bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heineke, Mikulicz, Jaboulay, and Finney: Innovators of Surgical Pyloroplasty
Authors: Lovasik Brendan P. , Dodson Thomas F. , Srinivasan Jahnavi K.
Published: November 2020

This historical retrospective explores the history of the gastric pyloroplasty through the lives of the 4 surgeons whose eponymous procedures have defined the operative management of pyloric strictures: Heineke, Mikulicz, Jaboulay, and Finney. Today’s gastrointestinal surgeons employ a combination of techniques that highlight the rich and colorful history of their field.
A Nationwide Study of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Alfaro Quezada Jose , Mustafa Zahid , Zhang Xiaofei , Zakhary Bishoy , Firek Matthew , Coimbra Raul , Brenner Megan
Published: November 2020

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) refers to physical or sexual violence, stalking, and psychological aggression by an intimate partner. The present study aims to examine the incidence, injury patterns, and outcomes using a representative nationwide data set.

Study Design

The Nationwide Emergency Department Sample database was queried from 2010 to 2014 to identify IPV in adult patients by injury code E967.3. Demographics, diagnoses, and injury mechanisms were captured. Primary outcome was mortality, and logistic regression analyses were used to compare the baselines and outcomes.

Results

132 806 IPV emergency visits were identified, with 5.1% of patients requiring hospitalization. Most patients were female (92.6%). The most common injury mechanisms were unintentional injury (36%) and striking (22.0%). Contusions of face/scalp/neck (13.2%) and unspecified head injury (6.9%) were the most common diagnoses. Males were significantly older [median and interquartile range of 39 (30, 50)] than females [33 (26, 43)], and were more frequently hospitalized (6.7% vs. 5.0%, P = .002) with more injuries with injury severity score ≥ 15 (.7% vs. .4%, P = .004) than females. Overall, IPV-related mortality was .06%, .26% in males and .05% in females ( P = .003). Older age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.053) and male gender (OR = 3.102) were significantly associated with mortality. The annual incidence rate decreased from 9.7 in 2010 to 8.2/100 000 US population in 2014 ( R2 = .659).

Conclusions

Young women are more likely to be victims of IPV, whereas men are more likely to be older and hospitalized with more severe injuries and worse outcomes.
Does Trade Openness Affects Employment in Cameroon?
Authors: Ngouhouo Ibrahim , Nchofoung Tii Njivukuh
Published: November 2020

The objective of this paper is to examine the effect of trade openness on employment in Cameroon. The methodologies used in order to test our hypothesis were the FMOLS and DOLS. The results of the estimations show a positive and significant effect of trade openness on employment in Cameroon with both methods. Indeed, industrialisation and investments were found to significantly increase employment in Cameroon. As recommendations, if Cameroon envisages expanding in international trade, she should encourage sectors that have a spillover effect. These include increasing industrialisation which will lead to increase in national productivity. Furthermore, the educational system should match training with jobs.

JEL Codes: F16, C22
Evaluation of the Perception of Stress in University Students: Implications for Symptoms and Health Complaints and Nutritional Habits
Authors: Pacheco Salles Fagner Luiz , Maciel Ferreira Denise , Bozi Priscila da Silva , Furtado Maria Aparecida , Mai Joyce Favalessa , de Souza João Sergio Vieira , Bufon Paola Matedi
Published: November 2020

Health education is seen as highly difficult and challenging, due to the high level of stress observed in students. The precise assessment of perceived stress becomes important for understanding the students’ profile as well as their nutritional habits during the university period. The aim of the analysis described in this article is to assess the associations between mental health, self-reported symptoms/health complaints, and nutritional habits in health students. Our findings suggest using it in other contexts such as public universities and other university courses to assess students’ mental health status and food intake
Alignment of State Regulations With Breastfeeding and Beverage Best Practices for Childcare Centers and Family Childcare Homes, United States
Authors: Lee Danielle L. , Traseira Raquel , Navarro Sophia , Frost Natasha , Benjamin-Neelon Sara E. , Cradock Angie L. , Hecht Ken , Ritchie Lorrene D.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Childcare is an important setting for nutrition; nearly half of young children in the United States participate in licensed childcare, where they consume up to two-thirds of their daily dietary intake. We compared state regulations for childcare with best practices to support breastfeeding and healthy beverage provision.

Methods

We reviewed regulations for childcare centers (centers) and family childcare homes (homes) in effect May–July 2016 and rated all 50 states for inclusion (1 = not included, 2 = partially included, 3 = fully included) of 12 breastfeeding and beverage best practices. We calculated average ratings for 6 practices specific to infants aged 0-11 months, 6 practices specific to children aged 1-6 years, and all 12 practices, by state and across all states. We assessed significant differences between centers and homes for each best practice by using McNemar–Bowker tests for symmetry, and we assessed differences across states by using paired student t tests.

Results

States included best practices in regulations for centers more often than for homes. Average ratings (standard deviations) in regulations across all states were significantly higher in centers than in homes for infant best practices (2.1 [0.5] vs 1.8 [0.5], P < .001), child best practices (2.1 [0.6] vs 1.8 [0.6], P = .002), and all 12 best practices combined (2.1 [0.5] vs 1.8 [0.6], P < .001).

