bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Bayesian Approach to Track Multiple Extended Targets Using Particle Filter for Nonlinear System
Authors: Han Yulan , Han Chongzhao
Published: May 2018

To track multiple extended targets for the nonlinear system, this paper employs the idea of the particle filter to track kinematic states and shape formation of extended targets. First, the Bayesian framework is proposed for multiple extended targets to jointly estimate multiple extended target state and association hypothesis. Furthermore, a joint proposal distribution is defined for the multiple extended target state and association hypothesis. Then, the Bayesian framework of multiple extended target tracking is implemented by the particle filtering which could release the high computational burden caused by the increase in the number of extended targets and measurements. Simulation results show that the proposed multiple extended target particle filter has superior performance in shape estimation and improves the performance of the position estimation in the situation that there are spatially closed extended targets.
A Review on Emerging and Reemerging of Infectious Diseases in Jordan: The Aftermath of the Syrian Crises
Authors: Nimer Nabil A.
Published: May 2018

The review aims to examine the emergence and reemergence of infectious diseases in Jordan, in parallel with the Syrian refugee crisis. Qualitative approach has been adopted for systematically examining the outcomes of the Syrian crisis, which resulted in emerging and reemerging infectious diseases. It has adhered that infectious diseases, including measles, tuberculosis, and cutaneous leishmaniasis, have hazardous effects on Syrian refugees along with the local population in Jordan. The threat of major infectious diseases is higher and alarming in Jordan. National health policies should be implemented to adhere the influence of infectious diseases as well as to reduce the extent of infectious diseases in Jordan. In the 21st century, Syrian conflict can be deliberated as one of the biggest humanitarian disasters. In this multifaceted emergency with devastating requirements and limitations, it has been found essential for dominant medical healthcare providers to develop medical strategies that are based on comprehensive understanding of the concerned context and the main medical requirements and susceptible groups.
Drogas y el Hígado: Metabolismo de Drogas en el Paciente con Enfermedad Hepática
Authors: Accatino L. Luigi
Published: May 2018

Sin resumen
Reunión Anatomo Clínica Conjunta
Authors: Soto O. Santiago
Published: May 2018

Sin resumen
Tumor de Pancoast
Authors: Baeza B. Ramón
Published: May 2018

Sin resumen
Diurético del Asa Furosemida y Acido Etacrinico
Authors: Valdivieso D. Andrés
Published: May 2018

Sin resumen
Introducción del Editor Invitado
Authors: Badía C. Waldemar
Published: May 2018

Sin resumen
Tema XII. Fisiopatologia Renal y Cirugía General
Authors: Badía C. Waldemar
Published: May 2018

Sin resumen
Tema XIII. Dolor y Analgia
Authors: Del Villar P. Sergio
Published: May 2018

Sin resumen
Tema XIV. Conducta Frente al Paciente Canceroso. Conceptos Fisiopatológicos.
Authors: Arraztoa E. Juan
Published: May 2018

Sin resumen
Desde el laboratorio de enfermedades infecciosas.
Authors: Torres Marisa , Foradori Arnaldo
Published: May 2018

Sin resumen
Bioética: Una perspectiva historica
Authors: Taboada Rodríguez Paulina
Published: May 2018

Sin resumen
El principio de proporcionalidad terapéutica en las decisiones de limitar tratamientos.
Authors: Taboada Rodríguez Paulina
Published: May 2018

Sin resumen
Algunos aspectos de la enseñanza de la bioética.
Authors: Quintana Villar Carlos
Published: May 2018

Sin resumen
Targeted Therapies for Brain Tumors: Will They Ever Deliver?
Authors: Vogelbaum Michael A.
Published: May 2018

The strategy of using biologically targeted therapeutics for cancer has yet to translate into effective treatment of gliomas. The neuro-oncology community is beginning to recognize that phase 0 studies should be performed to account for the impact of the blood–brain barrier on the ability of a therapeutic to reach its target(s). Clin Cancer Res; 24(16); 3790–1. ©2018 AACR.

See related article by Sanai et al., p. 3820
Use of Ozone-Based Eye Drops: A Series of Cases in Veterinary and Human Spontaneous Ocular Pathologies
Authors: Spadea Leopoldo , Tonti Emanuele , Spaterna Andrea , Marchegiani Andrea
Published: May 2018

Conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers are common eye disorders frequently diagnosed in both humans and animals, and are currently treated by topical administration of eye drops containing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents. The current molecules often lack efficacy because infections in hypoxic tissue contain methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; thus, new products for the treatment of ocular pain and inflammation are needed. The use of ozone, a molecule stabilized for topical use as an ozonide, could be providential due to its anti-inflammatory and bactericidal activity in certain anterior segment pathologies, in addition to promoting tissue repair properties. Ozonated oils have the same properties as gaseous ozone and are well tolerated by tissues. In the present study the repair and regeneration effect of ozonated oil in liposomes plus hypromellose (Ozodrop®, FB Vision, Ascoli Piceno, Italy) instilled 3–4 times a day in external ocular spontaneous pathologies both in animals and humans are reported.
Serum Fas Ligand, Serum Myostatin and Urine TGF-β1 Are Elevated in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Patients with Impaired and Preserved Renal Function
Authors: Raptis Vassilios , Bakogiannis Constantinos , Loutradis Charalampos , Boutou Afroditi K. , Sioulis Athanasios , Balaskas Elias , Zebekakis Pantelis , Sarafidis Pantelis A.
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: The pathophysiology of renal disease progression in autosomal dominant polycystic disease (ADPKD) is largely unknown. Recent evidence suggests microvascular dysfunction leading to renal ischemia, as an additional pathway for renal function decline. This study examined the levels of serum Fas ligand (FasL), serum myostatin and urine transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and their association with markers of endothelial dysfunction, in ADPKD patients with preserved or impaired renal function. Methods: Seventy-eight participants were enrolled in the study, divided in three groups: Group A consisted of 26 ADPKD patients with impaired renal function (eGFR 45-70 ml/min/1.73m2), Group B of 26 ADPKD patients with preserved renal function (eGFR > 70 ml/min/1.73m2), and Group C of 26 age- and sex- matched controls with no history of renal disease. Serum FasL, myostatin and urine levels of TGF-β1 were measured as biomarkers of vascular dysfunction, apoptosis and fibrosis with ELISA techniques. Results: Group A patients had significantly higher levels of FasL (13.12±1.69 ng/mL), myostatin (4.62±0.59 ng/mL) and urine logTGF-β1 (3.56±0.49 ng/24h) compared to Group B (9.6±1.28 ng/mL, 3.06±0.35, and 2.09±0.37, respectively, p< 0.001 for all comparisons) or controls (6.59±1.17 ng/mL, 2.18±0.45 ng/ml, and 1.58±0.21, respectively, p< 0.001 for all comparisons). Patients in Group B had also higher levels of all markers compared to controls (p< 0.001), despite having similar renal function. In ADKPD patients negative associations of eGFR with FasL (r=-0.799, p< 0.001), myostatin (r=-0.856, p< 0.001) and TGF-β1 (r=-0.476, p< 0.001) but positive correlations of these markers with asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) (r=0.825; r=0.749; and r=0.599, respectively p< 0.001) were noted. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that FasL was independently associated with high urine TGF-β1 (OR 3.774, 95%CI 1.180-12.072, p=0.025). Conclusions: ADPKD patients with moderately preserved renal function have higher levels of FasL, myostatin and urine TGF-β1 than controls. These results indicate that an interplay between endothelial dysfunction and renal ischemia with mechanisms linked to apoptosis and fibrosis may be present even in early stages of ADPKD.
Add-On Effect of Angiotensin Receptor Blockade (Candesartan) on Clinical Remission in Active IgA Nephropathy Patients Treated with Steroid Pulse Therapy and Tonsillectomy: a Randomized, Parallel-Group Comparison Trial
Authors: Kohagura Kentaro , Arima Hisatomi , Miyasato Hitoshi , Chang Tung-Huei , Yamazato Masanobu , Kobori Hiroyuki , Nishiyama Akira , Iseki Kunitoshi , Ohya Yusuke
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) may be beneficial for clinical remission during conventional therapy with tonsillectomy and steroid pulse (TSP) for active IgA nephropathy. Methods: Seventy-seven patients with active IgA nephropathy were randomly assigned to the control arm with conventional regimen (TSP followed by oral prednisolone) (n = 37) or the ARB arm with conventional regimen plus ARB candesartan for the first 6 months (n = 40). Patients not achieving proteinuria remission at 12 months in either arm were administered candesartan, which was titrated until the 24-month follow-up. The primary endpoints were remission of proteinuria (< 0.3 g/gCr) and hematuria at 12 months. Results: Baseline proteinuria (g/g Cr) were comparable between the control and ARB arm (1.02 vs. 0.97, P = 0.97). Similarly, cumulative remission rates at 6, 12, and 24 months were comparable between the control and ARB arms (37.8% vs. 35% [P = 0.80], 48.7% vs. 38.5% [P = 0.37], 71.4% vs. 51.3% [P = 0.08]). Proteinuria, which was slightly worse in the control arm than in the ARB arm at 6 months, was comparable afterwards (0.20 vs. 0.23 g/g Cr at 12 months; 0.12 vs. 0.13 g/g Cr at 24 months). Significant reductions observed in urinary angiotensinogen were almost comparable between the two treatment arms at both 6 and 12 months. Conclusion: Early candesartan treatment combined with TSP may not benefit clinical remission regardless of the blood pressure. ARB titration later during the treatment might provide benefit for patients with active IgA nephropathy.
Long Noncoding RNA Profiling from Fasciola Gigantica Excretory/Secretory Product-Induced M2 to M1 Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Luo Honglin , Zhang Yaoyao , Sheng Zhaoan , Luo Tao , Chen Jie , Liu Junjie , Wang Huifeng , Chen Miao , Shi Yunliang , Li Lequn
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are well known regulators of gene expression that play essential roles in macrophage activation and polarization. However, the role of lncRNA in Fasciola gigantica excretory/secretory products (ESP)-induced M2 polarization into M1 macrophages is unclear. Herein, we performed lncRNA profiling of lncRNAs and mRNAs during the ESP-induced macrophage polarization process. Methods: F. gigantica ESP was used to induce peritoneal cavity M2 macrophages in BALB/c mice (5-6 weeks old) in vivo, and these cells were subsequently isolated and stimulated with IFN-γ + LPS to induce M1 cells in vitro. LncRNA and mRNA profiling was performed via microarray at the end of both polarization stages. Results: In total, 2,844 lncRNAs (1,579 upregulated and 1,265 downregulated) and 1,782 mRNAs (789 upregulated and 993 downregulated) were differentially expressed in M2 macrophages compared to M1 macrophages, and six lncRNAs were identified during polarization. We selected 34 differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs to validate the results of microarray analysis using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses demonstrated that these altered transcripts were involved in multiple biological processes, particularly peptidase activity and carbohydrate metabolism. Furthermore, coding and non-coding gene (CNC) and mRNA-related ceRNA network analyses were conducted to predict lncRNA expression trends and the potential target genes of these lncRNAs and mRNAs. Moreover, we determined that four lncRNAs and four mRNAs might participate in F. gigantica ESP-induced M2 polarization into M1 macrophages. Conclusions: This study illustrates the basic profiling of lncRNAs and mRNAs during F. gigantica ESP-induced M2 polarization into M1 macrophages and deepens our understanding of the mechanism underlying this process.
The CCL5/CCR5 Axis Promotes Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Atherogenic Phenotype Switching
Authors: Lin Chin-Sheng , Hsieh Po-Shiuan , Hwang Ling-Ling , Lee Yen-Hsien , Tsai Shih-Hung , Tu Yun-Chin , Hung Yao-Wen , Liu Cheng-Che , Chuang Yi-Ping , Liao Min-Tser , Chien Shu , Tsai Min-Chien
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Hyperlipidemia induces dysfunction in the smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of the blood vessels, and the vascular remodeling that ensues is a key proatherogenic factor contributing to cardiovascular events. Chemokines and chemokine receptors play crucial roles in vascular remodeling. Here, we examined whether the hyperlipidemia-derived chemokine CCL5 and its receptor CCR5 influence vascular SMC proliferation, phenotypic switching, and explored the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Thoracoabdominal aorta were isolated from wild-type, CCL5 and CCR5 double-knockout mice (CCL5–/–CCR5–/–) fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. Expression of the contractile, synthetic, and proliferation markers were assayed using immunohistochemical and western blotting. The effects of CCL5 and palmitic acid on cultured SMC proliferation and phenotypic modulation were evaluated using flow cytometry, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), and western blotting. Results: Wild-type mice fed an HFD showed markedly increased total cholesterol, triglyceride, and CCL5 serum levels, as well as significantly increased CCL5 and CCR5 expression in the thoracoabdominal aorta vs. normal-diet-fed controls. HFD-fed CCL5-/-CCR5-/- mice showed significantly decreased expression of the synthetic phenotype marker osteopontin and the proliferation marker proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and increased expression of the contractile phenotype marker smooth muscle α-actin in the thoracoabdominal aorta vs. wild-type HFD-fed mice. Human aorta-derived SMCs stimulated with palmitic acid showed significantly increased expression of CCL5, CCR5, and synthetic phenotype markers, as well as increased proliferation. CCL5-treated SMCs showed increased cell cycle regulatory protein expression, paralleling increased synthetic and decreased contractile phenotype marker expression. Inhibition of CCR5 activity by the specific antagonist maraviroc or its expression using small interfering RNA significantly inhibited human aortic SMC proliferation and synthetic phenotype formation. Therefore, CCL5 induces SMC proliferation and phenotypic switching from a contractile to synthetic phenotype via CCR5. CCL5-mediated SMC stimulation activated ERK1/2, Akt/p70S6K, p38 MAPK, and NF-κB signaling. NF-κB inhibition significantly reduced CCR5 expression along with CCR5-induced SMC proliferation and synthetic phenotype formation. Conclusions: Hyperlipidemia-induced CCL5/CCR5 axis activation serves as a pivotal mediator of vascular remodeling, indicating that CCL5 and CCR5 are key chemokine-related factors in atherogenesis. SMC proliferation and synthetic phenotype transformation attenuation by CCR5 pharmacological inhibition may offer a new approach to treatment or prevention of atherosclerotic diseases associated with hyperlipidemia.
Matrix Metalloproteinases-3 Baseline Serum Levels in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients without Initial Radiographic Changes: A Two-Year Ultrasonographic Study
Authors: Prodanovic Slavica Z. , Radunovic Goran , Babic Dragan , Ristic Biljana , Sefik-Bukilica Mirjana , Zlatanovic Maja , Simic-Pasalic Katarina , Seric Srdjan , Vujasinovic-Stupar Nada , Samardzic Janko , Damjanov Nemanja
Published: May 2018

