bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cortical and Internal Watershed Infarcts Might Be Key Signs for Predicting Neurological Deterioration in Patients with Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion with Mild Symptoms
Authors: Amano Yuki , Sano Hiroyasu , Fujimoto Ayataka , Kenmochi Hiroaki , Sato Haruhiko , Akamine Soichi
Published: July 2020

Background: Treatment for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) with mild symptoms is under discussion. Although most patients have good outcomes, some patients deteriorate and have unfavorable results. Imaging findings that predict the prognosis of LVO with mild symptoms are needed to identify patients who require treatment. In this study, we focused on watershed infarctions (WSIs), because this clinical phenomenon quite sensitively reflects changes in cerebral blood flow. The purpose of this study was to assess positive rates of WSI on MRI findings in patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, and compare WSI-positive rates between patients divided according to their clinical course. Methods: We retrospectively collected data of 1,531 patients who presented with acute ischemic stroke between June 2006 and July 2019. Among them, we chose symptomatic ICA occlusion patients with a past history of atrial fibrillation who were treated conservatively. We divided these patients into two groups, those with maintenance or improvement in their NIHSS score after hospitalization, and those whose NIHSS score worsened. We compared WSI-positive rates between these two groups. Results: Thirty-seven of the 1,531 patients were included in this study. Of them, total NIHSS score was maintained or improved in 8 patients (group A), 3 of whom (37.5%) had internal watershed infarctions (IWIs). In group B, consisting of patients whose NIHSS score worsened by >2 at 7 days from symptom onset, 24 (82.8%) had IWIs. Group A thus had statistically lower IWI positivity rates than group B (p = 0.02). Three patients (37.5%) in group A had cortical watershed infarctions (CWIs), while 27 patients in group B (93.1%) had CWIs. Group A thus had a significantly lower CWI positivity rate than group B (p = 0.002). Conclusion: In patients with mildly symptomatic ICA occlusion, CWIs and IWIs might be key signs for predicting neurological deterioration after hospitalization.
Cannabis and Inflammatory Mediators
Authors: Lima Marcelo G. , Tardelli Vitor S. , Brietzke Elisa , Fidalgo Thiago M.
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Although the recreational cannabis use is expressive worldwide, the literature about medical potential of cannabis extracts, including its anti-inflammatory properties, remains inconclusive. Methods: We screened all articles, published on the PubMed database, on inflammatory mediators and any information about cannabis use from 1980 to March 2019. Results: Six studies were included, and the main findings were as follows: (i) among healthy volunteers and cannabis users, cannabinoids seemed to decrease the inflammatory response, thus decreasing the immune response, which led to a higher risk of infections; (ii) among patients with multiple sclerosis, cannabinoids seemed to have little impact on the inflammatory markers’ levels. Discussion: Although cannabis use can produce immune inflammatory suppression in healthy people, this effect is not robust enough to change inflammatory mediators’ levels in situations of highly dysfunctional inflammatory activation. Nevertheless, the impact of cannabinoids in clinical outcomes of these conditions remains to be determined.
Real-World Efficacy and Safety of Lenvatinib in Korean Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Cheon Jaekyung , Chon Hong Jae , Bang Yeonghak , Park Neung Hwa , Shin Jung Woo , Kim Kang Mo , Lee Han Chu , Lee Jooho , Yoo Changhoon , Ryoo Baek-Yeol
Published: July 2020

Introduction/Objective: Lenvatinib demonstrated efficacy and safety in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the randomized phase III REFLECT trial. Considering the discrepancies in patients between clinical trial data and daily practice, an account of practical experience is needed. Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective analysis in which 3 tertiary referral centers participated. A total of 92 patients with advanced HCC treated with lenvatinib between September 2018 and January 2020 were analyzed. Results: Lenvatinib was used as the first-line therapy for 67 (72.8%) patients, and for 25 (27.2%) patients previously treated with other systemic therapy including immune checkpoint inhibitors. At the time of initiation of lenvatinib, 74 (80.4%) and 18 (19.6%) patients were classified as Child-Pugh A and B, respectively. Thirty-five patients (38.0%) had extensive disease that would have excluded them from the REFLECT trial. In the Child-Pugh A group, the response rate graded according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1 was 21.1%, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.1–6.1) months, and overall survival (OS) was 10.7 (95% CI 4.8–16.5) months for patients treated with first-line lenvatinib (n = 57). With second- or later-line lenvatinib (n = 17), median PFS and OS were 4.1 (95% CI 3.1–5.1) and 6.4 (95% CI 5.1–7.7) months, respectively. In the Child-Pugh B group (n = 18), median PFS and OS were 2.6 (95% CI 0.6–4.6) and 5.3 (95% CI 2.0–8.5) months, respectively. The most common grade 3–4 toxicities were hyperbilirubinemia (n = 8; 8.7%), AST elevation (n = 6; 6.5%), and diarrhea (n = 5; 5.4%) across all study patients. Conclusions: In this real-world study, lenvatinib was found to be well tolerated and effective in more heterogeneous HCC patient populations.
Baseline Plasma EGFR Circulating Tumour DNA Levels in a Pilot Cohort of EGFR-Mutant Limited-Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients Undergoing Radical Lung Radiotherapy
Authors: Chia Brendan Seng Hup , Nei Wen Long , Charumathi Sabanayagam , Fong Kam Weng , Tan Min-Han
Published: July 2020

