bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Awareness and Early Detection of Ante Natal Clinic Attendees towards Breast Cancer at a Tertiary Hospital in South – South Nigeria
Authors: Eli S. , Kalio D. G. B. , Aaron F. E. , Okeji N. A. E. , Okagua K. E. , Wichendu P. N. , Omodu J. O.
Published: September 2020

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of death globally in women between 44 – 50 years. As a result of poor awareness, late presentation is often times common amongst women with breast cancer in developing countries of the world as such outcome is poor.

Aim: To determine the awareness and early detection of ante natal clinic attendees towards breast cancer at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of ANC attendees at the RSUTH. Simple randomized sampling method was used. A structured pre-test survey questionnaire The information was analyzed using SPSS version 25.

Results: A total of 180 questionnaires were distributed and 176 questionnaires retrieved. The mean gestational age was 32.4 years. The modal parity was 1. With respect to the educational level, tertiary were 129 (73.3%), secondary 43 (24.4%) and primary 4 (2.3%). Those aware of breast cancer were 159 (90.3%). Means of information by the subjects for breast cancer prevention were media 96 (54.6%), hospital 39 (22.0%), religious house 3 (3.8%) and others 38 (19.6%) Antenatal mothers who carried out self breast examination for detection of breast lumps were 95 (54%). Subjects who were aware of mammogram were 42 (23.9%) while those who had mammogram in the past were 2 (1.1%). ANC attendees who had family history of breast cancer were 7 (4%). The relationship between breast cancer awareness and educational status were as follows, tertiary 123 (69.9%), secondary 34 (19.3%), primary 2 (1.1%).

Conclusion: Though the level of breast cancer awareness was high 90.3%. Self breast examination for early detection of breast cancer was above average (54%), while the use of mammogram for early detection of breast cancer was still not encouraging represented by 1.1% of the respondents. The media was the commonest medium of awareness for the prevention of breast cancer represented by 54.6% of the ante natal clinic attendees.
Self‐Formed, Conducting LaAlO3/SrTiO3 Micro‐Membranes
Authors: Sambri Alessia , Scuderi Mario , Guarino Anita , Gennaro Emiliano Di , Erlandsen Ricci , Dahm Rasmus T. , Bjørlig Anders V. , Christensen Dennis V. , Capua Roberto Di , Ventura Bartolomeo Della , Uccio Umberto Scotti di , Mirabella Salvatore , Nicotra Giuseppe , Spinella Corrado , Jespersen Thomas S. , Granozio Fabio Miletto
Published: September 2020

The discovery of 2D conductivity at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface has been linking, for over a decade, two of the major current research fields in materials science: correlated transition‐metal‐oxide systems and low‐dimensional systems. Notably, despite the 2D nature of the interfacial electron gas, the samples are 3D objects with thickness in the mm range. This prevented researchers so far from adopting strategies that are only viable for fully 2D materials, or from effectively exploiting degrees of freedom related to strain, strain gradient and curvature. Here a method based on pure strain engineering for obtaining freestanding LaAlO3/SrTiO3 membranes with micrometer lateral dimensions is demonstrated. Detailed transmission electron microscopy investigations show that the membranes are fully epitaxial and that their curvature results in a huge strain gradient, each layer showing a mixed compressive/tensile strain state. Electronic devices are fabricated by realizing ad hoc circuits for individual micro‐membranes transferred on silicon chips. The samples exhibit metallic conductivity and electrostatic field effect like 2D‐electron systems in bulk heterostructures. The results open a new path for adding oxide functionalities into semiconductor electronics, potentially allowing for ultra‐low voltage gating of a superconducting transistors, micromechanical control of the 2D electron gas mediated by ferroelectricity and flexoelectricity, and on‐chip straintronics.
Electromagnetized‐Nanoparticle‐Modulated Neural Plasticity and Recovery of Degenerative Dopaminergic Neurons in the Mid‐Brain
Authors: Zhao Di , Feng Pei‐Jian , Liu Jia‐Hao , Dong Mei , Shen Xiao‐Quan , Chen Ying‐Xin , Shen Qun‐Dong
Published: September 2020

The degeneration of dopaminergic neurons is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of mid‐brain disorders. Clinically, cell therapeutic solutions, by increasing the neurotransmitter dopamine levels in the patients, are hindered by low efficiency and/or side effects. Here, a strategy using electromagnetized nanoparticles to modulate neural plasticity and recover degenerative dopamine neurons in vivo is reported. Remarkably, electromagnetic fields generated by the nanoparticles under ultrasound stimulation modulate intracellular calcium signaling to influence synaptic plasticity and control neural behavior. Dopaminergic neuronal functions are reversed by upregulating the expression tyrosine hydroxylase, thus resulting in ameliorating the neural behavioral disorders in zebrafish. This wireless tool can serve as a viable and safe strategy for the regenerative therapy of the neurodegenerative disorders.
Waist circumference percentiles for Hispanic‐American children and comparison with other international references
Authors: Marrodán Serrano María Dolores , Román Estela , Carmenate Margarita , González‐Montero de Espinosa Marisa , Herráez Angel , Alfaro Enma Laura , Lomaglio Delia Beatriz , López‐Ejeda Noemí , Mesa María Soledad , Vázquez Vanessa , Méndez Pérez Betty , Meléndez Juana María , Moreno‐Romero Susana , Prado Consuelo , Dipierri José Edgardo
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Waist circumference (WC) constitutes an indirect measurement of central obesity in children and adolescents.

