bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducts in Intuitionistic Fuzzy β-covering ApproximationSpacesWhileRemovingandAdding Objects of theUniverse
Authors: Mao Lingling
Published: November 2020

The problem of reducts is the main problem in all rough set models. In the paper, we propose the concept of the reduct in an intuitionisticfuzzyβ-covering approximation space (IFCAS). Furthermore, reducts in IFCASs are investigated while adding and removing some objects of the universe. Firstly, the notion of the reduct in an IFCAS is presented. It can be regarded as the generalization of the reduct in covering and fuzzy β-covering approximation spaces. Then, two new IFCASs are presented while adding and removing some objects of the original universe. Finally,somepropertiesofreductsofintuitionisticfuzzy (IF)β-coveringsareinvestigatedwhileadding and removing someobjects.
Time series forecasting method based on frequent pattern mining
Authors: Qu Jintao , Cui Xiaohui , Meng Xiuyang , Zheng Senyang
Published: November 2020

Pattern Sequence-based Forecasting (PSF) is an effective method for time series prediction. However, the accuracy of this method depends on the selection of parameters such as the length of the pattern sequence and the number of clusters. In diverse time series data sets, these parameters are often priori unknown. This paper innovatively introduces a pattern mining method before the PSF pattern clustering to guide the clustering process and realize the automation of initial parameter selection. Experimental results show that the method proposed in this paper effectively eliminates the uncertainty of PSF caused by the selection of initial parameters. Compared with the original model, it improves the efficiency while ensuring the advantage of prediction accuracy.
Research on the Development Trend of Computer Science and Technology in the “Internet +" Era
Authors: Du Juan
Published: November 2020

In the process of the continuous development of social economy and science and technology, the demand for computer science and technology in various industries is constantly expanding, which to a large extent promotes the development of the computer industry. In the current process of social development, computer science and technology have changed people’s daily life and production methods to a large extent. Moreover, computer science and technology are closely related to information. Therefore, this article studies and analyzes the development trend of computer science and technology in the “Internet +" era from the perspective of social development to explore the practical application of computer science and technology. This will help further promote the development of computer science and technology in the “Internet +" era.
Application of Deep Learning in Vehicle Driverless Technology
Authors: chentian Ma
Published: November 2020

In recent years, due to the rapid development of deep learning, the application of deep learning in the field of unmanned vehicle driving has achieved good results through a large number of experiments. First of all,this paper introduces the development of driverless technology at home and abroad, then it introduces the theoretical basis of deep learning. The aim is to give readers a quick look at the history and current status of driverless technology and readers can understand the importance of deep learning in the field of driverless technology at the same time. Secondly, this paper introduced different intelligent scene recognition and compared them to find out which technology is more suitable for the current situation. Finally, the paper proposes the optimization scheme that can be improved or improved according to the shortcomings of the intelligent scene recognition technology and the problems and the development prospects of intelligent vehicles.
Discussion on the Ways to Improve the Financial Intelligence of Small and Micro Enterprises
Authors: Mu Ping
Published: November 2020

With the continuous development of information technology in my country, modern information technology has been widely and universally used in various industries. The development of corporate financial work has gradually applied information technology to it. Realizing financial intelligent management can effectively improve the level and effect of enterprise financial management. Because small and micro enterprises are generally relatively small in scale, insufficient funds, and low technical level. Therefore, in the process of promoting the construction and development of financial intelligence in the operation and development of small and micro enterprises, there are still problems such as insufficient professionalism of managers, weak development and use capabilities of intelligent financial software, and lack of complete systems and management systems. This has seriously affected the development and utility of financial intelligence. This article is mainly based on the related theories of financial intelligence, discussing and analyzing the status quo and problems of small and micro enterprises’ financial intelligence discovery. This article analyzes the reasons that influence the development of financial intelligence of small and micro enterprises and the ways to improve financial intelligence, hoping to help the management and development of small and micro enterprises.
Design of Bluetooth anti-lost Device Based on 51 Series Single Chip Microcomputer
Authors: Lu Xue , Sha Li , Luo Junbo
Published: November 2020

n order to solve the problems like the difficulty of people to retrieve the lost valuables in daily life and rampant theft in crowded areas, a practical Bluetooth anti-loss device based on 51 series single-chip microcomputer is proposed in this paper. It can effectively avoid the risk of users’ valuables being stolen or left behind, which has a very good market prospect. Based on the Bluetooth communication technology, this paper introduces the working principle of the Bluetooth tracker, and designs its hardware system circuit, including power module, crystal oscillator module, button module, alarm circuit, core controller, Bluetooth module and so on. The master and slave uses the same program design, by constantly sending handshake information to each other and using a timer to detect whether the other one is disconnected or not, achieves the anti-loss and anti-theft function. The Bluetooth anti-loss device designed has the advantages of high reliability, strong functionality, and high performance-to-price ratio.
Mask Guided Pedestrian Tracking from Single Point Initialization
Authors: Zhu Junan , Chen Tao , Cao Jingtai
Published: November 2020

