bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Surgical Treatment in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Mini-Incision Using MIS-CTS Kits: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Liawrungrueang Wongthawat , Wongsiri Sunton
Published: February 2020

Introduction. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is caused by the compression of the median nerves in the wrist. Patients have pain and numbness in the hands. According to the records of Songklanagarind Hospital from 2015 to 2018, of 800 patients, 196 or 24.5% were treated with surgery. The novel tool of minimally invasive surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome (MIS-CTS) was developed to improve effectiveness and safety.Purpose. This study was performed to the effectiveness of visualization during surgery and the complete release of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) and also the safety of using the MIS-CTS kits.Methods. Twenty fresh cadaveric forearms had surgery. Surgical techniques were (1) incision 15–18 mm at palmar hand; (2) the scissors and the navigator were inserted to create working space underneath the palmar aponeurosis; (3) the visual enhancer was inserted. The visual enhancer improves the visual field by shielding the soft tissue around the operative field; (4) the TCL was cut at the distal TCL by surgery scalpel, and then a flexible freer was used to detach the fibrous tissue from the median nerve and the TCL; and (5) the TCL cutting blade was pushed straight to cut the TCL completely from distal to proximal. TCL length was observed until the complete release. The median nerve and the recurrent branch of the median nerve were observed.Results. All TCL were cut completely. All median nerves, recurrent branches of the median nerve, and superficial palmar arches could be observed during the operation, and none were injured. This technique showed effectiveness and safety for minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery.Conclusions. The study found that the new device, MIS-CTS kits, along with this technique is effective for CTS release in terms of minimally invasive open carpal tunnel surgery.
Evaluation of the Role of Human DNAJAs in the Response to Cytotoxic Chemotherapeutic Agents in a Yeast Model System
Authors: Whitmore Aurellia , Freeny Devon , Sojourner Samantha J. , Miles Jana S. , Graham Willie M. , Flores-Rozas Hernan
Published: February 2020

Heat‐shock proteins (HSPs) play a crucial role in maintaining protein stability for cell survival during stress‐induced insults. Overexpression of HSPs in cancer cells results in antiapoptotic activity contributing to cancer cell survival and restricting the efficacy of cytotoxic chemotherapy, which continues to play an important role in the treatment of many cancers, including triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). First‐line therapy for TNBC includes anthracycline antibiotics, which are associated with serious dose‐dependent side effects and the development of resistance. We previously identified YDJ1, which encodes a heat‐shock protein 40 (HSP40), as an important factor in the cellular response to anthracyclines in yeast, with mutants displaying over 100‐fold increased sensitivity to doxorubicin. In humans, the DNAJA HSP40s are homologues of YDJ1. To determine the role of DNAJAs in the cellular response to cytotoxic drugs, we investigated their ability to rescue ydj1Δ mutants from exposure to chemotherapeutic agents. Our results indicate that DNAJA1 and DNAJA2 provide effective protection, while DNAJA3 and DNAJA4 did not. The level of complementation was also dependent on the agent used, with DNAJA1 and DNAJA2 rescuing the ydj1Δ strain from doxorubicin, cisplatin, and heat shock. DNAJA3 and DNAJA4 did not rescue the ydj1Δ strain and interfered with the cellular response to stress when expressed in wild type background. DNAJA1 and DNAJA2 protect the cell from proteotoxic damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and are not required for repair of DNA double‐strand breaks. These data indicate that the DNAJAs play a role in the protection of cells from ROS‐induced cytotoxic stress.
ATM Paradoxically Promotes Oncogenic Transformation via Transcriptional Reprogramming
Authors: Liu Xinjian , Hu Mengjie , Liu Pei , Jiao Meng , Zhou Min , Lee Andrew K. , Li Fang , Li Chuan-Yuan
Published: February 2020

The role of the ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) gene in human malignancies, especially in solid tumors, remains poorly understood. In the present study, we explored the involvement of ATM in transforming primary human cells into cancer stem cells. We show that ATM plays an unexpected role in facilitating oncogene-induced malignant transformation through transcriptional reprogramming. Exogenous expression of an oncogene cocktail induced a significant amount of DNA double-strand breaks in human fibroblasts that caused persistent activation of ATM, which in turn enabled global transcriptional reprogramming through chromatin relaxation, allowing oncogenic transcription factors to access chromatin. Consistently, deficiencies in ATM significantly attenuated oncogene-induced transformation of human cells. In addition, ATM inhibition significantly reduced tumorigenesis in a mouse model of mammary cancer. ATM and cellular DNA damage response therefore play a previously unknown role in facilitating rather than suppressing oncogene-induced malignant transformation of mammalian cells.

