bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Analysis of Undiagnosed Juvenile GM1-Gangliosidosis by Microarray and Exome Sequencing
Authors: Bouhouche Ahmed , Tibar Houyam , Kriouale Yamna , Jiddane Mohammed , Smaili Imane , Bouslam Naima , Benomar Ali , Yahyaoui Mohamed , El Fahime Elmostafa
Published: November 2018

GM1 gangliosidosis is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder due to mutations in the lysosomal acid 3-galactosidase gene, GLB1. It is usually classified into three forms, infantile, juvenile, or adult, based on age at onset and severity of central nervous system involvement. Because of their broad clinical spectrum and their similarity to many other aetiologies, including inherited neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases, it is often difficult to diagnose such diseases. Recently, whole exome sequencing (WES) has become increasingly used when a strong hypothesis cannot be formulated based on the clinical phenotype. Here, we present three patients belonging to a consanguineous Moroccan family with a GM1-gangliosidosis with unusual clinical onset and atypical radiological presentation that had eluded diagnosis for over a decade. To identify the disease-causing mutation, we performed a whole exome sequencing and a chromosomal microarray genotyping in order to reduce the number of genetic variants to be interpreted, by focusing the data analysis only on the linked loci. The already known pathogenic missense mutation c.601G>A in GLB1 (p.R201C) was found at homozygous state in the proband V.1 and at heterozygous state in his father IV.1. The mutation was validated by Sanger sequencing and segregated in all the family members according to a recessive mode of inheritance. Outside of the linked loci, we found the EXOSC8 p.Ser272Thr mutation at heterozygous state in all the patients and their mother IV.2. This mutation was reported to cause pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 1C and could act as a modifying factor that exacerbates the brain atrophy of patients. Our study identified the first GLB1 mutation in North Africa in patients with unexpected brain-MRI outcomes extending the clinical spectrum of the GM1-gangliosidosis.
Occurrence of Clinostomum Metacercariae in Oreochromis mossambicus from Mashoko Dam, Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe
Authors: Mutengu Casper , Mhlanga Wilson
Published: November 2018

Mashoko Dam is in Ago-ecological Region 4 in Zimbabwe. Five sampling sites were randomly selected and each site was sampled twice per month, for six months. A total of 180 Oreochromis mossambicus fish (101 females and 79 males) were caught. The fish were examined for Clinostomum metacercariae by cutting the ventral side from the anal opening to the lower jaw. The gill chambers were examined and inspected visually to detect macroscopic parasites. Of the 180 fish collected during the study, 113 (62.8%) were infected by 284 Clinostomum larvae in the cranial cavity while 67 fish were not infected. Among the infected fish, 46 were males and 67 were females. Greater parasite burden and mean intensity were observed in female fish (2.7 MI) than males (2.2 MI). There was no statistically significant difference in mean intensity of infection between male and female fish (n=180; t=0.521; p<0.05). Uninfected fish were in a poorer condition than infected fish in July and October only. The lowest monthly condition factor for both infected (1.8) and uninfected (1.7) fish occurred in October. The monthly condition factors for both infected (1.94–3.51) and noninfected fish (1.81–5.28) were greater than 1. For prevalence by total length groups, highest prevalence (66.3%) was recorded in the medium length group (10–12 cm) and lowest (25.0%) in the (16–18 cm) length group. Highest mean intensity (2.8) and parasite density (146 parasites) was observed in the length group (13–15 cm) and lowest mean intensity (1.0) in larger length groups (16–18 cm and above 19 cm). Highest abundance (1.74) was recorded in the length group 13–15 cm and lowest abundance (0.25) in the length group 16–18 cm. Parasite burden was positively correlated to fish size (total length). It was concluded that Clinostomum metacercariae are a common parasite in Oreochromis mossambicus in Mashoko dam.
Laparoscopy Combined with Enhanced Recovery Pathway in Ileocecal Resection for Crohn’s Disease: A Randomized Study
Authors: Zhu Yibin , Xiang Jianjian , Liu Wei , Cao Qian , Zhou Wei
Published: November 2018

Background and Aims. Laparoscopic approach is recommended as the first-choice option for simple ileocecal resections. However, there are no randomized trials that have focused on patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) treated by laparoscopy and enhanced recovery pathway. The aim of the present study is to prospectively evaluate the feasibility, safety, and short-term outcomes of laparoscopy with enhanced recovery pathway for CD patients undergoing ileocecal resection. Methods. A consecutive cohort of 32 CD patients who underwent laparoscopic ileocecal resection between December 2015 and December 2016 was randomized to enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) group or standard care group. Primary outcome was total postoperative hospital stay. Secondary outcomes were time to first flatus and stool, pain scores, morbidity, reoperation rate, readmission rate, and in-hospital costs. Results. Compliance with the ERAS was high for all items (≥90%) except the items of abdominal drains and early fluid intake. A significantly earlier return of bowel function was observed in the ERAS group. Compared with the standard care group, patients in the ERAS group had shorter postoperative hospital stay and lower in-hospital costs (5.19 ± 1.28 versus 9.94 ± 3.33 days, P<0.001; 2.70 ± 0.50 versus 3.73 ± 0.75 ten thousand RMB, P<0.001, respectively). Other parameters did not show any significant differences between the two groups. Conclusions. Laparoscopic approach within an ERAS perioperative care program is a safe and effective treatment combination for CD patients requiring ileocecal resection. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02777034).
Integrative kognitive Verhaltenstherapie für die anhaltende Trauerstörung: Vorstellung eines Behandlungsmanuals
Authors: Rosner Rita , Pfoh Gabriele , Kotoučova Michaela , Comtesse Hannah
Published: November 2018