Pedestrian tracking has a wide range of applications, such as intelligent monitoring and unmanned driving. In pedestrian tracking system, object detection algorithms are generally used to provide the initial bounding boxes for object tracking algorithms. If the bounding box provided by detection algorithm is not accurate, it will seriously affect the performance of object tracking. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a mask guided pedestrian tracking algorithm based on Siamese network. Firstly, Mask R-CNN is introduced to acquire exemplar image and its mask. Secondly, a light-weight convolutional neural network (CNN) is applied as the backbone of proposed algorithm. Thirdly, a channel attention module is introduced to our proposed algorithm and integrated with the light-weight CNN. The feature maps of the exemplar image and its mask are adjusted by a channel attention model and fused to enhance the discrimination ability of exemplar branch. Finally, our proposed tracker is trained GOT-10k dataset and evaluated on object tracking benchmark (OTB), experimental results show the excellent performance of proposed algorithm compared with state-of-the-art trackers.
Influence of equal-channel angular pressing on the functional characteristics of biodegradable Fe-based alloys
Authors: Rybalchenko O V , Anisimova N Yu , Kiselevsky M V , Rybalchenko G V , Martynenko N S , Tabachkova N Yu , Bochvar N R , Shchetinin I V , Tokar A A , Raab A G , Dobatkin S V
Published: November 2020

In this work samples of Fe-Mn alloys were subjected to equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) in order to study the effect of the resulting microstructure on the mechanical properties, biodegradation rate, and biocompatibilityin vitroof the alloys. The microstructure of the alloys was studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, as well as by X-ray diffraction analysis. Mechanical properties were studied by microhardness and tensile tests. It is shown that as a result of deformation by the ECAP method, a predominantly austenitic ultrafine-grained (UFG) structure is formed, shear bands up to 600 nm thick and nanosized twins up to 40 nm thick were observed. The release of α-Mn particles in the ECAP process was revealed. Due to the structure refinement and twinning during ECAP, the strength characteristics of Fe-Mn alloys were significantly increased compared to the corresponding alloys in the initial annealed state. An increase in the propensity to biodegradation of UFG alloys with their satisfactory hemocompatibility was observed.
A St Petersburg Paradox for risky welfare aggregation
Authors: Goodsell Zachary
Published: November 2020

The principle of Anteriority says that prospects that are identical from the perspective of every possible person’s welfare are equally good overall. The principle enjoys prima facie plausibility, and has been employed for various theoretical purposes. Here it is shown using an analogue of the St Petersburg Paradox that Anteriority is inconsistent with central principles of axiology.
Influence of handler relationships and experience on health parameters, glucocorticoid responses and behaviour of semi-captive Asian elephants
Authors: Crawley J A H , Liehrmann O , Franco dos Santos D J , Brown J , Nyein U K , Aung H H , Htut W , Oo Z Min , Seltmann M W , Webb J L , Lahdenperä M , Lummaa V
Published: November 2020

Declining wild populations combined with accumulating captive populations of e.g. livestock, pets, draught and zoo animals have resulted in some threatened species with substantial proportions of their populations in captivity. The interactions animals have with humans in captivity depend on handler familiarity and relationship quality and can affect animal health, growth and reproduction with consequences for the success of conservation programmes. However, assessments of how specific human–animal relationships affect a range of physiological and behavioural outcomes are rare. Here, we studied semi-captive Asian elephants with detailed records of elephant–handler (mahout) relationships and veterinary management, allowing assessment of multiple welfare indicators in relation to specific mahout–elephant relationship lengths and mahout experience. These included measures of physiological stress (faecal glucocorticoid metabolite [FGM], heterophil:lymphocyte ratio [H:L]), muscle damage (creatine kinase [CK]), immunological health (total white blood cell count [TWBC]) and behaviour (response to mahout verbal commands). We found no evidence that FGM or H:L related to aspects of the mahout–elephant relationship. Longer overall mahout experience (i.e. years of being a mahout) was linked to increased muscle damage and inflammation, but the lengths of specific mahout–elephant relationships were inversely associated with muscle damage in working-age elephants. Elephants responded more to familiar mahouts in behavioural tasks and faster to mahouts they had known for longer. In summary, our results found little evidence that the mahout–elephant relationship affects physiological stress in this population based on FGM and H:L, but mahout experience and relationships were linked to other physiological responses (CK, TWBC), and elephants require behavioural adjustment periods following mahout changes.
SSNOMBACTER: A collection of scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy images of bacterial cells
Authors: Lucidi Massimiliano , Tranca Denis E , Nichele Lorenzo , Ünay Devrim , Stanciu George A , Visca Paolo , Holban Alina Maria , Hristu Radu , Cincotti Gabriella , Stanciu Stefan G
Published: November 2020

Background

In recent years, a variety of imaging techniques operating at nanoscale resolution have been reported. These techniques have the potential to enrich our understanding of bacterial species relevant to human health, such as antibiotic-resistant pathogens. However, owing to the novelty of these techniques, their use is still confined to addressing very particular applications, and their availability is limited owing to associated costs and required expertise. Among these, scattering-type scanning near field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) has been demonstrated as a powerful tool for exploring important optical properties at nanoscale resolution, depending only on the size of a sharp tip. Despite its huge potential to resolve aspects that cannot be tackled otherwise, the penetration of s-SNOM into the life sciences is still proceeding at a slow pace for the aforementioned reasons.