Objective: To investigate the association of high baseline serum levels of metalloproteinases-3 (MMP-3) with structural damage to hand and feet joints, assessed by ultrasonography (US), in patients with early, treatment-naïve rheumatoid arthritis (RA), without initial X-ray-visible erosions, during 24 months follow-up. Methods: Sixty-three early RA (European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology 2010), disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs/glucocorticoid naïve patients (mean age 53.4 ± 14.1) with symptom duration ≤12 months, had baseline serum levels of MMP-3 tested. OMERACT US group definition was used to detect the presence, as well as longitudinal diameter of erosions by US at study entry and after 24 months, at the level of wrists, metacarpophalangeal (MCP2/MCP5) joints of both hands, and fifth metatarsophalangeal joints. Results: Complete data were collected from 52 out of 63 patients. High baseline serum levels of MMP-3 (MMP-3-positive) were found in 46/63 patients. 122 bone erosions in total (1.9 bone erosions/patients) were detected by US at baseline visit and 213 erosions (4.3/patients) after 24 months. MMP-3 positive patients had significantly higher total number of erosions than MMP-3-negative (p = 0.039) and higher increase in size of bone erosions in the feet but not in the hand joints after follow-up (OR 4.82 [1.23–18.9], p = 0.024; OR 1.17 [0.320–4.26], p = 0.816 respectively). Conclusion: After 2 years of follow-up, US assessment showed a higher number of new bone erosions in MMP-3-positive compared to MMP-3-negative patients with early RA and no visible initial radiographic changes. High baseline levels of MMP-3 predict significantly higher structural damage progression at the level of feet, but not at the level of hand joints.
Antiplatelet Therapy, Cerebral Microbleeds, and Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Qiu Jianting , Ye Huirong , Wang Jialiang , Yan Jiangzhi , Wang Jian , Wang Yujie
Published: May 2018