Das Manual der integrativen kognitiven Verhaltenstherapie zur Behandlung der anhaltenden Trauerstörung bei ambulanten Patienten wird in Kurzform vorgestellt. Das Behandlungsmanual wurde für Personen entwickelt, die mehr als 6 Monate nach dem Verlust einer Bezugsperson unter anhaltenden und schwerwiegenden Trauersymptomen leiden. Therapieziele sind ein veränderter emotionaler Umgang mit der Trauer sowie eine funktionale Anpassung an die neue Lebenssituation ohne die verstorbene Person. Dazu werden kognitiv-verhaltenstherapeutische Methoden mit systemischen und gestalttherapeutischen Interventionen kombiniert. Die 20 wöchentlichen Therapiesitzungen sind in 3 Phasen unterteilt. In der ersten Phase stehen Beziehungsgestaltung, Informationsvermittlung und Veränderungsmotivation im Vordergrund. Die zweite Phase erlaubt unterschiedliche Schwerpunkte: Bearbeitung von Schuldgefühlen, Anpassung an veränderte Lebensbedingungen, Trauer als Mittel zur Aufrechterhaltung der Bindung an die verstorbene Person oder Bearbeitung der Vermeidungssymptomatik. Dabei kommen Exposition in sensu, kognitive Umstrukturierung und gestalttherapeutische Stuhlarbeit zum Einsatz. Exposition in vivo kann bei Bedarf angewendet werden. In der dritten Phase geht es um die veränderte Beziehung zur verstorbenen Person, die Entwicklung neuer Lebensziele und um Rückfallprophylaxe. Weiterhin können optionale Sitzungen, die sich mit besonderen Gelegenheiten wie Jahrestagen befassen, in den Therapieverlauf integriert werden. Insgesamt ermöglicht das vorgestellte Manual eine flexible und effektive Behandlung der anhaltenden Trauerstörung.
Einseitige Sehverschlechterung nach Lokalanästhesie für eine Zahnbehandlung
Authors: Göbel Katja
Published: November 2018

Intraoral local anesthetics are widely used for performing painless dental treatments; however, in some cases, they may cause ocular complications such as meiosis, diplopia, nystagmus, ophthalmoplegia, ptosis, and amaurosis. Mostly, the symptoms disappear after several hours; rarely, they have a prolonged character. We describe the case of a 38-year-old young man who had reduced vision in the left eye 5 days after having received intraoral local anesthesia. A diagnosis of cilioretinal artery occlusion with optic disc swelling was made. Ten weeks later, the patient's visual acuity had increased to 20/20, and the swelling of the optic disc had subsided. Although various possible mechanisms for ocular complications after intraoral local anesthetic administration were suggested in the literature, the exact etiology remains unclear. In this case, inadvertent intravascular injection is believed to be the cause.
Veränderungen in der Produktion entzündlicher Zytokine bei Patienten mit zentralem retinalem Venenverschluss nach Behandlung mit Aflibercept oder Ranibizumab
Authors: Strauß Olaf
Published: November 2018

Purpose: To investigate dynamic changes in aqueous humor levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PlGF), and inflammatory factors in patients receiving intravitreal ranibizumab injection (IRI) or intravitreal aflibercept injection (IAI) to treat central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) with macular edema. Methods: In 22 CRVO patients scheduled to receive 3 doses of ranibizumab (11 eyes) or aflibercept (11 eyes) at monthly intervals, aqueous samples were collected at the time of intravitreal injection. The concentrations of VEGF, PlGF, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 (CCL2), platelet-derived growth factor-AA, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 (CXCL8), IL-12(p70) (IL12B), and IL-13 in aqueous samples were measured by the suspension array method. Results: Visual acuity and foveal thickness improved significantly in both the IRI group and the IAI group. In addition, aqueous levels of VEGF and PlGF as well as MCP-1 and IL-6 decreased significantly over time in both groups. These parameters did not significantly differ between both groups. Conclusions: In CRVO patients, both ranibizumab and aflibercept achieved similar improvement in clinical parameters and similar reductions in aqueous VEGF, PlGF, MCP-1, and IL-6 levels.
Erfolgreiche Behandlung eines periorbitalen nekrobiotischen Xanthogranuloms mit intravenösem Immunglobulin
Authors: Olson Rose M. , Harrison Andrew R. , Maltry Amanda , Mokhtarzadeh Ali
Published: November 2018