The use of circulating cell-free tumour DNA (ctDNA) is established in metastatic lung adenocarcinoma to detect and monitor sensitising EGFR mutations. In early-stage disease, there is very little data supporting its role as a potential biomarker. We report on a prospective cohort of 9 limited-stage EGFR mutant lung cancer patients who were treated with radical radiotherapy. We looked at baseline plasma EGFR ctDNA and noted the detection rates to be higher in locally advanced disease. At a median follow-up of 13.5 months, an association between a detectable pre-radiotherapy plasma EGFR ctDNA and early tumour relapse (155 days vs. NR, p = 0.004) was noted. One patient with persistent plasma EGFR ctDNA predated radiological progression. The role of ctDNA in early-stage lung cancer is developing. Plasma EGFR ctDNA could be a useful biomarker in lung cancer patients undergoing radical treatments for staging, prognostication, and follow-up. These preliminary findings should be explored in larger studies.
A Case of Myeloma Kidney with Perinuclear Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody and Anti-Myeloperoxidase Positivity: The Importance of Determining the True Cause of Renal Impairment
Authors: Roper Tayeba , Elias Robert , Jayawardene Satish
Published: July 2020

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common presentation which can result from a number of different underlying pathological processes. Haematological malignancies, particularly multiple myeloma (MM), are known to frequently present with AKI. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a rare condition which can cause crescentic glomerulonephritis (GN), resulting in AKI. We present the case of a 60-year-old man who presented with clinical features suggestive of AAV in the context of blood tests which demonstrated AKI and positive perinuclear ANCA (p-ANCA) and anti-myeloperoxidase (anti-MPO) titres. Further investigations demonstrated an underlying diagnosis of MM. A renal biopsy was ultimately required to determine the cause of AKI, a cast nephropathy. This case is the first to our knowledge which demonstrates a rare situation in which myeloma kidney is associated with positive p-ANCA and anti-MPO titres, without any evidence of a crescentic GN. It highlights the importance of following up on all investigations sent in the context of AKI, even when a potential diagnosis seems evident. Furthermore, it demonstrates the role of renal biopsy in confirming a diagnosis in the context of AKI with multiple differential diagnoses.
Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Signaling in Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Jamadar Abeda , Rao Reena
Published: July 2020

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical syndrome that involves renal tubular epithelial cell death and leads to acute decline in renal function. Improper tubular regeneration following AKI often leads to CKD. We discuss the role of a serine/threonine protein kinase called glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) in renal tubular injury and renal fibrosis. We also highlight the importance of GSK3 as a potential drug target in AKI patients and molecular mechanisms promoting tissue regeneration.
Cardiac Emerinopathy
Authors: Ishikawa Taisuke , Mishima Hiroyuki , Barc Julien , Takahashi Masanori P. , Hirono Keiichi , Terada Shigenori , Kowase Shinya , Sato Teruki , Mukai Yasushi , Yui Yoshiaki , Ohkubo Kimie , Kimoto Hiroki , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Hata Yukiko , Aiba Takeshi , Ohno Seiko , Chishaki Akiko , Shimizu Wataru , Horie Minoru , Ichida Fukiko , Nogami Akihiko , Yoshiura Koh-Ichiro , Schott Jean-Jacques , Makita Naomasa
Published: July 2020

Background:

Mutations in the nuclear envelope genes encoding
LMNA
and
EMD
are responsible for Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy. However,
LMNA
mutations often manifest dilated cardiomyopathy with conduction disturbance without obvious skeletal myopathic complications. On the contrary, the phenotypic spectrums of
EMD
mutations are less clear. Our aims were to determine the prevalence of nonsyndromic forms of emerinopathy, which may underlie genetically undefined isolated cardiac conduction disturbance, and the etiology of thromboembolic complications associated with
EMD
mutations.

Methods:

Targeted exon sequencing was performed in 87 probands with familial sick sinus syndrome (n=36) and a progressive cardiac conduction defect (n=51).

Results:

We identified 3 X-linked recessive
EMD
mutations (start-loss, splicing, missense) in families with cardiac conduction disease. All 3 probands shared a common clinical phenotype of progressive atrial arrhythmias that ultimately resulted in atrial standstill associated with left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC), but they lacked early contractures and progressive muscle wasting and weakness characteristic of Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy. Because the association of LVNC with
EMD
has never been reported, we further genetically screened 102 LVNC patients and found a frameshift
EMD
mutation in a boy with progressive atrial standstill and LVNC without complications of muscular dystrophy. All 6 male
EMD
mutation carriers of 4 families underwent pacemaker or defibrillator implantation, whereas 2 female carriers were asymptomatic. Notably, a strong family history of stroke observed in these families was probably due to the increased risk of thromboembolism attributable to both atrial standstill and LVNC.

Conclusions:

Cardiac emerinopathy is a novel nonsyndromic X-linked progressive atrial standstill associated with LVNC and increased risk of thromboembolism.
Proteomic Signatures During Treatment in Different Stages of Heart Failure
Authors: Michelhaugh Sam A. , Camacho Alexander , Ibrahim Nasrien E. , Gaggin Hanna , D’Alessandro David , Coglianese Erin , Lewis Gregory D. , Januzzi James L.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Proteomics have already provided novel insights into the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction. Previous studies have evaluated cross-sectional protein signatures of HF, but few have characterized proteomic changes following HF with reduced ejection fraction treatment with ARNI (angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitor) therapy or left ventricular assist devices.

