bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defining distinct features of anti-MOG antibody associated central nervous system demyelination
Authors: Weber Martin S. , Derfuss Tobias , Metz Imke , Brück Wolfgang
Published: March 2018

Extensive research over the last decades basically failed to identify a common cause of noninfectious inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating disease. To a great extent, this may reflect that the group of inflammatory CNS demyelinating disorders likely contains multiple pathogenetically distinct disease entities. Indeed, the greatest success so far in deciphering the pathogenesis of a CNS demyelinating disorder resulted from the discovery of anti-aquaporin (AQP)-4 antibodies (ab), which allowed progressive delineation of neuromyelitis optica (NMO), formerly considered a variant of the most common CNS demyelinating disorder, multiple sclerosis (MS), as a distinct disease. Nowadays, AQP-4+ NMO is considered an autoimmune astrocytopathy, in which CNS demyelination occurs only as a consequence of a primary destruction of astrocytes. Delineating these patients concomitantly revealed that not all patients presenting with clinically NMO-suggestive disease phenotype express AQP-4 ab, which created the pathogenetically undefined category of NMO spectrum disorders (NMOSD). Recent investigations discovered that a subgroup of these AQP-4– NMOSD patients produce an ab response against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), a molecule expressed on the outer lamella of the myelin sheath. Using pathophysiologically meaningful cell-based assays, this humoral response is extremely rare in adult MS and absent in classical AQP-4+ NMO, sharply differentiating the evolving group from both established disorders. In this review, we summarize available clinical, immunological and histopathological data on patients with MOG+ CNS demyelinating disease. By comparing this clearly distinct cohort to AQP-4+ NMO as well as MS, we propose that MOG+ CNS demyelinating disease represents a distinct novel disease entity. In addition to its diagnostic value, we furthermore provide mechanistic insight on how this peripheral anti-MOG ab response may be of pathogenetic relevance in triggering acute flares of inflammatory CNS demyelination.
Using Systems Theory to Examine Patient and Nurse Structures, Processes, and Outcomes in Centralized and Decentralized Units
Authors: Real Kevin , Fay Lindsey , Isaacs Kathy , Carll-White Allison , Schadler Aric
Published: March 2018

Objectives:

This study utilizes systems theory to understand how changes to physical design structures impact communication processes and patient and staff design-related outcomes.

Background:

Many scholars and researchers have noted the importance of communication and teamwork for patient care quality. Few studies have examined changes to nursing station design within a systems theory framework.

Method:

This study employed a multimethod, before-and-after, quasi-experimental research design. Nurses completed surveys in centralized units and later in decentralized units ( N = 26pre, N = 51post). Patients completed surveys ( N = 62pre) in centralized units and later in decentralized units ( N = 49post). Surveys included quantitative measures and qualitative open-ended responses.

Results:

Patients preferred the decentralized units because of larger single-occupancy rooms, greater privacy/confidentiality, and overall satisfaction with design. Nurses had a more complex response. Nurses approved the patient rooms, unit environment, and noise levels in decentralized units. However, they reported reduced access to support spaces, lower levels of team/mentoring communication, and less satisfaction with design than in centralized units. Qualitative findings supported these results. Nurses were more positive about centralized units and patients were more positive toward decentralized units.

Conclusion:

The results of this study suggest a need to understand how system components operate in concert. A major contribution of this study is the inclusion of patient satisfaction with design, an important yet overlooked fact in patient satisfaction. Healthcare design researchers and practitioners may consider how changing system interdependencies can lead to unexpected changes to communication processes and system outcomes in complex systems.
Leadership Preparation Programs: Preparing Culturally Competent Educational Leaders
Authors: Barakat Maysaa , Reames Ellen , Kensler Lisa A. W.
Published: March 2018

The demographic profile of the United States has been rapidly changing; by 2020, minority students will constitute the majority of the public school student population nationwide. This makes cultural competence a necessity for today’s school leaders. Educational leadership preparation programs are responsible for preparing culturally competent leaders; however, few programs assess their students’ cultural competence. The purpose of this quantitative, cross-sectional, causal-comparative study was to examine whether graduates of educational leadership preparation programs had significantly different cultural competence than those beginning their respective program. The findings of this study suggest that matriculating through a principal preparation program positively correlates with educational leadership students’ overall cultural competence, cultural beliefs and motivation, and cultural knowledge. However, there appears to be no significant relationship between completing the program and students’ cultural skills.
Co-expression of MYC and BCL2 predicts poorer outcomes for relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with R-ICE and intent to transplant
Authors: Allen Joshua , Ruano Mendez Ana Lucia , Rybicki Lisa , Sawalha Yazeed , Jagadeesh Deepa , Dean Robert , Pohlman Brad , Smith Mitchell R. , Hsi Eric D. , Hill Brian T.
Published: March 2018

