bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nomogram for Predicting Recurrence-Free Survival in Chinese Women with Endometrial Cancer after Initial Therapy: External Validation
Authors: Cheng Yuan , Dong Yangyang , Tian Wenjuan , Zhang Hua , Li Xiaoping , Wang Zhiqi , Shan Boer , Ren Yulan , Wei Lihui , Wang Huaying , Wang Jianliu
Published: May 2020

This study aimed at developing an available recurrence-free survival (RFS) model of endometrial cancer (EC) for accurate and individualized prognosis assessment. A training cohort of 520 women with EC who underwent initial surgical treatment and an external validation cohort of 445 eligible EC patients from 2006 to 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to develop nomograms for predicting recurrence. The concordance index (C-index) and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated to determine the discrimination of RFS prognostic scoring systems. Calibration plots were generated to examine the performance characteristics of the predictive nomograms. Regression analysis revealed that an advanced International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, histological grade 3, primary tumor diameter ≥2 cm, and positive peritoneal cytology were independent prognostic factors for RFS in EC in the training set. The nomograms estimated RFS according to these four variables, with a C-index of 0.860, which was superior to that of FIGO stage (2009 criteria), at 0.809 (P=0.034), in the training cohort. Encouragingly, consistent results were observed in the validation set, with a C-index of 0.875 for the nomogram and a C-index of 0.833 for the FIGO staging (P=0.0137). Furthermore, the calibrations of the nomograms predicting 3- and 5-year RFS strongly corresponded to the actual survival outcome. In conclusion, this study developed an available nomogram with effective external validation and relatively appreciable discrimination and conformity for the accurate assessment of 3- and 5-year RFS in Chinese women with EC.
Feature Extraction Method for Weak Faults Based on Time-Delayed Feedback Mixed Potential Stochastic Resonance
Authors: Tang Jiachen , Shi Boqiang , Li Zhixing
Published: May 2020

To extract weak faults under strong noise, a method for feature extraction of weak faults with time-delayed feedback mixed potential stochastic resonance (TFMSR) is proposed. This method not only overcomes the saturation characteristics of classical bistable stochastic resonance (CBSR), but also verifies a new potential function model. Based on this model, considering the short memory characteristics of the CBSR method, a method is proposed that can add historical information to the negative feedback process of the stochastic resonance (SR). Through the combination of the above two methods, the weak fault extraction under strong background noise is realized. The article analyzes the effects of the delay term, feedback term, and system parameter on the effect of SR and uses the ant colony algorithm (ACA) to optimize the above parameters. Finally, through simulated and engineering experimental results, it is proved that the proposed method has more advantages than the CBSR method in weak fault feature extraction.
Study on Anti‐Inflammatory Effect and Major Anti‐Inflammatory Components of PSORI‐CM02 by Zebrafish Model
Authors: Yuan Xiaohong , Huang Leyu , Lei Jiaqi , Long Yingxin , Li Cong
Published: May 2020

PSORI‐CM02 is an optimization formula of PSORI‐CM01, which is a clinical herbal formula for the treatment for psoriasis in the Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine. Previous research indicates that it plays a critical role in anti‐inflammation and immunoregulation. Rhizoma smilacis glabrae (RSG) is one herbal medicine of PSORI‐CM02, whose effective anti‐inflammatory component is astilbin. This study aims to test the anti‐inflammatory and immunoregulation effects of astilbin as well as RSG in PSORI‐CM02, and we, respectively, used the CuSO4‐induced neutrophil‐specific transgenic zebrafish model Tg(mpx: EGFP) and the melanin allele mutated Albino strain zebrafish model to visualize the effects of neutrophil recruitment and macrophage phagocytosis. Our data indicated that both PSORI‐CM02 and astilbin had anti‐inflammatory effects, leading to a reduction in the recruitment of neutrophils and promotion in macrophage phagocytosis. Nevertheless, the negative liquor of Rhizoma smilacis glabrae (PSORI‐CM02 without RSG) also had anti‐inflammatory and promoting macrophage phagocytosis effects. The results revealed the formula excluding RSG also had anti‐inflammatory and immunoregulation effects, which demonstrated that RSG was not the major anti‐inflammatory herbal medicine in PSORI‐CM02. Similarly, astilbin was not the major anti‐inflammatory active ingredient in the formula. The anti‐inflammatory and the promotion of macrophage phagocytosis effect of PSORI‐CM02 in vivo zebrafish were the results of multiple component interaction, which was the common characteristic of the Chinese medicine compound.
The Compact Finite Difference Method of Two-Dimensional Cattaneo Model
Authors: Huang Yating , Yin Zhe
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we propose and analyze the compact finite difference scheme of the two-dimensional Cattaneo model. The stability and convergence of the scheme are proved by the energy method, the convergence orders are 2 in time and 4 in space. We also use the variables separation method to find the true solution of the problem. On this basis, the validity and accuracy of the scheme are verified by numerical experiments.
Analysis of the Transcriptome: Regulation of Cancer Stemness in Breast Ductal Carcinoma In Situ by Vitamin D Compounds
Authors: Shan Naing Lin , Minden Audrey , Furmanski Philip , Bak Min Ji , Cai Li , Wernyj Roman , Sargsyan Davit , Cheng David , Wu Renyi , Kuo Hsiao-Chen D. , Li Shanyi N. , Fang Mingzhu , Maehr Hubert , Kong Ah-Ng , Suh Nanjoo
Published: May 2020

