bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Troglodrilus jugeti n. sp. (Annelida, Clitellata, Tubificinae), a new stygobiont oligochaete species from south-western Europe
Authors: ACHURRA AINARA , CHATELLIERS MICHEL CREUZE DES , RODRIGUEZ PILAR
Published: March 2019

We use a morphological approach focused on characters of the reproductive organs to assess the taxonomic status of thestygobiont oligochaete species Troglodrilus galarzai (Giani and Rodriguez, 1988). After the evaluation of 23 characters,diagnostic differences in the spermathecal vestibule, the penial sac and the penial sheath are observed between northernIberian Peninsula populations and south-eastern France populations. Recent molecular analyses based on mitochondrialgene data have revealed a high genetic variation in T. galarzai. Given that both molecular and morphological data supportthe presence of two species within T. galarzai, we propose the specific status for the French populations under the nameTroglodrilus jugeti n. sp. As a result, the type species of the genus, T. galarzai, is now restricted to the Iberian Peninsula.A possible paleogeographic scenario is hypothesised for the evolution of Troglodrilus during the Para-Tethys regression in the Neogene stage.
Taxonomy of the ant genus Pheidole Westwood (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Afrotropical zoogeographic region: definition of species groups and systematic revision of the Pheidole pulchella group
Authors: FISCHER GEORG. , GARCIA FRANCISCO HITA , PETERS MARCELL K.
Published: March 2019

This paper is a starting point towards a much needed comprehensive taxonomic treatment of the genus Pheidole in theAfrotropical region. Despite its hyperdiversity, the taxonomy of this globally distributed ant genus is limited to importantrevisions for the New World and several Asian faunas. However, Pheidole of the Afrotropical zoogeographic region hasnever been revised. The most recent Afrotropical Pheidole species descriptions are fifty years old and many are consider-ably older. Identification keys are not available and many species descriptions are of limited diagnostic value. This callsfor a series of taxonomic revisions in order to resolve the complicated taxonomic situation for the complete AfrotropicalPheidole fauna. In this paper the following preliminary morphological species groups for the Afrotropical region are de-fined: P. aurivillii group, P. excellens group, P. megacephala group, P. nigeriensis group, and P. speculifera group. We also establish and revise the P. pulchella group, which currently contains eleven species, of which seven are new. The four spe-cies described prior to this study are: P. pulchella Santschi, P. dea Santschi, P. nimba Bernard, and P. batrachorum Wheelerstat. rev., which is removed from synonymy under P. dea and regains species status. The following new synonymy isproposed (senior synonym listed first): P. pulchella Santschi = P. pulchella achantella Santschi. The following seven spe-cies are described as new: P. christinae sp. n., P. darwini, sp. n., P. glabrella sp. n., P. heliosa sp. n., P. rebeccae sp. n., P. semidea sp. n. and P. setosa, sp. n. An illustrated key combining the minor and major worker subcastes is presented.
A new species of Bezzia Kieffer from Argentina (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: SPINELLI GUSTAVO R. , RONDEROS MARÍA M. , CAZORLA CARLA G.
Published: March 2019

Bezzia ventanensis Spinelli, a new Neotropical species, is described and illustrated based on pupae and adults. Pupae werecollected from muddy water from the edge of a stream margin in Sierra de la Ventana, Buenos Aires province, Argentina.Specimens were carried back to the laboratory and conditioned in vials until adult emergence. This new species is similarto Bezzia brevicornis (Kieffer), from which it can be mainly distinguished by the female adult bearing two well developed spermathecae, and by the pupal respiratory organ with 13–15 spiracles.
Understanding the outcome of police safeguarding notifications to social services in South Wales
Authors: Ford Kat , Newbury Annemarie , Meredith Zoe , Evans Jessica , Hughes Karen , Roderick Janine , Davies Alisha R , Bellis Mark A
Published: March 2019

In the UK, demand for the police has changed, with the majority of calls now vulnerability-related. Police safeguarding notifications (N=3,466) over a one-year period for a local authority in Wales were matched to social care records. Over half (57.5%) of notifications were referred to social services and only 4.8% received social service input (e.g. social worker intervention). Over a third of individuals had repeat notifications in the study year. Findings evidence high levels of police-identified vulnerability and an imbalance in vulnerability-related risk thresholds across agencies. Furthermore, some individuals require more appropriate action to mitigate the risk of future safeguarding notifications.
Correlation analysis between acoustic emission signal parameters and fracture stress of wool fiber
Authors: Lu Di , Yu Weidong
Published: March 2019

