bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NCI Comparative Oncology Program Testing of Non-Camptothecin Indenoisoquinoline Topoisomerase I Inhibitors in Naturally Occurring Canine Lymphoma
Authors: Burton Jenna H. , Mazcko Christina , LeBlanc Amy , Covey Joseph M. , Ji Jiuping , Kinders Robert J. , Parchment Ralph E. , Khanna Chand , Paoloni Melissa , Lana Sue , Weishaar Kristen , London Cheryl , Kisseberth William , Krick Erika , Vail David , Childress Michael , Bryan Jeffrey N. , Barber Lisa , Ehrhart E.J. , Kent Michael , Fan Timothy , Kow Kelvin , Northup Nicole , Wilson-Robles Heather , Tomaszewski Joseph , Holleran Julianne L. , Muzzio Miguel , Eiseman Julie , Beumer Jan H. , Doroshow James H. , Pommier Yves
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

Only one chemical class of topoisomerase I (TOP1) inhibitors is FDA approved, the camptothecins with irinotecan and topotecan widely used. Because of their limitations (chemical instability, drug efflux-mediated resistance, and diarrhea), novel TOP1 inhibitors are warranted. Indenoisoquinoline non-camptothecin topoisomerase I (TOP1) inhibitors overcome chemical instability and drug resistance that limit camptothecin use. Three indenoisoquinolines, LMP400 (indotecan), LMP776 (indimitecan), and LMP744, were examined in a phase I study for lymphoma-bearing dogs to evaluate differential efficacy, pharmacodynamics, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics.

Experimental Design:

Eighty-four client-owned dogs with lymphomas were enrolled in dose-escalation cohorts for each indenoisoquinoline, with an expansion phase for LMP744. Efficacy, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and target engagement were determined.

Results:

The MTDs were 17.5 mg/m2 for LMP 776 and 100 mg/m2 for LMP744; bone marrow toxicity was dose-limiting; up to 65 mg/m2 LMP400 was well-tolerated and MTD was not reached. None of the drugs induced notable diarrhea. Sustained tumor accumulation was observed for LMP744; γH2AX induction was demonstrated in tumors 2 and 6 hours after treatment; a decrease in TOP1 protein was observed in most lymphoma samples across all compounds and dose levels, which is consistent with the fact that tumor response was also observed at low doses LMP744. Objective responses were documented for all indenoisoquinolines; efficacy (13/19 dogs) was greatest for LMP744.

Conclusions:

These results demonstrate proof-of-mechanism for indenoisoquinoline TOP1 inhibitors supporting their further clinical development. They also highlight the value of the NCI Comparative Oncology Program (https://ccr.cancer.gov/Comparative-Oncology-Program) for evaluating novel therapies in immunocompetent pets with cancers.
Somber Prospects for Late Merger
Authors: Sportiche Dominique
Published: July 2018

I discuss the phrase-structure-theoretic operation of Late Merge proposed in Lebeaux 1991 as it is used in late adjunct merger and wholesale late merger. I show that under current theoretical assumptions about the nature of the Merge and Move operations, Late Merge over-generates in ways that are difficult to overcome. Given that Late Merge is otherwise demonstrably computationally unparsimonious ( Kobele and Michaelis 2012 ), I conclude that it should not be an available operation and suggest Neglect ( Sportiche 2016 ) as an alternative to generate the needed Logical Form representations.
Optimal Ranking Regime Analysis of U.S. Summer Temperature and Degree-Days: 1895–2015
Authors: Mauget Steven A.
Published: July 2018

The optimal ranking regime (ORR) method was applied to mean summer maximum (TMXS) and mean summer minimum (TMNS) temperature and to cumulative summer cooling degree-days (CDDS) calculated from U.S. climate-division data during 1895–2015. CDDS is proposed as a proxy for growing degree-days for summer corn given their high rank correlation in station data during 1950–2014. The TMXS and CDDS ORR analyses show similar climate-regime patterns. Western and northeastern divisions experienced multidecadal cool periods before 1930 and warm periods after 1990. The 1930s drought appears as decadal warm regimes over the Midwest and Great Plains. Multidecadal TMXS and CDDS temperature cycles are evident over the Southeast, but TMXS and CDDS variation over the Midwest’s Corn Belt agricultural region has been regime free since the early 1940s. By contrast, TMNS regimes consistent with centennial-scale warming trends are found over most divisions outside the Southeast. From the multidecadal regime patterns detected by the ORR analyses, the TMXS, TMNS, and CDDS series of each climate division were tested for significant linear trends during 1910–2015 and 1970–2015. Significant positive TMNS trends during 1910–2015 are found in 48 of the 102 divisions, with some western trend magnitudes being greater than 15% of the twentieth-century climatological mean. During 1970–2015, positive TMXS trends are detected over 39 western and northeastern divisions, but warming TMNS trends are evident nationally. In some cooler western divisions, positive 1970–2015 CDDS trend magnitudes exceed 90% of the climatological mean. Consistent with the ORR analyses, Corn Belt TMXS and CDDS trends are insignificant during 1970–2015.
Is Condensation-Induced Atmospheric Dynamics a New Theory of the Origin of the Winds?
Authors: Jaramillo A. , Mesa O. J. , Raymond D. J.
Published: July 2018