Significance:

These findings uncover a novel pro-oncogenic role for ATM and show that contrary to established theory, ATM does not always function as a tumor suppressor; its function is however dependent on cell type.
The DNA Cytosine Deaminase APOBEC3B is a Molecular Determinant of Platinum Responsiveness in Clear Cell Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Serebrenik Artur A. , Argyris Prokopios P. , Jarvis Matthew C. , Brown William L. , Bazzaro Martina , Vogel Rachel I. , Erickson Britt K. , Lee Sun-Hee , Goergen Krista M. , Maurer Matthew J. , Heinzen Ethan P. , Oberg Ann L. , Huang Yajue , Hou Xiaonan , Weroha S. John , Kaufmann Scott H. , Harris Reuben S.
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

Clear cell ovarian carcinoma (CCOC) is an aggressive disease that often demonstrates resistance to standard chemotherapies. Approximately 25% of patients with CCOC show a strong APOBEC mutation signature. Here, we determine which APOBEC3 enzymes are expressed in CCOC, establish clinical correlates, and identify a new biomarker for detection and intervention.

Experimental Designs:

APOBEC3 expression was analyzed by IHC and qRT-PCR in a pilot set of CCOC specimens (n = 9 tumors). The IHC analysis of APOBEC3B was extended to a larger cohort to identify clinical correlates (n = 48). Dose-response experiments with platinum-based drugs in CCOC cell lines and carboplatin treatment of patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) were done to address mechanistic linkages.

Results:

One DNA deaminase, APOBEC3B, is overexpressed in a formidable subset of CCOC tumors and is low or absent in normal ovarian and fallopian tube epithelial tissues. High APOBEC3B expression associates with improved progression-free survival (P = 0.026) and moderately with overall survival (P = 0.057). Cell-based studies link APOBEC3B activity and subsequent uracil processing to sensitivity to cisplatin and carboplatin. PDX studies extend this mechanistic relationship to CCOC tissues.

Conclusions:

These studies demonstrate that APOBEC3B is overexpressed in a subset of CCOC and, contrary to initial expectations, associated with improved (not worse) clinical outcomes. A likely molecular explanation is that APOBEC3B-induced DNA damage sensitizes cells to additional genotoxic stress by cisplatin. Thus, APOBEC3B is a molecular determinant and a candidate predictive biomarker of the therapeutic response to platinum-based chemotherapy. These findings may have broader translational relevance, as APOBEC3B is overexpressed in many different cancer types.
Early Mortality of Brain Cancer Patients and its Connection to Cytomegalovirus Reactivation During Radiochemotherapy
Authors: Goerig Nicole L. , Frey Benjamin , Korn Klaus , Fleckenstein Bernhard , Überla Klaus , Schmidt Manuel A. , Dörfler Arnd , Engelhorn Tobias , Eyüpoglu Ilker , Rühle Paul F. , Putz Florian , Semrau Sabine , Gaipl Udo S. , Fietkau Rainer
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

If routine diagnostics are inconclusive, neurologic deterioration and death of patients with brain cancer are attributed to tumor or therapy. Therefore, diagnosing symptoms of encephalopathy caused by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) reactivation remains uncommon. We investigated the role of HCMV reactivation in neurologic decline and clinical outcome after the start of radiochemotherapy.

Experimental Design:

HCMV analyses and extended MRI studies including additional independent retrospective neuroradiologic evaluation were performed at predetermined intervals and in case of sudden neurologic decline for 118 adult patients: 63 histologically proven high-grade gliomas, 55 with brain metastases. Immunophenotyping from simultaneously taken whole-blood samples was carried out to detect immune cells serving as prognostic marker for HCMV-associated complications. Symptomatic viremia and overall survival (OS) were the endpoints.

Results:

Twenty-four percent (28/118) of all patients (12/44 glioblastoma, 3/13 anaplastic astrocytoma; 8/31 non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), 13/24 other brain metastases) developed HCMV-viremia during or within 4 weeks after radiotherapy; 21 of 28 patients experienced concurrent major neurologic decline, reversible by antiviral treatment. Identified by immunophenotyping, pretherapeutically low basophil counts predicted a high-risk for HCMV-associated encephalopathy (glioblastoma: P = 0.002, NSCLC: P = 0.02). Median OS was substantially reduced after HCMV-associated encephalopathy without MRI signs of tumor progression [glioblastoma: 99 vs. 570 days (calculated 1-year OS: 22% vs. 69%; P = 0.01) and NSCLC: 47 vs. 219 days (calculated 1-year OS: 0% vs. 32%; P = 0.02)].

Conclusions:

For patients with brain cancer, HCMV reactivation after the start of radiochemotherapy is a frequent risk for cognitively detrimental but treatable encephalopathy and premature death. Routinely performed HCMV diagnostics, assessing basophil counts and study-based anti-viral regimens, are necessary to combat this hidden threat.