In order to optimize the tensile performance measurement of wool and other fiber materials, the present paper proposes a novel characterization method based on acoustic emission detection of fiber fracture acoustic signals, which can characterize the tensile properties of materials. When the fiber material is stretched and fractured, part of the elastic potential energy accumulated during the stretching process will propagate into the air in the form of oscillating sound waves, which will carry the tensile property information of the fiber material. Firstly, the signal is de-noised by wavelet transform and the waveform parameters are extracted. Secondly, the amplitudes in the characteristic frequency interval (As-CFI) of the spectrum are extracted by fast Fourier transform, and principal component analysis is utilized to reduce the parameter dimension. Finally, the waveform parameters and the spectral parameters are respectively regression analyzed with tensile parameters. The result shows that there is a clear linear correlation between the tensile parameters of wool fibers and the acoustic signal parameters. In the multiple linear regression analysis of waveform parameters and As-CFI versus fracture stress, the correlation coefficients are all above 0.90.
Recollecting a lost dialogue: Structural Realism meets neoclassical realism
Authors: Smith Keith
Published: March 2019

Since its appellation, much work has sought to consolidate neoclassical realism. Specifically, a number of variations on the neoclassical theme have reconceptualised the third-image and carved out a distinctly European neoclassical variant. This article contributes by recollecting the Structural Realism of Logic of Anarchy. In unpacking Structural Realism’s framework and dissecting its engagement with inter alia Kenneth Waltz, this article illustrates the importance of Logic’s conceptualisation of the system, particularly in terms of anarchy’s logic. This framework can enrich a number of debates within the neoclassical realist community, especially concerning third-image change and the possibility of a neoclassical realism in and of Europe, while also contributing to debates regarding the strategic actor-ness of the European Union. While Logic and its framework might appear dated, the article submits that one of its principal motifs, anarchy, along with realism’s normative ethos may remind us of International Relation’s (IR’s) healthy pluralism.
Robust finite–time stochastic stabilization and fault–tolerant control for uncertain networked control systems considering random delays and probabilistic actuator faults
Authors: Bahreini Mohsen , Zarei Jafar , Razavi–Far Roozbeh , Saif Mehrdad
Published: March 2019

This paper focuses on the problem of reliable finite–time stochastic stability (FTSS) for uncertain networked control systems (NCSs). A Markovian jump system (MJS) model with partly unknown transition probabilities (TPs) for the NCSs with random delays, data packet dropouts (disorders as well) and stochastic actuator faults is established to describe the closed–loop system. A mode-dependent static output feedback controller is designed taking only the measured outputs into account. A new criterion is also derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) to ensure reliable FTSS of the closed–loop system, based on the stochastic stability theory. Simulation studies on a benchmark numerical example, as well as an unstable numerical example can verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
President, Wrestler, Spectacle: An Examination of Donald Trump’s Firing Tweets and The Celebrity Appresident as Response to Trump’s Media Landscape
Authors: Blankenship Christina M.
Published: March 2019

Between January and April 2017, the Trump administration underwent a period of extensive cabinet turnover that was publicized via Donald Trump’s Twitter feed. Accessibility to such information creates a “break” with the mythos of a president and raises questions concerning the relationship between presidential decorum and social media usage. Trump’s Twitter usage operates as a platform to reinforce populist rhetoric and pushes his various spectacles (e.g., entertainment, business, and presidency) through the notion of “winners” and “losers.” This conflation of Trump’s positions enables his Twitter usage to mimic the Barthian mythos of the wrestler, an overly aggressive figure that borders the line between pantomime and entertainer. Twitter also enables a space for satirical response, specifically through The Daily Show with Trevor Noah’s The Celebrity Appresident. As such, the nexus of Trump’s twitter behavior and satirical response is indicative of the current political climate that combines myth, spectacle, and social media.
Records management by stealth: An Australian practitioner’s view
Authors: Sanderson Nicola
Published: March 2019

Records management is, and always has been, a balancing act. On one side is compliance. It is at the very core of why records management exists. On the other side is the end user experience with creating, capturing and using records. These two sides usually pull in different directions. This article will address an approach colloquially known as records management by stealth – otherwise known as compliance by design. The article reviews the current state of play in an Australian context, examines some solutions and shares a case study to give practical guidance on ways forward, or at the very least to start the process of re-thinking how we go about delivering records management by stealth.
Relationships between brain perfusion and early recanalization after intravenous thrombolysis for acute stroke with large vessel occlusion
Authors: Seners Pierre , Turc Guillaume , Lion Stéphanie , Cottier Jean-Philippe , Cho Tae-Hee , Arquizan Caroline , Bracard Serge , Ozsancak Canan , Legrand Laurence , Naggara Olivier , Debiais Séverine , Berthezene Yves , Costalat Vincent , Richard Sébastien , Magni Christophe , Nighoghossian Norbert , Narata Ana-Paula , Dargazanli Cyril , Gory Benjamin , Mas Jean-Louis , Oppenheim Catherine , Baron Jean-Claude
Published: March 2019