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which accounts for one out of every five new breast cancer diagnoses, will progress to potentially lethal invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) in about 50% of cases. Vitamin D compounds have been shown to inhibit progression to IDC in the MCF10DCIS model. This inhibition appears to involve a reduction in the cancer stem cell–like population in MCF10DCIS tumors. To identify genes that are involved in the vitamin D effects, a global transcriptomic analysis was undertaken of MCF10DCIS cells grown in mammosphere cultures, in which cancer stem–like cells grow preferentially and produce colonies by self-renewal and maturation, in the presence and absence of 1α25(OH)2D3 and a vitamin D analog, BXL0124. Using next-generation RNA-sequencing, we found that vitamin D compounds downregulated genes involved in maintenance of breast cancer stem–like cells (e.g., GDF15), epithelial–mesenchymal transition, invasion, and metastasis (e.g., LCN2 and S100A4), and chemoresistance (e.g., NGFR, PPP1R1B, and AGR2), while upregulating genes associated with a basal-like phenotype (e.g., KRT6A and KRT5) and negative regulators of breast tumorigenesis (e.g., EMP1). Gene methylation status was analyzed to determine whether the changes in expression induced by vitamin D compounds occurred via this mechanism. Ingenuity pathway analysis was performed to identify upstream regulators and downstream signaling pathway genes differentially regulated by vitamin D, including TP63 and vitamin D receptor –mediated canonical pathways in particular. This study provides a global profiling of changes in the gene signature of DCIS regulated by vitamin D compounds and possible targets for chemoprevention of DCIS progression to IDC in patients.
Ginsenoside Rh3 Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis of Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Cong Zhongyi , Zhao Qing , Yang Bo , Cong Dengli , Zhou Yulai , Lei Xi , Zhang Xinmin
Published: May 2020

Background: Colorectal cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract, the morbidity rate of which is rising in recent years. Ginsenoside Rh3 was reported to have anticancer activity; however, the underlying mechanism still needs to be explored in depth. Methods: Rabbit blood was used to test hemolytic effects of ginsenoside protopanaxadiol (PPD), Rh2, Rh3, and Rg3. Human colorectal cancer SW1116 cells were treated with different concentration of ginsenoside PPD, Rh2, Rh3, and Rg3 in vitro. MTT and TUNEL assay were used to examine cell proliferation and apoptosis. Semi quantitative RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry assay and flow cytometry assay were used to detect the expression of caspase3. Results: The results showed that the inhibiting effects on SW1116 cells of PPD and Rh2 were stronger than those of Rh3 (p < 0.01), but Rh3 had better solubility and slighter hemolytic effects on blood cells than those ginsenosides. Ginsenoside Rh3 inhibited the proliferation of SW1116 cells at 60 μg/mL (p < 0.01), the inhibition effect was increased sharply when the dose of Rh3 was increased from 60 to 120 μg/mL, the inhibition rate was 62.1% at 120 μg/mL, the inhibition appeared at 9 h, and the peak activity occurred at 12 h and maintained until 48 h (p < 0.01). Compared to the control group, the ratio of apoptotic cells, the expression level of mRNA and protein of caspase3 increased in 120 μg/mL Rh3 treated group. Conclusion: As a potential anticancer medicine, ginsenoside Rh3 could inhibit the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner and induce cell apoptosis through upregulating the expression of caspase3.
Oral S-1 with 24-h Infusion of Irinotecan plus Bevacizumab versus FOLFIRI plus Bevacizumab as First-Line Chemotherapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: An Open-Label Randomized Phase II Trial
Authors: Sadahiro Sotaro , Suzuki Toshiyuki , Okada Kazutake , Saito Gota , Miyakita Hiroshi , Ogimi Takashi , Chan Lin Fung , Kamei Yutaro
Published: May 2020

Background: FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab have been widely used as first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics suggested a low dose of irinotecan given as a long-term infusion is expected to enhance antitumor activity. We conducted a randomized phase II study to compare oral S-1 with a 24-h infusion of irinotecan plus bevacizumab versus FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab. Methods: The subjects comprised 120 chemotherapy-naïve patients with mCRC. The study group received a 24-h infusion of irinotecan at a dose of 125 mg/m2 on days 1 and 15, combined with oral S-1 80 mg/m2 on days 1–14 (24h-SIRI/B). The FOLFIRI/B group received irinotecan at a dose of 150 mg/m2, 5-fluorouracil given at a dose of 400 mg/m2 as a bolus injection and at a dose of 2,400 mg/m2 as a 46-h infusion, and 200 mg/m2 leucovorin on days 1 and 15. Bevacizumab was given at a dose of 5.0 mg/kg on days 1 and 15 in both groups. Treatment was repeated every 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was 1-year progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints were PFS, response rates (RR), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs). Results: From December 2013 through January 2018, 120 patients were randomly assigned, 61 patients to the 24h-SIRI/B and 59 patients to the FOLFIRI/B. The median follow-up period was 22.8 months. The 1-year PFS rate was 43.14% in the 24h-SIRI/B arm and 19.15% in the FOLFIRI/B arm (HR = 0.312 [95%CI 0.13–0.78], p = 0.01). The median PFS was 10.2 months (95%CI 8.8–14.3) and 10.0 months (95%CI 7.4–11.0), and the median OS was 29.7 months (95%CI 22.9–43.9) and 28.8 months (95%CI 18.4-ND), respectively (p = 0.3758, p = 0.8234). The overall RR was 86.3 and 61.7%, respectively (p = 0.0053). AEs were similar. Conclusions: Our results show that the 24h-SIRI/B regimen is an effective and reasonably well-tolerated regimen for the first-line treatment of mCRC.
Evaluation of Subtotal Petrosectomy Technique in Difficult Cases of Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Grinblat Golda , Vlad Diana , Caruso Antonio , Sanna Mario
Published: May 2020