See related commentary by Lawler et al., p. 3077
Arterial Stiffness and Blood Pressure in Patients Newly Diagnosed with Graves’ Disease Compared with Euthyroid Controls
Authors: Grove-Laugesen Diana , Malmstroem Sofie , Ebbehoj Eva , Riis Anne Lene , Watt Torquil , Rejnmark Lars , Würgler Hansen Klavs
Published: February 2020

Introduction and Objective: The excess cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hyperthyroidism and Graves’ disease (GD) is inadequately understood. We aimed to elucidate whether well-established cardiovascular risk factors such as arterial stiffness in terms of pulse wave velocity (PWV) and blood pressure differ in GD and controls. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study comparing 55 hyperthyroid patients with newly diagnosed GD and 55 euthyroid, population-based controls matched for age, sex and menopausal status. PWV and blood pressure were measured in office (SphygmoCor Xcel) and 24-h ambulatory settings (Arteriograph). Differences between groups were assessed using adjusted linear regression analysis. Results: Compared to controls, GD patients showed higher PWV in the 24-h but not in the office setting with an adjusted 24-h PWV difference of 1.0 (95% CI: 0.6–1.5) m/s. PWV was higher in GD at both day and night, and nightly PWV dipping was lower (–5.5, 95% CI: –10.4 to –0.6%). Furthermore, central and brachial pulse pressure was significantly higher in both the office and 24-h setting, whereas nightly central pulse pressure dipping was significantly lower in GD (–5.4, 95% CI: –10.5 to –0.2%). Mean arterial pressure did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: Despite comparable blood pressure, GD is associated with a higher 24-h PWV that was not detected in the office setting. Pulse pressure was higher in GD, whereas mean arterial pressure did not differ between the groups. Longitudinal studies should pursue whether higher PWV might be a piece to the puzzle of understanding the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in hyperthyroidism and GD.
Metabolic Acidosis Alters Expression of Slc22 Transporters in Mouse Kidney
Authors: Gottier Nwafor Janine , Nowik Marta , Anzai Naohiko , Endou Hitoshi , Wagner Carsten A.
Published: February 2020

Introduction: The kidneys play a central role in eliminating metabolic waste products and drugs through transporter-mediated excretion along the proximal tubule. This task is mostly achieved through a variety of transporters from the solute carrier family 22 (SLC22) family of organic cation and anion transporters. Metabolic acidosis modulates metabolic and renal functions and also affects the clearance of metabolites and drugs from the body. We had previously shown that induction of metabolic acidosis in mice alters a large set of transcripts, among them also many transporters including transporters from the Slc22 family. Objective: Here we further investigated the impact of acidosis on Slc22 family members. Methods: Metabolic acidosis was induced for 2 or 7 days with NH4Cl, some animals also received the uricase inhibitor oxonic acid for comparison. Expression of transporters was studied by qPCR and immunoblotting. Results: NH4Cl induced no significant changes in plasma or urine uric acid levels but caused downregulation of Slc22a1 (Oct1), Slc22a6 (Oat1), Slc22a19 (Oat5), and ­Slc22a12 (Urat1) at mRNA level. In contrast, Slc22a4 mRNA (Octn1) was upregulated. On protein level, NH4Cl increased Octn1 (after 7 days) and Urat1 (after 2 days) abundance and decreased Oat1 (after 2 days) and Urat1 (after 7 days). Oxonic acid had no impact on protein abundance of any of the transporters tested. Conclusion: In summary, metabolic acidosis alters expression of several transporters involved in renal excretion of metabolic waste products and drugs. This may have implications for drug kinetics and clearance of waste metabolites.
Lappaconitine Sulfate Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cells through the Reactive Oxygen Species-Dependent Mitochondrial Pathway
Authors: Zhang Xuemei , Ma Junyi , Song Na , Guo Yongyue , Hui Ling , Sang Chunyan
Published: February 2020

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of tumor-related deaths in the word. Lappaconitine (LA), a diterpenoid alkaloid, exerts antitumor activities. However, the effects and mechanisms of LA sulfate (LS) on HCC remain unclear. This study evaluated the activities and explored the underlying mechanisms of LS in HCC cell line HepG2 cells. Materials and Methods: The cell viability and proliferation were evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, respectively. The cell cycle distribution was detected by propidium iodide (PI) staining assay. The apoptosis was detected by Annexin ­V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)/PI double staining assay. The cell cycle arrest and apoptosis-related proteins were estimated by western blot analysis. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was ­determined through the 5, 5′, 6, 6′-tetrachloro-1, 1′, 3, 3′-tetraethylbenzimi-dazolyl carbocyanine iodide (JC-1) staining assay. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) was monitored by 20–70-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining assay. In vivo antitumor activities were investigated by HepG2 xenograft model. Results: Our results showed that LS significantly ­inhibited the viability and proliferation of HepG2 cells. LS triggered G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and caspase activation. Furthermore, LS induced MMP loss and ROS accumulation. Additionally, LS suppressed the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) signaling pathway. An in vivo assay showed that LS exhibited a pronounced antitumor effect in nude mice bearing HepG2 xenografts. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that LS is a promising therapeutic agent for HCC directed ­toward the proliferation inhibition and the induction of apoptosis.
РОЛЬ МЕДИЧНОЇ СЕСТРИ В УКРАЇНІ ТА У СВІТІ
Authors: Abashnyk N. M.
Published: February 2020