In large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke, it is unclear whether severity of ischemia is involved in early post-thrombolysis recanalization over and above thrombus site and length. Here we assessed the relationships between perfusion parameters and early recanalization following intravenous thrombolysis administration in LVO patients. From a multicenter registry, we identified 218 thrombolysed LVO patients referred for thrombectomy with both (i) pre-thrombolysis MRI, including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), T2*-imaging, MR-angiography and dynamic susceptibility-contrast perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI); and (ii) evaluation of recanalization on first angiographic run or non-invasive imaging ≤ 3 h from thrombolysis start. Infarct core volume on DWI, PWI-DWI mismatch volume and hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR; defined as Tmax ≥ 10 s volume/ Tmax ≥ 6 s volume, low HIR indicating milder hypoperfusion) were determined using a commercially available software. Early recanalization occurred in 34 (16%) patients, and multivariable analysis was associated with lower HIR ( P = 0.006), shorter thrombus on T2*-imaging ( P < 0.001) and more distal occlusion ( P = 0.006). However, the relationship between HIR and early recanalization was robust only for thrombus length <14 mm. In summary, the present study disclosed an association between lower HIR and early post-thrombolysis recanalization. Early post-thrombolysis recanalization is therefore determined not only by thrombus site and length but also by severity of ischemia.
Triheptanoin alters [U-13C6]-glucose incorporation into glycolytic intermediates and increases TCA cycling by normalizing the activities of pyruvate dehydrogenase and oxoglutarate dehydrogenase in a chronic epilepsy mouse model
Authors: McDonald Tanya , Hodson Mark P , Bederman Ilya , Puchowicz Michelle , Borges Karin
Published: March 2019

Triheptanoin is anticonvulsant in several seizure models. Here, we investigated changes in glucose metabolism by triheptanoin interictally in the chronic stage of the pilocarpine mouse epilepsy model. After injection of [U-13C6]-glucose (i.p.), enrichments of 13C in intermediates of glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle were quantified in hippocampal extracts and maximal activities of enzymes in each pathway were measured. The enrichment of 13C glucose in plasma was similar across all groups. Despite this, we observed reductions in incorporation of 13C in several glycolytic intermediates compared to control mice suggesting glucose utilization may be impaired and/or glycogenolysis increased in the untreated interictal hippocampus. Triheptanoin prevented the interictal reductions of 13C incorporation in most glycolytic intermediates, suggesting it increased glucose utilization or – as an additional astrocytic fuel – it decreased glycogen breakdown. In the TCA cycle metabolites, the incorporation of 13C was reduced in the interictal state. Triheptanoin restored the correlation between 13C enrichments of pyruvate relative to most of the TCA cycle intermediates in “epileptic” mice. Triheptanoin also prevented the reductions of hippocampal pyruvate dehydrogenase and 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase activities. Decreased glycogen breakdown and increased glucose utilization and metabolism via the TCA cycle in epileptogenic brain areas may contribute to triheptanoin's anticonvulsant effects.
Excitatory pathway engaging glutamate, calcineurin, and NFAT upregulates IL-4 in ischemic neurons to polarize microglia
Authors: Ting Shun-Ming , Zhao Xiurong , Zheng Xueping , Aronowski Jaroslaw
Published: March 2019

Excitotoxicity and microglia/macrophage over-activation are the important pathogenic steps in brain damage caused by ischemic stroke. Recent studies from our group suggest that the neurons in ischemic penumbra generate an anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-4 (IL-4). This neuron-produced IL-4 could subsequently convert surrounding microglia/macrophages to a reparative (M2)-phenotype. The present study was designed to establish the mechanisms by which neurons under transient ischemic condition produce/secrete IL-4. We employed primary rat cortical neurons and a validated in vitro ischemic injury model involving transient oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD). We discovered that only sublethal OGD induces IL-4 production/secretion by neurons. We then showed that excitotoxic stimulus (an integral component of OGD-mediated damage) involving N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), and not kainate receptor, triggers neuronal IL-4 production/release. Of note, oxidative stress or pro-apoptotic stimuli did not induce IL-4 production by neurons. Next, using the calcineurin inhibitor FK506, we implicated this phosphatase in activation of the nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT; a transcription factor activated through calcineurin-mediated dephosphorylation) and propose that this pathway is involved in transcriptional upregulation of the IL-4 synthesis in NMDA-treated neurons. Finally, using a transfer of culture medium from NMDA-conditioned neuron to microglia, we showed that the neuronal IL-4 can polarize microglia toward a restorative, phagocytic phenotype.
The 100 most influential manuscripts on hepatocellular carcinoma: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Hwang Ji Woong , Kim Hanbaro , Lee Dong Jin
Published: March 2019

Objective

Citation analysis represents one of the best available methods to identify the most influential articles. This study aimed to identify and characterize the top 100 highly cited articles (T100) that focus on hepatocellular carcinoma and to reveal the trends in accomplishments within this field.

Methods

A search of the Thomson Reuters Web of Science citation indexing database was conducted using terms related to hepatocellular carcinoma. The T100 were selected and analyzed further based on the number of citations, authorship, year of publication, journal, country of origin, institution, and article type.

Results

Hepatology published the highest number of papers (n = 15), and the United States produced the highest number of contributions (n = 31). Barcelona University was the institution with the highest number of articles in the T100 (n = 9). The T100 articles included 35 observational studies, 13 randomized control studies, 25 basic research articles, 18 reviews, seven clinical guidelines, and two meta-analyses.