Objective

To provide percentiles of WC for Hispanic‐American children and adolescents, and compare them with other international references.

Materials and methods

The sample comprised 13 289 healthy children between 6 and 18 years coming from public schools of middle and low socioeconomic levels in different parts of Argentina, Cuba, Spain, Mexico, and Venezuela. The LMS method to calculate WC percentiles was applied. Sex and age differences were assessed using Student's t test and ANOVA (SPSS v.21.0). Comparisons were established with references from the United States, Colombia, India, China, Australia, Kuwait, Germany, Tunisia, Greece, and Portugal.

Results

WC increases with age in both sexes. Boys show higher WC in P3, P50, and P97. Comparison of 50th and 90th percentiles among populations from diverse sociocultural and geographical contexts shows high variability, not all justified by the measurement method.

Discussion and conclusions

Specific WC percentiles for sex and age, and P90 cut‐off points are provided; these values are potentially useful to assess central obesity in Hispanic‐American adolescent children.
Recent biotechnological tools for diagnosis of corona virus disease: A review
Authors: Behera Bikash C. , Mishra Rashmi R. , Thatoi Hrudayanath
Published: September 2020

Recently, a corona virus disease (COVID‐19) caused by a novel corona virus (sevier acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2; SARS‐CoV‐2), rapidly spread throughout the world. It has been resulted an unprecedented public health crisis and has become a global threat. WHO declared it as a pandemic due to rapid transmission and severity of the disease. According to WHO, as of 22nd of August 2020, the disease spread over 213 countries of the world having 22,812,491 confirmed cases and 795,132 deaths recorded worldwide. In the absence of suitable antiviral drugs and vaccines, the current pandemic has created an urgent need for accurate diagnostic tools that would be helpful for early detection of the patients. Many tests including classical and high‐throughput techniques have developed and obtained U.S. Food and drug administration (FDA) approval. However, efforts are being made to develop new diagnostic tools for detection of the disease. Several molecular diagnostic tests such as real‐time‐polymerase chain reaction, real‐time isothermal loop‐mediated amplification (RT‐LAMP), full genome analysis by next‐generation sequencing, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats technique and microarray‐based assays along with other techniques such as computed tomography scan, biomarkers, biosensor, nanotechnology, serological test, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), isolation of viral strain in cell culture are currently available for diagnosis of COVID‐19 infection. This review provides a brief overview of promising high‐throughput techniques currently used for detection of SARS‐CoV‐2, along with their scope and limitations that may be used for effective control of the disease.
Potential Cost Implications of Mandatory Non‐Medical Switching Policies for Biologics for Rheumatic Conditions and Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Canada
Authors: Crosby Michael , Tadrous Mina , Gomes Tara
Published: September 2020

In 2018, TNFα inhibitors were the highest cost drug class for Canadian public drug programs. In 2019, two Canadian provinces announced mandatory nonmedical switching policies in an attempt to reduce their costs by increasing biosimilar uptake. The national impact of similar policies across Canada is unknown. We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of monthly publicly funded prescription claims for infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab between June 2015 and December 2019. We reported the market share of biosimilars for infliximab and etanercept in 2019 for each province and estimated the cost savings that public payers could have realized in 2019 if mandatory switching policies had been implemented across Canada, including a sensitivity analysis, which assumed that governments receive a 25% rebate on all biologics. Provincial drug programs spent CAD $991.84 million on infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab in 2019, and, when biosimilars were available, they constituted only 15.5% of national utilization of these drugs. In British Columbia, the implementation of a mandatory switching policy for patients with rheumatic conditions increased the biosimilar market share of infliximab and etanercept by 299% (from 19.7% to 78.5%). If applied nationwide to all three biologics for all indications, we estimate such policies could lead to annual savings of between CAD $179.71 million and CAD $425.64 million nationally. The overall market share of biosimilars remains low in all provinces where mandatory switching policies have not been introduced. The cost implications of successfully increasing biosimilar uptake would be substantial, particularly as more biosimilars reach the Canadian market.
Radiotherapy in the management of glottic squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Mendenhall William M. , Strojan Primož , Lee Anne W.M. , Rinaldo Alessandra , Eisbruch Avraham , Ng Wai Tong , Smee Robert , Ferlito Alfio
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Our purpose is to review the role radiotherapy (RT) in the treatment of glottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods

A concise review of the pertinent literature.

Results

RT cure rates are Tis‐ T1N0, 90% to 95%; T2N0, 70% to 80%; low‐volume T3‐T4a, 65% to 70%. Concomitant cisplatin is given for T3‐T4a SCCs. Severe complications occur in 1% to 2% for Tis‐T2N0 and 10% for T3‐T4a SCCs. Patients with high‐volume T3‐T4 SCCs undergo total laryngectomy, neck dissection, and postoperative RT. Those with positive margins and/or extranodal extension receive concomitant cisplatin. The likelihood of local‐regional control at 5 years is 85% to 90%. Severe complications occur in 5% to 10%.