Background and Purpose—

Antiplatelet therapy is associated with the presence of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) with limited studies. We further investigate the topic focusing on different effects of antiplatelet therapy on strict lobar and deep/infratentorial MBs.

Methods—

We searched PubMed and EMBASE from January 1, 1997 to December 1, 2017, for relevant studies, calculated the pooled odds ratios (OR) for CMB incidence and distribution (strictly lobar, deep/infratentorial) in antiplatelet users versus nonantiplatelet users and calculated the OR for the incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage in antiplatelet users with CMBs versus those without.

Results—

We included 20 988 participants from 37 studies. CMBs were more frequent in antiplatelet users than those in nonantiplatelet users (pooled OR, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.36;
P
=0.002). There was a significant association of antiplatelet therapy with strictly lobar MBs (OR, 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–1.84;
P
=0.002) rather than deep/infratentorial MBs (OR, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.98–1.90;
P
=0.062). Intracerebral hemorrhage incidence was higher in participants with CMBs than those without CMBs (OR, 3.40; 95% confidence interval, 2.00–5.78;
P
=0.000) in antiplatelet users.

Conclusions—

Antiplatelet drug use was associated with increased risk of strictly lobar MBs and increased the intracerebral hemorrhage incidence in participants with CMBs.
Potential biodiversity map of lizard species in Southern Patagonia: environmental characterization, desertification influence and analyses of protection areas
Authors: Rosas Yamina Micaela , Peri Pablo Luis , Martínez Pastur Guillermo
Published: May 2018

The distribution of biodiversity at the landscape level is shaped by biotic, abiotic and anthropogenic factors. Biodiversity maps provide the basis for defining management and conservation strategies that can minimize human impacts. The objective was to elaborate a map of potential biodiversity of lizards based on habitat suitability maps of individual species in Santa Cruz (Argentina). Also, we analysed desertification influence and the representativeness of the current network of protected areas on the lizard biodiversity. For this, we used a database of eight lizard species and we explored 41 potential explanatory variables to develop habitat suitability maps, which were combined to obtain one single map of the potential biodiversity. We analysed the outputs in a GIS project using the marginality and the specialization indexes and the normalized difference vegetation index of each species. Also, we characterized the potential biodiversity using the following variables: desertification, ecological areas and current network of protected areas. We detected differences in the occupied niches for the different species throughout the landscape. The map of potential biodiversity uncovered hotspots of biodiversity in the north-east study area, where the prevalence of unique climatic conditions showed a dry steppe and a high degree of desertification due to the human impacts (e.g. livestock). These results can be readily used as a support system for conservation and management strategies at different scale levels in areas with higher human impacts or to develop new protection areas.
An Investigation of the Relationships Between Autistic Traits and Crossmodal Correspondences in Typically Developing Adults
Authors: Hidaka Souta , Yaguchi Ayako
Published: May 2018

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes characteristics such as social and behavioral deficits that are considered common across the general population rather than unique to people with the diagnosis. People with ASD are reported to have sensory irregularities, including crossmodal perception. Crossmodal correspondences are phenomena in which arbitrary crossmodal inputs affect behavioral performance. Crossmodal correspondences are considered to be established through associative learning, but the learning cues are considered to differ across the types of correspondences. In order to investigate whether and how ASD traits affect crossmodal associative learning, this study examined the relationships between the magnitude of crossmodal correspondences and the degree of ASD traits among non-diagnosed adults. We found that, among three types of crossmodal correspondences (brightness–loudness, visual size–pitch, and visual location–pitch pairs), the brightness–loudness pair was related with total ASD traits and a subtrait (social skill). The magnitude of newly learned crossmodal associations (the visual apparent motion direction–pitch pair) also showed a relationship with an ASD subtrait (attention switching). These findings demonstrate that there are unique relationships between crossmodal associations and ASD traits, indicating that each ASD trait is differently involved in sensory associative learning.
Taxonomy of the Hirtodrosophila melanderi species group (Diptera: Drosophilidae), with descriptions of four new species from southwestern China
Authors: KATOH TAKEHIRO K. , ZHANG GUANG , ZHOU CHUAN-JIANG , GAO JIAN-JUN
Published: May 2018