Objectives: To assess the validity of the subtotal petrosectomy (STP) technique in problematic cases of cochlear implant (CI) surgery, and review indications, outcomes, and related controversies. Study Design: This is a retrospective review of data from a private quaternary referral center of otology and skull base surgery. Patients and Methods: A review of patients who underwent CI with STP (STP-CI) as the leading approach was performed. Demographics, indications, surgical details, and main outcomes were evaluated. The surgeries performed were usually single-stage procedures encompassing a comprehensive mastoidectomy, blind sac closure of the external auditory canal (EAC), and mastoid obliteration with autologous fat. Results: A total of 107 cases were included. Mean follow-up was 7.1 years (range 1–13 years). The most frequent indication for STP-CI was chronic otitis media with/without cholesteatoma (32.7%), followed by open mastoid cavity (26.1%), and cochlear ossification (17.7%). Other difficult conditions where STP facilitates successful implantation include inner-ear malformations, temporal-bone trauma, unfavorable anatomic conditions, and revision surgery. A planned staged procedure was performed in 3 cases. The rate of major complications was 5.6% (n = 6). Three patients developed postauricular wound dehiscence which eventually resulted in device extrusion. No cases of recurrent/entrapped cholesteatoma, EAC breakdown, or meningitis were encountered. This is the largest single-center series of STP-CI reported in the literature. Conclusions: When CI is intended in technically challenging cases or associated with a high risk of complications, STP is effective and reliable. Safe implantation and excellent long-term outcomes can be achieved provided surgical steps are properly followed. Single-stage procedures can be performed in most cases, even when there is active middle-ear disease.
A Systematic Review on Cornea Epithelial-Stromal Homeostasis
Authors: Wong Ho Lam , Poon Stephanie Hiu Ling , Bu Yashan , Lo Amy Cheuk Yin , Jhanji Vishal , Chan Yau Kei , Shih Kendrick Co
Published: May 2020

Introduction: This review aims to summarise the role of different cells, genes, proteins and lipid in regulating cornea epithelial-stromal homeostasis. Methods: We performed an Entrez PubMed literature search using keywords “human,” “cornea,” “epithelial,” “stromal,” “homeostasis,” “fibrosis response,” and “pathogenesis” on 24th of September 2019, resulting in 35 papers, of which 18 were chosen after filtering for “English language” and “published within 10 years” as well as curation for relevance by the authors. Results: The 18 selected papers showed that corneal epithelial cells, fibroblasts and telocytes, together with genes such as Klf4, Pax6 and Id found in the cells, play important roles in achieving homeostasis to maintain corneal integrity and transparency. Proteins classified as pro-fibrotic ligands and anti-fibrotic ligands are responsible for regulating cornea stromal fibrosis and extracellular matrix deposition, thus regulators of scar formation during wound healing. Anti-inflammatory ligands and wound repairing ligands are critical in eliciting protective inflammation and promoting epithelial healing, respectively. Protein receptors located on cellular membrane play a role in maintaining intercellular connections as well as corneal hydration. Discussion/Conclusion: These studies prompt development of novel therapeutic strategies such as tear drops or ointments that target certain proteins to maintain corneal homeostasis. However, more in vitro and in vivo studies are required to prove the effectiveness of exogenous administration of molecules in improving healing outcome. Hence, future investigations of the molecular pathways highlighted in this review will reveal novel therapeutic tools such as gene or cell therapy to treat corneal diseases.
Final 3-Year Outcomes of MiStent Biodegradable Polymer Crystalline Sirolimus-Eluting Stent Versus Xience Permanent Polymer Everolimus-Eluting Stent
Authors: Takahashi Kuniaki , Serruys Patrick W. , Kogame Norihiro , Buszman Paweł , Lurz Philipp , Jessurun Gillian A.J. , Koch Karel T. , Troquay Roland P.T. , Hamer B.J.B , Oude Ophuis Ton , Milewski Krzysztof P. , Hofma Sjoerd H. , Wykrzykowska Joanna J. , Onuma Yoshinobu , de Winter Robbert J. , Wijns William
Published: May 2020

Background:

Numerous randomized clinical trials have demonstrated the superiority of thin-strut biodegradable polymer second-generation drug-eluting stent to the first-generation drug-eluting stent and the noninferiority to the thin-strut second-generation permanent polymer drug-eluting stent. Data on long-term clinical outcomes with a novel ultrathin drug-eluting stent, to date, are limited.