У статті проведено порівняльний аналіз ролі медичної сестри в Україні та у світі.
АКТУАЛЬНІ ПИТАННЯ ВАКЦИНАЦІЇ В УКРАЇНІ
Authors: Tolokova T. I. , Halchuk O. V.
Published: February 2020

У статті проведено аналіз актуального проблемного поля вакцинації в Україні.
The Prognostic Significance of Quantitative Myocardial Perfusion: An Artificial Intelligence Based Approach Using Perfusion Mapping
Authors: Knott Kristopher D. , Seraphim Andreas , Augusto Joao B. , Xue Hui , Chacko Liza , Aung Nay , Petersen Steffen E. , Cooper Jackie A. , Manisty Charlotte , Bhuva Anish N. , Kotecha Tushar , Bourantas Christos V. , Davies Rhodri H. , Brown Louise A.E. , Plein Sven , Fontana Marianna , Kellman Peter , Moon James C.
Published: February 2020

Background:Myocardial perfusion reflects the macro- and microvascular coronary circulation. Recent quantitation developments using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) perfusion permit automated measurement clinically. We explored the prognostic significance of stress myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR, the ratio of stress to rest MBF).

Methods:A two center study of patients with both suspected and known coronary artery disease referred clinically for perfusion assessment. Image analysis was performed automatically using a novel artificial intelligence approach deriving global and regional stress and rest MBF and MPR. Cox proportional hazard models adjusting for co-morbidities and CMR parameters sought associations of stress MBF and MPR with death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure hospitalization, late (>90 day) revascularization and death.

Results:1049 patients were included with median follow-up 605 (interquartile range 464-814) days. There were 42 (4.0%) deaths and 188 MACE in 174 (16.6%) patients. Stress MBF and MPR were independently associated with both death and MACE. For each 1ml/g/min decrease in stress MBF the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for death and MACE were 1.93 (95% CI 1.08-3.48, P=0.028) and 2.14 (95% CI 1.58-2.90, P<0.0001) respectively, even after adjusting for age and co-morbidity. For each 1 unit decrease in MPR the adjusted HR for death and MACE were 2.45 (95% CI 1.42-4.24, P=0.001) and 1.74 (95% CI 1.36-2.22, P<0.0001) respectively. In patients without regional perfusion defects on clinical read and no known macrovascular coronary artery disease (n=783), MPR remained independently associated with death and MACE, with stress MBF remaining associated with MACE only.

Conclusions:In patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease, reduced MBF and MPR measured automatically inline using artificial intelligence quantification of CMR perfusion mapping provides a strong, independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Effect of Behavioral Realism on Social Interactions Inside Collaborative Virtual Environments
Authors: Herrera Fernanda , Oh Soo Youn , Bailenson Jeremy N.
Published: February 2020

Collaborative virtual environments (CVEs), wherein people can virtually interact with each other via avatars, are becoming increasingly prominent. However, CVEs differ in type of avatar representation and level of behavioral realism afforded to users. The present investigation compared the effect of behavioral realism on users' nonverbal behavior, self-presence, social presence, and interpersonal attraction during a dyadic interaction. Fifty-one dyads (aged 18 to 26) embodied either a full-bodied avatar with mapped hands and inferred arm movements, an avatar consisting of only a floating head and mapped hands, or a static full-bodied avatar. Planned contrasts compared the effect of behavioral realism against no behavioral realism, and compared the effect of low versus high behavioral realism. Results show that participants who embodied the avatar with only a floating head and hands experienced greater social presence, self-presence, and interpersonal attraction than participants who embodied a full-bodied avatar with mapped hands. In contrast, there were no significant differences on these measures between participants in the two mapped-hands conditions and those who embodied a static avatar. Participants in the static-avatar condition rotated their own physical head and hands significantly less than participants in the other two conditions during the dyadic interaction. Additionally, side-to-side head movements were negatively correlated with interpersonal attraction regardless of condition. We discuss implications of the finding that behavioral realism influences nonverbal behavior and communication outcomes.
Depth Perception and Manipulation in Projection-Based Spatial Augmented Reality
Authors: Schmidt Susanne , Bruder Gerd , Steinicke Frank
Published: February 2020