Conclusions

RT is a good treatment option for patients with Tis‐T2N0 and low‐volume T3‐T4a glottic SCCs. Patients with higher volume T3‐T4 cancers are best treated with surgery and postoperative RT.
Sleep duration and risk of overall and 22 site‐specific cancers: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Titova Olga E. , Michaëlsson Karl , Vithayathil Mathew , Mason Amy M. , Kar Siddhartha , Burgess Stephen , Larsson Susanna C.
Published: September 2020

Studies of sleep duration in relation to the risk of site‐specific cancers other than breast cancer are scarce. Furthermore, the available results are inconclusive and the causality remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the potential causal associations of sleep duration with overall and site‐specific cancers using the Mendelian randomization (MR) design. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms associated with the sleep traits identified from a genome‐wide association study were used as instrumental variables to estimate the association with overall cancer and 22 site‐specific cancers among 367 586 UK Biobank participants. A replication analysis was performed using data from the FinnGen consortium (up to 121 579 individuals). There was suggestive evidence that genetic liability to short‐sleep duration was associated with higher odds of cancers of the stomach (odds ratio [OR], 2.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15‐4.30; P = .018), pancreas (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.32‐3.62; P = .002) and colorectum (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.12‐1.95; P = .006), but with lower odds of multiple myeloma (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.22‐0.99; P = .047). Suggestive evidence of association of genetic liability to long‐sleep duration with lower odds of pancreatic cancer (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.25‐0.79; P = .005) and kidney cancer (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.21‐0.90; P = .025) was observed. However, none of these associations passed the multiple comparison threshold and two‐sample MR analysis using FinnGen data did not confirm these findings. In conclusion, this MR study does not provide strong evidence to support causal associations of sleep duration with risk of overall and site‐specific cancers. Further MR studies are required.
The role of internal audit in the risk management process: A developing economy perspective
Authors: Weekes‐Marshall Diana
Published: September 2020

Companies in developing economies have faced a myriad of risks. Many of them due to external related party exposures and the potential risks of associated contagion. The function of Internal Audit (IA) has emerged as a significant governance mechanism in the management of risk in developing countries. This exploratory study sought to identify the role of IA across the developing economy of Barbados. Based upon the results of an online survey administered to the Barbados chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), the paper examines IA involvement in the risk management process (RMP) of several types of companies. Findings reveal that IA is critical to the RMP and that it needs to be enhanced through improved risk education, exposure, and training, along with increased support from Audit Committee and Senior Management. The generalizability of the conclusions is however limited since the sample was drawn from a developing country. The paper adds to the existing literature as it highlights the challenges of IA as it develops in a developing economy while also dealing with their integration into the RM framework. Practical key take‐away from the paper suggests that (a) RM and the IAF are in a developmental stage primarily due to the need for increased exposure and understanding of international risks and best practices. This is especially since most companies maintain extensive international ties and are highly susceptible to contagion. (b) For an integrated RM system to be successful, the management of risk must be owned at all levels throughout the organization and not just at the Board of Directors and Executive Management, and (c) improved communication of roles and accountabilities especially for IA should be instituted to ensure proper diffusion of risk culture within the organization.
ACE2: Its potential role and regulation in severe acute respiratory syndrome and COVID‐19
Authors: Rezaei Mitrasadat , Ziai Seyed Ali , Fakhri Sajad , Pouriran Ramin
Published: September 2020

COVID‐19, a new disease caused by the 2019‐novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2), has swept the world and challenged its culture, economy, and health infrastructure. Forced emergence to find an effective vaccine to immunize people has led scientists to design and examine vaccine candidates all over the world. Until a vaccine is developed, however, effective treatment is needed to combat this virus, which is resistant to all conventional antiviral drugs. Accordingly, more about the structure, entry mechanism, and pathogenesis of COVID‐19 is required. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the gateway to SARS‐CoV and SARS‐CoV‐2, so our knowledge of SARS‐CoV‐2 can help us to complete its mechanism of interaction with ACE2 and virus endocytosis, which can be interrupted by neutralizing small molecules or proteins. ACE2 also plays a crucial role in lung injury.
Expression of Concern: Th17 and Treg cells function in SARS‐CoV2 patients compared with healthy controls
Authors: Sadeghi Armin , Tahmasebi Safa , Mahmood Arshad , Kuznetsova Maria , Valizadeh Hamed , Taghizadieh Ali , Nazemiyeh Masoud , Aghebati‐Maleki Leili , Jadidi‐Niaragh Farhad , Abbaspour‐Aghdam Sanaz , Roshangar Leila , Mikaeili Haleh , Ahmadi Majid
Published: September 2020

In the course of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), raising and reducing the function of Th17 and Treg cells, respectively, elicit hyperinflammation and disease progression. The current study aimed to evaluate the responses of Th17 and Treg cells in COVID‐19 patients compared with the control group. Forty COVID‐19 intensive care unit (ICU) patients were compared with 40 healthy controls. The frequency of cells, gene expression of related factors, as well as the secretion levels of cytokines, were measured by flow cytometry, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay techniques, respectively. The findings revealed a significant increase in the number of Th17 cells, the expression levels of related factors (RAR‐related orphan receptor gamma [RORγt], IL‐17, and IL‐23), and the secretion levels of IL‐17 and IL‐23 cytokines in COVID‐19 patients compared with controls. In contrast, patients had a remarkable reduction in the frequency of Treg cells, the expression levels of correlated factors (Forkhead box protein P3 [FoxP3], transforming growth factor‐β [TGF‐β], and IL‐10), and cytokine secretion levels (TGF‐β and IL‐10). The ratio of Th17/Treg cells, RORγt/FoxP3, and IL‐17/IL‐10 had a considerable enhancement in patients compared with the controls and also in dead patients compared with the improved cases. The findings showed that enhanced responses of Th17 cells and decreased responses of Treg cells in 2019‐n‐CoV patients compared with controls had a strong relationship with hyperinflammation, lung damage, and disease pathogenesis. Also, the high ratio of Th17/Treg cells and their associated factors in COVID‐19‐dead patients compared with improved cases indicates the critical role of inflammation in the mortality of patients.
Aggressive Langerhans cell histiocytosis following T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Jansen Chandler , Dykstra Jordan , Callaway Daniel , Lynch Douglas , Cunningham Arwyn , Frohm Marcus L.
Published: September 2020