Conclusions

This is the first bibliometric study to identify the most influential papers in hepatocellular carcinoma research. This report presents major advances and changes in research regarding hepatocellular carcinoma and can serve as a guide for writing a citable article.
Staged procedure protocol based on the four-column concept in the treatment of AO/OTA type 43-C3.3 pilon fractures
Authors: Chen Hui , Cui Xueliang , Ma Binbin , Rui Yunfeng , Li He
Published: March 2019

Objective

We herein introduce a staged management protocol for AO/OTA type 43-C3.3 pilon fractures based on the four-column theory designed to protect the soft tissue.

Methods

Twenty-three patients with 25 type C3.3 pilon fractures underwent a staged procedure with four-column osteosynthesis from April 2014 to December 2016. The first stage involved immediate calcaneal traction or external fixation to span the ankle joint. When the soft tissue swelling decreased, the posterolateral approach was used to restore the lateral column and initially fix the posterior column. After 10 to 12 days, the third stage involved treatment of the anterior and medial columns through the anterior approach. Charts and radiographs were reviewed, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) evaluation system was used to evaluate the postoperative outcomes.

Results

All fractures achieved union after a mean of 3.3 months (range, 2.0–5.7 months) after the third stage. A good or acceptable reduction rate was observed in 85.7% of the patients. Results from the AOFAS evaluation system indicated excellent or good postoperative ankle function in 81.0% of the patients.

Conclusion

This staged procedure protocol combined with the four-column theory is a feasible way to protect the soft tissue and reduce the fracture.
B/ordering the environmental commons
Authors: Miller Michelle Ann
Published: March 2019

Transboundary environmental commons are usually conceived in terms of the spatial arrangements that govern transboundary resources and coordinate responses to cross-border environmental threats and crises. Borders in this context tend to be viewed as relatively stable institutions in the administration of geographically dispersed resources with well-defined properties by a jurisdictionally divided collective of users. In practice, however, the transboundary commons defy such clear spatial resolution. This paper contributes to emerging scholarship on the transboundary commons by showing how processes of commoning and b/ordering are continually changing in relation to each other to generate flexible new geographies of conservation practice.
Drivers of Brand Engagement: The Role of Brand Communities
Authors: Dass Sumanjit , Sethi Rahul , Popli Sapna , Saxena V. N.
Published: March 2019

Today, all major brands are engaging their stakeholders through online and offline brand communities, fan clubs and social media groups, with the objective of attracting the right audience. Brand communities have gained importance as a branding tool for marketers because they offer values difficult to capture elsewhere. An engaged community transports results in numerous areas of the business. The principal objective of this article is to explore brand communities of radiologist and how these communities enhance brand engagement in medical equipment industry. The article has used a single cross-sectional descriptive design and is based on the data collected from 152 users of a large medical products company that comprised product managers from partner industries and radiologists across India. The results from this study confirm the proposed model of interactions between variables and revealed significant relationships between brand communities and brand engagement. The study highlights the significance of brand communities and their usage to enhance brand engagement, in high-value and high-risk product market. The instruments used for the study are validated for the constructs of brand trust, satisfaction, community and engagement.
Improving Interpretability of Subjective Assessments About Psychological Phenomena: A Review and Cross-Cultural Meta-Analysis
Authors: De Los Reyes Andres , Lerner Matthew D. , Keeley Lauren M. , Weber Rebecca J. , Drabick Deborah A. G. , Rabinowitz Jill , Goodman Kimberly L.
Published: March 2019

Attempts to understand subjectivity have historically involved distinguishing the strengths of subjective methods (e.g., survey ratings from informants) from those of alternative methods (e.g., observational/performance-based tasks). Yet a movement is underway in Psychology that considers the merits of intersubjectivity: Understanding the space between two or more informant’s subjective impressions of a common person or phenomenon. In mental health research, understanding differences between subjective impressions have less to do with informants’ characteristics and more to do with the social environments or contexts germane to the people or phenomena examined. Our article focuses on one relatively understudied social environment: the cultural context. We draw from seminal work on psychological universals, as well as emerging work on cultural norms (i.e., cultural tightness) to understand intersubjectivity effects through a cross-cultural lens. We report a meta-analysis of 314 studies of intersubjectivity effects in mental health, revealing that (a) this work involves independent research teams in more than 30 countries, (b) informants rating a target person’s mental health (e.g., parent and teacher ratings of a child’s behavior) commonly provide diverging estimates of that person’s mental health, and (c) greater convergence between subjective reports relates to a “tighter” or more norms-bound culture. Our article illustrates strategies for understanding divergence between subjective reports. In particular, we highlight theoretical and methodological frameworks for examining patterns of divergence between subjective reports in relation to data from nonsubjective methods. We also describe how research on intersubjectivity informs efforts to improve the interpretability of subjective assessments in multiple subdisciplines in Psychology.
Intensive Longitudinal Data Analyses With Dynamic Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Zhou Le , Wang Mo , Zhang Zhen
Published: March 2019

