symptoms and adverse events were noted.

Results:

Nine patients were identified (6 male, 3 female), with a median age of 17 years (range 14–42 years). Primary sites were 6 spine–pelvis, 1 ulna, 1 tibia, and 1 humerus. Patients were followed for a median time of 23 months (range 3–55 months). Patients received a median of 8 denosumab administrations (range 3–61). All symptomatic patients had pain relief and 1 had paresthesia improvement. Signs of denosumab activity were observed after 3 to 6 months of administration: bone formation by computed tomography scan was demonstrated in all patients and magnetic resonance imaging gadolinium contrast media decrease was observed in 7/9 patients. Adverse events were negligible. At last follow-up, all patients were progression-free: 5 still on denosumab treatment, 2 off denosumab were disease-free 11 and 17 months after surgery, and the last 2 patients reported no progression 12 and 24 months after denosumab interruption and no surgery.

Conclusions:

Denosumab has substantial activity in ABCs, with favorable toxicity profile. We strongly support the use of surgery and/or embolization for the treatment of ABC, but denosumab could have a role as a therapeutic option in patients with uncontrollable, locally destructive, or recurrent disease.
“The Poor Mystery of My body”
Authors: Brennan Frank
Published: August 2018

Respect for the human body is a fundamental principle of health care. This article examines a selection of the work of three Polish poets who lived through the agonies of World War II. The author reflects on the lessons that can be drawn from their work for clinical care, including Palliative Care, the dignity of the human person and the nature of suffering.
Feed-forward frictional-order proportional–integral–derivative-based feedback control of a piezoactuated microposition stage using an extended unparallel Prandtl–Ishlinskii hysteresis compensator
Authors: Hao Lina , Gao Jinhai , Che Hongpeng
Published: August 2018

In the recent past, it has been observed that flexure-based microposition stages with a large workspace and high motion precision are gaining popularity for performing practical micromanipulation tasks. Thus, a piezoactuated flexible two-degrees-of-freedom micromanipulator integrated with a pair of displacement amplifiers is developed. To enhance the practical positioning performance of the micromanipulator, this paper proposes a feed-forward frictional-order proportional–integral–derivative based feedback control approach to eliminate the undesired resonant mode of a piezoactuated microposition stage to satisfy the accuracy of the system. The control approach is composed of the integration inverse feed-forward compensator, the feedback controller, and the frictional-order proportional–integral–derivative controller. The integration inverse feed-forward compensator with an extended unparallel Prandtl–Ishlinskii model is introduced for addressing the nonlinearity of the piezoactuated microposition stage, leading to an approximately linear system. When all the roots of the system characteristic equation are negative real numbers or have negative real parts, the feedback controller is guaranteed to have tracking stability. Next, a frictional-order proportional–integral–derivative controller is designed to enhance the tracking performance of the microposition stage. Finally, comparative experiments with the conventional proportional–integral–derivative controller are performed, revealing that the practical positioning performance has been increased by nearly 35%. The experimental results demonstrate that the performance with the frictional-order proportional–integral–derivative+feedback controller is improved significantly.
A systematic review of variables used to assess clinically acceptable alignment of unilateral transtibial amputees in the literature
Authors: Tafti Nahid , Hemmati Fatemeh , Safari Reza , Karimi Mohammad Taghi , Farmani Farzad , Khalaf Ali , Mardani Mohammad Ali
Published: August 2018

Prosthetic alignment is a subjective concept which lacks reliability. The outcome responsiveness to prosthetic alignment quality could help to improve subjective and instrument assisted prosthetic alignment. This study was aimed to review variables used to assess clinically acceptable alignment in the literature.

The search was done in some databases including: Google Scholar, PubMed, EBSCO, EMBASE, ISI Web of Knowledge and Scopus. The first selection criterion was based on abstracts and titles to address the research questions of interest. The American Academy of Orthotics and Prosthetics checklists were used for paper risk of bias assessment.

A total of 25 studies were included in this study. Twenty-four studies revealed the critics of standing position or walking to locate clinically acceptable alignment, only one study measured outcomes in both situations. A total of 253 adults with transtibial amputations and mean age of 48.71 years participated in included studies. The confidence level of included studies was low to moderate, and before–after trial was the most common study design (n = 19).

The joint angle, load line location with respect to joints and center of pressure–related parameters were reported as sensitive outcomes to prosthetic alignment quality in standing posture. The amount of forces at various parts of gait cycle and time of events were sensitive to prosthetic alignment quality during walking.

Standing balance and posture and temporal parameters of walking could help to locate clinically acceptable alignment.
“Flooding our eyes with rubbish”: urban waste management in Maputo, Mozambique
Authors: Tvedten Inge , Candiracci Sara
Published: August 2018

Critical voices on urban management tend to portray conflicting governmentalities, with Western “top-down” municipal development models on the one hand, and the everyday practices and diffuse forms of power of the poor majority on the other. This paper takes solid waste ( lixo) management in Mozambique’s capital city, Maputo, and its informal settlements as an entry point for assessing the relationship between these two urban development perspectives. It shows that while the municipality considers itself to be working actively through public–private partnerships to handle the complex issue of waste management in the informal areas, people in these informal settlements, despite paying a regular fee for waste removal, continue to experience lixo as a serious problem and see its persistent presence as a symbol of spatial and social inequalities and injustice. The paper is formulated as a conversation between city planning and management and the community side of the equation – leading to a joint set of proposals for how best to manage such a contentious part of African urban life.
Renewable energy strategies of the Baltic States
Authors: Štreimikienė Dalia , Mikalauskienė Asta , Atkočiūnienė Zenona , Mikalauskas Ignas
Published: August 2018