The hypothesis of “condensation-induced atmospheric dynamics” proposes that a previously unstudied force associated with condensation is the driver of atmospheric motions, explaining phenomena like cyclones, monsoon circulations, and even the Hadley circulation. This hypothesis caused significant interest in the academic community, but it also produced substantial controversy, receiving numerous criticisms from experts who have serious doubts about the existence or importance of this force. In this paper, we show that the alleged new force is based on an unbalanced internal force within the atmospheric gas. Therefore, the dynamic effects attributed to this force are not physically possible, pointing to the violation of Newton’s third law. We also reiterate that the role of the water cycle in the standard theory is essential to explain major atmospheric circulations but without physical inconsistencies.
A Stochastic Lagrangian Basis for a Probabilistic Parameterization of Moisture Condensation in Eulerian Models
Authors: Tsang Yue-Kin , Vallis Geoffrey K.
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we describe the construction of an efficient probabilistic parameterization that could be used in a coarse-resolution numerical model in which the variation of moisture is not properly resolved. An Eulerian model using a coarse-grained field on a grid cannot properly resolve regions of saturation—in which condensation occurs—that are smaller than the grid boxes. Thus, in the absence of a parameterization scheme, either the grid box must become saturated or condensation will be underestimated. On the other hand, in a stochastic Lagrangian model of moisture transport, trajectories of parcels tagged with humidity variables are tracked, and small-scale moisture variability can be retained; however, explicitly implementing such a scheme in a global model would be computationally prohibitive. One way to introduce subgrid-scale saturation into an Eulerian model is to assume the humidity within a grid box has a probability distribution. To close the problem, this distribution is conventionally determined by relating the required subgrid-scale properties of the flow to the grid-scale properties using a turbulence closure. Here, instead, we determine an assumed probability distribution by using the statistical moments from a stochastic Lagrangian version of the system. The stochastic system is governed by a Fokker–Planck equation, and we use that, rather than explicitly following the moisture parcels, to determine the parameters of the assumed distribution. We are thus able to parameterize subgrid-scale condensation in an Eulerian model in a computationally efficient and theoretically well-founded way. In two idealized advection–condensation problems, we show that a coarse Eulerian model with the subgrid parameterization is well able to mimic its Lagrangian counterpart.
Something Old, Something New: When Gender Matters in the Relationship between Social Support and Health
Authors: Donato Katharine M. , León-Pérez Gabriela , Wallston Kenneth A. , Kripalani Sunil
Published: July 2018

This paper investigates how social support differentially benefits self-rated health among men and women hospitalized with heart disease. Using cross-sectional data about patients admitted to a university hospital, we examine the extent to which gender moderates effects for the frequency of contact with family, friends, and neighbors on health and whether these effects differ between those with new versus established diagnoses. We find that gender differentiates the effect of nonmarital family contact on health but only when heart disease is newly diagnosed. When newly diagnosed, more frequent contact with family is associated with better self-rated health for women but not men. Men and women with preexisting diagnoses benefit equally from more frequent contact with family.
The regulatory independence of audiovisual media regulators: A cross-national comparative analysis
Authors: Mutu Adriana
Published: July 2018

There is a rich scholarship investigating the formal regulatory independence as an outcome of particular institutional arrangements of National Regulatory Authorities for various utility sectors. In contrast, the establishment of national media authorities has only recently stimulated the academic debate on the links between formal independence and institutional design. No empirical measurements have yet been done to scrutinise the independence of audiovisual media regulators in Europe. This article addresses this gap and provides a first empirical assessment of the cross-country variations in formal independence of national media regulators. The analysis is based on an original data set comprising formal independence scores for 43 National Regulatory Authorities which were created by the year 2014. It is demonstrated that institutional differences among National Regulatory Authorities mirror different levels of formal independence, which varies across countries.
Up with ecology, down with economy? The consolidation of the idea of climate change mitigation in the global public sphere
Authors: Ylä-Anttila Tuomas , Vesa Juho , Eranti Veikko , Kukkonen Anna , Lehtimäki Tomi , Lonkila Markku , Luhtakallio Eeva
Published: July 2018

Building on theories of valuation and evaluation, we develop an analytical framework that outlines six elements of the process of consolidation of an idea in the public sphere. We then use the framework to analyse the process of consolidation of the idea of climate change mitigation between 1997 and 2013, focusing on the interplay between ecological and economic evaluations. Our content analysis of 1274 articles in leading newspapers in five countries around the globe shows that (1) ecological arguments increase over time, (2) economic arguments decrease over time, (3) the visibility of environmental nongovernmental organizations as carriers of ecological ideas increases over time, (4) the visibility of business actors correspondingly decreases, (5) ecological ideas are increasingly adopted by political and business elites and (6) a compromise emerges between ecological and economic evaluations, in the form of the argument that climate change mitigation boosts, rather than hinders economic growth.
Unequal Cities, Unequal Participation: The Effect of Income Inequality on Civic Engagement
Authors: van Holm Eric Joseph
Published: July 2018