Recent developments in theories and data collection methods have made intensive longitudinal data (ILD) increasingly relevant and available for organizational research. New methods for analyzing ILD have emerged under the multilevel modeling framework. In this article, we first delineate features of ILD (including autoregressive relationships, trends, cycles/seasons, and between-subject variability in temporal trends). We discuss the analytic challenges for handling ILD using traditional analytic tools familiar to organizational researchers (e.g., growth models, single-subject time series analyses). We then introduce a statistical approach for handling ILD from the multilevel modeling framework: dynamic structural equation modeling (DSEM). We provide three examples using simulated data sets to demonstrate how to apply DSEM to examine ILD with a software program familiar to organizational researchers (i.e., M plus). Finally, we discuss issues related to applying DSEM, including centering, missing data, and sample size.
Prediction of Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients With Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Radiomics Method Based on Preoperative Ultrasound Images
Authors: Liu Tongtong , Zhou Shichong , Yu Jinhua , Guo Yi , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhou Jin , Chang Cai
Published: March 2019

Background:

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is a type of indolent tumor with a dramatically increasing incidence rate and stably high survival rate. Reducing the overdiagnosis and overtreatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma is clinically emergent and important. A radiomics model is proposed in this article to predict lymph node metastasis, the most important risk factor of papillary thyroid carcinoma, based on noninvasive routine preoperative ultrasound images.

Methods:

Four hundred fifty ultrasound manually segmented images of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma with lymph node status obtained from pathology report were enrolled in our retrospective study. A radiomics evaluation of 614 high-throughput features were calculated, including size, shape, margin, boundary, orientation, position, echo pattern, posterior acoustic pattern, and calcification features. Then, combined feature selection strategy was used to select features with the greatest ability to discriminate lymph node status. A support vector machine classifier was employed to build and validate the prediction model. Another independent testing cohort was used to further evaluate the performance of the radiomics model.

Results:

Among 614 radiomics features, 50 selected features most reflecting echo pattern, posterior acoustic pattern, and calcification showed the superior lymph node status distinguishable performance with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.753, 0.740, and 0.743 separately when using each type of features predicting the lymph node status. The results of model based on all 50 final features predicting the lymph node status shown an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.782, and accuracy of 0.712. In the independent testing cohort, the proposed approach showed similar results, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.727 and accuracy of 0.710.

Conclusion:

Papillary thyroid carcinoma with lymph node metastasis usually shows a complex echo pattern, posterior region homogeneity, and macrocalcification or multiple calcification. The radiomics model proposed in this article is a promising method for assessing the risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma metastasis noninvasively.
Bioengineering approaches to organ preservation ex vivo
Authors: Pinezich Meghan , Vunjak-Novakovic Gordana
Published: March 2019

The advent of successful solid organ transplantation is undoubtedly among the most significant medical achievements of the 20th century. Despite advances in the field of transplantation since its inception over 50 years ago, our approach to donor organ preservation outside of the body remains unchanged. Recently, attempts have been made to replace static cold storage with more sophisticated ex vivo machine perfusion. Rather than cooling the organ on ice to slow metabolic processes, machine perfusion aims to support normal metabolic function in a near-physiologic environment and to provide a platform on which the organ can be evaluated, preserved, and recovered. Ex vivo machine perfusion devices have demonstrated early success with respect to transplant outcomes in heart, lung, and liver, with perfusion times limited to several hours. The continued development of more advanced perfusion systems is likely to extend the duration of ex vivo organ support to days or even weeks, and enable recovery of initially unsuitable donor organs. In this review, we discuss recent clinical and pre-clinical studies, state-of-the-art organ preservation technologies, existing limitations, and a perspective on future developments.

Impact statement

Over the past several decades, ex vivo perfusion has emerged as a promising technology for the assessment, preservation, and recovery of donor organs. Many exciting pre-clinical findings have now been translated to clinical use, and successful transplantation following ex vivo perfusion has been achieved for heart, lung, and liver. While machine perfusion provides distinct advantages over traditional cold preservation, many challenges remain, including that of long-term (multi-day) ex vivo support. Here, we provide an overview of the current status of ex vivo machine perfusion in the pre-clinical and clinical setting and share our perspective on the future direction of the field.
Retinol isotope dilution accurately predicts liver reserves in piglets but overestimates reserves in lactating sows
Authors: Sheftel Jesse , Surles Rebecca L , Tanumihardjo Sherry A
Published: March 2019