Results

In this work we introduce SSNOMBACTER, a set of s-SNOM images collected on 15 bacterial species. These come accompanied by registered Atomic Force Microscopy images, which are useful for placing nanoscale optical information in a relevant topographic context.

Conclusions

The proposed dataset aims to augment the popularity of s-SNOM and for accelerating its penetration in life sciences. Furthermore, we consider this dataset to be useful for the development and benchmarking of image analysis tools dedicated to s-SNOM imaging, which are scarce, despite the high need. In this latter context we discuss a series of image processing and analysis applications where SSNOMBACTER could be of help.
A health policy analysis of the implementation of the National Tobacco Control Act in Nigeria
Authors: Udokanma Echezona Ejike , Ogamba Ikedinachi , Ilo Cajetan
Published: November 2020

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as a public health issue of concern in Nigeria. The massive increase in tobacco use amongst different population groups is a common NCDs risk factor. To this effect, the National Tobacco Control Act (NTCA) was enacted following the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). This article conducts a health policy agenda-setting analysis of the NTCA using the Kingdon’s multiple streams model and analyses its implementation using the Principal-Agent theory. The purposive and snowballing sampling methods were used to select and review relevant peer-review literature. Other data sources included gray literature, government reports, Non-Governmental Organization briefs and media resources. Though NTCA conforms to WHO FCTC, Nigeria only domesticated her obligation to this framework legislatively while the executive and administrative measures were found lacking. The challenges and gaps identified in the NTCA implementation include; revision of textual health warnings and lack of pictorial health warnings on cigarette packs, poor taxation, and the National Tobacco Control Commission’s (NTCC) lack of regulatory autonomy, hence, the poor policy implementation reported in this article. To effectively implement NTCA, a review of textual warnings, enforcement of pictorial warnings, regulatory autonomy of the NTCC and review of the tobacco taxation are suggested to help in the prevention and control of NCDs.
Computer-assisted Instruction in Forestry
Authors: Pelz Dieter R.
Published: November 2020

A 1976 survey of 58 schools in the United States and Canada showed that computer-assisted instruction is widely used, most frequently in forest management, silviculture, and quantitative analysis courses. A total of 92 simulation models were identified. Recent developments are demonstrated by PLATO, a computer-based education system.
Patient-derived orthotopic xenograft models of medulloblastoma lack a functional blood-brain barrier
Authors: Genovesi Laura A , Puttick Simon , Millar Amanda , Kojic Marija , Ji Pengxiang , Lagendijk Anne K , Brighi Caterina , Bonder Claudine S , Adolphe Christelle , Wainwright Brandon J
Published: November 2020

Background

Novel targeted therapies for children diagnosed with medulloblastoma (MB), the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor, are urgently required. A major hurdle in the development of effective therapies is the impaired delivery of systemic therapies to tumor cells due to a specialized endothelial blood-brain barrier (BBB). Accordingly, the integrity of the BBB is an essential consideration in any preclinical model used for assessing novel therapeutics. This study sought to assess the functional integrity of the BBB in several preclinical mouse models of MB.

Methods

Dynamic contrast enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate blood-brain-tumor barrier (BBTB) permeability in a murine genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) of Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) MB, patient-derived orthotopic xenograft models of MB (SHH and Gp3), and orthotopic transplantation of GEMM tumor cells, enabling a comparison of the direct effects of transplantation on the integrity of the BBTB. Immunofluorescence analysis was performed to compare the structural and subcellular features of tumor-associated vasculature in all models.

Results

Contrast enhancement was observed in all transplantation models of MB. No contrast enhancement was observed in the GEMM despite significant tumor burden. Cellular analysis of BBTB integrity revealed aberrancies in all transplantation models, correlating to the varying levels of BBTB permeability observed by MRI in these models.

Conclusions

These results highlight functional differences in the integrity of the BBTB and tumor vessel phenotype between commonly utilized preclinical models of MB, with important implications for the preclinical evaluation of novel therapeutic agents for MB.
The genetic landscape of choroid plexus tumors in children and adults
Authors: Thomas Christian , Soschinski Patrick , Zwaig Melissa , Oikonomopoulos Spyridon , Okonechnikov Konstantin , Pajtler Kristian W , Sill Martin , Schweizer Leonille , Koch Arend , Neumann Julia , Schüller Ulrich , Sahm Felix , Rauschenbach Laurèl , Keyvani Kathy , Proescholdt Martin , Riemenschneider Markus J , Segewiß Jochen , Ruckert Christian , Grauer Oliver , Monoranu Camelia-Maria , Lamszus Katrin , Patrizi Annarita , Kordes Uwe , Siebert Reiner , Kool Marcel , Ragoussis Jiannis , Foulkes William D , Paulus Werner , Rivera Barbara , Hasselblatt Martin
Published: November 2020

Background

Choroid plexus tumors (CPTs) are intraventricular brain tumors predominantly arising in children but also affecting adults. In most cases, driver mutations have not been identified, although there are reports of frequent chromosome-wide copy-number alterations and TP53 mutations, especially in choroid plexus carcinomas (CPCs).