The Hirtodrosophila melanderi species group contains nine known species recorded from either the Old or the New World. All these species were thought to be strict fungivorous drosophilids. In the present study, we give supplementary descriptions for three of these known species, all recorded from Yunnan, southwestern China, H. furcapenis, H. furcapenisoides, and H. longifurcapenis, by examining respective type specimen(s). We then describe four new species of the same group, H. seticlasper Katoh & Gao, sp. nov., H. spinicerca Katoh & Gao, sp. nov., H. serratifurcapenis Katoh & Gao, sp. nov., and H. truncifurca Katoh & Gao, sp. nov., all discovered recently from high altitudes (ca. 3,500 to 3,800 m a.s.l.) in Tibet (Xizang), southwestern China. The delimitation of these new species is firstly performed in light of morphology and further with the aid of DNA sequences of the mitochondrial COI (cytochrome c oxydase, subunits I) gene. In addition, a key to all the species of the species group is provided.
Odd, outsized, and obscure: Sarcophaga (Hadroxena) karakoncolos sp. n. (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) from Turkey
Authors: WHITMORE DANIEL , BUENAVENTURA ELIANA , PAPE THOMAS
Published: May 2018

A new species of flesh fly, Sarcophaga karakoncolos sp. n., is described based on a single adult male from Turkey (Isparta Province, Anatolia), characterised by its very large size (almost 22mm in body length) and by a unique combination of morphological features. These, together with available molecular data, do not support inclusion of the new species in any of the currently recognised subgenera of Sarcophaga, and it is placed in a new subgenus, Hadroxena subg. n.
Phenotyping and relative quantification of vitamin D binding protein in a paediatric population by using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Cillero Ana I , Martínez-Morillo Eduardo , Mantecón Laura , Alonso María Agustina , Gil-Peña Helena , Santos Fernando , Álvarez Francisco V
Published: May 2018

Background

Adequate concentrations of vitamin D are required to ensure bone health and minimize the incidence of multiple extraskeletal diseases. Although total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) remains the recommended biomarker for assessing vitamin D status, it has been speculated that free 25OHD correlates better with clinical outcomes. The calculation of free 25OHD depends on the concentrations of vitamin D binding protein (DBP), the determination of which involves different immunoassays and has led to varying results and conclusions. We developed a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for simultaneous identification and relative quantification of DBP isoforms.

Methods

We used serum samples from healthy children ( n = 79), mainly Caucasian (88%). Proteins were denatured, reduced, alkylated and digested with trypsin. Purified peptides were analysed by LC-MS/MS. The DBP phenotype was established by using the combinations of tryptic peptides associated with each of the three isoforms and one peptide common to all of them to perform relative quantification. The genotyping of volunteers ( n = 7) facilitated verification of the ability of our method to correctly identify the DBP phenotype.

Results

The DBP phenotype was correctly established in all samples from volunteers, based on the 100% correlation observed with the genotype. The most common DBP phenotype in Caucasian children was 2/1S (34%) and the rarest 1F/1F (2%). The relative quantification of DBP concentrations did not show statistically significant differences between phenotypes ( P = 0.11).

Conclusions

LC-MS/MS enabled simultaneous phenotyping and relative quantification of DBP, while avoiding the analytical limitations of immunoassays and confirming similar concentrations of DBP in all phenotypes.
Renal stones
Authors: Viljoen Adie , Chaudhry Rabia , Bycroft John
Published: May 2018

Renal stone disease is a worldwide problem which carries significant morbidity. It frequently requires specialist urology intervention. Patients with recurrent disease and those at high risk require specialist investigations and review. Certain cases benefit from medical and surgical intervention. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology, risk assessment, specialist investigations and various interventions, their rationale and evidence base. This review aims to provide an update of the previous publication in 2001 in this journal on this topic.
Leaving the Past (Self) Behind: Non-Reporting Rape Survivors’ Narratives of Self and Action
Authors: Huemmer Jennifer , McLaughlin Bryan , Blumell Lindsey E
Published: May 2018

Using a symbolic interactionist framework, this study considers the narratives of non-reporting rape survivors. We use interviews to examine the complex processes that inform a survivor’s decision not to report. Rape is not interpreted as an isolated event; it is something that is seen as caused by, connected to, and affecting the survivor’s sense of self and agency. Rape forces the survivor to reconstruct a sense of agency in the aftermath of the traumatic attack. Rather than report the rape, the survivors constructed narratives that direct blame and accountability toward the “old self”. This less visible, yet still agentic strategy, allows the survivors to regain a sense of agency and control. As a result, a more positive, optimistic self can be constructed, while pursuing legal justice would force them to reenact an “old” self that cannot be disentangled from the rape.
Life state recognition of slewing bearing with heavy load and low speed based on point density function with fuzzy C means
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Chen Jie , Huang Xiaodiao , Hong Rongjing
Published: May 2018