Methods:

The DESSOLVE III trial (Multicenter Randomized Study of the MiStent Sirolimus Eluting Absorbable Polymer Stent System for Revascularization of Coronary Arteries; n=1398) is a prospective, multicenter, single-blinded, all-comers, randomized controlled trial (NCT02385279), allocating in a 1:1 ratio to either ultrathin-strut biodegradable polymer MiStent sirolimus-eluting stent or to thin-strut permanent polymer Xience everolimus-eluting stent. The primary end point was device-oriented composite end point, defined as the composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, or clinically indicated target lesion revascularization. The secondary end point was patient-oriented composite end point, defined as the composite of all-cause mortality, any myocardial infarction, or any revascularization.

Results:

At 3 years, follow-up data were available in 1381 patients (98.8%). The primary end point of device-oriented composite end point occurred in 10.5% for MiStent sirolimus-eluting stent and in 11.5% for Xience everolimus-eluting stent (
P
=0.55). Rates of cardiac death (3.9% versus 3.8%;
P
=0.88), target vessel myocardial infarction (3.2% versus 2.5%;
P
=0.43), and clinically indicated target lesion revascularization (5.2% versus 6.5%;
P
=0.30) did not differ significantly between the 2 devices. The rate of definite or probable stent thrombosis was infrequent and similar between the 2 arms (1.2% versus 1.5%;
P
=0.64). The 90-day landmark analysis showed no significant difference in device-oriented composite end point between the 2 groups after polymer degradation of MiStent. The risk of patient-oriented composite end point was comparable between the 2 groups (22.7% versus 22.9%;
P
=0.34).

Conclusions:

In the DESSOLVE III trial, early safety and efficacy with MiStent sirolimus-eluting bioabsorbable polymer-coated stent are confirmed at a longer term follow-up when compared with Xience everolimus-eluting permanent polymer-coated stent in a large all-comers population.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02385279.
Computable Phenotype Implementation for a National, Multicenter Pragmatic Clinical Trial
Authors: Ahmad Faraz S. , Ricket Iben M. , Hammill Bradley G. , Eskenazi Lisa , Robertson Holly R. , Curtis Lesley H. , Dobi Cecilia D. , Girotra Saket , Haynes Kevin , Kizer Jorge R. , Kripalani Sunil , Roe Mathew T. , Roumie Christianne L. , Waitman Russ , Jones W. Schuyler , Weiner Mark G.
Published: May 2020

Background:

Many large-scale cardiovascular clinical trials are plagued with escalating costs and low enrollment. Implementing a computable phenotype, which is a set of executable algorithms, to identify a group of clinical characteristics derivable from electronic health records or administrative claims records, is essential to successful recruitment in large-scale pragmatic clinical trials. This methods paper provides an overview of the development and implementation of a computable phenotype in ADAPTABLE (Aspirin Dosing: a Patient-Centric Trial Assessing Benefits and Long-Term Effectiveness)—a pragmatic, randomized, open-label clinical trial testing the optimal dose of aspirin for secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events.

Methods and Results:

A multidisciplinary team developed and tested the computable phenotype to identify adults ≥18 years of age with a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease without safety concerns around using aspirin and meeting trial eligibility criteria. Using the computable phenotype, investigators identified over 650 000 potentially eligible patients from the 40 participating sites from Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Network—a network of Clinical Data Research Networks, Patient-Powered Research Networks, and Health Plan Research Networks. Leveraging diverse recruitment methods, sites enrolled 15 076 participants from April 2016 to June 2019. During the process of developing and implementing the ADAPTABLE computable phenotype, several key lessons were learned. The accuracy and utility of a computable phenotype are dependent on the quality of the source data, which can be variable even with a common data model. Local validation and modification were required based on site factors, such as recruitment strategies, data quality, and local coding patterns. Sustained collaboration among a diverse team of researchers is needed during computable phenotype development and implementation.

Conclusions:

The ADAPTABLE computable phenotype served as an efficient method to recruit patients in a multisite pragmatic clinical trial. This process of development and implementation will be informative for future large-scale, pragmatic clinical trials.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02697916.
Prevalence of Familial Hypercholesterolemia Among the General Population and Patients With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Hu Pengwei , Dharmayat Kanika I. , Stevens Christophe A.T. , Sharabiani Mansour T.A. , Jones Rebecca S. , Watts Gerald F. , Genest Jacques , Ray Kausik K. , Vallejo-Vaz Antonio J.
Published: May 2020

Background:

Contemporary studies suggest that familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is more frequent than previously reported and increasingly recognized as affecting individuals of all ethnicities and across many regions of the world. Precise estimation of its global prevalence and prevalence across World Health Organization regions is needed to inform policies aiming at early detection and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) prevention. The present study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment and more reliable estimation of the prevalence of FH than hitherto possible in the general population (GP) and among patients with ASCVD.

Methods:

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis including studies reporting on the prevalence of heterozygous FH in the GP or among those with ASCVD. Studies reporting gene founder effects and focused on homozygous FH were excluded. The search was conducted through Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and Global Health, without time or language restrictions. A random-effects model was applied to estimate the overall pooled prevalence of FH in the general and ASCVD populations separately and by World Health Organization regions.