Conclusions

Although best practices were more consistently included in regulations for centers than for homes, many state childcare regulations did not include best practices to support breastfeeding and the provision of healthy beverages. Findings can be used to inform efforts to improve regulations and to reduce differences between centers and homes.
Screening and identification of pectinolytic bacteria for ramie degumming
Authors: Cheng Lifeng , Duan Shengwen , Feng Xiangyuan , Zheng Ke , Yang Qi , Xu Huan , Luo Wei , Peng Yuande
Published: November 2020

To explore high-quality microbial resources with the capability of ramie degumming, we collected soil samples from rotten ramie and straw heaps. After enrichment culture by ramie raw materials, bacterial strains with the potential ramie-degumming function were screened using a pectin-hydrolysis plate. Dominant bacteria were identified by combining colonial morphological characteristics with the molecular biology method, and their ramie-degumming effects were verified through comprehensive biological degumming indices. Results demonstrated that Bacillus aryabhattai, Bacillus thuringiensis, Lysinibacillus fusiformis, and Acidovorax temperans were successfully obtained. The highest pectinase activity, 98.2 U/mg, was found by A. temperans. B. thuringiensis showed the best ramie-degumming effect. The residual gum content, single-fiber linear density, and bundle-breaking strength of the degummed ramie fiber treated with B. thuringiensis were 8.32%, 6.80 dtex, and 7.84 cN/dtex, respectively. The residual gum content of the ramie fiber treated with B. thuringiensis met the textile requirement (<10%), and the values of all other indicators were also satisfactory. Therefore, B. thuringiensis was an excellent strain for ramie degumming, indicating potential industrial applications.
Human anthrax in Turkey: A ten years’ experience (2009–2018)
Authors: Topluoglu Seher , Aktas Dilber , Celebi Bekir , Kara Fatih , Doganay Mehmet , Alp Emine
Published: November 2020

Anthrax is a notifiable disease in Turkey. In order to control the human disease, animal foci are being monitored and prevention and control activities are being implemented by the Ministry of Health in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The objective of our study was to evaluate the national surveillance data and control activities in the last decade. A total of 1174 anthrax cases and 9 deaths have been reported. Anthrax was frequent in eastern provinces and in big cities where large animal movements were significant. The incidence rate was 1.5 times higher in males than in females. The disease was more common in the 30–64 age group. The number of cases increased in the summer and autumn seasons. Human anthrax is still being reported though in decreasing numbers in Turkey. A collaborative control programme continues to be needed.
Public support for a union default: Predicting factors and implications for public policy
Authors: Harcourt Mark , Gall Gregor , Wilson Margaret , Rubenstein Korey , Shang Sudong
Published: November 2020

Drawing on survey findings, in this article the authors examine levels of public support in New Zealand for a union default. The key findings are that support is high (59%), that support is principally predicted by a belief in the default’s effectiveness for improving employees’ lives, and that this belief mediates a number of other predictors, such as union membership, non-union by choice, political party, household income, gender and age. There are strong grounds for believing this would translate into actual support for a union default and a consequent rise in union membership. These findings are contextualised with regard to Australia, Britain, Canada and the United States, where the authors draw out the implications for public policy and how a union default could be operationalised in the countries under study.
Intraoperative Applications of Topical Corticosteroid Therapy for Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Lelegren Matthew J. , Bloch Randall A. , Lam Kent K.
Published: November 2020

Objectives:

To provide an overview of recent techniques and technologies for the application of topical corticosteroid therapy immediately following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Methods:

A comprehensive search in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases was conducted to identify publications between January 2000 and December 2019 detailing clinical trials that have evaluated the efficacy and safety of intraoperative applications of topical corticosteroids for CRS.

Results:

A total of 21 articles, all of which highlight a variety of corticosteroid-infused products, including Propel corticosteroid-eluting stents, NasoPore, Merocel, SinuBand, calcium alginate, and bioresorbable gel-type products, are included for review. Propel stents are the only devices that have achieved level 1A evidence in terms of efficacy and have data to support their safety. The remaining products have shown mixed results in terms of efficacy and safety.

Conclusion:

A wide range of techniques and technologies have been introduced to enhance the topical delivery of corticosteroids into the neosinuses after ESS for CRS. Regarding efficacy, there is level 1A evidence to support the use of Propel stents. Most of the remaining strategies show some degree of efficacy. Direct comparisons across the different strategies are limited owing to the varied uses of delivery vectors, corticosteroid choices, and doses of corticosteroids. Propel stents and SinuBand have sufficient data to support systemic and ocular safety, whereas the remaining products have limited data to support their safety.
The Emergence of Emergent Leadership: A Comprehensive Framework and Directions for Future Research
Authors: Hanna Andrew A. , Smith Troy A. , Kirkman Bradley L. , Griffin Ricky W.
Published: November 2020