Civic participation is a touchstone of American government, yet it has declined steadily over the past 50 years. Alongside changes in the relationship between American citizens and their government has been a stark increase in the levels of income and wealth concentration. While there is strong evidence that income inequality drives down participation at the national level, there have been fewer studies on the effects for local governments. This article studies the relationship between participation in departmental policy making and income inequality at the local level across the United States in a sample of small and mid-sized cities. When accounting for aspects of the government’s structure, local department culture, and community demographics, income inequality has a significant, though mixed, effect on civic participation. While changes in a community’s income inequality diminish the likelihood of citizens participating in government decision making, the present level of income inequality correlates with higher rates of engagement.
Effects of vitamin C on the outcome of in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer in endometriosis: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Lu Xiang , Wu Zhengmu , Wang Min , Cheng Weiwei
Published: July 2018

Objective

This study was performed to investigate the effect of vitamin C (VitC) supplementation on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in patients with endometriosis (EMs).

Methods

A total of 280 patients with EMs underwent IVF-ET (VitC treatment group, n=160; VitC non-treatment group, n=120). An additional 150 patients who did not have EMs but underwent IVF-ET (control group) were also enrolled in this study. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured to determine the role of VitC on oxidative stress markers in serum and follicular fluid (FF).

Results

In total, 245 patients with EMs and 132 patients without EMs underwent successful IVF-ET and follow-up. The serum or FF levels of VitC, SOD, and TAC were lower in the EMs than control group; however, the MDA and ROS levels in serum or FF were higher in the EMs than control group. After 2 months of VitC treatment, the serum VitC levels in serum and FF were significantly increased, while oxidative stress markers were unaffected.

Conclusion

Treatment with VitC oral formulation improved the serum and FF levels of VitC but did not affect oxidative stress markers in patients with EMs.
Inequality implications of European economic and monetary union membership: A reassessment
Authors: Arestis Philip , Phelps Peter
Published: July 2018

A growing number of studies have concluded that the European economic and monetary union has exacerbated inequalities in income, wealth and society. Furthermore, the endogeneity of income inequality is now becoming recognised as an important part of the cost–benefit analysis of euro currency adoption. Yet the nature, significance and scale of different monetary (and market) integration channels in operation remain uncertain. In this contribution, we employ static and dynamic panel data methodologies to investigate the intra-national household inequality implications, both realised and expected over coming years. Our analysis reveals that the within-country inequality outcomes differ significantly for core and non-core country-groups in the European economic and monetary union, which have so far realised very different distributional costs and benefits from the integration process. These are crucial issues for policy-makers, not just for the European economic and monetary union member states, but for other countries as well, especially the European Union countries that are expected to adopt the euro currency in the future. This is so in terms of their attempts to look for, design and implement policies, which alleviate rather than exacerbate within-country inequality.
Individualized Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Matching: In Vivo Comparison of Cross-sectional Areas of Hamstring, Patellar, and Quadriceps Tendon Grafts and ACL Insertion Area
Authors: Offerhaus Christoph , Albers Márcio , Nagai Kanto , Arner Justin W. , Höher Jürgen , Musahl Volker , Fu Freddie H.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Recent literature correlated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction failure to smaller diameter of the harvested hamstring (HS) autograft. However, this approach may be a simplification, as relation of graft size to native ACL size is not typically assessed and oversized grafts may impart their own complications.

Purpose:

To evaluate in vivo data to determine if the commonly used autografts reliably restore native ACL size.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Intraoperative data of the tibial insertion area and HS graft diameter were collected and retrospectively evaluated for 46 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with HS autografts. Magnetic resonance imaging measurements of the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the possible patellar tendon (PT) and quadriceps tendon (QT) autografts were also done for each patient. The percentages of tibial insertion site area restored by the 3 possible grafts were then calculated and compared for each individual.

Results:

The mean ACL tibial insertion area was 107.2 mm2 (60.5-155.5 mm2). The mean CSAs of PT, HS, and QT were 33.2, 55.3, and 71.4 mm2, respectively. When all grafts were evaluated, the percentage reconstruction of the insertion area varied from 16.2% to 123.1% on the tibial site and from 25.5% to 176.7% on the femoral site, differing significantly for each graft type ( P < .05). On average, 32.8% of the tibial insertion area would have been filled with PT, 53.6% by HS, and 69.5% by QT. Based on previous cadaveric studies indicating that graft size goal should be 50.2% ± 15% of the tibial insertion area, 82.7% of patients in the HS group were within this range (36.9%, QT; 30.5%, PT), while 65.2% in the PT group were below it and 60.9% in the QT group were above it.

Conclusion:

ACL insertion size and the CSAs of 3 commonly used grafts vary greatly for each patient and are not correlated with one another. Thus, if the reconstructed ACL size is determined by the harvested autograft size alone, native ACL size may not be adequately restored. PT grafts tended to undersize the native ACL, while QT might oversize it.