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with co-expression of MYC and BCL2 protein by immunohistochemistry (IHC) – that is, double-expresser lymphoma (DEL) – is associated with poor outcomes after standard frontline therapy. Less is known about the prognostic impact of DEL in patients with relapsed/refractory disease treated with salvage therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). We analyzed the outcomes of 167 patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL treated with R-ICE (rituximab, ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide), of whom 111 patients (66%) underwent ASCT. Using predefined cutoffs for positivity by IHC at relapse for MYC and BCL2 of ⩾40% and ⩾50% of positive tumor cells, respectively, 26 patients (16%) were categorized as DEL and the rest as non-DEL. Overall and complete response rates to R-ICE did not differ between DEL and non-DEL. With a median follow up of 20 months, the 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates for DEL were inferior compared to non-DEL (for PFS: 6% versus 33%, p = 0.044, for OS: 39% versus 56%, p = 0.03). The negative impact of DEL on PFS and OS remained significant on multivariable analysis. In conclusion, positive DEL status predicts poorer outcomes following salvage therapy.
Emerging properties of hydrogels in tissue engineering
Authors: Lee Jung-Hwan , Kim Hae-Won
Published: March 2018

Hydrogels are three-dimensional polymeric networks filled with water and mimic tissue environments. Therefore, they are considered optimal to deliver cells and engineer damaged tissues. The hydrogel networks have been significantly modified to endow biochemical functionality with adhesive ligands, growth factors, or degradable sites that are helpful to drive proper cell functions. Recently, some of the biophysical properties of hydrogels have emerged as key players in dictating cell fate. Beyond static stiffness, time-dependent stress/strain changes in the interaction with cells and the cell-mediated degradation and matrix synthesis have been demonstrated to shape cell status and tissue repair process. We highlight here the emerging biophysical properties of hydrogels that can motivate tissue engineers to design and develop hydrogels optimally for tissue regeneration.
Physical activity volume in relation to risk of atrial fibrillation. A non-linear meta-regression analysis
Authors: Ricci Cristian , Gervasi Federico , Gaeta Maddalena , Smuts Cornelius M , Schutte Aletta E , Leitzmann Michael F
Published: March 2018

Background

Light physical activity is known to reduce atrial fibrillation risk, whereas moderate to vigorous physical activity may result in an increased risk. However, the question of what volume of physical activity can be considered beneficial remains poorly understood. The scope of the present work was to examine the relation between physical activity volume and atrial fibrillation risk.

Design

A comprehensive systematic review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines.

Methods

A non-linear meta-regression considering the amount of energy spent in physical activity was carried out. The first derivative of the non-linear relation between physical activity and atrial fibrillation risk was evaluated to determine the volume of physical activity that carried the minimum atrial fibrillation risk.

Results

The dose–response analysis of the relation between physical activity and atrial fibrillation risk showed that physical activity at volumes of 5–20 metabolic equivalents per week (MET-h/week) was associated with significant reduction in atrial fibrillation risk (relative risk for 19 MET-h/week = 0.92 (0.87, 0.98). By comparison, physical activity volumes exceeding 20 MET-h/week were unrelated to atrial fibrillation risk (relative risk for 21 MET-h/week = 0.95 (0.88, 1.02).

Conclusion

These data show a J-shaped relation between physical activity volume and atrial fibrillation risk. Physical activity at volumes of up to 20 MET-h/week is associated with reduced atrial fibrillation risk, whereas volumes exceeding 20 MET-h/week show no relation with risk.
Cementless Stem for Femoral Neck Fractures in a Patient’s 10th Decade of Life: High Rate of Periprosthetic Fractures
Authors: Kabelitz Method , Fritz Yannick , Grueninger Patrick , Meier Christoph , Fries Patrick , Dietrich Michael
Published: March 2018

Background:

Subsidence of cementless femoral stems in hemiarthroplasty (HA) and increased fracture rates are ongoing concerns of orthopedic surgeons when treating fractures in very old patients. Additionally, bone cement implantation syndrome may result in perioperative cardiac or pulmonary complications, especially in older patients, leading to morbidity and mortality. This study was performed to analyze possible subsidence and intraoperative fractures in a cohort of very old patients treated with cementless stems.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed a consecutive cohort of patients aged ≥90 years with femoral neck fractures treated by uncemented HA and an anterior minimally invasive approach. Immediate full-weight bearing was allowed postoperatively. Pelvic radiographs were examined for subsidence immediately postoperatively and 6 weeks later.

Results:

We treated 109 patients (74% women; mean age, 93 years; range, 90-102 years) by HA from January 2010 to March 2016. The 30-day mortality rate was 16%, and the morbidity rate was 47%. There were 11 (12%) intraoperative fractures: 8 (Vancouver B2) had to be addressed immediately during the primary operation, while 3 (1 Vancouver B1 and 2 Vancouver AG) were treated conservatively. One periprosthetic femoral fracture (Vancouver B1) was documented during follow-up. In 17 patients, subsidence of >2.0 mm (median, 3.9 mm; range, 2.5-9.0 mm) was documented.

Conclusion:

Early subsidence was low in this very old cohort treated with an uncemented stem and not showing a periprosthetic fracture. The risk of intraoperative periprosthetic fractures was high. The use of uncemented implants in osteoporotic bone continues to be an intervention with high risk and should only be performed by experienced surgeons.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, Therapeutic study.
US Import Refusals of Agricultural Products and Their Impact on the Participation of Indian Firms
Authors: Kallummal Murali , Mendiratta Disha , Sangita Seema
Published: March 2018