Hintergrund: Das nekrobiotische Xanthogranulom (NXG) ist eine seltene Nicht-Langerhanszell-Histiozytose mit kutanen Manifestationen, die vor allem die periorbitale Haut betrifft und oft mit hämatologischen Erkrankungen wie beispielsweise einer monoklonalen Gammopathie assoziiert ist. Die Therapie des nekrobiotischen Xanthogranuloms gestaltet sich schwierig und wird häufig durch einen rezidivierenden und progredienten Verlauf erschwert. Vorstellung des Falls: Die Autoren beschreiben einen Fall von NXG mit periorbitaler Beteiligung bei einer Patientin mit einer omplexen Vorgeschichte an Autoimmun- und hämatologischen Erkrankungen. Aufgrund der Biopsieergebnisse dieser seltenen Läsion erfolgte eine Suche nach der Grunderkrankung, die zur Diagnose «Multiples Myelom» führte. Unter der Behandlung mit intravenösem Immunglobulin (IVIG) besserten sich die NXG-Läsionen der Patientin deutlich. Schlussfolgerungen: Dieser Fall unterstreicht, welche wichtige Rolle der Augenarzt bei der Diagnose und Behandlung des NXG spielt, da eine frühzeitige Erkennung nicht nur die Auswirkungen auf die Augen wie Augenperforation und Erblindung verhindern kann, sondern darüber hinaus auch Anlass für weitere Untersuchungen sein kann, die - wie im vorliegenden Fall - eine mögliche Grunderkrankung oder Systembeteiligung, einschließlich maligner hämatologischer Erkrankungen, aufdecken. In einer Handvoll berichteter Fälle wurde das NXG erfolgreich mit IVIG behandelt. Soweit den Autoren bekannt, ist dies der dritte Fall eines erfolgreich mittels IVIG behandelten periorbitalen NXG, und der erste Fall in der ophthalmologischen Literatur. Übersetzung aus Case Rep Ophthalmol 2018;9:70-75 (10.1159/000485913).
Verhaltenstherapeutische Ansätze bei internetbezogenen Störungen: Diagnostik, Motivation und Verhaltensmodifikation
Authors: Müller Kai W. , Scherer Lara , Beutel Manfred E. , Wölfling Klaus
Published: November 2018

Der Begriff «internetbezogene Störungen» wird derzeit genutzt, um unterschiedliche Online-Aktivitäten zu beschreiben, die sich dysfunktional und zumeist zeitlich ausufernd darstellen. Von Betroffenen beschriebene Merkmale wie Kontrollverlust, Fortführung des Konsums trotz negativer Konsequenzen und das Auftreten aversiver Zustände bei Konsumverhinderung verdeutlichen Parallelen zu anderen Abhängigkeitserkrankungen, wie der Störung durch Glücksspielen. Während in einer Vielzahl von Bereichen (z.B. Epidemiologie, Neurobiologie) eine steigende Anzahl von Forschungsaktivitäten zu verzeichnen ist, ist aktuell über die Anwendbarkeit und Wirksamkeit psychotherapeutischer Interventionen nur wenig bekannt. Dieser Übersichtsartikel soll eine Einordnung der hierzu vorliegenden Befunde bieten. Erste Übersichtsarbeiten deuten darauf hin, dass gerade bewährte verhaltenstherapeutische Behandlungsstrategien, wie etwa kognitives Umstrukturieren, Kontingenzmanagement, aber auch die Expositionsbehandlung, bei internetbezogenen Störungen gut anwendbar sind. Darüber hinaus zeigt die klinische Erfahrung, dass vor der eigentlichen Verhaltensmodifikation besonderes Augenmerk auf die Etablierung einer ausreichenden Veränderungsmotivation gelegt werden sollte, um bestehende motivationale Defizite und Ambivalenzen der Patienten aufzufangen. Mit der Aufnahme der Störung durch Computerspielen (Internet Gaming Disorder) als eine besonders häufige und empirisch gut beschriebene Variante internetbezogener Störungen in die International Classification of Diseases 11 (ICD-11) ist eine Zunahme der klinischen Studien zu diesem neuen Störungsbild zu erwarten.
Increased KIF15 Expression Predicts a Poor Prognosis in Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Qiao Yuan , Chen Jingtao , Ma Chao , Liu Yingmin , Li Peitong , Wang Yalin , Hou Lin , Liu Ziling 
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The outcome of patients with non-small cell lung cancer remains poor; the 5-year survival rate for stage IV non-small cell lung cancer is only 1.0%. KIF15 is a tetrameric kinesin spindle motor that has been investigated for its regulation of mitosis. While the roles of kinesin motor proteins in the regulation of mitosis and their potentials as therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer have been described previously, the role of KIF15 in lung cancer development remains unknown. Methods: Paired lung carcinoma specimens and matched adjacent normal tissues were used for protein analysis. Clinical data were obtained from medical records. We first examined KIF15 messenger RNA expression in The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and then determined KIF15 protein levels using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Differences between the groups were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Overall survival was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Cell-cycle and proliferation assays were conducted using A549, NCI-H1299, and NCI-H226 cells. Results: KIF15 was significantly upregulated at both the messenger RNA and protein levels in human lung tumor tissues. In patients with lung adenocarcinoma, KIF15 expression was positively associated with disease stages; high KIF15 expression predicted a poor prognosis. KIF15 knockdown using short hairpin RNA in two human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines induced G1/S phase cell cycle arrest and inhibited cell growth, but there was no effect in human lung squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusion: Our findings show that KIF15 is involved in lung cancer carcinogenesis. KIF15 could therefore serve as a specific prognostic marker for patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
Novel Protective Effects of Cistanche Tubulosa Extract Against Low-Luminance Blue Light-Induced Degenerative Retinopathy
Authors: Wu Man-Ru , Lin Cheng-Hui , Ho Jau-Der , Hsiao George , Cheng Yu-Wen 
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Blue light-emitting diode light (BLL)-induced phototoxicity plays an important role in ocular diseases and causes retinal degeneration and apoptosis in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Cistanche tubulosa extract (CTE) is a traditional Chinese medicine with many beneficial protective properties; however, few studies have examined the ocular protective roles of CTE. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the effects of CTE on BLL-induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Methods: RPE cells were applied in the current in vitro study and cell viability was determined by an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Apoptosis-related protein expression was determined by western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. Brown Norway rats were used to examine exposure to commercially available BLL in vivo. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and western blot assays were used to examine retinal morphological deformation. Results: CTE significantly inhibited hydrogen peroxide-, tert-butyl hydroperoxide-, sodium azide-, and BLL-induced RPE damage. Further, CTE reduced the expression of apoptotic markers such as cleaved caspase-3 and TUNEL staining after BLL exposure by inactivating apoptotic pathways, as shown via immunofluorescent staining. In addition, CTE inhibited the BLL-induced phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extra signal-related kinases 1/2, and p38 in RPE cells. In vivo, the oral administration of CTE rescued 60-day periodic BLL exposure-induced decrements in retinal thickness and reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells in the brown Norway rat model. Conclusion: CTE is a potential prophylactic agent against BLL-induced phototoxicity.
TUDO EM DEUS: COMENTÁRIO SOBRE MALEBRANCHE
Authors: Caputo João Carlos Lourenço
Published: November 2018