A 4‐year‐old female child developed cutaneous Langerhans cell histiocytosis 6 months following a diagnosis of T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Imaging revealed no evidence of systemic disease. Seven months later, the first systemic lesion was discovered on laryngoscopy. Restaging Positron Emission Tomography ‐ Computed Tomography at that time revealed new 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positive lesions in the left apical pleural margin, right lower peri‐esophageal region, left ventricular myocardium, pancreas, upper pole of the left kidney, and inguinal and gluteal regions consistent with progressive systemic disease. Genomic testing revealed a low tumor mutational burden as well as mutations in KRAS G12A, ARID1A Q524, CDKN2A/B loss, and an alteration in NOTCH1.
Superwettable Surface Engineering in Controlling Cell Adhesion for Emerging Bioapplications
Authors: Cui Haijun , Wang Wenshuo , Shi Lianxin , Song Wenlong , Wang Shutao
Published: September 2020

The dynamic liquid environment of live cells makes it necessary to consider the surface wettability when designing biomaterials and related devices. Especially superwettability, as the extreme state of wettability, has become a unique platform for regulating cell behaviors elaborately including adhesion, spreading, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, which elicits the promising applications on biomedicine and advanced biodevices. In this review, the controlling cell adhesion on superwettable engineering surfaces is summarized. Next, the related bioapplications utilizing the surface superwettability are recapitulated, including reversible surface wettability for cell capture/adhesion, superwettability‐based patterns for cell arrays/aggregations construction, superwettability for antiplatelet adhesion, and superwettable surfaces as antimicrobial materials. Several design concepts are concluded on the emerging bioapplications of superwettable surface. Although so many efforts have been made for revealing the mechanism of cell functions on the superwettable surface, the complexity and variability between superwettable surface and liquid environment in physiological activities of organisms still requires impeccable theories, and the remaining unclear mechanisms of superwettability for biological systems are also discussed. As an outlook, the surface superwettability is just beginning to demonstrate its great potential in biology, offering great opportunities in tissue engineering, implantable devices, biosensors, drug‐screening, and cancer diagnostics.
Monitoring great ape heart health through innovative electrocardiogram technology: Training methodologies and welfare implications
Authors: Cloutier Barbour Christina , Danforth Marietta D. , Murphy Hayley , Sleeper Meg M. , Kutinsky Ilana
Published: September 2020

Assessing and treating cardiovascular disease (or heart disease) is a growing concern for institutions housing great apes, as it is a major cause of mortality in all four taxa managed in human care. As part of a proactive monitoring plan, zoological managers and veterinarians often elect to perform electrocardiograms (ECGs) on their great ape populations. ECGs noninvasively evaluate cardiac electrical activity, and are thereby capable of providing information regarding heart function. This electrical signature is transcribed as a visual display of waveforms, referred to as telemetry strips, and can detect irregularities in heart rhythm, also known as arrhythmia. While traditional 6‐ or 12‐lead ECGs are recommended periodically as part of a thorough heart performance evaluation, here we discuss the KardiaMobile (KM) device as an additional primate welfare tool. KM is a small, Food and Drug Administration‐cleared, clinical‐grade mobile ECG monitor that requires only 30 s of pressure to flag heart rate or arrhythmic abnormalities. We detail the training process and applicability to great apes in human care.
Educating for Enterprise
Authors: Luckman Susan , Andrew Jane
Published: September 2020

This chapter will provide a necessarily brief historical overview of the models of training available to support skills development for the applied arts in Australia, from colonial cottage industries to the educational experiences of the contemporary craftspeople and designer makers who participated in this study. In doing so, it will highlight significant contemporary Australian federal and state government political and economic policy agendas that have directly and indirectly influenced changes to the nature, form and institutional investment in education supporting the development of contemporary Australian makers. The second half of this chapter reports on the research participants’ educational experiences and sense of how well prepared they were upon graduating to establish and sustain a viable creative enterprise.
What Does ‘Handmade’ Mean Today?
Authors: Luckman Susan , Andrew Jane
Published: September 2020

The phrase ‘designer maker’ is being employed increasingly in the contemporary craft and design marketplace, especially among those seeking to make a full-time living from their practice. It marks those makers who may undertake original design and prototyping themselves, but who, in order to scale up their production in ways not always possible for a solo hand maker, outsource some or all subsequent aspects of production to other makers or machine-assisted manufacturing processes. But despite widespread use of this phrase, some makers remain keen to manage the scale of their business. As a result, many of those craftspeople and designer makers we spoke to who were in a position to scale-up their production while stepping back from the making themselves were reluctant to go down this path. Elsewhere we have explored these issues in terms of balancing making income with quality of life, as well as in terms of the desire to be a maker, to be doing the creative work oneself, and thus not ‘get too big’ with the added pressures and responsibilities of being an employer (Luckman, Cultural Trends, 27(5), 313–326 (2018)). In this chapter, we home in more on what upscaling and outsourcing reveals about competing definitions of, and attitudes towards, the idea of ‘the handmade’. We also explore attitudes towards handmaking versus other forms of production, including outsourcing and the use of digital tools.
Creative Craft and Design Microenterprise in the Age of Social Media
Authors: Luckman Susan , Andrew Jane
Published: September 2020