There has been increasing attention to examining informal (i.e., horizontal), rather than formal (i.e., vertical), approaches to leadership over the last several decades, enhancing our understanding of the dynamics of emergent leadership. Although such research has led to a growing comprehension of the process of, and factors involved in, leader emergence, the literature still lacks theoretical coherence. Without a clear way to connect and synthesize extant research, the time is right for a much-needed comprehensive review. To address this issue, we examine emergent leadership research to date with the aim of developing a concise overview and comprehensive framework of the literature. In doing so, we (1) review past conceptualizations, establish a clear, common definition, and compare emergent leadership to other related constructs; (2) review previous operationalizations and provide recommendations for future measurement; (3) develop a comprehensive organizing framework of existing research; and (4) use our organizing framework, as well as three existing theories related to emergent leadership, to generate a series of detailed suggestions for future research for the next decade and beyond.
Case Studies Discussing the Pathology, Immunogenicity, and Proposed Mechanism of Toxicity of an Inhaled Anti-TGFβ Humanized Fab Antibody in Non-Human Primates and Mice
Authors: Hall Anthony Peter , Cauvin Annick , Dudal Sherri , Raymond James , Rogerson Petrina , Jolette Jacquelin
Published: November 2020

Treatment of nonhuman primates and mice with a humanized antigen-binding fragment (Fab) antibody (UCBFab) inhibiting transforming growth factor β via daily inhalation for up to 13 weeks resulted in low systemic exposure but high local exposure in the lung. Target engagement was demonstrated by reduced levels of signal transducers, phosphoSMAD and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Treatment was associated with a high frequency and titer of antidrug antibodies, indicating high local immunogenicity, and local pathology within the lung and draining lymph nodes. Microscopic changes were characterized by perivascular (PV) and peribronchiolar (PB) mononuclear inflammatory cell (MIC) infiltrates that were principally lymphocytic in nature and mixed inflammatory cell infiltrates and/or inflammation within the alveoli. Immunohistochemical investigation revealed a predominantly CD68-positive macrophage and CD3- and CD8>CD4-positive T-cell response in the alveoli, whereas within the airways, there was a variable mixture of CD3-positive T cells, CD20-positive B cells, and CD68-positive macrophages. Increased cellularity of the draining lymph nodes was also noted, indicating the presence of an immune response to the inhaled test article. Morphologic changes did not progress over time, and all changes partially recovered. Increased leukocytes (principally macrophages) in BALF cytology correlated with the changes seen by histopathology.
Contemporary Role and Regulation of Over‐the‐Counter Sinonasal Medications
Authors: McCoul Edward D.
Published: November 2020

Objective

Numerous pharmaceutical options are available over‐the‐counter (OTC) for the relief of sinonasal symptoms. Patients typically utilize these drugs in an unsupervised manner, without appreciation of their relative efficacy or potential for adverse effects. This review covers the scope and regulation of the OTC drug market, the pros and cons of OTC availability, and specific concerns that surround the most common classes of OTC sinonasal drugs. Suggestions are provided for the improvement of patient care and public health.

Data Sources

MEDLINE publications and market reports.

Review Methods

Literature review.

Conclusions

Some of the most commonly used OTC sinonasal remedies, including decongestants and first‐generation antihistamines, are less effective than alternative drugs and pose potential safety concerns.

Implications for Practice

Clinicians should advocate to their patients for the appropriate use of alternative agents, such as intranasal corticosteroids and newer‐generation antihistamines, and discourage the unsupervised use of oral and topical decongestants. Furthermore, health care practitioners should encourage dialogue with their patients about the use of OTC sinonasal remedies, with the goals of optimizing individual health and health care delivery.
Do Gender-role Values Matter? Explaining New Refugee Women’s Social Contact in Germany
Authors: Hartmann Jörg , Steinmann Jan-Philip
Published: November 2020

This article investigates whether gender-role values are linked to refugee women’s social contact in Germany. By building on the “preferences–third parties–opportunities” framework, we explicate a direct and an indirect path through which gender-role values may be related to refugee women’s minority-majority, intra-minority, and inter-minority contact. By applying median regressions, marginal structural models, and inverse probability of treatment weighting to data from the 2016 IAB-BAMF-SOEP refugee survey, we show that refugee women’s own gender-traditional values and those of their partners are associated both directly and indirectly with less social contact for these women. Effects of gender-role values on refugee women’s social contact are more pronounced for minority-majority contact than for the other two types of social contact assessed. With the effects of refugee women’s and their partners’ gender-role values being rather small against alternative explanatory factors, we conclude that in contrast to the view traditionally held by the populist right, traditional gender-role values hold refugee women back from establishing social contact in the host society only to a very limited extent.
Outcomes of transjugular liver biopsies for liver transplant recipients with bicaval and piggyback hepatic vein anastomoses
Authors: Price Adi , Schwertner Adam , Tran David , Kohi Maureen , Pallav Kolli K , Taylor Andrew , Fidelman Nicholas
Published: November 2020

Background

Liver transplant hepatic venous anastomoses are usually created using “bicaval” or “piggyback” techniques, which may result in unfavorable angulation between the inferior vena cava and hepatic veins, and makes hepatic vein catheterization and tissue sampling during transjugular liver biopsy (TLB) technically challenging.

