bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new radiofrequency balloon angioplasty device for atherosclerosis treatment
Authors: Zhao Shiqing , Zou Jincheng , Wang Hongying , Qin Jinbao , Lu Xinwu , Zhang Aili , Xu Lisa X.
Published: June 2020

Background

Restenosis remains a challenge in the treatment of atherosclerosis due to damage to the endothelial layer and induced proliferation of smooth muscle cells. A novel radiofrequency (RF) heating strategy was proposed to selectively ablate atherosclerosis plaque and to thermally inhibit the proliferation of smooth muscle cells while keeping the endothelial cells intact.

Methods

To realize the proposed strategy, a new radiofrequency balloon catheter, consisting of three ports, a three-channel tube, a balloon and an electrode patch, was designed. To evaluate the feasibility of this new design, a phantom experiment with thermocouples measuring temperatures with different voltages applied to the electrodes was conducted. A numerical model was established to obtain the 3D temperature distribution. The heating ability was also evaluated in ex vivo diseased artery samples.

Results

The experimental results showed that the highest temperature could be achieved in a distance from the surface of the balloon as designed. The temperature differences between the highest temperature at 0.78 mm and those of the surface reached 9.87 °C, 12.55 °C and 16.00 °C under applied 15 V, 17.5 V and 20 V heating, respectively. In the circumferential direction, the heating region (above 50 °C) spread from the middle of the two electrodes. The numerical results showed that the cooling effect counteracted the electrical energy deposition in the region close to the electrodes. The thermal lesion could be directed to cover the diseased media away from the catheter surface. The ex vivo heating experiment also confirmed the selective heating ability of the device. The temperature at the targeted site quickly reached the set value. The temperature of the external surface was higher than the inner wall surface temperature of the diseased artery lumen.

Conclusion

Both the experimental and numerical results demonstrated the feasibility of the newly designed RF balloon catheter. The proposed RF microelectrodes heating together with the cooling water convection can realize the desired heating in the deeper site of the blood vessel wall while sparing the thin layer of the endothelium.
A comparison between the low back pain scales for patients with lumbar disc herniation: validity, reliability, and responsiveness
Authors: Yao Min , Xu Bao-ping , Li Zhen-jun , Zhu Sen , Tian Zi-rui , Li De-hua , Cen Jue , Cheng Shao-dan , Wang Yong-jun , Guo Yan-ming , Cui Xue-jun
Published: June 2020

Background

Although the Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ), Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) has shown a preferable psychometric properties in patients with low back pain (LBP), but no study has yet determined these in conservative treatment of patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Thus the current study aimed to compare those scales in LDH patients receiving conservative treatment to select the better option to assess the severity of disease.

Methods

LDH patients were invited to complete the JOABPEQ, NPRS, ODI, RMDQ, and SF-36 twice. The internal consistency was evaluated by the Cronbach’s α. Test-retest reliability was tested by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The relationships of these scales were evaluated by the Pearson correlation coefficients (r). The responsiveness was operationalised using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, as well as the comparison of smallest detectable change (SDC), minimum important change (MIC).

Results

A total of 353 LDH patients were enrolled. Four subscales of the Chinese JOABPEQ were over 0.70, then the ICCs for the test-retest reliability were over 0.75. For functional status, remarked negative correlations could be seen between JOABPEQ Q2-Q4 and ODI, as well as RMDQ (r = − 0.634 to − 0.752). For general health status, remarkable positive correlations could also be seen between Q5 Mental health and SF-36 PCS (r = 0.724) as well as SF-36 MCS (r = 0.736). Besides, the area under of the curves (AUC) of the JOABPEQ ranged from 0.743 to 0.827, indicating acceptale responsiveness, as well as the NPRS, ODI, and RMDQ.

Conclusion

NPRS, and ODI or RMDQ is recommended in studies related to LDH patients, while if the quality of life also is needed to observe, the NPRS, and JOABPEQ would be more appropriate rather than SF-36.
Surgical indication and strategy for liver hemangioma in the caudate lobe: a multi-institutional retrospective analysis with 137 patients
Authors: Cai Wei Long , Ma Xiao Ming , Sun Xu Heng , Ren Tai , Huang Cong Yun , Li Yong Sheng , Wang Xu An , Liu Ying Bin , Peng Shu You
Published: June 2020

Objective

To investigate the surgical indication and tactics for liver hemangioma in the caudate lobe

Methods

From January 1994 to July 2019, 137 patients, including 51 males and 86 females with the average age of 49.2 years old were diagnosed with liver hemangioma in caudate lobe and received treatment at five tertiary referral hospitals. Clinical features, correlations between tumor size and clinical manifestations, treatments, and prognosis were analyzed.

Results

Of the 137 patients identified, 40 (29.20%) patients were asymptomatic, whereas other 94 patients had clinical symptoms mainly presented as upper abdominal discomfort, epigastric distention, upper abdominal dull pain, nausea, and vomiting. Fifteen (93.75%), 18 (39.13%), and 7 (10.45%) patients presented no clinical symptoms among those tumor size was less than 3 cm (D ≤ 3 cm, n = 16), 3 cm < D ≤ 6 cm (n = 46), and 6 cm < D ≤ 9 cm (n = 67), respectively, while all 8 patients with tumor larger than 9 cm were symptomatic. Tumor diameter was obviously associated with the presence of clinical symptoms. In follow-up period, 7 patients in the conservative group (n = 39) received surgery because of tumor growth or symptom appearance. Totally 105 patients received operation including partial resection or isolated complete resection of caudate lobe and caudate lobe resection combined with liver segment resection, right liver resection, or left liver resection. All operations went smoothly, and no severe complications appeared.