Methods

DNA methylation profiling and RNA-sequencing was performed in a series of 47 CPTs. Samples comprised 35 choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs), 6 atypical choroid plexus papillomas (aCPPs) and 6 CPCs plus three recurrences thereof. Targeted TP53 and TERT promotor sequencing was performed in all samples. Whole exome sequencing (WES) and linked-read whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed in 25 and 4 samples, respectively.

Results

Tumors comprised the molecular subgroups “pediatric A” (N=11), “pediatric B” (N=12) and “adult” (N=27). Copy-number alterations mainly represented whole-chromosomal alterations with subgroup-specific enrichments (gains of Chr1, 2 and 21q in “pediatric B” and gains of Chr5 and 9 and loss of Chr21q in “adult”). RNA sequencing yielded a novel CCDC47-PRKCA fusion transcript in one adult choroid plexus papilloma patient with aggressive clinical course; an underlying Chr17 inversion was demonstrated by linked-read WGS. WES and targeted sequencing showed TP53 mutations in 7/47 CPTs (15%), five of which were children. On the contrary, TERT promoter mutations were encountered in 7/28 adult patients (25%) and associated with shorter progression-free survival (log-rank test, p=0.015).

Conclusion

Pediatric CPTs lack recurrent driver alterations except for TP53, whereas CPTs in adults show TERT promoter mutations or a novel CCDC47-PRKCA gene fusion, being associated with a more unfavorable clinical course.
Deadly Force
Authors: Stinson Philip M.
Published: November 2020

Deadly force refers to any use of force by a police officer that could result in the imposition of serious bodily injury or death. It includes homicides by police. Most homicides by police in the United States are found to be legally justified. A sworn law enforcement officer with general powers of arrest is legally justified in using deadly force if the officer has a reasonable apprehension of an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death being imposed against the officer or someone else. The fleeing felon rule has been abrogated and police officers are no longer legally justified in using deadly force to stop a fleeing felon absent other exigencies that would constitute an imminent threat. Deadly force research has long been hampered by the lack of meaningful data on the incidence and prevalence of police use of deadly force. Government counts of fatal officer-involved shootings have grossly underestimated annual counts of deadly force incidents. Recent open-source databases, largely created and curated by media organizations, have found that between 900 and 1,000 persons are shot and killed by on-duty police officers each year in the United States. This bibliography mostly focuses on deadly force in the United States. There has been a renewed interest in deadly force research in the aftermath of numerous officer-involved shooting in recent years, with calls for police accountability, transparency, and legitimacy, particularly as various stakeholders have called attention to racial disparities in terms of who is victimized by police deadly force and claims of police bias manifested through police violence against minority citizens.
Body-Worn Cameras and Policing
Authors: Young Jacob , Puckett Audrey
Published: November 2020

Body-worn cameras (BWCs) are being deployed in police departments at unprecedented rates according to empirical research. In trying to catch up, research into the technology is now rapidly growing. Especially in the beginning, the technology presented various potential positives, such as increasing police legitimacy and accountability as well as aiding with reports. Research into BWCs is split into seven main themes: General Overviews, Standalone Empirical Works, Police-Citizen Interactions, Perceptions of BWCs, Officer Compliance with BWCs and Impacts on Reports, Organizational Effects, and Costs and Benefits of BWCs. To start, general overviews provides articles and reports which investigate the literature as a whole and identify common themes. Many of these articles entail extensive literature reviews. Standalone Empirical Works includes research that approaches BWCs from new angles and perspectives. The sections Police-Citizen Interactions and Perceptions of BWCs have received the largest amount of attention. Police-Citizen Interactions includes material that examines how BWCs influence citizen cooperation or compliance with the police, citizen complaints of the police, reports of police use of force, and use of procedural justice. Perceptions of BWCs includes research on attitudes held by both citizens and police, though the majority of articles investigate officer beliefs. Officer Compliance with BWCs and Impacts on Reports examines how the beliefs of officers impact usage and subsequent use of footage. Then the article moves into examining how BWCs and organizations reciprocally impact each other. The article ends with presenting reports and articles that weigh the costs and benefits of deploying BWCs.
Campus Crime
Authors: Sloan John J.
Published: November 2020