Tradução de texto original em francês.
New taxa of quill mites (Acari: Cheyletoidea: Syringophilidae)
Authors: SKORACKI MACIEJ , OCONNOR BARRY
Published: November 2018

Four new genera and eight new species are described: Apodisyringophilus collocalius gen. nov., sp. nov. from Collocalia esculenta (Linnaeus) (Apodiformes: Apodidae) from the Philippines, Bochkovia phalaropi gen. nov., sp. nov. from Phalaropus fulicarius (Linnaeus) (Charadriiformes: Scolopacidae) from the USA, Ciconichenophilus phoeniconaias gen. nov., sp. nov. and Stibarokris phoeniconaias sp. nov. from Phoeniconaias minor (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire) (Phoenicopteriformes: Phoenicopteridae) from Botswana, Picisyringophilus kratos gen. nov., sp. nov. from Picoides pubescens (Linnaeus) (Piciformes: Picidae) from the USA, Charadriiphilus re sp. nov. and Picobia pteroclesi sp. nov. from Pterocles senegallus (Linnaeus) (Pteroclidiformes: Pteroclididae) from Egypt, and Neoaulonastus chrysocolaptes sp. nov. from Chrysocolaptes lucidus (Scopoli) (Piciformes: Picidae) from the Philippines. The new genera differ from the closely related genera by the following characters: Apodisyringophilus gen. nov. differs from Syringophiloidus Kethley by the absence of leg setae lGIV, the presence of the short hysteronotal setae and by apodemes I fused to apodemes II; Bochkovia gen. nov. differs from Procellariisyringophilus Schmidt et Skoracki by the presence of the dentate cheliceral stylets and two pairs of pseudanal setae, the absence of setae vsI and by the presence of the strongly curved claws on tarsi I-IV; Ciconichenophilus gen. nov. differs from Chenophila Kethley by the stylophore rounded posteriorly, the long hysteronotal setae, apodemes I not fused to apodemes II and by the absence of leg setae vsII; Picisyringophilus gen. nov. differs from Mironovia Chirov et Kravtsova by coxal fields I and II subequal in sizes and by setae se situated distinctly anterior to setae c1. Data on distribution of all known syringophilid genera on host families and orders are provided.
Two new, possibly threatened species of Pyrgulopsis (Gastropoda: Hydrobiidae) from southwestern California
Authors: HERSHLER ROBERT , LIU HSIU-PING
Published: November 2018

Here we describe (for conservation purposes) two new species of Pyrgulopsis from southwestern California based on morphologic and molecular (mtCOI) evidence. Pyrgulopsis castaicensis n. sp. is endemic to a single spring in the upper portion of the Santa Clara River basin and may be threatened by the proposed development of a master-planned community (Newhall Ranch) near Santa Clarita Valley. This snail differs from two morphologically similar regional congeners (P. micrococcus [Pilsbry in Stearns, 1893], P. stearnsiana [Pilsbry, 1899]) by its larger terminal gland, simple oviduct coil and mtCOI sequences (6.1–9.3% for P. micrococcus, 3.5–8.2% for P. stearnsiana). Pyrgulopsis milleri n. sp. is distributed in spring-fed waters along a short reach of upper Tule River drainage and threatened by surface water diversion and its close proximity to a major road (CA 190). Pyrgulopsis milleri differs from closely similar and geographically proximal P. stearnsiana in its broader central cusps on the central radular teeth, shorter pallial section of the albumen gland, greater overlap of the bursa copulatrix by the albumen gland, simple anterior vas deferens, usual absence of a terminal gland and mtCOI sequences (2.8–8.4%).
Species of Eunicidae (Annelida, Errantia, Eunicida) from rhodolith beds off the states of Paraíba and Pernambuco, northeastern Brazilian coast
Authors: BERGAMO GILBERTO , CARRERETTE ORLEMIR , ZANOL JOANA , DE MATOS NOGUEIRA JOÃO MIGUEL
Published: November 2018