The slewing bearing with heavy-load and low-speed, as the key part of large rotating machine, has been widely applied in engineering. This paper presents an improved method to recognize the life state of slewing bearing, which guarantees the machine work efficiently and stably. Firstly, point density function with fuzzy C means (D-FCM) was proposed as an unsupervised method to recognize the life state of the slewing bearing. Then, an experiment on the full life test of slewing bearing was conducted based on a home-made test platform to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Finally, the principal component analysis (PCA) was used as a supervised method for comparison. The results indicate D-FCM in unsupervised classification can recognize normal state, degeneration state and failure state of slewing bearing, which is more accurate and clear than traditional FCM and PCA, and lays the foundation of real-time maintenance.
Modeling and prediction for gas production during coalbed methane drainage based on two indirect reservoir parameters
Authors: Zou Mingjun , Lv Xiaochun , Huang Zhiquan , Wei Simin , Zhang Miao , Sun Changxin
Published: May 2018

Two indirect parameters influencing coalbed methane (CBM) drainage performances are proposed in this paper, which are effective desorption radius and difference between reservoir pressure and critical desorption pressure (DRPCDP). Variations of the two parameters during CBM drainage are investigated, which shows that they have a linear relationship. By using formula derivations, a theoretical model for gas production prediction is built. It suggests that the cumulative gas production is a product of square of effective desorption radius with DRPCDP, and there is also a cubic polynomial relationship between cumulative gas production and linear average DRPCDP. Furthermore, well PM01 located at southern Qinshui basin of China is selected as a case, and a commercial software is adopted to predict the gas production. Compared with the simulated and modeled cumulative gas productions, the simulated data match well with the modeled data, which indicates that the model has a good accuracy.
Improving hemolysis levels associated with cardiotomy suction
Authors: Arensdorf Jared , Petitt Halle , Holt David
Published: May 2018

Background:

The major source of hemolysis during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) remains the cardiotomy suction.1 Previous research has shown that the combination of negative pressures and the massive air-blood interface exponentially increases hemolysis in suctioned blood.

Objective:

This research aims to decrease hemolysis by eliminating the air-to-blood interface by implementing the Venturi effect to create powerful suction. This research effort hypothesizes that the Venturi suction will result in less hemolysis, indicated by lower plasma free hemoglobin levels (PFH) compared to current vacuum suction.

Method:

The research hypothesizes that a paradigm approach to cardiotomy suction that utilizes the Venturi effect with shorter tubing lengths and weighted sucker tips will further reduce hemolysis.

Results:

The vacuum-suctioned blood showed PFH levels significantly increased from baseline levels (p=0.0039). Neither the Venturi nor paradigm groups showed PFH levels significantly increased from baseline levels (p=0.0625 and p=0.125, respectively). There was a significant difference in PFH levels among the three conditions (p<0.0001). The vacuum condition showed significantly higher levels of PFH compared to both the Venturi and the paradigm conditions (p<0.001 for both). There was no significant difference in the PFH levels between the Venturi and the paradigm groups (p=1.00).

Conclusion:

This study concludes that vacuum suction causes excessive hemolysis. A Venturi-powered suction system does not cause hemolysis and can be employed to reduce the damaging effects of vacuum suction on blood.
Can Guided Play and Storybook Reading Promote Children’s Drawing Development?
Authors: Sawyer Jeremy E. , Goldstein Thalia
Published: May 2018

Children’s drawings are implicated in their emotional, cognitive, artistic, and semiotic development, raising the question of how early educators may best facilitate drawing development. This study compared three activities to determine their relative efficacy in promoting children’s drawing. Seventy-seven preschoolers from a Head Start program were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: storybook reading, block building, or dramatic pretend play games (DPPG). Interventions were conducted over 8 weeks, and children’s free drawings during each session were rated on five dimensions: creativity, talent, spatial complexity, color, and human content. Taken together, the interventions produced significant growth in overall drawing, particularly for children who were initially more skilled at drawing. Comparisons indicated that storybook reading and block building generated significantly better overall drawing than DPPG. Story time was more beneficial than DPPG for creativity, talent, and spatial complexity, while block building was more beneficial than DPPG for children’s use of color.
Symptoms of PTSD in Frontline Journalists: A Retrospective Examination of 18 Years of War and Conflict
Authors: Feinstein Anthony , Osmann Jonas , Patel Viral
Published: May 2018

Objective:

The objective of the current study was to determine the frequency and severity of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in journalists covering conflict.

Methods:

PTSD data (Impact of Event Scale–Revised) collected over an 18-year period from 684 conflict journalists were analyzed retrospectively for frequency and severity of reexperiencing, avoidance, and arousal symptoms. Conflicts covered were civil wars in the Balkans ( n = 140 journalists), 9/11 attack in New York City ( n = 46), Iraq war ( n = 84), Mexico drug wars ( n = 104), civil war in Syria ( n = 59), Kenya election violence/Al-Shabab terror ( n = 57), state-sanctioned media intimidation in Iran ( n = 114), and the current migration crisis in Europe ( n = 80).

Results:

The mean age of the sample was 38.59 (SD = 8.35) years, 461 (67%) journalists were men, and the mean duration of conflict work was 13.42 (SD = 7.74) years. The 5 most frequently endorsed symptoms were in the reexperiencing/intrusion category. Mean intrusion (1.31, SD = 0.97), avoidance (1.08, SD = 0.89), and arousal (1.07, SD = 0.96) scores for the entire sample were in the mild range. Being female and less educated independently predicted PTSD symptoms.