Conclusion

Tumor diameter was obviously associated with the presence of clinical symptoms in patients with hemangioma in caudate lobe. Surgical therapy is not recommended for asymptomatic patients and available for patient who has symptoms. Effective surgical strategies should be put into use to reduce operative bleeding.
A GM-CSF-neuroantigen tolerogenic vaccine elicits inefficient antigen recognition events below the CD40L triggering threshold to expand CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ Tregs that inhibit experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)
Authors: Moorman Cody D. , Bastian Alexander G. , DeOca Kayla B. , Mannie Mark D.
Published: June 2020

Background

Tolerogenic vaccines represent antigen-specific interventions designed to re-establish self-tolerance and thereby alleviate autoimmune diseases, which collectively comprise over 100 chronic inflammatory diseases afflicting more than 20 million Americans. Tolerogenic vaccines comprised of single-chain GM-CSF-neuroantigen (GMCSF-NAg) fusion proteins were shown in previous studies to prevent and reverse disease in multiple rodent models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) by a mechanism contingent upon the function of CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). GMCSF-NAg vaccines inhibited EAE in both quiescent and inflammatory environments in association with low-efficiency T cell receptor (TCR) signaling events that elicited clonal expansion of immunosuppressive Tregs.

Methods

This study focused on two vaccines, including GMCSF-MOG (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35–55/MOG35–55) and GMCSF-NFM (neurofilament medium peptide 13–37/NFM13–37), that engaged the transgenic 2D2 TCR with either low or high efficiencies, respectively. 2D2 mice were crossed with FOXP3 IRES eGFP (FIG) mice to track Tregs and further crossed with Rag−/− mice to reduce pre-existing Treg populations.

Results

This study provided evidence that low and high efficiency TCR interactions were integrated via CD40L expression levels to control the Treg/Tcon balance. The high-efficiency GMCSF-NFM vaccine elicited memory Tcon responses in association with activation of the CD40L costimulatory system. Conversely, the low-efficiency GMCSF-MOG vaccine lacked adequate TCR signal strength to elicit CD40L expression and instead elicited Tregs by a mechanism that was impaired by a CD40 agonist. When combined, the low- and high-efficiency GMCSF-NAg vaccines resulted in a balanced outcome and elicited both Tregs and Tcon responses without the predominance of a dominant immunogenic Tcon response. Aside from Treg expansion in 2D2-FIG mice, GMCSF-MOG caused a sustained decrease in TCR-β, CD3, and CD62L expression and a sustained increase in CD44 expression in Tcon subsets. Subcutaneous administration of GMCSF-MOG without adjuvants inhibited EAE in wildtype mice, which had a replete Treg repertoire, but was pathogenic rather than tolerogenic in 2D2-FIG-Rag1−/− mice, which lacked pre-existing Tregs.

Conclusions

This study provided evidence that the GMCSF-MOG vaccine elicited antigenic responses beneath the CD40L triggering threshold, which defined an antigenic niche that drove dominant expansion of tolerogenic myelin-specific Tregs that inhibited EAE.
Rh-CSF1 attenuates neuroinflammation via the CSF1R/PLCG2/PKCε pathway in a rat model of neonatal HIE
Authors: Hu Xiao , Li Shirong , Doycheva Desislava Met , Huang Lei , Lenahan Cameron , Liu Rui , Huang Juan , Xie Shucai , Tang Jiping , Zuo Gang , Zhang John H.
Published: June 2020

Background

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a life-threatening cerebrovascular disease. Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of HIE, in which microglia are key cellular mediators in the regulation of neuroinflammatory processes. Colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1), a specific endogenous ligand of CSF1 receptor (CSF1R), is crucial in microglial growth, differentiation, and proliferation. Recent studies showed that the activation of CSF1R with CSF1 exerted anti-inflammatory effects in a variety of nervous system diseases. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of recombinant human CSF1 (rh-CSF1) and the underlying mechanisms in a rat model of HIE.

Methods

A total of 202 10-day old Sprague Dawley rat pups were used. HI was induced by the right common carotid artery ligation with subsequent exposure of 2.5-h hypoxia. At 1 h and 24 h after HI induction, exogenous rh-CSF1 was administered intranasally. To explore the underlying mechanism, CSF1R inhibitor, BLZ945, and phospholipase C-gamma 2 (PLCG2) inhibitor, U73122, were injected intraperitoneally at 1 h before HI induction, respectively. Brain infarct area, brain water content, neurobehavioral tests, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining were performed.