Despite the fact that deviance in all its forms has existed on college and university campuses since their inception, criminological interest in colleges and universities in this country as contexts for crime and victimization did not begin in earnest until the 1990s and passage of the federal Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990 (see the separate Oxford Bibliographies in Criminology articles “Contextual Analysis of Crime” and “School Crime and Violence”). Now known as the Clery Act, the legislation requires that all postsecondary institutions participating in federal financial aid programs publicly report their crime statistics and security policies each year. Taking cues from scholarship on how the characteristics and dynamics of workplaces, neighborhoods, and schools relate to patterns of crime and victimization occurring in them, scholarship on campus crime has sought since the 1990s to identify and understand, theoretically and empirically, how variability in the dimensions of the campus—physical size and features as well as location, size, and diversity of the student body—are related to patterns of crime and victimization occurring on them. This article discusses campus crime by examining several topics, including early, groundbreaking work as well as more recent scholarship associated with them. The article begins with studies providing General Overviews of the social, legal, and administrative contexts of campus crime. The article then examines Theoretical Perspectives on Campus Crime that have been used to explain patterns and trends in campus crime. The third section examines commonly used Data Sources on campus crime, followed by a discussion of Campus Crime Incidents and Types. The fifth section discusses Fear and Perceived Risk of Victimization on Campus. The sixth section of the article describes Campus Policing and Security. The concluding section, Responding to and Preventing Campus Crime, examines efforts at preventing campus crime and responses to it by colleges and universities in the United States.
Clinical, Laboratory, and Radiologic Characteristics of Patients With Initial False-Negative Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Nucleic Acid Amplification Test Results
Authors: Dugdale Caitlin M , Anahtar Melis N , Chiosi John J , Lazarus Jacob E , McCluskey Suzanne M , Ciaranello Andrea L , Gogakos Tasos , Little Brent P , Branda John A , Shenoy Erica S , Walensky Rochelle P , Zachary Kimon C , Hooper David C , Turbett Sarah E , Hyle Emily P
Published: November 2020

Background

Concerns about false-negative (FN) severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) have prompted recommendations for repeat testing if suspicion for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is moderate to high. However, the frequency of FNs and patient characteristics associated with FNs are poorly understood.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed test results from 15 011 adults who underwent ≥1 SARS-CoV-2 NAATs; 2699 had an initial negative NAAT and repeat testing. We defined FNs as ≥1 negative NAATs followed by a positive NAAT within 14 days during the same episode of illness. We stratified subjects with FNs by duration of symptoms before the initial FN test (≤5 days versus >5 days) and examined their clinical, radiologic, and laboratory characteristics.

Results

Sixty of 2699 subjects (2.2%) had a FN result during the study period. The weekly frequency of FNs among subjects with repeat testing peaked at 4.4%, coinciding with peak NAAT positivity (38%). Most subjects with FNs had symptoms (52 of 60; 87%) and chest radiography (19 of 32; 59%) consistent with COVID-19. Of the FN NAATs, 18 of 60 (30%) were performed early (ie, ≤1 day of symptom onset), and 18 of 60 (30%) were performed late (ie, >7 days after symptom onset) in disease. Among 17 subjects with 2 consecutive FNs on NP NAATs, 9 (53%) provided lower respiratory tract (LRT) specimens for testing, all of which were positive.

Conclusions

Our findings support repeated NAATs among symptomatic patients, particularly during periods of higher COVID-19 incidence. The LRT testing should be prioritized to increase yield among patients with high clinical suspicion for COVID-19.
Canada’s history of failing to provide medical care for Indigenous children
Authors: Kamran Rakhshan
Published: November 2020

In December 2007, the House of Commons unanimously supported Jordan’s Principle, a commitment that all First Nations children would receive the health care products, social services, and supports, and education they need, in memory of Jordan River Anderson. However, the process of applying for Jordan’s Principle was convoluted and not transparent, leaving several cases not being responded to. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal found the definition and implementation of Jordan’s Principle to be racist and discriminatory in 2016, ordering the Canadian government to make immediate changes. Failing to make changes to Jordan’s Principle, the Canadian government was found to be noncompliant with the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal orders in 2018. This article provides one case example of Jordan’s Principle that was not responded to, details on the current status of Jordan’s Principle, and information on the recent implementation of the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.
Management and outcomes of paediatric ileocolic intussusception at a paediatric tertiary care hospital: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Osmanlliu Esli , D’Angelo Antonio , Miron Marie-Claude , Beaudin Marianne , Gaucher Nathalie , Gravel Jocelyn
Published: November 2020

Background

Rapid reduction of ileocolic intussusception is important to minimize the compromise in blood flow to the affected bowel segment. This study aimed to quantify the potentially modifiable time between diagnosis and initiation of pneumatic reduction, identify factors associated with delays, and characterize the outcomes of pneumatic reduction in a recent cohort.

Methods

This retrospective observational study occurred at a tertiary care paediatric hospital with a consecutive sample of all children with ileocolic intussusception September 2015 through September 2018. The primary outcome was the time between ultrasound diagnosis of intussusception and the beginning of pneumatic reduction. Independent variables were age of the patient, time of day of arrival, transfer from another facility, and intravenous access prior to ultrasound. Outcomes of pneumatic reduction were expressed as proportions.

Results

There were 103 cases of ileocolic intussusception (among 257,282 visits) during the study period. The median time between diagnostic confirmation and initiation of reduction was 36 minutes. This was shorter for transferred patients and children with intravenous access prior to ultrasound. One perforation was identified at the beginning of reduction, without hemodynamic instability. Six children (5.8%) underwent either open (n=4) or laparoscopic surgery (n=2) for reduction failure.