Methods:

In this retrospective omics study, we performed targeted proteomics (N=625) of whole blood sera from patients with American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association stage D (N=29) and stage C (N=12) HF using proximity extension assays. Samples were obtained before and after (median=82 days) left ventricular assist device implantation (stage D; primary analysis) and ARNI therapy initiation (stage C; matched reference). Oblique principal component analysis and point biserial correlations were used for feature extraction and selection; standardized mean differences were used to assess within and between-group differences; and enrichment analysis was used to generate and cluster Gene Ontology terms.

Results:

Core sets of proteins were identified for stage C (N=9 proteins) and stage D (N=18) HF; additionally, a core set of 5 shared HF proteins (NT-proBNP [N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide], ESM [endothelial cell-specific molecule]-1, cathepsin L1, osteopontin, and MCSF-1) was also identified. For patients with stage D HF, moderate (δ, 0.40–0.60) and moderate-to-large (δ, 0.60–0.80) sized differences were observed in 8 of their 18 core proteins after left ventricular assist devices implantation. Additionally, specific protein groups reached concentration levels equivalent (
g
<0.10) to stage C HF after initiation on ARNI therapy.

Conclusions:

HF with reduced ejection fraction severity associates with distinct proteomic signatures that reflect underlying disease attributes; these core signatures may be useful for monitoring changes in cardiac function following initiation on ARNI or left ventricular assist device implantation.
Active Case Finding for Rheumatic Fever in an Endemic Country
Authors: Okello Emmy , Ndagire Emma , Atala Jenifer , Bowen Asha C. , DiFazio Marc P. , Harik Nada S. , Longenecker Chris T. , Lwabi Peter , Murali Meghna , Norton Scott A. , Omara Isaac Otim , Oyella Linda Mary , Parks Tom , Pulle Jafesi , Rwebembera Joselyn , Sarnacki Rachel J. , Spurney Christopher F. , Stein Elizabeth , Tochen Laura , Watkins David , Zimmerman Meghan , Carapetis Jonathan R. , Sable Craig , Beaton Andrea
Published: July 2020

Background

Despite the high burden of rheumatic heart disease in sub‐Saharan Africa, diagnosis with acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is exceedingly rare. Here, we report the results of the first prospective epidemiologic survey to diagnose and characterize ARF at the community level in Africa.

Methods and Results

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in Lira, Uganda, to inform the design of a broader epidemiologic survey. Key messages were distributed in the community, and children aged 3 to 17 years were included if they had either (1) fever and joint pain, (2) suspicion of carditis, or (3) suspicion of chorea, with ARF diagnoses made by the 2015 Jones Criteria. Over 6 months, 201 children met criteria for participation, with a median age of 11 years (interquartile range, 6.5) and 103 (51%) female. At final diagnosis, 51 children (25%) had definite ARF, 11 (6%) had possible ARF, 2 (1%) had rheumatic heart disease without evidence of ARF, 78 (39%) had a known alternative diagnosis (10 influenza, 62 malaria, 2 sickle cell crises, 2 typhoid fever, 2 congenital heart disease), and 59 (30%) had an unknown alternative diagnosis.

Conclusions

ARF persists within rheumatic heart disease–endemic communities in Africa, despite the low rates reported in the literature. Early data collection has enabled refinement of our study design to best capture the incidence of ARF and to answer important questions on community sensitization, healthcare worker and teacher education, and simplified diagnostics for low‐resource areas. This study also generated data to support further exploration of the relationship between malaria and ARF diagnosis in rheumatic heart disease/malaria‐endemic countries.
Temporal Trends in Pregnancy‐Associated Stroke and Its Outcomes Among Women With Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Authors: Wu Pensée , Jordan Kelvin P. , Chew‐Graham Carolyn A. , Coutinho Thais , Lundberg Gina P. , Park Ki E. , Chappell Lucy C. , Myint Phyo K. , Maas Angela H. E. M. , Mamas Mamas A.
Published: July 2020

Background

Stroke is a serious complication of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), with potentially severe and long‐term sequelae. However, the temporal trends, predictors, and outcomes of stroke in women with HDP at delivery remain unknown.

Methods and Results

All HDP delivery hospitalizations with or without stroke event (ischemic, hemorrhagic, or unspecified) between 2004 and 2014 in the United States National Inpatient Sample were analyzed to examine incidence, predictors, and prognostic impact of stroke. Of 4 240 284 HDP delivery hospitalizations, 3391 (0.08%) women had stroke. While the prevalence of HDP increased over time, incident stroke rates decreased from 10 to 6 per 10 000 HDP delivery hospitalizations between 2004 and 2014. Women with stroke were increasingly multimorbid, with some risk factors being more strongly associated with ischemic strokes, including congenital heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, dyslipidemia, and sickle cell disease. Delivery complications were also associated with stroke, including cesarean section (odds ratio [OR], 1.58; 95% CI, 1.33–1.86), postpartum hemorrhage (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.33–1.86), and maternal mortality (OR, 99.78; 95% CI, 59.15–168.31), independently of potential confounders. Women with stroke had longer hospital stays (median, 6 versus 3 days), higher hospital charges (median, $14 655 versus $4762), and a higher proportion of nonroutine discharge locations (38% versus 4%).