Results

The expressions of endogenous CSF1, CSF1R, PLCG2, protein kinase C epsilon type (PKCε), and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) were gradually increased after HIE. Rh-CSF1 significantly improved the neurological deficits at 48 h and 4 weeks after HI, which was accompanied by a reduction in the brain infarct area, brain edema, brain atrophy, and neuroinflammation. Moreover, activation of CSF1R by rh-CSF1 significantly increased the expressions of p-PLCG2, p-PKCε, and p-CREB, but inhibited the activation of neutrophil infiltration, and downregulated the expressions of IL-1β and TNF-α. Inhibition of CSF1R and PLCG2 abolished these neuroprotective effects of rh-CSF1 after HI.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that the activation of CSF1R by rh-CSF1 attenuated neuroinflammation and improved neurological deficits after HI. The anti-inflammatory effects of rh-CSF1 partially acted through activating the CSF1R/PLCG2/PKCε/CREB signaling pathway after HI. These results suggest that rh-CSF1 may serve as a potential therapeutic approach to ameliorate injury in HIE patients.
Inpatient stroke rehabilitation: prediction of clinical outcomes using a machine-learning approach
Authors: Harari Yaar , O’Brien Megan K. , Lieber Richard L. , Jayaraman Arun
Published: June 2020

Background

In clinical practice, therapists often rely on clinical outcome measures to quantify a patient’s impairment and function. Predicting a patient’s discharge outcome using baseline clinical information may help clinicians design more targeted treatment strategies and better anticipate the patient’s assistive needs and discharge care plan. The objective of this study was to develop predictive models for four standardized clinical outcome measures (Functional Independence Measure, Ten-Meter Walk Test, Six-Minute Walk Test, Berg Balance Scale) during inpatient rehabilitation.

Methods

Fifty stroke survivors admitted to a United States inpatient rehabilitation hospital participated in this study. Predictors chosen for the clinical discharge scores included demographics, stroke characteristics, and scores of clinical tests at admission. We used the Pearson product-moment and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients to calculate correlations among clinical outcome measures and predictors, a cross-validated Lasso regression to develop predictive equations for discharge scores of each clinical outcome measure, and a Random Forest based permutation analysis to compare the relative importance of the predictors.

Results

The predictive equations explained 70–77% of the variance in discharge scores and resulted in a normalized error of 13–15% for predicting the outcomes of new patients. The most important predictors were clinical test scores at admission. Additional variables that affected the discharge score of at least one clinical outcome were time from stroke onset to rehabilitation admission, age, sex, body mass index, race, and diagnosis of dysphasia or speech impairment.

Conclusions

The models presented in this study could help clinicians and researchers to predict the discharge scores of clinical outcomes for individuals enrolled in an inpatient stroke rehabilitation program that adheres to U.S. Medicare standards.
Traditional Chinese medicine Lingguizhugan decoction treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with spleen-yang deficiency pattern: Study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xu Jingjuan , Wang Ruirui , You Shengfu , Zhang Lei , Zheng Peiyong , Ji Guang , Liu Baocheng
Published: June 2020

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver. One of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms is insulin resistance (IR). Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has showed potential benefits in the management of NAFLD. Lingguizhugan decoction (LGZG) is a representative Chinese herbal formula; however, there is still no rigorous clinical trial supporting its application.

Methods/design

This study will be a three-arm, dose-optimization, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 243 patients with NAFLD will be recruited and randomly assigned to the standard dose LGZG (SLGD) group, low dose LGZG (LLGD) group, or the placebo group based on a ratio of 1:1:1. The treatment period will be 12 weeks and the follow-up period will last 4 weeks. The primary outcome will be the proportions of participants with at least a 1-unit decrease of HOMA-IR from baseline to 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes will include the changes of body weight, body mass index, liver function, blood lipid metabolism, blood glucose metabolism, inflammatory responses, liver-kidney echo ratio by ultrasound, and various scales. Biological samples will also be collected for future researches on mechanism exploration.

Discussion

This study will provide initial evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of LGZG in the treatment of NAFLD with spleen-yang deficiency pattern and promote its application in community healthcare centers. In addition, potential mechanisms will be explored based on studies of oral and gut microbiota.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800014364. Registered on 1 January 2018. The final protocol version was V3.0.
Injury surveillance in elite Paralympic athletes with limb deficiency: a retrospective analysis of upper quadrant injuries
Authors: Heneghan N. R. , Heathcote L. , Martin P. , Spencer S. , Rushton A.
Published: June 2020

Background

Compared to injury surveillance in Olympic athletes relatively little literature exists for Paralympic athletes. Injury surveillance data underpin design and evaluation of injury prevention strategies in elite sport. The aim of this study is investigate upper quadrant injuries in elite athletes with limb deficiency.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of upper quadrant injuries in elite athletes with limb deficiency with available data (2008–2016) was conducted using medical notes extracted from English Institute of Sport (EIS) records. Eligibility criteria included funded athletes, eligible for EIS physiotherapy support with an upper and/or lower limb disability arising from full or partial limb deficiency.

Results

A total 162 injuries from 34 athletes were included. Participant characteristics: 20 males (59%), from 9 sports, with mean age 27 years (range 16–50 years) and 15 with congenital limb loss (44%). Athletes age 20–29 years experienced most injuries, four per athlete. The glenohumeral joint was the reported injury site (23%, n = 38). Index (first) injuries accounted for 77% (n = 128) injuries, 17% (n = 28) a recurrence and 6% (n = 10) an exacerbation. More than half of injuries occurred in training (58%, n = 94), this being slightly higher in those with traumatic limb loss. Athletes with quadruple levels of limb deficiency had double the number of recurrent injuries as those with single or double limb deficiency.