Developed countries are major importers of agricultural and food products from developing countries. While international trade in agricultural commodities has expanded, there has been growing consciousness by consumers about the quality of imported food products. The WTO members are legally authorized to impose sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS)-based maximum residual level (MRL) standards on imported food products to ensure that the imports are free from contaminants. Compliance with SPS-based standards and regulations is challenging for firms belonging to developing countries, for reasons including information asymmetry and lack of technological capabilities. This article uses data on Indian firms, and the SPS measures imposed by the USA on Indian products to analyse how SPS measures impact on the performance of firms, especially on the probability of the firms to participate in the export market and their export earnings. We find that the presence of standards discourages firms to participate in the export market. However, bigger firms are more productive and able to absorb the impact of SPS measures and continue to participate in export markets, even in the presence of these regulations.
Globalization and Labour in Developing Countries: India
Authors: Nathan Dev
Published: March 2018

This article deals with labour under globalizing conditions in developing countries, particularly India.* It poses the question of how the convergence in global incomes and inequality has impacted on labour. In the context of the experience of the developing countries as a whole, the article argues that strategic interventions in global world markets can increase the share of labour in the benefits from globalization. Thereafter, the article deals with the position of India and shows that there has been an increase in rural real wages and in agricultural productivity after globalization. The article argues that globalization provides space for the upgradation of the capacities of labour in order to improve real wages and the quality of employment.
Do Labour Laws and Rising Real Wages Explain Employment Stagnation in the Organized Manufacturing Sector of India? An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Roychowdhury Anamitra
Published: March 2018

One of the most contentious policy issues in India is the demand for labour market flexibility. This paper empirically investigates two major reasons normally advanced in literature for explaining the phenomena of ‘jobless growth’ in the organized manufacturing sector and consequently introducing labour flexibility, namely (i) job security laws by strictly regulating hire and fire of workers makes labour adjustment process virtually impossible to undertake and (ii) rising real wages encourage adoption of capital intensive techniques in production – each impeding (not necessarily independently) employment growth. From our empirical analysis we find little evidence to support these claims. In fact, evidence suggests considerable flexibility in workforce adjustment already enjoyed by firms through growing use of contract workers. Employment stagnation is rather explained by the method employed by Annual Survey of Industries to estimate workers and the underlying nature of technological progress witnessed in the organized manufacturing sector during the study period.
Anterior versus Posterior Tibial Tunnel Placement in ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Miller Mark D. , Laidlaw Michael S. , Buyukdogan Kadir
Published: March 2018

Objectives:

Previously, we reported that the use of the posterior border of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus as a landmark for tibial tunnel placement during anatomic ACL reconstruction resulted in a wide variation of tunnel location in the sagittal plane. The effects of such tibial tunnel variations on functional outcomes have not been previously reported.

Hypothesis:

Anteriorly placed tibial tunnels lead to better anterior knee stability than posteriorly placed tunnels.

Study Design:

Cohort study, Level of evidence 3.

Methods:

71 patients (aged 18-55) underwent isolated unilateral anatomic single bundle primary ACL reconstruction with quadrupled hamstring tendons or bone patellar tendon bone autografts between March 2013 and June 2014 by the same surgeon using an accessory medial portal technique. All guide pins for the tibial tunnel were placed using a 55-degree guide using the posterior border of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus as a landmark. Following pin placement, a true lateral fluoroscopic image was obtained and these were digitally analyzed to measure the location of the pin along the length of the tibial plateau using the method described by Amis and Jakob. The patients were divided into two groups—one anterior and the other posterior to 40% of the tibial plateau length. Side-to-side difference in anterior knee translation (KT-1000), thigh circumference, range of motion, IKDC and Marx activity scale were evaluated and compared between the groups at a minimum of 2 years following ACL reconstructive surgery.

Results:

50 patients (26 in the anterior group and 24 in the posterior group) were avaliable for follow-up at a mean of 2.5 years. There was no difference in the terms of age, sex, BMI, loss of extension, graft type (Hams-BPTB) and size (mm) between the groups (p>.05). In terms of stability, the mean side-to-side difference was 0.19±1.3 mm for anterior group and 1.27 ±1.3 mm for posterior group based on KT-1000 measurements (P<.005). The IKDC (75.1±4.1 vs 79.2±2.8) and Marx activity (6.6±1.05 vs 8.3±1.04) scores were similar in both groups. No difference in thigh circumference was found between the involved and uninvolved extremities of the both groups (-1.48±1.41 vs -1.52±1.17).

Conclusion:

Using the posterior border of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus as a landmark yields a wide range of tibial tunnel locations along the tibial plateau. Anterior placement of the tibial tunnel leads to better anterior knee stability than posterior placement does.
A year in Madrid as described through the analysis of geotagged Twitter data
Authors: Meyer Travis R , Balagué Daniel , Camacho-Collados Miguel , Li Hao , Khuu Katie , Brantingham P Jeffrey , Bertozzi Andrea L
Published: March 2018

Gaining a complete picture of the activity in a city using vast data sources is challenging yet potentially very valuable. One such source of data is Twitter which generates millions of short spatio-temporally localized messages that, as a collection, have information on city regions and many forms of city activity. The quantity of data, however, necessitates summarization in a way that makes consumption by an observer efficient, accurate, and comprehensive. We present a two-step process for analyzing geotagged twitter data within a localized urban environment. The first step involves an efficient form of latent Dirichlet allocation, using an expectation maximization, for topic content summarization of the text information in the tweets. The second step involves spatial and temporal analysis of information within each topic using two complimentary metrics. These proposed metrics characterize the distributional properties of tweets in time and space for all topics. We integrate the second step into a graphical user interface that enables the user to adeptly navigate through the space of hundreds of topics. We present results of a case study of the city of Madrid, Spain, for the year 2011 in which both large-scale protests and elections occurred. Our data analysis methods identify these important events, as well as other classes of more mundane routine activity and their associated locations in Madrid.
A Pediatric Foreign Body Appendicitis Can Cause a Pitfall in Imaging
Authors: Ayaz Muzaffer , Aslan Ahmet , Gercel Gonca , Özkanlı Sıdıka Şeyma , Durakbaşa Çiğdem Ulukaya
Published: March 2018