Conclusions

The incidence of stroke in women with HDP has declined over time. While a relatively rare event, identification of women at highest risk of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke on admission for delivery is important to reduce long‐term sequelae.
Book Reviews
Authors: Wertheim W.F. , Bastin John , Lamb Alistair , Emst P. , Prins J. , Sharp Andrew , Brasser T.J. , Bosch F.D.K. , Palmier Leslie H. , Gregorius P. , Dockstader Frederick , Leeuwe J. , Bosch F,D,K, , Voorhoeve P. , Lamb Alastair , Giok Bwee Tjan , Wilmott D.E. , Vreede-De Steurs Cora , Geertz Clifford , Volker T. , Tudjimah
Published: July 2020

- P. Voorhoeve, Tudjimah, Asrar al-insan fi maýrifa al-ruh waýl-Rahman. Tesis Djakarta, 1961. 477 blz.- F.D.K. Bosch, Alastair Lamb, Chandi Bukit Batu Pahat. Three Additional Notes. 14 pp., 2 figs., 21 pls; Monographs....(etc.) No. 5, 1961.- F.D.K. Bosch, Alistair Lamb, Chandi Bukit Batu Pahat; a Report on the Excavation of an Ancient Temple in Kedah. 108 pp., 40 figs., 179 pls; Monographs on Southeast Asian Subjects No. 1, Eastern Universities Press Ltd., Singapore, 1960.- T.J. Brasser, Frederick J. Dockstader, Indian art in America - The arts and crafts of the North American Indian. New York Graphic Society, Greenwich, Mass., U.S.A. 1961. 224 pages, 70 color plates, 180 black and white illustrations.- J. Prins, Cora Vreede-De Steurs, Lýýmancipation de la femme indonýsienne. Mouton & Co, Den Haag en Parijs. 174 blz., 21 platen, 1 kaart.- Clifford Geertz, Bali, Studies in Life, Thought and Ritual; Selected Studies on Indonesia, Vol. 5. W. van Hoeve, The Hague & Bandung 1960. 368 pp. text.- Tjan Giok Bwee, D.E. Wilmott, The Chinese of Semarang: a changing minority community in Indonesia. Ithaca, New York, Cornell University Press, 1960, 366 pp.- P. Gregorius, J. de Leeuwe, Groepshuwelijk en enkelvoudig huwelijk, Uitgeverij L. Stafleu & Zoon, Leiden 1960, 136 blz.- P. van Emst, Andrew Sharp, The discovery of the Pacific Islands. Clarendon Press: Oxford University Press. Oxford 1960. 259 pp.- T. Volker, John Bastin, The changing balance of the early Southeast Asian pepper trade (Papers on Southeast Asian subjects No 1). Department of History University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, 1960. 60 pp. text, maps, bibliog.- W.F. Wertheim, Leslie H. Palmier, Social status and power in Java. London School of Economics Monographs on Social Anthropology, no. 20. London, 1960. 165 blz.
Book Reviews
Authors: Baal J. , Nevermann Hans , Drewes G.W.J. , Johns A.H.
Published: July 2020

- J. van Baal, Hans Nevermann, Söhne des Tötenden Vaters, Dämonen- und Kopfjägergeschichten aus Neuguinea; Röth-Verlag, Kassel, 1957; 224 pag. - G.W.J. Drewes, A.H. Johns, Malay Sufism as illustrated in an anonymous collection of 17th century tracts. Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, No. 178, Vol. XXX, Part 2, 1957, 111 pp.
Cardinal Pietro Boetto: A Life of Service to the Society of Jesus, the Catholic Church, and the People of Genoa
Authors: Zuccotti Susan
Published: July 2020

Cardinal Pietro Boetto, archbishop of Genoa from 1938 until his death in 1946, was an unusual Jesuit priest in several respects. First, although from humble origins, trained in seminaries other than the most prestigious Jesuit institutions, and not given to complex theological writings, he rose through the ranks of the Society’s administration to attract the notice of Pope Pius xi and be elevated to the cardinalate in 1935. The elevation was in itself highly unusual, given standard Jesuit policy and the expressed reluctance of the order’s Superior General Włodzimierz Ledóchowski at the time. Equally unexpected is the fact that the Jesuit Father Pietro Tacchi Venturi, the pope’s liaison with Mussolini, furnished intriguing background testimony about the elevation itself, which provides new insight into the pope’s policies and modes of operation. Finally, Cardinal Boetto was unusual for the clandestine assistance to Jews and anti-Fascists he provided as archbishop during the German occupation, for the broad range of rescue activities he allowed to his heroic secretary don Francesco Repetto and other priests, and for the wide-spread support networks that resulted throughout Northern and Central Italy. This article tells the story of a competent administrator with immense hidden skills and profound humanity. Sources include the memoirs of Boetto’s aide, Brother Giovanni Battista Weidinger; a biography by his associate Father Arnaldo Lanz; testimony by don Francesco Repetto; documents in the Archivum Romanum Societatis Iesu in Rome and the Archivio Diocesano di Genoa; and secondary studies by historians interested in the Second World War and the rescue of Jews in Genoa.
Strianassa lerayi gen. et sp. nov., a new laomediid mud-shrimp from the eastern Pacific, with new records of Axianassa ngochoae Anker, 2010 and Heteroaxianassa heardi (Anker, 2011) in the western Pacific (Malacostraca: Decapoda: Gebiidea)
Authors: ANKER ARTHUR
Published: July 2020