Conclusion

Elite athletes with limb deficiency experience upper quadrant injuries, with glenohumeral joint the most frequently reported. The quality and consistency of data reported limits definitive conclusions, although findings highlight the importance of precision and accuracy in recording injury surveillance to enable implementation of effective injury prevention strategies.
Extracellular vesicle-encapsulated miR-22-3p from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell promotes osteogenic differentiation via FTO inhibition
Authors: Zhang Xueliang , Wang Yongping , Zhao Haiyan , Han Xingwen , Zhao Tong , Qu Peng , Li Guangjie , Wang Wenji
Published: June 2020

Background

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) exhibit the capacity to self-renew and differentiate into multi-lineage cell types, including osteoblasts, which are crucial regulators of fracture healing. Thus, this study aims to investigate the effect of microRNA (miR)-22-3p from BMSC-derived EVs on osteogenic differentiation and its underlying mechanism.

Methods

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were isolated from BMSCs and taken up with BMSCs. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to verify the binding relationship between miR-22-3p and FTO. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments were performed to determine the roles of EV-delivered miR-22-3p and FTO in osteogenic differentiation as well as their regulatory role in the MYC/PI3K/AKT axis. To determine the osteogenic differentiation, ALP and ARS stainings were conducted, and the levels of RUNX2, OCN, and OPN level were determined. In vivo experiment was conducted to determine the function of EV-delivered miR-22-3p and FTO in osteogenic differentiation, followed by ALP and ARS staining.

Results

miR-22-3p expression was repressed, while FTO expression was elevated in the ovariectomized mouse model. Overexpression of miR-22-3p, EV-delivered miR-22-3p, increased ALP activity and matrix mineralization of BMSCs and promoted RUNX2, OCN, and OPN expressions in BMSCs. miR-22-3p negatively targeted FTO expression. FTO silencing rescued the suppressed osteogenic differentiation by EV-delivered miR-22-3p inhibitor. FTO repression inactivated the MYC/PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby enhancing osteogenic differentiation both in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusion

In summary, miR-22-3p delivered by BMSC-derived EVs could result in the inhibition of the MYC/PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby promoting osteogenic differentiation via FTO repression.
The impact of preoperative systemic inflammation on the efficacy of intravenous iron infusion to correct anaemia prior to surgery for colorectal cancer
Authors: McSorley Stephen T. , Anderson John H. , Whittle Thomas , Roxburgh Campbell S. , Horgan Paul G. , McMillan Donald C. , Steele Colin W.
Published: June 2020

Aim

Intravenous iron is increasingly used prior to surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) to correct iron deficiency anaemia and reduce blood transfusion. Its utility in functional iron deficiency (FID) or anaemia of inflammation is less clear. This observational study examined post-iron infusion changes in haemoglobin (Hb) based on grouping by C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin.

Methods

Anaemic (M:Hb < 130 mg/L, F:Hb < 120 mg/L) patients with CRC receiving iron infusion, within a preoperative anaemia detection and correction protocol, at a single centre between 2016 and 2019 were included. Patients were grouped by iron deficiency (ferritin < 30 μg/L and CRP ≤ 5 mg/L, n = 18), FID (ferritin < 30 μg/L and CRP > 5 mg/L, n = 17), anaemia of inflammation (ferritin ≥ 30 μg/L and CRP > 5 mg/L, n = 6), and anaemia of other causes (ferritin ≥ 30 μg/L and CRP ≤ 5 mg/L, n = 6). Median change in Hb and postoperative day (POD) 1 Hb was compared by Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results

Iron-deficient patients had the greatest increase in Hb after infusion (24 mg/L), highest POD 1 Hb (108 mg/L), and required no blood transfusions. Patients with FID had the second greatest increase in Hb (15 mg/L) and second highest POD 1 Hb (103 mg/L). Those with anaemia of inflammation had little increase in Hb after infusion (3 mg/L) and lower POD 1 Hb (102 mg/L) than either iron-deficient group. Those without iron deficiency showed a decrease in haemoglobin after infusion (− 5 mg/L) and lowest POD 1 Hb (95 mg/L).

Conclusions

Preoperative intravenous iron is less efficacious in patients with anaemia of inflammation and FID undergoing surgery for CRC, compared with true iron deficiency. Further understanding of the role of perioperative iron infusions is required for maximum gain from therapy.
Exploring the homogeneity of theft offenders in spatio-temporal crime hotspots
Authors: Chen Tongxin , Bowers Kate , Cheng Tao , Zhang Yang , Chen Peng
Published: June 2020

Offender homogeneity occurs when the same criminal group is composed of offenders with similar attributes (e.g., socio-economic-demographics). Exploring the homogeneity of offenders within spatio-temporal crime hotspots (STCHs) is useful for understanding not only the generational mechanisms of crime hotspots, but also has crime prevention implications. However, the homogeneity of offenders within STCHs has not been explored in criminological studies hitherto. Indeed, current techniques of STCH detection are limited to using statistical clustering methods in existing studies that lack the ability to identify the shape of STCHs or the distribution and variety of offences/offender activity with them. In this study, we utilise a spatio-temporal clustering algorithm called ST-DBSCAN to determine STCHs. We then propose novel entropy-based indices that measure the similarity of offenders (and offences) within STCHs. The method is demonstrated using theft crime records in the central area of Beijing, China. The results show that theft in the city is concentrated in a narrow space and time span (STCHs) and that within these associated offenders with similar social demographics, referred to as homogeneous offender groups are detectable.
Whole-genome sequencing of Chinese centenarians reveals important genetic variants in aging WGS of centenarian for genetic analysis of aging
Authors: Shen Shuhua , Li Chao , Xiao Luwei , Wang Xiaoming , Lv Hang , Shi Yuan , Li Yixue , Huang Qi
Published: June 2020

Background

Genetic research on longevity has provided important insights into the mechanism of aging and aging-related diseases. Pinpointing import genetic variants associated with aging could provide insights for aging research.