Although foreign body (FB) ingestion is common in childhood, most cases do not have any clinical significance. Radiologic evaluation is crucial to determine the exact location of a persistent foreign body because it dictates the therapeutic approach. In this case report, we present a child with appendiceal perforation caused by a FB and emphasize pitfalls in preoperative imaging assessment. A 3-year-old boy presented with subtle abdominal pain duration for three months. The preoperative imaging examinations were consistent with an intraluminal metallic pin. However, the operative findings and postoperative pathological examination showed that the pin perforated the appendiceal wall, causing chronic inflammatory changes with an omental reaction around the extraluminal part of the pin. The patient underwent appendectomy with an uneventful course. Foreign body is a rare cause of appendiceal perforation with resultant appendicitis. Imaging may reveal some clues regarding the location, but the interpretation of radiologic data could be quite challenging.
In-depth haemodynamic phenotyping of pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease
Authors: Gerges Christian , Gerges Mario , Fesler Pierre , Pistritto Anna Maria , Konowitz Nicholas P. , Jakowitsch Johannes , Celermajer David S. , Lang Irene M.
Published: March 2018

The commonest cause of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is left heart disease (LHD). The current classification system for definitions of PH-LHD is under review. We therefore performed prospective in-depth invasive haemodynamic phenotyping in order to assess the site of increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in PH-LHD subsets.

Based on pulmonary artery occlusion waveforms yielding an estimate of the effective capillary pressure, we partitioned PVR in larger arterial (Rup, upstream resistance) and small arterial plus venous components (Rds, downstream resistance). In the case of small vessel disease,Rupdecreases andRdsincreases. Inhaled nitric oxide (NO) testing was used to assess acute vasoreactivity.

Right ventricular afterload (PVR, pulmonary arterial compliance and effective arterial elastance) was significantly higher in combined post- and pre-capillary PH (Cpc-PH, n=35) than in isolated post-capillary PH (Ipc-PH, n=20). Right ventricular afterload decreased during inhalation of NO in Cpc-PH and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (n=31), but remained unchanged in Ipc-PH.Rupwas similar in Cpc-PH (66.8±10.8%) and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (65.0±12.2%; p=0.530) suggesting small vessel disease, but significantly higher in Ipc-PH (96.5±4.5%; p<0.001) suggesting upstream transmission of elevated left atrial pressure.

Right ventricular afterload is driven by elevated left atrial pressure in Ipc-PH and is further increased by elevated small vessel resistance in Cpc-PH. Cpc-PH is responsive to inhaled NO. Our data support current definitions of PH-LHD subsets.
National profile of foot orthotic provision in the United Kingdom, part 2: podiatrist, orthotist and physiotherapy practices
Authors: Nester C. J. , Graham A. , Martinez‐Santos A. , Williams A. E. , McAdam J. , Newton V. , Sweeney D. , Walker D.
Published: March 2018

Background

A national survey recently provided the first description of foot orthotic provision in the United Kingdom. This article aims to profile and compare the foot orthoses practice of podiatrists, orthotists and physiotherapists within the current provision.

Method

Quantitative data were collected from podiatrists, orthotists and physiotherapists via an online questionnaire. The topics, questions and answers were developed through a series of pilot phases. The professions were targeted through electronic and printed materials advertising the survey. Data were captured over a 10 month period in 2016. Differences between professions were investigated using Chi squared and Fischer's exact tests, and regression analysis was used to predict the likelihood of each aspect of practice in each of the three professions.

Results

Responses from 357 podiatrists, 93 orthotists and 49 physiotherapists were included in the analysis. The results reveal statistically significant differences in employment and clinical arrangements, the clinical populations treated, and the nature and volume of foot orthoses caseload.

Conclusion

Podiatrists, orthotists and physiotherapists provide foot orthoses to important clinical populations in both a prevention and treatment capacity. Their working context, scope of practice and mix of clinical caseload differs significantly, although there are areas of overlap. Addressing variations in practice could align this collective workforce to national allied health policy.
Introduction to this special section: Latin America
Authors: Velásquez Antonio J. , Ramírez Víctor O. , Chávez-Pérez Sergio , Roy Baishali , Shemeta Julie
Published: March 2018

Latin America and the Caribbean region is of fundamental relevance for all of us at SEG. As Spanish, Portuguese, and English are the dominant languages used for communication among nations in the region, we decided to provide Portuguese and Spanish translations of this introduction on the following pages.
Characterization of lower Vaca Muerta at Fortín de Piedra in Neuquén Basin, Argentina
Authors: Acevedo Horacio , Bande Alejandro
Published: March 2018