Retinol isotope dilution (RID) is used to estimate total body vitamin A (VA) stores in groups to assess VA status. Metabolic differences during lactation may affect RID calculations as currently applied. We evaluated the time required for isotopic equilibration between serum and liver retinol in piglets, and the utility of milk retinol isotopic enrichment as a proxy for serum in lactating sows. Piglets ( n = 24) and sows ( n = 6) were fed 1.75 or 20 µmol 13 C2-retinyl acetate, respectively. Piglets ( n = 5 or 7) were killed on d 0, 4, 7, or 14. Blood and milk were collected at d 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, 14, and 21 before the sows were killed to collect liver. Retinol 13 C-enrichment was determined by gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Equilibration time and RID-predicted liver VA reserves were calculated. In piglets, serum and liver retinol 13 C-enrichment differed significantly in individuals at d 4 and 7 ( P = 0.008, 0.03) but not d 14 ( P = 0.06); however, mean values were not different by d 4 ( P = 0.62). Current RID equations accurately predicted VA deficiency (means ≤0.027 µmol/g liver) in the piglets. In sows, milk and serum retinol 13 C-enrichment reached equilibrium between 2 and 7 d post-dose. After correcting for dose lost to milk, RID equations predicted higher liver stores than measured values even though the serum to liver atom % was 1.00 ± 0.01 at kill. In VA deficient infants, a shorter period may be accurate in population-level RID studies when using appropriate assumptions. In lactating women, the RID may have decreased accuracy due to variable losses of tracer in milk. Furthermore, assumptions about storage and loss of the dose in milk must be evaluated in lactating women considering the observed discrepancy between predicted and measured stores.

Impact statement

Vitamin A (VA) deficiency and hypervitaminosis A have been reported in groups of people worldwide. Conventional biomarkers of VA deficiency (e.g. serum retinol concentration, dose response tests) are not able to distinguish between sufficiency and hypervitaminosis A. Retinol isotope dilution (RID) predictions of VA status have been validated in humans and animal models from deficiency through toxicity; however, RID during life stages with unique issues related to isotopic tracing, such as infancy and lactation, requires further evaluation. This study investigated RID in piglets and lactating sows as models for human infants and women. In piglets, RID successfully determined VA deficiency (confirmed with liver analysis), and that the tracer mixes quickly. Conversely, in lactating sows, although serum and milk enrichments were similar, traditional RID equations overestimated VA stores, likely due to losses of tracer and higher extrahepatic VA storage than predictions. These data inform researchers about the challenges of using RID during lactation.
Preparation and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles/carbon nanotubes composites
Authors: Wang Min , Zhang Yanlin , Dong Chengjun , Chen Gang , Guan Hongtao
Published: March 2019

Here, the cobalt ferrite/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites were directly synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method at 200°C using benzyl alcohol as the solvent. The crystal and morphological structures as well as electromagnetic shielding performance at Ku band (12–18 GHz) were thoroughly investigated. Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles with a diameter around 6–10 nm were anchored on the surface of carbon nanotubes with some aggregation. It is found that the as-prepared nanocomposites exhibit excellent electromagnetic shielding performance with values 22–25 dB in the Ku frequency range with a thickness of 2 mm. The small cobalt ferrite nanoparticles offer a large number of polarization and magnetization active sites to improve the electromagnetic performance by the incorporation of carbon nanotubes.
Cardiovascular prevention and at-risk behaviours in a large population of amateur rugby players
Authors: Chagué Frédéric , Georges Marjolaine , Gudjoncik Aurélie , Hermerel Thierry , Garet Gilles , Israël Jean , Hager Jean-Philippe , Aviat Patrick , Laurent Yves , Gremeaux Vincent , Cottin Yves , Zeller Marianne
Published: March 2019

Background and aim

We aimed to investigate cardiovascular risk factors and health behaviours prospectively in a large population of French amateur rugby players.

Methods

An anonymous questionnaire was displayed to rugby players aged over 12 years enrolled in the 2014–2015 French amateur rugby championship from the Burgundy region ( n = 5140). Questions addressed awareness on: (a) cardiovascular prevention; (b) tobacco, alcohol and highly caffeinated beverages consumption; and (c) adherence to prevention guidelines (ECG checks, training in basic life support, avoidance of sports practice during fever/infectious episodes).

Results

Among the 640 participants who completed the questionnaires, most were male (90%) and were aged under 35 years (80%). Almost half had basic life support training (42%), but only a minority attended an ECG check-up before licensing (37%), and only a few were aware of the cardiovascular prevention information campaign (17%), similarly across the age groups. Surprisingly, playing rugby with fever was commonly reported (44%) and was even more frequent in young women (55%). A high number of respondents were current smokers (35%), of whom most reported consumption less than 2 hours before/after a rugby session. Alcohol drinkers were frequent (69%), of whom most (79%) drank alcohol less than 2 hours before/after a match. Highly caffeinated beverages consumption (34%) was high, particularly in younger players (39%). Half highly caffeinated beverages consumption was in the setting of a rugby session, even greater in women and mainly motivated by performance enhancement (34%).