This chapter reports upon how makers experience and negotiate the increasing demands of social media, in particular the highly visual and stylised world of Instagram. While a recurrent theme through the research was how ‘easy’ it is to establish an online retail presence, the work involved in maintaining and building their brand was identified consistently as the real challenge. It is in this context that the demands of social media as a new normal baseline eating up time makers would rather spend making appear as part of the new administrative burden facing the self-employed and creative microenterprises. The chapter finishes on a final note acknowledging, but also problematising, the ongoing role of locality-based support organisations in the digital age.
Perspectives
Authors: Bos Jaap
Published: September 2020

After Reading This Chapter, You Will:

Better comprehend what research ethics is about

Understand why research ethics is an integral part of doing research in the social sciences

Be able to distinguish between research ethics and professional ethics

Develop a general knowledge of the three most important theories of ethics
Plagiarism
Authors: Bos Jaap
Published: September 2020

After Reading This Chapter, You Will:

Know precisely what plagiarism is

Understand why plagiarism is an ethical issue

Be able to identify different forms of plagiarism

Develop the capacity to distinguish legitimate from fraudulent references
Cannabidiol im Kontext erstmaliger verkehrsmedizinischer Fahreignungsabklärungen in der Schweiz
Authors: Goldberg E. , Lakämper S.
Published: September 2020

Einleitung

Cannabidiol (CBD) ist neben Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) ein bedeutender Bestandteil der Cannabis-Pflanze (C. sativa und C. indica). Dem CBD selbst wird keine bedeutsame psychoaktive Wirkung zugeschrieben und es wird nicht zu den Betäubungsmitteln gezählt; klinisch sind aber sedierende/entspannende Effekte bestätigt. Seit dem Jahr 2014 sind in der Schweiz CBD-haltige Tabakersatzprodukte mit einem THC-Gehalt <1 % frei verkäuflich.

Fragestellung

Es ist unklar, ob und bei welchen Konzentrationen CBD einen Einfluss auf die Fahrfähigkeit (FF) und Fahreignung (FE) hat. Bei Konsum von Tabakersatzprodukten mit einem THC-Gehalt <1 % kann der Blutgrenzwert für THC (in der Schweiz: 1,5 µg/l) überschritten werden, was automatisch zu gesetzlicher Fahrunfähigkeit führt. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde der Stellenwert von CBD bei erstmaligen verkehrsmedizinischen Fahreignungsabklärungen von Cannabiskonsumenten untersucht.

Methode

Retrospektive stichwortbasierte Recherche und Analyse der Datenbank der Abteilung Verkehrsmedizin des Instituts für Rechtsmedizin der Universität Zürich. Deskriptive statistische Analyse. Einschlusskriterien: abgeschlossene verkehrsmedizinische Gutachten im Administrativverfahren aufgrund von erstmaligem Fahren unter Cannabiseinfluss (Fahren unter Drogeneinfluss, FuD). Ausschluss von Konsum sonstiger Betäubungsmittel. Untersuchungszeitpunkt zwischen 01.01.2016 und 31.12.2019. Analyse nach Alter, Geschlecht und Beurteilungsentscheid.

Resultat

Im untersuchten Zeitraum insgesamt 62.997 Fälle, davon 1082 Erst-FuD unter Cannabinoiden. Keine Fälle vor 01.01.2016, jedoch dann stetige Zunahme, bis 15,17 % aller Cannabis-Begutachtungen im Jahr 2019. (Bei‑)Konsum von CBD: 62 Fälle (5,7 %). Die meisten CBD-Konsumenten sind männlich (91,9 %). Unterschiedliche Altersverteilung zwischen CBD und THC-Konsumenten mit auffälliger Häufung bei 30- bis 40-jährigen Exploranden. Kaum Unterschiede in der Beurteilung der Fahreignung.

Schlussfolgerung

Cannabidiol spielt in dieser Untersuchung zwar eine untergeordnete, jedoch zunehmende Rolle bei der Begutachtung erstmaligen Fahrens unter Cannabiseinfluss. Ein Einfluss von CBD auf die FF ist daraus somit nicht ableitbar und ergibt sich auch nicht aus anderen publizierten Untersuchungen. Aus Sicht der Autoren bedarf es klinisch-prospektiver Forschungsprojekte zur Klärung der Wirkung von CBD unter Berücksichtigung von subjektiver Fahrfähigkeitswahrnehmung und Fahrleistungsdefiziten.
„Flying Forensic Nursing“ in der Versorgung und Beratung von Gewaltbetroffenen
Authors: Hofer V. , Galli J. , Thali M. J. , Martinez R. M.
Published: September 2020

Hintergrund

„Forensic Nursing“ als eine Spezialisierung des Pflegeberufs hat sich in der Schweiz zwar mittlerweile in einzelnen Institutionen durchgesetzt und wird schrittweise in den Krankenhausalltag implementiert. Doch längst nicht alle Institutionen beschäftigen forensisch spezialisierte Pflegefachpersonen. Somit kann ein uneingeschränktes Dienstleistungsangebot, z. B. ereignisnahe körperliche Untersuchungen nach Gewalt oder Untersuchungen bei V. a. Fahrunfähigkeit, nicht aufrechterhalten werden.