Clinical Relevance:

These results may help surgeons in preoperative planning, as magnetic resonance imaging measurements can be helpful in determining individualized graft choice to adequately restore the native ACL.
Social media use in the legal profession
Authors: Zawacki Alyce
Published: July 2018

There has been a large uptake of social media use by legal professionals over recent years, but with the embrace of the 21st-century lawyer comes an obligation to not only use social media but to do so ethically. Undoubtedly, social media presents a number of ethical challenges for the profession. However, with risk mitigation strategies, Web 2.0 can be used to gain clients through advertising, gather important evidence, serve court documents, network with others in the field and, most importantly, educate the public.
The wide scope of DNA collection and retention in Malaysia
Authors: Muhamad Mohd Munzil
Published: July 2018

The enactment of the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Identification Act 2009 (Malaysia) which came into force on 1 September 2012 undoubtedly helped to fill gaps that previously existed in the application of DNA evidence in the criminal justice process in Malaysia. One significant contribution of the DNA Act is that it establishes a DNA databank known as Forensic DNA Databank Malaysia (FDDM). Without denying its significance, this article highlights a concern over the wide scope of DNA collection and retention as provided by the DNA Act which is wider than other jurisdictions such as the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, England and Wales.
A comparison of the reported use of involuntary treatment orders within Australian jurisdictions
Authors: Clugston Bobbie , Young Amy , Heffernan Edward B
Published: July 2018

Objective:

This paper identifies publicly available data about the use of involuntary treatment orders within Australia and considers whether this reporting is sufficient given the gravity of the intervention.

Method:

A search of mental health tribunal, health department and justice department annual reports was conducted to determine the use of involuntary treatment orders in Australia.

Results:

Reporting of involuntary treatment orders varied significantly across jurisdictions; for example, South Australia reported 11,570 distinct orders made during a 12-month period while the Australian Capital Territory reported 627 for the same period.

Conclusion:

The publicly available data for involuntary treatment orders in Australia is inadequate for jurisdictional comparisons. This concern should be addressed to enable transparent public reporting and facilitate benchmarking.
Role of Amputation in Improving Mobility, Pain Outcomes, and Emotional and Psychological Well-Being in Children With Metastatic Osteosarcoma
Authors: Gil Sebastian , Fernandez-Pineda Israel , Rao Bhaskar , Neel Michael D. , Baker Justin N. , Wu Huiyun , Wu Jianrong , Anghelescu Doralina L.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Few studies have analyzed the benefit of limb amputations in children with metastatic osteosarcoma and limited life span.

Objective:

We studied outcomes of limb amputations in children with metastatic osteosarcoma.

Design:

We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent limb amputations (January 1995-June 2015) and died within 1 year of surgery.

Setting/Participants:

We studied 12 patients with osteosarcoma at a single institution.

Measurements:

Data on mobility, pain, and emotional and psychological well-being were retrieved from medical records from 1 month before surgery to 6 months after surgery.

Results:

Of the 12 patients (7 females and 5 males; median age at surgery 13 years [range, 7-20 years]) meeting study criteria, 3 patients and 9 patients had primary osteosarcoma in upper and lower limbs, respectively. Mobility improved postamputation in 8 bedridden/wheelchair-bound patients. Postamputation, emotional, and psychological well-being improved for 9 patients, 3 patients had persistent psychological and/or emotional symptoms, and no patient experienced signs of regret. Daily mean pain scores were significantly lower at 1 week (median 3 [range, 0-6]; P = .03) and 3 months (median 0 [range, 0-8]; P = .02) postsurgery than at 1 week presurgery (median 5.5 [range, 0-10]). Morphine consumption (mg/kg/d) showed a trend toward higher values at 1 week (median 0.2 [range, 0-7.6]; P = .6) and 3 months (median 0.2 [range, 0-0.5]; P = .3) postsurgery than at 1 week presurgery (median 0.1 [range, 0-0.5]).

Conclusions:

Patients undergoing limb amputations had reduced pain and improved mobility and emotional and psychological well-being. Amputations are likely to benefit children with limited life expectancy.
Length of efficacy and effect of implant location in adult tom cats treated with a 9.4 mg deslorelin subcutaneous implant
Authors: Romagnoli Stefano , Baldan Anna , Ferro Silvia , Righetti Camilla , Scenna Ludovico , Gabai Gianfranco , Badon Tamara , Fontaine Christelle , Mollo Antonio , Stelletta Calogero , Milani Chiara
Published: July 2018

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess duration of efficacy, side effects and return to fertility following use of the 9.4 mg deslorelin implant (Suprelorin 12; Virbac) in cats, and test whether efficacy and duration of action are influenced by implantation site (interscapular vs periumbilical).

Methods

Sixteen healthy adult tom cats were checked with (1) reproductive examination, (2) gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test and (3) semen collection until achievement of sterility, then with (1) and (2) only at 2, 4, 6 and 12 months, and every 6 months thereafter until treatment effect disappeared.