The Vaca Muerta Formation in the Fortín de Piedra Block is a current focus of exploration for hydrocarbons. Here, we investigate its deepest levels, La Cocina and El Orgánico. These levels have high average total organic content (TOC) of 4.5 and 3 wt%, respectively, making them the main exploration targets. Seismic stratigraphic interpretation indicates that La Cocina was deposited over a paleo-dune surface, initially covering it as a sheet but later forming discontinuous lenses as the interdune areas filled in. El Orgánico is an aggradational-progradational section, represented mainly by bottomset facies and subordinated foreset facies. The brittleness and TOC distribution, as correlated with well log and laboratory measurement data, suggest that the entire block is prospective for both levels.
The conjugate gradient method
Authors: Schleicher Karl
Published: March 2018

The conjugate gradient method can be used to solve many large linear geophysical problems — for example, least-squares parabolic and hyperbolic Radon transform, traveltime tomography, least-squares migration, and full-waveform inversion (FWI) (e.g., Witte et al., 2018 ). This tutorial revisits the “Linear inversion tutorial” ( Hall, 2016 ) that estimated reflectivity by deconvolving a known wavelet from a seismic trace using least squares. This tutorial solves the same problem using the conjugate gradient method. This problem is easy to understand, and the concepts apply to other applications. The conjugate gradient method is often used to solve large problems because the least-squares algorithm is much more expensive — that is, even a large computer may not be able to find a useful solution in a reasonable amount of time.
Geologic 3D velocity model in Keathley Canyon and Walker Ridge, Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Cornelius Sharon , Emmet Peter A.
Published: March 2018

This 3D velocity model was constructed using high-resolution 2D seismic data with 15 km offsets and 22 s of record for which a Kirchhoff depth migration produced a 40 km (130,000+ ft) depth record constrained by sonic logs from 94 wells, 34 vertical seismic profile or borehole seismic velocity surveys, and 38 calculated time versus depth tables derived from other borehole data. All forms of sonic information were loaded into a velocity modeling application in an interval velocity (Vint) versus depth format. Comparison of the resultant 3D velocity model with available constraints shows that regional geologic trends expressed in the 3D Vint model faithfully reproduces the observed borehole Vint profiles at 18 locations where the seismic velocity control is in close proximity to measured borehole velocity data. The sonic velocity for salt from 13 of these boreholes matches the seismic salt velocity within 2%, and another four wells match within 5%. Zones of overpressure (anomalously low Vint) and zones of Cenozoic limestone (anomalously high Vint) are discernible within the velocity model. Stratigraphic layers of equal Vint displayed with a “random” color bar closely mimic structural trends within the 3D velocity model and tie reasonably well at the intersection between seismic and wellbore velocity control. The resultant 3D “cube” of Vint values covering Keathley Canyon, Walker Ridge, and a portion of Green Canyon shows many distinct velocity trends and features that are confirmed by well control.
Seismic with simultaneous sources: Where does the industry stand?
Authors: El-Taha Yasin Charles , May Roger
Published: March 2018

In November 2017, SEG held a workshop in Muscat, Oman, to advance the understanding of the use of simultaneous sources in the seismic industry and to answer the question posed in the workshop title: “Where does the industry stand?” While 20 years have passed since the concept of simultaneous source acquisition was reintroduced to the industry, there has been a significant increase recently in the number of surveys being shot employing some type of simultaneous source operation with a profusion of methods and terminologies being used by geophysicists.
Computer-Assisted Flagging of Individuals at High Risk of Colorectal Cancer in a Large Health Maintenance Organization Using the ColonFlag Test
Authors: Goshen Ran , Choman Eran , Ran Ayelet , Muller Efrat , Kariv Revital , Chodick Gabriel , Ash Nachman , Narod Steven , Shalev Varda
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To evaluate in a sample of adults who had been noncompliant with colorectal cancer (CRC) screening whether screening could be enhanced by an automated patient recall system based on identifying high-risk individuals using the ColonFlag test and an electronic medical record database.

Methods

A total of 79,671 individuals who were determined to be noncompliant with current screening recommendations were identified in the Maccabi Health Services program in Israel. Their cancer risk was determined by ColonFlag using information on age, sex, and CBC results. Doctors of individuals who were flagged as high risk were notified and asked to follow up with their patients.

Results

The ColonFlag identified 688 men and women who scored in the highest 0.87 percentile. Of these individuals, 254 had colonoscopies performed by Maccabi physicians, and 19 CRCs (7.5%) were found. An additional 15 cancers primarily identified outside of Maccabi were found through code matching.

Conclusion

The ColonFlag test is a rapid, efficient, and inexpensive test that can be applied to scan electronic medical records to identify individuals at high risk of CRC who would otherwise avoid screening.
Effects of Diazoxide-Mediated Insulin Suppression on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Nondiabetic Obese Men
Authors: Loves Sandra , van Groningen Lenneke , Filius Margreet , Mekking Marja , Brandon Tom , Tack Cees J , Hermus Ad , de Boer Hans
Published: March 2018

Context

It has been suggested that stimulation of lipolysis by diazoxide (DZX)-mediated insulin suppression may be useful in treating obesity. However, the optimal dose to promote lipolysis without causing hyperglycemia is unknown.

Objective

To assess the effects of DZX in nondiabetic obese men on lipid and glucose metabolism.

Design

Double-blind, placebo (PL)-controlled, 6-month trial in men with a body mass index of 30 to 37.5 kg/m2 treated with a combination of caloric restriction, a standardized exercise program, and DZX or PL dose escalation.