Ziel der Arbeit

Grundlage der vorliegenden Studie ist die Abschlussarbeit einer Certificate-of-Advanced-Studies(CAS)-Absolventin im Fachbereich „Forensic Nursing“ zum Thema „Flying Forensic Nurse“ [1]. Die Studienergebnisse und die praktischen Erfahrungen einer realen Flying Forensic Nurse sollen die dort getroffenen Schlussfolgerungen ergänzen und das Konzept des Flying Forensic Nursing weiterverfeinern. Damit könnten sich in Zukunft neue Perspektiven in der modernen Versorgung von Gewaltbetroffenen ergeben.

Material und Methode

Eine systematische Auswertung der Istsituation in der Schweiz wurde vorgenommen. In der Projektarbeit waren die formellen und organisatorischen Möglichkeiten der Einbindung einer Flying Forensic Nurse in der Schweiz evaluiert und dargelegt worden. Im Rahmen der Evaluation organisatorischer Aspekte musste zunächst z. B. eruiert werden, ob es sinnvoll ist, dass eine Forensic Nurse „on demand“ zur Verfügung steht. Weiterhin galt es, die formellen Rahmenbedingungen, d. h. Anforderungen an eine Forensic Nurse, die Gestaltung eines Aufgabenportfolios und dessen Stellenwert im Kontext rechtlicher Anforderungen, abzuklären.

Ergebnisse

Die Istsituation ist für alle Beteiligten und die involvierten Institutionen als unbefriedigend zu bezeichnen und bedarf der Verbesserung. Zur professionellen, nachhaltigen und einheitlichen Lösung bestehender Lücken in der forensisch-medizinischen Versorgung von gewaltbetroffenen Personen kann die dedizierte Einbindung einer Flying Forensic Nurse beitragen. Dieser Ansatz sieht vor, dass forensisch ausgebildete Pflegefachpersonen entweder an ihrem bestehenden Arbeitsort oder auf Abruf einbezogen werden.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Einbeziehung einer Flying Forensic Nurse in die Untersuchung, Befunderhebung und allfällige Spurensicherung bei Gewaltdelikten ist sinnvoll. Einige Aspekte bedürfen der vorherigen Abklärung. Beispielsweise muss das Anstellungsverhältnis zwischen der Flying Forensic Nurse und dem Auftraggeber klar geregelt werden. Hierzu gehören die Lohn- und Versicherungsverhältnisse sowie die Frage der Qualitätssicherung durch eine definierte Stelle. Diese Aufgaben sollten aber in naher Zukunft lösbar sein.
Checkpoint-Inhibitoren – Indikation und Verwendung bei Melanompatienten
Authors: Lamos C. , Hunger R. E.
Published: September 2020

Die gesamte Onkologie wurde durch die Einführung von Ipilimumab, einem Checkpoint-Inhibitor, im Jahr 2011 revolutioniert. Seitdem wurden weitere effektive Checkpoint-Inhibitoren, wie die PD-1-Antikörper Nivolumab und Pembrolizumab entwickelt. Die Ergebnisse sind bahnbrechend, insbesondere beim fortgeschrittenen malignen Melanom, welches bis vor Kurzem in den meisten Fällen nach wenigen Monaten zum Tode führte. Die Anwendung der Checkpoint-Inhibitoren wurde mit vielversprechenden Ergebnissen auf weitere Tumorentitäten ausgeweitet.
The associations between late effects of cancer treatment, work ability and job resources: a systematic review
Authors: Boelhouwer Ingrid G. , Vermeer Willemijn , van Vuuren Tinka
Published: September 2020

Objective

The aim of this review is to evaluate associations between possible late effects of cancer treatment (i.e. physical complaints, fatigue, or cognitive complaints) and work ability among workers beyond 2 years after cancer diagnosis who returned to work. The role of job resources (social support, autonomy, leadership style, coaching, and organizational culture) is also evaluated.

Methods

The search for studies was conducted in PsycINFO, Medline, Business Source Premier, ABI/Inform, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. A quality assessment was used to clarify the quality across studies.

Results

The searches included 2303 records. Finally, 36 studies were included. Work ability seemed to decline shortly after cancer treatment and recover in the first 2 years after diagnosis, although it might still be lower than among healthy workers. No data were available on the course of work ability beyond the first 2 years. Late physical complaints, fatigue and cognitive complaints were negatively related with work ability across all relevant studies. Furthermore, social support and autonomy were associated with higher work ability, but no data were available on a possible buffering effect of these job resources on the relationship between late effects and work ability. As far as reported, most research was carried out among salaried workers.

Conclusion

It is unknown if late effects of cancer treatment diminish work ability beyond two years after being diagnosed with cancer. Therefore, more longitudinal research into the associations between possible late effects of cancer treatment and work ability needs to be carried out. Moreover, research is needed on the buffering effect of job resources, both for salaried and self-employed workers.
Interaction between chloride ions mediated by carbon nanotubes: a chemical attraction
Authors: Dominguez-Flores Fabiola , Santos Elizabeth , Schmickler Wolfgang , Juarez Fernanda
Published: September 2020

The interaction between two Cl− ions separated by the wall of a narrow carbon nanotube has been investigated by density functional theory (DFT) and by DFT-based tight binding (DFTB+). The direct Coulomb interaction between the ions is screened by the nanotube, no matter if the latter is conducting or semiconducting. The presence of the ions induces changes in the electronic density of states of the nanotube, which results in an effective attraction between the ions of the order of 0.2–0.3 eV. The interaction of the outside ions with the tube has a covalent component, when the two ions are near there is even a direct chemical attraction between the ions. In contrast to the effective attraction between two Li+ ions reported before (Juarez et al., Phys Chem Chem Phys 22:10,603, 2020), the effect cannot be explained in terms of physical concepts alone. DFTB+ performs well when compared with DFT, and lends itself to fast calculations for large systems.
Abdominal wall incisional hernia repair improves respiratory function: results after 3 years of follow-up
Authors: Licari L. , Campanella S. , Carolla C. , Madonia C. , Canino B. , Salamone G.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Hernias severely impact patient quality of life (QoL), and 80% of patients require a surgical operation. Moreover, hernias are responsible for respiratory function alterations. This study aims to investigate the postoperative alterations in respiratory function after open ventral hernia repair in patients with incisional hernia.