A new laomediid genus, Strianassa gen. nov., is established to accommodate a new eastern Pacific species of mud-shrimp, Strianassa lerayi sp. nov. The holotype and single specimen of the new species was collected on a shallow subtidal flat at Isla Afuerita, Canales de Afuera, Coiba Archipelago, Panama. Strianassa gen. nov. appears to be most closely related to Axianassa Schmitt, 1924 and Heteroaxianassa Sakai, 2016, differing from both of them by the dorsal surface of the rostrum armed with teeth; the third maxilliped with an exopod and a set of setobranchs; and the epipodal complex of the fourth pereiopod including a small podobranch. In addition, Axianassa ngochoae Anker, 2010 and Heteroaxianassa heardi (Anker, 2011) are recorded for the first time from New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea, respectively, representing minor extensions of their previously known distributional ranges. The validity of Heteroaxianassa is discussed.
Long-Term Assessment of the Quality of Visually-Related Daily Activities After ICL (V4c) Implantation for Myopia and Myopic Astigmatism
Authors: Linghu Shaorong , Liu Taixiang , Liao Yilu , Shi Rong , Pan Le
Published: July 2020

This study was performed to evaluate the long-term quality of visually related daily activities after Central Hole Collamer Lens Implantation to treat myopia and astigmatism. This study included 46 eyes (in 23 patients) that received ICL-V4c implantation. The follow up time was at least
24 months. Moreover, patient satisfaction related to daily vision activities were recorded at 6 and 24 months. The parameters measured included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refraction, eye axis, intraocular pressure (IOP), endothelial cell density
(ECD) and vault. The mean spherical equivalents were –0.14 ± 0.21 D and –0.12 ± 0.33 D at 6 and 24 months after surgery, respectively. All the eyes were better postoperative (UCVA) than preoperative (BCVA). The BCVA at 6 and 24 months after implantation was –0.03
± 0.08 LogMAR and –0.03 ± 0.11 LogMAR, which is statistically better (P = 0.031) than the pre-operation value 0.07 ± 0.12 LogMAR. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference between the pre-operation and post-operation ECD. At 24 months post-operation,
10% of the patients complained about difficulty driving at night; meanwhile, most patients expressed satisfaction or were very satisfied. Approximately 13% of the patients worried about long term safety and efficacy after the ICL-V4c implantation. Patients are very satisfied with daily related
vision activities after ICL-V4c implantation.
Automated Recognition of Arrhythmia Using Deep Neural Networks for 12-Lead Electrocardiograms with Fractional Time–Frequency Domain Extension
Authors: Ge Chuanbin , Di Liu  , Liu Juan , Liu Bingshuai , Xin Yi
Published: July 2020

Arrhythmia is a group of conditions in which the heartbeat is irregular. There are many types of arrhythmia. Some can be life-threatening. Electrocardiogram (ECG) is an effective clinical tool used to diagnosis arrhythmia. Automatic recognition of different arrhythmia types in ECG signals
has become an important and challenging issue. In this article, we proposed an algorithm to detect arrhythmia in 12-lead ECG signals and classify signals into 9 categories. Two 19-layer deep neural networks combining convolutional neural network and gated recurrent unit were proposed to realize
this work. The first one was trained directly with the raw 12-lead ECG data while the other one was trained with an 18-"lead" ECG data, where the six extra leads containing morphology information in fractional time–frequency domain were generated utilizing fractional Fourier transform
(FRFT). Overall detection results were obtained by fusing the output of these two networks and the final classification results on the testing dataset reports our proposed algorithm obtained a F1 score of 0.855. Furthermore, with our proposed algorithm, a better F1 score 0.81
was attained using training dataset provided by the China Physiological Signal Challenge held in 2018.
Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assisted Diagnosis of Occult Spinal Instability—A New Useful Approach
Authors: Kobesova Alena , Kolar Pavel , Andel Ross , Kyncl Martin , Stulik Jan , Davidek Pavel , Lardner Robert
Published: July 2020

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a global standard for confirming lumbar disc pathology, providing exceptionally detailed anatomical images. However, standard MRI taken in the typical relaxed supine position does not allow for visualization and measurement of the effects
of muscle activation and movement on spinal structures. This paper describes modified dynamic MRI assessment to exploit muscular dyssynergy causing lumbar disc lesion and lumbosacral degeneration in a 30-year old man experiencing low back pain (LBP) for five years. Dynamic MRI performed during
dynamic muscle activity revealed pathology that was not seen on MRI scans taken with the patient relaxed—sacral tilting and occult nerve root impingement by the L4–L5 disc. This modified imaging study was critical for a final decision to perform a surgery but also to set up appropriate
rehabilitation strategy after the surgery. The paper discusses the importance of using dynamic MRI in identifying spinal movements, which may contribute to symptom presentation, and role of integrated structural and functional assessment in its treatment approach.
Diagnosis of Benign and Malignant Renal Tumors Based on Multi-Feature Sparse Constraints
Authors: Xu Ting , Ouyang Jun , Hu Junbiao , Zhu Yongfeng , Wu Huiling , Dai Guoping , Shu Yaomin , Du Xiaowen
Published: July 2020