Spatial augmented reality (SAR) technology allows one to change the appearance of objects by projecting directly onto their surface without the requirement of wearing glasses, and therefore can be used in many practical applications. In this article, we present a human–subject study, which investigates the research question whether it is possible to use SAR to change one's perception of depth and spatial relationships among objects and humans in a real-world environment. Such projected illusions could open up new possibilities, for example, supporting people who suffer from poor depth perception by compensating distance and size misperceptions. We present three monoscopic projection-based techniques that we adapted from visual arts: (i) color temperature, (ii) luminance contrast, and (iii) blur, and show that each of them can significantly change depth perception, even in a real-world environment when displayed with other distance cues. We discuss practical implications and individual differences in the perception of depth between observers, and we outline future directions to influence and improve human depth perception in the real world.
Intelligent Medical Informatics Management System Based on Pattern Recognition and Visual Multimedia: A Deep Learning Perspective
Authors: Mao Xiaofei , Feng Xiaoyi , Cheng Fangjun , Chen Penggang
Published: February 2020

With the continuous development of China’s medical modernization technology, medical devices have been widely used in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, and health care. The direct or indirect contact of medical devices with the human body is closely related
to diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. As a result, the quality and safety problems of medical devices in the development of high-end, high-tech products have also increased. Establishing an effective quality management system for medical device production can effectively control the
level of production quality management in medical devices and guarantee the quality of products. Therefore, the management of the quality of medical devices is a major task. The use of digital construction to manage scientific and technological archives can make the management of scientific
and technological archives more standardized, automatic and professional. This is also a development trend of hospital science and technology archives management. In this paper, we use pattern recognition technology and multimedia vision technology to study the construction of medical technology
management system. The deep learning is integrated to promote the overall performance of the proposed methodology. The simulation results have reflected the robustness.
Sparse Features with Fast Guided Filtering for Medical Image Fusion
Authors: Zhang Yongxin , Li Deguang , Zhang Ruiling , Cui Yan
Published: February 2020

In medical image fusion, partially focused images are combined into a completely informative in focus image of the same scene, helping the clinical applicability of medical image for assessment on sports injuries diagnosis and rehabilitation. However, many state-of-the-art fusion methods
seldom consider structural differences between guidance and input images, so not all the significant features of the source images can be well preserved for a completely informative focused image. In this paper, a fusion method via fast guided filtering with sparse features is proposed. The
source images are decomposed into base and detail layers using an average filter. They are also split into low-rank and sparse parts by solving convex programs. Saliency maps are constructed based on the sparse features using low pass and high pass filters. Fast guided filtering is used to
optimize saliency maps for constructing weighted maps of the base and detail layers, and for maintaining the spatial consistency between the source images and the layers. The fused base and detail layers are integrated to construct the final fused image. Experiments on nine pair of medical
images demonstrate that the proposed method achieved better medical images compared to other reported methods in terms of both subjective and objective evaluations.
Medical Image Application in Fetal Weight Prediction Between Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Systematic Review
Authors: Xuan Rongrong , Yu Peimin
Published: February 2020

Fetal magnetic resonance imaging has raised up scholars’ interest since first incepted in 1983. It has been proved to be more accurate when estimating fetal weight comparing to ultrasound. The purpose of this review was to assess the efficiency of MRI on fetal body weight estimation
as well as its ability of diagnosing congenital malformation. The papers were researched from three online databases, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, by using terms “MRI,” “fetal weight,” and “ultrasound.” Inclusion criteria were demonstrated as follows:
(i) MRI, (ii) ultrasound, (iii) fetal weight, (iv) research article. Up to now, with the improvement of magnetic resonance technique, the time to perform MRI is shorten, however, higher cost, lack of equipment and radiology expertise still exist, which limit its wide use in clinical. Nonetheless,
MRI shows more great efficiency in fetal weight estimation and diagnosing congenital malformation compared to US.
Synthesis of Mn-Doped ZnS Nanoparticles and Its Characterization
Authors: Al-Harbi F. F.
Published: February 2020

ZnS powders doped with manganese (ZnS:Mn) was synthesized by the sol gel method. The structural and optical characteristics are studied using various techniques. Analysis with X-ray diffraction shows that cubic ZnS phase is formed with average crystallite sizes varying between 10 nm
and 13 nm. There is no phase transformation due to Mn2+ doping. The formation of ZnS was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurement. TEM images indicated the spherical shape of the nanoparticles. However, optical study has shown a strong reflectance in the visible
range. The band gap (Eg) of ZnS:Mn is varied between 3.51 eV and 3.56 eV. The photoluminescence properties of ZnS:Mn nanopowders were studied.
The Methods of Information Acquisition and Information Fusion of the Photoelectric Sensor-Based Quadrotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Hang Fen , Hao Xiangyang
Published: February 2020

When quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is performing various tasks, even a small angular error will affect the evaluation of the entire motion trajectory. The multiple photoelectric sensor information fusion technology and the ARM microprocessor platform are used to form an attitude
reference system for UAV. First, the hardware design of the small quadrotor UAV attitude reference system based on an ARM is introduced. The design framework and information acquisition module are expounded. In terms of the software of the system, the photoelectric sensor is used to receive
different kinds of information, and the dynamic loading component is adopted as the solution to the interface diversification problems. Based on the attitude reference system, the collected information needs to be fused. The Kalman filtering is taken as the research object. Combined with the
multiple photoelectric sensor information fusion technology, the Kalman filtering method is improved in the data preprocessing, and the low-pass filtering is added. Therefore, the abnormal data is filtered, and the estimated values are converged in a short time. Then, the data fusion is performed
by the joint Kalman filter, least-squares fusion, and extended Kalman filter, respectively. During the experimental process, the system is proved to have good robustness, that is, in the case of individual sensor failure, the attitude acquisition section still obtains accurate attitude information
of the UAV. The attitude reference system of UAV is realized. With the help of multi-sensor/information fusion technology, the attitude of the UAV is better handled, and its flight stability is improved.
Gifted Students’ Adjustment and Underachievement in University: An Exploration From the Self-Determination Theory Perspective
Authors: Almukhambetova Ainur , Hernández-Torrano Daniel
Published: February 2020

Successful transition from school to university is essential for the academic success of any student. Gifted students might encounter unique challenges due to their characteristics, and there is an evidence that a failure to adjust to the demands of university environment has a negative effect on gifted students’ academic performance, leading to underachievement. This qualitative study aimed at exploration of gifted students’ adjustment to university and issues they face within this process. We use the lenses provided by self-determination theory to further interpret the role of both internal and external motivation forces contributing to gifted students’ adjustment and achievement in higher education settings. It was identified that the gifted school and university learning environments, as well as the influence of key people (parents, peers, and teachers) played a crucial role in facilitating or impeding gifted school graduates’ sense of self-determination and consequently their adjustment and achievement. This study offers interesting insights for the understanding of gifted (under)achievement in a context where giftedness is predominantly conceived as high intelligence and academic achievement, gifted students are identified via performance-based measures, specialized schools are the preferred means for gifted education, and young people’s talents are considered invaluable for the development of the national economy and the society.
Nonlinear Impact of Air Quality on Tourist Arrivals: New Proposal and Evidence
Authors: Wang Liang-Ju , Chen Ming-Hsiang
Published: February 2020

This study makes a novel contribution to the tourism literature by proposing an inverted U–shaped impact of air quality on tourist arrivals and examining this relationship using 58 major tourist cities in China from 2004 to 2015. The estimation of linear and nonlinear dynamic panel regression tests is based on the system generalized method of moments. The linear test results show that air quality measured by the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has a significantly negative impact on both inbound and domestic tourist arrivals. The nonlinear test results validate an inverted U–shaped link between air quality and both inbound and domestic tourist arrivals.
Examining Educational Attainment Outcomes: A Focus on Latina/o Community College Students
Authors: Carales Vincent D.
Published: February 2020

Objective: This study examined how a set of theoretically derived factors predicted the educational attainment outcomes of Latina/o community college students. The guiding research question was, “What precollege and background characteristics, college experiences, and environmental pull factors uniquely predict persistence, certificate or associate degree completion, and transfer or bachelor’s degree completion for a national sample of Latina/o community college students?” Method: Three logistic regression analyses were conducted using a nationally represented sample from the Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS: 04/09). Results: Latina/o community college student educational outcomes were found to be related to demographic or precollege variables including primary language spoken in the home, citizenship status, socioeconomic status, degree expectations; college experiences including academic integration, first-year college grade point average (GPA), enrollment intensity, co-enrollment; and environmental pull factors including the receipt of a federal student loan and Pell Grant. Conclusion: Findings underscore the importance of financial aid in promoting success outcomes and alleviate affordability concerns for Latina/o community college students. Findings also reinforce the notion of considering educational intentions when developing advising services and programs that foster or match those ambitions. Doing so will improve both student outcomes and institutional effectiveness.
Earth stewardship, economic justice, and world mission: The teachings of Laudato Si’
Authors: Beltran Fr. Benigno P.
Published: February 2020

The article provides a synopsis of the encyclical Laudato Si’, written for everyone living in this degraded planet by Pope Francis. Our common home, Planet Earth, calls us to intimacy and communion with everything that is. Rediscovering this call and mission is the key to the flourishing of the community of diverse life-forms in the biosphere. We are all called to heal, protect and care of the planet to save the ecological systems on which life depends and assure future generations of a sustainable future. The article also details the concrete programs being done, in the light of ecological conversion called for in Laudato Si’, through a covenant of a sustainable development community of people and organizations which connect, converge, share, learn and collaborate in projects to the planting of a billion bamboo by 2030 to combat the dire effects of the climate crisis and build up the bamboo industry to provide jobs for the poor; networking a million organic farmers through an e-commerce platform to make production and marketing of organic products more efficient and sustainable;, and, provide online education to a million school dropouts to enable them to obtain a high school diploma so that they can proceed to college, obtain jobs, or put up their own businesses - all these by 2030. Inspired by Laudato Si’, the members of the covenant also share resources, strategies and innovative approaches to meet the challenges of sustainable development in the Philippines and in the entire planet by the year 2030.
Using Vocal Production to Improve Long-Term Verbal Memory in Adults with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Icht Michal , Ben-David Nophar , Mama Yaniv
Published: February 2020

Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) typically show weak long-term memory (LTM) skills. Understanding verbal LTM processes and searching for effective mnemonics in this population is important, to improve intervention programs. The current study aimed to assess verbal LTM abilities of adults with mild ID of mixed etiologies, and to offer a simple memorization technique based on vocal production. Participants ( n = 55) learned lists of different study materials (images of familiar and unfamiliar objects, written words, and sentences) by vocal production (saying or reading aloud) or by no-production (looking, listening, or reading silently). Memory tests followed. Better memory was found for vocally produced images of familiar objects, written words, and sentences. The results show that adults with mild ID can benefit from the relative distinctiveness of items at study. Hence, vocalization may be used in educational and therapeutic contexts for this population, improving memory performance.
The Influence of Bondholder Concentration and Temporal Orientation on Investments in R&D
Authors: Ye Pengfei , O’Brien Jonathan , Carnes Christina Matz , Hasan Iftekhar
Published: February 2020

Although innovation can be a critical source of competitive advantage, research has found that debt can erode management’s willingness to invest in R&D. In this article, we employ a stakeholder bargaining power perspective to argue that this effect is most pronounced when the firm’s bonds are concentrated in the hands of bond blockholders. Furthermore, we contend that the temporal orientation of bondholders influences this relationship. Specifically, while it is commonly assumed that bondholders have a limited temporal orientation that induces them to focus on short-term value appropriation, we argue that some bond blockholders adopt a long-term temporal orientation. This orientation, in turn, makes them more inclined to support long-term value creation for the firm in the form of enhanced investments in R&D. Moreover, while agency theory suggests that there is an inherent conflict of interest between shareholders and bondholders, our results suggest that the temporal orientation of investors (i.e., both shareholders and bondholders) matters much more than whether they invested in the firm’s equity or its debt.
Epidemiological investigation on the cervical health of lesbians in Beijing, China
Authors: Chen Xiangfan , Yan Hong , Cao Yingnan , Li Shiyue , Yang Ningxi , Li Xiaoyan
Published: February 2020

Objective

To investigate human papillomavirus (HPV) infection status and influencing factors among lesbians.

Methods

In August to October 2018, 300 lesbians were recruited in Beijing using snowball sampling. Sociodemographic characteristics, behavioural indices and HPV status were measured. Colposcopy was performed on participants with HPV genotypes 16 and 18 and on participants with other high-risk HPV subtypes and positive ThinPrep (TCT) results.

Results

The overall HPV-positive rate was 25%. High number of sexual partners, smoking, drinking, not using condoms and using sex toys during intercourse were identified as HPV infection risk factors. Of the HPV subtypes detected, 84% were high-risk HPV subtypes. The colposcopy results showed that 20 participants (80%) with HPV 16 and HPV 18 had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia I (CIN I) or above lesions. The colposcopy results also showed that 16 participants (64%) infected with other high-risk types of HPV virus and who had positive TCT results had CIN I or above lesions.

Conclusions

The cervical health of lesbians should not be neglected, and appropriate health education should be improved for this group.
Bullying, health complaints, and self-rated health among school-aged children and adolescents
Authors: Hansson Erika , Garmy Pernilla , Vilhjálmsson Rúnar , Kristjánsdóttir Gudrún
Published: February 2020

Objective

The aim of the current study was to examine whether health complaints and self-reported health were associated with bullying victimization in a large cohort of Icelandic children and adolescents.

Methods

In this study, we used data from a school-based cross-sectional survey, specifically, the Icelandic contribution to the international research network Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC). The study population included all students throughout Iceland in grades 6, 8, and 10 (mean age 13 years, standard deviation 1.61). The participation rate was 84% (N = 11,018). Participating students completed an anonymous standardized questionnaire in their classrooms.

Results

Bullying victimization was associated with feeling depressed (odds ratio 2.61), having difficulty falling asleep, dizziness, and low self-reported health. No differences were found between sex and age groups.

Conclusions

Children and adolescents who are bullied appear to more often experience depression, difficulties falling asleep, dizziness, and poor health; however, health complaints were also relatively high among non-bullied children and adolescents. Bullying prevention measures must be implemented in children’s and adolescents’ social environments. In addition to assessing bullying interventions, further research should focus on methods of enhancing resilience in this population.
Des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin is a favorable biomarker for the early diagnosis of alfa-fetoprotein-negative hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Zhaobo , Wu Min , Lin Dongdong , Li Ning
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin (DCP) is an important serum biomarker for the clinical screening of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to evaluate the value of DCP for the early diagnosis of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-negative hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled patients with AFP-negative HBV-related HCC and benign liver disease. Serum DCP levels in all participants were measured by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. The value of DCP for the early diagnosis of AFP-negative HBV-related HCC was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) analyses.