Members of one species of Leodice Lamarck, 1818, one species of Lysidice Lamarck, 1818, and another of Palola Gray in Stair, 1847 were found among material from rhodolith beds, collected off the states of Paraíba and Pernambuco, northeastern Brazilian coast. Of those species, one is new to science and the other two are new records for the state of Pernambuco, although their occurrence on neighbouring areas was already known. Leodice calcaricola sp. nov. resembles morphologically L. miurai (Carrera-Parra & Salazar-Vallejo, 1998) as members of both species share similar body size, moniliform prostomial appendages, similar numbers of branchial filaments (1–3 per branchia), and, especially, by having falcigers with bidentate blades on anterior chaetigers, and tridentate on posterior ones. These species differ, however, since specimens of L. calcaricola sp. nov. have distinctly shorter antennae and palps, homodont and heterodont pectinate chaetae, three types of aciculae and two subacicular hooks per midbody parapodium. The other two species which members were found on the rhodolith beds are Lysidice cf. unicornis (Grube, 1840) and Palola brasiliensis Zanol, Paiva & Attolini, 2000. We describe herein new species to science and provide a redescription for L. cf. unicornis because the Brazilian specimens of this species have never been formally described.
How Should We Approach and Discuss Children’s Weight With Parents? A Qualitative Analysis of Recommendations From Parents of Preschool-Aged Children to Physicians
Authors: Uy Marc James Abrigo , Pereira Mark A. , Berge Jerica M. , Loth Katie A.
Published: November 2018

The primary objective of this study was to describe parents’ preference for how physicians should approach diet and weight-related advice for their child. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents (n = 40) of preschoolers, transcribed verbatim, and double-coded using an inductive thematic analysis approach. Parents identified recommendations for how physicians should approach conversations about weight. Themes included (1) Tone and Approach are Important, (2) Avoid Judgment, (3) Have Regard for Parental Expertise, (4) Consider the Timing of the Discussion with Parents, and (5) Equip Parents with Concrete and Individualized Recommendations. Future research should focus on developing brief, effective communication tools to guide discussions with parents about child nutrition and weight. Opportunities to learn about and practice the use of these brief interventions should be incorporated into medical education with the goal of providing clinicians the learning opportunities, skills/tools, and resources needed to adequately and respectfully discuss weight and diet with parents and children.
Reducing Health Inequalities: Comparison of Survival After Acute Myocardial Infarction According to Health Provider in Chile
Authors: Alonso Faustino , Nazzal Carolina , Cerecera Francisco , Ojeda José Ignacio
Published: November 2018

Health inequalities are marked in Chile. To address this situation, a health reform was implemented in 2005 that guarantees acute myocardial infarction (AMI) health care for the entire population. We evaluated if the health reform changed AMI early and long-term survival rates by hospital provider (public/private) using a longitudinal population-based study of patients ≥15 years with a first AMI in Chile between 2002 and 2011. Time trends and early (within 28 days) and long-term (29–365 days) survival by age were assessed. We identified 59,557 patients: median age of 64 years; 68.9% men; 83.2% treated at public hospitals; 74.4% with public insurance. Early and long-term case-fatality was higher at public hospitals (14.6% vs 9.3%; P < .001 and 5.8% vs 3.3%; P < .001, respectively). There was a higher annual increase for early and long-term survival in public hospitals, 0.008 percentage points (95% CI: 0.006, 0.009; P < .0001) and 0.03 (0.002, 0.003; P < .0001), than in private hospitals, 0.0002 (95% CI: −0.0001, 0.005; P = .10) and 0.002 (95% CI: 0.0007, 0.003; P = .004), respectively. Being served at public hospitals affected early and long-term survival, especially in patients <70 years: hazard ratio was 2.01 (95% CI: 1.77, 2.28) and 3.11 (2.41, 4.01), respectively. Therefore, even if inequalities persist, there was a higher increase in early and long-term survival in public versus private hospitals.
The Uneven Foci of Work Disability Research Across Cause-based and Comprehensive Social Security Systems
Authors: MacEachen Ellen , Varatharajan Sharanya , Du Bronson , Bartel Emma , Ekberg Kerstin
Published: November 2018

This scoping review identified what kinds of work disability policy issues are critiqued in articles published in countries with cause-based versus comprehensive welfare systems. Drawing on a review of work disability policy research, we identified 74 English-language, peer-reviewed articles that focused on program adequacy and design. Articles on cause-based systems dwelled on system fairness and policies of proof of entitlement, while those on comprehensive systems focused more on system design complexities relating to worker inclusion and scope of medical certificates. Overall, we observed a clear difference in the nature of problems examined in the different systems. Gaps in work disability policy literature are identified, and challenges for comparative policy research are discussed.
African refugee spouses’ experience of resettlement in regional Australia: Disempowering and empowering narratives
Authors: Kuyini Ahmed Bawa , Kivunja Charles
Published: November 2018

This study examined the experiences of eight African refugees resettled in regional Australia. Informed by the notion/idea of intersectionality and others, this study utilised interviews to capture the role of gender, culture, contextual realities of Australia and the participants’ family relations to analyse experiences of gender conflict. The study found that among other things, financial pressures, self-development and differences in power relations contributed to conflict and sometimes separation of couples. The article argues that this gendered experience of the participants both empowers and disempowers, and that social workers need to be aware of these tensions and use advocacy to improve clients’ living realities.
Interlaminar shear properties of nanostitched/nanoprepreg aramid/phenolic composites by short beam method
Authors: Bilisik Kadir , Erdogan Gulhan , Sapanci Erdal
Published: November 2018