Purpose

To compare the technical successes and complications of TLBs for recipients of liver transplants with bicaval and piggyback hepatic vein anastomoses.

Material and Methods

Information on type of hepatic vein surgical anastomosis was available for 190 adult patients in whom 306 consecutive TLBs were performed during 2009–2017: 158 with bicaval and 148 with piggyback anastomoses. The primary outcome of procedural success was defined as obtaining a tissue sample sufficient to make a pathologic diagnosis.

Results

A technical success rate of 97% with adequate liver tissue for diagnosis was similar between the anastomotic groups ( P = 0.50). TLB was unsuccessful in 3% of patients with piggyback anastomoses due to unfavorable hepatic venous anatomy whereas biopsy was successful in all patients with bicaval anastomoses ( P = 0.02). Fluoroscopy times were not significantly different (12.1 vs. 13.9 min, P = 0.08). Rates of major complication were similar between the two groups (3% vs. 3%, P > 0.99).

Conclusion

TLB is safe and effective for liver transplant patients regardless of the type of hepatic vein anastomosis. While failure to catheterize or advance the stiffened biopsy cannula into the hepatic vein is more likely to occur in patients with piggyback anastomoses, this is a rare occurrence.
Is information technology education industry-relevant and gender-inclusive? Perspectives from Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Balakrishna Sundar
Published: November 2020

Industry reports show that fresh engineering and non-engineering graduates from Indian universities are not readily employable. The Government-owned Andhra Pradesh Information Technology Academy (APITA) seeks to equip graduates from the state’s degree and engineering colleges with industry-relevant skill sets for gainful employment. This study describes the activities of APITA and empirically examines two questions: (1) Do students from colleges affiliated to APITA command higher salaries as compared to students from colleges not affiliated to APITA? (2) Do women graduates receive starting salaries that are lower than those of their male counterparts? Using data from placements conducted by APITA for the state’s students in the year 2017–18, the study finds that the job market signals the higher quality of APITA-trained students by offering them higher salaries than are offered to students from colleges that are not APITA affiliates. The study also shows that there is a wage premium attributable to the female gender insofar as entry level salary levels are concerned. The study highlights the constraints faced by APITA, and its future role in addressing the deficiencies, along with managerial implications.
The investigation of low-cycle fatigue crack propagation of 16 Mn eccentric bar based on the acoustic emission technique
Authors: Ren Yujian , Dong Yuanzhe , Li Jingxiang , Zhao Fei , Zhao Shengdun , Zhang Lijun , Wang Yongfei , Jin Dong
Published: November 2020

Compared to the traditional cropping technology, low-cycle fatigue cropping can reduce load and improve cross-section quality. Geometric factors of V-shaped notch and processing parameters (such as load amplitude and load frequency) influence the cropping efficiency and section quality. By changing the factors, the sufficient efficiency of cropping and quality of cross-section get together. However, the influences of material defects, geometric parameters, loading frequency and other factors are different in each stage of the whole cropping process. If the effects of the parameters on the each stage of cropping process are clear, the higher productivity and the better cross-section quality will be obtained by applying suitable parameter on each stage of cropping process. To investigate the effects of eccentric ratio on each stage of low –cycle fatigue cropping process, a suitable monitoring method is needed. This study proposes acoustic emission (AE) technique to detect the low-cycle fatigue cropping process of 16 Mn eccentric bar (The bar prefabricated eccentric notches. The prefabricated notch improve the efficiency of cropping). The parameters of signals such as counts and kurtosis during the low–cycle fatigue process are obtained. According to the counts changes over time, the process of the 16 Mn metal bar cropping can be divided into three stages: the crack initiation stage, the crack propagation stage, and the fracture stage. Based on the cumulative counts, the eccentric ratio’s influence on the time of each cropping process stage is obtained. The time of the crack initiation stage and the final fracture stage doesn’t increase with the eccentric ratio. The time of the propagation stage influenced by the eccentric ratio greatly. Besides, the eccentric ratio’s influence on the cross-section quality is studied by using an advanced optical microscope system. The cross-section quality was influenced by the eccentric ratio significantly. The results of the paper indicate the acoustic emission (AE) monitoring technique is a useful method to detect the process of low-cycle fatigue cropping. Especially, it provide effective information to investigate the effects of the notch eccentric ratio during the low-cycle fatigue cropping process. The eccentric ratio’s effects on each stage of low-cycle fatigue cropping process offer guidance to improve low-stress fatigue cropping efficiency and cross-section quality.
Incidence of anogenital warts: epidemiological risk factors and real-life impact of human papillomavirus vaccination
Authors: Tyros Georgios , Mastraftsi Styliani , Gregoriou Stamatis , Nicolaidou Electra
Published: November 2020