Conclusion

The median delay between diagnosis and initiation of reduction at this paediatric hospital was short, especially among patients transferred with a suspicion of intussusception and children with intravenous access prior to diagnosis. Complications from pneumatic reduction were infrequent.
Chronic apnea during REM sleep increases arterial pressure and sympathetic modulation in rats
Authors: Pansani Aline P , Schoorlemmer Guus H , Ferreira Caroline B , Rossi Marcio V , Angheben Juliana M M , Ghazale Poliana P , Gomes Karina P , Cravo Sergio L
Published: November 2020

Study Objectives

Obstructive sleep apnea can induce hypertension. Apneas in REM may be particularly problematic: they are independently associated with hypertension. We examined the role of sleep stage and awakening on acute cardiovascular responses to apnea. In addition, we measured cardiovascular and sympathetic changes induced by chronic sleep apnea in REM sleep.

Methods

We used rats with tracheal balloons and electroencephalogram and electromyogram electrodes to induce obstructive apnea during wakefulness and sleep. We measured the electrocardiogram and arterial pressure by telemetry and breathing effort with a thoracic balloon.

Results

Apneas induced during wakefulness caused a pressor response, intense bradycardia, and breathing effort. On termination of apnea, arterial pressure, heart rate, and breathing effort returned to basal levels within 10 s. Responses to apnea were strongly blunted when apneas were made in sleep. Post-apnea changes were also blunted when rats did not awake from apnea. Chronic sleep apnea (15 days of apnea during REM sleep, 8 h/day, 13.8 ± 2 apneas/h, average duration 12 ± 0.7 s) reduced sleep time, increased awake arterial pressure from 111 ± 6 to 118 ± 5 mmHg (p < 0.05) and increased a marker for sympathetic activity. Chronic apnea failed to change spontaneous baroreceptor sensitivity.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that sleep blunts the diving-like response induced by apnea and that acute post-apnea changes depend on awakening. In addition, our data confirm that 2 weeks of apnea during REM causes sleep disruption and increases blood pressure and sympathetic activity.
The Relationship of E-Cigarette Use to Tobacco Use Outcomes Among Young Adults Who Smoke and Use Alcohol
Authors: Yonek Juliet C. , Meacham Meredith C. , Ramo Danielle , Delucchi Kevin , Tolou-Shams Marina , Satre Derek D.
Published: November 2020

Objectives:

E-cigarette use is increasing among young adults in the U.S. However, longitudinal research studies examining associations between e-cigarette use and combustible cigarette use among young adults are limited. This study assessed the relationship of e-cigarette use to smoking reduction and cessation among young adults.

Methods:

This is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled social media-based smoking cessation trial comprising adults ages 18 to 25 who smoked cigarettes and engaged in heavy episodic drinking (N = 179). Over 12 months, participants reported past month e-cigarette use with nicotine or tetrahydrocannabinol, cigarette quantity in the past week, quit attempts, and cessation strategies including nicotine e-cigarettes. Longitudinal regression models estimated associations between e-cigarette use, smoking reduction, and 7-day abstinence.

Results:

Past-month nicotine e-cigarette use prevalence ranged from 53.1% at baseline to 50.3% at 12 months. Over 70% of participants who reported past month nicotine e-cigarette use also smoked cigarettes (ie, dual use). Neither past month nicotine nor tetrahydrocannabinol e-cigarette use was associated with smoking reduction or cessation. However, use of nicotine e-cigarettes as a cessation strategy among participants attempting to quit (N = 137) was positively associated with abstinence (adjusted odds ratio = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.20–5.09) and ≥50% reduction in cigarettes per week from baseline (aOR = 2.36,95% CI = 1.08–5.18), relative to other strategies.

Conclusions:

Nicotine e-cigarettes were significantly associated with improved tobacco use outcomes when used as a cessation strategy, but not when used apart from trying to quit smoking. Dual use may not be an effective path to achieve smoking cessation.
Use of Injectable Opioid Agonist Therapy in a In-Patient Setting for a Pregnant Patient With Opioid Use Disorder: A Case Report
Authors: Griffiths Sarah , Campbell Douglas M , Caudarella Alexander , Guimond Tim , Lamba Wiplove , Lurie Erin , Nader Maya , Sgro Michael , Turner Suzanne
Published: November 2020

Background:

In the era of highly potent illicit opioids, such as fentanyl and carfentanil, injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT) is an effective treatment for those with severe and treatment-refractory opioid use disorder. Untreated opioid use disorder in pregnancy can lead to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. There are currently limited reports on the use of iOAT in pregnant women. The in-patient setting may provide an opportunity to pregnant women for stabilization with iOAT where first line therapies have been ineffective.