Conclusions:

PTSD phenomenology in a group of conflict journalists with well over a decade of frontline experience is dominated by reexperiencing symptoms. While symptom severity is for the most part mild, group means can obscure those individuals with significantly more severe difficulties.
Robust active guidance control using the µ-synthesis method for a tramcar with independently rotating wheelsets
Authors: Lu Zheng-Gang , Yang Zhe , Huang Qi , Wang Xiao-Chao
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a robust active guidance controller that uses the µ-synthesis method to improve the ability of guidance and to reduce the wheel–rail wear under the consideration of system nonlinearity, parameter uncertainty, and measurement noise in tramcars with independently rotating wheelsets (IRWs). Each wheel of the tramcar is connected to a sider motor, and the active yaw moment is generated by the torque differences between the left and right wheels in the same axle. To achieve local control, the wheel–rail force and the primary suspension force are considered as external disturbances, and the IRW state–space model is modeled independent of the tramcar system. The effectiveness of the controller is mainly verified by the cosimulation method: the dynamic model of the tramcar is established in SIMPACK, and the controller model is established in MATLAB. The simulation results show that compared with the passive case, for the actual tramcar, the control method can improve the vehicle's running performance and can significantly reduce the wheel–rail wear in both straight and curved tracks. A 1:5 scaled tramcar model is used for the active guidance experiment to further verify the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Identifying Palliative Care Needs Among Older Adults in Nonclinical Settings
Authors: Kozlov Elissa , Cai Anna , Sirey Jo Anne , Ghesquiere Angela , Reid M. Carrington
Published: May 2018

Though palliative care is appropriate for patients with serious illness at any stage of the illness and treatment process, the vast majority of palliative care is currently delivered in inpatient medical settings in the past month of life during an acute hospitalization. Palliative care can have maximal benefit to patients when it is integrated earlier in the illness trajectory. One possible way to increase earlier palliative care use is to screen for unmet palliative care needs in community settings. The goal of this study was to assess the rates of unmet palliative care needs in older adults who attend New York City–based senior centers. The results of this study revealed that 28.8% of participants screened positive for unmet palliative care needs. Lower education and living alone were predictors of positive palliative care screens, but age, gender, marital status, and race were not. This study determined that the rate of unmet palliative care needs in community-based older adults who attend senior center events was high and that living arrangement and education level are both correlates of unmet palliative care needs. Screening for unmet palliative care needs in community settings is a promising approach for moving palliative care upstream to patients who could benefit from the additional supportive services prior to an acute hospitalization.
Reconceiving representation-hungry cognition: an ecological-enactive proposal
Authors: Kiverstein Julian D , Rietveld Erik
Published: May 2018

Enactive approaches to cognitive science aim to explain human cognitive processes across the board without making any appeal to internal, content-carrying representational states. A challenge to such a research programme in cognitive science that immediately arises is how to explain cognition in so-called ‘representation-hungry’ domains. Examples of representation-hungry domains include imagination, memory, planning and language use in which the agent is engaged in thinking about something that may be absent, possible or abstract. The challenge is to explain how someone could think about things that are not concretely present in their environment other than by means of an internal mental representation. We call this the ‘Representation-Hungry Challenge’ (RHC). The challenge we take up in this article is to show how hunger for representations could possibly be satisfied by means other than the construction and manipulation of internal representational states. We meet this challenge by developing a theoretical framework that integrates key ideas drawn from enactive cognitive science and ecological psychology. One of our main aims is thus to show how ecological and enactive theories as non-representational and non-computational approaches to cognitive science might work together. From enactive cognitive science, we borrow the thesis of the strict continuity of lower and higher cognition. We develop this thesis to argue against any sharp conceptual distinction between higher and lower cognition based on representation-hunger. From ecological psychology, we draw upon our earlier work on the rich landscape of affordances. We propose thinking of so-called representation-hungry cognition in terms of temporally extended activities in which the agent skilfully coordinates to a richly structured landscape of affordances. In our framework, putative cases of representation-hungry cognition are explained by abilities to coordinate nested activities to an environment structured by interrelated socio-material practices. The RHC has often figured in arguments for the limitations of non-representational approaches to cognitive science. We showcase the theoretical resources available to an integrated ecological-enactive approach for addressing this type of sceptical challenge.
Location and distribution of craniomaxillofacial fractures in 45 cats presented for the treatment of head trauma
Authors: Tundo Ingrid , Southerden Peter , Perry Andrew , Haydock Richard M
Published: May 2018

Objectives

The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the location and distribution of craniomaxillofacial (CMF) fractures in 45 cats presented to a veterinary referral centre between 2012 and 2017.

Methods

Cats with a history of head trauma, one or more CMF fractures and a pretreatment CT scan of the CMF region were included in this study. For the purpose of the study, the CMF skeleton was divided into 15 functional anatomical regions and the fracture sites were allocated to one of these functional regions. Statistical analysis was performed using R.