The interlaminar shear strengths of nanostitched 3D aramid/phenolic composites were studied. Stitching slightly improved the interlaminar strength of the z-stitching/nanotube composites. In addition, the stitching fiber type influenced the interlaminar strength of the z-stitching/nanotube aramid/phenolic composites. The failures of all structures in the compression and tensile sides were almost negligible. However, all structures had interlaminar shear failure where delamination in z-stitching/nanotube composites was arrested. The introduction of the stitching yarn in the baseline structure improved its out-of-plane failure properties without reducing the in-plane properties. The effects of stitching and multiwall carbon nanotubes on the 3D aramid/phenolic composite were encouraging and the nanostitched para-aramid/phenolic nanocomposite could be considered as damage tolerance material.
Inhibitory Process of Collaborative Inhibition: Assessment Using an Emotional Stroop Task
Authors: Zhang Huan , Zhang Xingli , Liu Xiping , Yang Haibo , Shi Jiannong
Published: November 2018

This study investigated the inhibitory process of collaborative inhibition. An emotional Stroop task was manipulated three times after a group-recall task across three experiments. The results showed that, when participants performed an emotional Stroop task immediately after a group-recall task (Experiment 1) or between two subsequent individual-recall tasks after a group-recall task (Experiment 3), they were able to discriminate color information relating to studied but nonrecalled emotional stimuli more rapidly in the collaborative-recall condition than in the nominal-recall condition. This indicated that participants experienced a stronger inhibition effect in the former condition. However, when the emotional Stroop task was performed after the final individual-recall task (Experiment 2), there were no differences in discrimination between the conditions. These results suggest that the inhibition effect occurs immediately after the group-recall phase and lasts until the final individual-recall task is completed (4 minutes or longer in Experiment 3). It is therefore possible to discuss retrieval inhibition as an underlying mechanism of collaborative inhibition.
Stochastic flexible flow shop scheduling problem with limited buffers and fixed interval preventive maintenance: a hybrid approach of simulation and metaheuristic algorithms
Authors: Rooeinfar R , Raissi S , Ghezavati VR
Published: November 2018

This study focused on the uncertain flexible flow shop scheduling problem with limited buffers when preventive maintenance is applied at fixed intervals. This issue has not been addressed in spite of widespread applications, due to complexity arising in solving such a stochastic decision making problem. To this aim, a novel optimization model is presented along with two types of solving methods using metaheuristic algorithms with and without a computer simulation model. The proposed hybrid method, named HSIM-META, integrates the computer simulation model along with the three most common metaheuristic algorithms, i.e., genetic algorithm (GA), simulated annealing (SA) algorithm, and particle swarm optimization (PSO), which offer better solution quality according to the literature. For this purpose, the simulation outputs are applied as an initial population for the tuned metaheuristic parameters to look for the next improved solution by investigating different approaches. Different numerical examples are discussed to examine the performance of the proposed method. The computational results of the proposed method, including hybrid simulation with GA (HSIM-GA), SA (HSIM-SA), and PSO (HSIM-PSO), are compared with the just applying GA, SA, and PSO. The results reveal that the suggested method acts more efficiently in terms of accuracy and speed in solving the problem.
A potential new fabric evaluation approach by capturing brain perception under fabric contact pressure
Authors: Yuan Jie , Yu Weidong , Chen Kemin , Zhang Zhongwei , Li Yi , Wang Qicai
Published: November 2018

The problem of the transmission mechanism of textile perception and the barrier to express textile cognition directly are the two major issues in the field of textile evaluation. In this study, an advanced biomedical imaging technology, functional magnetic resonance imaging, which is non-invasive and has a high temporal resolution and spatial resolution, was utilized to describe the features of brain perception in the brain mask areas under increased fabric contact pressures, and thus it was attempted to provide a new approach to express fabric comfort perception. As a result, we found that when fabric contact pressure increased from 0.5 to 1.5 kPa, both maximum activation intensity T Z and activation proportion K of the peak points were transferred from the postcentral gyrus in the SI to the amygdala, and were negative activations. Therefore, we drew the conclusion that both a lower and a higher fabric contact pressure (about 1 kPa of proper comfort fabric pressure) would produce a brain signal inhibitory effect on the SI and amygdala. The difference was the fact that the inhibition role on the SI was more obvious under a lower pressure, while the inhibition role on the amygdala was more remarkable under a higher pressure, which meant that the SI, particularly the postcentral gyrus in the SI, was likely to play a significant role in surface tactile perception of fabrics, while the amygdala might be related to the fabric oppressing sensation.
Chronic urban trauma: The slow violence of housing dispossession
Authors: Pain Rachel
Published: November 2018

This paper sets the idea of slow violence into dialogue with trauma, to understand the practice and legitimisation of the repeated damage done to certain places through state violence. Slow violence (Nixon R (2011) Slow Violence and the Environmentalism of the Poor. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press) describes the ‘attritional lethality’ of many contemporary effects of globalisation. While originating in environmental humanities, it has clear relevance for urban studies. After assessing accounts of the post-traumatic city, the paper draws insights from feminist psychiatry and postcolonial analysis to develop the concept of chronic urban trauma, as a psychological effect of violence involving an ongoing relational dynamic. Reporting from a three-year participatory action research project on the managed decline and disposal of social housing in a former coalmining village in north-east England, the paper discusses the temporal and place-based effects of slow violence. It argues that chronic urban trauma becomes hard-wired in place, enabling retraumatisation while also remaining open to efforts to heal and rebuild.
It’s More the Exception Rather Than the Rule: African American Families’ Neighborhoods and Youth’s Academic Performance During Middle School
Authors: Witherspoon Dawn P. , Rivas-Drake Deborah , Banerjee Meeta
Published: November 2018