Results:

From 3225 articles, 42 studies from the GP and 20 from populations with ASCVD were eligible, reporting on 7 297 363 individuals/24 636 cases of FH and 48 158 patients/2827 cases of FH, respectively. More than 60% of the studies were from Europe. Use of the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network criteria was the commonest diagnostic method. Within the GP, the overall pooled prevalence of FH was 1:311 (95% CI, 1:250–1:397; similar between children [1:364] and adults [1:303],
P
=0.60; across World Health Organization regions where data were available,
P
=0.29; and between population-based and electronic health records–based studies,
P
=0.82). Studies with ≤10 000 participants reported a higher prevalence (1:200–289) compared with larger cohorts (1:365–407;
P
<0.001). The pooled prevalence among those with ASCVD was 18-fold higher than in the GP (1:17 [95% CI, 1:12–1:24]), driven mainly by coronary artery disease (1:16; [95% CI, 1:12–1:23]). Between-study heterogeneity was large (
I
2
>95%). Tests assessing bias were nonsignificant (
P
>0.3).

Conclusions:

With an overall prevalence of 1:311, FH is among the commonest genetic disorders in the GP, similarly present across different regions of the world, and is more frequent among those with ASCVD. The present results support the advocacy for the institution of public health policies, including screening programs, to identify FH early and to prevent its global burden.
Tetrodotoxin‐Sensitive Neuronal‐Type Na
+
Channels: A Novel and Druggable Target for Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Munger Mark A. , Olğar Yusuf , Koleske Megan L. , Struckman Heather L. , Mandrioli Jessica , Lou Qing , Bonila Ingrid , Kim Kibum , Ramos Mondragon Roberto , Priori Silvia G. , Volpe Pompeo , Valdivia Héctor H. , Biskupiak Joseph , Carnes Cynthia A. , Veeraraghavan Rengasayee , Györke Sándor , Radwański Przemysław B.
Published: May 2020

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a comorbidity associated with heart failure and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Despite the Ca
2+
‐dependent nature of both of these pathologies, AF often responds to Na
+
channel blockers. We investigated how targeting interdependent Na
+
/Ca
2+
dysregulation might prevent focal activity and control AF.

Methods and Results

We studied AF in 2 models of Ca
2+
‐dependent disorders, a murine model of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and a canine model of chronic tachypacing‐induced heart failure. Imaging studies revealed close association of neuronal‐type Na
+
channels (nNa
v
) with ryanodine receptors and Na
+
/Ca
2+
exchanger. Catecholamine stimulation induced cellular and in vivo atrial arrhythmias in wild‐type mice only during pharmacological augmentation of nNa
v
activity. In contrast, catecholamine stimulation alone was sufficient to elicit atrial arrhythmias in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia mice and failing canine atria. Importantly, these were abolished by acute nNa
v
inhibition (tetrodotoxin or riluzole) implicating Na
+
/Ca
2+
dysregulation in AF. These findings were then tested in 2 nonrandomized retrospective cohorts: an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis clinic and an academic medical center. Riluzole‐treated patients adjusted for baseline characteristics evidenced significantly lower incidence of arrhythmias including new‐onset AF, supporting the preclinical results.

Conclusions

These data suggest that nNa
V
s mediate Na
+
‐Ca
2+
crosstalk within nanodomains containing Ca
2+
release machinery and, thereby, contribute to AF triggers. Disruption of this mechanism by nNa
v
inhibition can effectively prevent AF arising from diverse causes.
Clinical Characteristics and Management of Methamphetamine‐Associated Cardiomyopathy: State‐of‐the‐Art Review
Authors: Reddy Pavan K. V. , Ng Tien M. H. , Oh Esther E. , Moady Gassan , Elkayam Uri
Published: May 2020

Methamphetamine‐associated cardiomyopathy (
MACM
) is an increasingly recognized disease entity in the context of a rapidly spreading methamphetamine epidemic.
MACM
may afflict individuals with a wide range of ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. Presentations can vary greatly and may involve several complications unique to the disease. Given the public health significance of this disease, there is a relative dearth of consensus material to guide clinicians in understanding, diagnosing, and managing
MACM
. This review therefore aims to: (1) describe pathologic mechanisms of methamphetamine as they pertain to the development, progression, and prognosis of
MACM
, and the potential to recover cardiac function; (2) summarize existing data from epidemiologic studies and case series in an effort to improve recognition and diagnosis of the disease; (3) guide short‐ and long‐term management of
MACM
with special attention to expected or potential sequelae of the disease; and (4) highlight pivotal unanswered questions in need of urgent investigation from a public health perspective.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients With a History of Stroke in Wuhan, China
Authors: Qin Chuan , Zhou Luoqi , Hu Ziwei , Yang Sheng , Zhang Shuoqi , Chen Man , Yu Haihan , Tian Dai-Shi , Wang Wei
Published: May 2020

Background and Purpose:

Information on stroke survivors infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is limited. The aim of this study was to describe specific clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 with a history of stroke.

Methods:

All the confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Tongji Hospital from January 27 to March 5, 2020, were included in our cohort study. Clinical data were analyzed and compared between patients with and without a history of stroke.

Results:

Of the included 1875 patients with COVID-19, 50 patients had a history of stroke. The COVID-19 patients with medical history of stroke were older with more comorbidities, had higher neutrophil count, and lower lymphocyte and platelet counts than those without history of stroke. The levels of D-dimers, cardiac troponin I, NT pro-brain natriuretic peptide, and interleukin-6 were also markedly higher in patients with history of stroke. Stroke survivors who underwent COVID-19 developed more acute respiratory distress syndrome and received more noninvasive mechanical ventilation. Data from propensity-matched analysis indicated a higher proportion of patients with COVD-19 with a history of stroke were admitted to the intensive care unit requiring mechanical ventilation and were more likely to be held in the unit or die, compared with non-stroke history COVID-19 patients.