Methods

We performed a whole-genome sequencing in 19 centenarians to establish the genetic basis of human longevity.

Results

Using SKAT analysis, we found 41 significantly correlated genes in centenarians as compared to control genomes. Pathway enrichment analysis of these genes showed that immune-related pathways were enriched, suggesting that immune pathways might be critically involved in aging. HLA typing was next performed based on the whole-genome sequencing data obtained. We discovered that several HLA subtypes were significantly overrepresented.

Conclusions

Our study indicated a new mechanism of longevity, suggesting potential genetic variants for further study.
The precision and agreement of corneal thickness and keratometry measurements with SS-OCT versus Scheimpflug imaging
Authors: Zhao Yune , Chen Ding , Savini Giacomo , Wang Qing , Zhang Hongfang , Jin Yili , Song Benhao , Ning Rui , Huang Jinhai , Mei Chenyang
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To assess the repeatability and reproducibility of swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and Scheimpflug system and evaluate the agreement between the two systems in measuring multiple corneal regions in children.

Methods

Pachymetric and keratometric maps for both systems were evaluated. Central, midperipheral and peripheral corneal thickness (CT), keratometry and astigmatism power vectors were recorded. The three outcomes yielded by the same observer were used to assess intraobserver repeatability. The differences in the mean values provided by each observer were used to evaluate interobserver reproducibility. Within-subject standard deviation, test-retest repeatability (TRT) and coefficient of variation (CoV) were used to analyze the intraobserver repeatability and interobserver reproducibility. Paired T-test and Bland-Altman were used to appraise interdevice agreement.

Results

Seventy-eight eyes of 78 children were included. The CoV was ≤2.12 and 1.10%, respectively, for repeatability and reproducibility. TRT and CoV were lower for central and paracentral CT measurements than for peripheral measurements. The SS-OCT device generated higher precision when acquiring CT data, whereas Scheimpflug system showed higher reliability when measuring corneal keratometry. Although the CT readings measured using SS-OCT were significantly thinner than Scheimpflug device (P <  0.001), the central and thinnest CT values were still of high agreement. The interdevice agreement of keratometry measurement was high for the central corneal region and moderate for the paracentral and peripheral areas.

Conclusions

The precision of CT measurements by SS-OCT was higher, while the reliability of keratometry measurements by the Scheimpflug system was higher in children. Apart from the measured values in the central corneal region, the thickness and keratometry readings should not be considered interchangeable between the two systems.
Who is at risk? Gendered psychological correlates in Italian students’ sexual risk profiles
Authors: Pirani Elena , Matera Camilla
Published: June 2020

Recent research has shown that sexual risk behaviours are rising substantially among Italian youth, but this evidence is still undervalued in public discussion. Adopting a multidimensional perspective for sexual risk and addressing gender differences, the present study investigates if and how some individuals’ psychological characteristics—namely body satisfaction, self-esteem and body sensation-seeking—are associated with unsafe and risky sexual behaviours of Italian emerging adults. We exploited the survey SELFY—Sexual and Emotional LiFe of Youths—conducted in 2017 in Italy. Several key points may be highlighted from our study. First, we identify two clusters characterized by high sexual risk-taking behaviours, which include one third of our sample, a non-negligible proportion. Second, we prove that women are generally less inclined to adopt risk-taking behaviours in sexual life. Third, our findings show that body satisfaction, self-esteem and sensation seeking are differently linked to sexual risk taking among women and men. Body satisfaction is associated with a higher probability of adopting risky and promiscuous sexual behaviours among men, while the relationship is not significant among women. Sensation seeking shows a certain relevance in defining sexual risk profiles, especially for men. Overall, our research suggests that body image and self-worth could be relevant areas of intervention for sexual health programs targeting emerging Italian adults. Notably, communication and education strategies on these issues should be differentiated for women and men.
The importance of recognizing multiples in legacy data: A case study from the Brazilian equatorial margin
Authors: Leopoldino Oliveira Karen M. , Bedle Heather , Araujo Gabriel de A. , Castelo Branco Mariano
Published: June 2020

Summary

The Ceará Basin is a deepwater exploration frontier basin that comprises part of the Brazilian equatorial margin. This basin has been receiving renewed attention from the petroleum industry since the discovery of important deepwater oil fields in its African counterpart. However, detailed seismic stratigraphic, depositional, and structural frameworks for the Ceará Basin are still lacking in the literature. We have analyzed a series of 2D seismic data sets and stumbled into the pitfalls of migration artifacts (i.e., multiples) ultimately realizing that reprocessing was the best option to avoid the mistake of interpreting these artifacts as geologic features. Multiples can be difficult to identify in seismic data in which they mimic the true geology of the region, and they often present a pitfall for less experienced interpreters. Indeed, the identification and removal of multiples is crucial because they do not reflect the true geology in the subsurface and may otherwise lead to incorrect business decisions.