Neighborhoods are an important part of the social milieu of adolescence and academic performance. Using experiential neighborhood profiles, this study examined risks and assets to determine how neighborhood structural and relational dynamics were associated with academic achievement during early adolescence. The sample included 723 African American socioeconomically diverse families ( Myouth age = 12.27 years, SD = 0.55). Results showed that neighborhood structural disadvantage was unrelated to academic achievement, whereas neighborhood profiles were associated with academic performance in eighth grade, after adjusting for seventh grade GPA. Neighborhood profiles characterized by positive social relationships were associated with higher achievement. Authors discuss the importance of examining neighborhood risks and supports for African American youth’s academic adjustment.
Intolerance of Uncertainty Mediates Symptoms of PTSD and Depression in African American Veterans With Comorbid PTSD and Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Hollingsworth David W. , Gauthier Jami M. , McGuire Adam P. , Peck Kelly R. , Hahn Kathryn S. , Connolly Kevin M.
Published: November 2018

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a major health concern among veterans, specifically African American veterans, and is commonly comorbid with other negative mental health outcomes including substance use disorders (SUD) and symptoms of depression. The current study examined intolerance of uncertainty as a mediator of the relationship between PTSD and depression symptoms in a sample of African American veterans with a dual diagnosis of PTSD and SUD. Participants included 113 African American veterans who were in treatment for PTSD and SUD at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Five mediation analyses were conducted to examine the mediational effect of intolerance of uncertainty on the relationship between PTSD symptom clusters (i.e., total, hyperarousal, numbness, avoidance, and intrusion) and depression symptoms. Findings indicated that intolerance of uncertainty mediated the relationship between four of the five mediation models (i.e., total symptoms, hyperarousal, numbness, and intrusion). These results imply that for African American veterans, higher levels of certain PTSD symptoms were associated with higher levels of intolerance of uncertainty, which in turn were related to increased levels of depression symptoms.
Crucial role of angiography in the surgical planning of a pulmonary artery aneurysm
Authors: Harada Takeda Aya , Nagata Toshiyuki , Nonaka Yuto , Imamura Nobuhiro , Morizono Shoichiro , Sato Masami
Published: November 2018

A 46-year-old woman was found to have an aneurysm of the superior segmental pulmonary artery in the right lower lung lobe on computed tomography images. Moreover, angiography revealed dilated bronchial arteries flowing into the aneurysm with neovascularization, and the contrast medium was partially pooled in the basal segment of the same lobe. The patient’s hemoptysis could not be controlled by an interventional radiology procedure. Therefore, lobectomy was carried out instead of aneurysmectomy. There has been no recurrence for 4 years after surgery. We considered that that angiographic information allowed for the most appropriate operation in this case.
Multiple approaches to complexity in second language research
Authors: Housen Alex , De Clercq Bastien , Kuiken Folkert , Vedder Ineke
Published: November 2018

In the past decades, there has been a surge in interest in the study of language complexity in second language (L2) research. In this article we provide an overview of current theoretical and methodological practices in L2 complexity research, while simultaneously framing these within the broader scientific interest into the notion of complexity. In addition to focusing on the role of complexity in L2 research, we trace how language complexity has figured in formal theoretical and typological linguistics. It is argued that L2 complexity research has often adopted a reductionist approach to the construct, both in terms of its definition and its operationalization. As such, previous L2 research has often confused related but conceptually distinct and operationally separable notions, such as relative and absolute complexity, and it has overemphasized syntactic and lexical forms of complexity at the expense of complexity related to morphology or linguistic interface phenomena. We then discuss a collection of five empirical studies which react to several of these issues by highlighting hitherto underexplored forms of complexity, adopting an explicitly cross-linguistic perspective or by proposing novel forms of L2 complexity measurement.
Continuous piecewise linearization method for approximate periodic solution of the relativistic oscillator
Authors: Big-Alabo Akuro
Published: November 2018

This paper presents an approximate periodic solution to the vibration of the relativistic oscillator using a novel analytical method called continuous piecewise linearization method. First, an equivalent conservative equation for the vibration of the relativistic oscillator was derived in a simple straightforward manner that elucidates the physical meaning of the conservative equation. The continuous piecewise linearization method was then applied to derive periodic solutions for the displacement and velocity of the relativistic oscillator based on the conservative equation. The results of the present method were compared with results of published methods and exact numerical solution and the maximum error of the present method was less than 0.002%. The model derivations and the solutions presented in this paper are considerably simple and very accurate and can be used to introduce the relativistic oscillator in relevant undergraduate courses on dynamics. Essentially, knowledge of freshman calculus is sufficient to comprehend and implement the continuous piecewise linearization method for the relativistic oscillator.
Estimates of Indigenous Food Consumption and Their Contribution to Nutrient Intake in Oraon Tribal Women of Jharkhand, India
Authors: Ghosh-Jerath Suparna , Singh Archna , Lyngdoh Tanica , Magsumbol Melina S. , Kamboj Preeti , Goldberg Gail
Published: November 2018

Introduction:

Oraon tribes of India have high levels of undernutrition. Dietary diversification is one of the food-based interventions to ameliorate malnutrition.