Methods

Patients operated on at the Policlinico “Paolo Giaccone” at Palermo University Hospital between January 2015 and December 2016 were identified in a prospective database. Fifty-one patients were enrolled in the study. The respiratory outcome measures used were forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow (PEF) and PEF percentage (%PEF). The timepoints at which the parameters listed were assessed were t0, 1 week before the surgical operation; t1, 12 months later; and t2, 3 years later.

Results

The difference between mean preoperative and postoperative PEF was significant [t0 4.32 (4.03–7.92), t1 6.7 (4.27–8.24) with p = 0.012 and t2 6.5 (4.25–8.21) with p = 0.026]. The %PEF increased from 75% preoperatively to 87% at t1 (p = 0.009) and to 85% at t2 (p = 0.03). No differences were found in the comparison of pre- and postoperative FVC, FEV1 or FEV1/FVC ratio.

Conclusion

The improvement in respiratory measures suggests the importance of abdominal wall restoration to recover functional activity of respiratory function.
Combining implicit geological modeling, field surveys, and hydrogeological modeling to describe groundwater flow in a karst aquifer
Authors: D’Affonseca Fernando M. , Finkel Michael , Cirpka Olaf A.
Published: September 2020

In three-dimensional (3-D) implicit geological modeling, the bounding surfaces between geological units are automatically constructed from lithological contact data (position and orientation) and the location and orientation of potential faults. This approach was applied to conceptualize a karst aquifer in the Middle Triassic Muschelkalk Formation in southwest Germany, using digital elevation data, geological maps, borehole logs, and geological interpretation. Dip and strike measurements as well as soil-gas surveys of mantel-borne CO2 were conducted to verify the existence of an unmapped fault. Implicit geological modeling allowed the straightforward assessment of the geological framework and rapid updates with incoming data. Simultaneous 3-D visualizations of the sedimentary units, tectonic features, hydraulic heads, and tracer tests provided insights into the karst-system hydraulics and helped guide the formulation of the conceptual hydrogeological model. The 3-D geological model was automatically translated into a numerical single-continuum steady-state groundwater model that was calibrated to match measured hydraulic heads, spring discharge rates, and flow directions observed in tracer tests. This was possible only by introducing discrete karst conduits, which were implemented as high-conductivity features in the numerical model. The numerical groundwater flow model was applied to initially assess the risk from limestone quarrying to local water supply wells with the help of particle tracking.
Accelerating variance-reduced stochastic gradient methods
Authors: Driggs Derek , Ehrhardt Matthias J. , Schönlieb Carola-Bibiane
Published: September 2020

Variance reduction is a crucial tool for improving the slow convergence of stochastic gradient descent. Only a few variance-reduced methods, however, have yet been shown to directly benefit from Nesterov’s acceleration techniques to match the convergence rates of accelerated gradient methods. Such approaches rely on “negative momentum”, a technique for further variance reduction that is generally specific to the SVRG gradient estimator. In this work, we show for the first time that negative momentum is unnecessary for acceleration and develop a universal acceleration framework that allows all popular variance-reduced methods to achieve accelerated convergence rates. The constants appearing in these rates, including their dependence on the number of functionsn, scale with the mean-squared-error and bias of the gradient estimator. In a series of numerical experiments, we demonstrate that versions of SAGA, SVRG, SARAH, and SARGE using our framework significantly outperform non-accelerated versions and compare favourably with algorithms using negative momentum.
A phase II trial of dose-reduced nab-paclitaxel for patients with previously treated, advanced or recurrent gastric cancer (OGSG 1302)
Authors: Tamura Shigeyuki , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Nishikawa Kazuhiro , Imamura Hiroshi , Fujita Junya , Takeno Atsushi , Matsuyama Jin , Kimura Yutaka , Kawada Junji , Hirao Motohiro , Hirota Masashi , Fujitani Kazumasa , Kurokawa Yukinori , Sakai Daisuke , Kawakami Hisato , Shimokawa Toshio , Satoh Taroh
Published: September 2020

Background

For unresectable or recurrent advanced gastric adenocarcinoma (AGC), tri-weekly administration of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-PTX) at 260 mg/m2 achieved a response rate of 27.8% in a phase II trial in Japan. However, frequent neutropenia and peripheral neuropathy limit its use in clinical settings. We, thus, conducted a single-arm phase II trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of a reduced dose (220 mg/m2) of tri-weekly nab-PTX.

Methods

Eligible patients included those with AGC and ECOG performance status of 0–2 who had received one or more prior chemotherapy containing fluoropyrimidine regimens. A reduced dose of nab-PTX (220 mg/m2) was administered tri-weekly. The primary endpoint was response rate (RR). Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), disease-control rate (DCR), incidence of adverse events, relative dose intensity (RDI) and proportion of patients receiving subsequent chemotherapy.