Conclusions:

Patients with COVID-19 with a history of stroke had more severe clinical symptoms and poorer outcomes compared with those without a history of stroke.
Asymmetric high-order anatomical brain connectivity sculpts effective connectivity
Authors: Sokolov Arseny A. , Zeidman Peter , Razi Adeel , Erb Michael , Ryvlin Philippe , Pavlova Marina A. , Friston Karl J.
Published: May 2020

Bridging the gap between symmetric, direct white matter brain connectivity and neural dynamics that are often asymmetric and polysynaptic may offer insights into brain architecture, but this remains an unresolved challenge in neuroscience. Here, we used the graph Laplacian matrix to simulate symmetric and asymmetric high-order diffusion processes akin to particles spreading through white matter pathways. The simulated indirect structural connectivity outperformed direct as well as absent anatomical information in sculpting effective connectivity, a measure of causal and directed brain dynamics. Crucially, an asymmetric diffusion process determined by the sensitivity of the network nodes to their afferents best predicted effective connectivity. The outcome is consistent with brain regions adapting to maintain their sensitivity to inputs within a dynamic range. Asymmetric network communication models offer a promising perspective for understanding the relationship between structural and functional brain connectomes, both in normalcy and neuropsychiatric conditions.
History on the Move: Reimagining Historical Change and the (Im)possibility of Utopia in the 21st Century
Authors: Hellerma Juhan
Published: May 2020

In his meticulously researched and conceptually innovative book, Zoltán Boldizsár Simon aims to capture the historical sensibility emergent during the postwar period broadly conceived, spanning from the 1940s to our present moment. Attending particularly to the debates concerning ecological and technological outlooks, Simon theorizes that our historical horizon is increasingly shaped by the expectations of an unprecedented event that challenges the sustainability of the human subject as known today. Arguing that the concept of unprecedented change can best be explained against the backdrop of a modern processual temporal configuration originating in the eighteenth century, Simon likewise probes the same concept to illuminate a distinct relationship with the past. Elaborating on the main ideas of the book, the paper will interrogate critically Simon’s assertion whereby the novel postwar temporality is inherently dystopian, and will negotiate Simon’s engagement with presentism, which he questions as an inaccurate representation of our current regime of historicity.
Large-scale preparation and electrochemical characterization of NaTi2(PO4)3/C composite nanoparticles as anode materials in sodium ion batteries
Authors: Mao Wutao , Zhang Shaojie , Ding Yiming , Ni Ping , Zhang Zixiang , Li Maolong , Ma Chao , Bao Keyan
Published: May 2020

Materials with NASICON structure, such as NaTi2(PO4)3 (NTP), are widely studied in the field of sodium ion battery. They have potential applications, but their conductivity is poor. Nanostructure can shorten the ion and electron transport paths and make
electrolytes permeable easily. Generally speaking, the electric conductivity of battery materials can be improved by adding appropriate amount of carbon. In this paper, large-scale NTP/C nanomaterial of kilogram level was prepared by spray drying. The as-prepared NTP/C nanomaterial shows good
electrochemical performance. At 5 C, the initial specific capacity is 69 mA h g–1, and the capacity after 2000 cycles is about 73.2% of the initial capacity.
The Role of Transient Eddies in North Pacific Blocking Formation and Its Seasonality
Authors: Hwang Jaeyoung , Martineau Patrick , Son Seok-Woo , Miyasaka Takafumi , Nakamura Hisashi
Published: May 2020

The mechanism of North Pacific (NP) blocking formation is investigated by conducting a reanalysis-based budget analysis of the quasigeostrophic geopotential tendency equation. It is confirmed that the amplification of NP blocking anomalies primarily results from vorticity fluxes with a minor contribution of heat fluxes. In winter, the cross-frequency vorticity fluxes, resulting from interactions between high-frequency eddies and the slowly varying background flow, dominate the blocking formation. The cross-frequency vorticity fluxes, however, become substantially weaker and comparable to the low-frequency vorticity fluxes in summer. This seasonality indicates that the mechanism of NP blocking formation varies with seasons due to the different background flow. It is further found that NP blocking formation is not sensitive to the region of formation (i.e., western vs eastern NP) nor to the type of wave breaking (i.e., cyclonic vs anticyclonic wave breaking).
Factors Associated with Failure of Botulinum Toxin Injection in Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia
Authors: Zhao Kevin , Guillaud Martial , Hu Amanda
Published: May 2020

Objective:

Electromyography (EMG) Guided botulinum toxin (BTX) injection is considered first-line treatment for adductor spasmodic dysphonia (SD). Failure rate can range between 6% and 29%. Study objective was to determine which factors were associated with failure.

Methods:

This was a retrospective review conducted at a tertiary, academic center. Adductor SD patients presenting for BTX injections from August 2017 to October 2018 were eligible. Age, gender, Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10), Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V), number of injections, disease duration, unilateral/bilateral injection, right/left injection, dose quantity, body mass index (BMI), professional voice user, employment, psychiatric comorbidity, breathiness, and dysphagia were investigated. Outcomes included failure as defined by the patient and dosage change. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis was conducted.