Results

The mean maximal tolerated dose of DZX was 422 ± 44 mg/d (range, 200 to 700 mg/d). Dose-limiting events were edema (n = 11), hyperglycemia (n = 6), and nausea (n = 2). After dose reduction to a level free of clinical side effects, DZX treatment was associated with a markedly greater decrease in fasting insulin levels than PL (−72.3 ± 3.5% vs −23.0 ± 12.6%; P < 0.001) and a significant improvement of blood pressure and plasma lipid levels. The decline in insulin levels occurred at the cost of a small increase in plasma glucose (0.6 ± 0.2 mmol/L vs −0.1 ± 0.1 mmol/L; P = 0.04) and hemoglobin A1C (0.2 ± 0.1% vs 0.0 ± 0.1%; P = 0.17).

Conclusion

In nondiabetic obese men, insulin levels can be reduced up to 70% without major metabolic side effects. The marked intersubject variation in maximal tolerated dose indicates that DZX dose titration needs to be individualized.
A Dedicated Acute Pain Service Is Associated With Reduced Postoperative Opioid Requirements in Patients Undergoing Cytoreductive Surgery With Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
Authors: Said Engy T. , Sztain Jacklynn F. , Abramson Wendy B. , Meineke Minhthy N. , Furnish Timothy J. , Schmidt Ulrich H. , Manecke Gerard R. , Gabriel Rodney A.
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND:

The Acute Pain Service (APS) was initially introduced to optimize multimodal postoperative pain control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the implementation of an APS and postoperative pain management and outcomes for patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC).

METHODS:

In this propensity-matched retrospective cohort study, we performed a before–after study without a concurrent control group. Outcomes were compared among patients undergoing CRS-HIPEC when APS was implemented versus historical controls (non-APS). The primary objective was to determine if there was a decrease in median total opioid consumption during postoperative days 0–3 among patients managed by the APS. Secondary outcomes included opioid consumption on each postoperative day (0–6), time to ambulation, time to solid intake, and hospital length of stay.

RESULTS:

After exclusion, there were a total of 122 patients, of which 51 and 71 were in the APS and non-APS cohort, respectively. Between propensity-matched groups, the median (quartiles) total opioid consumption during postoperative days 0–3 was 27.5 mg intravenous morphine equivalents (MEQs) (7.6–106.3 mg MEQs) versus 144.0 mg MEQs (68.9–238.3 mg MEQs), respectively. The median difference was 80.8 mg MEQs (95% confidence interval, 46.1–124.0; P < .0001). There were statistically significant decreases in time to ambulation and time to solid diet intake in the APS cohort.

CONCLUSIONS:

After implementing the APS, CRS-HIPEC patients had decreased opioid consumption by >50%, as well as shorter time to ambulation and time to solid intake. Implementation of an APS may improve outcomes in CRS-HIPEC patients.
Tropical Freedom
Authors: Asaka Ikuko
Published: March 2018

In Tropical Freedom Ikuko Asaka engages in a hemispheric examination of the intersection of emancipation and settler colonialism in North America. Asaka shows how from the late eighteenth century through Reconstruction, emancipation efforts in the United States and present-day Canada were accompanied by attempts to relocate freed blacks to tropical regions, as black bodies were deemed to be more physiologically compatible with tropical climates. This logic conceived of freedom as a racially segregated condition based upon geography and climate. Regardless of whether freed people became tenant farmers in Sierra Leone or plantation laborers throughout the Caribbean, their relocation would provide whites with a monopoly over the benefits of settling indigenous land in temperate zones throughout North America. At the same time, black activists and intellectuals contested these geographic-based controls by developing alternative discourses on race and the environment. By tracing these negotiations of the transnational racialization of freedom, Asaka demonstrates the importance of considering settler colonialism and black freedom together while complicating the prevailing frames through which the intertwined histories of British and U.S. emancipation and colonialism have been understood.
Crystal Structure-dependent Thermal Stability and Catalytic Performance of AuRu3 Solid-solution Alloy Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Quan , Kusada Kohei , Wu Dongshuang , Kawaguchi Shogo , Kubota Yoshiki , Kitagawa Hiroshi
Published: March 2018

We describe the first investigation into the influence of the crystal structure of AuRu3 alloy nanoparticles (NPs) on their thermal stability and catalytic properties. The hexagonal close-packed (hcp)-AuRu3 alloy NPs show better thermal stability than the face-centered cubic (fcc)-AuRu3 alloy NPs. The difference in catalytic properties was investigated through the oxygen evolution reaction. Both fcc- and hcp-AuRu3 alloy NPs show onset potentials comparable to Ru NPs. However, the hcp alloy NPs show higher durability than the fcc alloy NPs.
Gene Annotation Easy Viewer (GAEV): Integrating KEGG’s Gene Function Annotations and Associated Molecular Pathways
Authors: Huynh Trung , Xu Sen
Published: March 2018

We developed a Gene Annotation Easy Viewer (GAEV) that integrates the gene annotation data from the KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) Automatic Annotation Server. GAEV generates an easy-to-read table that summarizes the query gene name, the KO (KEGG Orthology) number, name of gene orthologs, functional definition of the ortholog, and the functional pathways that query gene has been mapped to. Via links to KEGG pathway maps, users can directly examine the interaction between gene products involved in the same molecular pathway. We provide a usage example by annotating the newly published freshwater microcrustacean Daphnia pulex genome. This gene-centered view of gene function and pathways will greatly facilitate the genome annotation of non-model species and metagenomics data. GAEV runs on a Windows or Linux system equipped with Python 3 and provides easy accessibility to users with no prior Unix command line experience.
Odkrywanie tajskości – Wichit Wathakan i powstanie tajskiej tożsamości narodowej
Authors: Tomala Patryk
Published: March 2018