Anogenital warts (AGWs) rank among the most frequent sexually transmitted infections in young adults. They are benign lesions, but they pose a significant economic cost to health care systems and a substantial psychological burden on patients, who need evidence-based counselling. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has shown very high protection rates against AGWs in clinical trials and real-world settings but vaccination coverage remains low in many countries. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence on the risk factors for AGW development and to present the available real-life data on the impact of HPV vaccination on AGW incidence. An increased number of lifetime sexual partners, a new sexual partner in the last 12 months, smoking, and immunosuppression have been associated with increased risk for AGWs. HPV vaccination has led to a dramatic decline in AGW incidence in populations that have achieved high vaccination rates. These conclusions can contribute to primary prevention of AGWs and evidence-based counselling of AGW patients.
Human Umbilical Cord–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy Effectively Protected the Brain Architecture and Neurological Function in Rat After Acute Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Chen Kuan-Hung , Shao Pei-Lin , Li Yi-Chen , Chiang John Y. , Sung Pei-Hsun , Chien Hui-Wen , Shih Fu-Yuan , Lee Mel S. , Chen Wu-Fu , Yip Hon-Kan
Published: November 2020

Intracranial hemorrhage from stroke and head trauma elicits a cascade of inflammatory and immune reactions detrimental to neurological integrity and function at cellular and molecular levels. This study tested the hypothesis that human umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stem cell (HUCDMSC) therapy effectively protected the brain integrity and neurological function in rat after acute traumatic brain injury (TBI). Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats ( n = 30) were equally divided into group 1 (sham-operated control), group 2 (TBI), and group 3 [TBI + HUCDMSC (1.2 × 106 cells/intravenous injection at 3 h after TBI)] and euthanized by day 28 after TBI procedure. The results of corner test and inclined plane test showed the neurological function was significantly progressively improved from days 3, 7, 14, and 28 in groups 1 and 3 than in group 2, and group 1 than in group 3 (all P < 0.001). By day 28, brain magnetic resonance imaging brain ischemic volume was significantly increased in group 2 than in group 3 ( P < 0.001). The protein expressions of apoptosis [mitochondrial-bax positive cells (Bax)/cleaved-caspase3/cleaved-poly(adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribose) polymerase], fibrosis (Smad3 positive cells (Smad3)/transforming growth factor-β), oxidative stress (NADPH Oxidase 1 (NOX-1)/NADPH Oxidase 2 (NOX-2)/oxidized-protein/cytochrome b-245 alpha chain (p22phox)), and brain-edema/deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)–damaged biomarkers (Aquaporin-4/gamma H2A histone family member X ( (γ-H2AX)) displayed an identical pattern to neurological function among the three groups (all P < 0.0001), whereas the protein expressions of angiogenesis biomarkers (vascular endothelial growth factor/stromal cell–derived factor-1α/C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4)) significantly increased from groups 1 to 3 (all P < 0.0001). The cellular expressions of inflammatory biomarkers (cluster of differentiation 14 (+) cells (CD14+)/glial fibrillary acidic protein positive cells (GFAP+)/ a member of a new family of EGF-TM7 molecules positive cells (F4/80+)) and DNA-damaged parameter (γ-H2AX) exhibited an identical pattern, whereas cellular expressions of neural integrity (hexaribonucleotide Binding Protein-3 positive cells (NeuN+)/nestin+/doublecortin+) exhibited an opposite pattern of neurological function among the three groups (all P < 0.0001). Xenogeneic HUCDMSC therapy was safe and it significantly preserved neurological function and brain architecture in rat after TBI.
Health Status, Government Health Expenditure and Economic Growth Nexus in India: A Toda–Yamamoto Causality Approach
Authors: Kaur Avinash
Published: November 2020

This article attempts to examine the causal linkage among government health expenditure, health status and economic growth in India for the period from 1981–1982 to 2015–2016. The results of Johansen co-integration test indicate that government health expenditure, health status and economic growth have long-run relationship in India. The results of Toda–Yamamoto causality test showed that there existed unidirectional causal relationship running from government health expenditure to gross domestic product—GDP (economic growth); GDP (economic growth) to life expectancy; government health expenditure to infant mortality rate and infant mortality rate to life expectancy. On the other hand, there is no evidence showing causality in any direction between infant mortality rate to GDP (economic growth) and government health expenditure to life expectancy. The study strongly confirmed that the government health expenditure has an effect on GDP (economic growth) and infant mortality rate (which depicts health status) in India. The health outcomes, namely life expectancy and infant mortality rare, reveal unidirectional causality between them. Therefore, the study concludes that policymakers and the government should pay proper attention to the health sector in order to ultimately achieve economic growth in the country.
Characterization of immunoreactivity with whole-slide imaging and digital analysis in high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Jäntti Tiina , Luhtala Satu , Mäenpää Johanna , Staff Synnöve
Published: November 2020