Case Summary:

We report a case of a pregnant individual who engaged in daily intravenous fentanyl who was admitted to the hospital at 29 weeks gestation for stabilization with iOAT, methadone, and slow-release oral morphine. Before admission, she endured 6 opioid overdoses in her pregnancy and continued to use illicit intravenous opioids in the community despite high dose methadone combined with slow-release oral morphine. Her withdrawal symptoms and cravings were ameliorated with hydromorphone 90 mg IM/IV BID, methadone 135 mg daily, and morphine sulfate sustained release 600 mg daily. With this regimen, she was able to reduce her intravenous fentanyl use to a single episode during her hospitalization. She completed her pregnancy in hospital, delivering a full-term live infant after receiving comprehensive prenatal care.

Discussion:

This case report highlights iOAT as an option during pregnancy and describes the in-patient setting as appropriate to retain high-risk patients in care. This approach may benefit those who are refractory to standard opioid agonist treatment, the numbers of whom may be rising as tolerance to the illicit supply increases.
MicroRNAs expression associated with aggressive clinicopathological features and poor prognosis in primary cutaneous melanomas
Authors: Murria Estal Rosa , de Unamuno Bustos Blanca , Pérez Simó Gema , Simarro Farinos Javier , Torres Navarro Ignacio , Alegre de Miquel Victor , Ballester Sánchez Rosa , Sabater Marco Vicente , Llavador Ros Margarita , Palanca Suela Sarai , Botella Estrada Rafael
Published: November 2020

Several studies have focused on identifying microRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of melanoma. However, its association with clinicopathological features has been scarcely addressed. The aim of this study is to identify microRNAs expression profiles related to aggressive clinicopathological and molecular features, and to analyze the association with melanoma survival. A retrospective and observational study was performed in a series of 179 formalin-fixed paraffin embedded primary cutaneous melanomas. First, a screening analysis on a discovery set (n = 22) using miRNA gene chip array (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, California, USA) was performed. Differentially expressed microRNAs were detected employing the software Partek Genomic Suite. Validation of four microRNAs was subsequently performed in the entire series (n = 179) by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR). MicroRNAs expression screening analysis identified 101 microRNAs differentially expressed according to Breslow thickness (≤1 mm vs. >1 mm), 79 according to the presence or absence of ulceration, 78 according to mitosis/mm2 (<1 mitosis vs. ≥1 mitosis) and 97 according to the TERT promoter status (wt vs. mutated). Six microRNAs (miR-138-5p, miR-130b-3p, miR-30b-5p, miR-34a-5p, miR-500a-5p, miR-339-5p) were selected for being validated by qRT-PCR in the discovery set (n = 22). Of those, miR-138-5p, miR-130b-3p, miR-30b-5p, miR-34a-5p were selected for further analysis in the entire series (n = 179). Overexpression of miR-138-5p and miR-130b-3p was significantly associated with greater Breslow thickness, ulceration, and mitosis. TERT mutated melanomas overexpressed miR-138-5p. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed poorer survival in melanomas with miR-130b-3p overexpression. Our findings provide support for the existence of a microRNA expression profile in melanomas with aggressive clinicopathological features and poor prognosis.
Comparison of Single- Versus Dual-Vector Technique Using Facial Suspension Threads: A Cadaveric Study Using Skin Vector Displacement Analysis
Authors: Liew Steven , Frank Konstantin , Kolenda Jack , Braun Martin , Cotofana Sebastian
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Facial suspension threads have been successfully used for facial soft-tissue repositioning. When using facial suspension threads, it is unclear which technique and/or material has the greatest lifting effect for the middle and lower face or which technique/material best reduces the appearance of the jowls.

Material and Methods

Three female and 2 male cephalic specimens of Caucasian ethnicity (65.2 ± 8.3 years; 20.72 ± 2.6 kg/m2) were analyzed in an upright secured position. Polydioxanone and polycaprolactone bidirectional barbed facial suspension threads were introduced by an 18 G, 100 mm cannula. The single-vector technique aimed toward the labiomandibular sulcus, and the dual-vector technique aimed toward the labiomandibular sulcus and the mandibular angle. Computation of vertical lifting, horizontal lifting, and volume reduction at the jowls and along the jawline were calculated using 3D imaging.

RESULTS

The dual-vector technique effected a greater vertical lifting effect (4.45 ± 2.78 mm vs 2.99 ± 2.23 mm) but a reduced horizontal lifting effect (0.33 ± 1.34 mm vs 0.49 ± 1.32 mm). The dual-vector technique effected less volume reduction at the jowls 0.32 ± 0.24 cc versus 0.41 ± 0.46 cc and less volume reduction along the jawline 0.46 ± 0.48 cc versus 0.87 ± 0.53 cc (dual-vector vs single-vector).