Results

Skull fractures were evident in 80.0% of cats, and mandibular fractures in 86.7% of cats in this study. The median number of anatomical functional regions affected was eight and there was evidence of moderate or strong correlation between fractures of different regions of the mid-face. Where fractures were recorded in the nasopharynx and orbit they were bilateral in 93.5% and 89.7%, respectively. Twenty-six (57.8%) of the cats had fractures affecting one or both temporomandibular joints, which included fractures of the mandibular fossa, condylar neck and condyle. Twenty-nine cats (64.4%) had tooth fractures and seven cats (15.6%) had significant eye injuries.

Conclusions and relevance

Cats presenting with a single symphyseal separation or parasymphyseal fracture are very likely to have further fractures at other locations. Fractures in the nasopharynx, orbit, nose, upper jaw, intermaxillary suture and zygomatic arch regions (the ‘mid-face’) are likely to occur together. The pattern of distribution of mandibular fractures is not as predictable as that for maxillary fractures. CT imaging is required to achieve a complete diagnosis of the location and distribution of skull fractures in cats after head trauma.
‘The city is ours, so let’s talk about it’: Constructing a citizen media initiative in Brussels
Authors: Wiard Victor , Simonson Mathieu
Published: May 2018

This article investigates the relationships between citizen media and constructive journalism. It focuses on ‘Dewey’, a nonprofit organization producing citizen content on four hyperlocal online platforms. With an action research approach, the activities, interactions among members, and productions are critically assessed with participants. To do so, semi-directive interviews were conducted among 12 contributors to the platforms. Active participation of 2 years to the Dewey project as well as news pieces produced enriched the analysis. Results indicate that participants’ specific writing practices produce constructive news against stereotypes or against a lack of coverage of certain issues. Furthermore, Dewey’s open (and non-institutional) structure allows individuals to develop their own identities as participants, resulting in different writing styles and approaches to news production. However, this openness created an uneven repartition of responsibilities and a high dependence toward a small number of individuals making the process fragile and slow.
Improving pediatricians’ knowledge and skills in suicide prevention: Opportunities for social work
Authors: Behrman Gary U , Secrest Scott , Ballew Paula , Matthieu Monica M , Glowinski Anne L , Scherrer Jeffrey F
Published: May 2018

Primary care physicians are key gatekeepers for detecting suicidal intent. However, research indicates training gaps for these providers. Standardized screening for suicide risk in primary care can detect youth with suicidal ideation and prompt a referral to behavioral health care before a suicide attempt. What is needed in adolescent primary care is further training in utilizing standardized mental health screening and employing best practices for suicide prevention. In this study, qualitative research methods were used in surfacing community and medical perspectives regarding skills, knowledge, and values that are needed in pediatric medicine to adequately assess for depression and anxiety. Five focus groups were conducted with pediatric residents, adolescents, parents of adolescents who died by suicide, parents with adolescents in the mental health system, and community mental health professionals. Four themes were identified that illustrate what is needed in pediatric training to lower the risks for adolescent suicide: broken mental health system of care; improving doctor/patient/family communication; alleviating stigma; and early detection and treatment that addresses medications, substance abuse, and recovery resources. The goals of this grant funded study were to analyze the data from these focus groups and compare findings across groups to create modules for Saint Louis University pediatric resident training in suicide prevention. This research project can serve as a springboard for social workers to partner with medical educators in their communities to train primary care physicians for early detection of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse to lower adolescent suicide risks.
The Radical Right in Western Europe: A Meta-Analysis of Structural Factors
Authors: Amengay Abdelkarim , Stockemer Daniel
Published: May 2018

In this meta-analysis, we summarize the results of 48 peer-reviewed articles on the radical right-wing vote in Western Europe. These results come from 48 peer-reviewed articles published from January 1990 until October 2017. We use the following inclusion criteria, the selected articles must focus on Western Europe, they must have the vote share of one or several radical right-wing parties as the dependent variable, and at least one structural variable as the independent variable. We find that more than 20 different structural variables have been tested. Most of them, like unemployment, reflect mitigate results in explaining the electoral support for radical right-wing parties. For others, like immigration, the statistical significance and direction of the relationship seem to be highly dependent on the type of proxies used. In fact, only a few variables, such as crime rates and the district magnitude seem to have a consistent effect on the vote share for radical right-wing parties.
Maternal nutrition and the developmental origins of osteoporosis in offspring: Potential mechanisms and clinical implications
Authors: Zheng Jia , Feng Qianyun , Zheng Sheng , Xiao Xinhua
Published: May 2018

Osteoporosis, the most frequent metabolic disorder of bone, is a complex disease with a multifactorial origin that is influenced by genes and environments. However, the pathogenesis of osteoporosis has not been fully elucidated. The theory of “Developmental Origins of Health and Disease” indicates that early life environment exposure determines the risks of cardiometabolic diseases in adulthood. However, investigations into the effects of maternal nutrition and nutrition exposure during early life on the development of osteoporosis are limited. Recently, emerging evidence has strongly suggested that maternal nutrition has long-term influences on bone metabolism in offspring, and epigenetic modifications maybe the underlying mechanisms of this process. This review aimed to address maternal nutrition and its implications for the developmental origins of osteoporosis in offspring. It is novel in providing a theoretical basis for the early prevention of osteoporosis.

Impact statement

Our review aimed to address maternal nutrition and its implications for the developmental origins of osteoporosis in offspring, that can novelly provide a theoretical basis for the early prevention of osteoporosis.