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of gynecological cancers with 5-year survival rate of ca. 45%. The most common histologic subtype is high-grade serous carcinoma, which typically is presented with advanced stage and development of chemoresistance. Therefore, new treatment options, including immunotherapies, are needed. Understanding the features of the immune cell populations in the tumor microenvironment is essential for developing personalized treatments and finding predictive biomarkers. Digital image analysis may enhance the accuracy and reliability of immune cell infiltration assessment in the tumor microenvironment. The aim of this study was to characterize tumor microenvironment in a retrospective cohort of high-grade serous carcinoma samples with whole-slide imaging and digital image analysis. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded high-grade serous carcinoma tumor tissue samples (n = 67) were analyzed for six immunohistochemical stainings: CD4, CD8, FoxP3, granzyme B, CD68, and CD163. The stained sample slides were scanned into a digital format and assessed using QuPath 0.1.2 and ImageJ software. Staining patterns were associated with clinicopathological data. The higher numbers of intraepithelial CD8+, CD163+, and granzyme B+ immune cells were associated with survival benefit when analyzed individually, while high levels of both CD8+ and granzyme B+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes were an independent prognostic factor in the Cox multivariate regression analysis (median progression-free survival; hazard ratio = 0.287, p = 0.002). Specimens taken after administration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy presented with lower FoxP3+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte density (Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.013). However, none of the studied immunomarkers was associated with overall survival or clinical factors. Tumors having high amount of both intraepithelial CD8+ and granzyme B+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes showed better progression-free survival, possibly reflecting an activated immune state in the tumor microenvironment. The combined positivity of CD8 and granzyme B warrants further investigation with respect to predicting response to immune therapy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may have an effect on the tumor microenvironment and therefore on the response to immuno-oncologic or chemotherapy treatments.
Public perception of medicinal and recreational cannabis and its effect on mental health: a survey of a regional Australian town
Authors: Webb Matthew , Mansfield Kylie
Published: November 2020

Objective:

To investigate beliefs about treatment capabilities of medicinal cannabis (MC), the effect of recreational cannabis (RC) on mental health and online cannabis search trends.

Method:

Participants ( n = 117) completed an online survey, and search engine optimisation software was used to analyse internet search trends.

Results:

Half the participants perceived RC as harmful to mental health but were uncertain if it impairs treatment for depression or prevents anxiety. Participants believed MC can treat depression and/or anxiety. The Google keyword ‘CBD oil’ is most popular when seeking cannabis information and provides misinformation.

Conclusion:

Australians are exposed to misinformation about MC online, explaining why participants believed that MC could treat anxiety and/or depression and why there is a reduction in the belief that RC is harmful to mental health. Health authorities should incorporate search engine optimisation strategies to provide accurate information about cannabis.
Barriers, Facilitators and Recommended Strategies for Implementing a Home-Based Palliative Care Intervention in Kolkata, India
Authors: Qanungo Suparna , Calvo-Schimmel Alejandra , McGue Shannon , Singh Pooja , Roy Rakesh , Bhattacharjee Gautam , Panda Nibedita , Kumar Gaurav , Chowdhury Rekha , Cartmell Kathleen B.
Published: November 2020

Background:

40 million people in the world are in need of palliative care, but only one-seventh of that population receive services. Underuse of palliative care in low resource countries exacerbates suffering in patients with life limiting illnesses such as cancer.

Objectives:

The current study was conducted to identify barriers, facilitators and recommended strategies for informing development of a home-based palliative care intervention for poor and medically underserved rural patients in Kolkata, India.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 clinical and patient stakeholders in Kolkata, India. Questions queried current practices for delivering palliative care, along with barriers, facilitators and optimal strategies for implementing homebased palliative care.

Results:

We identified some key barriers to palliative care delivery in rural areas: lack of access to palliative care till late stages; patients unaware of their cancer stage; lack of affordability of medication and treatment costs; transportation challenges to access care; strict morphine distribution regulations making it challenging for patients to obtain morphine; cultural factors discouraging patients from seeking palliative care; resistance from medical community to use “rural medical practitioners (RMPs)” to deliver care. We also identified important facilitators, including availability of existing palliative care infrastructure at the cancer center, network of RMPs to serve as CHWs to facilitate palliative care delivery, low morphine cost and family support system for patients.

Conclusion:

Our findings provide evidence that a palliative care intervention which leverages an existing CHW infrastructure may be a feasible model for expanding the reach of palliative care to rural underserved patients.
Feasibility and Acceptability of Digital Legacy-Making: An Innovative Story-Telling Intervention for Adults With Cancer
Authors: DeSanto-Madeya Susan , Tjia Jennifer , Fitch Christina , Wachholtz Amy
Published: November 2020

Background:

This study examined the feasibility, burden and acceptability of a legacy-making intervention in adults with cancer and preliminary effects on patient quality-of-life (QOL) measures.

Method:

We conducted a Stage IB pilot, intervention study. The intervention was a digital video legacy-making interview of adults with advanced cancer to create a digital video of their memories and experiences. Baseline and post-video QOL assessments included: Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—General (FACT-G), Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Emotional Thermometers for distress, anxiety, anger, help and depression. Participants received a final copy of the digital video for distribution to their families.

Results:

Adults (n = 16) ages 38-83 years old with an advanced or life-limiting cancer diagnosis completed an intervention. Feasibility and acceptability was strong with 0% attrition. While the pilot study was not powered for quantitative significance, there were changes from baseline to post-intervention in the participants’ total or subscale FACT-G scores, PDI, HADS anxiety or depression scores, and Emotional Thermometer scores.