Conclusion

Our findings from a representative regional cohort may help to identify targets for cardiovascular prevention through the development of educational programmes aiming to improve the knowledge and behaviour of amateur rugby players.
Sentio ergo sum: House paint as politics of the radically mundane
Authors: Falls Susan
Published: March 2019

According to one view, the rise of ocular-centrism in the West has reduced the faculty of vision to the cognitive, eliding the sensory aspect of seeing. But there is an important way in which visual experience feels a particular way and exerts, in a sense, a material force upon us. In other words, there is a particular character to the experience of seeing that can interact with us in an abstract, but extremely significant way. This helps to explain why the coercive cultural phenomenon of policy often targets visual expression or experience. The same would hold true, I argue, for other aspects of the sensorium. As a case study in Savannah, GA, this paper explores municipal and civic responses color in the context of urban streetscapes as sites of negotiating, promoting and reproducing “appropriate” sensibilities. I examine how the policing of something as seemingly mundane as house paint is undergrid by notions of restraint, vulgarity, and conformity and reflect hegemonic paradigms of normative citizenry, political interests, and property value. In examining the exertion of the political through the lens of the sensorial, and vice versa, we can explicate the phenomenological aspect of policy, tracking its operations on both cognitive and somatic registers.
Who is left behind in global food systems? Local farmers failed by Colombia’s avocado boom
Authors: Serrano Angela , Brooks Andrew
Published: March 2019

Work on global food systems has focused on the livelihoods of farmers directly affected as growers of agricultural export goods and has paid less attention to those who are left behind by new patterns of production and consumption. The connections between pre-existing agricultural livelihoods and the new systems of provision associated with fashionable products are poorly understood. Global trends in food culture have wide ranging local impacts. In this paper, we argue that researchers need to look beyond linear commodity chains and the goods that travel from producers in one country to consumers in another and expand global food systems analysis to understand what regional livelihoods are modified or displaced by globalized agriculture. Avocados are a popular health food among millennials. Colombia is experiencing a boom in exports. Avocados have long been grown in the Santander region, but global demand has turned them into a politically important crop. Using food systems analysis, our field research illuminates how new opportunities for capital accumulation are transmitted through global markets and shape regional agricultural practices. Large investors have profited, while small-scale farmers have been impoverished. We demonstrate how the interplay of requirements for homogenous fruit from local supermarkets, demand for the export Haas variety, as well as the government’s export-oriented policies have modified local livelihoods.Our contribution examines the broader social space in which agriculture is located. We argue for the need to study food systems beyond the vertical relations that constitute linear supply chains and examine the horizontal context of systems of provision.
The role of repeat fine needle aspiration in managing indeterminate thyroid nodules
Authors: Allen Laura , Al Afif Ayham , Rigby Matthew H. , Bullock Martin J. , Trites Jonathan , Taylor S. Mark , Hart Robert D.
Published: March 2019

Background

The Bethesda System is the most widely used for reporting fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. It recommends a repeat FNA (rFNA) when initial results are category I or III. It is unclear how often rFNA provides additional diagnostic information. We sought to investigate its utility at our institution.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed of patients who had a category I or III FNA result and underwent rFNA of the same thyroid nodule between 2013 and 2015 at the QE II Health Sciences Centre in Nova Scotia, Canada. Results of initial FNA and ultrasound characteristics, rFNA, demographic data, surgical details, and pathology were collected.

Results

A total of 237 patients (474 thyroid FNAs) were included. Most initial FNAs were category I (82%), the remainder category III (18%). rFNA yielded a different category 60% of the time. However, 60% remained category I or III. rFNA results of benign or malignant were found in 40% of cases; 1% were SFN/SFM. Twenty-seven percent of patients had surgery after rFNA; of those 68% had category I or III rFNA results. Of all nodules that underwent surgery, 46% were malignant, including 32% with category I rFNA results, and 42% category III.

Conclusions

rFNA for category I and III nodules provided a definitive diagnosis in only 40% of cases, which is important for patient counseling. Malignancy rates at our centre were higher for these categories than predicted by Bethesda. Clinical management should consider institution specific malignancy rates, patient factors, and ultrasound findings.
Translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the SCHNOS in French
Authors: Atallah Marie-Renée , Milad Daniel , Benamer Youcef-Hamza , Saltychev Mikhail , Most Sam P. , Moubayed Sami P.
Published: March 2019

Background

The Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (SCHNOS) is a validated questionnaire that assesses functional and aesthetic outcomes of rhinoplasty patients. There are 274 million French speakers worldwide, and this questionnaire is currently not available in French. The purpose of this study was to translate, adapt, and validate a French version of the SCHNOS questionnaire.

Methods

The SCHNOS questionnaire was translated from English to French according to international guidelines. Ten French-speaking rhinoplasty patients were interviewed in order to evaluate the understandability and acceptability of the translation and produce a final version. The final version was administered prospectively to 25 rhinoplasty patients and 25 controls at two-week intervals. It was then administered to 165 consecutive patients. Psychometric properties were evaluated using the Item Reponse Theory (IRT) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Results

Three items from the original SCHNOS were modified to produce the French-SCHNOS (F-SCHNOS). Discrimination abilities of F-SCHNOS-O and F-SCHNOS-C were perfect, with values of 2.18( p < 0.001, 95% CI 1.74 to 2.62) for SCHNOS-O and 2.62( p < 0.001, 95% CI 2.03 to 3.21). Internal consistency was high, with Cronbach's alpha of 0.93 for F-SCHNOS-O and 0.95 for F-SCHNOS-C. IRT showed good psychometric properties with almost each step up or down across the scale associating with meaningful differences in outcome severity. All four SCHNOS-O items were equally “important” in defining the total score. The F-SCHNOS-C total score was defined by mostly four out of six items.