Objectives:

This study assessed the awareness and availability of indigenous foods and estimated dietary intakes and nutritional status with emphasis on indigenous food consumption among women in the Oraon tribal community in Jharkhand, India.

Design:

A cross-sectional study with a longitudinal component on dietary intake assessment to capture seasonality.

Setting:

Selected villages in Raidih block of Gumla district of Jharkhand.

Participants:

Reproductive-age Oraon tribal women (N =143).

Methods:

Household and dietary surveys were conducted. A 24-hour dietary recall for 2 consecutive days (repeat surveys in 2 other seasons) and food frequency questionnaire were adminsitered on 1 woman per household. Anthropometric assessments were also carried out.

Outcomes:

Socioeconomic status, awareness about indigenous foods, dietary intake pattern, and contribution of indigenous food to nutrient intake of Oraon tribal women in the reproductive age-group.

Results:

Comprehensive awareness about indigenous food resources was present. However, household food security and actual intake of indigenous foods were low. Higher intake of key micronutrients, calcium and iron, was observed among those who consumed indigenous foods. About 40% of the woman had various degrees of chronic energy deficiency.

Conclusion:

Despite rich knowledge, nutrient-rich indigenous food resources remain underutilized in the Oraon tribal community of Jharkhand, India. Identifying strategies to promote dietary diversity via optimum indigenous food intake could contribute to both food and nutrition security.
The role of microsurgery and means of magnification
Authors: De Stefani S.
Published: November 2018

An objective of hypospadias repair is to provide a penis that is normal in function and appearance. The adoption of microsurgical techniques enables this objective to be reached in a great percentage of cases also in younger patients. Nevertheless in this case, microsurgery should be considered as a philosophical behaviour rather than a surgical technique conventionally based on the utilization of the microscope, jeweller's forceps and microscissors. What is important is the concept of microsurgery; i.e. the adoption of atraumatic techniques and great respect for the tissues. Strict and constant application of these rules greatly improves final results and increases the percentage of success of reconstructive surgery of the urethra.
Anterior urethral reconstructions
Authors: Austoni E. , Mantovani F. , Colombo F. , Fenice O. , Mastromarino G. , Vecchio D. , Canclini L.
Published: November 2018

In the surgical treatment of urethral strictures many techniques have been proposed in the last 30 years. Nowadays, only some of them are currently used, because of complications correlated to these surgical procedures. Of course, our School has also changed indications for surgical procedures in urethral strictures. We can use two different kinds of surgical technique; excision of the stricture with an end-to-end anastomosis or urethroplasty. At the Institute of Urology of the University of Milan, 84 patients underwent end-to-end anastomosis: the 12 months follow-up showed 6 relapsed strictures, 1 fistula and 5 penile ventral flexures. In the field of multi-stage urethroplasty our greatest experience is related to the scrotal inlay technique (144 patients: 36 relapsed strictures, 65 phlogoses, 44 stones), while 18 patients underwent the procedure by the use of free epidermal mesh graft (1 fistula, 2 penile flexures, 2 necrosis of the graft). Concerning the one-stage procedures, the bladder mucosa graft seems to be reliable, and the complications observed were the following: 2 relapsed strictures, 3 fistules, 1 penile flexure; the lip mucosa graft represents a possible alternative: using this technique in 8 patients we had 2 recurrent strictures and 1 fistula. Recently we proposed a modified technique using a tubularlzed penile skin flap for complex, recurrent, extended bulbo-membranous strictures. 24 pts. underwent this surgical procedure. Only two stricture relapses have been found. The first four operated pts. had urethrocystograms which revealed a neourethra exceeding the normal caliber and this was resolved in consecutive cases by reducing the size of the flap.
Report on: “Computer science in the Urology department”. Introduction
Authors: Lotto A.
Published: November 2018

The introduction of Computer science into the Health System has various implications: it involves management on the one hand and study and research on the other. A similar accomplishment requires both an enormous economic commitment and an initial effort by the staff that is not easy to put into practise. The purpose of the single reports is to explain some general aspects and to show particular demands connected with urology, without claiming to impose standardised programmes.
Computerisation of hospitals and community areas
Authors: Martini N.
Published: November 2018

The application of modern computerised technologies to hospitals and communities represents one of the most critical points for Medicine and Health Care Systems in different countries. The benefits but also the limits of this impact bring up the basic question of the relationship between technology and culture. In order to analyse this relationship the drug has been assumed as “indicator” in the different phases of scientific documentation and information, management of expenditure and clinical research.
Computerised management of a Department of urology
Authors: Schiavone D. , Pianon R. , Curti P. , Mobilio G.
Published: November 2018

The computerised management of a Department of urology requires a local area network connected to the hospital network. In a Department of urology various and complex procedures are carried out. Only some of them are purely medical and provide the data which make up the clinical records. The data regarding diagnostic and therapeutic procedures carried out in the Department of urology make up the specific urological part of computerised clinical records. The programmes for the management of databases must be powerful enough to make operations simple and intuitive. The role of the urologist is essential for the correct design of databases and application routines.