Discovering Thainess – Wichit Wathakan and Creation of Thai National Identity‘Thainess’ is a term deeply ingrained into political discourse of Kingdom of Thailand. Politicians from different camps and parties use it to this day. This quite new concept was defined by Wichit Wathakan, who created a political philosophy around it. His works set a tone of discussion about the nation and the state in Thailand back in the 1930s. His concepts are still alive and well, and also more apparent than those proposed by his opponents. This article explains reasons of emerging of nationalism in Thailand and Thai nationalism, as well as character of both of them.
Revisiting the Trade-off Between Risk and Incentives: The Shocking Effect of Random Shocks?
Authors: Corgnet Brice , Hernán-González Roberto
Published: March 2018

Despite its central role in the theory of incentives, empirical evidence of a trade-off between risk and incentives remains scarce. We reexamine this trade-off in a workplace lab environment and find that, in line with theory, principals increase fixed pay while lowering performance pay when the relationship between effort and output is noisier. Unexpectedly, agents produce substantially more in the noisy environment than in the baseline despite weaker incentives. In addition, principals’ earnings are significantly higher in the noisy environment. We show that these findings can be accounted for when agents maximize a non-CARA utility function or when they exhibit loss aversion.

Data and the online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2017.2914 .

This paper was accepted by Uri Gneezy, behavioral economics.
Stand up next to a mountain
Authors: Allingham Sue
Published: March 2018

A mixed bag for news, with some good things happening, such as introducing more risk, and other things that are cause for real concern, whether that be children not being read to or nursery closures.
Letters
Authors: Whiteman Paul , Malia James , Bayram Liz
Published: March 2018

MA Education Ltd, St Jude's Church, Dulwich Road, London, SE24 0PB neil.henty@markallengroup.com
Why our buddy system is a breakthrough in learning
Authors: Hockaday Betsy
Published: March 2018

How do you ensure that children entering your school feel welcome and an important part of the community? At Pennington, we have been developing our caring side with help from every year group.
Children who are ready for school
Authors: Grimmer Tamsin
Published: March 2018

This article is an extract from the author's School Readiness and the Characteristics of Effective Learning, it will focus on school readiness in terms of the children and considers theirs views on transition and how schools and settings can better support them through this phase.
You will catch a cold…
Authors: Leeper Marion
Published: March 2018

In this short series of articles we will be looking at popular culture and how we engage with it in early years settings. For example, do we turn our nose up at Peppa Pig books, or do we embrace them?
SMEâ€™s financial literacy: An overview based on demographic aspects
Authors: Iramani Iramani , Suryani Tatik , Lindiawati Lindiawati
Published: March 2018

This study attempts to examine the financial literacy level of SMEâ€™s owner in East Java based on demographic aspect. The sample was taken from 65 SMEâ€™s in East Java which produce prominent local product. The data were collected by using survey method and deep interview. They were analyzed using descriptive explorative and also cross tabulation for examining SMEâ€™s financial literacy based on demographic attribute. Research found that that the financial literacy score of SMEâ€™s owner in East Java is good enough, where they have average score 55.8 with the same score of median and mode 66.7. Majority weakness of SMEâ€™s owner is the literacy on SME understanding of net asset and insurance premium. Otherwise, whole SMEâ€™s owner is fully understood that financial knowledge is so useful for the SME. Other finding shows that there is a relationship between financial literacyâ€™s level and SMEâ€™s owner on demographic aspect such as gender, education, the business time established. It can be concluded that demographic aspects determine the financial literacy level of SMEâ€™s owner
PENERAPAN TEKNOLOGI BIODRYING DALAM PENGOLAHAN SAMPAH HIGH WATER CONTENT MENUJU ZERO LEACHATE
Authors: Purwono Purwono , Hadiwidodo Mochtar , Rezagama Arya
Published: March 2018

Pada tahun 2025, Indonesia diperkirakan akan menghasilkan sampah sebanyak 130.000 ton/hari. Sebagian besar sampah masih menjadi sumber penyebab polusi dan berpotensi mengurangi sumber air bersih. Jumlah limbah makanan relatif tinggi (> 60%) dan lainnya merupakan sampah yang dapat didaur ulang, seperti plastik, kertas, gelas, dan logam. Tetapi limbah makanan tidak dapat dilakukan daur ulang maupun sortir karena mengandung kadar air sangat tinggi hingga 74,5%. Limbah ini sangat berpotensi menghasilkan pencemar berupa lindi (leachate). Biodrying pengolahan sampah diharapkan mampu mengurangi volume lindi. Penambahan aerasi pada proses biodrying hanya menghasilkan lindi sebesar 1.279,5 ml dengan debit 3 liter/menit sedangkan tanpa aerasi menghasilakn lindi lebih banyak sebesar 1.607,5 ml. Suhu kompos tertinggi terjadi pada hari kedua mencapai 34 oC. Setelah hari keenam semua reaktor menunjukkan grafik kenaikan dan penurunan suhu sampah yang realtif seragam. Nilai pH berkisaran antara 6,09-8,88 dan nilai COD akhir pada reaktor kontrol tanpa aerasi sebesar 14.116,67 mg/l sedangkan COD paling rendah sebesar 13.360 mg/l yang dihasilkan dari reaktor dengan debit 2 l/m. Tujuan mencapai zero lechate belum tercapai tetapi proses biodrying mampu mengurangi volume lindi yang dihasilkan.
Studi Efisiensi Penyisihan COD dalam Lindi dengan Sistem Evapotranspirasi Menggunakan Tumbuhan Sente (Alocasia macrorrhiza) dan Rumput Belulang (Eleusine indica)
Authors: Zaman Badrus , Wardana Irawan Wisnu , Sutrisno Endro , Kurniawati Adistia Dian , Amalia Amalia
Published: March 2018