Results

Serum testosterone reached basal levels by 7 days post-treatment. Semen quality improved initially then started to worsen by 1 month post-treatment and after 70 days post-treatment all cats were sterile. Early in the third month post-treatment there was a significant decrease in testicular volume and penile spikes. Testicular histology was normal upon neutering performed after resumption of fertility. No injection site lesions or treatment-related side effects were observed. There was no difference between periumbilical and interscapular placement for all criteria, but there was a trend for the decrease in testicular volume to last longer and for the regression of penile spikes to start sooner after interscapular administration. One of 16 cats did not respond to treatment. Six cats were lost at variable times during the study while fully responding to treatment. In the cats that completed the study, normal fertility was regained after 805 days, on average, but with a variable duration of effect from 750–850 days.

Conclusions and relevance

Treatment with a 9.4 mg deslorelin implant in male cats was effective for a period of 750–850 days, which is 1.5–2 times longer than the effect of the 4.7 mg deslorelin implant. Fertility (based on serum testosterone production and the presence of penile spikes) was regained at the end of the study. Placing implants in the intrascapular vs periumbilical location did not affect duration of suppression of testosterone production. The interscapular location may be characterised by a better efficacy, although further studies are needed to clarify this issue.
A Method for Collecting Atmospheric Microbial Samples From Set Altitudes for Use With Next-Generation Sequencing Techniques to Characterize Communities
Authors: Spring Allison M , Docherty Kathryn M , Domingue Kenneth D , Kerber Thomas V , Mooney Margaret M , Lemmer Kristina M
Published: July 2018

Dispersal of airborne microorganisms is an important ecological process, resulting in the distribution of bacteria to all habitats on Earth. Investigation of this process is limited by the ability to collect uncontaminated high-altitude microbial samples for use with next-generation sequencing approaches. Here, we describe the design of a Remote Airborne Microbial Passive sampling system. Troubleshooting experiments demonstrate that the samplers collect adequate DNA for bacterial 16S rRNA (ribosomal RNA) amplicon–based Mi-Seq sequencing at 2 and 150 m from the ground. When samplers are closed, they retain only a low number of sequences, and may be used as a negative control. We also demonstrate that the optimal amount of collection dishes to include in the sampler is 8, and that freezing collection dishes at −80°C is an alternative to immediate DNA extraction. Samplers may be used to address a variety of ecological and human health–related questions.
Civility and diplomacy: Trust and dissimulation in transnational Afghan trading networks
Authors: Marsden Magnus
Published: July 2018

This article explores the relationship between civility and diplomacy in the transnational commercial activities of traders from Afghanistan. The commodity traders on which the article focuses – most of whom are involved in the export and wholesale of commodities made in China – form long-distance networks that criss-cross multiple parts of Asia and are rooted in multiple trading nodes across the region, including the Chinese commercial city of Yiwu, Moscow and Odessa. Much scholarship associates both diplomacy and civility with impression management and dissimulation and therefore identifies such modes of behaviour as being inimical to the fashioning of enduring ties of trust. However, analysis of ethnographic material concerning the traders’ understandings of being diplomatic, as well as the ways in which they seek to conform to contested local notions of civility, furnishes unique insights into the ways in which they build the social relationships and ties of trust on which their commercial activities depend. By exploring the interrelationship between civility and diplomacy, the article seeks to move anthropological debate beyond the question of whether civility is either a form of artifice premised on performance or a deeper ethical virtue in and of itself. It suggests, rather, ambiguity, ambivalence, contradiction and imperfection are inbuilt aspects of the ways in which respect is communicated and evaluated, and ties of trust fashioned and maintained.
Civics, civility and race in post-apartheid South Africa
Authors: Blom Hansen Thomas
Published: July 2018

This article explores how, and why, the capacity for civic responsibility and civility of conduct became a central discursive and practical battleground in the colonial world. Nowhere was this more pronounced than in colonial and apartheid South Africa, where the putative benefits of self-government along separate racial lines became a crucial component of apartheid. Starting from a brief conceptual history of civility and colonialism, I argue that the principle of self-government was a central pivot of apartheid. I explore how the celebrated Civics movement that eventually brought apartheid down fostered civic ties and “ethno-civility” in a formerly Indian township in Durban from the 1970s to the 1990s. This legacy of ethno-civility has, however, turned out to be a major obstacle to the forging of relationships across racial boundaries in post-apartheid society. Deploying two ethnographic vignettes from this township, I argue that the ideals of global religious community today have taken the place as a promise of universality of mediation between groups and racial communities that the Civics movement used to occupy during the apartheid era. Yet, religious identities are unable to overcome deeper formations of racial and social difference.
Civility and collective action: Soft speech, loud roars, and the politics of recognition
Authors: Mitchell Lisa
Published: July 2018