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence resulting from cadaveric observations for the overall nonsuperiority of the dual-vector technique compared with the single-vector technique.
Phase 1B, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Dose Escalation, Single-Center, Repeat Dose Safety and Pharmacodynamics Study of the Oral NLRP3 Inhibitor Dapansutrile in Subjects With NYHA II–III Systolic Heart Failure
Authors: Wohlford George F. , Van Tassell Benjamin W. , Billingsley Hayley E. , Kadariya Dinesh , Canada Justin M. , Carbone Salvatore , Mihalick Virginia L. , Bonaventura Aldo , Vecchié Alessandra , Chiabrando Juan Guido , Bressi Edoardo , Thomas Georgia , Ho Ai-Chen , Marawan Amr A. , Dell Megan , Trankle Cory R. , Turlington Jeremy , Markley Roshanak , Abbate Antonio
Published: November 2020

The NLRP3 inflammasome has been implicated in the development and progression of heart failure. The aim of this study was to determine the safety of an oral inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome, dapansutrile (OLT1177), in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This was a phase 1B, randomized, double-blind, dose escalation, single-center, repeat dose safety and pharmacodynamics study of dapansutrile in stable patients with HFrEF (New York Heart Association Class II–III). Subjects were randomized to treatment with dapansutrile for up to 14 days at a ratio of 4:1 into 1 of 3 sequential ascending dose cohorts (500, 1000, or 2000 mg) each including 10 patients. Subjects underwent clinical assessment, biomarker determination, transthoracic echocardiogram, and maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing at baseline, day 14, and day 28 to ascertain changes in clinical status. Placebo cases (N = 2 per cohort) were used as a decoy to reduce bias and not for statistical comparisons. Thirty participants (20 men) were treated for 13 (12–14) days. No serious adverse events during the study were recorded. All clinical or laboratory parameters at day 14 compared with baseline suggested clinical stability without significant within-group differences in the dapansutrile-pooled group or the 3 dapansutrile cohorts. Improvements in left ventricular EF [from 31.5% (27.5–39) to 36.5% (27.5–45), P = 0.039] and in exercise time [from 570 (399.5–627) to 616 (446.5–688) seconds, P = 0.039] were seen in the dapansutrile 2000 mg cohort. Treatment with dapansutrile for 14 days was safe and well tolerated in patients with stable HFrEF.
Dynamic Clamp in Electrophysiological Studies on Stem Cell–Derived Cardiomyocytes—Why and How?
Authors: Verkerk Arie O. , Wilders Ronald
Published: November 2020

Human pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) are supposed to be a good human-based model, with virtually unlimited cell source, for studies on mechanisms underlying cardiac development and cardiac diseases, and for identification of drug targets. However, a major drawback of hPSC-CMs as a model system, especially for electrophysiological studies, is their depolarized state and associated spontaneous electrical activity. Various approaches are used to overcome this drawback, including the injection of “synthetic” inward rectifier potassium current (IK1), which is computed in real time, based on the recorded membrane potential (“dynamic clamp”). Such injection of an IK1-like current results in quiescent hPSC-CMs with a nondepolarized resting potential that show “adult-like” action potentials on stimulation, with functional availability of the most important ion channels involved in cardiac electrophysiology. These days, dynamic clamp has become a widely appreciated electrophysiological tool. However, setting up a dynamic clamp system can still be laborious and difficult, both because of the required hardware and the implementation of the dedicated software. In the present review, we first summarize the potential mechanisms underlying the depolarized state of hPSC-CMs and the functional consequences of this depolarized state. Next, we explain how an existing manual patch clamp setup can be extended with dynamic clamp. Finally, we shortly validate the extended setup with atrial-like and ventricular-like hPSC-CMs. We feel that dynamic clamp is a highly valuable tool in the field of cellular electrophysiological studies on hPSC-CMs and hope that our directions for setting up such dynamic clamp system may prove helpful.
Therapeutic Effects of Medication Use on Intermittent Claudication: A Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Bo , Fan Xueqiang , Liu Peng
Published: November 2020

Objective:

To systematically evaluate the therapeutic effects of commonly used drugs for the treatment of intermittent claudication in patients with peripheral arterial diseases.

Methods:

We systematically searched bibliographic databases for randomized clinical trials published between 2000 and 2020, through the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane library. Included studies focused on therapeutic effects of beraprost, clopidogrel, aspirin, sarpogrelate and cilostazol on treating intermittent claudication. The outcome measures were maximum walking distance, pain-free walking distance, ankle-brachial index, and severe adverse events. The quality of included trials was evaluated by using the bias risk assessment tool recommended by the Cochrane, after extracting data from the literatures. Stata was used to conduct the network meta-analysis.

Results:

There were 27 randomized control trials included in the study, covering in total 9491 patients. The network meta-analysis results showed that for maximum walking distance, better therapeutic effect was noted in using beraprost, sarpogrelate, and cilostazol. Beraprost, beraprost combined with aspirin, and sarpogrelate were better in improving pain-free walking distance than other drugs. For the ankle-brachial index, cilostazol combined with clopidogrel, sarpogrelate, and beraprost had better therapeutic effects than others. The use of sarpogrelate, beraprost, and aspirin was associated with a lower ratio of severe adverse events than the use of cilostazol and placebo.

Conclusions:

Among the commonly used drugs for the treatment of intermittent claudication, beraprost and sarpogrelate may have better efficacy in improving the walking distance and ankle-brachial index, with a beneficial effect on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular comorbidities.