Considering that the kidneys segmentation challenge for image processing because of the gray level from abdominal computer tomography (CT) scans is a great similarity of adjacent organs, partial volume effects and so on, a novel multi-feature sparse constraints strategy is proposed
to diagnose the benign and malignant renal tumors, which can improve the accuracy and reliability of segmentation. The weighted sparse measure is defined by introducing weights in the l1-norm of vectors. The weight is inversely proportional to the similarity between data,
therefore the weighted l1-norm penalty on the linear representation coefficients tends to force similar data be involved while dissimilar data uninvolved in the linear representation of a datum. The resulted representation can overcome the drawbacks of l1-norm
penalty that the presentation coefficients are usually over sparse and not robust for highly correlated data. Experimental results and objective assessment indexes show that the proposed method can effectively segment CT images with good visual consistency. In addition, the dice coefficients
of renal and renal tumors were 0.933 and 0.854, respectively. In addition, our method can also be used for the diagnosis of renal tumors, and has also achieved good performance.
Automatic Recognition of Student Emotions Based on Deep Neural Network and Its Application in Depression Detection
Authors: Ding Yan , Zhong Shan , Hua Lei
Published: July 2020

The mental health rating scales combined with psychological expert consultation are easily influenced by subjective factors from psychological experts and lack objectivity and scientificalness. Due to the serious influence of depression tendency on learning and living of college students,
a novel DNN network model framework based on context emotion information is designed to achieve the automatic auxiliary emotion classification. More corpus training sample can be received by heightening the sample length without reducing samples' number. Firstly, the existing sample feature
is input into the recognition model to encode depression related features, and then the MADN features of the samples in the two adjacent segments are input into the above trained model in order for fine-tuning and optimization. Compared with the existing optimal method, the proposed model
improves the recognition accuracy in the diagnosis of depression. From the analysis of the experimental results, it is known that deep learning network can monitor the emotional state of college students with high precision, which can accurately identify the patients with depression. The deep
learning model can take effective measures to prevent the depression of college students, and discover the depression of college students, alleviate and treat the depression of college students, reduce the depression rate of college students.
Defect-related luminescent microstructured hydroxyapatite promote bone regeneration through nucleating effect
Authors: Dai Chunyan , Wang Qian , Patias Georgios , Shegiwal Ataulla , Zhu Linhua , Jiu Min
Published: July 2020

Non-nano scaled hydroxyapatite (HAP) particles cannot enter the cells, but they are also wildly used in tissue engineering for their excellent bone regeneration. We synthesized a defect-related luminescent micro-scale hydroxyapatite particles (S3) and investigated the effect of S3 during
bone regeneration. S3 promoted the formation of mineralized nodules and collagen synthesis of osteoblasts (OBs). Micro-scaled S3 couldn't enter into OBs and couldn't change the Ca2+ concentration of the medium. During the cell differentiation, the location of S3 was tracked by its
defect-related luminescence in vitro. Extracellular S3 particles become the nucleation events which promote bone regeneration. The results suggest that micro-scale HAP promoted bone regeneration through extracellular pathways. This result also can explain the reason why hydroxyapatite
covered tissue scaffold is more suitable for bone reconstructing.
Evaluation of a New Carbon Dioxide System for Autonomous Surface Vehicles
Authors: Sabine Christopher , Sutton Adrienne , McCabe Kelly , Lawrence-Slavas Noah , Alin Simone , Feely Richard , Jenkins Richard , Maenner Stacy , Meinig Christian , Thomas Jesse , van Ooijen Erik , Passmore Abe , Tilbrook Bronte
Published: July 2020

Current carbon measurement strategies leave spatiotemporal gaps that hinder the scientific understanding of the oceanic carbon biogeochemical cycle. Data products and models are subject to bias because they rely on data that inadequately capture mesoscale spatiotemporal (kilometers and days to weeks) changes. High-resolution measurement strategies need to be implemented to adequately evaluate the global ocean carbon cycle. To augment the spatial and temporal coverage of ocean–atmosphere carbon measurements, an Autonomous Surface Vehicle CO2 (ASVCO2) system was developed. From 2011 to 2018, ASVCO2 systems were deployed on seven Wave Glider and Saildrone missions along the U.S. Pacific and Australia’s Tasmanian coastlines and in the tropical Pacific Ocean to evaluate the viability of the sensors and their applicability to carbon cycle research. Here we illustrate that the ASVCO2 systems are capable of long-term oceanic deployment and robust collection of air and seawater pCO2 within ±2 μatm based on comparisons with established shipboard underway systems, with previously described Moored Autonomous pCO2 (MAPCO2) systems, and with companion ASVCO2 systems deployed side by side.
Similarities and Differences Between Intellectually Gifted and Average-Ability Students in School Performance, Motivation, and Subjective Well-Being
Authors: Bergold Sebastian , Wirthwein Linda , Steinmayr Ricarda
Published: July 2020