Analyzing the relationship between collective action and civility within the world’s largest democracy, this essay argues that, rather than being a precondition for democratic participation or a quality of individual comportment or manners, civility can be analyzed as an effect of political recognition and of the existence of a responsive structure of authority. Using ethnographic examples of recent collective assemblies held in southern India, the essay demonstrates the limits of both deliberative democracy approaches (Dryzek, Habermas, Rawls, Benhabib, Cohen, Farrelly) and agonistic pluralist models (Mouffe, Connolly, Honig, Arendt) for understanding democracy. If individual speech action is understood to run the gamut from polite and constructive participation in deliberation to antagonistic incivility, collective action is framed by both models as inherently oppositional and adversarial, rejecting or resisting authority and protesting against it, running a narrower gamut from agonistic intervention, which frames others as adversaries, to antagonistic refusals that frame others as enemies (Mouffe). There appears no space within either deliberative or agonistic frameworks for approaching collective action as non-adversarial participation in the public sphere on par with individual participatory contributions to deliberation. The ethnographic examples presented in this essay illustrate examples of collective action as efforts to “hail the state” and be included in its decision-making processes. These examples demonstrate that collective action can function as amplification of earlier communicative efforts that have gone unheard or been silenced. Illustrating the failure of both models to capture the larger processes that result in collective action, I conclude by presenting an analytic approach from the perspective of a former British colony that offers deeper understandings of collective forms of action as they relate to civility not only in India, but elsewhere as well.
Transapical Access for Antegrade Catheterization of the Inner Branches of an Arch Stent-Graft Deployed Distal to an Ascending Arch Stent-Graft
Authors: Law Yuk , Kölbel Tilo , Schirmer Johannes , Aleed Shadi , Mogensen John , Debus E. Sebastian , Detter Christian , Tsilimparis Nikolaos
Published: July 2018

Propose: To describe a technique for antegrade cannulation and bridging of the supra-aortic branches through a transapical access in the treatment of an arch aneurysm using combined ascending and branched arch stent-grafts. Technique: An 81-year-old man with a past history of open infrarenal aortic repair, emergent endovascular aortic repair for thoracic aortic rupture, and later perivisceral 4-vessel branched endovascular repair of type I thoracoabdominal aneurysm presented for repair of a concomitant 7.5-cm arch aneurysm. Because of a 44-mm ascending aorta, a tapered 50/44-mm ascending stent-graft was delivered through a transapical access to establish an adequate landing zone before implantation of a 46-mm inner branched arch device via a transfemoral route. Innominate and left subclavian arteries were antegradely cannulated and bridged through the existing transapical path. Conclusion: Our case demonstrates the feasibility of transapical access for cannulation of an arch branched device, while introducing the theoretical possibility of completing the entire procedure through a transapical access.
Endovascular Retrieval of an Embolized Atrial Septal Occluder Device From the Abdominal Aorta
Authors: Crawford Daniel A. , Naidu Sailen G. , Shah Adil A. , Davila Victor J. , Stone William M.
Published: July 2018

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common heart condition in adults. Closure with a septal occluder device is a safe, well-established treatment option with excellent clinical outcomes. One rare complication of percutaneous PFO closure is embolization of the device to the heart chambers or distal vasculature. Most device migrations are recognized during or shortly after implantation. While many endovascular retrievals of migrated devices are successful, there are still a high percentage of surgical interventions performed. We report a case of a septal occluder device that embolized to the abdominal aorta and was discovered 7 days after implantation. Endovascular techniques with a snare and endobronchial forceps were used to retrieve the device safely.
Addressing the Needs of African American Male Smokers Through Community Outreach and Tailored Smoking Cessation Strategies
Authors: Lautner Shelby C. , Garney Whitney R. , Harney Idethia S.
Published: July 2018

The prevalence of adult smokers within the state of Texas population is 19.2% with 25% of those smokers being African American. Although the smoking rate of African Americans in Texas is very high, they only represent about 18% of the calls to the Texas Tobacco Quitline. To investigate this phenomenon, researchers from Texas A&M University completed a qualitative study to investigate the social norms and awareness of the Quitline among African American males. Focus groups were conducted in a rural community to determine perceptions and attitudes towards smoking among the African American population, as this was an exploratory study. The focus group participants were 71% smokers and 90% identified as African American. Data collected during the focus groups revealed information three major themes which were derived from the research question. These themes were social norms of smoking, smoking cessation, and services needed for smoking cessation. Information learned was insightful because little information exists about successful smoking cessation strategies specifically for African American male subpopulations. With this information, data can be further synthesized and outreach strategies can be further developed to help decrease the gap in health equity as it related to African American males and smoking and increase calls to the Quitline.
The influence of alcohol abuse on agitation, delirium and sedative requirements of patients admitted to a general intensive care unit
Authors: Stewart Donald , Kinsella John , McPeake Joanne , Quasim Tara , Puxty Alex
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Patients with alcohol-related disease constitute an increasing proportion of those admitted to intensive care unit. There is currently limited evidence regarding the impact of alcohol use on levels of agitation, delirium and sedative requirements in intensive care unit. This study aimed to determine whether intensive care unit-admitted alcohol-abuse patients have different sedative requirements, agitation and delirium levels compared to patients with no alcohol issues.