Conclusions:

A digital video legacy-making intervention is feasible for adults with cancer without significant negative outcomes for individuals completing the study. It remains unclear whether this intervention contributes to positive quality of life outcomes.
Tooth Resorption Following an Alveolar Bone Graft in a Patient With Complete Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Jensen Sven W. C. , Stevens Kyle
Published: November 2020

We report a case of secondary alveolar bone grafting (ABG) without removal of a supernumerary tooth in a patient with unilateral cleft lip and palate. A conical supernumerary tooth located distal to the upper left central incisor within the cleft site was left in situ at the time of ABG. The tooth within the ABG site commenced resorption from both the apical and incisal edges until only minor tooth remnants remained at 22 months. Although external root resorption of teeth neighboring a cleft site has been described previously, this is the first report of almost complete tooth resorption following ABG.
A Country-of-Origin Perspective on Climate Change Actions: Evidence from France, Morocco, and the United States
Authors: Schill Marie , Godefroit-Winkel Delphine , Hughes Mine Üçok
Published: November 2020

Country-of-origin (COO) research cites the influence of country-level actions on consumers’ attitudes but does not specify how such actions might influence the COO image, particularly in a climate change context. However, various countries adopt different climate change actions, with notable potential implications for products associated with the nations’ images; therefore, it is vital to understand the relationship between climate change actions and consumers’ attitudes toward their country. This study, which solicits responses from 1,389 consumers in France, Morocco, and the United States, investigates whether and how climate change actions influence each COO image and consumers’ attitudes toward it, which vary with consumers’ level of climate change concern. Such climate change actions also exert distinct effects that are moderated by the cultural context. Therefore, this study extends the COO literature to a climate change context and provides relevant implications for policy makers and marketing managers aiming to improve their COO image.
Weightbearing Computed Tomography and 3-Dimensional Analysis of Mobility Changes of the First Ray After Proximal Oblique Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus
Authors: Kimura Tadashi , Kubota Makoto , Suzuki Naoki , Hattori Asaki , Saito Mitsuru
Published: November 2020

Background:

Hypermobility of the first ray has been evaluated using various methods and has conventionally been considered to be involved in the pathology of hallux valgus. We hypothesized that hypermobility of the first ray in hallux valgus could be decreased by simply correcting foot alignment without arthrodesis. This study sought to evaluate first-ray mobility using weightbearing computed tomography (CT) before and after proximal oblique osteotomy and also in healthy volunteer’s feet.

Methods:

Subjects were 11 feet of 11 patients with primary hallux valgus who underwent surgery with a plantarly applied anatomic precontoured locking plate and 22 feet of 11 matched healthy volunteers. We performed nonweightbearing and weightbearing (using a load equivalent to body weight) CT scans using an original loading device preoperatively and 1-1.5 years postoperatively. Three-dimensional displacement of the distal bone relative to the proximal bone was quantified for each joint of the first ray by comparing nonweightbearing and weightbearing CT images.

Results:

At baseline, there were significant differences in hallux valgus angle ( P < .001) and 1-2 intermetatarsal angle ( P < .001) between healthy volunteer’s feet and preoperative hallux valgus feet. Hallux valgus angle ( P < .001) and 1-2 intermetatarsal angle ( P < .001) differed significantly between before and after surgery. All first ray joint displacement under loading decreased postoperatively to within 2° of that in healthy volunteer’s feet and showed no significant difference between postoperatively hallux valgus feet and healthy volunteer’s feet ( P > .05).

Conclusions:

We found that first metatarsal osteotomy even without arthrodesis corrected deformity and decreased mobility of the first ray after hallux valgus surgery.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, case-control study.
Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic for Federalism and Infrastructure: A Call to Action
Authors: Williamson Ryan D. , Morris John C.
Published: November 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges to governments around the world. The federal structure within the United States has further complicated effective responses to mitigate the personal and economic effects of COVID. Here, we argue that the Trump administration’s approach to federalism—highlighted by the pandemic—is incapable of efficiently and effectively addressing state needs and those needs are only going to grow as a result, further exacerbating the problem. This form of federalism, which we dub “transactional federalism,” is likely to have deleterious effects on state infrastructure, much of which is already in need. The long-term effects of transactional federalism are likely to weaken state efforts to address critical infrastructure needs.
CFD code adaptation to the FPGA architecture
Authors: Rojek Krzysztof , Halbiniak Kamil , Kuczynski Lukasz
Published: November 2020