Results

Among 33 patients enrolled, 32 were treated with protocol therapy. RR was 3.1% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0–16.2%], which did not reach the protocol-specified threshold (p = 0.966). DCR was 37.5% (95% CI, 21.1–56.3%). Median OS and PFS were 6.3 (95% CI, 4.4–14.2) and 2.2 (95% CI, 1.8–3.1) months, respectively. RDI was 97.8%. Twenty (62.5%) patients received subsequent chemotherapy. Toxicity was relatively mild with the most common grade ≥ 3 adverse events being neutropenia (38%), anemia (13%), fatigue (19%), anorexia (16%), and peripheral neuropathy (13%).

Conclusion

Tri-weekly nab-PTX with a reduced dose (220 mg/m2) is not recommended for AGC in a second-line or later setting, despite demonstrating less toxicity than at 260 mg/m2.

Clinical trial registration

The OGSG1302 trial was registered with UMIN-CTR as UMIN000000714.
Sustaining Attention for a Prolonged Duration Affects Dynamic Organizations of Frequency-Specific Functional Connectivity
Authors: Liu Jia , Zhu Yongjie , Sun Hongjin , Ristaniemi Tapani , Cong Fengyu
Published: September 2020

Sustained attention encompasses a cascade of fundamental functions. The human ability to implement a sustained attention task is supported by brain networks that dynamically formed and dissolved through oscillatory synchronization. The decrement of vigilance induced by prolonged task engagement affects sustained attention. However, little is known about which stage or combinations are affected by vigilance decrement. Here, we applied an analysis framework composed of weighted phase lag index (wPLI) and tensor component analysis (TCA) to an EEG dataset collected during 80 min sustained attention task to examine the electrophysiological basis of such effect. We aimed to characterize the phase-coupling networks to untangle different phases involved in sustained attention and study how they are modulated by vigilance decrement. We computed the time–frequency domain wPLI from each block and subject and constructed a fourth-order tensor, containing the time, frequency, functional connectivity (FC), and blocks × subjects. This tensor was subjected to the TCA to identify the interacted and low-dimensional components representing the frequency-specific dynamic FC (fdFC). We extracted four types of neuromakers during a sustained attention task, namely the pre-stimulus alpha right-lateralized parieto-occipital FC, the post-stimulus theta fronto-parieto-occipital FC, delta fronto-parieto-occipital FC, and beta right/left sensorimotor FCs. All these fdFCs were impaired by vigilance decrement. These fdFCs, except for the beta left sensorimotor network, were restored by rewards, although the restoration by reward in the beta right sensorimotor network was transient. These findings provide implications for dissociable effects of vigilance decrement on sustained attention by utilizing the tensor-based framework.
Galectin-3: an immune checkpoint target for musculoskeletal tumor patients
Authors: Nakajima Kosei , Balan Vitaly , Raz Avraham
Published: September 2020

In the past decade, the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors in oncological clinical settings was in the forefront. However, the interest in musculoskeletal tumor patients as candidates for checkpoint inhibition remains underserved. Here, we are forwarding evidence proposing that galectin-3 (Gal-3) is an additional immune factor in the checkpoint processes. This review is the result of a large-scale cohort study depicting that overexpression of Gal-3 was widely prevalent in patients with musculoskeletal tumors, whereas T cell infiltrations were generally suppressed in the tumor microenvironment. Targeting Gal-3 would serve as a novel immune checkpoint inhibitor candidate in patients afflicted with aggressive musculoskeletal tumors.
Microtubule Dynamics and Neuronal Excitability: Advances on Cytoskeletal Components Implicated in Epileptic Phenomena
Authors: Gambino Giuditta , Rizzo Valerio , Giglia Giuseppe , Ferraro Giuseppe , Sardo Pierangelo
Published: September 2020

Extensive researches have deepened knowledge on the role of synaptic components in epileptogenesis, but limited attention has been devoted to the potential implication of the cytoskeleton. The study of the development of epilepsy and hyperexcitability states involves molecular, synaptic, and structural alterations of neuronal bioelectric activity. In this paper we aim to explore the neurobiological targets involved in microtubule functioning and cytoskeletal transport, i.e. how dynamic scaffolding of microtubules can influence neuronal morphology and excitability, in order to suggest a potential role for microtubule dynamics in the processes turning a normal neuronal network in a hyperexcited one. Pathophysiological alterations of microtubule dynamics inducing neurodegeneration, network remodeling and relative impairment on synaptic transmission were overviewed. Recent researches were reported on the phosphorylation state of microtubule-associated proteins such as tau in neurodegenerative diseases and epileptic states, but also on the effect of microtubule-active agents influencing cytoskeleton destabilization in epilepsy models. The manipulation of microtubule polymerization was found effective in the modulation of hyperexcitability. In addition, it was considered the importance of microtubules and related neurotrophic factors during neural development since they are essential for the formation of a properly functional neuronal network. Otherwise, this can lead to cognitive deficits, hyperexcitability phenomena and neurodevelopmental disorders. Lastly, we evaluated the role of microtubule dynamics on neuronal efficiency considering their importance in the transport of mitochondria, cellular elements fulfilling energy requirements for neuronal activity, and a putative influence on cannabinoid-mediated neuroprotection. This review provides novel perspectives for the implication of microtubule dynamics in the development of epileptic phenomena.