Methods

This retrospective analysis of a prospectively acquired database (June 2012–May 2013) included 257 patients. Subjects were stratified into three risk categories: alcohol dependency (n = 69), at risk (n = 60) and low risk (n = 128) according to Fast Alcohol Screening Test scores and World Health Organisation criteria for alcohol-related disease. Data on agitation and delirium were collected using validated retrospective chart-screening methods and sedation data were extracted and then log-transformed to fit the regression model.

Results

Incidence of agitation (p = 0.034) and delirium (p = 0.041) was significantly higher amongst alcohol-dependent patients compared to low-risk patients as was likelihood of adverse events (p = 0.007). In contrast, at-risk patients were at no higher risk of these outcomes compared to the low-risk group. Alcohol-dependent patients experienced suboptimal sedation levels more frequently and received a wider range of sedatives (p = 0.019) but did not receive higher daily doses of any sedatives.

Conclusions

Our analysis demonstrates that when admitted to intensive care unit, it is those who abuse alcohol most severely, alcohol-dependent patients, rather than at-risk drinkers who have a significantly increased risk of agitation, delirium and suboptimal sedation. These patients may require closer assessment and monitoring for these outcomes whilst admitted.
Clinicopathological parameters influencing inhibitor development in patients with hemophilia A receiving on-demand therapy
Authors: Arshad Sanya , Singh Anshima , Awasthi Namrata Punit , Kumari Swati , Husain Nuzhat
Published: July 2018

Background:

Development of inhibitors to transfused factor VIII in patients with hemophilia A continues to be a challenge for professionals involved in hemophilia care. The majority of patients in India receive ‘on-demand’ rather than prophylactic therapy. The present study was done to assess the prevalence of factor VIII inhibitors in patients with hemophilia A (PWHA) receiving ‘on-demand’ therapy in a North Indian population and to study the clinicopathological parameters influencing the development of inhibitors.

Methods:

The study group comprised of 300 PWHA. Detailed clinical parameters, treatment history, bleeding profile including family history were recorded. Diagnosis of hemophilia A was confirmed by relevant coagulation tests. Inhibitors were screened using mixing based studies followed by quantification by Bethesda assay and Nijmegen modified Bethesda assay. Samples were collected from five cities in North India where a free supply of factor VIII was available and effectively used in three of these cities.

Results:

In the 300 PWHA, disease phenotype was severe in 219 (73%), moderate in 62 (20.67%) and mild in 19 (6.34%), based on the factor VIII bioassay. Inhibitor prevalence was 9.6% ( n = 29) and seen only in the severe phenotype. Inhibitor titers ranged from 0.8 to 108.8 BU/ml. A total of 12 PWHA had low and 17 had high titers. Correlation of various clinicopathological parameters in inhibitor-positive versus negative PWHA showed significant correlation with age at onset of disease, severity of disease, age at first exposure to treatment, annual factor intake (IU/kg/year), intense treatment episodes and bleeding manifestations like central nervous system bleed and hematuria. The total study sample had blood group B in 33.34% PWHA, followed by O (27.34%), A (24.34%) and AB (15%), however, in inhibitor-positive samples, significant inhibitor formation was associated with the ABO subtype A (19/29, 65.51%).

Conclusions:

Factor VIII inhibitor prevalence in PWHA receiving ‘on-demand’ therapy was 9.6%. Clinicopathological correlates of inhibitor development in such PWHA have been analyzed in this novel study.
A delayed presentation of splenic laceration and hemoperitoneum following an elective colonoscopy: A rare complication with uncertain risk factors
Authors: Zhang Allison N , Sherigar Jagannath M , Guss Debra , Mohanty Smruti R
Published: July 2018

Splenic laceration is a rare yet often underreported complication of colonoscopy that is infrequently discussed with the patient during the consent process. Most cases present within 48 h after the inciting colonoscopy; a delayed presentation is rare. We present a case of splenic laceration with hemoperitoneum that manifested 5 days after the initial colonoscopy. The patient was treated conservatively. Traditionally perceived risk factors such as intra-abdominal adhesions, splenomegaly, anticoagulation use, biopsy, polypectomy, a technically challenging procedure, and anesthesia assistance have not been clearly shown to increase the incidence of splenic injury following a colonoscopy. Since the risk factors of splenic injury remain unclear, the clinical presentation is nonspecific, and the consequences can be serious, the endoscopist should make an effort to inform the patient of this rare complication before the procedure.
Medial Collateral Ligament Injuries Identified at the National Football League Scouting Combine: Assessment of Epidemiological Characteristics, Imaging Findings, and Initial Career Performance
Authors: Logan Catherine A. , Murphy Colin P. , Sanchez Anthony , Dornan Grant J. , Whalen James M. , Price Mark D. , Bradley James P. , LaPrade Robert F. , Provencher Matthew T.
Published: July 2018

Background:

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is one of the most commonly injured structures in the knee, especially in young athletes. The impact of MCL injury on National Football League (NFL) performance in elite collegiate athletes has not yet been described in the literature.