The aim of this paper is to analyse renewable energy strategies in the Baltic States, provide assessment of the achieved results when implementing these strategies and propose a new approach in the promotion of renewables and the implementation of renewable energy targets in the Baltic States. In order to implement the renewable energy development strategies, to achieve and surpass the set goals, with continued advances for the renewable energy in the Baltic States, a degree of social awareness, perception and acceptance is required. This paper proposes a new model of renewable energy strategies’ development, which can be considered as an add-on to the existing renewable energy strategy system that includes a social dimension in making and implementing future European Commission’s renewable energy framework for the Baltic States. It is divided into five main stages. Each stage shows approach to the framework and adds aspects of the social perspective. This model can serve as a guide for the Baltic States in the promotion of renewable energy source utilization to overcome the social dimension problems of sustainable energy development, such as uncertainty, misunderstanding of the issue, unawareness of problems arising in the future.
Income inequality and CO2 emissions: Empirical evidence from Turkey
Authors: Demir Caner , Cergibozan Raif , Gök Adem
Published: August 2018

The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of income inequality on environmental quality in Turkey within the Environmental Kuznets Curve framework. In order to observe the short-run and long-run effects of income inequality on environmental quality, an autoregressive distributed lag bounds test on CO2 emission has been employed for the period 1963–2011 of Turkey. The results of the analysis reveal that there is a negative association between CO2 emission level and income inequality, which implies that increasing income inequality reduces environmental degradation in Turkey. Hence, a greater inequality in the society leads to less aggregate consumption in the economy due to lower propensity to emit in the richer households resulting in better environmental quality. The findings confirm an argument in the existing literature, which suggests that for developing countries, until a certain level of development, environmental degradation increases as income inequality in the society decreases. The results also confirm the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis.
In Hermes’ shoes: Labelling and diagnosing children as acts of translation
Authors: Mercieca Duncan P. , Mercieca Daniela , Bugeja Stephanie
Published: August 2018

Educational psychologists (EP) are constantly engaged in diagnosing and labelling children. In this article, we explore this by thinking of the EP as a translator, where the child is translated into psychologised discourse which often results in the allocation of support. This paper questions this act of translation and the role of the EP as the translator. Through Derrida’s writing we point out that this process of translation is not automatic and linear, but is rather complex, uncertain, and aporetic in nature. The EP is caught in a double-bind in this process of translation. We argue that while this could be difficult for the EP, this offers possibilities for transgressions. This article draws upon vignettes from EP practice to question processes of labelling and diagnosis.
Role of heme modulation in inhibition of Atheris, Atractaspis, Causus, Cerastes, Echis, and Macrovipera hemotoxic venom activity
Authors: Nielsen VG , Frank N
Published: August 2018

Venomous snake bite and subsequent coagulopathy is a significant source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The gold standard to treat coagulopathy caused by these venoms is the administration of antivenom; however, despite this therapy, coagulopathy still occurs and recurs. Of interest, our laboratory has demonstrated in vitro and in vivo that coagulopathy-inducing venom exposed to carbon monoxide (CO) is inhibited, potentially by an attached heme. The present investigation sought to determine if venoms derived from snakes of the African genera Atheris, Atractaspis, Causus, Cerastes, Echis, and Macrovipera that have no or limited antivenoms available could be inhibited with CO or with the metheme-inducing agent, O-phenylhydroxylamine (PHA). Assessing changes in coagulation kinetics of human plasma with thrombelastography, venoms were exposed in isolation to CO or PHA. Eight species were found to have procoagulant activity consistent with the generation of human thrombin, while one was likely fibrinogenolytic. All venoms were significantly inhibited by CO/PHA with species-specific variation noted. These data demonstrate indirectly that the heme is likely bound to these disparate venoms as an intermediary modulatory molecule. In conclusion, future investigation is warranted to determine if heme could serve as a potential therapeutic target to be modulated during treatment of envenomation by hemotoxic enzymes.
Impact of Demonetization on the Indian Stock Market
Authors: Upadhyay Deepika , Suvarna Swetha Wenona
Published: August 2018

Demonetization is the act of eradicating a currency unit from circulation. Indian economy witnessed this on 8 November 2017 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the two highest denomination currency notes, that is, ₹500 and ₹1,000 ceased to be legal tender. As most of the transactions in the country are based on cash only, the announcement resulted into huge hue and cry nationwide. It was estimated that approximately 86 per cent of cash was washed off from circulation. The currency notes that were rendered invalid were replaced by the new currency notes of ₹500 and ₹2,000 later. The article intends to investigate the impact of demonetization on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). An event study methodology has been used to analyse the impact of the announcement on its most important index—S&P (Standard & Poor’s) BSE SENSEX index and the 30 top trading stocks which comprise S&P BSE SENSEX. The study period is divided into pre- and post-demonetization announcement. The empirical results indicate that there was no striking impact of the demonetization announcement on the stock returns during the period of the study.
Peer Counseling with Adolescent Mothers: A Pilot Program
Authors: Rubenstein Elaine , Panzarine Susan , Loaning Patricia
Published: August 2018

Adolescent pregnancy and parenting are major societal problems. The authors describe a peer-counseling model aimed at preventing repeat pregnancy and school drop-out among adolescent mothers. Well-functioning teen mothers were paid to be peer counselors to younger pregnant teens. Repeat pregnancy, school, and employment status were evaluated after the intervention, suggesting the program's positive impact.