Geological feature: Stratigraphy of the Ceará Basin, offshore Brazil Seismic appearance: Strong seismic horizons mimicking geological layering Alternative interpretations: Multiples arising from poor seismic migration processing Features with similar appearance: Strong seismic horizons reflecting basement and carbonates Formation: Rift sequence of the Ceará Basin Age: Cretaceous Location: Ceará Basin, offshore Brazil Seismic data: Obtained by the Brazilian National Petroleum Agency and reprocessed by the authors Analysis tool: Reprocessing
Hospital Characteristics and Breast Cancer Survival in the California Breast Cancer Survivorship Consortium
Authors: Shariff-Marco Salma , Ellis Libby , Yang Juan , Koo Jocelyn , John Esther M. , Keegan Theresa H.M. , Cheng Iona , Monroe Kristine R. , Vigen Cheryl , Kwan Marilyn L. , Lu Yani , Bernstein Leslie , Wu Anna H. , Gomez Scarlett Lin , Kurian Allison W.
Published: June 2020

INTRODUCTION:

Racial/ethnic disparities in breast cancer survival are well documented, but the influence of health care institutions is unclear. We therefore examined the effect of hospital characteristics on survival.

METHODS:

Harmonized data pooled from 5 case-control and prospective cohort studies within the California Breast Cancer Survivorship Consortium were linked to the California Cancer Registry and the California Neighborhoods Data System. The study included 9,701 patients with breast cancer who were diagnosed between 1993 and 2007. First reporting hospitals were classified by hospital type—National Cancer Institute (NCI) –designated cancer center, American College of Surgeons (ACS) Cancer Program, other—and hospital composition of the neighborhood socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity of patients with cancer. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for clinical and patient-level prognostic factors were used to examine the influence of hospital characteristics on survival.

RESULTS:

Fewer than one half of women received their initial care at an NCI-designated cancer center (5%) or ACS program (38%) hospital. Receipt of initial care in ACS program hospitals varied by race/ethnicity—highest among non-Latina White patients (45%), and lowest among African Americans (21%). African-American women had superior breast cancer survival when receiving initial care in ACS hospitals versus other hospitals (non-ACS program and non–NCI-designated cancer center; hazard ratio, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.83). Other hospital characteristics were not associated with survival.

CONCLUSION:

African American women may benefit significantly from breast cancer care in ACS program hospitals; however, most did not receive initial care at such facilities. Future research should identify the aspects of ACS program hospitals that are associated with higher survival and evaluate strategies by which to enhance access to and use of high-quality hospitals, particularly among African American women.
Bone and Mineral Metabolism in Children with Nephropathic Cystinosis Compared with other CKD Entities
Authors: Ewert Annika , Leifheit-Nestler Maren , Hohenfellner Katharina , Büscher Anja , Kemper Markus J , Oh Jun , Billing Heiko , Thumfart Julia , Stangl Gabriele , Baur Anja C , Föller Michael , Feger Martina , Weber Lutz T , Acham-Roschitz Birgit , Arbeiter Klaus , Tönshoff Burkhard , Zivicnjak Miroslav , Haffner Dieter
Published: June 2020

Context

Children with nephropathic cystinosis (NC) show persistent hypophosphatemia, due to Fanconi syndrome, as well as mineral and bone disorders related to chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, systematic analyses are lacking.

Objective

To compare biochemical parameters of bone and mineral metabolism between children with NC and controls across all stages of CKD.

Design

Cross-sectional multicenter study.

Setting

Hospital clinics.

Patients

Forty-nine children with NC, 80 CKD controls of the same age and CKD stage.

Main outcome measures

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), soluble Klotho, bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRAP5b), sclerostin, osteoprotegerin (OPG), biochemical parameters related to mineral metabolism, and skeletal comorbidity.

Results

Despite Fanconi syndrome medication, NC patients showed an 11-fold increased risk of short stature, bone deformities, and/or requirement for skeletal surgery compared with CKD controls. This was associated with a higher frequency of risk factors such as hypophosphatemia, hypocalcemia, low parathyroid hormone (PTH), metabolic acidosis, and a specific CKD stage-dependent pattern of bone marker alterations. Pretransplant NC patients in mild to moderate CKD showed a delayed increase or lacked an increase in FGF23 and sclerostin, and increased BAP, TRAP5b, and OPG concentrations compared with CKD controls. Post-transplant, BAP and OPG returned to normal, TRAP5b further increased, whereas FGF23 and PTH were less elevated compared with CKD controls and associated with higher serum phosphate.