Results:

Sixty seven out of 564 injections (12%) were categorized as failure by 131 patients. In multivariate analysis, dosage change was associated with shorter duration of good effect ( P < .001), BTX dose ( P = .016), breathiness ( P < .001), bilateral injection ( P = .024), dysphagia ( P = .012) and professional voice user ( P = .021). Failure was associated with first injection with a new physician ( P < .001), professional voice user P < .001) and lack of breathiness ( P = .003). Failure rate was not associated with age, gender, VHI-10, CAPE-V, disease duration, left/right injection, dose quantity, BMI, psychiatric comorbidity, and dysphagia.

Conclusion:

Failure rate was 12% and associated with patients’ first injection with a physician, professional voice user, and lack of breathiness. Dosage change occurred in 29% of injections and was associated with injection side effects, bilateral injections, BTX dose, professional voice user, and shorter duration of good effect. Level of evidence: 3
Use of Steroid-Eluting Stents after Endoscopic Repair of Choanal Atresia: A Case Series with Review
Authors: Wilcox Lyndy J. , Smith Matthew M. , de Alarcon Alessandro , Epperson Madison , Born Hayley , Hart Catherine K.
Published: May 2020

Objective(s):

To describe a single institution’s experience with the use of steroid-eluting stents after endoscopic transnasal repair of choanal atresia.

Methods:

A case series with review of children who underwent choanal atresia repair at a tertiary children’s hospital from June 2017 to January 2018 was performed. Those who had a mometasone drug-eluting stent (Propel® Mini, Intersect ENT Inc., Palo Alto, CA) placed after primary or secondary choanal atresia repair at our institution were included. The primary outcome measure was need for revision surgery due to stenosis. Postoperative regimens, duration of stenting, and need for return to the operating room (OR) were also assessed.

Results:

Five patients with a median age of 22 months at the time of repair met inclusion criteria. Two (40%) had bilateral atresia and 3 (60%) had confirmed CHARGE syndrome. A total of 6 mometasone drug-eluting stents were used in the 5 cases. Three patients were reassessed at least once in the OR; however, the majority (57.1%) of postoperative evaluations were able to be performed in the office or bedside setting. The first and last evaluations occurred a mean of 14 and 124 days after surgery, respectively. There were no instances of restenosis, repeat surgical interventions, or stent-related complications noted.

Conclusion:

Placement of a mometasone drug-eluting stent is a promising method to improve postoperative results and management of choanal atresia repair by limiting the need for repeat anesthetics and OR procedures, as well as the complications of traditional stents.
Clinical Practice Guideline Reduces Evaluation and Treatment for Febrile Infants 0 to 56 Days of Age
Authors: Mercurio Laura , Hill Rachel , Duffy Susan , Zonfrillo Mark R.
Published: May 2020

Invasive bacterial infection (IBI) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality among neonates. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) can expedite care and standardize management. We conducted a retrospective observational study of febrile infants aged 0 to 56 days to assess changes in clinical decision-making following febrile neonate CPG implementation in the pediatric emergency department of a tertiary care hospital. Data were reviewed pre- and post-CPG implementation, with 1-year separation for provider education. Fewer infants underwent laboratory testing (complete blood count, blood culture, urine culture, lumbar puncture), antibiotic administration, and hospital admission after implementation; the greatest decrease was observed among infants aged 29 to 56 days identified as not high risk for meningitis. Seven-day IBI readmission rate was 1% in both groups. Herpes simplex virus testing and treatment did not differ significantly between groups. These results suggest that CPGs can enable both standardized care and decreased intervention in this population with no change in 7-day readmission rates.
Firewalls: A necessary tool to enable social rights for undocumented migrants in social work
Authors: Hermansson Linus , Lundberg Anna , Gruber Sabine , Jolly Andrew , Lind Jacob , Righard Erica , Scott Hanna
Published: May 2020

Firewalls are clear divisions between border policing and the provision of basic social rights. They have a dual character: to ensure that no information collected with the purpose of safeguarding basic social rights should be shared for immigration control purposes; and that migrants should not be subject to immigration control when being present at, or in the vicinity, of religious, private and public institutions upholding and providing social rights. This article suggests a normative argument for ‘firewalls’ in the context of social work and develops the concept theoretically as a principle practised and negotiated at different scales.
Mix It Up? The Influence of Team Composition on Employee Perceptions of Stressors in a Post-Merger Environment
Authors: Grotto Angela R. , Andreassi Jeanine K.
Published: May 2020

Organizational restructuring that follows mergers can be stressful for employees. Heterogeneous team structures may intensify merger-related stressors, as legacy company serves as a faultline, which can create conflict and disunity. However, findings from diversity studies suggest that team heterogeneity has some advantages. We addressed a major shortcoming in the team stressor research, which has insufficiently considered the roles of team heterogeneity (vs. homogeneity) in perceptions of stressors. We explored how team composition (based on legacy company) shapes perceptions of merger-related stressors. Qualitative analysis of employee comments post-merger revealed that stressors varied across team compositions. Heterogeneous teams were not unequivocally stressful and results differed by employee legacy company. Homogeneous acquired teams were most disadvantaged. Homogeneous acquiring teams were least stressed. Accordingly, we created labels that describe each team’s unique context, which can advance team stressor research and help leaders properly support employees in a post-merger environment based on their teams’ composition.
Secondary traumatic stress in police detective officers dealing with complainants of sexual crimes
Authors: Cronje Johan Herman , Vilakazi Makhosonke Julias
Published: May 2020