Terman’s study was the first to systematically document the lives of the intellectually gifted. This cross-sectional study replicates and extends some of Terman’s findings on characteristics of the gifted in childhood, comparing largely unselected samples of gifted ( n = 50) and average-ability ( n = 50) adolescents matched by means of propensity score matching. Students were compared on their school performance (standardized math and reading tests and grades), motivation (math ability self-concept, intrinsic motivation, vocational interests, and educational aspirations), parental educational expectations, students’ evaluation of school instruction (perceived quality and pressure), and subjective well-being. The gifted scored higher on math performance (rank-biserial r = .66/.81), math ability self-concept (.71), intrinsic motivation (.62), and investigative vocational interests (.65). Some smaller differences were found for realistic (.42) and social interests (–.37) and for pressure in math lessons (–.52). Results support Terman’s findings on gifted individuals’ psychological functioning and contradict negative stereotypes about the gifted.
Progressive failure mechanism of laminated composites under fatigue loading
Authors: Ibrahim Ghalib R , Albarbar A , Brethee Khaldoon F
Published: July 2020

A cohesive zone model for delamination propagation in laminated composites under static and fatigue loading has been derived and validated with experimental data under different mode conditions. This study presents a new approach to quantify fatigue delamination degradation based on damage mechanics to evaluate the rate of fatigue damage ([Formula: see text]). The static damage evaluation and fatigue damage degradation are derived from damage surface concept. Both static and fatigue damage linked each other to establish fatigue crack growth formula in the laminated composites. A user-defined subroutine, UMAT, has been employed to develop and implement a damage model in ABAQUS. Two different specimens; a double cantilever beam and a single lap joint were used to investigate the effectiveness of the new method. The simulation results revealed that the developed model had good agreement with experimental data available in literature.
The Effect of Imagined Social Contact on Chinese Students’ Perceptions of Japanese People
Authors: Wang Dong , Johnston Alastair Iain , Wang Baoyu
Published: July 2020

Social identity theory (SIT) suggests that perceived identity difference between groups predicts to intergroup conflict, including interstate conflict. Contact theory suggests that social contact between groups can help reduce intergroup conflict. Contact theory, however, has not traditionally focused on perceived identity difference, and it has not been tested much on real-world interstate conflicts. Employing an experimental design, our study tests for the effects of imagined social contact on Chinese students’ generally malign perceptions of identity difference with Japanese people. We find that imagined contact reduces key perceptions of difference by reducing both perceived Japanese malignity and perceived Chinese benignity. This suggests that social contact helps produce new hybrid in-group. By employing SIT, our findings provide a new microfoundation for contact theory, suggest an important process in the creation of security communities, and provide a proof of concept for public policies aimed at large-scale cultural exchanges.
(Re-) claiming urban streets: The conflicting (auto)mobilities of cycling and driving in Berlin and New York
Authors: Levels Annika
Published: July 2020

In the course of the twentieth century, planners have transformed cities by creating an “automobile urban fabric” and increasingly produced urban streets as spaces of “automobile inclusion”, ordered by a seemingly rational “traffic logic”. Streets have been primarily coded as a space for cars while excluding other traffic modes such as cyclists or pedestrians as well as uses that are not connected to movement. It is this logic and street code that the contemporary ideal of sustainable urban mobility aims to transform: streets should be made for people and accommodate different modes of mobility to overcome cars’ supremacy. This paper takes current planning processes and developments in Berlin and New York as a starting point to explore cyclists’ interest in street space and how it has historically developed since the mid-nineteenth century. Thereby, it will show that the history of urban automobility and urban cycling are deeply intertwined.
Spiritual Beliefs and Hastened Death: A Study on Medical Students
Authors: Sousa Alexandre , Marina Sílvia , Ricou Miguel
Published: July 2020

This study focuses on the impact of common spiritual beliefs regarding metaphysical questions in agreeability with the practice of hastened death. A sample of 497 Portuguese medical students was collected. Differences between genders and religions, predictors for agreeability with hastened death and the association between spiritual beliefs and opinion towards hastened death cases were assessed. Respondents were mostly favourable to the practice of hastened death. Formal religious affiliation and higher levels of religiosity significantly associated with lesser agreeability with hastened death. Statistically significant association was found between every hastened death scenario and multiple of the spiritual beliefs used. A number of spiritual beliefs were predictors of agreeability. We discuss the implications of religion and spirituality in agreeability with hastened death. Further research is required to better understand the true weight of spirituality in one’s opinion towards this ethical dilemma.
Fostering sustainable consumer behavior regarding clothing: Assessing trends on purchases, recycling and disposal
Authors: Paço Arminda , Leal Filho Walter , Ávila Lucas V , Dennis Karen
Published: July 2020

The apparel industry, which includes the clothing/garment sector, encompasses the supply chain of clothing and garments, starting with the textile and fashion industry, all the way to fashion retailers and the trade with second-hand clothes and textile recycling. This sector is characterized by substantial wastes, which may be minimized by means of textile recycling. This paper reports on the results of an international study on sustainable clothing consumption. This paper identifies and analyzes attitudes and behaviors regarding the clothing industry in a sample of 203 individuals. The results suggest a number of trends. Firstly, they show the complexity of purchase habits. The reasons why individuals dispose of their old or not used clothes are manifold, and include objective and subjective factors. Also, the paper illustrates the existence of disparities in respect of clothing use and disposal behavior. Finally, the results suggest that there is a need for more awareness-raising initiatives, in order to make consumers more conscious about the options available and the need for a more sustainable use of clothing.
The role of mobile policies in coalition building: The Barcelona model as coalition magnet in Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro (1989–1996)
Authors: Silvestre Gabriel , Jajamovich Guillermo
Published: July 2020