Conclusions

Patients with NC show more severe skeletal comorbidity associated with distinct CKD stage-dependent alterations of bone metabolism than CKD controls, suggesting impaired mineralization and increased bone resorption, which is only partially normalized after renal transplantation.
Coaxial Electrospun Fibermat of Poly(AM/DAAM)/ADH and PCL: Versatile Platform for Functioning Active Enzymes
Authors: Tanikawa Yuji , Ido Yuya , Ando Ren , Obata Akiko , Nagata Kenji , Kasuga Toshihiro , Mizuno Toshihisa
Published: June 2020

In this study, we prepared and characterized enzyme (α-chymotrypsin or lactase)-encapsulating core-shell fibermats by electrospinning. The hydrophilic copolymer of acrylamide (AM) and diacetone acrylamide (DAAM), poly(AM/DAAM), was used as the base material to obtain the core unit of nanofibers. During electrospinning, poly(AM/DAAM) was crosslinked with the bifunctional crosslinker adipic acid dihydrazide (ADH) in the presence of enzyme molecules. The cores were wrapped with hydrophobic poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) layers as shell unit. Different from the fibermats of only poly(AM/DAAM)/ADH, the core-shell fibermat of poly(AM/DAAM)/ADH and PCL exhibited sufficient mechanical strength and stability of the stacked nanofibrous structure in a neutral-pH buffer. Furthermore, when the PCL-shell thickness was controlled to be less than 150 nm, the encapsulated enzymes exhibited an apparent activity of >70–80% for low-molecular weight substrates in an immersion buffer. These results indicate that the core-shell fibermats of poly(AM/DAAM)/ADH and PCL (or other hydrophobic polymer) could be used as effective enzyme-immobilizing platforms.
Aerobic Exercise for Sport-related Concussion: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: LANGEVIN PIERRE , FRÉMONT PIERRE , FAIT PHILIPPE , DUBÉ MARC-OLIVIER , BERTRAND-CHARETTE MICHAËL , Roy Jean-Sébastien
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Approximately 25% of people with sport-related concussion (SRC) experiences persistent symptoms. The 2016 Berlin consensus on SRC recommends symptom-limited aerobic exercise as a rehabilitation option for persistent symptoms after concussion. However, this recommendation is based on a limited body of knowledge because there is uncertainty about the effectiveness of such interventions. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the effects of symptom-limited aerobic exercise programs compared with control interventions on symptom intensity in individuals with SRC.

Methods

A structured search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAL, and EBM reviews. Randomized clinical trials (RCT) including aerobic exercise programs as an intervention for SRC were included. After selection, the risk of bias and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation recommendations were applied to pooled studies for quantitative analysis. Standard mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. A descriptive analysis was also performed.

Results

Seven RCT (326 participants) in adolescent populations were included. Three of seven RCT had a high risk of bias. Symptom-limited aerobic exercise programs have a significant beneficial effect on the perception of symptoms (6 studies, 277 participants, low-quality evidence; pooled SMD, −0.44; 95% CI, −0.68 to −0.19). When introduced in the acute phase, symptom-limited aerobic exercise programs have a significant beneficial effect on symptomatic recovery compared with control interventions (3 studies, 206 participants, moderate quality evidence, pooled SMD, −0.43; 95% CI, −0.71 to −0.15).

Conclusions

Symptom-limited aerobic exercise programs are beneficial in improving symptoms of adolescents after an SRC. Good-quality studies are needed to determine effects on adults and on other outcomes.
Survival prediction for oral tongue cancer patients via probabilistic genetic algorithm optimized neural network models
Authors: Pan Xiaoying , Zhang Ting , Yang QingPing , Yang Di , Rwigema Jean-Claude , Qi X. Sharon
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

High throughput pre-treatment imaging features may predict radiation treatment outcome and guide individualized treatment in radiotherapy (RT). Given relatively small patient sample (as compared with high dimensional imaging features), identifying potential prognostic imaging biomarkers is typically challenging. We aimed to develop robust machine learning methods for patient survival prediction using pre-treatment quantitative CT image features for a subgroup of head-and-neck cancer patients.

Methods:

Three neural network models, including back propagation (BP), Genetic Algorithm-Back Propagation (GA-BP), and Probabilistic Genetic Algorithm-Back Propagation (PGA-BP) neural networks were trained to simulate association between patient survival and radiomics data in radiotherapy. To evaluate the models, a subgroup of 59 head-and-neck patients with primary cancers in oral tongue area were utilized. Quantitative image features were extracted from planning CT images, a novel t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE) method was used to remove irrelevant and redundant image features before fed into the network models. 80% patients were used to train the models, and remaining 20% were used for evaluation.

Results:

Of the three supervised machine-learning methods studied, PGA-BP yielded the best predictive performance. The reported actual patient survival interval of 30.5 ± 21.3 months, the predicted survival times were 47.3 ± 38.8, 38.5 ± 13.5 and 29.9 ± 15.3 months using the traditional PCA. Combining with the novel t-SNE dimensionality reduction algorithm, the predicted survival intervals are 35.8 ± 15.2, 32.3 ± 13.1 and 31.6 ± 15.8 months for the BP, GA-BP and PGA-BP neural network models, respectively.

Conclusion:

The work demonstrated that the proposed probabilistic genetic algorithm optimized neural network models, integrating with the t-SNE dimensionality reduction algorithm, achieved accurate prediction of patient survival.