Results

A total of 210 patients, including 87 cases with AFP-negative HBV-related HCC and 123 control cases with chronic HBV infection (CHB) or liver cirrhosis (LC), were included. Serum DCP levels were significantly increased in patients with AFP-negative HBV-related HCC compared with those with CHB or LC. The AUC for DCP for distinguishing between the two groups was 0.731 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.657 to 0.805) and that for early diagnosis was 0.685 (95%CI, 0.596 to 0.774).

Conclusions

DCP may be a favorable biomarker to improve the early diagnosis rate of AFP-negative HBV-related HCC.
An Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocol for Outpatient BodyLift Surgery
Authors: Nuveen Erik J. , Matthesen Jennifer , Cox Kaily , Caplin Courtney J.
Published: February 2020

The concept of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) was developed in 2001 in order to create a multimodal, scientifically based approach to the development and audit of protocols for improving outcomes after surgical procedures. These protocols undergo constant evolution and evaluation toward the goal of quality of recovery. The BodyLift (BL) is the procedure that most comprehensively addresses the cosmetic needs of patients after massive weight loss (MWL). In the course of performing 136 consecutive outpatient BL surgeries over 7 years, we have developed a management protocol that has provided consistently high patient satisfaction, minimized frequent complications, and has documented 100% safety in all cases performed without deep vein thrombosis (DVT), transfusion and with 1 postoperative hospital admission. Each evidence-based component in the protocol was instituted to reduce risk of complications known to be most commonly associated with circumferential body contouring surgery. ERAS protocols are now widely used in many other surgical subspecialties. These protocols have the common goal of returning the patient to normal function as expeditiously as possible and are associated with decreased complications as well as shorter length-of-stay (LOS) and reduced costs. We have enumerated the many components of our protocol and aligned each with elements of an ERAS paradigm. In our retrospective review of 7 years of BL surgery (n = 136), this protocol has reduced both major and minor complications to previously unpublished levels. Our independently formulated ERAS protocol for outpatient BL surgery aligns closely with the ERAS concept, limiting surgical stress, thus reducing complications and affording a smooth and predictable perioperative experience. This is of importance for elective cosmetic surgery patients, who often have high expectations for an uneventful recovery and are unaccepting of potentially out-of-pocket costs associated with complications.
Soft Tissue Lesions With High Vascular Density on Sonography in Pediatric Patients: Beyond Hemangiomas
Authors: Zaltsberg Gali Shapira , Spring Shanna , Malic Claudia , Koujok Khaldoun , Davila Jorge , Hurteau Julie , Shenouda Nazih
Published: February 2020

Infantile hemangiomas are the most frequent vascular soft tissue lumps in the pediatric population. The clinical presentation and evolution of these lesions is characteristic, while the sonographic appearance is classic but not specific. This pictorial essay illustrates the different vascular soft tissue lumps on ultrasound that may mimic infantile hemangiomas. Awareness of these mimics is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis. Clinical and sonographic discriminators for each lesion are presented.
The Effects of Co-Occurring Interpersonal Trauma and Gender on Opioid Use and Misuse
Authors: Williams Jessica Roberts , Girdler Susan , Williams Weston , Cromeens Martha Grace
Published: February 2020

The association between interpersonal trauma (IPT) and opioid misuse is well established. There are important gaps, however, in our understanding of this relationship. Studies often do not account for the co-occurrence of IPT across time (i.e., multiple experiences of the same type of IPT) and contexts (i.e., experiences of different types of IPT). In addition, few studies have examined the relationship between IPT and prescription opioid use or gender differences. To address these gaps, this study examines the impact of IPT co-occurrence and gender on prescription opioid use and opioid misuse. Data were collected through a cross-sectional online survey of 235 adults with a self-reported history of IPT (i.e., intimate partner violence, sexual assault, adverse childhood experiences). IPT co-occurrence and interactions between IPT, as continuous scales, were assessed as correlates of opioid use and misuse using multinomial regression models. IPT was associated with opioid misuse, but not use, adjusting for gender. The relationship between sexual assault and opioid misuse was confounded by exposure to other types of IPT. Intimate partner violence was associated with opioid misuse among men. Adverse childhood experiences were associated with misuse among women. The interaction between intimate partner violence and sexual assault increased odds of opioid use among women. This study highlights the importance of accounting for IPT co-occurrence and examining gender differences in clinical practice and research related to opioid use/misuse. These approaches are important for understanding the relationship between IPT and opioid use/misuse by more accurately representing the complexity of the lives of survivors.