Research on policy mobility has tended to focus on what moves (e.g. policy models, templates) and who moves them (e.g. consultants, international organisations), with less attention paid to the relational politics of grounding dominant ideas in local policymaking. The ‘demand side’ at the end of the mobilisation process (e.g. local authorities and policy actors) is usually depicted as passive or as having stable interests. This assumption is problematic as it can reinforce taken-for-granted power asymmetries in the flow of urban policy ideas, particularly in cases where cities in the Global North are presented as ‘exporting sites’ for a Global South audience of ‘importing sites’. Drawing on the concept of policy ideas as ‘coalition magnets’ from policy studies, this article demonstrates how local policies are relationally produced by cosmopolitan policy actors on the ‘demand side’ who strategically mobilise circulating ideas as a tool for coalition building. We provide a relational comparative study of Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro’s policy processes and urban outcomes in mobilising the Barcelona model of urban regeneration and strategic planning, drawing on evidence from interviews, document analysis and the biographies of key policy actors. We demonstrate the strategic importance of mobile policies for emerging political actors who employ them as a ‘coalition magnet’ to build support for their governments.
Practical Methods for Imputing Follower Count Dynamics
Authors: Ben Gibson C. , Sutton Jeannette , Vos Sarah K. , Butts Carter T.
Published: July 2020

Microblogging sites have become important data sources for studying network dynamics and information transmission. Both areas of study, however, require accurate counts of indegree, or follower counts; unfortunately, collection of complete time series on follower counts can be limited by application programming interface constraints, system failures, or temporal constraints. In addition, there is almost always a time difference between the point at which follower counts are queried and the time a user posts a tweet. Here, we consider the use of three classes of simple, easily implemented methods for follower imputation: polynomial functions, splines, and generalized linear models. We evaluate the performance of each method via a case study of accounts from 236 health organizations during the 2014 Ebola outbreak. For accurate interpolation and extrapolation, we find that negative binomial regression, modeled separately for each account, using time as an interval variable, accurately recovers missing values while retaining narrow prediction intervals.
Factors associated with high sedentary behaviour among adolescents and adults with psychological distress in South Africa
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to estimate factors associated with high sedentary behaviour (SB) in adolescents and adults who have psychological distress in South Africa. Data used in this analysis were derived from the cross-sectional South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey – 2012. The sample consisted of 2306 participants (42 years median age) who had psychological distress. In all, 16.2% of the study participants engaged in ⩾8 hr SB/day. In unadjusted analysis, functional disability, older age, bodily pain, hypertension, and cognitive impairment was significantly more frequent among those with high SB. In adjusted logistic regression, functional disability and aged 65 years and above were positively associated with high SB. Results seem to suggest that interventions aimed at reducing SB among South Africans who have psychological distress may target the risk groups that were identified.
Facilitators and barriers to utilization of medications for opioid use disorder in primary care in South Carolina
Authors: Oros Sarah M , Christon Lillian M , Barth Kelly S , Berini Carole R , Padgett Bennie L , Diaz Vanessa A
Published: July 2020

Objective

Utilization of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) has not been widely adopted by primary care providers. This study sought to identify interprofessional barriers and facilitators for use of MOUD (specifically naltrexone and buprenorphine) among current and future primary care providers in a southeastern academic center in South Carolina.

Method

Faculty, residents, and students within family medicine, internal medicine, and a physician assistant program participated in focus group interviews, and completed a brief survey. Survey data were analyzed quantitatively, and focus group transcripts were analyzed using a deductive qualitative content analysis, based upon the theory of planned behavior.

Results

Seven groups ( N = 46) completed focus group interviews and surveys. Survey results indicated that general attitudes towards MOUD were positive and did not differ significantly among groups. Subjective norms around prescribing and controllability (i.e., beliefs about whether prescribing was up to them) differed between specialties and between level of training groups. Focus group themes highlighted attitudes about MOUD (e.g., “opens the flood gates” to patients with addiction) and perceived facilitators and barriers of using MOUD in primary care settings. Participants felt that although MOUD in primary care would improve access and reduce stigma for patients, prescribing requires improved provider education and an integrated system of care.

Conclusions

The results of this study provide an argument for tailoring education to specifically address the barriers primary care prescribers perceive. Results promote the utilization of active, hands-on learning approaches, to ultimately promote uptake of MOUD prescribing in the primary care setting in South Carolina.
Presidential Reorganization and the Politics of Public Agencies
Authors: Whitford Andrew B.
Published: July 2020

Modern American public welfare agencies are the results of the continual reorganization of multiple agencies, departments, and programs. I develop four themes about the micro-foundations of reorganization in this article to illustrate how politics intersect with agency structure and the reshaping of the national bureaucracy. The empirical part of this article examines President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s assembling of a national health, education, and public welfare agency. The creation of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) in 1953 represents a critical juncture in that evolutionary process.