Conclusions

The SCHNOS was translated, adapted, and psychometrically validated for use in a French-speaking population.
ALK Resistance Mutations and Efficacy of Lorlatinib in Advanced Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase-Positive Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Shaw Alice T. , Solomon Benjamin J. , Besse Benjamin , Bauer Todd M. , Lin Chia-Chi , Soo Ross A. , Riely Gregory J. , Ou Sai-Hong Ignatius , Clancy Jill S. , Li Sherry , Abbattista Antonello , Thurm Holger , Satouchi Miyako , Camidge D. Ross , Kao Steven , Chiari Rita , Gadgeel Shirish M. , Felip Enriqueta , Martini Jean-François
Published: March 2019

PURPOSE

Lorlatinib is a potent, brain-penetrant, third-generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)/ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with robust clinical activity in advanced ALK-positive non–small-cell lung cancer, including in patients who have failed prior ALK TKIs. Molecular determinants of response to lorlatinib have not been established, but preclinical data suggest that ALK resistance mutations may represent a biomarker of response in previously treated patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Baseline plasma and tumor tissue samples were collected from 198 patients with ALK-positive non–small-cell lung cancer from the registrational phase II study of lorlatinib. We analyzed plasma DNA for ALK mutations using Guardant360. Tumor tissue DNA was analyzed using an ALK mutation–focused next-generation sequencing assay. Objective response rate, duration of response, and progression-free survival were evaluated according to ALK mutation status.

RESULTS

Approximately one quarter of patients had ALK mutations detected by plasma or tissue genotyping. In patients with crizotinib-resistant disease, the efficacy of lorlatinib was comparable among patients with and without ALK mutations using plasma or tissue genotyping. In contrast, in patients who had failed 1 or more second-generation ALK TKIs, objective response rate was higher among patients with ALK mutations (62% v 32% [plasma]; 69% v 27% [tissue]). Progression-free survival was similar in patients with and without ALK mutations on the basis of plasma genotyping (median, 7.3 months v 5.5 months; hazard ratio, 0.81) but significantly longer in patients with ALK mutations identified by tissue genotyping (median, 11.0 months v 5.4 months; hazard ratio, 0.47).

CONCLUSION

In patients who have failed 1 or more second-generation ALK TKIs, lorlatinib shows greater efficacy in patients with ALK mutations compared with patients without ALK mutations. Tumor genotyping for ALK mutations after failure of a second-generation TKI may identify patients who are more likely to derive clinical benefit from lorlatinib.
Improving Preoperative Completion of Advanced Care Planning Documents in Patients With Expected Postoperative Intensive Care Unit Stay
Authors: Urman Richard D. , Gross Caroline S. , Sadovnikoff Nicholas , Bader Angela M.
Published: March 2019

Directed discussion about advanced care planning in the preoperative setting is often lacking. We implemented an educational intervention pilot to increase the number of high-risk patients who have health care proxy and advanced directives documents completed. We developed a novel short video describing the advanced care planning process and the intensive care setting, encouraging patients to have conversations about advanced care planning. Survey results showed that majority of patients felt the intervention increased their knowledge about advanced care planning (65%–70%) and that the video raised some topics worth discussing with family and health care providers. This intervention is scalable and could improve documentation and quality of care.
Phytochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Litsea angulata extracts
Authors: Kuspradini Harlinda , Wulandari Indah , Putri Agmi Sinta , Tiya Sabeti Yulis , Kusuma Irawan Wijaya
Published: March 2019

Background: Litsea angulata is a plant species belonging to Lauraceae family that is distributed throughout Indonesia, Malaysia, and New Guinea. The seeds have been traditionally used by local people in Kalimantan, Indonesia for the treatment of boils; however, there is no information about the potency of its branch, bark and leaves yet. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant, antimicrobial activity as well as the phytochemical constituent of Litsea angulata branch, bark, and leaves.

Methods: Extraction was performed by successive maceration method using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol solvent. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging assay. The antimicrobial activity using the 96 well-plate microdilution broth method against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans.

Results: Based on the phytochemical analysis, it showed that extract of L. angulata contains alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and coumarin. The results showed that all extracts of plant samples displayed the ability to inhibit DPPH free radical formation and all tested microorganisms.

Conclusions: L. angulata contains secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, carotenoids, and coumarin. The antioxidant activity on different plant extracts was a range as very strong to weak capacity. All extracts in this study could inhibit the growth of S. aureus and S. mutans.