Purpose:

We aim to (1) describe the prevalence and severity of MCL injuries in NFL Combine participants, (2) detail injury management, and (3) analyze the impact of MCL injury on NFL performance in terms of draft position, games played, games started, and snap percentage.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all NFL Combine participants from 2009 to 2015 was performed by reviewing medical records and imaging reports from the combine to identify all players with MCL injuries. A control group was developed from the players evaluated at the combine without MCL injury. For each affected knee, the MCL injury was classified by location and severity based on results of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Each player’s respective NFL draft position, number of NFL games played, number of NFL games started, and NFL snap percentage for the first 2 seasons in the league were collected through the use of NFL.com and Pro-Football-Focus, which are web-based, publicly accessible, comprehensive sports statistics databases.

Results:

A total of 2285 players participated in the NFL Combine between 2009 and 2015. Three hundred one athletes (13.2%) were identified as having MCL injuries; 36 (12%) of the athletes with MCL injury presented with bilateral injuries, for a total of 337 MCL injuries. Additional soft tissue injury was identified on 187 of 337 (55%) MRIs. Players with a history of MCL injury were more likely to play at least 2 years in the NFL compared with those in the control group ( P = .003). Players who had isolated MCL injury performed significantly better compared with athletes who had combined injuries with regard to draft position ( P = .034), proportion playing at least 2 seasons in the NFL ( P = .022), games played ( P = .014), and games started ( P = .020) in the first 2 years. No significant difference was found between players who underwent operative versus nonoperative management of their MCL injury.

Conclusion:

A relatively high percentage of players at the NFL Combine had evidence of MCL injury (13%). A prior history of MCL tear had no negative impact on an athlete’s NFL performance. Players who had isolated MCL injury performed significantly better compared with athletes who had combined injuries with regard to draft position, proportion playing 2 seasons or more in the NFL, and games played and started in the first 2 years.
Inequality in Responsiveness
Authors: Alavi Manijeh , Forouzan Ameneh Setareh , Moradi-Lakeh Maziar , Ardakani Mohammad Reza Khodaie , Shati Mohsen , Noroozi Mehdi , Sajjadi Homeira
Published: July 2018

Objective:

Responsiveness refers to meeting the legitimate expectations of people who interact with the health system. This study aimed to assess the presence of any inequality in responsiveness based on the different sociodemographic groups.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was carried out in Tehran. A total of 610 people with a physical disability from 10 comprehensive physical rehabilitation centers (5 public and 5 private) were included in the study through quota sampling. Data were gathered using the World Health Organization Standard Responsiveness Questionnaire and a sociodemographic checklist. Relative inequality indices were used for the analytical statistics.

Results:

Study respondents between 18 and 59 years and those equal to or older than 60 years formed 78.1% (475/610) and 21.9% (133/610) of the total study sample, respectively. The study sample consisted of 298 (48.7%) women and 312 (51.3%) men, and their mean age was 46.4 and 45.6 years, respectively. No significant inequality was found in responsiveness of total centers based on the socioeconomic status of the study participants. However, in the private comprehensive physical rehabilitation centers, significant inequality was found in responsiveness based on residential area per capita, with more reporting of poor responsiveness by people with physical disability in the lower residential area per capita quintiles (Wagstaff index [WI] = −0.262; P = .01). Inequality in responsiveness was also found in the public centers based on education level, with poorer experience in people with higher level of education quintiles (WI = 0.163; P = .02).

Conclusion:

In the private sector, economic issues are the main reason for the poorer experiences. Furthermore, residential area per capita showed to be a more sensitive index among economic indices to measure inequality. In public sector, education level was the key social factor. More attention and interventions need to be implemented by mid-level policymakers and rehabilitation service providers to meet the needs of people with physical disability.
An eye for azithromycin: review of the literature
Authors: Kagkelaris Kostas A. , Makri Olga E. , Georgakopoulos Constantine D. , Panayiotakopoulos George D.
Published: July 2018

Azithromycin is used widely in clinical practice and recently it is available in topical solution for ophthalmic use. The purpose of the current publication is to summarize the newest information on azithromycin’s clinical usefulness over ocular diseases. A PubMed (National Library of Medicine) and a ScienceDirect search was conducted using the key phrases ‘azithromycin’, ‘meibomian’, ‘blepharitis’, ‘trachoma’, ‘toxoplasmosis’ from 2010 to 2017. Articles were limited to articles published in English or at least having an English abstract. There were no restrictions on age, ethnicity, or geographic locations of patients. Topical azithromycin was found effective and safe in various ocular surface infections, in meibomian gland dysfunction and in trachoma. Also, it may substitute fluoroquinolones in corneal UV cross-linking. The World Health Organization targets for trachoma elimination are being reached only after 3 years of annual mass drug administration. Oral azithromycin can participate in combination regiments for toxoplasmosis, mainly because of its very good safety profile and may play a significant role in toxoplasmosis in pregnancy. Azithromycin is one of the safest antibiotics, well tolerated, and with special pharmacokinetic properties. Also, it is characterized by a broad antimicrobial spectrum. Azithromycin is efficacious for the treatment of a lot of ocular diseases and may be included as monotherapy or in combination therapy in new treatment protocols for more ocular infections. However, more research is needed to determine this.