Advances in knowledge:

The proposed PGA-BP neural network, integrating with an advanced dimensionality reduction algorithm (t-SNE), improved patient survival prediction accuracy using pre-treatment quantitative CT image features of head-and-neck cancer patients.
Forms of Unfree Labour in Brazil: Dealing with Racism and Racialisation in Amazonian Agriculture
Authors: Harnoncourt Julia
Published: June 2020

Unlike many other countries, the Brazilian state has created institutions and actions against unfree labour. In addition, unfree labour is a topic that appears in popular media as well as in scientific research. Poverty is generally attributed as the only factor making people vulnerable to the promises of labour recruiters, while the intersection between class and race is denied. In this article, which takes the Brazilian example, racism is seen as a structural element of unfree labour. Two factors play a big role in this intersection: first, structural racism and, second, racism as a theory of legitimation. As regards the first, imagined races influence one’s chances of having a good education as well as lead to segregation in the job and housing markets, etc. Black people in Brazil are more likely to be poor and have lower chances of upward mobility. As these structures are also mirrored in unfree labour formation, most of unfree labourers in Brazil are black, even though skin colour does not constitute a factor for labour recruiters or estate owners in choosing labourers. As regards the second, when poor people are racialised, they are ascribed specific characteristics. These mostly legitimise their subordinated position as well as their poverty. In Brazil, it could be argued that the category of the peão de trecho (migrant labourer) has been racialised. This group of subaltern labourers are seen as totally irrational people who do not possess the ability to plan their future, but who could be, with the correct guidance, potentially good labourers. Therefore, the exploitation of the peões de trecho is attributed to their characteristic traits and not to labour relations. Additionally, structural factors – as, for example, the lack of access to basic resources – are negated, making poverty a problem of merit and not of chances. Using the example of unfree labour in Brazilian agriculture, this article presents racism and racialisation as factors structuring the labour market as a whole.
Dimitris Stamatopoulos, ed., Balkan Nationalism(s) and the Ottoman Empire
Authors: Moiras Leonidas
Published: June 2020

Review of Dimitris Stamatopoulos, ed., Balkan Nationalism(s) and the Ottoman Empire. Istanbul: The Isis Press, 2015. 3 vols. 710 pp.
For a New Global Labour History: A View from Eastern Europe
Authors: Cucu Alina-Sandra
Published: June 2020

This article investigates the recent attempts to integrate Eastern Europe in global labour history as a unique opportunity to formulate an intellectual agenda that would place the region on the global map, but on its own analytical terms. Based on two interconnected research projects on industrial labour in socialist Romania, it argues that these integration efforts have to start with a systematic endeavour to bring labour history and the history of capital formation in the region together. The endeavour of articulating a truly global labour history from a specifically Eastern European angle requires us to reconsider the scale(s) at which we construct our narratives, moving away from an epistemological perspective that favours eventful fractures and towards a processual analysis of labour in the region.
Mitsos Bilalis, Το παρελθόν στο δίκτυο: Εικόνα, τεχνολογία και ιστορική κουλτούρα στη σύγχρονη Ελλάδα (1994–2005) [Online pasts: image, technology and historical culture in contemporary Greece, 1994–2005]
Authors: Sichani Anna-Maria
Published: June 2020

Review of Mitsos Bilalis, Το παρελθόν στο δίκτυο: Εικόνα, τεχνολογία και ιστορική κουλτούρα στη σύγχρονη Ελλάδα (1994–2005) [Online pasts: image, technology and historical culture in contemporary Greece, 1994–2005].Athens: Historein; National Documentation Centre, 2015. 182 pp.
Are autonomous vehicles the future of mobility?
Authors: Drakoulakou G. , Argyri P.
Published: June 2020

Autonomous vehicles, as well as many other technological inventions, are at the center of attention because of the rapid revolution in the use of new technologies. Autonomous vehicles have been an area of scientific study and research for a very long time. However, the era when driverless cars move in streets is yet to come. That creates the rational question: Are autonomous vehicles really the future of mobility or are they just another viral utopia that will not come true? Most people do not know what exactly that phenomenon is about, thus not understanding the boundaries and hardships of the adaption of such a venture. To figure out what stops driverless vehicles from becoming our reality, we need to examine factors such as what autonomy really is, in what level can and should we achieve autonomy and how will these vehicles exactly operate. That is why it is considered as important to analyze these issues in this paper, as well as the conclusions that emerge as a result of my participation in the European Student Science Parliament, as well as of discussions and interviews with my classmates. After analyzing all the positions, judgments and discussions, the most important problems regarding the adoption of this invention, along with proposing realistic and effective solutions for each of them, are recorded.
Citi.gen Z+: the citizens of tomorrow
Authors: Maragkaki A. , Oikonomopoulou N. , Panigyraki D. , Argyri P.
Published: June 2020

The name of our project is CITI.GEN Z+. The word citi.gen is a combination of citizen and generation, Z is the number of our generation and + refers to all the future ones. We chose this name because it fully expresses our cause, which is to help the members of the new generations become the global citizens of tomorrow. An overview of global challenges of our world, leads to a basic question ‘How citizens are we?’ and more specific ‘How citizens are the next generation’. In those terms, we design a research to measure the impact in attitudes of global problems to our school community. The methodology based on qualitative and quantitative analysis. As expected, results of this project are the change of the youth’s mentality on matters that affect everyone’s future. We have decided to put together a team of professionals that will help adolescents get through issues they might be faced with and in general aid them in improving their lifestyle. With the passage of time, this “club” will expand and hopefully support all the kids in need. This way, we will create a society where citizens are informed and activated to ameliorate the future.