COD dalam lindi merupakan salah satu parameter yang secara umum berada pada konsentrasi yang tiggi sebagai salah satu hasil biodegradasi material organik dan anorganik dalam sampah di TPA. Sistem evapotranspirasi yang menggunakan tumbuhan lokal merupakan salah satu sistem yang menjanjikan. Penelitian dilakukan untuk mengetahui efisiensi penyisihan COD dalam lindi dengan reaktor evapotranspirasi secara kontinyu yang menggunakan tumbuhan Tumbuhan Sente (Alocasia macrorrhiza) dan Rumput Belulang (Eleusine indica). Hasil uji menunjukkan efisiensi pada semua reaktor mulai sekitar hari ke 3 hingga hari ke 25 mengalami fluktuasi yang cenderung menurun (dari ± 75% menjadi ± 50%), tetapi hari selanjutnya cenderung meningkat. Pola tersebut dipengaruhi oleh peran media tanam, bakteri dalam media tanam, bakteri pada akar tumbuhan dan aktivitas metabolisme tumbuhan uji. Secara keseluruhan reaktor yang menggunakan Tumbuhan Sente (Alocasia macrorrhiza) lebih fluktuatif dibandingkan denga menggunakan Rumput Belulang (Eleusine indica) yang dipengaruhi pola pertumbuhan dan perkembangannya.
Efektivitas Teknik Biofiltrasi Dengan Media Sarang Tawon Terhadap Penurunan Kadar Nitrogen Total Limbah Cair
Authors: Sali Gea Paramudhita , Suprabawati Anggi , Purwanto Yuli
Published: March 2018

Berdasarkan regulasi PERMEN LH No. 5 Tahun 2014 Lampiran XLVII yang mengatur bahwa setiap limbah cair industri harus memenuhi baku mutu yang dipersyaratkan, maka telah dilakukan penelitian dalam upaya untuk memperoleh suatu sistem pengolahan air limbah yang cukup sederhana yang dapat diterapkan di industri-industri kecil. Penelitian dilaksanakan dengan melakukan pengolahan limbah yang mengandung nitrat (NO3), nitrit (NO2), dan ammonia (NH3)  dengan menerapkan sistem nitrifikasi biologis yang menggunakan reaktor biofilter tercelup menggunakan media sarang tawon. Pemilihan sistem ini karena telah diketahui cara biologis adalah cara yang paling ekonomis dan reaktor biofilter tercelup merupakan sistem yang mudah dioperasikan dengan hasil yang cukup maksimal. Hasil penelitian diperoleh efektivitas penurunan kadar nitrit (NO2) sebesar 97,23%, kadar ammonia (NH3) sebesar 85,80%, kadar N-total sebesar 43,65% dan kenaikan kadar nitrat (NO3) sebesar 21,92%, dengan waktu tinggal optimal selama 6-7 hari. Hal ini terjadi karena adanya bakteri pengurai yang melekat pada media sarang tawon yang dapat merombak senyawa-senyawa nitrogen.
Kajian Dampak Rencana Pembangunan Kawasan Wisata Marina di Pesisir Kabupaten Belitung terhadap Kualitas Lingkungan Sekitarnya
Authors: Wibowo Mardi
Published: March 2018

Pada dasarnya semua kegiatan pembangunan khususnya di kawasan pesisir akan menimbulkan perubahan terhadap lingkungan sekitarnya baik yang positif maupun negatif. Tidak terkecuali rencana pembangunan kawasan marina di pantai Tanjungpendam Kabupaten Belitung pasti akan menimbulkan dampak terhadap kualitas lingkungan perairan di sekitarnya. Metode yang dipakai dalam kajian ini adalah kompilasi dan analisis data sekunder, melakukan tinjauan dan observasi lapangan, analisis data sekunder yang ada, analisis desain kawasan marina yang akan dibangun, memperkirakan dampak  lingkungan serta menyusun usulan untuk pengelolaan dan pemantauan dampak yang mungkin terjadi. Pada tahap konstruksi dan operasional kawasan marina, dampak terhadap lingkungan yang mungkin terjadi adalah menurunnya kualitas perairan laut, kualitas udara, terjadinya perubahan pola arus, abrasi dan sedimentasi serta terganggunya kehidupan biota yang ada di sekitar dermaga. Dampak-dampak lingkungan yang ditimbulkan umumnya dikategorikan sebagai dampak negatif dan bersifat terus menerus. Untuk meminimalisir dampak negatif yang mungkin timbul diperlukan adanya upaya pengelolaan lingkungan dan upaya pemantauan lingkungan.