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between exposure to traumatised complainants and secondary traumatic stress. It also established the occurrence of secondary traumatic stress and the degree to which police detective officers reported secondary traumatic stress symptoms. Data were obtained on 51 police detective officers working in the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit of the South African Police Service. A quantitative, correlational research design was employed to achieve the aim of the study. The sample was obtained using a combination of convenience and purposive sampling techniques. The majority of police detective officers reported some degree of secondary traumatic stress symptoms as they are frequently exposed to traumatised complainants. No significant statistical relationship was found between exposure to traumatised complainants and secondary traumatic stress. Nonetheless, there was a statistically significant relationship between the type of crime and secondary traumatic stress among the police detective officers in the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit of the South African Police Service unit. Future research should investigate other pivotal risks and protective factors, such as environmental factors and personal factors that may have an impact on the development of secondary traumatic stress in the police detective officers.
Changes after an Educational Intervention to Teach about and Promote Forgiveness among Seminarians and Practicing Clergy
Authors: Worthington Everett L. , Cairo Athena H. , Chen Zhou Job , Hicks Connor L.
Published: May 2020

Many studies of forgiveness have found that relatively short psychosocial interventions aimed at promoting forgiveness can result in noticeable increases in participants’ decisional and emotional forgiveness in their day-to-day lives. However, most of those interventions involve engagement in short psychoeducational experiential activities and participants want to forgive something. Less is known about a purely educational forgiveness intervention’s effects on participants’ subsequent knowledge and self-efficacy to promote forgiveness in their communities. This is important because educational lectures (without active engagement exercises) are often used in schools, seminars, sermons, and Christian education programs. Given the central focus of forgiveness in Christian religion and spiritual practice, we examined whether a 12-hour knowledge-based forgiveness intervention would predict increases to clergy members’ forgiveness knowledge and self-efficacy to preach about or promote forgiveness in their congregation. Intervention participants reported increased personal forgiveness, forgiveness knowledge, and intentions to make congregational forgiveness interventions in their future role as pastor. Confidence in forgiveness knowledge predicted greater intention to discuss and promote forgiveness in the congregation. Although tentative, our results suggest that providing knowledge about forgiveness might result in some personal forgiveness and increase future intentions to use forgiveness.
The Horizon of Critical Collaboration: Feminist Cogovernance and Movement-State Negotiations in El Salvador
Authors: Burridge Daniel P.
Published: May 2020

Examination of the negotiated relationships between feminist social movements and state institutions controlled by the leftist Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front political party in El Salvador based on ethnographic research in the semiurban municipality of Suchitoto shows that “critical collaboration” characterizes the local feminist movement’s efforts to work alongside state actors in the formulation, implementation, and oversight of public policies addressing women’s rights, violence against women, and gender-equitable community development. Theoretically, critical collaboration shows that civil society actors interested in deepening emancipatory processes under moderate leftist governments need not be subordinated to constituted state power or contentiously confront it. Rather, by pursuing their agendas through critical and autonomous engagement with ostensibly sympathetic state institutions, feminist movements may engender practices and demands for flexible and responsive “cogovernance” that radically transforms elements of the state and society in the long run.

A partir de una investigación etnográfica en el municipio semiurbano de Suchitoto se hace un análisis de las relaciones negociadas entre los movimientos sociales feministas y las instituciones estatales controladas por el partido político de izquierda Frente Farabundo Martí de Liberación Nacional en El Salvador. Se muestra cómo la “colaboración crítica” ha sido la característica de los esfuerzos del movimiento feminista local para trabajar junto con los actores estatales en la formulación, implementación y supervisión de políticas públicas relacionadas con los derechos de las mujeres, la violencia contra las mujeres y un desarrollo comunitario equitativo en materia de género. Teóricamente, la colaboración crítica muestra que los actores de la sociedad civil interesados en profundizar los procesos emancipatorios bajo gobiernos de izquierda moderados no necesitan estar subordinados al poder estatal ni tampoco confrontarlo. Más bien, al promover sus agendas a través de un compromiso crítico y autónomo con instituciones estatales aparentemente comprensivas, los movimientos feministas pueden generar prácticas y demandas de “cogobierno” flexible y receptivo que, a largo plazo, transformen radicalmente elementos tanto del Estado como la sociedad.
The Relationship of High Septal Deviation, the Depth of Olfactory Fossa, and Gera Angle: Is High Septal Deviation Associated With Any Anatomic Abnormalities in the Anterior Skull Base?
Authors: Onerci Altunay Zeynep , Onerci T. Metin
Published: May 2020

Objective:

To investigate the association of high septal deviation with the olfactory fossa depth and Gera angle.

Methods:

Fifty-four computed tomography scans of patients with high septal deviation were evaluated. The olfactory fossa depth and Gera angle were measured. The values of the deviated and nondeviated sides were compared.

Results:

No association between high septal deviation and the olfactory fossa depth and Gera angle was found.

Conclusion:

High septal deviation does not affect the olfactory fossa depth and Gera angle. In other words, the olfactory fossa depth and Gera angle have no association with the high septal deviation.