For the last years, we observe the intensive development of accelerated computing platforms. Although current trends indicate a well-established position of GPU devices in the HPC environment, FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) aspires to be an alternative solution to offload the CPU computation. This paper presents a systematic adaptation of four various CFD (Computational Fluids Dynamic) kernels to the Xilinx Alveo U250 FPGA. The goal of this paper is to investigate the potential of the FPGA architecture as the future infrastructure able to provide the most complex numerical simulations in the area of fluid flow modeling. The selected kernels are customized to a real-scientific scenario, compatible with the EULAG (Eulerian/semi-Lagrangian) fluid solver. The solver is used to simulate thermo-fluid flows across a wide range of scales and is extensively used in numerical weather prediction. The proposed adaptation is focused on the analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the FPGA accelerator, considering performance and energy efficiency. The proposed adaptation is compared with a CPU implementation that was strongly optimized to provide realistic and objective benchmarks. The performance results are compared with a set of server CPUs containing various Intel generations, including Intel SkyLake-based CPUs as Xeon Gold 6148 and Xeon Platinum 8168, as well as Intel Xeon E5-2695 CPU based on the IvyBridge architecture. Since all the kernels belong to the group of memory-bound algorithms, our main challenge is to saturate global memory bandwidth and provide data locality with the intensive BRAM (Block RAM) reusing. Our adaptation allows us to reduce the performance per watt up to 80% compared to the CPUs.
Safety of vitamin E-infused highwall liners for routine use in primary total hip arthroplasty: single centre, short-term follow-up of 1221 cases
Authors: Gromov Kirill , Sillesen Nanna H , Kallemose Thomas , Husted Henrik , Malchau Henrik , Troelsen Anders
Published: November 2020

Background:

Introduction of new implants should be monitored closely to capture any signs of compromising patient safety. Vitamin E infused highly-crosslinked polyethylene liners (VEPE) offer the potential for reduced wear. Highwall liners have been hypothesised to result in increased wear and potential liner fractures. The aim of this study was to determine the 3–7-year follow-up of highwall VEPE for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), focusing on liner-related complications.

Methods:

We included 1221 consecutive THA operations from July 2010 to May 2014 with minimum follow-up of 3 (3.1–6.8) years Data collected included demographics, implant data, complications, reoperations, and deaths. Data were cross-referenced with the Danish Hip Arthroplasty Registry in order to ensure validity and completeness. Acetabular shell position was measured using Martell Hip Analysis Suite in a subgroup of 931 THAs.

Results:

Cumulative stem revision and shell revision at 3-year follow-up was 3.4% and 0.4% respectively. There were no revisions due to liner failure. Reason for revision included 11 dislocations, 15 soft-tissue revisions for infection, 44 stem revisions of which 34 were periprosthetic fractures and 13 shell revisions of which 6 were combined shell and stem revisions.

Conclusion:

Early follow-up of VEPE liners for primary THA have not shown any revisions associated with liner failure. Continued monitoring of new materials are necessary to capture any signs of compromised patient safety.
Guidelines of the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology for the management of the central venous access devices in pediatric patients with onco-hematological disease
Authors: Cellini Monica , Bergadano Anna , Crocoli Alessandro , Badino Clara , Carraro Francesca , Sidro Luca , Botta Debora , Pancaldi Alessia , Rossetti Francesca , Pitta Federica , Cesaro Simone
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

Central venous accesses devices (CVADs) have a fundamental importance for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in pediatric onco-hematological patients. The treatment of pediatric onco-hematological diseases is complex and requires the use of integrated multimodal therapies. Long-lasting and safe central venous access is therefore a cornerstone for any successful treatment.

Methods:

The aim of this work is to define pediatric guidelines about the management of CVADs in onco-hematology. A panel of experts belonging to the working groups on Infections and Supportive Therapy, Surgery and Nursing of the Italian Pediatric Hematology Oncology Association (AIEOP) revised the scientific literature systematically, scored the level of evidence and prepared these guidelines. The content of the following guidelines was approved by the Scientific Board of AIEOP.

Results and Conclusions:

Important innovations have been developed recently in the field of CVADs, leading to new insertion methods, new materials and new strategy in the overall management of the device, especially in the adult population. These guidelines recommend how to apply these innovations in the pediatric population, and are directed to all physicians, nurses and health personnel active in the daily management of CVADs. Their aim is to update the knowledge on CVAD and improve the standard of care in pediatric patients with malignancies.
Forecasting Daily River Flow Using an Artificial Flora–Support Vector Machine Hybrid Modeling Approach (Case Study: Karkheh Catchment, Iran)
Authors: Dehghani Reza , Torabi Poudeh Hassan , Younesi Hojatolah , Shahinejad Babak
Published: November 2020

In this study, the hybrid support vector machine–artificial flora algorithm method was developed and the obtained results were compared with those of the support vector–wave vector machine model. Karkheh catchment area was considered as a case study to estimate the flow rate of rivers using the daily discharge statistics taken from hydrometric stations located upstream of the dam in the statistical period of 2008 to 2018. Necessary criteria including coefficient of determination, root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient were used to evaluate and compare the models. The results illustrated that the combined structures provided acceptable results in terms of river flow modeling. Also, a comparison of the models based on the evaluation criteria and Taylor’s diagram demonstrated that the proposed hybrid method with the correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.924 to 0.974, RMSE = 0.022 to 0.066 m3/s, MAE = 0.011 to 0.034 m3/s, and Nash-Sutcliffe (NS) coefficient = 0.947 to 0.986 outperformed other methods in terms of estimating the daily flow rates of rivers.